Book Review: One of these books was not like the other.

[@gayleleblanc2601]

Raw honesty is appreciated, especially when I work a pattern and think “am I the village idiot? Why am I having trouble when so many others gush over this book?”

[@therumimillcrochet]

A fellow “village idiot”!!! Nope, it’s not just us. Thankfully, after seeing the comments, there’s more of us. Thank you for helping to make me feel ok about voicing my opinions. 💗💗💗

[@jeniphirtaylor-mcintire81]

The backstory you created for the misshapen mouse had me rolling!

[@therumimillcrochet]

I’m soooooo glad you obviously have a dark sense of humor too. 🤣❤️It helps knowing I have kindred spirits out here in the nethers. 😍

[@missapippin9020]

I loved this video I am so glad I have found you on KZbin. You are going to be responsible for a lot of book buying I might add. Thank you. I too love books, owls, greyhounds and sparkling water.

[@therumimillcrochet]

If it brings you some comfort…I’m buying right along with you. 😂🤣You’re not alone…never alone. ♥️

[@MimiMakesKeepsakes]

Love your shirt! You glow, girl!🩵 Robert Red Fox is a cutie, and the owl is adorable. Yep! Fuzzy water is the best. I'm not too fond of hot tea, either. Thanks for the review. Have a great rest of your weekend!

[@MimiMakesKeepsakes]

Fizzy water-what is Fuzzy water.🤣

[@therumimillcrochet]

Thank you so much friend!! You’re always so kind. I’m a fizzy water addict. Wishing you a wonderful weekend too!! 💗💗💗

[@creative2716]

EWWW, fuzzy water? NOPE!

[@KnottingHookCrochet]

You come up with such creative names for your critters! My first book was a Zimmerman book, I don't mind the chain 1, slip stitch method so much for 1 reason. I can get my eyes straight. On the spiral they always look a little off. If I can see it I think everyone else can see it! 🤣🤣

[@therumimillcrochet]

You have a very good point there. Getting eyes and faces even is definitely challenging with continuous rounds. And thank you for enjoying my weird need to name my animals. It’s an illness at this point. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤣💗💗

[@HappyCamperz5832]

I am so glad I've subscribed to your channel! You are so entertaining, and I love your honest reviews. Your comments are hilarious! I have all the books you reviewed today, and you are spot-on! Thanks for sharing!

[@therumimillcrochet]

I’m so glad you’re here too! AND talking to me. I love hearing from y’all and it helps know my weirdness and oddities are appreciated. 😂🤦🏻‍♀️💗 Thank YOU fir making me smile today! 💗

[@chantaleperron]

Hi Cindy! I really , reslly appreciated having your honest opinion. Zimmeman is a very cool woman and amigurumis designer, everybody loves her, so thats why I trully appreciated your " courage" saying things you didnt love about her new book. Its true that, that way she's wriiting pattern is a an " old " way like we used to see YEARS AGO. I' ve been making amigurumis for over 14 years now, and I remember it was Everywhere like THAT Amigurumis had changed a lot in the last 5 years: easier vocabulary, less sewing, new technics, etc. And I agree with you that if you we" re to aim the beginners crocheters, you should included the easiest technics but most of all, the most populars ones. That way, that beginner will be able to understand most designers You did an Excellent opinion on this book and younopinions are reslly valuable for me. So, thanho thank you so muchbforbthis video❤❤❤,

[@therumimillcrochet]

You and I are totally on the same page!!! I love it! Yes, consistency and continuity would be wonderful. It’s definitely better than when I began, and I blame publishers partially. I think they should try to enforce some of this too. Meteor books does a great job with it. I’m so glad you’re here and so appreciative for your insight. 💗💗💗

[@erinb2887]

Thanks for being honest...and hilarious!💓🌈

[@therumimillcrochet]

Thank you for watching and giggling! 😜❤️

[@QuiltedCupcake]

Honest reviews are so appreciated. Thank you. ❤🧁

[@therumimillcrochet]

Thank you so much for saying this…definitely helps me feel better about this for future books. 💗

[@ledonnawallace2062]

Best practices are important!!! I’m so glad you pointed this out!❤

[@therumimillcrochet]

I’m so glad I’m not alone. Show the way it will be seen…she is an amazing designer, and I love she offers sooooo many free patterns. I just wish she could update some of her terminology and practices. It’s not wrong, but there are better ways. Ya know?

