Amigurumi Affirmations: 30 Cute and Easy Crochet Projects to Brighten Your Day and Lift Your Spirits

This whimsical guide from crochet designer Sartori (Crochet Your Celebrity Crush) teaches readers how to make stuffed toys known as amigurumi. Each character—from adorable animals to anthropomorphized food items—holds up a sign with a punny affirmation. For example, a pink octopus urges, “There’s nothing you can’t hand-le,” while a rosy-cheeked avocado proclaims, “You’ve guac this!” Before delving into the projects, Sartori covers the basics of the craft, instructing readers to use medium-weight yarn and a crochet hook that gives “a dense fabric and doesn’t allow any stuffing to show through” and offering step-by-step instructions for common crochet stitches and techniques, like the magic loop and chain stitch. The 30 projects include “comfort foods” such as a smiling donut and a cheeky taco; “caring critters,” like an encouraging snail and a sincere lion; and a slew of other uplifting figures, from a charming ghost who says “You have a boo-tiful spirit” to an animated houseplant who declares, “Be-leaf in yourself.” Throughout, color photographs and step-by-step instructions take guesswork out of the equation. The positive affirmations, which are printed on cards provided at the back of the book, make these figures great gifts or desk companions. Crafters will be inspired. (Jan.)