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JAPANESE DIY CRAFT BOOKS: SOCK AND GLOVE, AMIGURUMI TINY YARN KNIT ANIMALS.

Coupari or Scottish Fold cat, purebred rare show cat. Cute solid cream kitty, floppy ears, big eyes and feet. Evil Kitty silver necklace.

He looks like a fuzzy angel… but boy, can he ever whine when he wants snacks or attention! I’ll never let go of Basil Farrow, but you can still enter to win a red hoody or T-shirt from Evil Kitty. Simply tell me about one of your favorite books in the comments. On Sunday, my foldy-eared son will pick the winner with his chubby feet. (Speaking of kawaii – isn’t Evil Kitty’s limited edition sterling silver pendant devilishly cute? )

Sock and Glove cute animal craft projects from Japanese Miyako Kanomori. Japan craft books from Penguin.

One of my favorite scenes from Kamikaze Girls is where the Rococo ladies and gentlemen sit around making embroidery. I also love Momoko’s stitching frenzy that causes her to collapse from exhaustion. (Aie, I’ve been there…) Most of my DIY endeavors come out of my head, but I’ve been strongly inspired by Japanese kawaii crafts. Two books in this vein were released by Penguin USA, my publisher for Cooking Cute.

Miyako Kanomori’s Sock and Glove was originally printed in Japanese, and it’s one of the most darling and original books… ever! Her stuffed animal cuties started out as discarded socks, gloves, and mittens. They’re quick to make (with needle and thread) and endlessly personalizable; just check out the variations in this Flickr pool.

Sock and Glove cute Japanese animal crafts, dogs, bunnies, toys.

Aren’t you dying to adopt one of these little guys?

Tiny Yarn Animals Amigurumi knitted stuffed toys, crafts by Tamie Snow.

Last week, Penguin released Tiny Yarn Animals by Tamie Snow. The book riffs on the Japanese art of amigurumi, or knit/crocheted adorable creatures. I haven’t picked up a crochet hook in a long time, but luckily, these whimsical friends require only basic stitches.

What are some books on your must-read list? Comment and you might win a prize!

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61 Comments

  1. Ann
    Posted August 13, 2008 at 6:36 pm | Permalink

    Let's see another amazing book that I happen to have in my collection is, “The Canterbury Tales” by Chauncer. I enjoyed this collectiosn of stories told through the viewpoints of different people. It was quite stoic, and I appreciate having the opportunity to discover such an interesting story.

  2. Amandine
    Posted August 13, 2008 at 8:11 pm | Permalink

    Hey
    My most beloved book is Polgara the Sorceress, because the depth into which David and Leigh Eddings explore the ideas and concepts behind magic, and learning to use magic. It's quite inspiring and makes you think, wow that is really possible. So as adults, who have been brainwashed into thinking that magic doesn't exist and anyone who thinks otherwise is stupid now have an outlet, we have been pulled back into the world of magic and anything is possible.
    And that's why I love Polgara :P…

    Sorry that my few words turned into a semi-rant… I do that XD…
    *waves*
    Bye bye!

  3. Ann
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 1:36 am | Permalink

    Let’s see another amazing book that I happen to have in my collection is, “The Canterbury Tales” by Chauncer. I enjoyed this collectiosn of stories told through the viewpoints of different people. It was quite stoic, and I appreciate having the opportunity to discover such an interesting story.

  4. LiTtLe_MiSs_PsYcHo
    Posted August 13, 2008 at 9:07 pm | Permalink

    Another book that I absolutly love to read is Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier. If you enjoy readding fantasy books or into druids,nature cures, and magik. then you would love readding this. What I like about the book is that it has a very unique style, and It was one of the first books that actually got me into readding heaps of books!

    lol which slowly developed into a unhealthy habbit, like if I dont read a book for one day, I would literetly get withdrawls!

