dogs | Mr X Stitch

Introduction Having previously written books showing us how to master monsters (Edward's Crochet Imaginarium) and how to create characters in Edwards Crochet Doll Emporium, Kerry Lord now turns her attention to our other loves....Dogs, in Edwards Menagerie: Dogs, published by Pavilion Books. With 50 patterns, the only question is...which dog breeds has she left out? Who is it for? Those of us with an interest in crochet. Although the patterns are so cute that those of us who cant will be seriously tempted to learn this skill just to make our favourite pet! Content Lord begins her introduction with this endearing statements, admitting that this book 'is the result of two years' worth of stopping strangers in the park with 'Excuse me, your dog is beautiful, what is it?' then running away'...…. Oh come on, we've all done it! But maybe not for this worthwhile reason! Lets take a look at the contents.... We like how simple the layout is. The patterns are not mixed up, they are all separated under headings, so some for the beginner and some for those will a bit more experience. All organised, there is even a page dedicated to sizing and another for yarn choices. What is your size choice? What makes it special? We love how each dog pattern has a name! We all want a dog called Constance! Just look at that face. She creates real character with very little facial detail....so there is hope for us to do the same. To give you some inside info, look at this list of dog breeds: Afghan Hound, Bedlington Terrier, Cocker Spaniel, Husky, Basset Hound, German Shepherd, Scottie Dog, Weimaraner, Labrador, Poodle, Westie, Red Setter, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pug, Dachshund, Dalmatian, Collie, Springer Spaniel, Schnauzer, Chinese Crested, Old English Sheepdog, Shih Tzu, Boxer, Chihuahua, French Bulldog, Chow Chow, English Bull Terrier, English Bulldog, Puli, Whippet, Dogue de Bordeaux, Samoyed, Wolfhound, Pekingese, Border Terrier, Shar Pei, Lakeland Terrier, Corgi, American Water Spaniel, Mudi, Rottweiler, Beagle, Mastiff and Newfoundland...…the list goes on! So we are bound to have a weakness for at least one of this lot! Photography Often the 'real deal' is pictured with its fabricated version. Look at that likeness! We also love how the book is made, with a spiral spine. This makes it ideal for this technique, as we can easily keep the page open. There is even a page dedicated to tails....who could resist?! What is wrong with the book? If dogs are not your thing, then you are going to struggle. Coupled with this, if you can't crochet, then this will have less appeal. However it will make you want to have a go if you have any soft spot for our canine friends. Conclusion With step-by-step instructions for all the techniques needed, this is a perfect gift to give to a crochet fan or more likely, to keep for ourselves! Edwards Menagerie: Dogs, written by Kerry Lord and published by Pavilion Books is available to purchase right here!