Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Book Review – Knit To Amaze

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I recently had the opportunity to flip through the pages of “Knit to Amaze: A Visual Guide to Knitting Amazing Fingerless Mittens, Knee Warmers, Kitchen Cloths & Coasters” and was impressed with what I saw. The author presents a comprehensive guide on how to knit beautiful fingerless mittens, knee warmers, kitchen cloths, and coasters. The guide is aimed at advanced knitters who have a basic understanding of knitting techniques like knit, purl, cast on, and cast off.

One of the things that stood out to me was the clear and sharp images that accompany each step of the process. The author has knitted each piece and taken detailed photographs, making it easy to follow along and replicate the patterns. The guide also includes a list of supplies you will need and a glossary of knitting terms used in the book.

I appreciate that the author takes the reader to an advanced level of knitting, teaching them steps like how to cast on stitches in the middle of a row, making it a valuable resource for experienced knitters looking to improve their skills. Additionally, the author mentions that the finished products could be great as gifts or even sold on online platforms like Etsy, eBay, or Amazon, which is a great idea for knitters who want to turn their hobby into a source of income.

Overall, I believe that “Knit to Amaze” would be a valuable addition to any knitter’s library. The guide is well-written, the patterns are easy to follow, and the final results are beautiful, stylish and comfortable, a perfect combination for knits. The bonus of having a digital version of the book when purchasing the paperback version is also an added advantage.

Have you read?

Totoro Knitting Patterns

We’re a big Studio Ghibli household, and while they are sometimes very protective of their copyrights (as evidenced by the number of patterns on Ravelry that were removed from the service when it received a takedown notice back in 2021), there are still a fair number of Totoro knitting patterns (as well as other designs I’m sure we’ll get to someday). Let’s check them out!

Yaya Labs has a cute plush Totoro that looks like it might stand up on its own. The pattern is available on LoveCrafts, and it calls for DK or light worsted weight yarn in four colors. The pattern is considered advanced but it does include a photo tutorial. It stands 10.6 inches or 27 cm tall.

A similar pattern can be found a Shino Craft, which doesn’t have the leaf hat but does include little hands, and the legs aren’t as separate from the body. This one calls for sport weight yarn and is knit flat on two needles. 

All Made Here has a Totoro pouch that is super cute and looks pretty easy to knit. It measures 14 by 18 cm and is rated for advanced beginners. You can get the pattern when you subscribe to updates or follow the designer on Instagram. 

Stitch Totoro on a sweater with the Totorogenseren sweater from Anna-Sofia Vintersol. This free download on Ravelry uses worsted/aran weight yarn in two or three colors. The pattern comes in nine sizes, with a chest measurement ranging from 77 to 149 cm. 

The Forest Spirit Fair Isle Jumper from Kraft with Kindrex features a row of Totoros on the circular yoke, along with other little colorwork designs. The design includes three sizes, with chest measurements ranging from 91 to 101 cm. It calls for 4 ply (that’s fingering/sock weight in other parts of the world). 

Or you can stitch Totoro as part of a project with more Ghibli characters, as on the Magical Anime Knit Sweater (a longtime bucket list item for me) from The Bearded Sewist. This on has a circular yoke and rows of different characters including Totoro, Ponyo, soot sprites, Calcifer and more. The pattern comes in four sizes and is rated intermediate/advanced. It calls for DK weight yarn and you can grab a copy on Ravelry. 

Or try Katharina Kuntz’s Anime Scarf, also on Ravelry. This one is a double knit scarf worked in fingering weight yarn in two colors, with allover designs from Studio Ghibli movies. She started by knitting the movies in chronological order but gave that up after she realized all her favorites would be in the middle and therefore not visible when worn. You can probably rearrange the motifs further somewhat if you want to showcase your favorites.