Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

Crochet A Menagerie

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Want to make a stuffed animal for someone special?  You’ll find the perfect fuzzy friend in this collection called Edward’s Menagerie by Kerry Lord.  There are forty different soft and snuggly crocheted animal patterns in this charming collection so you’re sure to find something perfect.

While these patterns use UK terminology, there is a full explanation of US terminology in the Techniques section of the book.  The book is also divided into three handy sections.  First is patters that require only one color and basic stitches.  The Second Section requires basic color changing – nothing fancy about that.  The Third Section requires more color changes and use of the Loop Stitch.  If you have not done the Loop Stitch before, you’ll need to practice a bit.  But, it’s certainly nothing that requires special talent.

These are the snuggliest critters I’ve seen!  I have often been hesitant to attempt some stuffed animal patterns, but the Techniques Section in this book is thorough, providing great pictures and explanations of how to complete each segment of the animals and join them to recreate these cuddly guys.

What does the fox say?  The fox says that if you want to crochet some fantastic stuffed animals for those special snuggly lovers in your life, you’ll want to get your own copy of this book!

Book Specs:

Edward’s Menagerie by Kerry Lord

Published by David and Charles, 2014

Soft cover, 128 pages with numerous photos but alas no charts

ISBN:  978-1-4460478-5

$22.99 USD

Have you read?

Crochet Baby Beanie – A Sweet Beginner-Friendly Hat Pattern for Baby Showers and Handmade Gifts

This Crochet Baby Beanie is one of those simple little patterns that makes a really lovely handmade gift. It uses soft Bernat Softee Baby yarn for the hat, a fluffy Pipsqueak edging, and an optional crochet flower on the side, giving it that cute baby-shower-ready finish.

What makes this one appealing is that the shape is worked in easy rounds, starting with a magic circle and increasing up to 48 stitches before moving into the textured post-stitch section. The fluffy edging softens the whole look, and the added flower gives it a sweet decorative touch without making the project feel too fussy.

I also like that it feels like a pattern you could easily customize. You could skip the flower for a simpler baby beanie, change the colors for a more modern look, or keep the pink-and-white version for a classic handmade baby gift. It has that practical “quick weekend project” feel, which is always handy when a baby shower sneaks up on you.

If you’re looking for an easy crochet baby hat pattern with a soft, cozy finish, this one is definitely worth a look. It’s cute, giftable, and the fluffy trim gives it a little extra charm.