Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Book Review – Amigurumi Christmas: 20 super-cute kawaii crochet projects for the festive season

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20 fabulously cute amigurumi, kawaii-style crocheted Christmas projects to make.

Do you love to decorate your home and make wonderful Christmas decorations for all your family and friends to enjoy? Then this is the book for you. Amigurumi Christmas will delight and surprise with its fantastically cute, kawaii-style crocheted Christmas cuties.

Packed with 20 adorable projects, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, a sweet penguin, polar bear, and gingerbread man, as well as quirky additions like a Brussels sprout and pigs in blankets, this book is sure to delight.

With a beginner-friendly techniques section at the start, even newcomers to crochet can dive right in. These projects are designed to be quick and easy, using small amounts of yarn you likely already have on hand. Plus, there’s room for customization – turn Santa, the elf, or the snowman’s head into festive baubles with just a short piece of yarn.

Whether you’re decking out your own home or crafting heartfelt gifts for loved ones, there’s no better time to pick up your crochet hook and start creating in adorable amigurumi style!

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.