This week I sat down with the latest amigurumi crochet book from Carla Mitrani and David & Charles Publishing called Crochet Zodiac Dolls – Stitch the horoscope with astrological amigurumi. I’ll be sharing with you my in-depth review of this book so you know what to expect before making a decision to buy a copy for yourself. I’m also giving away a copy of the book to one lucky winner! Keep reading to learn more about Crochet Zodiac Dolls and how you can possibly win a copy of the book.
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Thanks to David & Charles Publishing for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
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I had the honour of reviewing Carla Mitrani’s previous crochet doll pattern book called Crochet Iconic Women and it was one of my favourite books of 2020. In fact, it’s still one of my favourite books. So when I found out that Crochet Zodiac Dolls was releasing, I could not wait to check it out.
Patterns in Crochet Zodiac Dolls
There are patterns for 12 different crocheted dolls in this new title by Carla Mitrani that are all based on astrology signs. The names of the projects found in this 111 page book are:
- Aries
- Taurus
- Gemini
- Cancer
- Leo
- Virgo
- Libra
- Scorpio
- Sagittarius
- Capricorn
- Aquarius
- Pisces
Each pattern in the book is accompanied by a brief description of the personality traits expected from that zodiac sign, their lucky colour, gemstone, notable people that share that sign and compatible signs.
The patterns are written in the US terminology. Instead of a standard terminology conversion chart, you can find the UK terms written alongside the US terms in the stitch abbreviations section on page 14.
I found the patterns to be very clear and easy to understand. Tutorial-like images are included with some of the patterns and although they are not labelled or referred to in the patterns, it is usually clear to determine which section of the pattern the photo should belong with.
Other Amigurumi Book Reviews to Check Out!
The dolls in Crochet Zodiac Dolls have sizes listed and range from 6″ to 9″ tall. There is no information in the book given regarding gauge so there is no way for makers to ensure that their dolls will come out the same size. This isn’t necessarily a make-it-or-break-it thing for most amigurumi patterns however, being a doll designer myself, I know that not mentioning gauge will lead to frustration for some makers.
Each doll has a hair cap which is essentially a wig that fits on the doll’s head. Some patterns even have hats that fit on top of those hair caps. If gauge isn’t met or at least the same tension is not maintained throughout the project some makers will end up with pieces that don’t fit together (I have personally made this mistake SO many times and it is so frustrating). I wish that a note about this was included somewhere to help makers avoid this frustration or at the very least know what to do to fix it. It is something I personally would much rather have seen in the book over the amount of attention to detail given to stuff about zodiac signs since that isn’t essential to the actual making process.
Check out the Video Version of this Review!
Tools and Materials Used in Crochet Zodiac Dolls
Below is a high-level outline of materials used throughout the book:
- 2mm (US B/1) Crochet Hook
- 8/4-ply Fingering Weight Cotton Yarn (Hobbii 8/4 Rainbow Cotton)
- Mohair Yarn (Hobbii Diablo)
- 6mm Black Safety Eyes
- Polyfill Stuffing
- Scissors
- Seam Ripper
- Stitch Markers
- Tapestry / Yarn Needle
- Pins (like these ball headed pins)
- Wooden Chopstick
- Round-nose Pliers
- Craft Bag & Pencil Case (optional)
Resources Available in This Book
In the beginning of the book (pages 14 – 15), you’ll find a quick walk-through of the following stitches:
- Slip Knot
- Chain Stitch
- Slip Stitch
- Single Crochet
- Half Double Crochet
- Double Crochet
- Single Crochet Two Together (SC2TOG)
- Bobble Stitch
In the end of the book (pages 92 – 103) is where you will find the rest of the resources (called Techniques & Tutorials) available in Crochet Zodiac Dolls. Instructions for the following stitches and techniques are included in the book:
- Anatomy of a Stitch
- Increasing
- Invisible Single Crochet Decrease
- Changing Colours
- Invisible Join
- Closing Remaining Stitches Through the Front Loops
- Hiding Ends Inside the Doll
- Working in Rows
- Working in Rounds
- Magic Ring
- Joining Legs
- Interrupting Your Work
- Attaching Eyes
- Sewing the Cheeks (embroidery)
- Weaving in Ends
- Joining the Yarn to Begin a Skirt, Dress, Ruffle or Collar
- Closing the Arms
- Sewing the Arms
- Crocheting Curls
- Sewing the Hair
- Sewing Loose Pieces
- Making Flowers
- Inserting Wire Inside Pieces
- Making Pompoms
Overall Crochet Zodiac Dolls by Carla Mitrani is a cute book of whimsical amigurumi doll patterns. With clear and easy instructions, this book is accessible to a variety of skill levels but I would recommend this title for experienced amigurumi makers or makers that are able to troubleshoot problems solo if they run into issues with pieces fitting together.
If you'd like to purchase a copy of Crochet Zodiac Dolls by Carla Mitrani, it is available for purchase from Amazon.
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Crochet Zodiac Dolls Giveaway!
Thanks to David & Charles Publishing, I have one (1) copy of Crochet Zodiac Dolls by Carla Mitrani to giveaway!
This giveaway on The Loopy Lamb is open to worldwide participants (except where void by law and void in Quebec) and ends Saturday, November 11, 2022 at 11:45pm Eastern Standard time. The winner will be chosen on November 14, 2022 and notified by email.
To enter, use the King Sumo form below. If you are on mobile and have difficulty entering, please use a desktop computer to enter. Only the Email and Name option is mandatory – all other tasks are optional, for bonus entries only.
