Waffles is a relaxed feline who loves to read, and Cheeks just can't get enough to eat. These fun-loving characters are just two of the 25 dumpling-shaped crochet cats in this whimsical collection. The cuddly crochet critters were inspired by the Pokémon™-like craze Neko Atsume, a game that enables you to attract cats to your backyard and "collect" them. Each little dumpling has a name and personality points that add up to big fun! You don't have to be an expert to crochet and collect these adorable kitties — the patterns are suitable for crocheters of all skill levels. Easy-to-follow instructions are accompanied by full-color photos and simple drawings. The directions explain every stage, from ears to tail, and some of the patterns include accessories and costume items. Plus, there are bonus patterns for a cat bed, food bowls, and more! "An overload of cuteness! I promise when you see these cute cats you'll want to make them all. If you have kids they'll love them! This would be great for making fun homemade gifts for the kids." — Dear Creatives
There are 25 patterns for 25 unique kitties here, ranging from basic cats and fat cats to cats that love to dress up and one that might be a mermaid (mer-cat? meerkat???). Each kitty has a unique body shape, ranging from squarish to oblong to round and everything inbetween. This is lovely to see, as so many books like this use one or two basic body types for all of the different patterns. About half of the kitties have costumes or are otherwise bedecked beyond their tabby stripes, and they would make excellent gifts or, done small enough, package toppers.
I did not make any of the patterns, but I did read through a couple of them, and while some of the verbiage is a tad bit different than standard crochet instructions, they were still straight-forward and easy to read. There are multitudes of color pictures of the work in progress, showing where to attach legs and tails, and showing closeups of some of the fiddly and unique joining techniques. The skill levels on the patterns range from Easy to Intermediate, with all of the costumed kitties being of the latter skill level.
The description bills this as inspired by Neko Atsume, the kitty collecting app, and this is partially true. Each kitty gets an intro splash page, with a short bio about what they like to do. But because each cat is so individual, there is little resemblance to the app beyond the cute bios/personalities that are given to each one. If you're looking for more clone like kitties that you see in Neko Atsume (same model, different colorations), I'd look elsewhere. However, this doesn't mean this would not be poorly received by Neko-fans--you can't say no to kittens, especially ones that are in adorable little costumes!
Go forth with this book and make an army of bloopy lil' kittens!!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy to review!
I was given this book by Dover Publishing in exchange for my honest review.
This book is perfect for those who crochet, whether they are beginners or have become an expert. Dumpling Cats is filled with 25 different crochet cats. Looking at the cover tells you why they are called "dumpling," they are shaped just like them. They each have their own names and personality. There is Cheeks who loves lunchtime, or anytime that he can get food, Roly who like to be outside, on his back.
Each pattern includes clearly written instructions and pictures that help to illustrate any sections that may need clarification.
This book is just wonderful. In fact, it will be a giveaway on my Naturally, Kim's Knitting podcast group on Ravelry. If interested, just join the group and follow the thread.
I received a copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten Second Synopsis: An accessible and adorable collection of cat amigurumi patterns suitable for all skill levels.
As craft and pattern books go, this one is quite high spec. The patterns are clearly set out with extra pictures showing how to assemble the pieces, which is always helpful for those who like to see things step by step. Between the 25 kitty patterns are "bonus" patterns for accessories such as bowls and beds so crafters can provide a bit of comfort for their crocheted kitties. I jumped in with the pattern for Dusty, who is pictured on the left of the cover, but since the mini-fleshlings prefer Pokemon at the moment, I modified the ears and tail to make an Eevee instead.
The beauty of this book is that it is perfect for beginner amigurumists, because the patterns are simple to follow and result in a small plush that can be created in only a few hours. More importantly though, from an experienced crocheter's perspective, the patterns are basic enough that they provide a variety of good base shapes that can be modified, if you have the skills, thereby opening up a whole range of creatures that could be made. I'm already planning a Pikachu mod based on one of the plumper shapes.
