Book Review + Giveaway: Knitting Mochimochi

Yarncraft

Header Book Mochimochi

From squirrels on wheels to pigs with wigs the whimsical knit toy world of crafter Anna Hrachovec of Mochimochi Land comes together in her new book, Knitting Mochimochi. As a frequent contributer to CRAFT, I’ve always enjoyed the cute knit toys Anna creates. She blows my mind even more with this book where 20 new patterns that are “super-cute strange designs” are featured. Where else in a book would you find “cute polluters” I ask you? This book is a perfect companion for the summer knitter as you could finish a cute project in no time (beach knitting!) and hand it off right away for a child or child-at-heart to enjoy. I particularly like the section towards the end of the book where Anna goes through the basic steps on how to design your own knitted toy. A great book for anyone who wants to knit the cutest little toys!
Mochimochi Pocketprotector
Nerd alert! Knit up this pocket protector marsupial to keep your labcoat pens company.
More photos of some of my favorite projects, an interview with Anna Hrachovec, and info on how to win a free copy of Knitting Mochimochi in our giveaway after the jump!


Book Giveaway Time!
Two lucky CRAFT readers will win a copy of Knitting Mochimochi. Just tell us why you would like this book in the comments. All comments will be closed by Noon PST on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. The lucky winners will be chosen randomly and announced later on the site. Good luck!
This giveaway is now closed!
Congrats to Jess of Ramona, CA and Eileen of Portland, OR for winning! Thanks to everyone who entered.
Mochimochi Kidsprojects
For the kids: Neck Nuzzler and Feet Eaters

Interview with Anna Hrachovec

Natalie: What inspired you to write your new book, Knitting Mochimochi?
Anna: I was fortunate enough to be approached by the publisher, Watson-Guptill, and I just couldn’t say no to writing a book of patterns! Writing a book had been at the back of my mind for a while as a long-term goal, and it was so exciting (and a little scary) to have it happen before I expected.
Natalie: You already have awesome patterns on your site. What was your process for developing the new patterns for this book?
Anna: I enjoyed the challenge of working on a group of patterns all together, which was something I had never done before. I wanted to incorporate the style that I’ve developed over the past few years, but also make it into a cohesive collection that worked well together as a book, so I concentrated on some simple categories and tried to use colors schemes that complemented each other. The biggest departure from the patterns that I have on my website is the section of “Impractical Wearables,” silly toys that can be worn in different ways. I had a lot of fun coming up with those, and I can’t wait to see if some people will actually wear some of them – like Naughty and Nicey, the angel and devil that you can strap to your shoulders.
Natalie: Where do you find your knitting inspiration?
Anna: I find inspiration in everything! I didn’t realize this at first, but it turns out that a lot of my ideas come from wordplay, like rhymes and alliteration. Hence the Pigs with Wigs, Grouchy Couch, etc. It’s probably obvious that there were many Dr Seuss books in the house when I was growing up.
Natalie: What is a tip you can share for knitters who are just starting to knit toys?
Anna: The most important thing is to have fun with it and don’t worry about making it “perfect.” Knitted toys don’t have to be sized and shaped just right to fit someone like a sweater, which is a big bonus in my book. And if your toy is a little lopsided, it will just be all the more adorable.
Natalie: Can you tell us what you are working on this summer?
Anna: I have a few projects going on all at once, but the biggest one right now is a solo show that I’ll have at gallery hanahou in NYC in October. My plan is to make a kind of knitted world installation, so it’s a huge project that’s going to be taking up more and more of my time. Just like this book, I’m very excited about it, but also nervous about whether or not I can really pull it off! I’m going to start posting updates about my progress on my blog very soon.
Mochimochi Pigs Mushroom
Pigs with Wigs and Plucky Mushrooms (tiny knit)
Mochimochi Babygators
Pick up the free pattern from the book to knit these baby gators!
If you are in the NY area, head to Brooklyn General for the Knitting Mochimochi Release Party on July 11th!
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198 thoughts on “Book Review + Giveaway: Knitting Mochimochi

  1. capt-poprocks.livejournal.com says:

    I would love to win this book because I love to knit/crochet weird plushies and Mochimochi has some of the cutest patterns around. So happy she came out with this book! ^-^

  2. Jillann64 says:

    I love making toys!! I have no small children but have lots of little ones in the family and like to make them things for holidays and birthdays. Would be nice to have this for those long cold winter nights we have ahead here in central new york.
    Jillann64@yahoo.com

  3. 3monstermama says:

    I am just learning how to knit amigurumi and have high aspirations of knitting a world of them as presents. One of the best things about them is they are “bus knitting’ friendly in a way sweaters and big projects aren’t.
    i love the baby alligators and can’t wait to try them. I am envisioning a merger of amigurumi and graffeti knitting with little alligators climbing out of the manhole cover near my favorite bakery!

