8.14.2013

topsy-turvy inside-out knit toys giveaway

Let me start by saying that I'm not a big toy knitter. I don't dislike it, but I don't necessarily love it either. Most toys tend to be too fiddly for me with all sorts of finishing and little bits and pieces. However, I do love that knitted toys get all the oooooohings and ahhhhhhings! I'm not sure what it is, but my non-knitting friends are always shocked at how I can manage to knit a toy - they could care less about the intricate lace work I just completed on my latest shawl. It must be the cute factor!

Even though I don't knit toys often, when I do I always go to Susan B. Anderson's designs first. She is a genius when it comes to knitted toys! She has this amazing ability to create patterns for toys that have little to no finishing. Her latest book, Topsy-Turvy Inside-Out Knit Toys: Magical Two-in-One Reversible Projects, is just the coolest knitted toy book I've ever seen. It has 12 toys that turn inside-out. That means that you get two toys to play with out of each project. I haven't knit each pattern myself (yet!), but most if not all, are seamless or have very little finishing. All of them are marvelous! Here's a peak at the contents page:

topsyturvy3

I was lucky to meet and spend a little time with Susan when she was in Seattle for Vogue Knitting Live this past April, and she gifted me a copy of her new book. Yes, she is as sweet and nice as she sounds on her blog or even more in real person! Right after paging through her book that evening when I got home, I just knew I would have to knit the Top-Down Seamless Petticoat Dolls pattern. I believe it's the largest toy in the book, at 10" tall, and is knit all in one piece. My hubby's co-worker is having her second baby girl soon and so I thought what a wonderful gift this would make for the big sister to share with her new sibling.

topsyturvy7

This doll pattern doesn't leave any detail out. The skirts are finished with a little bit of lace and when flipped, the under skirt makes the top skirt look ruffled and layered. Plus, the fullness of the skirts allows the dolls to stand up on their own. The hands are so adorable with how they are attached together. Even the wrists are so well thought out. And, I don't have to go into how sweet the hair pigtails are! I kinda did my own thing on the red and gray skirt dolly, but the pattern actually includes instructions for a solid color, striped, and fair-isle version of the skirt.

topsyturvy6

All the patterns are very well written, easy to understand, and if there's a technique that is unique to a project, the book includes photo tutorials for it. Like the doll's hair attachment:

topsyturvy2

I know I'm a weirdo, but I also love the feel of this book. It's the perfect size, the cover and pages are matte finish, and it's spiral bound, my favorite when knitting from a book. I've actually thought of having all my books turned into spiral bound, that's how much I like it. Also, the cover has this really adorable pull tab that demonstrates how one of the toys flips to the other side. All of that plus gorgeous pictures throughout and you have a winner! This book is worth it, my friends. I think I may need to knit this toy next, the Squirrel & Hedgehog:

topsyturvy1

And, if you haven't seen these toys in action yet, Jasmine and I made a little video to show you how awesome these little flipping dolls are. We hope you like it!




Artisan Books and Susan B. are offering one lucky follower a chance to win a copy of their very own Topsy-Turvy Inside-Out Knitted Toys book, and don't miss out on the next stop on the blog tour on August 26th with Mel from SlipSlipKnit.com for your next chance to win!


I would like you to do the following if you would like to be entered into this week's giveaway:

1. Read over the rules if you have not done so already.

2. Leave a comment on this blog post by the end of Sunday, 8/25/13. Do you enjoy knitting toys? Have you knit one of Susan B.'s before?


I'll randomly pick the winners in 2 weeks and post the results along with the new giveaway, so be sure to check back. Good luck everyone.

Sincerely,

Ve








122 comments:

Sheila said...

I like to knit toys - the small ones are a great way to use up small amounts of leftover yarn. I haven't tried any of Susan Anderson's yet, but I'd love to!

kjramstack said...

I knit Spud the Sheep. I thought I would die if I had to knit one more twisted loop stitch but now that it's done I'm so happy that I stuck with it!

amchart said...

