by Sally Muir is just what the Doctor ordered... for a dog lover. The designs in this book are meant to be as realistic as possible. They weren't designed with the intention of being toys, but I see no reason why they couldn't be toys. When special yarns are used, the book specifies the type so you would be able to make suitable substitutions. This is important, because many of the breed characteristics are formed by these specialty yarns. The book is very user friendly, but is not meant for beginner knitters (the book is lacking a how-to-knit section.)
There is a great loopy stitch used for long haired dogs. The English bulldog is fantastic with the wrinkles. I also love choice for Portuguese Water Dog with boucle yarn. Unfortunately, there is no American Eskimo, but there are other long haired breeds and a Siberian Husky so I should be able to create one myself.
These dog parts are all knit as separate pieces flat and then seamed together. So if you dislike sewing then you are out of luck. This does allow for some very realistic shapes, but I prefer to knit round things in the round!
There is a great index of dogs where you can see thumbnails of all of them. This way, you can pick the one that looks most like your beloved pooch. What are the breeds?
- Afghan Hound
- Basset Hound
- Border Collie
- Cocker Spaniel
- Corgi
- Dachshund
- Dalmation
- English Bulldog
- English Bull Terrier
- French Bulldog
- German Shepherd
- Jack Russel
- Labrador
- Miniature Schnauzer
- Old English Shepherd
- Poodle
- Portuguese Water Dug
- Pug
- Red Setter
- Rough Collie
- Scottie Terrier
- Siberian Husky
- West Highland Terrier
- Whippet
- Wire-haired Fox Terrier
I would love to see a second edition featuring Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, American Eskimos, Australian Shepherds and more.
Would you believe it? Knit Your Own Cat
is now available! I will have to find this at the library to review it at a later date.
is now available! I will have to find this at the library to review it at a later date.
