Hey there! Today I'm excited to share a very fun book with you. "Faux Taxidermy?!" you might be saying. "That sounds creepy!!" you might be saying. But bear with me...these are some clever and adorable knits.
When I first saw the cover of Louise Walker's Faux Taxidermy Knits, I'll be honest -- the fox stole on the cover reminded me a whole lot of a design by my pal Tiny Owl Knits. But upon closer inspection, I realized that not only were the designs completely different, but these two designers have aesthetics all their own. Absolutely no ripoffs here.
So, Faux Taxidermy Knits. This book is a riot and each design had me smiling. The pieces in the book are definitely modeled after, well, dead animals, but what's so not-creepy is that they're so cute! They're all knitted in such a way that they don't look like dead animals. They look like happy animals thrilled to be accessorizing your outfit or decorating your home.
The book is split into two sections: Wearables (hats, stoles, slippers, and the like) and Habitat (mounted animal heads, a door stop, pheasants to hang in your kitchen, that kind of thing), and each design is more charming than the last. Here are a few of my favorites:
Raccoon Hat (I dare you not to smile when you see this)...
Photography © F&W Media International Ltd
Wolf Headdress (this is really beautiful, IMO)...
Photography © F&W Media International Ltd
Moose Head (seriously. adorable.)...
Photography © F&W Media International Ltd
and Bear Coasters (LOVE)...
Photography © F&W Media International Ltd
In addition to the pretty photos, each pattern includes charts or line-by-line instructions, clear diagrams for assembly, dimensions -- everything you'd need. Though I haven't made any of them (yet!), the patterns seem extremely thorough, which is nice for unconventionally constructed pieces such as these. And there's a thorough technique section in the back diagramming any knitting maneuvers one might not be familiar with, as well as a write-up on measuring gauge. Fantastic!
All in all: I love this book. LOVE IT. The designs are quirky and fun, and it's beautiful to look at while you're planning which project you're going to make next.
You can check out more about Faux Taxidermy Knits, here and see more lovely knitting book offerings on the Stitch Craft Create books page.
OR, if you'd like to win your very own copy of Faux Taxidermy Knits, leave me a comment here telling me a) which type of knitted animal you'd be most likely to wear and b) a place to contact you (RavID, email address, etc.). You have until 11:59pm Pacific time next Tuesday, 16 September, and I'll draw a winner on Wednesday morning.
And be sure to check out the Blog Hop Schedule - there have been and will be several more looks inside Faux Taxidermy Knits and chances to win in the next couple of weeks.
Good luck, and happy knitting!
40 comments:
I'm liking the wolf headdress
Rav: lasknit2
Oh my gosh, those bear coasters are hilarious. I can see knitting a bunch to put in Christmas stockings!
This is adorable! I love the fox scarf, and who could resist those bear coasters?
mamamustknit on Rav
I love the bear coasters - not sure I'd wear the fox?
lindarumsey on Ravelry
I'd wear a rabbit, because those ears! thecraftyroach[at]gmail[dot]com
I love the bear coasters - so cute! I'd probably make the moose head for my son first though. tiffypyke{at}hotmail{dot}com
I would wear a fox scarf- for sure. My Rav ID is tokyocitygirl
I don't even like animals...and that fox scarf is one of the cutest things I've ever seen.
reynoldsgirl13@hotmail.com
Wow - gorgeous! I'm torn between the fox and the bear coasters. Both would be fab to knit for my nieces. And maybe me, too.
Kate - chalimar16 on Ravelry
I've been eyeing that wolf headdress - it makes me want to dress up for Halloween, not something I usually get excited about! I'd love to make it.
I'm dyeingcolours on ravelry :)
The fox scarf is really nice and the bear coasters so cute. Thanks for the chance !
I would knit the fox scarf for some funny looks! The bear coasters are too cute too. Thanks for the chance.