Apart from the uses that I can see this having in terms of creating new spin-offs using these patterns, the book didn't entirely work for me because I prefer working with larger sized plushies. The small plushies produced here, that fit into the palm of your hand, aren't as forgiving when it comes to little mistakes that can be made here and there while following the pattern. Again though, the small sized pieces mean that a finished piece that looks pretty much like the picture is achievable for those new to the craft.
I can see myself coming back to this book to gain inspiration from the adorably squishy body shapes of the dumpling cats and I would definitely recommend it to beginners and more experienced amigurumists alike.
Title: Dumpling Cats: Crochet and Collect Them All Author: Sarah Sloyer Publisher: Dover Publications Published: 6-14-2017 Pages: 112 Genre: Crafts and Hobbies Sub-Genre: Crochet; Stuffed Animals; Needlecrafts ISBN: 9780486813431 Reviewed For NetGalley and Reviewer: DelAnne Rating: 5 Stars
Adorable and lovable, these cute little companions are so easy to make. Make the 20 plus characters. The accessories available are a cat bed, feed bowls and a cardboard box for them to play with or even to gift them to someone with.
They are so easy to make with easy to follow instructions. Clear photographs show the steps for checking your progress. My rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
There are 96 pages to this book. Yes! 96! That is absolutely amazing. Kudos to author Sarah Sloyer and to Dover Publications for not cutting corners. I have to admit that I am extremely impressed at the gorgeous and very detailed photographs for each of the 25 patterns.
Including the extra touches such as a pet bed, food bowls and even a box since everyone knows cats love boxes. These extra patterns are the icing on top of an already decadent and delicious cake.
I was thrilled to realize that due to the step-by-step detailed instructions and photographs, these crochet patterns can be created by crocheters of any ability; from beginner to expert.
I rate this book as 5 out of 5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 and I will be recommending it to all my crafty friends and family.
* Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free copy of this book.
I really liked this book because come on, cute crochet kitties? Like, hello... what is there not to like?
From the cover to the end the book was aesthetically pleasing and kawaii approved! At first, I was worried on how the instructions for crocheting the kitties will be because I have some patterns are difficult for me to understand from the get go and I have to actually crochet it first and understand as I go and re-do some aspects of the pattern to get it correct but not for the patterns from this book.
The patterns were easy to follow as it had step-by-step detailed instructions and photographs, which by the way was superb. There is 25 patterns in this book as well as extra patterns for miscellaneous things such as food bowls, boxes and a pet bed.
I would highly recommend this book to anybody who likes to crochet as the finished products can be used for gifts or any of the sort.
This beautiful book includes so much more than patterns for a bevy of adorable felines. The instructions are perfectly spot-on with great tutorial photographs showing step-by-step how to create your own versions. There are kitties, kitties in costume, kitty accessories and a bonus 'cardboard box' pattern which made me laugh out loud. I followed two of the patterns (Wilbur - Bee costume?! HELLO?! and Bug - colorpoint and tiny and adorable) without any hiccups or problems. Each of the cats has a backstory introduction with a cartoon potrait. The formatting and color are perfect.
Wonderful book, highly recommended!
I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affected my opinion of the book, or the content of my review.
Firstly, this book is so cute in it's cat design overall as well as being very simply laid out to read the making steps and with clear photographs to go with the steps. Each cat has a unique name and design to go with the brief description of their character given in the book for each one. The crochet cats are beautiful, yet simple in their design and also would make lovely gifts for someone in my opinion.
Crochet is a skill I love and this book has helped me understand better where to see how to progress when making certain objects. I am definitely going to be making a group of these over the coming months!
Many thanks to the publishers for allowing me to review this book for them!
