Dream Toys: A Collection of Knit and Crochet Fantastical Toys by Claire Garland
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Book Reviews of Dream Toys: A Collection of Knit and Crochet Fantastical Toys
Book Review: Knitted Babes Fantasy Style
Summary: 4 Stars
As with Garland's first knitting book, "Knitted Babes", in "Dream Toys", Claire Garland presents several basic doll patterns and shows how with a few simple alterations, these can be turned into toys that fit into one of five "fantasy" themes: "Enchanted Land" (castles and princesses), "Fairy Dream", "Wild Trail" (cowboys), "Set to Sea" (pirates) and "Magical Waterworld" (mermaids). I actually prefer this book to "Knitted Babes" because this book is not just filled with dolls and their clothes, but also includes instructions for making a lot of play accessories. For example, the instructions are given for the cowboy's horse, the pirate's row boat and the mermaid's pet dolphin. I actually think a lot of the accessories are cuter than the dolls themselves. I can imagine that some kids would prefer the horse to the cowboy.
The dolls are all knitted, with some felt adornments, and their clothes and accessories are mainly knitted, although there are a few items that are either sewn or crocheted. The patterns are reasonably simple to follow (basic instructions on knitting techniques are given at the front of the book) and could be made by an advanced beginner, but not a child. Any child who is young enough to want these items, is too young to have the skills or stamina necessary to make them. Patterns for making any sewn items are given at the back of the book, but are not given at full size, some enlargement is necessary (one of my pet hates), but Garland provides the enlargement percentages for use with a photocopier, so this is made as simple as possible.
Book Review: Cute toys!
Summary: 5 Stars
I love this book! The little dolls are so creative and can be made into anything! The only warning I would give is this: The dolls are knit on size 2 needles, so if you don't like to knit on small needles, this might prove a little tedious. I love the dolls, Im on my second one!!Book Review: Unique and easy to follow - but all knitting
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Book Review: Dreamy toys to knit
Summary: 5 Stars
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.
Book Review: FALSE book description
Summary: 1 Stars
As far as knitting is concerned, the book is super cute, and I'm sure the patterns are nice. The problem is, the book itself AND the amazon description state the every toy can be EITHER crocheted OR knitted. This is false advertising. This book is almost entirely for knitters. The only things that can be crocheted are a little bandanna and a small part of the horse saddle. I just want people to be aware of this. If you are looking for a crochet pattern, do not purchase this book. IT IS A BOOK FOR KNITTERS!
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