June 12
Val Pierce has combined her crochet and knit books in the twenty to make series. This time it is a hardbound book of Little Bears to Knit & Crochet. There are 20 knit bear patterns and 20 crochet bear patterns included in the book. Two basic bear patterns, one for knit (simple garter stitch) and one for crochet (single crochet stitch). Adorable outfits and accessories from hats to shoes are yours to make. Teddy bears are an all time favorite stuffed toy dating back to 1902. Then president Theodore Roosevelt was intervening in a border dispute between Louisiana and Mississippi and came upon a wounded baby bear that he euthanized. A cartoon was printed and thus began the popularity of the teddy bear. These cuddly bears are 8 inches in height standing when knit and 4 inches high worked in crochet and in a seated position. The photographs are large, clear and detailed. Pippa Dolly couldn't be cuter in mauve dress an shoes. Her dolly has hair and an outfit to match. Lilac ribbons dress up bear and dolly, ready for a party. Billy Bridegroom stands ready for the alter. A grey vest with pearl buttons and a boutinere complete his outfit as he waits to marry Grace Bride. She has a viel, flowers and a pearl necklace to accent her sparkling white gown. Dancing Bear has a top hat and cane and is ready to put on a show. Then there is Sunshine Susie, a honey bear with her own honey pot and bees. You need to see the entire menagerie of bears to see how cute each and every bear is. Once you begin making bears, you won't be able to stop. Below is a wonderful way to spread the bears around. These bears are perfect for presents, fun or charity crocheting. Hospitals, fire departments, womens shelters, ambulances all deal with children who are in crisis, what better way to calm the nerves and provide comfort. There are area networks that crochet and knit for charity as well as accept the finished results. So crochet and knit bears for yourself and friends and those in need of consolation.
* www.examiner.com/knitting-in-hartford *
July 12
Knitters and crocheters can unite and share with Little Bears to Knit & Crochet. Once you've knitted or crocheted your bear, there are 20 outfits to knit and 20 outfits to crochet. Together they make a cute community - boys, girls and babies, dressed for the beach, the garden, a costume party and the sports field. There are Christmas bears, too.
* Simply Knitting *
Nov 12
If you're a fan of teddies put this book at the top of your shopping list. It's filled with 40 patterns for small bears - all with big personalities! You'll learn how to knit and crochet two basic bears and knit and crochet 40 different outfits. There's a dolly bear, ballerina bear, bikini bear and knitting bear for girls, plus a groom bear, hiking bear, footballing bear and dancing bear for boys. There's nothing to stop more experienced knitters and crocheters creating their own outfits for a personalised look.
* Knit Today *