Mini Knitted Woodland and Safari Book Reviews

Disclosure: I was sent these books to review free of charge from Search Press. All opinions in this post are my own. I did not receive any other compensation for this review. I am including links to each item for your convenience but do not receive anything if you purchase them.

Today I am reviewing two fun knitting books. Both books make miniature animals and accessories, one is safari animals and the other is woodland animals. Both are written by Sachiyo Ishii. 

We will start with Mini Knitted Safari. I mentioned my knitted hippo back in April when I began it, but then the end of the school year stuff got in the way. I finally finished it, and it really should not have taken more than a day if I knitted consistently and was not so tired and distracted. Once I picked it up again I finished it right up.

I had a little trouble with the sewing up process but Hazel is not a perfectionist with my creations so she loves it. I probably should have read more closely the instructions on the sewing up process. I found the instructions clear and easy to follow. This was marked as a beginner and since I am not an expert knitter and only do it once in awhile for fun I figured I was still a beginner. I am happy with my little hippo. I decided to make him grey instead of the pinkish brown suggested in the book. 

I'm not sure what happened with his legs, but am guessing I should have put some stuffing in them. I will for the next one which will be the elephant. 

This book also has instructions for a safari mat, a camper van, an off-road vehicle as well as the many animals including penguins, koalas and pandas. It is very fun and Hazel wants me to make her even more. They are the perfect size for her zoo mat that I made a few years ago. 

The next book is Mini Knitted Woodland, which was released in March. This book has adorable animals from porcupines, owls, bears and more. The first animal I made was the porcupine/hedgehog. Unfortunately someone took it to play with before I got a picture and now we cannot find it. It was extremely easy and quick to make. Next I made the beaver. Again my sewing up process was not great, but Hazel still loves him.

I did not get the shape of his head quite right. I will try again some time.

I love his tail however. He again was very easy to make. He took one night. The instructions were very clear as well. These little animals use scraps of yarn or small amounts at least so you can make many. I actually was able to buy Lion's Brand Bonbons on clearance at my local Michaels which work perfectly for these projects.  I am currently working on a toadstool house which of course in our house will be a fairy house. I'm using a sparkly red yarn for the cap to show it as a fairy house. Hazel is so excited for it.

This book includes many woodland animals, mushrooms, trees, tree stumps, and a gnome as well as a forest floor mat. I am thinking I will knit up some more animals and use them for her Wild Kratts party. Maybe I can find a pattern to knit a little Chris and Martin Kratt too. 

I noticed Sachiyo Ishii has a new Mini Knitted Toys book due out in February 2016. I can't wait to see what she does this time. These are such fun books and so easy to follow. If you knit or want to learn, check out these books for simple and quick projects.