[@CrochetxConjurings]

I just found your channel today and I have to say that your channel is one of the most enjoyable ones for me to watch! The whole story about the misshapen mouse head was the best! People have often told me I have a very dark humor and I feel like you would definitely get me. Love your stuff.

[@therumimillcrochet]

Ahhhh, yes, my inbred mouse. At least from the front he looked ok. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 So glad you enjoyed your binge. You are back in the archives. Bless you dear one, you’re made of strong spirit. 💪🏻😂❤️

[@craftablyeverafter]

I have tried to comment twice, but youtube doesn't want my comment on here 😢😢 Both projects are adorable ❤ And great book reviews! I love Sarah Zimmerman's website, and have made a few of her (non ami) patterns. But I agree about the ami book patterns. I think it is because of the sl st/ch 1 that I won't ever buy the books. I don't want to adapt every pattern if I spent my hard earned cash on it. I hope one day she will use the more 'common' way to make amis, as I would love to have her books. I was so sad to hear you don't like hot tea (but bitter, sparkling water... 😭). If it isn't for the fact that you also like Moriah, this friendship wouldn't make it 😂😂

[@therumimillcrochet]

You crack me up! I totally understand that I might have overstepped the friendship line about the tea. But I felt I needed to try and be honest. If we ever meet in person, and have beverages, I will stand in solidarity with you by drinking from a teacup while holding a moriah toy to soften the blow. 😂😂 It really is nice knowing I’m not alone in my beliefs about the sl ch 1. And I agree about not wanting to buy a book to then have to convert the pattern to a workable route. I did hope she would progress more like other designers, especially with her stitches. I really hope we can move past our drinking differences. Remember we both love yarn and Moriah. We still have that😂💗. Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

[@craftablyeverafter]

@@therumimillcrochet the solution would be to meet in Summer, skip tea/pretend-tea altogether and go straight for something with ice and a mini umbrella 🍹

[@craftablyeverafter]

@@therumimillcrochet the solution would be to meet in Summer, skip tea/pretend-tea altogether and go straight for something with ice and a mini umbrella 🍹

[@therumimillcrochet]

@@craftablyeverafter girrrrl! Speaking my language. You had me at “umbrella drink”. ⛱️🍹😂💗

[@robynmusto]

Thanks for the reviews! 🙂

[@therumimillcrochet]

My pleasure!💗😉

[@HollyKillion-e8k]

I love Jerry. and Robert too cute. I also don't drink hot drinks. I too am a water girl. Topo chico is one of my favorites. Great video.

[@betsyvanek9275]

I enjoy chilled tonic water ( not diet) bonus; Its great for leg cramps!

[@therumimillcrochet]

You said the magic words….topo chico!!!! Yummmmmmmmy! I love that stuff it’s right up there with cake and brownies in my book! 🤷🏻‍♀️😂💗 And thank you for the sweet compliments. 💗

[@manfasmakes-sam]

Really lovely makes! I haven’t got the Sarah Zimmerman books as I don’t like the look of her animals 😬🫣 but I do have amigurumi made easy and I love love love that book 😍❤

[@therumimillcrochet]

Thank you so much! And sadly… I say steer clear of Sarah’s book. I just hate having to kinda transcribe such an easy pattern that should be relaxing. Ya know? But I love the other book. I’ve I was only patient enough to sew, I’d try those other books too. 😁 Wishing you a nice weekend! 💗💗

[@Lisareads72]

I love Robert Redford ! So cute and such a clever name!