  5. Amandine
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 3:11 am | Permalink

    Hey
    My most beloved book is Polgara the Sorceress, because the depth into which David and Leigh Eddings explore the ideas and concepts behind magic, and learning to use magic. It’s quite inspiring and makes you think, wow that is really possible. So as adults, who have been brainwashed into thinking that magic doesn’t exist and anyone who thinks otherwise is stupid now have an outlet, we have been pulled back into the world of magic and anything is possible.
    And that’s why I love Polgara :P…

    Sorry that my few words turned into a semi-rant… I do that XD…
    *waves*
    Bye bye!

  6. Bunnyriot
    Posted August 13, 2008 at 10:29 pm | Permalink

    OMG so cute!!!

  7. LiTtLe_MiSs_PsYcHo
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 4:07 am | Permalink

    Another book that I absolutly love to read is Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier. If you enjoy readding fantasy books or into druids,nature cures, and magik. then you would love readding this. What I like about the book is that it has a very unique style, and It was one of the first books that actually got me into readding heaps of books!

    lol which slowly developed into a unhealthy habbit, like if I dont read a book for one day, I would literetly get withdrawls!

  8. Bunnyriot
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 5:29 am | Permalink

    OMG so cute!!!

  9. Paul Reaney
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 7:27 am | Permalink

    I have just finished reading “The Illuminatus Trilogy” and to be honest I really enjoyed it but I couldnt tell you why. Very weird and prone to go off at a tangent on a regular basis.
    But it is so packed full of ideas that the whole journey is worth it. Its basically the ultimate conspiracy book and is funny as well as slightly unnerving all the way through it.
    I recently finished the whole run of Grant Morrisons “The Invisibles” but I wasnt sure if you were counting comic books?
    Its very similar to the Illuminatus book in the sense that its is positively dripping with ideas that swamp you from time to time.
    I suppose I shouldnt be suprised that I have been having some very strange dreams the past few nights!

  10. kagitsune
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 8:59 am | Permalink

    I adore Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi. Like Maus by Spiegelman, it is a black-and-white comic memoir. However, Satrapi's work is based on her childhood in Iran during the “Islamic Revolution” of 1979. It is highly personal, beautiful, and heartbreaking. The simple drawings and straight-from-the-heart writing make it all the more real. I was rather disappointed that I had to miss Satrapi's talk in Dallas in April… v_v

  11. Lairdofdarkness
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 2:27 pm | Permalink

    I have just finished reading “The Illuminatus Trilogy” and to be honest I really enjoyed it but I couldnt tell you why. Very weird and prone to go off at a tangent on a regular basis.
    But it is so packed full of ideas that the whole journey is worth it. Its basically the ultimate conspiracy book and is funny as well as slightly unnerving all the way through it.
    I recently finished the whole run of Grant Morrisons “The Invisibles” but I wasnt sure if you were counting comic books?
    Its very similar to the Illuminatus book in the sense that its is positively dripping with ideas that swamp you from time to time.
    I suppose I shouldnt be suprised that I have been having some very strange dreams the past few nights!

  12. Alana Coppinger
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 10:21 am | Permalink

    My fave book is IT by Stephen King. I have read the book about 9 times I think it is the best book to start the fall with.

  13. Laura Cassani
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 10:38 am | Permalink

    The Rhinoceros Success

    Now this book is not Fiction, but it ilistrates the story of success. It explains how to be successful,by thinking you are a Rhinoceros! Kind of a funny animal to be, but apparently Rhinoceros take control of their life and want to become successful, thus becoming very successful in life. I would reccomed this book to anyone who is feeling down on themselves or in a slump that they feel they cannot get out of. It will raise your confidence and get you on the right road road to success! So be a Rhino and charge, in fact demand success in your life!

  14. Emily Reed
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 10:42 am | Permalink

    As a lifelong voracious reader who loves all kinds of books, I always find it a virtual impossibility to choose just one as my very favorite. However, the best book I've read recently is Mary Roach's “Bonk,” a history of the scientific study of sex. It's exhaustively researched and very well written, with the added virtue of being absolutely hilarious. I have a degree in biology, but I learned things about anatomy and human sexual response that I've never encountered anywhere else. Certain sections also caused me to laugh so much that my husband came in from the other room to check on me. If you have any interest in sex and/or science (and really, who isn't intrigued by at least one of those topics?), check it out.