  4. Cari says:

    These are so cute!! These would be great things to make for all of my nieces and nephews! Must have!!!

  5. Knitwhimsies says:

    I really love this book! I really want to knit up a bunch of the pigs with wigs for our local children’s center!

  6. Bonney says:

    I would love to win this book for my local library. I already have a copy but the town library is very small though they are trying to build their collection of craft books. I know this book would get a lot of use!

  7. PrincessPeanutsMommy says:

    I was trying to figure out something clever to write to let you know how much I would love this book, when my daughter came into the room, looked over my shoulder and screamed:
    “OHHH, I want it, I want it, I want it!!! Will you make them for me please?!?!?! Please, Mommy, please!?!?”
    So there you have it, we BOTH want it :-)

  8. greetingarts says:

    Just love Anna’s designs. No one else has a knitted bathtub, that’s for sure. I’ve got to add this to my collection of knitting books.

  9. honeysucklehandmades says:

    …wonderful to have this book! I typically would sew creatures and things out of fabric, but how nice to knit or crochet them! It would bring me from a beginner to experienced, and I would love to do that with these super cute things! I could even take some things to work with me (I teach preschool).

  10. cedraphoenix says:

    Very imaginative! Slippers are the best creative use! I would love to add this book to my collection – if I don’t win it’s definitely on my buy list!

  11. evilstan says:

    Maybe even more than the crochet borders. I know at least 8 people who need those nom-nom-nom slippers, and at least 3 who need the bunny scarf! But why on earth are they captioned “for the kids”…? Bigger gauge or creative pattern modification and they’re mine, baby.

  12. goldneys96 says:

    I love Anna’s designs and I have been following her since she put out the pattern for the Woodins on Knitty. I have an 8 yr old who who loves cute handmade things and had taken off with any amigurumi swap I have gotten, so I would really love to make more for both of us, especially from Anna’s new book!

  13. artdeptheather says:

    I would love to win this book for a terrific new hobby and for lovely christmas presents for all my lovely loved ones!
    Thanks,
    Heather

  14. Folkmusegin says:

    I love knitting unique and unusual toys and kids clothing. I think this book would be a great addition to my library!

  15. schknitz says:

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Anna’s patterns and her fantastic tutorials – I hate seaming and she made it so easy for me, that I’ll actually make patterns with seams in them now. I’m dying to see this book! Made Boo the bat as an inside joke for a friend in my knitting group who met a randy fruit bat while on vacation in Costa Rica – its a legendary story that I cannot repeat here, but he comes to our Christmas party every year and is our mascot. His name is Jonathon. Check him out on my Ravelry page! (same ID – Schknitz)

  16. natatron says:

    This book may very well just change my life.

  17. Elli says:

    Aside from wanting to knit a pig for my husband (a nickname he earned in the military, not for being a pig mind you, but for pig-calling before ever parachute jump), I am dying to knit up that sofa for a dollhouse!

  18. Danae says:

    I would love to have this book, because I’m interested in the section that shows how to design your own toys. Always interested in the design process.

  19. dawneileen says:

    I am absolutely in love with everything that I have seen from the book. I can’t wait to Cast On the Baby Gators! I love to knit toys & I love amigarumi, & it’s so nice to see knitted (as opposed to crochet) patterns.

  20. artdeptheather says:

    Yes, the patterns are terrific. Easy to understand!

  21. Erytanthes says:

    I’ve admired Miss Hrachovek’s work for a loooong time and would love a chance to explore it more via the pages of her books! I’d love to make some for myself and friends!

  22. rachelle says:

    anna’s designs make my heart swell with joy! i couldn’t be happier to win this book. mochimochi land, here i come!

  23. Ramona Burke says:

    I’ve been informed that I absolutely MUST make these toys for my kiddos…

  24. Libby Declouet says:

    Hi, I have been crocheting Amigurumis for a while now and this book excites me with the opportunity to attempt something new with a difference, KNITTING cuteness!!! Anna’s creations are amazingly cute, I would be over the moon if I won, I could practice my knitting technique and create something wonderful!

  25. TiaMaria says:

    This is perfect! My four year old loves little toys. And her friends all love little toys. And her cousins all love little toys. Look, I make a lot of little toys for very deserving little kids and I could totally use a new source of inspiration.

