Knitting Projects from Beginner to Experienced

A new addition to our craft collection of books is 'Cutest Ever Baby Toys to Knit' by Val Pierce.

Featuring twenty-one projects, there are a variety of items to make for little ones from blankets to elephants.

The introduction including suggestions for your choice of designs and yarns, tips for sewing the component parts together, tips for stuffing the toys and how to add facial and other features for the finishing touches.  Each set of instructions begins with a full list of materials needed to complete the project.

For beginners, there are instructions for the following:

1. Halloween Booties
2. Soft and Squishy Playbook
3. Starry Face Ball
4. Goody Two Shoes
5. Little Bunny Bag
6. Pete the Penguin

Intermediate instructions are the largest number of knitting project as follows:

1. Daisy the Baby Dinosaur
2. Oscar the Spotty Dog
3. Oswald the Owl
4. Octavia Octopus
5. Duckling Crib Toy
6. Petals Baby Grab Toy
7. Sweetheart Blanket
8. Henry the Hedgehog
9. Sydney Snake
10. Rosie the Rag Doll
11. Freddy Fox
12. Under-the-Sea Mobile
13. Rainbow Butterfly

Finally, there are Two sets of instruction for the experienced knitter:

1. Great Big Dinosaur
2. Tusker the Elephant

Try your hand at making one to the colorful toys for your own little ones or even for yourself.

Find Some Magic in the Emporium

Are you one of those people who enjoys a good movie about magical things? Try watching Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium, a beautiful funny film about living your dreams. This DVD is a fun-filled comedic adventure starring Dustin Hoffman and Natalie Portman. Dustin Hoffman stars as Mr. Magorium, the owner of the most amazing toy shop in the world because every toy comes to life in it. When Mr. Magorium decides to retire, the store doesn't like it and starts acting up and throwing a tantrum. Mr. Magorium's reluctant manager, played by Natalie Portman, can't decide if she wants to take over ownership of the shop once Mr. Magorium retires or pursue her dream career in music. Mr. Magorium hires an accountant, played by Jason Bateman, to get the store's affairs in order and with the help of each other, all of these characters work together to save the emporium by finding the magic within themselves. My favorite part of the movie is when the stuffy accountant finally lets down his guard and begins to act like a kid...it's a wonderful part of the film and a great inspiration for everyone to find the kid within themselves! This is a great film to share with your family, coupled with a visit to your favorite toy store :)