Crochet Impkins: Over a Million Possible Combinations! Yes, Really!

This quirky outing from Lapp (Crochet Creatures of Myth and Legend) shows how to crochet impkins, or small, stuffed imp-like creatures with oversize eyes. Lapp forgoes traditional projects, instead detailing how to make numerous body types, ears, faces, hats, hairstyles, and miscellaneous features (wings, horns, antlers) that readers can mix and match. Many of the embellishments are plant-inspired, such as the red “mushroom cap,” the “strawberry stem cap,” and an extension for the top of the head resembling two branches sprouting. Others draw on the animal kingdom, including a rainbow lion’s mane, a turtle shell, a cat tail, and bat wings. For indecisive crafters, Lapp provides images of sample impkins and notes which options are used; for instance, one avian impkin bears a crochet feather crest, wings, and bird tail, while a more fantastical design features long horns, pointed elf ears, and a kangaroo-like pocket belly. The impkins are cute, and readers will appreciate the innumerable opportunities for customizing their creatures, though even experienced crocheters will want to acquaint themselves with the stitch dictionary, which uses a few symbols readers may not have encountered before. Fans of amigurumi should check this out. (Sept.)