  26. TiaMaria says:

    I thought I commented. I wrote, I pressed “Submit”… nada.
    Anyway, what I said originally was:
    Ooh! Ooh! Perfect! My four year old loves little toys. Her friends all love little toys. Her cousins all love little toys. Look, I have to make a lot of cute little toys for a lot of cute little kids and I totally need a new source of inspiration.

  27. TiaMaria says:

    Is there an emoticon for embarrassed?

  28. Sandy says:

    I would love a book that would teach me to knit Mochimochi. My neice, nephew, and grandson would love them.
    Good Luck ALL!

  29. hlove says:

    Beyond SUPER CUTE! If you’re in NYC, Anna is going to be at Brooklyn General Store on Sunday the 11th. The last time she was there she brought all of her critters with her. They are even cuter in person and she was just the sweetest too!

  30. Lauren says:

    Why do I want this book? Do you really have to ask? I knit/crochet/sew plushies of all sorts, and I love love love Mochimochiland!
    And really, I’m going to end up owning this book one way or another, so winning it would be choice!

  31. Samantha says:

    I JUST started knitting toys this week and am looking forward to many more. This book is so darn cute…
    madfabriholic at gmail dot com

  32. katylua says:

    My children and I are odd creatures. We have all sorts of running games that, when I step back and view them as an outsider might do, are the kinds of rituals that people would proclaim as either absolute genius or pure insanity. My thumbs, for example, have been known as “Kitty” in since my daughter (now 6) was about 18 mos. “Kitty” talks a lot and sings, and she is one mischievous little creature. I probably shouldn’t share this, but “Kitty” loves to smell armpits. “Kitty” does get into pits on occasion, however my kids have figured out some pretty clever ways to block her advances. Um…well… I guess it’s one of those “you-gotta-be-there” kinda games. Bottom line is that we’re all about silly weirdness here, so Mochimochi would be a fine addition to our insane genius-ness.

  33. cchan says:

    a through love of crafting and creating objects especially creatures

  34. ammieloris says:

    These are so adorable that they make me giggle. I can’t imagine how much fun my son would have with these. (I’d love to dress him in adorable creature booties!) Thanks for the chance to win.

  35. kelly s says:

    I’m sick of knitting normal things. I need to knit monsters!

  36. gwenstella says:

    because this book will bring my knitting skills to a whole new level of … CUTENESS!!!

  37. thegogofiasco says:

    I’m a die-hard knitter, not crochet-er, and I can’t knit things like these for my two girls. You don’t find many patterns for animals that are knitted, so this is great.

  38. Stella says:

    LOVE the Pigs with Wigs! LOL! Very nice patterns!

  39. PenguinBot says:

    Everything I’ve seen from this book so far is adorable. I’ve just started knitting little stuffed guys for my 2-year-old, now every time he sees any sort of knit animal he asks, “Mommy make it for me?” I need new patterns!

  40. Victor says:

    I would love to win just because it’d be a great addition to my knitter’s library and all the projects would give me something to do before I move into my first apartment!

  41. creativelady says:

    I have so many “little friends” that would benefit from this book! And a stash buster too!

  42. sexychelsea says:

    I would love to win this book because I am always looking for new craft projects and these ones are ADORABLE

  43. jess owley says:

    I’d love this book to make fun toys for my daughter (and me) and I appreciate patterns for the non-crocheters among us

  44. Little Boy Blue says:

    MUST. MAKE. THOSE. SLIPPERS.

  45. debbieb97 says:

    I have been eyeing this book since I first got wind of it! I love the website and all her patterns and would love to get a copy of her book! Thank you.

  46. lou says:

    The pigs with wigs are so cute! I love this book.

  47. mambamanda says:

    I would love to make these to donate to my local pediatric oncology clinic.

  48. 愛麗嘉?!! says:

    I’ve been on the hunt for cute toys to knit lately, since I don’t have the skills for classic amigurumi : /

  49. sy says:

    i love mochimochiland. anna’s amigurumis are too cute and innovative, they would make perfect presents, would like to win this book to make some. love the pigs with wigs :D

  50. cangmom says:

    I would love this book so that I can make cute little Mochimochi for my whole family. I have an adorable and bright 2 year old and older children that would adore these and me if I had the book to help me.

  51. MarieandIndy says:

    These seem like the epitome of fun tiny toys!
    Thanks for the great giveaway!
    Marie

  52. Jenny says:

    I’d love to win this book – I’m not much of a knitter myself, but my sister is and these designs are right up her alley!

