Amamani Puzzle Balls
by Dedri Uys
Book Review and Giveaway
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Let me just start by saying I absolutely adore this book AND all of the creatures that Dedri has designed.
I do have two favorites, the “Dexter” the Dinosaur and “Gemina” the Giraffe. So you can’t imagine how thrilled I was when I opened a package and saw that adorable Giraffe head peeking out at me along with this fantastic book.
My 3 year old daughter couldn’t be more exited either. Every day she asks to play with Gemina. She has such fun taking her apart and putting her back together (with a little help from mommy).
My 3 month old loves to watch her, I can tell he wishes he was old enough to do it himself.
Check out this adorable video about Amamani Puzzle Balls
All of the creatures are super adorable and Dedri’s patterns are easy to understand and work up. The information section at the beginning of the book explains in great detail everything you’ll need to know to design you very own Amamani Puzzle Balls. The Basic Parts and Pieces section breaks it down even further.
Furthermore, each creature has detailed illustrations and photos to really help you follow along without question. This is one of the best designed books I have ever had the pleasure of reviewing. The Stitch Guide at the end of the book along with the website provided will help any experienced crocheter or very determined beginner, be able to make these adorable little guys (and gals).
Recently I got to sit down with Dedri and ask her some fun questions…. Cre8tion Crochet fans even got the opportunity to ask a few themselves. I also asked her a few fun questions that I thought we be a nice way to get to know Dedri.
Fan Questions
Any tricks to best make sure the animals stay standing?
Just be sure to stuff them adequately. If they are stuffed well they will all stand by themselves quite sturdily. The only animal that might topple now and then is the giraffe, but if you push the neck back so that it is straight instead of leaning slightly forward, it too will stand by itself.
The feet should not bulge. The attachment was designed in such a way that it should yield a flat foot. But if they do bulge, you can just flatten them a bit by manipulating the stuffing.
What inspired you to make your very 1st puzzle ball?
A lady on Ravelry commented to say that her son/grandson (I can’t remember which) liked balls and dinosaurs, and I thought: “I could turn the ball INTO a dinosaur”. It was just one of those moments. And I am grateful for that moment every day, because it was the start of an amazing and exciting journey.
Are the patterns interchangeable between the different animals?
All the animals use the same wedges. Most of the animals utilize the basic leg segments. So if you made 2 leg segments, you could quite easily make a head segment for the lion, dinosaur, and elephant, and swap them around to create the 3 animals without making 6 pairs of legs.
The turtle and the giraffe are configured differently. The turtle isn’t interchangeable at all, unless you want something with turtle legs and an elephant head. The giraffe has one segment in common with the others.
Which Amamani was your favorite to design?
Dexter (the Dinosaur) was, and will always be, my favorite. I cannot express how excited I was when I put him together for the first time and realized that it had actually worked as I had envisioned it. My boys still have the very first dinosaur I made, although he is well loved-up and no longer fit for photographing.
Do you have any tips for adding safety eyes? I have a hard time getting them on
I use a pair of pliers to click them into place. Sometimes I add a dab of superglue to the “screw” part of the safety eyes before attaching them (after sticking them through the animal, but before pressing the back into place). I know that these eyes aren’t meant to come undone, but I like the extra level of security a dab of superglue lends.
Fun Questions
Favorite Color
Blue (specifically turquoise) and a touch of mauve.
Favorite Animal?
Orca’s (killer whales) are my super favorite animals. I just love their beautiful black and white bodies and how intelligent they are.
Favorite Music Artist?
Freddie Mercury – hands down. My brother and I used to listen to his music non-stop when we were growing up.
Favorite Movie?
Oh, this is going to sound soooo lame…I almost want to lie about it. Deep breath…”Dirty Dancing!”
Favorite Book?
The Game of Thrones series by George R. R. Martin. LOVED the books. Love the tv series even more!
I hope you enjoyed getting to know Dedri a little more with me. Be sure to check out her free pattern blog Look at What I Made.
You’ll probably recognize her amazing use of color and gorgeous blanket squares. Dedri really creates amazing crochet pieces. You’ll love her free puzzle balls as well, be sure to check them all out.
Mini Crochet Amish Puzzle Ball
Crochet Star Ball (Spiked Ball)
Be sure to enter the giveaway HERE for a chance to win your very own copy of Amamani Puzzle Balls.
If you don’t want to wait you can purchase your own copy on Amazon below.
You can also purchase the yarn required to make these creatures here