Rav i.d. - SanRum
I'd wear a purple fox; orange isn't a good colour on me but I love the fox!
Wow! Fun! I love the bear coasters, and I think I would wear the fox mittens. Rav i.d.- Candlefun
First I would make the bear coasters to use during tea time with my grandchildren and then I would make the fox stole to wear when I am helping out with the kids at church.
I'd probably wear the fox scarf the most, but I'm dying to make my mother-in-law a pheasant for Christmas (she decorates with primitive stuff and already has a "goose" hanging in her dining room) and the bear coasters for my dad and step-mom (who have a lodge themed home). SO much fun! rav id: crafteegirl or hsb525 [at] gmail [dot] com
Thanks for the opportunity!
Everything is cute, but I think I seriously need a Moose head for my house.
Rav Id: hutch
My favorite thing is the bear coasters. I love them.
Lmecoll on Ravelry
I'd love to win the book! The bear coasters are adorable, but I would definitely wear the fox scarf.
Rav id: Lalaroo
Adorable and FUN!
First thing I knit is the moose head...after all I am from Moose Jaw
Ravelry name:nflux888
I would so wear that fox scarf, and I would hang the moose head in my living room!
Yowela@hotmail.com
I would immediately cast on the fox scarf. My daughter LOVES foxes right now.
RavID: wittknitter2011
My grown daughter would love all of them. But I must say, the bear coasters are my favorite of those shown. Can't wait to see the rest of the patterns
RavID: llamaleader
I'm with the others- love the bear coasters. I'd make the fox scarf for me and the moose head for my daughter's apartment!
RavID: jamf
Um kittens of course, or whatever was making my husband giggle at the time. Mostly I'd try to encourage the knitters I know to make me random stuff!
I can be contacted most easily at gibbylet (at) gmail (.com)
I commented earlier with wrong email. I deleted and am re commenting! Email is rachelbrock24@yahoo.com :)
I adore that wolf headdress, but I'm not sure I'd actually wear it. Now the racoon cap I might wear on a cold day. I actually had one as a child (Daniel Boone TV show, anyone?)
Yes, yes, I must have this book. (I have the Tiny Owl book, and have knitted Mr. Fox for my daughter, who claims the fox as her totem animal.) I rather like the hedgehog slippers--I'd wear those. The chicken hat is pretty cool too.
Thanks for sharing. Hope I win: my email is gloria.alvarez@mac.com
The fox and the wolf are marvelous, but I would be most likely to make the bear coasters. They just give me a smile!
Those bear coasters are TOO cute and I love the moose -- I would put it in my living room as a little ode to my home state (Maine). :)
isobaricohio (at) gmail (dot) com
I'm pretty sure those bear coasters are the cutest things I've ever seen! And my husband claims his spirit animal is the red fox! This book is just too cute! (And uber unique!)
Mowry.andrea@gmail.com or ravelry id dreareneeknits
I instantly fell for the Moose Head. When I proposed hanging it in our bedroom over the bed, my husband insisted that it go in my craft room instead, on the grounds that more people would be able to see it. I think it's a ploy to avoid having knitting on walls he has to look at regularly, but it's not a "no," so I'll take it. You all are my witnesses.
That moose head is SO CUTE!
Rav: carolynell
I don't know which I want more: the moose head or the bearskin rug coasters.
Rav: Mrszuvers
I've always thought animals hanging on the wall was creepy, but a knit moose would be pretty cool!
-Erin, sostocke on rav
Those bear coasters made me laugh right out loud. I adore them! If I win a copy, that will be my first project.
-Julie, reedsandstrings on Rav
I don't know if it's in the book, but a knitted sloth cowl would be perfect to wear (and probably less smelly/deadly than the real thing). On the other hand, that moose head is brilliant!
Ravelry: yoli
I'm really loving the red fox stole on the cover. I'm thinking it would also look great in a silver grey! Can't wait to see more! - J.B. @ TealDiva on Rav
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