  53. kate morar says:

    i would LOVE to take my knitting to the next level! i have made WAY too many scarves

  54. A bird called Mo says:

    i would LOVE to finally be able to make this kind of plushies! The one time I had a go it ended up as a scarf… with ears. Would be nice to actually make a more three-dimensional one.

  55. wyrdsister_x says:

    I have only recently begun knitting toys, and I am so happy to see there are designs I’d actually feel creative when knitting! I lot of the patterns I’ve found are run-of-the-mill, so to have the opportunity to knit quirky little toys for my friends’ children would be wonderful! My friends are not run-of-the-mill, and I’d love to give them adorable gifts like these. Thank you!

  56. fiberfriend says:

    And I want some Feet Eaters!
    With little Mochlmochi friends all around I would always be happy & smiling :)
    If I won this book, all my pockets would be protected with
    marsupials….hehe

  57. julieart says:

    I’ve been crocheting little monsters, but would rather be knitting wacky critters. I need this book!

  58. shi-girl says:

    I haven’t started knitting creatures yet. I’m currently deployed and crafts help fill the “free” time and keep me from feeling as homesick. One of my personal goals is to make a present for each of my nieces and nephews while I’m deployed, and this book would give me patterns to help fulfill that goal.

  59. Kasper says:

    Wow looks like you’ve gotten a great response to the contest! I would like to enter too. Good luck to everybody.

  60. TaoArtGuy says:

    I’m a long-time graphic designer but I lost my hearing and can’t do the same work anymore. I’m trying to redefine myself as an artist and would love to win this book and learn how to make these cute guys! My wife sells soap at the craft shows and I’d love to chip in and have something to sell myself.

  61. Bethany says:

    I want to win this for my sister and my baby-to-be (August 19th) — I’ll have the baby and my sister can knit her cute presents! Heehee!

  62. Alex says:

    I’d LOVE this book specifically because I don’t knit – yet. I crochet, but for some reason, knitting has never really clicked as fun for me. These patterns seem like just the thing to change that!

  63. Bethany says:

    I want to win this for my sister and my baby-to-be (mid August). I’ll have the baby and my sister can knit cute presents for her! Heehee!

  64. Laurpud says:

    I recently joined the Toy Society (http://thetoysociety.blogspot.com/) & Knitting Mochimochi has some wonderful things to give away!!

  65. Plainclothes Goddess says:

    I would love to be able to use these designs to get s head start on holiday gifts for my (very) extended family. So many adorable kids, so little time!

  66. klelkins says:

    Several of my friends whom I’ve either gone to design school with, or that I’ve worked with – and that have now all moved away – are entering the stage of life where they’re all having babies! I would love to be able to knit them up a cute, quirkly little something to let them know how much I miss them and their creativity, and to give their little ones a fun, unique gift made with love.

  67. oraxia says:

    I’m still somewhat new to amigurumi (I’m a painfully slow knitter), and the one thing I really notice is that there’s a lot more crochet out there (at least in English) than knitting. Would love to have this book :D

  68. caracolina says:

    I love Anna’s design, they are cute without ever being saccharine. I’ve actually bought a couple from her so far and made them as gifts. These little projects are my favorite ways to use up odds and ends in my yarn basket. It would be lovely to win an entire book with her creatures. More gifts for friends and family!

  69. GYABO! says:

    There’s no better gift than a handmade gift crafted with heart! I’m a long-time knitter and web designer and Anna’s designs really appeal to me on both levels. So much amigurumi is of the crocheted variety, so this book is really encouraging to me. I’d love to knit a bunch of these critters for many of my friends’ children (and several for myself!)

  70. Chris says:

    I would love to win this book – I’m sure my nieces would adore the projects!

  71. lolitavontorch says:

    i love her cute critter creations…and diving into my stash to knit up the baby gators as i type…i have three boys that i’m always knitting for…i would love to add some of these cute ones into my collection…

  72. music_boxi says:

    I love this book when I first saw the cover. Knitting Mochimochi has inspired me to knit more on these cute knit toys for my two little daughters other than sweaters, dresses, blankets…etc. Will definitely buy this book for more knitting toys ideas!!! Nice and love it!

  73. Kristibee says:

    Mochimochi is the ultimate inspiration for me as a knitter/crocheter and designer! This book would be so awesome to have!
    Please pick me!

  74. juleen says:

    I love knitting toys, and I LOVE Anna’s designs! Her Boo might be my favorite thing I’ve ever knit, and I have lots more Mochimochi projects in my queue.
    I picked up a copy of “Knitting Mochimochi” for my sister’s birthday and had such a hard time parting with it. I would love to win a copy of the book for myself. The first thing I’ll make is the little TV set. So cute!
    I’ve got my needles crossed in hopes that you’ll pick me for the giveaway!

