More Crochet Iconic Women by Carla Mitrani Review & Giveaway

More Crochet Iconic Women by Carla Mitrani is finally here and I am so excited to finally dig into the second book of the Crochet Iconic Women series. Today I’ll share an in-depth review of More Crochet Iconic Women and I’m giving away a copy of the book to one lucky winner. Don’t forget to check out the YouTube version of the review to see a flip-through of the book as well.

Thanks to David & Charles for providing me with this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I do not guarantee a positive review of any product reviewed on my site.  All opinions shared here are my own.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through these links at no cost to you.

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A Bit About The Author

Carla Mitrani is the author of the crochet iconic women series.  She is a crochet doll designer that also publishes patterns under her brand name Amour Fou Crochet.

I previously had the honour of reviewing Carla’s first book, Crochet Iconic Women and it was one of my favourite amigurumi pattern books of that year. The first book was filled with inspirational women and I had really hoped that there would be a second book. Check out my Billie Holiday doll I made from that book on Instagram.

Now, the second collection of crochet patterns for amigurumi dolls of iconic women is here and I couldn’t wait to check out these new patterns and to see what Carla has done with this new book.

What Iconic Women Will I Find In More Crochet Iconic Women?

This new book contains 15 amigurumi doll patterns for the following iconic women:

• Josephine Baker
• Anne Frank
• Wangari Maathai
• Joan of Arc
• Dolly Parton
• Queen Elizabeth I
• Ella Fitzgerald
• Helen Keller
• Grace Hopper
• Mary Shelley
• Misty Copeland
• Hypatia of Alexandria
• Diana, Princess of Wales (aka Princess Diana)
• Harriet Tubman
• Ada Lovelace

The patterns in this book are written using the US terminology and a US to UK terminology conversion section can be found on page 8.

I found the patterns to be clearly written and easy to follow. At the beginning of each pattern is a lovely intro sharing a bit of what makes each woman in the book iconic which I really loved. Having a daughter myself and introducing her to some of these ladies in a fun, crafty way has led to more questions and research into the women included in the book.

With so many incredible women included in the book, it is hard to choose a favourite icon. Mary Shelley is super cute because she comes with a mini Frankenstein doll but I have always been a huge fan of Ella Fitzgerald.

I liked that the exact yarn colours used are listed, but to know which yarn brand it is, make sure to read the yarn information on Page 8.

The toys in this book are listed as being approximately 7.5 – 8.75″ tall however, there is no gauge information in the book to ensure makers have their toys turn out to be that size. If you don’t care what size your toys turn out and don’t mind doing a bit of troubleshooting this isn’t a huge deal at all.

Having issues with your doll’s hair not fitting or their hats not fitting? That’s because your tension/gauge has changed.

And when using two different yarn weights together in the same piece, gauge plays an even more important role. For the Josephine Baker doll you may run into issues with your bananas for her dress being a different size than seen in the photos.

I wish that a note about this was included somewhere in the book to help makers avoid this frustration or at the very least know what to do to fix it.

Other Great Crochet Book Reviews to Check Out

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• Crochet Animal Blankets and Blocks by Ira Rott
  
  
• Crochet Journey by Mark Roseboom

Check out the video version of this review

Tools & Materials Used in This Book

The dolls in this book are created using the following yarn and hook sizes:

• Hooks: 2mm (B/1) and 2.5m (C/2)
• DK Weight Yarn: 8/8 Rainbow Cotton from Hobbii Yarns
• Fingering Weight Yarn: 8/4 Rainbow Cotton from Hobbii Yarns

For other tools and materials in the book, you’ll need the following:

• Safety Eyes (8mm)
• Stuffing
• Scissors & Seam Ripper
• Stitch Markers
• Tapestry / Yarn Needle
• Sewing Pins
• Wooden Chopstick
• Tulles, Beads, Etc (depending on doll)

Resources Available to Makers in More Crochet Iconic Women

On pages 8 – 9 you’ll find written instructions for the stitches used in the book.

On pages 102 – 114 is where you’ll find the Techniques section which is home to a combination of stitch tutorials and technique tutorials. You’ll find instructions for the following in this section:

• Anatomy of a stitch/front loop vs back loop
• Increasing
• Invisible Single Crochet Decrease
• Regular Single Crochet Decrease
• Changing Colour
• Fasten Off Invisibly
• Closing Remaining Stitches Through the Front Loops (Ultimate Finish)
• Hiding Ends Inside the Doll
• Working in Rows
• Working in Rounds
• Magic Ring
• Joining Legs
• Interrupting Your Work
• Attaching Eyes
• Sewing the Cheeks
• Making the Collars
• Weaving in Ends
• Joining the Yarn to Begin a Skirt or Collar
• Closing the Arms
• Creating Armholes on Vests
• Edging of Flat Pieces
• Sewing the Arms
• Crocheting Curls
• Sewing the Hair
• Sewing Loose Pieces
• Flowers
• Making Glasses
• There is a note in this section called Some Additional Notes where it mentions that there is no way to avoid the “step” between colour changes. There is a technique you can use called the Invisible Join or Invisible Finish (<– click the link for a tutorial) but it does require cutting and rejoining your yarn.

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed More Crochet Iconic Women and as with the first book, find myself inspired to learn more about the incredible women included. I’d recommend this title for experienced amigurumi makers or intermediate crocheters who are looking for a book full of projects that make beautiful, unique gifts and inspirational toys that can help to educate young children and adults alike.

If you are interested in buying a copy of More Crochet Iconic Women you can find it on Amazon.

Like crochet book and product reviews? Check out these reviews:

• Laurel Hill Crochet Hook Review
• Crochet Zodiac Dolls by Carla Mitrani
• King Cole Forest Aran Yarn Review
  
  

More Crochet Iconic Women Giveaway

Thanks to David & Charles Publishing, I have a copy of More Crochet Iconic Women by Carla Mitrani to giveaway to one lucky winner!

This giveaway on The Loopy Lamb is open to worldwide participants (except where void by law and void in Quebec) and ends Friday, July 16, at 11:45pm Eastern Standard time.

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 option is mandatory – all other tasks are optional, for bonus entries only. Please note that by entering your email below, you are subscribing to The Loopy Lamb email list. We will not send you spam, just notifications about new free crochet patterns, news and giveaways.