Knit Your Own Zoo

Muir and Osborne (Knit Your Own Dog, Knit Your Own Cat) have once again assembled a collection of irresistible knitted animals. This book does exactly what it says it does, offering patterns for a veritable menagerie of miniature creatures. Patterns detail familiar animals such as the elephant and crocodile, as well as such less familiar animals as the anteater or meerkat. With the clever use of pipe cleaners, these animals can stand, sit, sprawl, or, in the case of the Fruit Bat, hang from the rafters. Fun details include fringe of all types, from lion manes to orangutan fur, and color work that replicates zebra stripes, leopard spots, and even mandrill coloring, among others. Two mother-and-child duos are especially darling: a seal and pup, and a kangaroo with removable joey. Patterns require focus but are, as described in the book's subtitle, easy to follow. Devotees of knitted creatures will find a lot to love in this collection.