Review of the Zoomigurumi Crochet Craft Books Series

 As we crochet crafters know, Amigurumi is the Japanese art of crocheting small, stuffed yarn creatures. Zoomigurumi takes it one step further and concentrates on animals found in the wild or domesticated ones we have as pets. 

This series of twelve craft books features patterns for a wide variety of very cute and clever animals to crochet as huggable soft handmade toys. Each book in the series features from 12 to 15 animal patterns, each one by a different designer. The patterns range from beginner to advanced, so every crochet crafter can find one or more to fit their abilities. The series was produced by AmigurumiPatterns.net, a popular handicraft website. 

The List of the Zoomigurumi Craft Books

Book 1 of 12. Zoomigurumi. 12 designers have teamed up in this first Zoomigurumi craft book to give you patterns for a Baby Bear, a Pig, a Toucan, a Tiger and a Pony, a Monkey and Lil Quack the Duck, a Lemur, a Fox, Dakota the Dog and Eduardo the Donkey, a Moose, a cute Mouse and a Bunny. 

Book 2 of 12. Zoomigurumi 2. This volume has 15 cute and cuddly amigurumi animal patterns for a Turtle, a Cow, a Raccoon, a Beaver, a Kitten and a Dog, a Fox, an Elephant, a Bunny, a cute Skunk, two lovable Lambs, a Lion and a Tiger, Manfred the Mouse and Penny the Piglet. 

Book 3 of 12. Zoomigurumi 3.  This volume has 15 new Amigurumi animal patterns from 12 top designers. The patterns include Henry the Hippo, a darling Fawn, a Penguin, a Husky dog, a Duckling, a  Giant Panda, a Cow, a Hedgehog, a Fox, a cuddly Lamb, a Turtle, a pair of Kangaroos, a Red Panda, a Bird and a Reindeer.

Book 4 of 12. Zoomigurumi 4. This book has 15 new animal patterns created by 13 talented designers from all over the world. Create your very own kitten, dolphin. elephant, giraffe, orangutan, deer, seahorse, and an adorable bumblebee wearing sunglasses. The craft book also contains seven more animal patterns.

Book 5 of 12. Zoomigurumi 5.  Here we have 15 more cute Amigurumi animal patterns. My favorite is the Walrus. And the beautiful peacock on the cover is a darling pattern. There is also a camel to crochet, a flamingo, a rhino, a trout, and a teddy wearing a hoodie.

Book 6 of 12. Zoomigurumi 6. From the red panda on the cover to the owl in a sweater, to a sweet shark, a sloth and a swan, this book of 15 patterns will keep your crochet hook busy! Don't forget to check out the hummingbird, a panda, two dachshunds and Mortimer the Mammoth. 

Book 7 of 12. Zoomigurumi 7.  The mallard duck and babies on the cover will entice you to their patterns, plus some unusual ones such as a seagull, a Llama, a moose, a zebra, a stork, a pony and a chicken on a nest. 

Book 8 of 12. Zoomigurumi 8.  Come and crochet a parrot, a baby seal, a goat, a giraffe and a caterpiller. Don't forget the meerkat, the beaver and the raccoon. Such darling patterns from so many talented designers. 

Book 9 of 12. Zoomigurumi 9. Fifteen more adorable patterns from the friendly horse on the cover to an anglerfish, an otter with his seashell, a sheep, and even a Gecko. From patterns that are beginner-friendly to some suitable for advanced crocheters, they are all accompanied by easy-to-follow instructions and clear illustrations. 

Book 10 of 12. Zoomigurumi 10. The kangaroo and  her 'joey' on the cover will keep you from resting that crochet hook. The 'zoomies' in book 10 include a feisty crab, a bouncy kangaroo, a lively squirrel, and a dainty bunny, along with a gorilla, a badger, a koala and Andy Ant! 

Book 11 of 12. Zoomigurumi Endangered Animals. This is a special edition of the Zoomigurumi series featuring 15 of the wild animals on our planet that are threatened. Crochet a collection of these special animals, including a lovable giant panda, a precious monk seal, a gorgeous blue whale and a darling pangolin! There is also a mountain gorilla and her baby, a polar bear, and Cleo the Yellow-Crested Cockatoo

Book 12 of 12.  Zoomigurumi Favorites. This crochet pattern book completes the Zoomigurumi series with 30 of the best-loved patterns from the other books. With Zoomigurumi Favorites. your house may transform into an entire amigurumi zoo! 

The Zoomigurumi series of crochet craft pattern books are all available on Amazon. 