  75. val hellstein says:

    i’m dying to knit the couch…a little tv…heck, a whole room!

  76. lynnewio says:

    I was able to check this book out over the weekend and it is just too adorable. I’d love a copy because it’s just so nice to find cute patterns for plushies that are knit instead of crocheted.

  77. Thea says:

    I would love to have this book because of the Pigs With Wigs pattern. I crochet but would learn to knit just to make those pigs… thats how cute they are.

  78. amante says:

    Ive recently rediscovered needle work crafts and decided Id like to make little knitted toys because I have an affinity for cute little baby toys. I was looking for local craft swap meets when I discovered Mochimochi Land. It was a surprising coincidence. This book would be so helpful in learning how to make knitting patterns of my own design : )
    Great Happy Prosperity for Anne H….What a great fun thing to share!!

  79. schmebbie says:

    I recently repainted/renovated my room, and I’d love to fill it up with these cute plushtoys! Imagine how scared people would be!

  80. mountainweaver says:

    I love tiny things and would love to knit some of these to give away to charities for Christmas
    info@mountainweaver.com

  81. mliz55 says:

    Not only do I love the patterns, and like the construction of the toys, but the book is absolute eye candy. Thanks so much for putting it together!

  82. alcatmom says:

    I need squirrels on wheels! Puleeeeeeeze!!!!

  83. Baron VonCouch says:

    I’d love to have this book; it’d be a heck of a lot cuter and easier to make gifts with than knitting up a whole sweater.

  84. BlargenSchplargen says:

    I taught myself to knit when I was ten and still haven’t outgrown my love for tiny knitted nuggets of cuteness. I would be pumped to receive a copy of this book. I especially love Anna Hrachovec’s minuscule knits and would be very interested to place them around San Diego in unexpected places and take photos, like a certain Slinkachu does in the U.K. But I don’t think I’d have the heart to leave those little beauties out in the rain :D

  85. t says:

    I’m always looking for books full of these cute patterns but there are very few. I love those animals and slippers!! Adorable knits!

  86. renshai.dreamwidth.org says:

    My Nana just taught me how to knit a couple weeks ago – I’d love to gift her with one of these little guys in return.

  87. angie says:

    I love Mochimochi!! I so need this book. it has some of the cutes ideas.

  88. Kitsune Kyuuketsuki says:

    My niece and nephew read Mochimochi Land blog with me, (mostly they look at the pictures of Anna’s knitted toys), and then they beg me to knit this, or that, for them. I sometimes have to tell them that I can’t, because I don’t have the pattern, but I would be knitting everything in this book for them.

  89. ozknitter says:

    I’m a new Auntie who’d love to knit some of these gorgeous toys for my new n.

  90. Rikke Jensen says:

    I would love to have this book. I have to knit the television, and I think I have to make another moose – I test knit with sock yarn, but this time it will be with a heavier yarn to make a biiiiig moose! :)

  91. BlargenSchplargen says:

    I taught myself to knit when I was ten and still haven’t outgrown my love for tiny knitted nuggets of cuteness. I would be pumped to receive a copy of this book. I especially love Anna Hrachovec’s minuscule knits and would be very interested to place them around San Diego in unexpected places and take photos, like a certain Slinkachu does in the U.K. But I don’t think I’d have the heart to leave those little beauties out in the rain :D

  92. Pikka says:

    I’m a dance teacher in a kindergarden and it would be so much fun to knit this toys from Anna and use them in the classes with my kids. The bean-filled “Butterfull” mochipattern is a big-big favorit in this classes also now.
    Hugs to Anna from a Mochifan!

  93. crafterslane says:

    Feet Eaters and a nomnomnom sound effect. Holiday presents to delight! Love it!

  94. picaresqued says:

    I would love to make pretty much everything in this book… most specifically the squirrel, for my roommate. She has a thing for squirrels.

  95. kalamansi says:

    I’ve been a fan of Anna’s for years. I’d love to make these for my little girl and my friends’ children.

  96. polkaostrich says:

    There are some little Minneapolis babies who would love these creatures!

  97. bluecat09 says:

    I think it would be awesome to knit the slippers for my brother. And it’s faster to knit smaller things, so I’ll have all sorts of adorable knitted stuff around the house.

  98. Kitsune Kyuuketsuki says:

    Last week, I believe? I’m having trouble finding where the winners are announced.

  99. Laurpud says:

    Me too! Where the heck are the winners?

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