[@Lisareads72]

Redfox… autocorrect!

[@therumimillcrochet]

Girrrlll….youre going back in the archives🥴🤣♥️ bless you dear one. You are of strong heart! 💜

[@arlishicks3687]

Thank you for your honesty! Your owl is very cute!❤

[@therumimillcrochet]

Thank you so much!!! This helps! 💗💗💗

[@kathleenullrich]

I agree with your opinions on both of the books you reviewed. I’m so glad you showed the school of magic makes. I’m doing it also along with you, 😉. My fox’s nose was the same.

[@therumimillcrochet]

I’m glad to know our foxes were the same. Poor Robert Redfox…he might need some plastic surgery down the road. How are you doing in this weeks makes? I’m burned out on mushrooms. 🍄🥺

[@sandygray5896]

I respect your honest opinion!! I also enjoy your quirky sense of humour! 😀 I have both books but haven’t made anything yet.

[@therumimillcrochet]

Thank you so much for calling my sense of humor quirky and not demented….though….it’s probably that too. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 And thank you for making me feel ok about voicing my opinion. I really was terrified. 💗💗💗I’m glad you’re here!

[@GreyAndCrochet]

Lol you're so funny! I almost spat my coffee out multiple times 🤣I despise the slip stich chain one too! I always ignore that step if it's in the pattern and just do my own thing.

[@therumimillcrochet]

Awe! I hate knowing that you nearly spit out your liquid gold (coffee) but soooo glad I made you smile. And so glad that there’s lots of us sl ch 1 ignore/haters out here. I love knowing I’m not alone. 💗💗

[@ksmomcrochets]

I really enjoyed your video and I totally agree about Sara's books. I think most people (I'm guilty as well) say it's a beginner book because the animals are simple designs without the details that others use. You did an awesome review and I enjoyed hearing your thoughts and reasoning! 🤗 I don't have that book, but I did get the Amigurumi made easy. I just haven't made anything from it yet. Jerry is adorable and so is your owl! I don't like tea either, but I love my coffee ☕ 😂

[@therumimillcrochet]

Julie, it’s like we are the same but different. 😍💗 I had high hopes that Sarah would evolve more in this book, like most designers do. And I guess she did by creating the pieces with the heads and bodies as one….but her techniques🤦🏻‍♀️they drive me batty. Hoping you’re not working too hard. Sending hugs! 💗

[@shazratuk]

Loved this video, you always make me smile and loved no background music whilst you were speaking!

[@therumimillcrochet]

Glad you enjoyed the video! 😉💗

[@SabrinaMelodieuse]

Hello Cindy ! I have just come from our lovely Sam and of course sub immediately, looking forward to watching your videos. Oh that little fox is just so cute ! I love to drink tea and coffee, but like you I am very sensitive to heat, everything I eat and drink has to be lukewarm ! I love Sarah's designs ! Some of her techniques and pattern writing should definitely be reviewed but I do love her designs. Mariska is another amazing designer ! I love that little owl in the book ! Ohhhh I love your little mouse ! He is just adorable ! Cross breading haha, yes, as you will know, they did that because the kings and queens of Egypt had to come from "pure" blood ! And that is why poor King Tut was so fantastically misformed ! What a charming video, see you in your next one 😘

[@therumimillcrochet]

I’m so glad you’re here! Sam was so kind to do that shout out. Love having more kindred spirits in this little virtual world. Thank you for the sweet compliments! Have a wonderful week!💗😉

[@arlycesuedel6518]

My first go at amigurumi was that SZ book. The ch1/SS confused me but I traveled on. Have made many of the critters from that book, but now I know to skip that join. Thanks for your honesty and showing your end results. I too, hate sewing on heads and other parts. That's why I have a 17 piece giraffe in time out in a bag. Grrr. Have a great week!!

