Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Giveaway: Geek Knits

by

geek knits giveaway

Congratulations to Connie K!

I have a feeling there’s a bit of geek in all of us. Maybe not the traditional, sci-fi reading, D&D playing, “Star Wars” quoting geek, but the sort of a geek who is really passionate about something that other people outside of that world don’t understand. Maybe you’re a knitting geek like me, or maybe your passion runs to other pursuits.

Either way, geekery should be celebrated, and a variety of different kinds of geek are translated into knits in the super fun book Geek Knits by Joan of Dark.

Show off your love of Doctor Who, Star Trek, Game of Thrones, Sherlock, role playing, comic books, chess and more with these Geek Knits , 30 patterns, which do lean heavily of science fiction and fantasy but are still a lot of fun even if you’re not a huge fan of those genres.

What makes this book even more fun is the models, luminaries of geek from a range of sources. See George R.R. Martin with a knit dire wolf, or Neil Gaiman modeling a Holmes-style deerstalker. Teryl Rothery models Cthulhu fingerless gloves, and Adam Savage tries to trap a knit dragon (as well as modeling a lovely sweater covered with muggle artifacts inspired by Arthur Weasley’s love of muggle technology).

There’s even a knit Bunnicula, which was almost enough to make me want to keep this book for myself.

But I’m giving away my copy to one lucky geek, so if you want a chance to snag this one leave a comment here before the end of the day Sunday, September 13. Why don’t you let me know what kind of geek you are?

Thanks for visiting, commenting and sharing and good luck!

Comments

  4. I’m a geek of all trades, from Star Wars to Star Trek, from Lost to Revolution, from MST3K to Riff Trax, from Ham Radios to Computers, from The Walking Dead to Dawn of the Dead, from Robot Chicken to The Big Bang Theory, from DC Comics to Marvel, from Dr. Demento to Weird Al, from Stan Lee to Frank Miller and from Crochet to Sewing.

  6. Sometimes these theme books have lovely hidden gems. I made a beautiful lace shrug from a twilight themed book. (not a fan of that silliness, but lovely pattern)

  7. I’m a big fan of both Star Wars and Harry Potter so I guess that makes me a geek! I have even knitted Star Wars cushions for my son.

  11. It’d be easier to say what kind of geek im not at this point lol
    So many fandom’s so little time I would love this its actually on my books to get list

  12. This looks like my type of book. I LOVE science fiction. I have been a Star Trek fan since the original series. Love Star Wars. Love cute alien figures. This book sounds fabulous.

  14. Oh this book is perfect!! My husband is a huge Star Trek fan! I’m more of a Stargate fan but we both watch a lot of sci-fi together!

  22. What am I NOT a geek about, that’s more the question. 😉

    What a fun book, thank you for the chance to win a copy!

  24. Huge Harry Potter geek here…but I also love Dr. Who, Star Wars, Star Trek, Marvel, LOTR/Hobbit, etc.

  27. I’m a geek of many colors, which shift over time. At the moment I’m into scifi, paranormal, and post-apocalyptic stories.

Have you read?

Book Review: Knitted Safari Friends – 20 Adorable Animals to Make

If you have a weakness for knitted animals wearing tiny clothes, Knitted Safari Friends by Sarah Keen is going to be very difficult to resist.

This colourful collection includes 20 safari and savannah animals to knit, including a lion, tiger, elephant, flamingo, hippo, crocodile, rhinoceros, zebra and giraffe.

And yes, many of them have their own little outfits.

The lion in purple overalls is probably enough to sell me on the whole book.

Cute Animals With Plenty of Personality

What I like about this collection is that the animals are clearly designed as characters rather than realistic wildlife models.

They are bright, friendly and a little quirky, which makes them particularly appealing as handmade gifts for children or animal-loving adults.

Looking at the sample pages, the hippo and flamingo patterns have a cheerful illustrated layout, with the finished animals shown in little safari scenes alongside the practical pattern information.

There is also plenty of variety in the shapes, which means you aren’t simply knitting the same basic body 20 times and changing the ears.

If knitted animals with interchangeable clothes are already your thing, have a look at our Knitted Wild Animal Friends book review. That collection includes elephants, giraffes, lions, tigers, zebras and other animals with an entire wardrobe of tiny knitted clothing.

Is Knitted Safari Friends Beginner Friendly?

The publisher describes the patterns as easy to follow, and the book includes a techniques section, abbreviations and knitting conversions to help you through the projects.

I would still put this more in the confident beginner to intermediate category rather than recommending it as someone’s very first knitting project.

Toy knitting usually involves shaping, joining pieces, stuffing and finishing neatly, and that finishing stage can sometimes take almost as long as the knitting itself.

Ask anyone who has ever had a finished knitted animal sitting in pieces on the craft table for three weeks waiting for its legs to be sewn on.

For knitters who are still learning the basics of toy making, our Knitted Amigurumi Animal Friends review is another useful option, with smaller animals and simple clothing pieces.

A Great Gift Knitting Book

These would make lovely handmade gifts for children, particularly if you matched the animal to their favourite safari creature.

You could also knit several of them together as a nursery display or create your own little safari collection.

The clothes and accessories add another level of fun, too. Once you’ve knitted an elephant, there is something wonderfully satisfying about then deciding what that elephant ought to wear.

Apparently this is where my crafting priorities are now.

My Take

I think Knitted Safari Friends is one of those books that you buy intending to make one project and then immediately start planning an entire knitted zoo.

The bright colours, cute facial expressions and tiny outfits give the animals loads of personality, while the variety of creatures should keep the knitting interesting.

Sarah Keen has been designing knitted toys for years, and that experience shows in the way these animals have been turned into characters rather than simply miniature versions of real wildlife.

If you enjoy toy knitting, handmade gifts or anything involving animals in overalls, this one is definitely worth a look.

Knitted Safari Friends: 20 Adorable Animals to Make is written by Sarah Keen and published by GMC Publications. It was released on April 21, 2026, with a listed RRP of $26.99.