Knit Your Own Scotland Paperback – October 1, 2012

KNIT YOUR OWN SCOTLAND, by Jackie Holt and Ruth Bailey, is an inspired collection of Scotland-themed patterns for knitted toys. The human figures--for example, Robert Burns (on the far left in the cover photo)--are quite recognizable; and the extras--for example, Nessie (in front in the cover photo, with tartan tam)--are delightful.Accompanying each whimsical pattern is a short text that tells you why the pattern is included in a Scotland-themed book. If you're Scottish by heritage, you won't need the text, but it's helpful to those (like me) who aren't Scottish. The included patterns are as follows:*** William Wallace/Braveheart (led the fight for Scottish independence)*** Robert Burns (Scotland's finest poet)*** Bonnie Prince Charlie (leader of the Jacobites' lost cause)*** Billy Connolly, with his banana boots (comedian)*** Andy Murray (tennis player)*** Nessie (the Loch Ness Monster)*** Scottish Terrier (iconic canine)*** Highland Cattle (shaggy-haired, horned bovines)*** Sheep (blackface sheep)*** The Saltire (Scotland's national flag, blue and white; plus a thistle)*** Bagpipes (knitted pipes are supported by dowels)*** Chocolate Teacake (Tunnock's finest)*** Scotch Whiskey (a fine bottle of Black & White, plus a white tumbler)*** Scotch Pie (double-crusted, minced mutton pie)Most of the patterns require knitting many small pieces on U.S. Size 3 (3.25mm) needles, and call for DK weight or finer yarn. There are so many different yarns specified (various different lines of Rowan, Sirdar, Debbie Bliss, Sublime, Anchor) that it may be something of a challenge (and expensive) to collect all of the exact yarns and colors called for in the patterns. However, this is a fun book to simply look through and enjoy. It left me smiling.

Some really nice knitting patterns in this book, although I don't care to knit "people". The Scottie dog especially is really nice. Also like the Highland Cow and Black-faced Sheep. Haven't tried to use the patterns yet so don't know how good the instructions are.

The book is excellent with regards to its content, imagination and clearly written knitting instructions. However, the difficulty level is high on many of the items, and I've been knitting for 40 years! Love the photos!

This book is so much fun, especially if you are a Scot, or a fan of the place. Be forewarned that it is not a book for beginners, as it does does require some 4 needle knitting, etc. I love the sheep and the Highland cattle. It has inspired me.

As a critter and doll knitter from way back, I make it a practice never to review a knitting book before trying some of the patterns. I do not believe many of the rave reviewers here did that. It is clever, original, with interesting Scottish lore and great pictures. Fun to read.. But the patterns leave much to be desired. No place are dimensions given, no place is amount of yarn needed estimated, no gauge is given. Most knitters know how to convert European needle sizes into USA sizes, but courtesy might have made doing so convenient. Directions are unusual and minimal. Do not attempt if you have limited experience knitting dolls. If you have experience, you may find adapting the human figures to knitting in the round. Some of the accessory non-knitted supplies needed are hard to come by. I probably would have lost patience and chucked the book if I did not have Scottish ties

Love these patterns! Did find a couple of things in the Nessie pattern that I altered, but then that makes it more MY project, right? Nessie is so easy to do that I am working on it while traveling. Can't wait to do Bonnie Prince Charles and some of the others.

Lovely little book with very well written, detailed patterns. Wonderful pictures showing particulars of the step by step. Great for any Scottish knitter!

What a fun book! I plan to knit some of the projects, but even if I don't, it's a great little book to have close to enjoy the pictures.

All items look adorable-I can't wait to knit my own Loch Ness monster

I was so excited when I received my "Knit Your Own Scotland" toy book. It is absolutely fabulous!!!!! Haven't had a chance to knit any of the toys yet, but they are next on my "to knit" list. The instructions are very clear and well written.....I love it! Thank you. Kathy in Colorado

Gave this book to a couple of Scots. They loved it. Their favorite knitting patterns where Billy Collins and the Scotch Pie. I don't know if they will ever actually do the patterns but they are having lots of fun and lots of laughs pouring over the projects.

I saw a review of this book in the Scotsman newspaper and could not resist the idea of knitting my very own Tunnochs Teacake or a Scotch Pie.The selelection of patterns lived up to my expectations.There is a wide choice from Braveheart to Nessie and an amazingly recognisable Andy Moray!There is also a thistle key ring tag, a Saltire bag, a Scottie dog and many more.The instructions are clear and easy to follow.It would be helpful to have the type of yarn e.g. 4 ply, arran etc explained as it is not always possible to source the yarns recommended and many patterns just need small amounts of several yarns which can be easily sourced from any knitter's stash.Suitable for beginners and the more experenced knitter.Many of these projects would make a great gift for any homesick expat.I am looking forward to volume 2 Jackie.If the authors need any ideas why not start with a haggis?

So far, have knit myself an Andy Murray - patterns have loads of charm, but could have a touch more detail - found the directions for making the tennis raquet a bit skimpy. Definitely for the knitter with a bit of experience.