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 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 Twitter. At the time of writing, the designs are not yet on Ravelry, but you can find the book listed here.
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*You can find my modified way of attaching the foot to the key fob on my Ravelry project notes.
Oh, I love that owl tea-cosy! Mooneybeams on Ravelry.
ReplyDeleteMole doorstep gets a thumbs up from me. Loop60 on Ravelry
ReplyDeleteThis is just too weird. I am weird, therefore I need this. Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDelete(Shellbot on Ravelry)
Amazing! Charcharjj
ReplyDeleteFabulous designs! I, too, love the owl cosy!
ReplyDeletePenny
x
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
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book. All the projects look so fun and cute!!!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Haha! This book looks amazing! I'm JohnsPrincess on Ravelry and my email is [email protected]
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing! The mole doorstop is fantastic! I'm jenniesanto on Rav. Thanks for the giveaway. :)
ReplyDeleteThe mole doorstop is great annahop on raverly
ReplyDeleteBringing 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.
ReplyDeleteThis book looks like a lot of fun. Thanks for the giveaway! musmp10 at yahoo dot com
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun book! I'd love to win! :)
ReplyDeleteheatheranne99 at gmail dot com
That mole door stop is super cute! Cristaltips on Rav
ReplyDeleteI love the fox scarf, and I'd love to win the book!
ReplyDeleteRav id: Lalaroo
It certainly is an original! love the quirky things to knit - thanks for the opportunity to enter the giveaway :)
ReplyDeleteThat owl tea cosy certainly does it for me! The book looks fantastic and I will keep my fingers crossed that I win it.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDelete[email protected]
mole doorstop is my fav too :) thanks for the chance to win the book!
ReplyDeleteItWasJudith on ravelry
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.
ReplyDeletecraft4u on ravelry
Love the Mole doorstop and the Owl tea cosy. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteid love this to give as a gift. [email protected]
ReplyDeleteReading 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!
ReplyDeleteLottieknits on Ravelry
The owl cosy is too amazing for words! [email protected]
ReplyDeleteLovely ideas! (tulugaq on Ravelry)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a cool book. Love the owl tea cozy.
ReplyDeleteRav ID. BooSulley
This should be an amazing book for some creative projects!
ReplyDeleteLove the book! Can't wait to get started on some of these cute projects.
ReplyDeleteOh what a lovely book!
ReplyDelete[email protected]
Adorable!! [email protected] dreareneeknits
ReplyDeleteWonderful book! missnatalielara @ hotmail.co.uk
ReplyDeletexxx
I especially like the faux raccoon hat. And I bet raccoons like this kind better, too.
ReplyDelete