LOVE Susan B. Anderson. Have yet to knit one of her toys, but desperately want to.

Suzanne said...

I follow Susan's blog and have such admiration for her as a knitter and designer. She is fantastic. I have knit only one of her toys, a frog, but several other patterns of her design. They are so well written. Thanks for the pictures of your project and the giveaway.

Marilyn a.k.a. Merry said...

I haven't knit any toys yet but am wanting to use scrap sock yarn for some soon.
wahoomerryf on Rav

Anonymous said...

I haven't knit any toys yet, although I find many of them to be absolutely adorable. I just need the right incentive.
hotknitter on rav

Emily said...

I hadn't done many, but then I started knitting food toys for my two-year-old, and I'm finding it surprisingly addictive because they're such a quick project to finish.

kmvdvm said...

i have SBA (a fellow madisonian!)'s earlier toy book and have knit several as gifts for friends. i would LOVE the opportunity to win the new inside out toy book!

kmvdvm on rav

Debbie said...

I have made one toy so far. I would love to win a copy of the book. Thanks!

Evelyn said...

I'm completely fascinated by Susan's toy designs and would absolutely love to knit one (or two or three). I've knit some toys in the past but nothing as charming as these!

ypsiknitti said...

I have knit one toy which is a SBA toy; the one piece elephant from the Craftsy class. I have the SBA itty bitty hat book and enjoy knitting those hats. I would love the new toy book!

Greg said...

I've had Topsy-Turvy Inside-Out Toys on my wishlist since it came out, and would LOVE to win a copy! I'm a big fan of Susan B Anderson's designs -- I have knitted Ribbit and Rabbit, both of which are "stuffed" with a tennis ball, which makes them extra fun and kinda bouncy. Check my Ravelry page (I'm drmellow) for pictures if you want. I have the Spud And Chloe At The Farm book, but haven't knit anything from it yet. But I have yard for Spud, Chloe, and a couple of the other animals just waiting in my stash to jump on my needles. I've also got Susan's (not so) itty-bitty giraffe class from Craftsy in my queue. I really love her work.

Pretty please let me win. ;-)

-greg (drmellow on Ravelry)

Rosemary said...

I don't knit toys frequently either, but I do love the end-results! And I have twins on their way in November so I would love to knit them each a mama-made toy. :)

I haven't yet knit one of Susan's but I have very often admired her toy patterns! This is a great giveaway, thank you!

Seamstress Erin said...

Those look like a lot of fun! I went through a phase of knitting animal toys a few years ago, but these topsy turvies look so cute I'd be very tempted to start knitting toys again!

Elizabeth said...

I love to knit stuffed animals, so this would be a great next step into toys.

TopHat said...

I've knit a frog from her before. It gets tons of compliments. I love knitted toys!

Anonymous said...

I loved your video. I havent knitted any toys yet. I knit sweaters and hats for my bears and rabbits. I remember this type of toy when I was a child. What a great baby shower gift. Thanks for the giveaway..

Purplefrog5 on Rav

Hind DP said...

I love your knitted dolls, the colors are beautiful. I have knit the Wee Ones Elephant from the Crafsty class. It came out very cute and the instructions made it very easy to knit.

Kara said...

Susan B. Anderson is one of my very favorite designers! I've made her reversible bird from Itty Bitty Toys many times - I'd love to try some of the toys from this book!!

Michelle said...

I've never knit a toy before, but would welcome the chance to try knitting from a well-written pattern!

Lauren said...

Meh first comment got eaten... I've only ever crocheted a few amigurumi, but I haven't tried knitting them yet. It's something I would really like to do though, as I know my kids would love them.

Anonymous said...

I love toys but am yet to knit any of Susan, B. Andersons.
rosebob on ravelry

katherinelynn_04 said...

I have two of Susan's toy books, Spud and Chloe at the Farm and Itty Bitty Toys. I've only ever finished something from the second book, I tried making Spud from the Farm book but was having issues with my yarn being too thin. I really enjoy her toy books, and completely agree about how great her explanations are! I do enjoy making little stuffies for my friends' kids' birthdays.

melissa said...

ooh, I have some of her patterns queued but I don't think I've made any of them yet.

sacha said...

What fun! This would never occur to me to take on without a cute inspirational video-- future baby showers beware.

Unknown said...

I Love her toys, I made one and it came out adorable. She is very creative. I cannot believe how she can think a pattern like that and make it happen.

Gracey is not my name.... said...

I have never knitted toys, but I have crocheted several...and I would love to try out this book!

Unknown said...

I have knitted toys before but I have not had the opportunity to knit one of Susan's.

sherryglover@yahoo.com

Judi A. said...

I have knit several of Susan's toys and find it more enjoyable than I thought it would. Some of them are so fun to see how they turn out. I would love her new book. Several have posted items knit from it, and it makes me want to try a few.

Miriam Mc. said...

I usually crochet the amigurumi ones. The double sided-ness of these are genius!

Thanks ladies!

Lucy said...

I have knit a few toys, and like you am amazed at te response.

Anonymous said...

Hi. I have never knit toys, but I'd like to try it!

Geologee on Ravelry

dclulu said...

I've only knit a couple of toys and never one of hers, though I have a friend who loves her designs!

Jessica Powers said...

I'm such a fail at some things, but toys I'm a hit or miss with - right now I have the bulk of a sheedesigned by Susan knit almost to completion but in pieces, in a bag somewhere in the midst of all our house packing. Thankfully the last requested toys I was asked for were hamsters and they were small and quick and I sent four away to the child who wanted them and he loved them.

andri. said...

I've only crocheted toys before... That squirrel looks so cute!

vmarty said...

It's a wonderful idea! I knitted toys but not from Susan's patterns.

Unknown said...

I only like to knit toys in moderation. I've never tried one of Susan's patterns though.

Mimi F said...

I don't knit toys a lot, so I usually only make toys I totally love. This book seems like a great temptress!
mimifan on rav

Véro said...

I love Susan Anderson toys patterns, they are so well done. Thanks for this nice opportunity !

Anonymous said...

I have knit many more toys than I have assembled! I have Susan's Itty Bitty book and enjoy her designs. Would love this book!

peregrineknit on Rav

Anonymous said...

I have all of Susan's books, and have made several of her toys. They are such great feats of design. Your video was delightful, and your DD too.
Pattytrish on RAVELRY

sparky136 said...

I have knitted a few, but I have trouble with embroidering the faces.

kathy h said...

I have knitted a few of the inside out toys and my grandkids love them dearly. This is my year to present "quiet" knitted toys to the kids.

Kristen said...

I have never knitted a toy before but I'd love to win the book and try it out!

Lindr said...

I have knit a few toys and with 6 grandchildren under the age of 4, I have a ready audience for some more! I haven't tried Susan B's patterns yet, but they are delightful and I'd love to have the opportunity!

Debbie1085 said...

I've knitted several of Susan's toys and I can assure you she writes an excellent pattern. Very easy to follow and it's fun to watch from the time the yarn is on the needle to the finished product. They're always sooo CUTE!!

Sara said...

I love Susan's toys and that doll would be the perfect gift for my 5 year old under the Christmas tree!
Thanks for the giveaway!

Kristine hipps said...

I am smitten with these darling patterns plus the format of the book is wonderful. I hope I am picked for a copy!

Carmen N said...

I've crocheted more toys that knit - but I love making them. They're so cute, fun and often fast to make (I've been known to make one the day of a party!) I've only made Susan's free elephant pattern but I have all her other books except this one. Thanks for the chance to win!

Kristebee said...

Omg what a cute little video! Susan is the best! I'm a total FANderson! Hahah. I've knit tons of her toys and the petticoat dolls are in my queue! Xoxoxo... Kriste

Margo said...

I have knit several toys and many of Susan B. Anderson's designs! I really love her books, but I don't yet have this one. Those dolls turned out very cute. I really want to make those now!

Vicki Maynes said...

Yes, I have knit her pattern for McHenry the dog, a frog, a penguin, a sock yarn monkey, and a sock yarn bunny. Her patterns are so easy to follow and there's little finishing to do!

Desiree said...

Yes, I have made her elefante pattern before! Thanks for the giveaway!
RavID: Nonosmom

Kelley said...

I love to knit toys, and I've knit Susan's Wee Ones patterns. So fun!
Thank you for the generous giveaway. :-)

Christina - a Babys Smile Knits said...

I have knit a few toys before and have Susan's books on my wishlist for just about every gift giving occasion. A friend actually knit her farm friends set and used them when they had newborn pictures taken of her baby girl ... it was adorable!!

Sabrina said...

I think knitted toys are SO cute! But, I kind of feel the same way you do about them. They are often too fiddly and I can't seem to get the details just right. This book looks ADORABLE!! I would love to knit these for my nephew.

Jill C. said...

I've never met a S.B.A. pattern that I didn't like! Thank you for being the first stop in her tour. Rav Id: nmujillybean

Marilyn said...

I have all of Susan's Itty Bitty books and love them!

Isa said...

I love making toys, either knitted or crocheted, though I stil have to try Susan B.'s patterns

ashleyanne said...

Love knitting Susan B. Anderson toys! I love knitting her animals that are offered on Craftsy :)
They are really simple, and I've been intrigued by this book!!

Unknown said...

How can you not love any of these at any age. Thanks for the chance to have this one.

Sharon said...

I love following Susan Anderson's blog and have made a few of her toys in the past. Thanks for your cute video of the doll and enter me in the contest.
craftysbs@juno.com

Johnston4kids said...

Oh you will be overwhelmed with comments on this one! I have knit so many of Susan's patterns. They are so well thought out and easy to follow. This is a book I will be buying eventually, but I'd be thrilled to win!
Johnston4kids on ravelry

Tricia said...

I LOVE Susan's toys! I've knit her bunny, hippo, monkey, pig, giraffe, and I'm now on my second, I repeat SECOND, chicken of hers from Blue Sky Alpacas. They are ADORABLE and her patterns are so well written. Everyone loves them! I'm trying to wean myself from knitting them so that I can knit a sweater or something, but then someone else wants a toy! FUN stuff! triciau on Ravelry.

Dawn said...

I would love to win this book. I have never made any of Susan Anderson's yet and actually I am only part way done with Carol A Anderson's Sven doll.

I'm knittedhat on Rav

Linda said...

My little granddaughter would love one of those dolls!

Hope I win
thanks for the contest

Jackie said...

I have knit a few of her patterns. All are lovely. I made one of her frog patterns into a toilet paper cover to fit in with my frog themed bathroom. It makes me happy every time I see it.

Anonymous said...

I have tried knitting toys, but I plan to. I have knit many of Susan's baby hats and other nursery items. Her patterns are so unique and every one has been a huge success with their recipients. Thanks for the giveaway.

Bordergirl on Ravelry

Phyllis said...

The bunny lived in my kitchen for a week before I could bear to send it to the intended baby.
Now it's bears, sock yarn bears.
Way, way too much fun!

Meghan said...

I've knit a few toys, but never anything as cool as these inside-out toys! I like to make toys for my daughter. I get the warm fuzzies when I see her playing with something I made. :)

Anonymous said...

I LOVE knitting toys. They're one of the first things I learned how to knit and they make great gifts. But I've never done one of Susan B.'s before - her books are all still on my wishlist! Thanks for writing - I love reading the blog.
Rav ID: ShadowAP

Christine Lima said...

I haven't knit any of her toys before, and in fact I have knit exactly 1 toy ever. It was part of a stashdown challenge and used up lots of little bits. Those flip toys are pretty cool though!!! Just might get me into knitting toys...

Linda Nelson said...

Toys are great to make because they are quick to make and portable! I love Susan's patterns!

Mary Jo said...

Adorable video!
I would love to win a book of toy patterns. Toys are my favorite thing to knit

CeltChick said...

I would love to knit the dolly in your post! The toys I've made have mostly been crocheted, lotsa teddy bears from 5" to 14" tall.

Selena and Brady said...

If my DH understands my hints, I should receive a copy of Spud & Chloe for my birthday!!! :) On ravelry I'm pcnky.

Thanks!
Selena

Marilou said...

I have knit several of Susan's patterns, both toys and hats. Her patterns are well written and her toys are awesome. I would love to win the book! Thanks for the opportunity.
Marilou
grammiknit on rav

Unknown said...

I would love a copy to gift to a friend because I already own one. I made Susan's Elefante recently but haven't knit a Topsy Turvey yet.

I am ncflower on Ravelry.

sandrarumsey said...

I would dearly love to win this book. I have many nieces and nephews who would love the toys. I have not yet knitted one of Susan's toys.

swakins said...

I am taking Susan's Itty Bitty knitting class on Craftsy, so I am just starting to learn toy knitting and I love it!

Brenda said...

I've made several of Susan's toys, in fact I just finished the Giraffe http://www.ravelry.com/projects/goodstuff/giraffe
It turned out great!

Hope I win... :-)

Sandy Woodley said...

I love Susan's toy patterns. They have become my go to patterns for baby presents. I have done several animals, including the whole Spud and chloe farm set. I also knit the tea set for my granddaughter. They are so much fun to knit.

grahamcrackerzz said...

Susan B. Anderson is my favorite knitter/designer, I search my emails each morning for her posts. I have my first granddaughter and I have been using her baby book to knit socks, sweaters, and hats. My favorite is the frog made from the tennis ball as the body. I would love this book!

Unknown said...

These patterns are so cute! and I love the idea of two toys in one. I love knitting toys because they are pretty quick, and a great way to use up leftover yarn.

Savannagal said...

I have only knit a couple toys, but they turned out really cute. I haven't knit any of Susan's yet though. Thanks for the giveaway.

Alissia said...

I haven't knit very many toys, but I love the look of the reversible dolls and all of Susan's books so far. I really need to get started on the knit teaset and cupcakes from Itty Bitty Nursery!

Robin (RsIslandCrafts) said...

I love handmade toys. Most of the time I will either sew or crochet stuffed toys. I do knit a few here and there but they need to be a decent size (no fiddly things here) and have very few pieces.

Looks like a wonderful book. Spiral bound for a craft book makes it much easier to use.

Unknown said...

I fell in love with Susan's work after knitting my first of many elefantes! Would love this book as an addition to my pattern library! calliep on Ravelry!

Knitschmidt said...

I love knitting toys and have all of Susan's books except this one! I've made the hippo and monkey from Itty Bitty Toys, and have several others queued (looking at you, giraffe!) I was gifted a gorgeous Spud the Sheep for my youngest baby.

ErikaC said...

I'm like you...toys can be a bit fiddly, but I've been wanting this book since it came out. I love her stuff and I've knit quite a few of the baby hats from her books. My daughter really wants one of these dolls. :)

Kacy said...

I haven't knitted a toy (yet), but I've done a little crochet amigirumi. These designs are so adorable, and I have a few little ones on my Christmas knitting list.

Anonymous said...

First, ty for the giveaway, I read your story on SBA, it's a wonderful story! I've SEWN a topsy-turvy doll many moons ago but still haven't KNIT one of Susan's adorable toys.

I LOVE the petticoat doll you made, so well done!

I'm in Ravelry as treblemaker

Cheers!
Kim aka treblemaker

April said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
April said...

I love Susan B Anderson's patterns. They always turn out well and are so much fun to make and share.

Unknown said...

I am a new knitter and hope this book with guide me. Thanks, Cindy

Keya Kuhn said...

I've knit the occasional doll or rabbit for a shower gift, but nothing by this designer and certainly nothing that turns inside out. How awesome is that?!

Hishandmaid said...

This is a fabulous book. I'd love to make that doll! Thanks for the giveaway!

Maryanne & Duke said...

I don't mind knitting toys as long as there aren't a billion tiny pieces to sew together. I've knit a sheep from one of Susan's other toy books and several hats from the baby hat book.

Pauly Heller said...

I'd love to win this book! I've made three of Susan's knitted sock-yarn bunnies and was delighted to see my granddaughter walking around with hers this morning. :-) I'm working on my fourth hat from her Itty-Bitty Hats book, too.

InJuneau said...

I have yet to knit any toys, but I can tell from this post that these would be the ones I'd want to do!

Zabbers said...

I do love knitting toys because of the quickness and the cute factor, and how little yarn they take, usually scraps, though I don't really have many legitimate uses for them! I have many of Susan B. Anderson's patterns favorited, even queued, but somehow, I haven't gotten around to one yet. Maybe now is the time!

Sherri said...

I haven't knit any of hers 'yet' but I would very much love too. I still have the topsy-turvy doll that my grandmother made me when I was a little girl.

Margarita said...

I am new to your blog, but I loved your video of the doll. I have never knit a toy before, but Susan Anderson's book makes it look more appealing than other patterns I've come across. Thanks for the chance!

Sara said...

I have not done much toy knitting...these look like fun.

Nhsarab on Ravelry

mary said...

I have made Susan's baby hats, all of which I love, but I have yet to make one of her toys. I'd love a Topsy Turvy to be my first!

dimsumknitter on rav

Jade said...

I've done some toy knitting, but not recently. Making toys was one of the reasons I started knitting, but I don't think I've knit any of Susan Anderson's toys. The topsy turvy toys look like they would be great for my busy little bee (she's 15mths and into everything!).

Katrina said...

I like knitting toys and have knit quite a few - all various styles. I have never knit one of Susan's designs, but have admired them :)

Anonymous said...

I've been making toys since 2007 (crochet or knitted). I have made toys from patterns by Laura Long & Jean Greenhowe. I only just found out about Susan B Anderson thru the Knitsy App ( luv the app) . I would love to make a toy using patterns from the Topsy Turvy book.

amihkitty on Ravelry

Mouse said...

I love Susan B Anderson and follow her blog, I've also signed up for her Craftsy class The (not so) Itty bitty Giraffe.

Unknown said...

I've never knit a toy before, and I'm a little intimidated, but I really like Susan's designs, so they seem like a good place to start.

Amanda Physk said...

I love knitting toys, especially Susan's delightful designs! I absolutely fell in love with Spud and Chloe at the Farm - my two and a half year old son has the entire barn yard and "Little Lamb" from Spud and Chloe at the Farm is my favourite handmade gift for friends with babies on the way! I would love the chance to win Topsy-Turvy with my one month old daughter in mind.

Anonymous said...

I like knitting toys, especially vegetables. But none of Susan's.

tktl on Ravelry

Marianna said...

I have knit one or two toys and have followed Susan's blog for years. I have been eyeing this book since it came out. Thanks for the chance to win it!
Marianna

melosa said...

I love the concept of knitted toys and have made a few, I enjoy them if they aren't too fiddly. I have a couple of Susan's other books and have been eyeing this one up for awhile. Such cut toys!

Unknown said...

I love Susan's toys! I have knit her hippo from Itty Bitty Toys and the elephant from her Craftsy class. I have plans to make many more. Great review!

Kristina said...

Looks like fun! My kids love the monsters that I have made in the past.

Kristina

Kari W. said...

Her topsy-turvys look like they would be so much fun to do and a great way to use up the little bits stashed away in bags.

Anonymous said...

I don't knit toys as I have nobody to knit them for (except my niece). I love the dolls and J is so cute and such a superstar in the video!
Pavla

Eva said...

Oh my goodness those toys are FABULOUS! I've knit some complicated toys, but those look so pretty and simple yet awwwww-inspiring.

Anonymous said...

I knit a lot of toys (perfect new baby presents since they "fit" longer than clothes). Susan's tend to be the best patterns (in my opinion)

RemedyReviewBlog said...

Absolutely wonderful post! What a perfect concept. Thank you RemedyReviewBlog

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