Hello My Name is Amineko: The Story of a Crafty Crochet Cat Paperback – September 1, 2010

I first bought the Japanese version of this book in Japan in 2005, not knowing any Japanese, but managing to crochet some really cute cats from it nonetheless despite the fact that I am a novice crocheter. I am so pleased it has been made available in English and that none of the original book was changed to appeal to different cultural tastes, and I quickly snapped-up this English version to supplement my Japanese version.This English publication is exactly the same book translated from Japanese, and the fact that I was able to crochet a cat from the Japanese version tells you just how easy it is to follow Japanese crochet instructions such as are in this book. Why? Because the key crochet instructions are written in chart format. With the remainder of the book translated, the reader has the added bonus of being able to follow suggestions for variations and instructions for sewing accessories like a futon, a pillow, sardine, or maybe squid for crocheted cats.This book isn't so much about liking cats or not (and I do like them), nor is it about getting 104 pages of instructions to make different kinds of cats, it's about easy-to-follow crochet instructions for the basic crocheted dolls (Japanese word: amigurumi) that look like funky cats pictured on the book cover, and fun artistic photos of crocheted cats doing silly stuff. Think of it as part crochet pattern book and part coffee table book, but in softcover format, as opposed to the expensive and wasteful hard cover books as most Americans think of when they think of coffee table books. Open your mind and loosen-up, this is a fun little book, and use it as a launching point to create your own crocheted animals or dolls as you desire.Also check out  Ami Ami Dogs: Seriously Cute Crochet  by Mitsuki Hoshi, another Japanese amigurumi book recently translated into English, but for create super cute mini dogs.Have fun!

These are adorable creatures to crochet. I bought this book shortly after my grandson was born. I have had a lot of fun making him soft cuddly cats (we all own real cats who didn't want a little boy getting too close to them). He loves all his "stuffies" as he calls my soft toys and carries one around with him most of the time.This is apparently the translation of a book that was originally written in Japanese. I had absolutely no difficulties in following the directions and charts in order to make the cats. The patterns are all fairly similar, you just make slight modifications off the original patterns to get a variety of looks.The cats that I have finished are really adorable. I love that with their long arms and legs, I can pose them (sometimes I hide them in my grandson's room at my house and he gets to go and find his kitty of the day.The cats are fairly simple to crochet once you get the hang of it. I like using different yarns to vary the size and the look of the finished cat. Very cute and useful book. It is one that I recommend to anyone who likes to make crocheted stuffed animals. These are definitely a little larger than the amigurumi that I am used to making.

This is a very cute kitten with suggestions for personalizing each one made. However, this is not for beginners. Learn on a beginner book before trying this one.

I am not a cat lover but I couldn't resist purchasing this book as I love to create amigurumi and who can resist this cute feline? This book is divided into two sections: the front section is a series of mini photo essays with aminekos in various colors and poses. The captions are very funny and reminded me of Aranzi Aronzo. The back section of the book contains instructions for creating cats in various sizes as well as the cat's accessories--a mini futon, various little pillows in fish shapes, and some clothing (these are mostly patterns without measurements, so this is for more experienced sewers, imho). I made the cat as explained in the directions and she came out looking great! The instructions were fairly clear and the book does contain stitch explanations if you need them. I would recommend this book to crocheters who have some experience making amigurumi. But even if you don't crochet, but love Japanese culture and cats, you will enjoy this book!

To be honest, when I first opened the book I was a bit disappointed by the numerous pages depicting Amineko in various poses. I was used to crochet books full of instructions so this was a bit of a shock . But quickly I got hooked (pun intented) and the more I turned the pages the more amineko I wanted to create with my yarn stock.The design of amineko is simple , yet adorable and the fact that you can vary the facial expressions make it a longlasting one. I already made 4 of them ( 3 were taken away from me by friends...) and more are on the way. Whether you want to keep it for yourself or gift it, amineko is a great piece of work .If you love cats and crochet you can't possibly go wrong with this one !P.S : amineko looks more cute with smaller hook/yarn , though more difficult (like all amigurumi).

This has to be the best crochet book out there, when I first got it I thought that it was going to be hard to do, but it is so easy and I'm not a very experienced at crochet, but I love this pattern, and so does everyone else, I've already made one which is my first born and I can't give it away, and I made one for both my sister-in laws who love them, they turn out so cute, I am definitely making more, the book with all the pictures and little stories to them are really cute too, I would recommend this book to everyone who crochets!!!

I bought this funny little book about a year ago. When I got it, I was a little perturbed that most of the book was pictures of the aminekos just hanging out doing silly things and only 4 or 5 pages of pattern. But then I made one, and I was hooked (excuse the pun)! I have made somewhere in the realm of 80 of these guys, and they have been a huge success at the guitar shows I attend (of all things!). I would buy this book over and over again now. Nothing else I've ever made has had as much success at sales shows as these!

Very nice, very clearly laid out pattern for the cover cat and a few accessories. I bought this as I'm making things for the local cat rescue and wanted a cute cat pattern. It's a simple, basic pattern that can be altered using different combinations of yarn. There's not much there there, but what there is works.

A cute little book that would be great to give a child as a gift, accompanying a stuffed cat you have crocheted.In terms of patterns, doesn't add a lot to what you can download online for cheaper. I didn't end up crocheting a cat (my hands started hurting too much, hadn't crocheted in a while) so I returned the book, but it is cute.

Instructions are so wonderfully clear, that I was easily able to make my own adaptations to create different animals. Highly recommend!

Really well written and informative book on how to crochet these cats. The pictures of the cats in all their different poses are wonderful.Instructions are clear and easy to read.

I am a bit disappointed in this book. I expected to see a lot of different designs. This contains ONLY CATS.ThanksVeronica