All images: Lana Choi / Tuva Publishing.

This month Tuva Publishing launches a new amigurumi toy crochet book from a debut author – Amigurumi Toy Box by Lana Choi. While this is Lana’s first book the Korean crochet designer has a large following on social media and sells her charming toy dolls through Instagram and also - perhaps uniquely - in her optician’s practice in Seoul. The book has 16 different characters to create, including cactus friends, elephant, bear, dolls and a robot. With detailed steps, clear photography and tutorials for all the techniques, the book is beginner-friendly. Through the book Lana hopes to share the joy of making crocheted dolls with more people.

Lana says, “I've been working as an optician for the last ten years, and now every corner of the front office is full of the crochet dolls I started making six years ago. Thanks to them, I meet new customers who come in to look at the dolls and want to buy them. My answer is always the same, "Sorry, these dolls are not for sale." Some people think I'm overreacting because they're just toys. But I've poured my time and emotions into each stitch while making my precious children. I can't sell them. Instead, I started sharing how to make these dolls on my blog. Many people were interested and enjoyed crocheting them. Thanks to this, I created an internet community called "LANAdolls Creation Lab" as well as a website and YouTube channel.” And now her first book.

“People have shared their stories with me… The success someone felt after making a doll for the first time; the family who used a crocheted doll to communicate with their child; a few people who overcame their depression by crocheting toys. Hearing all these happy stories and experiences, made me realize I enjoy crocheting together with many different people. Through this book, I hope to share the joy of making crocheted dolls with more people.”

Buy Amigurumi Toy Box: 16 Super Cute Amigurumi Toys to Crochet (Paperback) from Waterstones.