  15. LauraCassani
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 10:44 am | Permalink

    Rhinoceros Success – Book by Scott Alexander – American Spirit Edition

    This book is very insightful for those who have lost their way, or do not feel successful in life. It tells you how to take charge of your life by being a Rhinoceros! I know a Rhino is a funny animal to be, but apparently they take charge of their lives, and get what they want! I would recommend this book to anyone who is feeling down on themselves and want to start their life over! It is intriuging with a funny twist! It will keep you on your toes and on your way to success! So think like a Rhino and read this book!

  16. kagitsune
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 3:59 pm | Permalink

    I adore Persepolis, by Marjane Satrapi. Like Maus by Spiegelman, it is a black-and-white comic memoir. However, Satrapi’s work is based on her childhood in Iran during the “Islamic Revolution” of 1979. It is highly personal, beautiful, and heartbreaking. The simple drawings and straight-from-the-heart writing make it all the more real. I was rather disappointed that I had to miss Satrapi’s talk in Dallas in April… v_v

  17. WendyB
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 11:12 am | Permalink

    I love the little yarn guys!

  18. kyoko
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 11:59 am | Permalink

    “The Eyes of the Dragon” by Stephen King.

    The first time I read this book was in third grade. Of course, when one mentions Stephen King, the general reaction would be to think of horror and creepy endings. However, this book is dedicated to his daughter, who was 15 at the time it was published, and is a classic fantasy story featuring dragons, kings, and magic. When Flagg, the adviser and wizard for the king, poisons the previous king, Peter (first in line for the throne) is framed and imprisoned. Thomas, his silly younger brother, is crowned instead, and Flagg basically gains all control, throwing the kingdom into a Dark Age.

    I greatly enjoyed the writing for the book, the thrills and crushing disappointments in the adolescence of both Thomas and Peter was very convincing. Even as a third grader, I could tell it would be one of my all time favorite books, and it is.

  19. Alana Coppinger
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 5:21 pm | Permalink

    My fave book is IT by Stephen King. I have read the book about 9 times I think it is the best book to start the fall with.

  20. Christiane
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 12:21 pm | Permalink

    awww~so cute! I..m so lucky that I..m on vacation now *__* Maybe I can make some cute animals <333 I..ve already sewn a rabbit plushie

  21. Lola
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 12:22 pm | Permalink

    Gormenghast – Mervyn Peake
    Middle book of a breath taking trilogy packed with intrigue, murder and mayhem all caused by one young mans obsession with revenge and his delusions of Grandure. Part of a series of books which has endured for a very long time and is a firm favorite with many many people!
    Love Lola

  22. lacarmina
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 12:25 pm | Permalink

    Ahahah this is a favorite “genre” of mine! Have you read Sperm Wars or The Mating Mind or The Game? Count D and I are obsessed!

  23. Laura Cassani
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 5:38 pm | Permalink

    The Rhinoceros Success

    Now this book is not Fiction, but it ilistrates the story of success. It explains how to be successful,by thinking you are a Rhinoceros! Kind of a funny animal to be, but apparently Rhinoceros take control of their life and want to become successful, thus becoming very successful in life. I would reccomed this book to anyone who is feeling down on themselves or in a slump that they feel they cannot get out of. It will raise your confidence and get you on the right road road to success! So be a Rhino and charge, in fact demand success in your life!

  24. Emily Reed
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 5:42 pm | Permalink

    As a lifelong voracious reader who loves all kinds of books, I always find it a virtual impossibility to choose just one as my very favorite. However, the best book I’ve read recently is Mary Roach’s “Bonk,” a history of the scientific study of sex. It’s exhaustively researched and very well written, with the added virtue of being absolutely hilarious. I have a degree in biology, but I learned things about anatomy and human sexual response that I’ve never encountered anywhere else. Certain sections also caused me to laugh so much that my husband came in from the other room to check on me. If you have any interest in sex and/or science (and really, who isn’t intrigued by at least one of those topics?), check it out.