My Zoomis!

A few of my crocheted 'Zoomies'

Here are a few of the cute zoomigurumi animals I have crocheted from this Zoomigurumi series of crochet pattern books.  My favorites, to date, are the wonderful walrus and the Giant Panda Bear. They are currently available in my Etsy Store Coastal Crochet Crafts. I DO so love to crochet and finding these darling patterns was a true delight. 

Happy Crocheting! 

Links to more reviews of crochet craft books:

• A Review of the Crochet Book "Amigurumi Two"
• Easy Crochet Critters Pattern Book Review
• Modern Amigurumi for the Home Craft Book Review
• Adorable Amigurumi
• Funny Amigurumi
• Crobots - An Amigurumi Robots Crochet Craft Book Review

For More Book Reviews, check out ReviewThisBooks.com

For More Craft Reviews, check out ReviewThisCrafts.com 

*Review of the Zoomigurumi Series of crochet pattern books written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Setting up a Backyard Birdhouse

 Our grandson Bobby made this birdhouse in his school woodshop. This birdhouse was a Christmas gift for his mother. We finally set the birdhouse up in their backyard. Here is a review of how we did it.

Photo Credit Sam Monaco

Bobby had a good idea of how he wanted to set the birdhouse up. His thought was to cement a threaded pipe in the ground then, attach a flange to the bottom of the birdhouse and screw it together.

We looked up how high the birdhouse should be, and found the recommended height to be five feet off the ground. The problem was the hardware store did not have a pipe long enough to be able to cement at least 2 feet in the ground and give us five feet above the ground. Thus we would have needed a seven-foot pipe.

We finally decided on using a 4x4 treated lumber post and a 4x4 post anchor. So, we bought a six-foot 4x4 post and the post anchor along with four L-Brackets to attach the birdhouse to the post.

This is the post anchor, the one we purchased goes into the ground two feet. These post anchors are also great for setting up mailboxes

How we set up our Birdhouse:

First, we cut 12 inches off of the six-foot 4x4 post making it five feet the recommended height we needed.

Next, we used the 12 inches we cutoff to drive the post anchor into the ground with a sledgehammer. Bobby did the sledgehammering.

We inserted the post into the post anchor, and Bobby tightened the bolts at the bottom to secure the post.

We centered the birdhouse on top of the post. Tyler, our other grandson was in charge of the L-Brackets.

Tyler handed the brackets and screws to Bobby, while I held the birdhouse in place. Bobby screwed in all four brackets, and we were finished.

Here is the happy crew with a job well done. We set the birdhouse up in less than an hour. Now, we just need to wait for some birds to make their happy homes. 

COLEBA Bird Houses for Outside, Outdoor 5 Hole Bird House Room for 5 Bird Families Bluebird Finch Cardinals Hanging Birdhouse for Garden (Brown - Set of 1)Ashman Fence Post Anchor 30 Inches Tall, 3.25 x 3.25 Inches Wide, Ideal for securing Mailbox Posts, Deck Posts, Gazebo Posts, Street Lamps, and More, 1 Pack

 

Find more DIY projects on Review This here:

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Funny Amigurumi – A Crochet Craft Pattern Book Review

16 Creatures & Their Accessories to Crochet by Emilie Penou

Amigurumi is the Japanese craft of crocheting small stuffed animals and toys.

Funny Amigurumi Craft Book

This crochet craft book has 16 quirky creatures to create.  Each one has a cute accessory.

These characters are portable, collectible and very giftable.  They average about 4.5 inches tall, depending upon the yarn and the size crochet hook you choose to use. The author recommends a cotton yarn that is a sock/super fine weight 1 yarn used with a D hook  I prefer to work in a worsted weight 4 acrylic yarn and almost always use an F hook.

Therefore, my version of the hedgehog, for instance, turned out to be 8 inches tall, about twice what the pattern in the book states. Crochet crafters will understand what I mean by preference. :)

The List of Characters in Funny Amigurumi include:

1. Mini Bunny and Carrot
2. Mini Bug and Aphid
3. Mini Tiger and Bow tie
4. Mini Fox and Mask
5. Mini Chicken and Cape
6. Dragon and Surfboard
7. Unicorn and Cloud
8. Owl and Witch Hat
9. Reindeer and Scarf
10. Frog and Crown
11. Hedgehog and Hairbrush
12. Donkey and Hat
13. Wolf and Broccoli
14. Penguin and Floatie
15. Sheep and Fox Blankie
16. Squid and Book

These patterns are fairly quick to crochet and most are good for beginners with easy-to-follow instructions. Most can be made in a day or a weekend. They are small enough to be portable for creating on the go! 