[@therumimillcrochet]

Oh bless you dear one….that giraffe might be best staying dismembered. I won’t judge you. Heck, I’d help you bury the body never to be thought about again. 😂💗

[@robinaustin2607]

I have Sarah Zimmerman's first book and I also just got the second one. I have made several toys out of the first one. I love how they turn out, but I don't do the ss, Ch 1. I just keep going around and around. It's much easier and no seam. But now you've done it! I have to go buy Amigurumi made easy book. It's adorable!! ☺ Have a great weekend!

[@therumimillcrochet]

I’m so glad I could help you get more goodies! And it’s relieving to know I’m not the only one skipping that part. Have a nice weekend! 💗💗

[@HeidiLec]

Love your videos! Love your tips! You give such good advice for a beginner. Thanks for being honest! I think your Egyptian mouse is adorable 😅!

[@therumimillcrochet]

Awe! Thank you so much and I’m so glad I’m being helpful in the midst of my ridiculousness! 💗💗

[@LindaHollis-nk3go]

Love your podcast. I set & watch you all the time with just water. It is in a big deckerated mug. I agree with all of what you say. Love you keep up with the great works. 😂😅😊❤

[@therumimillcrochet]

Oh, thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoy my goofy videos, that means so much to me. ❤️❤️

[@MadMimisCrochetandFarming]

I made the chicken with the cape in big yarn. Thanks for sharing

[@therumimillcrochet]

I do like that chicken!! I bet yours was adorable! 💗🐓

[@michellesmakery6829]

I am loving your book reviews.

[@therumimillcrochet]

I’m so glad! I’m quirky but love to make others smile. 😍♥️

[@louisesanto]

Thank you for a most honest review. I also dislike the Ch1 SS!

[@therumimillcrochet]

I’m so glad this was helpful and that I’m not alone! 💗💗

[@gorjushomestead6807]

I agree about the Sl St. and ch 1 as well and 2 SC together, so confusing. I love the names of your little Amigurumis, lol. I don't drink wine that much, but I did end up taking some of our grape harvest and currently have a gallon jug with an airlock bubbling in the side kitchen. I think it was the apparent hatch of baby ring neck snakes in our basement, and not being able to catch them all and get them out of the house that made say, yeah, I'm making the wine, lol.

[@therumimillcrochet]

Oh my goodness….what country are you in my friend?! All you had to say was snake, and I’m like yep…..wine, honey. Turn those grapes into wine!! 🍇🍷And thank you for enjoying my animals names. My poor, sweet husband has come to learn everything here has a name. We have a tree named Paul Hollywood, and our cars are named Rue and Darth. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️I can’t help myself. 😂💗

[@gorjushomestead6807]

@@therumimillcrochet lol, it's the black snakes with the yellow rings around their necks, I am in the U.S. I guess the good news is they aren't copperheads 😯 Paul Hollywood wouldn't be allowed in the kitchen, lol, my cooking experiments where I tell the kids it might be good, it might suck, I guess we'll find out, would probably make him cry 😂

[@therumimillcrochet]

@@gorjushomestead6807 😂🤣your kids sound as picky as mine. Basically, mine are vegetarians that don’t eat vegetables. Is a breadatarian a thing? 😂🤣 if so, that’s mine. I used to be a really good cook until my children sucked the joy out of it for me. At least they like my baking. 🤷🏻‍♀️😂 And Paul got his name because if you lay under him, you can stare into his steal blue eyes….😁🤣 It’s a stretch and every time my kids mention Paul to other people, they look at me like I’m nuts…and I really have zero grounds to argue with them. 🤣😂 Also…snakes….ummm nope. They are special….outside, only. 😳🐍

[@gorjushomestead6807]

@@therumimillcrochet 😂😂😂 His eyes are gorgeous, lol. I'm okay with the snakes outside as long as they aren't copperheads, lol. I back up and say keep scootin, but free ranging house snakes are a big nope, my 28 year son said don't worry they're harmless, and I am like if one of those crawl up beside me while I'm sleeping, you're going have to call an ambulance, because I will probably have a heart attack ... thus the need for wine 😂😂😂

