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Itty-bitty Toys
Adorable hand-knit playthings, featuring clever twists on classics and enchanting reversibles and interactive toys.
Kids love toys, and toys you make yourself are extra-special. If you could buy these imaginative playthings in stores, they would fly off the shelves! This book features stuffed animals, including a luscious lamb and a gigantic giraffe, and finger-puppet fruits that will delight babies and toddlers. With step-by-step directions, clear diagrams and drawings, and gorgeous photographs, knitters of all levels will find it easy to make the Pull-Toy Mama Duck and Ducklings, the set of Russian nesting dolls, and the Princess and the Pea Set. Even older kids will enjoy these, as well as the Felted Bouncy Ball, a felted version of a Super Ball that's perfect for indoor play. A series of five reversible toys―a frog that turns into a turtle, a mouse that changes into a cat, an egg in a nest that transforms into a blue bird, and so on―showcases the creativity that makes Susan B. Anderson a rising star in the knitting world.
Kids love toys, and toys you make yourself are extra-special. If you could buy these imaginative playthings in stores, they would fly off the shelves! This book features stuffed animals, including a luscious lamb and a gigantic giraffe, and finger-puppet fruits that will delight babies and toddlers. With step-by-step directions, clear diagrams and drawings, and gorgeous photographs, knitters of all levels will find it easy to make the Pull-Toy Mama Duck and Ducklings, the set of Russian nesting dolls, and the Princess and the Pea Set. Even older kids will enjoy these, as well as the Felted Bouncy Ball, a felted version of a Super Ball that's perfect for indoor play. A series of five reversible toys―a frog that turns into a turtle, a mouse that changes into a cat, an egg in a nest that transforms into a blue bird, and so on―showcases the creativity that makes Susan B. Anderson a rising star in the knitting world.
167 pages, Spiral-bound
First published November 1, 2009
53 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
December 7, 2009
I have a weakness for Anderson's books. I feel head over heels in love with every project even if I rarely get around to knitting many of them. Plus hard cover and double ring spiral binding with lots of beautiful clear photographs. What's not to love?
I also do love me a good hand made toy that is cute and easy to make. Itty-Bitty Toys, her newest book, is no exception. I was thankful to have a first read through of it on the train, yet sorry for my current knit-in-progress as I kept complaining mentally to it that while it is beautiful (baby alpaca), it just wasn't as cute as any of the projects in the book. I've started to prefer to knit toys as gifts unless a clothing item is specifically requested as toys are outgrown less rapidly.
The shapes of the toys Anderson includes here are simple yet each is different enough that I felt each pattern earned its page space.
The technique section at the start surprised and delighted me. It starts off assuming you know how to knit and if you don't it sends you to some useful websites. The techniques that are included are more advanced skills necessary for successful completion of the projects. The explanatory diagrams seem clear to me and the tip section is quite valuable and includes a very good reminder on the choking hazard that poly pellets can pose to young children or pets (my addition).
Which projects caught my eye? All of them for their simple beauty. While I wouldn't knit it for my deep dislike in working with boucle yarns, I think the lamb is over-the-top cute. The cover feature, giraffe is mighty bright and cheerful and makes me smile every time I look at it.
Some of the designs are cute takes on classic stories and I love how they provide ample opportunity for creative play. For example, the princess and the pea projects has as many mattresses as you wish, the princess's clothing, and a pea pod. I can think of many fun play-time activities-- blankets can become flying carpets, the princess a doctor or whoever she wishes, and the peapod could be used in a kitchen or planted in a garden. So many ideas for creative child play from one project pattern. Not to mention a great way to act out while reading a story to a child.
I do also like the reversible toys and can think of a few other combinations I'd like... excuse me, I have a yarn stash that's begging to be knitted into toys.
(Edited for typos)
I also do love me a good hand made toy that is cute and easy to make. Itty-Bitty Toys, her newest book, is no exception. I was thankful to have a first read through of it on the train, yet sorry for my current knit-in-progress as I kept complaining mentally to it that while it is beautiful (baby alpaca), it just wasn't as cute as any of the projects in the book. I've started to prefer to knit toys as gifts unless a clothing item is specifically requested as toys are outgrown less rapidly.
The shapes of the toys Anderson includes here are simple yet each is different enough that I felt each pattern earned its page space.
The technique section at the start surprised and delighted me. It starts off assuming you know how to knit and if you don't it sends you to some useful websites. The techniques that are included are more advanced skills necessary for successful completion of the projects. The explanatory diagrams seem clear to me and the tip section is quite valuable and includes a very good reminder on the choking hazard that poly pellets can pose to young children or pets (my addition).
