Summary:
The Dumbledore kit includes all necessary materials, except scissors, and provides tutorial videos and a PDF pattern you can print. I recommend using the videos, especially for beginners, as they break down each step of the crochet process and walk through the project with you. The project centers around three fundamental stitches and is easy to follow.
The instructor's pace is slow, and the videos are broken into short segments. Overall, I recommend this kit for anyone wanting to learn crochet or wanting a crocheted Dumbledore amigurumi.
Dumbledore - My Experience:
I recently picked up the Woobles Dumbledore crochet kit, which is advertised as suitable for beginners, because I thought it would be a fun project. Although I have been crocheting for three years, I still consider myself at the beginner to intermediate beginner level, primarily focusing on amigurumi.
The kit includes a worsted weight medium #4 yarn called "easy-peasy," which is perfect for beginners. This thicker yarn does not unravel or fray easily, making it pliable and easy to work with. Additionally, the magic circle and the first round of Dumbledore's head are already completed, allowing you to start quickly.
All the materials needed to complete the project are included in the kit, except for scissors. The kit also features tutorial videos and an option to print a PDF pattern, which can benefit more advanced crocheters who may not require extra guidance (see photo). The printed pattern included all the same parts of Dumbledore that the videos provide.
If you are crocheting for the first time, I highly recommend using the beginner-friendly instructional videos. They will provide you with a fundamental understanding of the basic stitches for amigurumi, and none of the stitches in this kit are too advanced for beginners.
The accompanying videos are easy to follow, and you can pause them. They are divided into short segments based on which part of Dumbledore you are working on. The pattern line is displayed on the screen before the instructor demonstrates the stitches (see photo). This allows you to match the stitches you are working on with the corresponding pattern part, which can help you learn to read the pattern.
The project focuses on three basic stitches: the foundational single crochet stitch, the increase stitch, and the decrease stitch. The instructor speaks English, and her instructions are clear and understandable. She does an excellent job of slowly explaining the stitches and pattern parts. I also appreciated her careful demonstration of the sewing portion of the project and how to arrange the pieces symmetrically, which can be one of the more challenging aspects of assembly. Additionally, I like that the video tutorials are available for left-handed crocheters (see photo).
I value the simplicity and straightforwardness of the pattern for a beginner project. I also appreciate the tutorial support offered through the videos and the additional assistance provided by Woobles customer support. I have no reservations about recommending this kit to any beginner who wants to learn how to crochet.
If you are a beginner attempting this project, remember that your amigurumi will be unique, just like mine (see photo). It's important to understand that your finished piece may not look exactly like the one shown by the instructor or on the packaging, so don't be too hard on yourself if it differs. Most importantly, have fun!!