Several of the characters/animals in this book are done in a similar style, with the body being sort of pear-shaped, such as the wolf and the unicorn. 

There are several pages of crochet lessons at the beginning of the book. I found the lessons well worth reading and very helpful. In fact, I learned something I'd never known, even after crocheting for over 40 years.

I also really liked the fact that the individual patterns each give you specific instructions on exactly where to place the arms, legs, ears and features. Having followed many a pattern over the years, I have to tell you that having the pattern author tell you to, for instance, insert the eyes between row 18 and 19, with 15 stitches in between is invaluable. Many times I have had to look at a picture and try and figure out how many rows down the eyes or ears are placed, which naturally can be time-consuming and frustrating. 

My Recent Creations from Funny Amigurumi

I loved the Hedgehog, one of my favorite animals to crochet.  I got a big kick out of the Hedgehog accessory. He comes with a hairbrush, which makes sense as he will need one to comb out his 'quills'.  

The quills are easy to make, but are a bit time-consuming as you cut strands of yarn, then insert the hook under a stitch, grab the middle of the yarn with the hook and pull it through the stitch. Then you grab the two tail strands of yarn and pull them through the loop on the hook. In my version, it took over 100 strands to create the quill look I wanted across the head and all the way down the back. Turned out really cute, though. :)

The Wolf was fun to make and turned out so nice. The picture in the pattern book looks like he is done in tan, but the pattern calls for gray yarn, which is what I used, since wolves are normally gray in color. The nose on the pattern appears to be embroidered in black yarn, but I have always had problems getting the embroidery to come out neatly when working on a yarn piece. Therefore, this time I came up with another idea. I simply crocheted a 6 stitch circle and sewed it onto the tip of the nose. Came out very neat, instead of the sloppy look my embroidery always gives me. LOL. 

The Bunny was such a delightful plush toy to create. He reminds me of the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland. 

And I love the crochet carrot they included in the bunny rabbit pattern.

Such a cute accessory for a plush bunny! 

Summary

So, if you are looking for a cute collection of 'funny' and fun creatures to crochet, Funny Amigurumi is a good book to have in your craft library. 

Quick Links to More Craft Book Reviews:

• A Review of the Craft Book "Amigurumi Two"
• Easy Crochet Critters Craft Book Review
• Modern Amigurumi for the Home Craft Book Review
• Crobots - An Amigurumi Robots Crochet Craft Book Review

Note:

If you liked the crafty critters I have featured here, but do not crochet, the Hedgehog, the Wolf, and the Bunny & his carrot shown in this review are currently available for purchase in my Etsy Store, Coastal Crochet Crafts. More will be along soon as I am busy with my crochet hook! 

*Review of the Crochet Craft Book Funny Amigurumi was written by

~Wednesday Elf

For More Reviews in the world of crafts, check out
ReviewThisCrafts.com 
 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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The Shell Stitch – A Craft Review

 

She Sells Seashells......

Inspired by the sea shore, the shell stitch is lovely for many projects, either as a basic stitch for an entire item, or as a border, such as for an afghan.

The Shell Stitch in Crochet

The shell stitch is a beautiful and easy crochet stitch that you can use for a variety of projects. This stitch creates a lovely textured and scalloped design.

This stitch can be worked in rows, in rounds, or as a border on a larger project.

The shell stitch is created by working a group of 3 to 7 stitches in a single stitch or space.  When complete, the grouped stitches flair out making it look like a fan or a shell. 

There are many tutorials online, both in written form and on YouTube which will walk you through how to do the shell stitch.  Sarah Stearns of SarahMaker has an easy step-by-step tutorial that teaches you how to create the Shell Stitch. 

Examples of Projects Using the Shell Stitch

Shell Stitch Baby Afghan Pattern

Sasha of SashaPatterns has created a pattern for a lovely easy-to-do baby afghan crocheted entirely in the shell stitch. 

Sasha also has a pattern for a baby blanket with a lacy shell stitch border. 

Both patterns are available in her Etsy Shop.

Baby Sweater in Shell Stitch

The shell stitch is not just for baby blankets. This darling pattern from the pattern collection at the Etsy Digital Pattern Shop is for a baby sweater, bonnet & booties done in crochet in the shell stitch. It's a 1960s Vintage pattern to do in a pretty shell pattern with picot trim. The pattern lets you create a pretty baby layette.