    • lacarmina
      Posted August 14, 2008 at 7:25 pm | Permalink

      Ahahah this is a favorite “genre” of mine! Have you read Sperm Wars or The Mating Mind or The Game? Count D and I are obsessed!

  25. Anonymous
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 5:44 pm | Permalink

    Rhinoceros Success – Book by Scott Alexander – American Spirit Edition

    This book is very insightful for those who have lost their way, or do not feel successful in life. It tells you how to take charge of your life by being a Rhinoceros! I know a Rhino is a funny animal to be, but apparently they take charge of their lives, and get what they want! I would recommend this book to anyone who is feeling down on themselves and want to start their life over! It is intriuging with a funny twist! It will keep you on your toes and on your way to success! So think like a Rhino and read this book!

  26. WendyB
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 6:12 pm | Permalink

    I love the little yarn guys!

  27. ObsidianClaire
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 1:40 pm | Permalink

    The best book in the world that I have read so far, which is really hard to pick, but it would have to be The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King. It might sound a little random but it is a very amazing book! It's by Stephen King so interest is promised right away, and if you looked at my copy of the book you'd wonder if I either hated it or loved it into it's present state. The book is about this girl, she's nine or ten and her parents are divorced, her mother wanting to keep the family in well spirits drags her little brother and her on a new event about every week. This week it's hiking, except you can't expect a normal romp through the woods. It doesn't take long for Patricia to wonder off the path, and get lost in the dense woods. After awhile the noises around her aren't so easily panned of on an over active imagination, and the more lost Patricia gets, the loud everything beings to get, and her fear begins to meet it's reason..

  28. Anonymous
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 6:59 pm | Permalink

    “The Eyes of the Dragon” by Stephen King.

    The first time I read this book was in third grade. Of course, when one mentions Stephen King, the general reaction would be to think of horror and creepy endings. However, this book is dedicated to his daughter, who was 15 at the time it was published, and is a classic fantasy story featuring dragons, kings, and magic. When Flagg, the adviser and wizard for the king, poisons the previous king, Peter (first in line for the throne) is framed and imprisoned. Thomas, his silly younger brother, is crowned instead, and Flagg basically gains all control, throwing the kingdom into a Dark Age.

    I greatly enjoyed the writing for the book, the thrills and crushing disappointments in the adolescence of both Thomas and Peter was very convincing. Even as a third grader, I could tell it would be one of my all time favorite books, and it is.

  29. Christiane
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 7:21 pm | Permalink

    awww~so cute! I..m so lucky that I..m on vacation now *__* Maybe I can make some cute animals <333 I..ve already sewn a rabbit plushie

  30. Lola
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 7:22 pm | Permalink

    Gormenghast – Mervyn Peake
    Middle book of a breath taking trilogy packed with intrigue, murder and mayhem all caused by one young mans obsession with revenge and his delusions of Grandure. Part of a series of books which has endured for a very long time and is a firm favorite with many many people!
    Love Lola

  31. lacarmina
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 3:12 pm | Permalink

    The only Stephen King book I've read is “Misery” and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed his writing style. He is a shockingly good storyteller. And what a frightening character, that Annie..

  32. Anonymous
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 8:40 pm | Permalink

    The best book in the world that I have read so far, which is really hard to pick, but it would have to be The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King. It might sound a little random but it is a very amazing book! It’s by Stephen King so interest is promised right away, and if you looked at my copy of the book you’d wonder if I either hated it or loved it into it’s present state. The book is about this girl, she’s nine or ten and her parents are divorced, her mother wanting to keep the family in well spirits drags her little brother and her on a new event about every week. This week it’s hiking, except you can’t expect a normal romp through the woods. It doesn’t take long for Patricia to wonder off the path, and get lost in the dense woods. After awhile the noises around her aren’t so easily panned of on an over active imagination, and the more lost Patricia gets, the loud everything beings to get, and her fear begins to meet it’s reason..

