sock and glove cuteness
Melissa from Penguin Publishing Group asked me a while back if I would be interested in reviewing this book, Sock and Glove by Miyako Kanamori. Getting to this has taken much longer then I ever intended as I've had the book for a few weeks now. Just too much going on around here! Plus, I really wanted to post my review after I had made the adorable little elephant that charmed my socks off!! (yep, right off and into a wee sock ele)
This book was originally published in Japanese and is now in English. Oh please tell me this is a sign of things to come---Japanese craft books in English!! The book is full of adorable creatures to make from socks and gloves. How clever the author was to think of the different ways you can cut up socks and gloves and then fashion such cute critters! The animals are all charming in their simplicity and the directions clear and easy. Although I do need much practice in hand sewing limbs and heads on! That's not easy if you want it to look tidy.
Along with the elephant, I was quite smitten with this fish. It's crazy simple and makes me laugh. Not to mention that chair it's sitting on is rad.
The book has several animals to make (I've given you just a tiny peek) plus patterns for some simple clothing to outfit them in. Too cute.
I finished up this little guy this morning and then asked Noah what name we should give it. I suggested making it a girl this time and calling her Elenore (I'm so prosaic sometimes) He just looked at me with a look that said "get real, mom" and told me that it will be a boy and his name will be Fred.
Meet Fred.
I secretly call her Elenore.
(many thanks for the birthday wishes for Hannah (she loved them!) and for the Felt Club support! xo.)
Really, so cute.
Posted by: Mama Urchin | June 09, 2007 at 02:56 PM
Gorgeous! Elenor/Fred is great - her ears are best! Well Done! The little umbrella reminds me of the song of the family of elephants balancing on a string, with umbrellas for balance of course!
Posted by: Bron | June 09, 2007 at 04:35 PM
That is too adorable! Maybe you can compromise and make it an Elefred?
Posted by: mom2fur | June 09, 2007 at 04:37 PM
i think i've seen that book somewhere before, but maybe in japanese-??
your sock elephant is adorable! its Elefred!
Posted by: jen | June 09, 2007 at 06:04 PM
(i just noticed mom2fur and i are thinking alike.)
Posted by: jen | June 09, 2007 at 06:05 PM
I just got that book this week, and I think the clothes are so adorable. I'm crossing my fingers like you are, hoping that more translated Japanese craft books are in our future. The fact that I can understand them is one thing, and the second is that they're like half the price... Great elephant, love the ears!
Posted by: Michelle | June 09, 2007 at 09:53 PM
Adorable little elephant. :)
Posted by: Felicia | June 10, 2007 at 04:22 AM
what a beautiful book! your elephant is too cute for words! :)
Posted by: patricia | June 10, 2007 at 08:15 AM
What a cute book! Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: Regina | June 10, 2007 at 08:45 AM
Oh wow! How cute! I think your little elephant is even more fabulous than the one in the book...yours has more personality, and is so, so cute. I'm a new reader of your blog, and I'm glad I found it. :-)
Posted by: Belinda | June 10, 2007 at 02:40 PM
He is too cute....
Posted by: ellen | June 11, 2007 at 04:53 AM
Oh my gosh...that is sooooo cute!!! If Japanese craft books were translated into English..that would mean it's a beautiful world for many people. It makes me want to belt out the tune "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." :-)
I love your blog.
Posted by: Lexie | June 11, 2007 at 08:19 AM
Just in love with that elephant. So cute, looks like another book on the Amazon wish list;-)
Suzie Sews
Posted by: Suzie sews | June 11, 2007 at 11:38 AM
Just in love with that elephant. So cute, looks like another book on the Amazon wish list;-)
Suzie Sews
Posted by: Suzie sews | June 11, 2007 at 11:38 AM
The book looks great - love the pink cable piggy and Fredelenore is a real cutie!
Posted by: julie | June 11, 2007 at 12:11 PM
that fish on that chair! hehehe. ele is adorable of course...
Posted by: jenny | June 12, 2007 at 06:09 AM
Your elephant is is too much fun! That book looks like wonderful inspiration for softies! Happy Days! :o)
Posted by: Tracy | June 12, 2007 at 10:33 AM
Hello...
The animals are so cute! Especially the elephant Fred Elenore... What do you think, sounds good to me... I love reading your site, and the new banner is lovely...
Take care... Beverly
Posted by: tea time and roses | June 12, 2007 at 01:59 PM
Japanese craft books in English would make my world!!!!
'Fred's' a great make! Well done you!!
Posted by: Alison | June 13, 2007 at 01:26 AM
So cute! I just ordered the book because my nephew has asked me to make him a yellow elephant softy and I have been struggling to find one I could make... Cannot wait to get the book in my hands!
Posted by: amy | June 13, 2007 at 08:40 AM
I really love this book (although have the japanese version just to test the brain!) and I made the elephant for my nephew last year. He still loves it and cuddles it to death, and I noticed poor old ellie's trunk is getting longer, but it is so great that something so simple brings so much joy.
P.s I like Eleanor too!
Posted by: samantha | June 14, 2007 at 07:41 PM
An entire book of sock creatures? AND clothes to dress them in? Fantastic! (Makes me want to start chopping up my socks again.)
I really like Ele/Fred's ears, they look very snuggly.
(LOVE reading your Blog, I find it very inspiring! ^^)
Posted by: Hiiragi | June 15, 2007 at 03:35 PM
Oh, this is great!!! I will be on the lookout for this book...wonderful review!
Posted by: Eren | June 16, 2007 at 03:16 PM
Such a cute elephant! I bought this book recently and started the elephant myself. I've never sewn anything before, so it's a challenge, but so fun!
Posted by: thirtylbpaper | December 04, 2007 at 08:26 AM
so so so cute
i came across this box in a magazine and they had a pattern for the cat, which i just finished, much harder than it looks.. now i want the whole book!
Posted by: art4friends | February 19, 2008 at 03:18 PM