Crochet yourself a dog (or a dog toy)

Want a Lab, but without the chewing, barking, eating, pooping, playing, etc. that makes up life with a real dog?
Then crochet yourself one instead!
Just kidding. Who'd actually want to give up all that real world dogginess in exchange for a stuffed, lifeless version? Not me.
But I'll probably crochet myself a lab anyway.

The cutest book arrived in the mail earlier this year. It's call Ami Ami Dogs: Seriously Cute Crochet. It's named appropriately. These little stuffed dogs are as cute as they come.
First, I have to say I'm amazed I received this book. There is no chance in the world that the PR person responsible for finding places to mail the book to knew I'd spent my time off around the holidays learning to crochet.
What great timing.
Anyhow, I'm still learning the great art of crochet. So far, I have two scarves under my belt — one that was really more of a practice scarf, and one that I proudly wear around my neck every day now. Even the wearable scarf is far from perfect, though. I've got a lot of learning to do.
If you're like me, though — a dog lover who knows how to crochet — you have got to get this book. There are step-by-step instructions on how to make 12 different breeds of dogs. The breeds included are: Chihuahua, Welsh Corgi, Shiba, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Miniature Dachshund, Siberian Husky, Labrador Retriever, Maltese, Miniature Schnauzer, French Bulldog, Beagle and Pug.
They seem like pretty small little stuffed figures — each dog is between one and three inches long depending on the thickness of the yarn — which just enhances the adorable factor, if you ask me.
I was thinking about what I'd do with them once I finally get the nerve up to try a pattern. Dog toy? Nah. Too cute and too small for that. Key chain? Got enough of those. Knick-knack? I don't like clutter.
Christmas ornament! Cha-cheeng! I already have a small set of plush dog ornaments that I love. Now, I can crochet myself some more to join the pack.
And depending on how good I get at making these precious pooches, some friends and relatives may wind up with crocheted dogs as Christmas presents too.

Ami Ami Dogs: Seriously Cute Crochet

by Mitsuki Hoshi

$14.99 paperback, on sale now

Check Amazon.com to view copies for sale