    • lacarmina
      Posted August 14, 2008 at 10:12 pm | Permalink

      The only Stephen King book I’ve read is “Misery” and I was surprised at how much I enjoyed his writing style. He is a shockingly good storyteller. And what a frightening character, that Annie..

      • LiTtLe_MiSs_PsYcHo
        Posted August 15, 2008 at 3:31 am | Permalink

        Well I havn’t red the book. But i’ve watched the movie ^_^ that annie girl is really freaky!

  33. LiTtLe_MiSs_PsYcHo
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 8:30 pm | Permalink

    lol Stephen King is so ausome!

  34. LiTtLe_MiSs_PsYcHo
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 8:31 pm | Permalink

    Well I havn't red the book. But i've watched the movie ^_^ that annie girl is really freaky!

  35. Jessie
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 8:49 pm | Permalink

    I could never pick my favorite book as I have an entire wall of bookcases that contain my favorite books, including an entire shelf devoted entirely to copies of Alice in Wonderland and another shelf for Tolkien. My current can't put it down book however, is Neil Gaiman's short story collection, Fragile Things. Horror, humor, poetry, Lovecraft and Sherlock Holmes (in the same story), and a complete set of stories to accompany Tori Amos' Strange Little Girls CD; this collection is all over the place and all of it is wonderful and weird. The Problem of Susan is about an adult Susan from the Narnia series and is one of those stories that will stay with me for a very, very long time. Even the introduction is incredibly entertaining.

    P.S. My gray Persian Horus sends kitty greetings to the very adorable Basil. :)

  36. Jessie
    Posted August 15, 2008 at 3:49 am | Permalink

    I could never pick my favorite book as I have an entire wall of bookcases that contain my favorite books, including an entire shelf devoted entirely to copies of Alice in Wonderland and another shelf for Tolkien. My current can’t put it down book however, is Neil Gaiman’s short story collection, Fragile Things. Horror, humor, poetry, Lovecraft and Sherlock Holmes (in the same story), and a complete set of stories to accompany Tori Amos’ Strange Little Girls CD; this collection is all over the place and all of it is wonderful and weird. The Problem of Susan is about an adult Susan from the Narnia series and is one of those stories that will stay with me for a very, very long time. Even the introduction is incredibly entertaining.

    P.S. My gray Persian Horus sends kitty greetings to the very adorable Basil. :)

    • lacarmina
      Posted August 15, 2008 at 6:32 am | Permalink

      Awww! I love fuzzy kitties, and my favorite coat colors are cream (like my baby) and gray.

      Basil Farrow sends back a head bonk!

  37. lacarmina
    Posted August 14, 2008 at 11:32 pm | Permalink

    Awww! I love fuzzy kitties, and my favorite coat colors are cream (like my baby) and gray.

    Basil Farrow sends back a head bonk!

  38. kagitsune
    Posted August 15, 2008 at 5:19 am | Permalink

    By the way, I don't see anything about craft books in these posts… what's up?

  39. kagitsune
    Posted August 15, 2008 at 12:19 pm | Permalink

    By the way, I don’t see anything about craft books in these posts… what’s up?

  40. terminating_angel
    Posted August 15, 2008 at 1:42 pm | Permalink

    Lolita. Nabokov.

    Enough said.

  41. Christiane
    Posted August 15, 2008 at 2:01 pm | Permalink

    Here..s the link to a photo of my little friend *__*
    http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fusea
    I hope you like it! <3

  42. lacarmina
    Posted August 15, 2008 at 2:03 pm | Permalink

    Ahhhh! Kawaii!! I'm very fond of eyepatches – and where did you get that fabric? Silver crowns on black… stunning! Names… maybe look up some royal ones? Isabella, Antoinette, Pompadour, Josephine…

  43. Anonymous
    Posted August 15, 2008 at 8:42 pm | Permalink

    Lolita. Nabokov.

    Enough said.

