Whimsical Stitches: A Modern Makers Book of Amigurumi Crochet Patterns: 1

I've been following Lauren for a while on Instsgram and just had to get her book. It's beautifully layed out with clear instructions and photos for you to follow and make the wonderful amigurumis. I've made a few whales so far (pictured) and currently working on the succulents. So many great designs! An ideal gift for a beginner or experienced crocheter. Also, the patterns are quick to make up which means plenty of time to make more!

I've attached pictures of my makes in the order that I made them, I'm still in the process of making the pig. The cactus is just one part of a larger pattern included in the book, I added the flower from a different pattern (not in book). Pros: - I had never crocheted before I picked up this book so I found the step by step photos really helpful, I struggled with the magic ring at first and needed to watch a youtube video before I got the hang of it, apart from that I was able to easily follow all the instructions in the book - I love the range of patterns available and find they are quite flexible in that if I choose a different weight of wool than the one recommended or add extra stitches by accident they still come out great Things to know before you buy: - The book uses American terminology e.g. double crochet in UK is known as single crochet in the US. Also the weights or the yarn are called different things e.g. worsted weight in the US is called Aran in the UK, as I was completely new to crochet & from the UK I had to work out these differences, this is easily done by doing a google search and shouldn't put you off. - Most of the patterns use a 4.25mm crochet hook, this seems to be a US only size and I was only able to find one from Boye on Amazon, again this shouldn't be a problem if you buying this book from Amazon you can buy the recommended hook at the same time or ignore the recommendation and just use a 5mm hook.

I am a novice at crochet, but this book is the best one I’ve come across. Great instructions, photos and easy to follow! Well worth the money, and the contents in the book are very cute!

This is a lovely book to work from. Very easy to follow beautiful pictures

A good range of patterns to crochet some very cute things. I only learnt to crochet a month ago, but I have already made 2 cacti and a whale! Instructions are basic but sound, the crochet terms are US usage,but easy to translate. The directions for placing eyes and mouths are good. Plenty of photos to help. Easy patterns can be made in a day . I even made a mini cactus using 4ply yarn and a 2.5mm hook. There is no indication of how much yarn is needed which is why I have docked one star, I needed 2 balls for whale. Stock up on plastic safety eyes and aran weight cotton yarn and get making!

Crocheted a lot of the items in here, loved it

I have made a few of the animals from the book and they are so cute. It also helped me improve my crochet skills. It has all the information a beginner would need.

Great book, was bought as a gift. Was very well received.