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In Crochet Animal Rugs by Ira Rott, the focus is on cute. Seven animal themes vie for your attention in this collection of home dec patterns for kids.
About the Designs
Jeffery the Elephant, Rusty the Giraffe, Sassy the Kitty Cat, Rock ‘n’ Roll Panda, Chip the Monkey, Cranky the Crab, and Tops the Dinosaur are all here. There’s a rug for each animal (of course), but the book title is misleading because there’s a lot more than just rugs here.
There are matching items to go with each rug, so you can complete your chosen décor with a pillow, toy bag, security blanket, or other item.
The crocheting itself just basic stitches worked in simple shapes. It’s the way these pieces are combined that makes each design unique. Skill levels are given for each project, so you can choose an easier one if you are a novice, or choose a more complex one if you are adventurous. Lefties will find specific instructions on how to adapt the patterns for left-handed crochet.
All the projects are made using worsted weight yarn, although some projects require holding multiple strands of yarn together. Although specific yarns and color names are not called for in each pattern, the list of supplies at the back of the book credits Bernat Super Value Yarn and Red Heart Super Saver. These and other readily available plain, washable, worsted-weight yarns are just what you need. You probably even have some leftovers that you can use for bits and pieces of eyes, ears, and so on.
Crochet Animal Rugs Has Charts!
With clothes, we want pockets. With crochet, we want charts. Along with text instructions, the book has stitch charts every time you need one, and often even when you don’t!
Attention to Detail
It can be intimidating to ponder all the finishing that has to be done on projects like these, but where Ira really shines is in her absolute attention to detail, especially with finishing instructions. I can’t say enough good things about the up-close, in-progress photos that show each assembly step. They have arrows that show the direction of the work, and labels where necessary to make things crystal-clear.
Behind-the-Scenes Knowledge
Now it’s time for a bit of a confession: Although I didn’t work on this book, I have worked as a tech editor on some of Ira’s other patterns. I have been floored at the clarity of her pattern writing and graphic design skills. I wish all crochet designers (myself included) could produce such great patterns. Ira uses testers as well as technical editors for her patterns, and takes the testers’ feedback into consideration before publishing a pattern. You are in great hands with Ira’s Crochet Animal Rugs
Giveaway
The Giveaway has ended. Congratulations to winner Karen C!
About Ira
Ira Rott is a knit and crochet designer living in Canada. Looking for other cute designs from Ira? You can find her at IraRott.com and find finished items from the book on Instagram #CrochetAnimalRugs.