  44. Christiane
    Posted August 15, 2008 at 9:01 pm | Permalink

    Here..s the link to a photo of my little friend *__*
    http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=284329557&albumID=682480&imageID=6794186
    I hope you like it! <3

    • lacarmina
      Posted August 15, 2008 at 9:03 pm | Permalink

      Ahhhh! Kawaii!! I’m very fond of eyepatches – and where did you get that fabric? Silver crowns on black… stunning! Names… maybe look up some royal ones? Isabella, Antoinette, Pompadour, Josephine…

  45. Tokki
    Posted August 15, 2008 at 11:22 pm | Permalink

    Long time lurker of this site, but I cannot resist the contest and the chance to babble about my favorite book.

    My favorite when I was growing was always Watership Down. It was also the first book to really scare me (the warren of wires part still gives me goosebumps!). I loved this book so much, I read it once a year starting in sixth grade all the way up through high school, and I highly recommend it to anyone who's looking for a good non-fantasy adventure story. :)

    The movie was a little bit beyond me though ^^;

  46. Tokki
    Posted August 16, 2008 at 6:22 am | Permalink

    Long time lurker of this site, but I cannot resist the contest and the chance to babble about my favorite book.

    My favorite when I was growing was always Watership Down. It was also the first book to really scare me (the warren of wires part still gives me goosebumps!). I loved this book so much, I read it once a year starting in sixth grade all the way up through high school, and I highly recommend it to anyone who’s looking for a good non-fantasy adventure story. :)

    The movie was a little bit beyond me though ^^;

    • lacarmina
      Posted August 17, 2008 at 3:55 am | Permalink

      I looked up the Wiki entry for Watership Down, clicked on the link to the rabbits’ Lapine language… and I’m sold. I must check this one out. And apparently, it’s Penguin Books’ best-selling novel of all time!

  47. Ambar
    Posted August 16, 2008 at 2:06 pm | Permalink

    I am no avid book reader, but one book I absolutely fell in love with is “As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner. It is the story of the Bundren family and their journey to bury their mother. What makes the story so great is the complexity of having 14 different narrators throughout the chapters.It is tragic, dramatic and comedic. A confusing read at first but towards the end you'll enjoy putting everything together to understand each character.

  48. Ambar
    Posted August 16, 2008 at 9:06 pm | Permalink

    I am no avid book reader, but one book I absolutely fell in love with is “As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner. It is the story of the Bundren family and their journey to bury their mother. What makes the story so great is the complexity of having 14 different narrators throughout the chapters.It is tragic, dramatic and comedic. A confusing read at first but towards the end you’ll enjoy putting everything together to understand each character.

    • lacarmina
      Posted August 17, 2008 at 3:52 am | Permalink

      Another literary hero of mine who’s published by Penguin!

  49. lacarmina
    Posted August 16, 2008 at 8:52 pm | Permalink

    Another literary hero of mine who's published by Penguin!

  50. lacarmina
    Posted August 16, 2008 at 8:55 pm | Permalink

    I looked up the Wiki entry for Watership Down, clicked on the link to the rabbits' Lapine language… and I'm sold. I must check this one out. And apparently, it's Penguin Books' best-selling novel of all time!

  51. Ambar
    Posted August 16, 2008 at 9:06 pm | Permalink

    I am no avid book reader, but one book I absolutely fell in love with is “As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner. It is the story of the Bundren family and their journey to bury their mother. What makes the story so great is the complexity of having 14 different narrators throughout the chapters.It is tragic, dramatic and comedic. A confusing read at first but towards the end you'll enjoy putting everything together to understand each character.

  52. lacarmina
    Posted August 17, 2008 at 3:52 am | Permalink

    Another literary hero of mine who's published by Penguin!

  53. lacarmina
    Posted August 17, 2008 at 3:55 am | Permalink

    I looked up the Wiki entry for Watership Down, clicked on the link to the rabbits' Lapine language… and I'm sold. I must check this one out. And apparently, it's Penguin Books' best-selling novel of all time!