Here's my criteria for purchasing a craft book. Any craft -- knitting, needlepoint, sewing or crocheting -- there has to be at least three projects that appeal to me right off the bat. Now that doesn't mean I wouldn't consider doing other items in the craft book -- it just signifies that those three items are immediately entered on my must make list. As with all crafty people I have a list. And an item moves up a notch on that list based on its cuteness, beauty and practicality function. So I happily state that CROCHET ANIMAL RUGS by Ira Rott has definitely secured a place on my list.

CROCHET ANIMAL RUGS is a bit of a misnomer since Ira Rott includes several other types of animal based items for children's rooms. In fact the author arranges these items in groups so if you are inclined you can actually make a set of lovely items featuring your child's favorite animal for their room. And anything in CROCHET ANIMAL RUGS will make a fabulous gift.

So you are probably asking just which items made my trio of favorites. Well the Jeffery the Elephant Pillow & Rug, Giraffe Rug & Pillow and Chip the Monkey Pillow. That's actually four but it was impossible to pare down. The book instructions are in US terms but the author has provided UK terms so that you can easily do any of the stitch work.

Several items are charted but text instructions are always provided for those that are not as proficient using illustrative charts. If you've never tried charts this would be a great time to try as some as the items in CROCHET ANIMAL RUGS are small to medium in size. Instructions are well written and easy to follow and if you take peek at the end of the book there are several pictures of stitches in progress. I haven't actually seen the printed version of CROCHET ANIMAL RUGS by Ira Rott but it certainly would be right at home on my craft shelves.