Potter Craft News - September 2006

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Welcome to the September issue of Potter Craft News!

Everyone loves handmade gifts, especially little children. A bit of creative thinking and some advance planning are all it takes to put a smile on your little one's face this holiday season. And, with the flurry of activity that often accompanies the start of the school year and the beginning of fall, it's never too early to get started.

This month we’ve rounded up some inspirational books to help get your creative juices flowing. Check out the T-Rex pattern below from Toys to Knit—what kid could resist this prehistoric cutie-pie? For the more tenderhearted, try a handknitted teddy bear or a one-of-a-kind doll from The Knitted Teddy Bear.

If you’re inclined toward the practical, then something fun and wearable might be just the thing. Try knitting a sweater from The Yarn Girls’ Guide to Kid Knits or an oh-so-festive onesie (delightfully named Tutti Frutti) from Jil Eaton’s MinnowKnits, Two.

Whatever you choose to create, be yourself, be inspired.

Lauren Shakely, Senior Vice President & Publisher



	Toys to Sew By Claire Garland What could be more enchanting than creating homemade toys for the children in your life? Toys to Sew is a collection of 30 patterns for stitchers of all skill level who want to create colorful, cuddly toys for babies and children. This delightful book is filled with quick-to-stitch projects, including a fat bear, a smiling dinosaur, and a sweet rag doll complete with her own smart little wardrobe to sew up quickly and easily. Projects are simple and fun, and each comes with a variety of patterns for clothes and accessories.

* FIVE WINNERS * will be randomly selected to win a copy of The Knitted Teddy Bear by Sandra Polley. Email crownmarketing@randomhouse.com with "Knitted Teddy Bear" in the subject line. (Official contest rules)

Visit the websites of
some of our current & upcoming authors:

Kay Gardiner &
Ann Shayne

Jillian Moreno &
Amy R. Singer

Margrit Lohrer

Ashley Paige

Julie Carles &
Jordana Jacobs

Get together with your knitting group at a local store if you'd rather not meet at home, and attract new members in a more public location!

Here's a handy list of reasons why every store should consider hosting a knitting group. Bring a printout with you as you scout locations and talk to store managers.

Tell us about the knitting-friendly stores in your area! We’ll contact the manager with news about our books and author tours.


The Knitted Teddy Bear By Sandra Polley Making an heirloom toy has never been more accessible than with the clear, easy-to-follow directions and illustrations featured in The Knitted Teddy Bear. Only basic knitting skills are needed to create the twelve adorable bears and myriad outfits found in this colorful collection. Whether you want to make classic humpbacked, long-armed collector's bears or miniature teddy bears for children, you'll be sure to find a pattern to inspire you to pick up your needles. Plus, there are lots of pattersn for charming sweaters, vests, dresses, overalls, scarves, and hats to adorn your bears. With all the options, you'll be creating good cheer as warm and cuddly as the teddy bear itself.

Minnowknits, Too By Jil Eaton Internationally acclaimed designer Jil Eaton has created twenty-six innovative patterns using her signature bold colors, chic styling, and spirited details. From sweaters to rompers, bibs to bunting, here are one-of-a-kind outfits for kids of all ages and knitters of all levels.

Toys to Knit By Tracy Chapman Create loveable, handmade dolls and animals to treasure for a lifetime. Toys to Knit is filled with charming and innovative patterns to delight knitters of all skill levels with adorable soft toys, doll clothes, and fun accessories. From soft knitted blocks to lovable kangaroos, Toys to Knit has patterns to cheer toddlers and grade-schoolers alike.

The Yarn Girls' Guide to Kid Knits By Julie Carles & Jordana Jacobs Forget about baby-weight yarn and fussy patterns for sweaters that are quickly outgrown. Created in the Yarn Girls’ signature style, with fabulous yarns and big needles, these projects are perfect for new knitters who want to see their creations shape up quickly. And for experienced knitters, more advanced patterns explore changes in color and texture and allow for plenty of experimentation on a manageable, kid-size scale. Patterns include a variety of pullovers and cardigans, plus hats, dresses, blankets, and even ponchos, all perfectly suited to babies and toddlers. Best of all, the sweater patterns are great for boys and girls, making this collection versatile enough to use again and again.