Crochet Iconic Women

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Meet the Author

Hey there, can you introduce yourself?

I’m Carla Mitrani, the crochet designer behind Amour Fou dolls and I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I married and I have two redhead boys. However, being a crochet doll designer is in fact my secret identity. I am actually the TV producer of a weekly talk show on national politics, which in my country means a crisis per week! I basically never get bored. On 2020, such a strange year, I had my book published: “Crochet Iconic Women”.

Tell us a bit about the book?

The book features the patterns to crochet 15 trailblazing women, whose lives and actions have shaped (or currently are shaping) the world in which we live. We thought of this book as a tribute to them, but also as a way to put their lives back into the spotlight and inspire new generations. These doll can spark great conversations, and this is what we are hoping will happen! Plus, 5% of all the proceedings of this book will be donated to the Wonder Foundation which helps to educate and empower girls to leave poverty for good!

What was the inspiration behind it?

I have been doing crochet tributes for a long time, at first for myself and for friends, honoring women I admired for very diverse reasons, and when I published them on my Instagram account, I received really beautiful and encouraging feedback. Ultimately, I was contacted by Sarah Callard, from David and Charles, and that’s how “Crochet Iconic Women” came to be. Together we shortlisted the names of the ladies to be included in the book.

Which is your favourite project?

That is truly a very difficult question. I get this asked a lot and I always answer the same: each one of the patterns in my book has a special place in my heart, for different reasons. Some because they were a real challenge to design and needed much research, especially in the historic wardrobe department. Others because of what they mean to me, like Jane Austen, author of my two favorite books (“Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility”). And then, of course, there’s those I specially love because of what they are doing to improve the world in which my boys are growing, like Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai.

What is your craft space like?

I’ve recently moved and now I have my very own craft room in my new house, which I adore! I get to have all my yarns organized by color and type, plus some of my dolls on display. It’s a dream come true. Before that, in the previous house, I had balls of yarn and dolls hidden all over the place. You would open a drawer or a door, and a doll would pop-out! Thank God my husband is really patient with me!

Have you always been creative?

I don’t know if I’ve always been creative, but I’ve always been crafty! In my teens, I did my own jewelry, I made souvenirs for my boys’ birthday parties, I still draw a lot, I cook… I love doing things with my hands. It’s so therapeutic.

When did you first start crafting?

My grandmother was a couturier and had her own fashion label. I remember going to her atelier and playing with pieces of fabrics and leftovers. I did dolls out of paper and cardboard and dressed them with scraps, holding the pieces together with pins since I have forever been very lousy at sewing… I still have one of those dolls.

Who are your crafty heroes?

I have many crafty heroes, like Lydia Tresselt and Yan Schenkel, or designers from far away countries from mine, like Russia… I love it that many of them have become my friends over time, in spite of the physical distances. The crochet community is really supportive: we congratulate each other with each milestone and protect our work.