Huggable Crochet is a softcover book by Christina Lucas of cute and cuddly animals from around the world. These stuffed animals are child safe and crochet friendly. The animals are all worked using simple stitches. So they are perfect for a beginner.
Commercial stuffed toys have been around since the 1880's. The German Steiff company designed the first stuffed bear. Prior to that stuffed rag dolls were made at home. Your finished animal from this book will have a professional look as well as a huggable feel. You can choose from Safari, Oceanic, Farm, Forest and Exotic animals.
Christine works the animals in two different color schemes for you to choose from. One is realistic, while the other is more whimsical. With clear and large line drawings, explanations are given throughout to guide you to beautiful and detailed finished results. You will find the abbreviations, stitches and techniques at the back of the book. There are 19 beautifully detailed and constructed animals that range in size from 12 - 18 inches.
Stash the squirrel and Bandit the Racoon, forest animals are my favorites. The yarn used on these two stuffed animals make you want to pick them up and play with them. Don't worry about Sly the snake, he is a corn snake and not dangerous...red on black, okay Jack. Byron the lion is all smiles. With a full mane like his, you will want to run your fingers through it. Inky the octopus has 64 suctions cups that cover her eight tentacles that will you to hold on tight to each other.
Before you know it, you will have a menagerie of animals. To get you started here is a free pattern of Shelldon the Sea Turtle by Christine to whet your appetite to crochet more animals.
Errata for several of the patterns in the book can be found here. You still have over a month to crochet up this cuddly kingdom for the little ones in your life. So, start gathering your yarn and hooks.
On November 20, CT Yarn and Wool is having a Knitted Baby Toys class. The classes are always free. You can use just about any yarn to make these safe, fun, coloful toys for baby. They make great stocking stuffers too. Call them at 860.345.9300 to let them know you are attending and they will fill you in with the details. The shop is located at 85 Bridge Rd. Haddam, CT 06438. This will get you on your way to making stuffed animals.
Stuffed animals are a great gift all year round.
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