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Giveaway: "Mini Knitted" Book Series + Interview with Sahiyo Ishii

Mini Knitted Books

I have an amazing opportunity for you today! Search Press (the publisher of the adorable Mini Knitted series) is giving one reader 5 books, including:

Keep reading for details on how to enter! Sachiyo Ishii is the author of 4 of these books, and she’s joined us to tell us a bit about herself and her process!

Each book is packed with projects (more than 25 patterns per book), using a variety of techniques with simple knitting stitches.

Interview with Sachiyo Ishii


Sachiyo is the prolific author of 4 of the Mini Knitted books, and I was delighted that she took the time to come talk to us! Welcome, Sachiyo!

How did you begin knitting? And when did it take a professional turn?
I took up knitting in my 30’s after my second son was born. I could not knit a stitch until then. I thought dressing my boys in my handmade clothes was trendy and very Yummy Mummy, but soon discovered that knitting requires skill and patience. With my friend’s help, I did achieve my very first piece, but the stitches were messy and uneven, and the sleeves came out in different lengths.

It seemed to me that I had a very long way to go until I would be able to knit a decent garment. I almost gave up knitting altogether, however, I discovered that you can make small toys with basic skills. I practiced published patterns for some time and then, I started creating my own to add personality. I knitted many animals and proposed my current publisher, Search Press the idea of the knitted animal park. It is great to find a channel that I can put my effort into.

You’ve written so many books! Where do you find your inspiration?
I get inspiration from everywhere. When I walk in town, looking through books and magazines, shop windows, everywhere! I am constantly thinking of new designs no matter where I go or what I do. Illustrations and cartoons, felted work and sugar craft are a good source, too. They are already in simplified forms and it is easy to make them into my craft projects.


What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy attending fitness classes and swimming. When I get stuck with a project, swimming can be the best solution to get a fresh idea. I don’t do enough but I like visiting craft shops and fairs. I guess I cannot completely be free from crafting.

What is your favourite yarn/knitting needle/craft supply?
For many years, my favourite yarns are Rowan. I love felted tweed especially. It is such a delight to knit with quality yarn.
I have been using bamboo needles since I took up knitting. They are less slippery and keep stitches well and the best of all, they feel great in hands. If you are still new to the skill, bamboo needles are must. I have been using Clover Takumi needles.
My favourite is Clover products. My mother loved them for many years and recently I inherited them all. Some are bought over 30 years ago but still in very good condition.

Is there a favourite piece you’ve made? Perhaps for yourself?
It is hard to say since I have many favourites, but I love the knitted carousel. I have a whole set of amusement park in knitting and would love to do a book someday. Most of my creations are for myself except occasional gifts to my friends. It is great to be an author. You get to keep all samples!
knitted carousel Sachiyo Ishii

Thank you, Sachiyo!

Find Sachiyo!

Website: www.Knitsbysachi.com
Instagram: knitsbysachi
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KnitsBySachi/
Ravelry: sachiyo-ishii
Pinterest: knitsbysachi
Twitter: Knitsbysachi

83 COMMENTS

    • Diana SAYS...

      The knitted pieces look exquisite! Thanks for making your books available to a lucky person (hoping it’s me!).

  1. theyarninewe SAYS...

    Love tiny knitted things! My email is lrnbrown at gmail dot com.

  2. Lisa SAYS...

    Wow, these are amazing!

  3. Charlotte SAYS...

    Wow, the detail on these is gorgeous!! Thanks for the chance to win!

  4. Natalie Colling SAYS...

    These are amazing!

  5. Kathy corrao SAYS...

    I am interested in winning these 5 books!

  6. Nicole SAYS...

    Those toys look adorable!

  7. Vicki C SAYS...

    Love these!! How cute!

  8. Ros Milnes SAYS...

    I love knitting small toys and animals for charity. What an incredible designer! Thank you for showing these wonderful books.

  9. Sugoi!!!! Kawaii desu ne! Arigatougozaimasu! I’m excited for this opportunity to win such cute books!

  10. Susan T. Byra SAYS...

    What fun looking patterns! Would love to have these books.

  11. ❤️ love these! It’s hard to find toy patterns that aren’t crochet! Awesome giveaway!

  12. Ruth D SAYS...

    I’ve been following Sachiyo on her blog, Knits by Sachi fir a long time. She’s so creative and her miniatures are just the cutest ever! I would love to make some of her miniatures for my grandchildren. They would love them!

  13. Suzy Zawadzke SAYS...

    This would be a wonderful book series to win! I’m still shaky at knitting, and these books would definitely help me.

  14. Katie Mosharo SAYS...

    These tiny patterns look adorable!

  15. Debbie Rofner SAYS...

    She is soo talented! My daughter saw the carousel and was blown away and asked for one – so inspiring!

  16. Alison SAYS...

    Gah!! Sooo cuuutteeee!! How fun!

  17. Jenny C SAYS...

    This is the size projects I need.

  18. Cheryl J SAYS...

    These look incredibly cute. I’d live to try them.

  19. Such an amazing collection of books – what a generous giveaway – thank you for the opportunity to enter 🙂

  20. Mary Stambaugh SAYS...

    I’d love to win this lovely bundle o’books! Thank you for the opportunity, Stacey!

  21. Elizabeth Arnett Jabbour SAYS...

    Soo cute! Thx for opportunity to win!

  22. Helen Smith SAYS...

    such a fantastic giveaway even more so at this time of year ( ie christmas presents )

  23. Debbie Hallamek SAYS...

    The projects are just adorable! I love miniatures and I would love to win! Thanks

  24. dujyt SAYS...

