Dream Toys: A Collection of Knit and Crochet Fantastical Toys

by Claire Garland

Book Overview

Claire Garland has created a fantastical collection of five knitted dolls and their playtime companions, plus charming accessories to complete the fantasy. Each item is small and easy to make with... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312359950
• ISBN13: 9780312359959
• Release Date: October 2006
• Publisher: Griffin
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 8.0" x 9.9"

Customer Reviews

Unique and easy to follow - but all knitting

I have owned this book for about a year now. I had to learn to knit to use it and am happy to have done so. To give you some reference, I am (now) a novice knitter and a pretty basic crocheter, with little sewing experience. I love to make toys, as best I can. First I will address an issue brought up by another reviewer: the title is rather deceptive, since the majority of items, primarily and most importantly the dolls, their clothes and the horse/unicorn, are knitted. So if you hope to also crochet toys do not buy this book. I rather like the unique look of these dolls, They look a bit odd, and different from an average doll, but that is the sort of thing I like - though I suppose if you like a traditional doll you would not like these. I am glad not to be making something that I could find anywhere else. However, this is an easy design to alter, say if you do not like the way facial features are rendered it is pretty easy to change. And once you learn to knit following the pattern, you can change up parts, making a different character beyond what is in the book (My son decided he loves Woody from toy story do I made all sewn clothes so the cowboy looks a tiny bit like Woody. I am working on a Knight version of the doll now). What I find very appealing about these dolls is that knitting in general is a bit more soft and "drapey" than crochet (when using the very basic stitches, which I do). The dolls lend themselves to a lot of dragging and flopping and snuggling. My daughter leapt on to her mermaid and hugs her and plays with her hair all the time. There are the boy dolls (Pirate, Cowboy) and girl dolls (Mermaid, Fairy, Princess) so you can make dolls for any taste, as well as a horse/Unicorn pattern which is not too hard (harder than the dolls though) and rather cute.

Dreamy toys to knit

I'm glad I purchased this book with its whimsical patterns. The toys are wonderful, and not too complicated to be fun to make. I'm an experienced knitter, but I don't enjoy extremely complicated things that give me a headache to make. I was pleased to find that while the knitting can be a bit involved; all the directions are written out line by line. The patterns are easy to follow, as well, as none involve complicated colorways. Mostly, they utilize simple stockinette stitch with increasing and decreasing to add shape and garter stitch to add texture. Some knitters may prefer charts, but the only one to be found is a color chart of the Jolly Roger. One thing I particularly liked is that Garland indicates at the beginning of each row as to whether it's an "increasing", "decreasing" or "shaping" row. (Very helpful). A few simple color choices, and a few felt trims (patterns are in the back for extras like the fairy wings, eyes, nose, cowboy outfit, saddle, etc) and you have a beautiful doll. The toys to create are the archetypical "toys of childhood" - unicorn, horse, mustang; princess, mermaid, fairy; cowboy, pirate, sea creatures, even a dolphin, castle and skip! They are delightful, and one thing I really enjoy is that their details are very pared down, allowing the child's fantasy and imagination to fill in the details. I would recommend some things to those who want to follow the patterns in this book. First, read through the entire pattern to get oriented. Second, photocopy the pattern and go from the copy. Each time you complete a line, highlight it, so you know you've done it and skip to the next line. I also suggest that when you make legs and arms for the dolls, you consider doing I-cording (also known as French knitting, or spool knitting) as an alternative. (I'd like to credit Esmeralda Jones for this I-cord tip, from her review of Garland's other doll book, Knitted Babes). Be sure to check your gauge as well. As a final note, despite the title of the book, these are primarily knitting patterns. The "crochet" in the title appears superfluous, and refers only to some embellishments throughout the book. Overall, I would highly recommend this delightful book. Great patterns, and easy to follow directions make for a good knitting book for children's toys.

Love this book

Both me and my kids love this book. My daughter and son want all toys made out of this book. I've made the unicorn and pirate so far and when I show them to my friends, everybody wants to have one too. I rate myself a beginner knitter. Apart from these toys, I've made two scarfs and one sweater. I thought patterns were very clear. If you like the look of the doll on the cover, you'll like the rest of the book.

Most fun to work with.

Following her book "Knitted Babes',( this book which includes toys for young boys), is a joy to work with. The dolls are hard to part with, But my grandchildren enjoy them almost as much as I do.

my kids love these toys!!!

i dont agree with the previous reviewer at all. my kids love everything in this book and if i find enough time i want to make every single toy. they are not scary looking at all. if you like knitted babes by claire garland, you ll love this one. there are 5 themes in this book: enchanted land: Princess and castle fairy dream: fairy and baby, flower pillow, unicorn wild trail: cowboy and mustang set to sea: pirate and ratty, dinghy magical waterworld: Mermaid, fish, seahorse and crab, dolphin there are also pages on knitting, crochet and stitching basics. this is probably not a book for a beginner, but if have some experience you ll want to get your needles, hooks and yarn and just get going. i can only recommend this one. 5 stars!!!!