FO & Book Review / Giveaway: Faux Taxidermy Knits

I never understood why it is considered lucky to have a rabbit's foot - I mean, it didn't turn out to be a very good omen for the now-dead rabbit, did it? Never-the-less, when I spotted this fun project I had to make one (it was a perfect "FO fix" alongside bigger projects). You see, it reminds me of my childhood - one of my family members did indeed have a real dead rabbit's foot hanging from their keys, which was the cause of as much fascination as revulsion to me then... and now. Yes, I'm much happier with a knitted version - in fact a passing ladybird also loved it!
The foot is a slightly modified* version of one of the 'beginner' patterns in a brand new book by Louise Walker called "Faux Taxidermy Knits" which I was kindly sent by the publisher as part of a book lunch blog hop.

The book: I'll be honest, when I first heard it, the title made me a little dubious about what might be inside - I don't like glass cases full of dead things - but when I spotted Louise's name (which I knew from her blog and animal heads) I suspected it would be fun rather than sinister - thankfully this was correct.

There are fifteen different knitting patterns included in this quirky collection, which covers 'wearables' and various fun accessories for the home. Projects range from the quick and easy rabbit's foot above, to a more advanced Tiger rug which would be perfect for any little adventurer's bedroom! I am especially fond of the Raccoon Hat (beginner), Owl Cosy (intermediate) and Mole Doorstop (beginner) which would make super gifts.


Louise's patterns are very clearly written and easy to follow and her love of animals shines through in the way they are represented - they are all so cute. It's a really nice book and I think there is something for everyone, whether you're an expert knitter looking for something different, or a novice knitter wanting to try something new. It gets a big thumbs up from me, and I'm looking forward to seeing what Louise comes up with next. She is exhibiting at the Knitting & Stitching Show, so hopefully I'll get to catch up with her there in a few weeks time - watch this space!

The giveaway: One lucky reader can get their hands on a copy of the book for free, simply by leaving a comment below, together with your email address or Ravelry user name (so I can get hold of you if you win). A winner will be randomly selected on Saturday 20th September. Entry is open to all readers worldwide. Good luck!

The links: You can find this and other knitting books from the same publisher here, and also on Amazon. Louise Walker has a fabulous blog (with more patterns, many of which are free), a facebook page, and can also be found on TwitterAt the time of writing, the designs are not yet on Ravelry, but you can find the book listed here
-----
*You can find my modified way of attaching the foot to the key fob on my Ravelry project notes

32 comments

  1. Oh, I love that owl tea-cosy! Mooneybeams on Ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mole doorstep gets a thumbs up from me. Loop60 on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is just too weird. I am weird, therefore I need this. Thanks for the giveaway!

    (Shellbot on Ravelry)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Amazing! Charcharjj

    ReplyDelete
  5. Fabulous designs! I, too, love the owl cosy!

    Penny
    x

    ReplyDelete
  6. oooo I really can't wait to get my hands on a copy of this book, so quirky! winning one would be pretty sweet though :) [email protected] - jenny xxx

    ReplyDelete
  7. I would love to win this book. All the projects look so fun and cute!!!
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  8. Haha! This book looks amazing! I'm JohnsPrincess on Ravelry and my email is [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for sharing! The mole doorstop is fantastic! I'm jenniesanto on Rav. Thanks for the giveaway. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. The mole doorstop is great annahop on raverly

    ReplyDelete
  11. Bringing back memories of my French exchange, whose father was a keen taxidermist. Didn't sleep much that week because of all the eyes looking at me. Zeah on ravelry.

    ReplyDelete
  12. This book looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for the giveaway! musmp10 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  13. What a fun book! I'd love to win! :)
    heatheranne99 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. That mole door stop is super cute! Cristaltips on Rav

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love the fox scarf, and I'd love to win the book!
    Rav id: Lalaroo

    ReplyDelete
  16. It certainly is an original! love the quirky things to knit - thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. That owl tea cosy certainly does it for me! The book looks fantastic and I will keep my fingers crossed that I win it.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I really love the owl tea cosy. Please include me in your lovely giveaway. Small projects like these would help me through a long winter. Blessings.
    [email protected]

    ReplyDelete
  19. mole doorstop is my fav too :) thanks for the chance to win the book!
    ItWasJudith on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  20. These look like lots of fun. A raccoon hathas been on my to-do list for years, and this inspires me to get it done. I collect owls, so the cosy is calling to me. Thank you for the giveaway.
    craft4u on ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love the Mole doorstop and the Owl tea cosy. Thanks for the chance.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Reading the title of the book I felt the projects might not be my cup of tea, but they actually look really fun! I love the owl tea cosy and the mole doorstop, such clever ideas!

    Lottieknits on Ravelry

    ReplyDelete
  23. Lovely ideas! (tulugaq on Ravelry)

    ReplyDelete
  24. That sounds like a cool book. Love the owl tea cozy.
    Rav ID. BooSulley

    ReplyDelete
  25. This should be an amazing book for some creative projects!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Love the book! Can't wait to get started on some of these cute projects.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wonderful book! missnatalielara @ hotmail.co.uk
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  28. I especially like the faux raccoon hat. And I bet raccoons like this kind better, too.

    ReplyDelete

The blog is on an extended break (you can read about it in the latest post) - due to the high volume of spam, commenting will be closed for all posts at the end of 2017. Thank you!

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

The free patterns and tutorials on this site are provided for unlimited personal use. You may print a copy of a pattern or keep a digital copy for personal use only. Please feel free to share links to the relevant posts but do not reproduce or sell any of these patterns (either digitally or in print). If you would like to use any of my images, please get in touch!

Yarn sellers: Please do not print patterns/tutorials to distribute with yarn sales, as this is an infringement of copyright.




Latest Instagrams

© Crafts from the Cwtch. Design by Fearne.