Adorable Pom Pom Animals

July 16, 2018
One must really love pom-poms—those small, ornamental tufts of yarn often used to embellish accessories or clothing—to dive as deeply into them as Ito does in this intricate craft guide. Ito begins with seductive pictures of pom-poms, among them rabbits, dogs, frogs, hamburgers, and an apple pencil-topper. Instructions begin with a discussion of tools and sizing before getting into the basics of making pom-poms, and then the individual projects. She shows how to place eyes to change expressions, how to form shapes with glue, and how to trim. The simplest project makes a chick hair tie and involves little more than wrapping yarn around a plastic base called a pom-pom maker, and making a single cut. The more advanced projects include two- or three-tone figures, like the parakeet or puffer fish, which incorporate up to three strands of yarn at points in the winding process. The projects yield palm-sized works of art that are both adorably cute and painstakingly detailed. Ito’s instructive and visually pleasing book will appeal to fans of Amigurumi (crocheted animals) and miniature-making enthusiasts. Color photos.

November 15, 2018
The mini-crafts revolution has grown larger. Add to the Japanese-originated amigurumis a new twist: turning bits of yarn fluff, aka pom-poms, into realistic critters and foodstuffs. Pom-poms, sized up to three and a half inches, become brooches and hair ties as well as palm-of-the-hand companion animals. First is the gallery of finished designs in color: amazingly lifelike lions, penguins, miniature schnauzers, and puffer fish and adorable replicas of foods like hamburgers, sushi, and sweets. Thorough explanations allow crafters to ensure their end results approximate what Ito has produced. Expect details on tools, materials, and making eyes and noses via captioned up-close photographs and diagrams. Techniques, too, receive a similar treatment, with attention to trimming methods and how to use a felting needle. Each of the fortysomething pom-poms includes materials, instructions, trimming and sizing guide, a winding diagram, plus front, back, and side-view images of the completed pom-poms. With so many favorite animals and foods represented, this will really get the gift making?for loved ones or simply for crafters themselves?going.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)