If you’ve been following me for a long time, you’ll know that I started off my crochet career beginning with Amigurumi! Although I strayed away for a few years, I am back at it with full force. HOWEVER, my dear friend Lauren from A Menagerie Of Stitches has been staying determined and consistent and it’s truly awe inspiring. Her work definitely shows and I have even written up a review on her first book which can be found here!
Anyways, Lauren has come out with ANOTHER book and just by first glances, I am floored (I’ll get more into this down below!) but if you’ve been following her Instagram, you know exactly what kind of amigurumi you’ll be getting through her new book. The title of her newest book is called Crochet Cafe!
With my work, my pieces are moderate sized. With Lauren’s work, she focuses a lot on the mini amigurumi and that is a difficult skill within itself as a designer and a I admire her brain to be able to come up with these shapes. They may look quick to make but I can guarantee you its a lot of effort to design on this scale from the back end! But this is great for you, the consumer, as well! All the patterns that Lauren offers are super beginner friendly and so quick to work up – the satisfaction of being able to create a bunch of different dolls is an addicting feeling and that’s coming from first hand experience.
Anyways, let’s talk about the book itself! That’s why you’re here, right?
To begin, I absolutely adore the cover – showing off a number of the patterns included is a great way to lure someone in and I am a sucker for the dark aesthetic used!
When opening up the book, you are immediately greeted with a Table of Context that gives you an oversight of all the dolls you can make! And no doubt, Lauren has done a great job with following the theme of a crochet cafe. You can find all sorts of foods depending on the meal you’re in the mood for – Breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and even snacks! Food is a universal love so no doubt you’ll be able to find something here for you.
Even if you are new to this genre of crochet there is a comprehensive list of materials that you’ll need as well as abbreviations that re used throughout the book AS WELL AS full photo tutorials on each stitch needed. Talk about a labor of love.
Throughout the entirety of the book, the product photos and step by step photos are so bright, clean, and easy to follow. It’s some real eye candy to enjoy! The visual representation does not falter anywhere and you won’t be left wondering where you may have gone wrong.
As you can see, I even made my own fortune cookie! It took me less than 30 minutes to finish which is so quick. I love so many of the options here and I think when I revisit this, I’ll be making the burrito next.
However, we do need to talk about the bad.. Here is my full list of complaints I have found throughout the book:
- none
I don’t want to sound bias just because we’re friends but this is my honest review. As an amigurumi artist, I understand how difficult this must have been and Lauren has surpassed everything you would expect from an amigurumi pattern book.
Verdict
Overall, this book is fantastic for anyone that is interested in diving into the world of amigurumi or for those that already enjoy it to begin with. The patterns listed in this beautiful book and unique, simple, and diverse. It really does feel like a modern crochet book and I think for other amigurumi books to come out, this one sets the bar moving forward.
Grab Your own copy of this fun book on her website HERE!
And to find it on amazon, head HERE!
Be sure to check out A Menagerie Of Stitches Website and Instagram!
