Wild and Woolly Knitted Animals: A Naturalist’s Notebook

In this collection of 25 knitting patterns, Kellner (Knits for Kitties) combines a naturalist’s eye with a knitter’s sensibility. She states that these might not be the best option for new knitters, but beginners who can knit in the round and are willing to learn new things should be able to complete the projects. The clear, thorough instructions for each pattern back up this claim, although the multiple pages for each project might seem daunting at first. The constructions combine flat knitting along with knitting in the round, and occasionally, intarsia and embroidery. Each pattern begins with gorgeous scientific illustrations by Kellner’s son and handwritten facts about the animal by her daughter. The patterns range from animals common to most of North America, such as the brown rat, the mallard duck, and the Eastern gray squirrel, but there are also chimpanzees, Asian elephants, and European hedgehogs. Photos of the completed projects show coloring and shaping that are true to life. The adorable animals would make lovely gifts for children, science enthusiasts, and animal lovers.