Which projects caught my eye? All of them for their simple beauty. While I wouldn't knit it for my deep dislike in working with boucle yarns, I think the lamb is over-the-top cute. The cover feature, giraffe is mighty bright and cheerful and makes me smile every time I look at it.
Some of the designs are cute takes on classic stories and I love how they provide ample opportunity for creative play. For example, the princess and the pea projects has as many mattresses as you wish, the princess's clothing, and a pea pod. I can think of many fun play-time activities-- blankets can become flying carpets, the princess a doctor or whoever she wishes, and the peapod could be used in a kitchen or planted in a garden. So many ideas for creative child play from one project pattern. Not to mention a great way to act out while reading a story to a child.
I do also like the reversible toys and can think of a few other combinations I'd like... excuse me, I have a yarn stash that's begging to be knitted into toys.
(Edited for typos)
July 26, 2011
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I'm not usually one for book patterns as they often to be not as user friendly as most patterns on knitty.com or ravelry.com, as well as just being those types that often seem written for fly-by-night knitting. This is not one of those books. I enjoyed looking through the patterns, which were well-written, fun, and logical. The knitted toys in this book are actually toys you'd want to knit up, not something silly or hokey or just plain annoying to knit. I got this from the library but I'd be very willing to purchase this book for it's trove of great and adorable patterns. Everything from reversible dollies to tiny little puppies to blocks. Just a good kids toy pattern resource.
I'll knit Cookie A. socks, I'll knit The Sanguine Gryphon garments, but toys was something I just never got into knitting. Until my daughter saw this tiny puppy project on Ravelry, and something about these patterns and the design, as well as the layout of her book just makes toy knitting enjoyable at last. Better than the average toy pattern collection, I recommend it.
I'll knit Cookie A. socks, I'll knit The Sanguine Gryphon garments, but toys was something I just never got into knitting. Until my daughter saw this tiny puppy project on Ravelry, and something about these patterns and the design, as well as the layout of her book just makes toy knitting enjoyable at last. Better than the average toy pattern collection, I recommend it.
May 13, 2012
I have made the sheep and giraffe so far, and I had great luck with both. The directions were easy to follow and the toys were fun to make and came out beautifully. I am maybe an early intermediate knitter.
Not all the toys in this book interest me (some are ugly or uninteresting), but there are many patterns that I'm looking forward to trying, like the elephant and the bird/nest reversible. I don't think everybody will ever like all the patterns in a knitting book, so that's no problem. There are so many in here that there's something for everyone.
I love the binding - the book lays flat. Also the pictures are beautiful.
Not all the toys in this book interest me (some are ugly or uninteresting), but there are many patterns that I'm looking forward to trying, like the elephant and the bird/nest reversible. I don't think everybody will ever like all the patterns in a knitting book, so that's no problem. There are so many in here that there's something for everyone.
I love the binding - the book lays flat. Also the pictures are beautiful.
February 18, 2013
I have been using this book for almost a month. I never thought I would get into knitting--I pictured terrible sweaters and horrible socks when I imagined myself knitting. But this book is pretty amazing....I just finished my first project using four double pointed needles: a knitted ball for Nathaniel. The author is very encouraging and motivating. I couldn't believe it myself when I finished the ball, stuffed it with fiberfill, and threw it at Perry. I'm probably going to make one of every item in the book.
December 31, 2011
I've knit two of Susan B. Anderson's free patterns (ribbit and rabbit), so grabbed this book when I spotted it at the library. Cute, cute, cute. I love that the toys are small, perfect for little arms to hug. I think I must knit the hippo.
Updating - I knit the hippo. Beautifully written pattern, so easy to follow. I love how it turned out. I'm eying the giraffe next.
Updating - I knit the hippo. Beautifully written pattern, so easy to follow. I love how it turned out. I'm eying the giraffe next.
September 7, 2011
I have loved making several toys from this book. Recommend very much. The only issue I have is on stuffing technique. There is not much in how to stuff to get the best look. Other then that it's great.
June 30, 2020
A fun collection of knitted toys. There's a nice range, not just stuffed animals, but boxes, squishy balls, fruit and very clever reversible toys, too. I was looking solely at the projects, I didn't read through any of the other text, and these toys seem doable for the knitter and something kids will actually want to play with. Also, SO nice that the range of baby models is diverse!!!