Shell Stitch Used as Trim

I personally used the shell stitch to create the 'scales' on a crocheted plush toy baby dragon.  He's available in my eBay Shop

Here is the baby dragon in a close up view, looking at my 'shell' lamp! :)

Shell Stitch in Knitting

The shell stitch can also be used in knitted projects.  You create the stitch by working elongated stitches into the Stockinette stitch – the knitting stitch which is done by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side. Then the elongated stitches are twisted and working together to create the look of a small seashell.

Instructions for the Shell Stitch in Knitting are found at the website KnittingStitchPatterns.com. 

Summary

Calling all knitters and crochet crafters. Choose a pattern and try out this really beautiful stitch known as the Shell Stitch.

Related Link:

• The World of Granny Squares

*The Shell Stitch Review is written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Aprons For Cooking and Entertaining: A Resource Page

Welcome to our resource page for aprons where we will review a few resources to help you find the apron that you are looking for. Whether you are looking for one for cooking or for entertaining, you are sure to find a link here to an apron that suits you perfectly. You'll find everything from pretty aprons to practical aprons; from adult aprons for both men and women to children's aprons; and, of course, fun holiday-themed aprons. You'll even find a link to some great resources for making your own apron. I know you are going to love all these aprons!

(Find the practical and sturdy apron shown above on Amazon by clicking right here.)

SIX APRON-THEMED REASONS YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE THIS PAGE 

On this page you will find links to pages dedicated to the following apron topics:

Aprons for Everyday

Celebrity Aprons

How to Make an Apron

Children's Aprons

Aprons for Holidays

Aprons for Men

And More!

APRONS FOR EVERYDAY

Crazy About Cupcakes? Tie on a Cupcake Apron!
If you love cupcakes, you will love this cupcake-themed aprons.

Old-Fashioned Cross Over Apron

Looking for an apron that you can slip on over your head rather than messing with apron ties? Check out this crossover apron.

Cobbler Aprons

If you prefer an apron that resembles a lightweight vest with pockets, you should consider a cobbler apron. 

CELEBRITY APRONS

Julia Child's Apron

There are many styles of aprons but, if you want to follow the lead of Julia Child, the famous American chef, cooking teacher, author, and television personality, you should check out her preferred apron.

HOW TO MAKE AN APRON

How to Make an Apron: A Resource Page

If you are looking for resources to make an apron, you'll enjoy looking through the ideas and links on this page. 

Ellyn Geisel's Apron Book Reviewed

The Apron Book: Making, Wearing, and Sharing a Bit of Cloth and Comfort by EllynAnne Geisel, is a guide to old and new aprons. Learn more here.

Discover all of the apron pattern books available on Amazon.

There is no shortage of books to give you ideas for making your own apron whatever your preferred style.

CHILDREN'S APRONS

Eric Carle's My Apron, A Children's Book Review
If your child loves or would love to have an apron just like dad or mom, he or she will enjoy this children's picture book, My Apron, by Eric Carle.

APRONS FOR HOLIDAYS

Gingerbread Man Aprons

Do you love gingerbread, gingerbread men and Christmas? If you do, you are going to love these fun gingerbread aprons

Cooking For The Holidays? Tie On A Christmas Apron!

Christmas aprons are a recipe for holiday fun! If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen at Christmastime, you should definitely own a Christmas apron!

A Christmas Cookie Apron

Tucked in on this page dedicated to making a cookie-themed gift set, you will find a fun Christmas cookie-themed apron.

Do Your Haunting In A Halloween Apron
Looking for a Halloween apron? You might find just what you are looking for here on this page.

APRONS FOR MEN

The Best Sizzlin' Hot Barbecue Aprons

Grilling something on the BBQ? Throw on one of these fun aprons first!

Real Men Don't Wear Aprons, Do They?
This page is dedicated to the issue of whether or not real men wear aprons and whether or not you wear one? Features a fun selection of fun men's aprons! 

Five Great Grandpa Aprons

For the barbecue master in your life who is also a grandpa!

Funny Grill Master Aprons

The grill master needs a host of important pieces of equipment but maybe most importantly, a funny apron...

A Batman-Themed Apron
If you have a Batman fan, he is sure to love this Batman-themed apron.

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Well that's it. Our page of apron resources. Strap one on the next time you are in the kitchen, the art studio, the workshop...

You never know

what aprons I might have 

in store for you!

Brenda
Treasures By Brenda

Quick Link:

Check out the aprons in my eBay store.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Prostormer Electric Paint Sprayer - Reviewed

Springtime is on the way, and with spring and summer weather comes many outdoor projects. One, in particular, is outdoor painting. Last year I took on the task of painting our deck.