    I loved reading the story of your knitting life! Inspiring…

  25. Sue M. SAYS...

    The books look amazing. I would love to win them and would use them often!

  26. jerri johnson SAYS...

    What an amazing group of books. Even one would be great.

  27. Beth Henry SAYS...

    I would love to win these so that I can maybe learn to knit, finally!

  28. Darlene P. SAYS...

    What a generous giveaway with such lovely books!!! I love the small projects and I agree, that carousel is just adorable!!! Thank you for a chance to own all 5!!

  29. lora baker SAYS...

    These books looks so fun!

  30. Jane Goodman SAYS...

    I love Sachi’s work and have been following her for some time.

  31. Karen Timmins SAYS...

    I would so love this so generous giveaway!

  32. Deb Ready SAYS...

    Love your work! I have just recently learned to knit and didn’t know there were patterns for amigurumi. Tossing my hat into the circle for a chance to win!

  33. Tana SAYS...

    Very interesting article. Love the carrousel! I also prefer the bamboo needles.

  34. Laurie A Rankins SAYS...

    These books look fantastic!!

  35. Gil Taylor SAYS...

    Minis of anything are always popular, but often a bit more difficult. The books show such creativity – I would love to win even one. So cute!

  36. Jean Saja SAYS...

    Quick projects!

  37. Joyce Rodler SAYS...

    What wonderful creations! I would love to have these amazing books! Thank you!

  38. Natalie SAYS...

    The books all look great!

  39. JJ Wong SAYS...

    These books look amazing! I would spend hours studying each pattern and photograph. I love knitting and crocheting.

  40. Paula SAYS...

    Knitting is on my #bucketlist I have been Crocheting for almost 30 years and want to teach this #pup some new #tricksOrtreats lol good luck everyone

  41. Lawanda SAYS...

    I would love to try knitting toys. I manly knit garments.

  42. L Cowan SAYS...

    I can’t get over how talented people are , thank you for this opportunity!
    L Cowan

  43. Flore SAYS...

    I love the carousel. The detail is unbelievable. I would love to own these books.

  44. Brenna SAYS...

    Fantastic! I love knitting and crocheting cute little things. ☺

  45. BetwixtKnits SAYS...

    What fun little projects! Congratulations to whoever wins these adorable little books.

  46. Laken Brown SAYS...

    OMG these patters look so cute!

  47. Mary Austin SAYS...

    I love your knitted firemen.

  48. Sarah L SAYS...

    These books look amazing! Would love to add them to my library!

  49. Reny SAYS...

    Adorable! Love these patterns!

  50. Heather S SAYS...

    These are otherworldly! Thank you for hosting such a FUN and GENEROUS giveaway, cheers!
    xoxo

  51. Barbara Cohen SAYS...

    What a wonderful set!! Hope to win a set!!!!!

  52. Bonnie SAYS...

    I know how to crochet amigurumi and only recently learned to knit. I would love to learn how to knit amigurumi from Sachiyo.

  53. deb rowley SAYS...

    Wow what a great giveaway! I have knitted some small animals in the past and had a lot of fun doing it. I hope I can win these!

  54. Sandra Wheeler SAYS...

    Wow, these look exciting. I would love to win them. Thank you.

  55. Ginger Hendrickson SAYS...

    Oh these look like so much fun.

  56. nina SAYS...

    Thank you!

  57. Susan Dausey SAYS...

    I think your knitted animals, people,and wonderful items are amazing. I am actually looking forward to learning how to knit from all patterns you have shared, purchased or free. You are an amazing person and designer. Thank you for sharing your talents with the rest of us.

  58. Patty Sutter SAYS...

    I love to make little toys and figures!
    These would be so much fun.

    • Congrats, you’re the winner! Emailing you now!

    • Hi Patty! I didn’t hear a reply from you, so I need to move onto the next winner!

  59. Katrine SAYS...

    I want to teach myself to knit, so I can knit personalitys like these. Those penguins are so adorable!! ravynja@gmail.com

  60. I’d love to win these beautiful books for my granddaughter, thank you for the chance 🙂

  61. Gayle SAYS...

    These are absolutely adorable! As both a knitter and crocheter, I really would love to work the knit end for a while and what a cute way to do it.

  62. Connie Johnson SAYS...

    These mini creations are so lifelike and truly awesome!

  63. Lily G SAYS...

    Wow all of these patterns look so cute!

  64. Rebecca Pieszala SAYS...

    Just beautiful!

  65. The carousel! Lovely projects.

  66. Her books are all so adorable! I’d love any of them. She definitely needs to do a pattern for that carousel!!!!

  67. Sandy Beckner SAYS...

    I am learning to knit. I have a great teacher. Would love to knit one of these and surprise her with a finished product after my classes.

  68. Have made a few and they are great fun! So clever!

  69. Linda SAYS...

    I have been a big fan of Sachiyo’s work and try to collect her patterns, but this is sometimes difficult as they are mostly published in UK publications. Winning this collection of her books would be fantastic!

  70. Tiana Ghelfi SAYS...

    Exciting!!! Just got a chance to open the email today. Whew!

  71. I love “mini” knits! So colourful, lots of character and imagination. Good way to use up “bits and pieces” of wool. I’ve got plenty of bits to put to good use…….

  72. Jean Snow SAYS...

    Superb books. So wish it could be me

  73. Janet SAYS...

    Your knitting is so cute, would love to make all, I make for charity.