Robyn Octopus & Friends: 17 loveable animals to knit using chunky yarn

by Claire Gelder

Overview

Use chunky yarn to knit 17 oversized toys—and their adorable minis!—with this knitting book for all skill levels.

Anyone who has mastered the basics of knitting can follow these knitting patterns to create—and fall in love with—17 adorable knitted toys and dolls! In this knitting book for beginners and improvers, you’ll find:

• 14 full-size animals to knit (about 28 in.), including a puffin, orangutan, turtle, and unicorn
• 3 adorable minis to knit (about 12-16 in.)
• Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions
• Tips on tools, materials, and knitting techniques

Snuggle up with Robyn Octopus and his friends! Their soft, chunky yarn makes them great reading or TV companions and will appeal to all ages.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781782218692
Publisher:	Search Press
Publication date:	09/22/2020
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Claire Gelder loves all things hand-made, hand-woven and hand-crafted. She has been crafting for relaxation and fun for over twenty years.

In 2015, Claire left her career as an NHS Director to launch her new business, Wool Couture, which specializes in knitting, crocheting, weaving and macrame. She quickly got her DIY craft kits on the shelves of retail giant John Lewis and, in 2017, secured two Dragons Den investors to help her pass on her passion of crafting to the next generation. Adding a modern twist to age-old pastimes knitting and crochet, Claire uses giant, chunky yarn and oversized knitting needles made in her own factory.

As well as a successful entrepreneur, Claire is also a firm believer in the therapeutic side of craft, particularly its benefits to mental health and well-being.

Claire lives in Wakefield, UK.

Editorial Reviews

Handmade by Deb - Feb 2021

Now you can knit a range of oversized animals made with soft chunky yarn! Meet Robyn Octopus & Friends: 17 loveable animals to knit using chunky yarn by Claire Gelder. Choose from knitting patterns rated easy, intermediate or advanced. Need to refresh your knitting skills? All of the techniques used in this book are shown step at a time, photo and text. This includes basic knitting stitches, how to assemble toys, sewing, stuffing and adding features. Every pattern comes complete with level of difficulty, size, tools & materials list, tension required, special stitches used (and the page number that shows how to do it), pattern note and plenty of up-close photos. All of the large animals are made with knitting needles measuring 7mm (UK 2, US 10 1/2) in diameter. Throughout the book Wool Couture's yarn is used - Cheeky Chunky for the large animals and Beau Baby for the mini versions. Use it or your choice of yarn - just make sure the weights and meterage are similar. All animals require stuffing. A standard carded polyester designed specifically for toys is used. Recycling is also an option. The 14 large animals measure about 70 cm (27 1/2 in) and the 3 babies 30 cm (12 in). These delightful animals are brought to life with generously stuffed bodies, floppy arms and legs, hand stitched eyes and noses, bushy pompom tails and much more. They are sure to be cherished!


Booklist 2020
The 17 stuffed animals here are made to be cuddled. Most are between 20 and 30 inches tall, but will work up quickly since the patterns are designed for chunky yarn. The titular Robyn Octopus also comes in a mini version, as do Mabel Bunny and Chloe Cat. The rest are just big fun. There are some unique creatures, like a highland cow, a seahorse, and a schnauzer with terrific eyebrows. The nicely illustrated section on techniques includes clear photographs of basics as well as instructions for shaping, assembly, appliqué, and more. Most of the animals have garter stitch bodies; there is also a turtle with a detachable hexagonal shell and a Fair Isle snake (with detailed instructions for each). Patterns are labelled according to difficulty level; most are intermediate, but a patient beginner should be able to keep up with the instructions. Gelder, of yarn company Wool Couture, is based in the UK, but there are conversions to US standards. This sweet, slim book will appeal to knitters of all levels. — Susan Maguire

From the Publisher