February 9, 2020
Lots of cute toys to knit. There are 5 reversible toys to knit along with a set of nesting dolls. Some patterns don't call for a lot of yarn you can use your leftover yarns.
Borrowed from the library.
Borrowed from the library.
August 30, 2018
Also very cute!
Patterns referenced: Hippo (for Peter and co.), and Snake (for Matt and co.)
Patterns referenced: Hippo (for Peter and co.), and Snake (for Matt and co.)
December 24, 2018
Very cute patterns in this book. It makes an awesome present for your knitter friends!
July 2, 2019
Had some cute toys but not all the animals were as kawaii.
February 17, 2020
I sped through this one. It’s full of simple knitting projects for making toys. I especially liked the hand puppets and nesting dolls.
April 30, 2020
One of my favorite knit toy books
March 13, 2010
I love this book and there are several projects I can see myself knitting; in fact, I already started one . . . even though I don't have a little one to give it to. I love the Princess and the Pea set -- it includes the princess, her mattresses, a blanket and a pea pod with felted "peas." Another favorite is Finger Foods - each piece of fruit is also a finger puppet (there's a indentation knit into the underside so it can be placed on a finger). There's an adorable baby bear knit with Kureyon sock yarn (but any fingering weight yarn will work too). The hippo would be great with some pink Koigu I have. There's really nothing in here that I don't love!
September 28, 2023
I keep coming back to this. I've made several of the projects, some more than once. It's always a learning experience for me and I recommend it to anyone who has littles to make plush toys for...
I have great-grands that just keep on coming so I just keep on knitting for them. Nobody has complained yet.
I'm finished with it for this season, but will likely return to it in the new year for new babies who have arrived in the past year or so.
It looks like I haven't listed previous times I've used this book, but I've pulled it out at least three times before now. I'll be more careful to list when I've used it in the futur
I have great-grands that just keep on coming so I just keep on knitting for them. Nobody has complained yet.
I'm finished with it for this season, but will likely return to it in the new year for new babies who have arrived in the past year or so.
It looks like I haven't listed previous times I've used this book, but I've pulled it out at least three times before now. I'll be more careful to list when I've used it in the futur
December 26, 2009
I bought this book because I loved her first two and the reversible toys look like so much fun. I knit the egg to bird pattern the day after I bought it and the toy was promptly claimed by my oldest daugther. Anderson's patterns are well written with just enough whimsy to keep you interested but not so much as to seem daunting. Take it one row at a time and you'll have the double pleasure of an intriguing knit and fun toy!
December 2, 2009
I like this book because the toys are to be knit in the fewest number of pieces, with the least amount of finishing work. I also like that it is spiral bound, so it stays open while you are working on a project. Anderson also has easy to follow instructions at the front of the book for the different skills needed to complete the projects.
June 9, 2011
Beautiful book, beautiful projects in a nice variety of difficulty levels. Definitely want to check this book out again once I'm done with the marathon of knitting a blanket. I can't imagine how quickly I'll be able to knit up a ball or a block!
August 3, 2016
Really enjoyed this book. My sister and I collect Matroyshka dolls and there is a pattern in here to make a set of them. Turned out very cute and was very easy to follow the pattern. Lots of other ideas in this book also!
May 27, 2012
These toys are clever and adorable! What child or even an adult could resist any hand-knitted toy?
Susan's creativity is boundless. She's a sweetheart in person and just loves what she does as a designer.
This book is perfect for any knitter.
Susan's creativity is boundless. She's a sweetheart in person and just loves what she does as a designer.
This book is perfect for any knitter.
January 23, 2020
Her books are always my favorite knitting patterns!
June 2, 2010
Cute! Lots of animals and dolls.
February 2, 2010
Signed up for class to make the egg that turns in a bird at the yarnery. Its so cute and perfect timing for Emma's Easter basket. Can't wait!
August 13, 2016
This book contains some adorable toys.
March 1, 2010
Adorable patterns! I want to make almost every one.
May 3, 2010
Wonderful patterns and some are tedious to make - but worthwhile!
May 21, 2010
The toys in this book are irresistible! Clearly written patterns, clever construction, and lovable creatures.
September 3, 2010
There are some darling projects in this book - I especially love the flip toys - the sisters are my favorites. Maybe I'll get better on those dpns now!
August 4, 2010
Cute, cute toys! I can't wait to make some.
January 2, 2016
It's a pretty good book, but I discovered I'm not crazy about knitting fiddly little toys.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews