Lalylala’s Beetles Bugs and Butterflies A Crochet Story of Tiny Creatures and Big Dreams by Lydia Tresselt

source: free review copy via FW Media / NetGalley
title: Lalylala’s Beetles Bugs and Butterflies: A Crochet Story of Tiny Creatures and Big Dreams
author: Lydia Tresselt
genre: crochet patterns/crafts
published: November 2017
pages: hardcover 128
rated: 5 out of 5

Blurb:
Hello bug lovers and crochet adventurers!

Grab your research equipment (magnifying glass, flask of tea, crochet hook, scissors and yarn) and follow us into a world full of magic and science, a microcosm of tiny creatures and big dreams! In this book you will find not only a charming selection of crochet patterns to create scrabbling beetles, beautiful bugs and fluttering butterfly crochet amigurumi, but also a wonderful story to read out loud and ponder on: a tale about growing up; accepting change and the power of dreams.

Watch tiny creatures hatching from their eggs, look on as they munch through a green world, and be astonished at their marvelous transformations when they finally slip out of their cocoons. The wings and hats are interchangeable so you can use the patterns in this book to create new outfits for your little insect friends. Give your caterpillar a new set of wings for every day of the week, or cover your beetle in the most colourful wing suits. Be inspired by nature to make creatures of your own creation. It’s a great little world full of possibilities. We wish you lots of fun on your journey of discovery and learning!

My thoughts:

First of all, stop with this cuteness. Lalylala’s Beetles Bugs and Butterflies begins with a story showcasing all the little bugs you can crochet. The presentation throughout is both creative and whimsical.

“And finally she’ll get her well-deserved beetle wings, designed with a simple yet elegant pattern.”

As with all great pattern books, there is a techniques section, tools and materials, general advice and even a safety section for making the toys safer if giving them to young ones. There is a terminology section, pattern charts and tips on reading patterns. Also inside is a full stitch section complete with clear photos for reference.

There are basic shape patterns to follow allowing you to make the bug or butterfly you want. So you work up the basic head, body, hat, and antennae, then you follow the patterns for wings to make them different. There is plenty of variety in crocheting the little bugs when you factor in the yarn color choices as well.

I LOVE this pattern book, I will be buying a hard copy for my shelves. I’d say these cute patterns are for advanced beginners. I haven’t crocheted a little bug yet, but plan on doing so and on looking at the directions they are clear and easy to follow so I’m sure I will be able to whip a few little bugs up as time allows.

Lalylala’s Beetles Bugs and Butterflies is a whimsical pattern book that would make a great addition to your pattern collection if you like crocheting toys. This pattern book is also a nice gift for the amigurumi crocheter in your life. Stop by designer Lydia Tresselt’s website for more crocheted cuteness.

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About the designer:
Hi, I’m Lydia!

I’m a crochet enthusiast, notorious yarn buyer and snail shell collector (just one of my numerous obsessions). I’m also chief of the lalylala amigurumi tribe and one of my most impressive skills is to crochet while walking.

My biggest inspiration is my little boy, who’s also my most selective toy and story tester. He continuously brings me back to the magic that happens in the smallest things in our everyday life.

I’m also a lucky beggar to have a man on my side who’s not just my most patient supporter but also the world’s only theoretical crochet expert without any practical experience.

Working with yarn is the red thread through my life. It’s unlikely that you would meet me without a survival bag full of yarn and hooks. My great grandma taught me how to crochet when I was a child. After a short crafting break during my teenage years, I picked up the red thread again with the same childlike joy. I moved to Lalylaland and made a lot of friends there. Most of them are weirdos wearing animal costumes, but I like them!

Come and join us for a cup of coffee and a little crochet at www.lalylala.com-quoted from Amazon

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Disclaimer: This review is my honest opinion. I did not receive any kind of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. My free review copy of Lalylala’s Beetles Bugs and Butterflies A Crochet Story of Tiny Creatures and Big Dreams by Lydia Tresselt was courtesy of FW Media / NetGalley. Some of these links are affiliate links.