[@therumimillcrochet]

@@gorjushomestead6807 now you’re gonna give me nightmares of snakes in my bed. 😂🤣🐍 I’m terrified of copperheads and water moccasins….those suckers swim and slither….what was the lord thinking when he made that nightmare??? 😳🐍😂 You stay safe and consider sleeping with and axe. 🤷🏻‍♀️💗

[@kerriekean7401]

Thanks, Cindy, for being brave and sharing! It does help us when we are considering purchasing books to have the details that you gave-then at least we know up front if it's a book we would like to work from or not! I'm with you on the 'we don't need to do the embroidery' viewpoint! Some things might look nice but they aren't always 'our thing'! I must admit I've been wondering if the slip stitch chain 1 method would be better for when doing colour change as I hate the jog-of course, it could just be that I'm not very good at doing the colour change technique! In fact it's quite probable it's my inadequacies as an amigurumi crocheter! Hope the wedding preparation, parties, and wedding ceremony and reception go well-have fun and enjoy it all!

[@therumimillcrochet]

I bet you’re great! I hate the jog too and yep, the sl helps but then you have the line. There is one technique that I’ve found that I like but it’s just more work but it gets rid of the jog. What you do is change colors normally, but instead of starting the next stitch with a sc, you do a sl all the way around (this row doesn’t count in your row count), then the row after the sl row you FL sc for the regular row and that row counts. Does that make sense? It takes more yarn and time but I do like it on some pieces….when I’m not being lazy. 😁💗

[@kerriekean7401]

Thank you for the tip! Yes, it does make sense! I will give that a go and see if I can manage to make the jog less obvious. I didn't realize the sl st & ch 1 made a line so that is also good to know. I was considering if that could be an option but I definintely don't want a line-that would be worse than the colour jog! Thanks again!@@therumimillcrochet

[@therumimillcrochet]

@@kerriekean7401 I’m so glad this helps. Give it a go and let me know if you like it. One pattern I did years ago, did changes like this and I realized it…but I’m lazy at times too. 😂🤷🏻‍♀️

[@acraftyseason1007]

I have that mug! And it is mine😂 love me some baby yoda.

[@therumimillcrochet]

There is nothing that a green, big eyed baby alien can’t make cute. Am I right? Also….we are Star Wars nuts over here. My son is named Lucas and his nick name is Luke. I had to fight hard to keep my husband from naming our daughter Leia. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 The force is strong over here for sure. 🤣💗💗

[@elishagreen2954]

Yeah.... that's some old techniques on amagrumi... a lot of new ones don't have that and so can be confusing to the ppl that are learning the new techniques and not even knowing there is an older way. I am a bit lucky that when the amagrumi faze was becoming more of a thing that I decided to start doing them, so I came between the old and the new so I was able to learn both... I'd already been crocheting for quite some time by then.... but liked learning new ways so was glad to integrate new with old. Still binging your videos 😂❤❤❤

[@therumimillcrochet]

Glad new ways have come up since then…bless you…you’re in the waaaaaay back videos. 🥴

[@robinhollers8139]

Love your videos!!!!

[@therumimillcrochet]

Oh thank you so much Robin! ❤️😍

[@RetroStripes5269]

Helpful, informative and always funny. I’m a big fan and always wait with anticipation for the next video. Cheers from a kindred water lover 😊.

