I'm just learning to knit now -- recomend any knit toys books?

[GoodUserNamesTaken]

Hello!

My best friend just left from a visit from the States, and she taught me the basic knitting skills (cast on, cast off, knit, and purl). I'm enjoying, and I want to learn more! But I have to teach myself now..

So, I'm looking for recommendations for two things..

1) Does anyone know of a GOOD how-to book on knitting for beginners, if they don't have someone around to show them how to do it?

2) I really want to learn to knit toys. Any books good for newbies to knitting, for making toys or toy-like projects?

Thanks!

Rachel

[KnitterMama]

Rather than buy books, I'd recommend getting some of the free patterns online (there are thousands and thousands of knit patterns online). I learned a lot of different knitting techniques through knitting toys (also eventually learned to crochet this way). A good flat pattern, where you will definitely also learn to seam (sew things together):

http://www.xtreme-knitting.com/blog/...dinosaurs.html

For techniques you would like to learn, check-out http://www.knittinghelp.com .
I find that the best way to learn more about knitting is to do it as you go ... find patterns you like, and learn various things from them.

Also, here is a page with lots of free toy patterns :

http://knittingpatterncentral.com/directory/toys.php

[kennedy444]

Subbing in for ideas.
I've been a knitted gnome kick and would like to expand my horizons....
Thanks

[rootzdawta]

There's a book I checked out of the library called Knit a Square Make a Toy: http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Square-Ma.../dp/1564262561. Very simple toys to make but great looking.

[kimberlychapman]

I've got free patterns here, most of which are toys:

http://kimberlychapman.com/crafts/knit-patterns.html

Some are more complicated than others. The caterpillar is fairly easy, although it does involve some increases and decreases:

http://kimberlychapman.com/crafts/kn...terpillar.html

[julielenore]

Originally Posted by rootzdawta

There's a book I checked out of the library called Knit a Square Make a Toy: http://www.amazon.com/Knit-Square-Ma.../dp/1564262561. Very simple toys to make but great looking.

I have that book, great for beginners. I don't use it much though as I hate sewing and finishing and prefer to knit things in the round or in one piece now that I am more experienced.

[GoodUserNamesTaken]

Cool! Thanks everyone! This is all great info..

(now I spent way more time than I should have today looking online for kniting stuff... too much fun...)