As a crochet book this is great. The instructions are easy concise and well written. Almost every step has a picture so you can check how your project is going. Projects are geared for crafters of all skill levels. The patters are based on Neko -atsumi which is a Japanese based story line. I would recommend buying the print copy only because the illustrations are so prolific that it really takes time to load each page. A great way to interest youngsters into a crocheting lifestyle.
Full of wonderful and adorable patterns and illustrations this book is purrfect for cat loving crocheters! The patterns were easy to follow for beginner amigurumists who're ready to step up their crochet game. I tried out the "Tater" dumpling cat pattern and it was absolutely adorable! (my cat loved it so much she adopted it) There are even some bonus patterns for the little dumpling cats. I highly reccomend this book for all crocheters, be you a beginner, cat lover, or just want to spice things up with these cute litte dumplings.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Dover Publications for the opportunity to read this book.
This is so cute! A collection of little adorable cats to crochet, the instructions are simple and easy to follow. There's a good mix of easy and intermediate projects. The book is more aimed towards those who are confident in what the are doing, there are no basic crochet instructions.
This book is full of cute little stuffies to make and love. Some pictures may make it seem like a kids book of crochet, this is not for the beginner. The are lots of pictures, and the instructions are understandable, but from experience, this book is not for the novice. It’s not super hard either, but a nice middle ground.
Great book for fans of amigurumi. This collection features cats of all kinds and even cats in costume. There are funny and adorable accessories included like a cat bed and a cardboard box. The highlights are the great illustrations accompanying the directions and the clear and concise instructions themselves.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This is a little gem for anyone both new and experienced in the great art of crochet and amigurumi. Each pattern is laid out simply, with both Supplies and Directions, with great photos that help with each pattern. These cute little kitties would be a welcome gift for the Cat Lovers in your life!
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC for a fair and honest review.
What could be more adorable than chubby cats! The instructions are clear, well-defined, with lots of illustrations along the way. The stories that accompany each character make it fun to read even if you don't crochet. Can't decide which to make next, they are all so cute.
These chubby little guys are so cute it's stupid. I am disproportionately excited by the fact that there is also a pattern for a cardboard box for the kitties to sit in.
I like the cat patterns. My creations don’t look like the photos, even when I swear I follow the patterns exactly. Also, attaching the parts is by eye, not by the pattern.
I've never crocheted before, but this book makes it look really fun and easy. With a wide range of patterns, this book could keep you occupied for hours. I liked how each little cat is given its own personality, and there are even patterns for food bowls and cat beds.
Dumpling Cats: Crochet and Collect Them All! by Sarah Sloyer is so cute. It has become an instant favorite! The patterns are well written, the photos are clear and helpful and I think fans of crocheting amigurumi would love having this book in their pattern collection. Each cat comes with its own name and little storyline. I crocheted “Chuck”. I made two of these and the pattern was easy to follow. I modified mine a little and omitted the legs making the tail a little longer to wrap around the body.
With simple patterns you can make really cute cats. There are plenty of patterns here to try, 25 total. There is a cat with a mermaid tail and one with flower petals around its head that I want to make as well. I'd say these patterns are for advanced beginners and onward.
I received this book in exchange for a honest review from Netgalley.
This book is so cute! I love cats and could easily see myself crocheting all the little designs in here. The book is full of good quality images with easy to follow instructions for how to make each pattern.
Great book, recommended for people who like both cats and crocheting!
**Free ARC received through NetGalley in exchange for honest review**
I didn't get a chance to make any of the patterns in this book but based on my experience as a crocheter I would say that the patterns are clearly written. I didn't find any unfamiliar abbreviations or confusing instructions. Most of the patterns are labeled as Easy, and there are several photos within each pattern showing construction in progress. All of the cats are small, so it wouldn't take long to stitch yourself a collection.
An adorable collection of ultra-cute cats, to have for your very own. They each come with their own character story, and there is enough variation to keep things interesting. Clearly laid out, with easy to follow instructions. Includes everything for the discerning crazy cat lady - food bowls, cat bed and the obligatory cardboard box!