[@therumimillcrochet]

You are MY people!! I’m so grateful for water lovers like you that are so kind. 💗

[@betsyvanek9275]

Love, love & love that book! AME & I've made most of the critters and I've always done my own thing since project one. Thanks for your honesty❤

[@JOSWEBCROCHET]

I was so excited to get Sarah's new book to add to my collection, but I honestly have not made any of her patterns. I agree with you that when, making ammigurumi we need to do away with the slip stitch chain one, and you should definitely be saying an increase instead of two single crochets, and one stitch. Very interesting,hmmm. Your cute little inbred mouse is adorable! Miss-shaped head and all! L O L Hugs! 😊💕

[@therumimillcrochet]

Hi neighbor!! Yes, just be forewarned on any of her patterns. It’s easy to make the adjustments but I don’t like having too. I’d rather use what few brain cells I have for other things…like idiotic names for my inbred animals. 😂🤣 Hoping you have a wonderful weekend! 💗💗

[@gamergranny285]

Great video as usual I've crocheted since I was about 12... nearly a century ago. That old way of staring a crochet round is just that...old. Used mainly in garment or in the flat.. to keep your sides straight. Even there it is old. And not used any more.

[@therumimillcrochet]

You are a rockstar!!!! Wow! I’m so impressed by you and I hope I can still be doing this at your age. Thank you for making me feel better about voicing my opinion. I was terrified! 💗💗

[@carolinefortheloveofcrochet]

I need that shirt❤ where can I find it my favorite color is Sparkle ❤! Ha ha aha aha 😂😂😂i cant believe you said that about the miss shapes heads 😜😜😜🤪🤪🤪

[@therumimillcrochet]

That shirt is from a site called bellelily.com. It’s not the best quality and those sequins really itch on the skin side, but I’m willing to make the sacrifice to sparkle. 🤣😂🤷🏻‍♀️ Yea….my judgement isn’t always the best, but at least you can say I’m historically accurate. 😁😂💗 Hope you’re having a nice weekend!

[@jbingbong]

I only drink cold drinks. My stomach doesn't do well with hot drinks! I drink iced coffee year round 😂 As a beginner I personally find the Sl, Ch1 keeps me from getting flustered on stitch counts (although I've had issues with the Crochet Impkins body pattern, but I'm chalking that up to me being tired and not super experienced)

[@therumimillcrochet]

That impkins book is a challenge for sure. I really am not a fan of how difficult she made those bodies. Julie at KSMomcrochets designed her own body to replace those and I’m hoping she makes a tutorial or pattern for it. It’s not you….it’s the pattern. And yes, cold drinks for the wine. 💗💗💗

[@jbingbong]

@@therumimillcrochet Well thank you! That makes me feel better ❤️

[@letahogge9776]

I tried to make the projects in a different book where the designer used the slip stitch, chain one direction. It caused a really ugly seam down the side of the body of the animal. At first I thought I had done it incorrectly, but after mulling it over I tried again and ignored that direction. The problem was solved. I will be skipping the slip stitch, chain one from now on.

[@therumimillcrochet]

It really is a beast in amigurumi pieces. I can understand wanting levels rows but I hate that line. Glad you were able to work around it. I too, skip it in most patterns when I see it. 😁

[@tahaniplays]

😂😂😂I just love how you explain things 😂as wile u said we had a talk he dose not need a map 👍🏻🎉🎉😂

[@therumimillcrochet]

Right?! Those guys are usually pretty easy to bring to my way of thinking. 😂❤️

[@teresaharp]

Youre hilarious and very informative 😊

[@therumimillcrochet]

Thank you! 😁That helps keep me going. ❤️❤️❤️

[@YourGirlVee]

First of all: I love me some fizzy water lol it's basically replaced soda for me. As for the Crochet Cute Critters book, I'm so happy I watched this. It had been in my Amazon wishlist but I was hesitating because I've been taking interest in more intricate designs. Still I do like to have simple patters that I can reach for as a palate cleanser between more complex projects. But now that you mention how the patterns are written I know that it's best I skip this one.

[@therumimillcrochet]

First of all: yes!!!!!! Fizzy water drinkers unite! 💗💗And I’m like you, I enjoy palate cleansers after really detailed pieces, but I like a bit more character in my pieces than these offer. And when you basically have to transcribe a piece that’s supposed to be simple…just no….but the amigurumi made easy is definitely the better of the two and would be the book to cleanse your palate along with a tall glass of fizzy water. 💗❤️💗