We have a large deck on the back of our house, it measures 35 ft. x 12ft. deep. Our large deck along with good weather provides us with the perfect outdoor space for fun, and entertaining family and friends.

Last summer it was time to paint the deck for another season of outdoor fun. The first thing that I had to do was clean and remove all of the dirt and loose paint. For this, I used my Wholesun Electric Pressure Washer click the link to see my review of the pressure washer.

After cleaning the deck it was time to paint, so, I painted all of the railings with a brush and the deck floor with a roller. 

That only left the lattice around the outside of the deck. Lattice is the framework of crossed boards around the bottom of the deck as seen in the photo. 

The last time that I painted our deck I painted the lattice with a small brush. This was not only backbreaking but took a long time to complete as I have 35 ft. and 12 ft. deep on both sides to paint. 

I needed an easier way to paint the lattice so, I started looking for an electric spray gun. I've never owned a spray gun before and really didn't want to spend a lot of money. After looking through what Amazon had to offer and reading many of the reviews, I found this Prostormer 750-Watt Spray Gun.

The Prostormer was reasonably priced and easy to use. We followed the easy operating instructions to get it all set up and ready to go. While I continued to paint the deck, my grandson Tyler sprayed the lattice around the bottom of the deck with the Prostomer 750. 

What you get with this Prostormer Spray Gun:

• 1 Prostormer electric paint sprayer
• 1 1200ml tank
• 4 different size spray nozzles
• 1 Funnel to fill the tank
• 1 cleaning needle
• 1 cleaning brush
• 1 user manual

My new spray gun was also very helpful in between the deck boards. The roller or even a paintbrush didn't get paint in between the deck boards very well but, the sprayer did the job with ease.

Spray guns are a perfect option for fences, window shutters, furniture, ceilings, and hard-to-reach places with a roller or brush.

I'm very happy with my Prostormer spray gun, and as you can see it is a great price.

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Get Started with Your Christmas Crafting Today

A DIY Craft Review

 

Crafters Rejoice! It's holiday crafting time again. Let's review some crafty ideas.

Now that the Fall season has officially begun, thoughts of the upcoming holidays of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas begin to sift into our minds. For crafters, this means that NOW is the time to begin planning for and starting on those Christmas crafts.  Whether you want to create clever Christmas décor, or plan on crafting holiday gifts for loved ones, it is never too early to begin.

Follow along for some kits and pattern ideas for your holiday crafting. 

Kit Ideas for Christmas Décor

Create your own Christmas stockings with this Santa with Toys stocking kit from Design Works. This felt applique kit comes complete with all supplies (except stuffing), plus pattern and directions. It can be found in the eBay store of House of Sylvestermouse. 

More stocking kits with Santa or a Snowman can be found here: 

Creative Patterns & Kits for Christmas Gifts

Christmas Bird Feeder

A clever and unique gift for kids whose families enjoy bird feeders is this Christmas Bird Feeder DIY Kit, a fun and educational Christmas gift/project that will get your little ones to explore and care for nature. This seasonal kit is easy enough for toddlers and school-aged children to follow along.

This kit includes:

• Wild Bird Seeds
• Christmas Plastic Cookie Cutters (3)
• Unflavored Gelatin (2)
• Pre-Cut Twine (3)
• Easy-to-Follow Instructions

 

This kit is gift-ready for Christmas. *Adult supervision recommended.

Macramé Christmas Tree DIY Kit

This is a complete DIY Macramé Christmas Tree Craft Kit, which helps you make a lovely Macramé Christmas Tree totally on your own with easy-to-follow step-by-step instruction. It also could be a perfect idea for Nursery wall décor and living room décor.

This DIY craft kit will be a lovely gift idea for the Macramé Beginner. 

*These kits include complete materials for you to make a macramé wall hanging by yourself: Friendly Cotton Cords, Wooden Ring and Beads, Basic Knot Sheet, Link to Tutorial video. Finished size is about 12.5” H x 8” W.

Clever Christmas Craft Kit for Kids

Holiday Snow Globes 

These Kid-friendly Snow Globes are easy art projects for kids ages 6 years and up. It's a holiday craft kit that comes complete with all supplies needed to create 3 winter wonderland snow globes in Christmas themes. Kids can create these handmade holiday crafts for their own Christmas décor or to give as a gift. From Creativity for Kids, a company which offers fun and creative experiences today to nurture children’s confidence for life. 

*Christmas Crafting Review written by Wednesday Elf

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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