We caught up with Carla Mitrani, author of Crochet Iconic Women, designer and crochet addict to talk about her brand new book; Crochet Iconic Women and here’s what she had to say.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself?
“My name is Carla Mitrani and I live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I’m 40 years old and I’m married to an Agriculture Engineer. We have 2 children, both boys, both redheads. And a dog, Peppa. She is the ultimate crochet companion! I’m a journalist and I currently work as producer for a weekly talk show on National Politics. It definitely has nothing to do with crochet and most of my co-workers don’t know I have a secret identity as a crochet doll designer.”
▫ - How did you get the idea to do a crochet book about iconic women?
“Some time ago I made an Amelia Earhart doll for a very dear friend of mine, who is the ultimate globetrotter and adventurer. I thought it was a great personalised gift for her. It was so interesting to research about Amelia’s life and find ways to make her recognisable without having to say who she was.”Amelia Earhart was the first female aviator to fly solo over the Atlantic Ocean. She was a founding member of “The 99’s” which encourage and educate women in aviation and was also an author – what are the chances!
Amelia Earhart in crochet and real life.“That’s how it all began, and I couldn’t stop. It became a passion. I soon found myself looking for role models that I admired. I got to read a lot, see documentaries, watch their performances or google their speeches. As I got to finish them, and hold them, I truly felt I could talk to them, embrace them, let them know how much I admired them and thank them for what they have accomplished.” Other icons featured in the book include; Greta Thunberg, Marie Curie, Queen Elizabeth II, Billie Holiday and Rosa Parks.“I posted them in my Instagram feed (@amourfou_crochet) last year and was approached by Sarah Callard, at David & Charles, with the idea to make a book with these patterns, and bibidi-bobbidi-doo, she made my dream come true!”
3. How did you select the women/personalities you wanted to include in the book?
“Well, it was really difficult to narrow the list down to 15 women. I think that was the hardest part in creating the book. But we were able to choose a line-up of ladies who represent the achievements of many others and are a good starting point to spark the conversation on their extraordinary lives while inspiring others to come. We picked women who have built our past, women who are shaping our present as we speak and young girls who are fighting for our future.”
Crochet Iconic Women is out October 13th in all good book stores and available on Amazon.4. Who is your favourite Iconic Woman in the book?
“Each one of them has a special place in my heart, for the most diverse reasons. Some were a real challenge to design and needed a lot of research, especially in the historic wardrobe department. Others because of what they mean to me, like Jane Austen, author of my favourite books (“Pride and Prejudice” and “Sense and Sensibility”). Then there’s those I love because of what they are doing to improve the world in which my boys are growing up, like Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousafzai.”5. What is your favourite technique featured?
“I like that the book provides different examples of hair-styles, clothes and accessories. With some creative mix-and-match and a bit of colour-changing, you can create a doll of your own. It offers a world of possibilities if you dare to try!”6. What advice would you give to your beginner self?
“Be true to yourself and always trust your gut!” Crocheting is a wonderful craft, but it takes an awful lot of time and it can sometimes bring hand and back aches. So, knowing this, I believe it should make you happy. Always. It has the potential of becoming a wonderful therapy. Use it to crochet what you like and not what you think others will like. Ultimately the love we feel for (and have poured into) our makes will be seen and appreciated by others.”7. In one word, how would you describe this book?
“Gratitude. I’m thankful for the lives of these women who, so bravely, have shaped the world in which my boys are growing up. I’m thankful too because, by honouring them, I got the chance to make a book that’s a dream come true to me. Designing these patterns has been a beautiful adventure I will cherish forever.”Crochet Iconic Women is out October 13th 2020. If you’d like to get your hands on a copy of Crochet Iconic Women you can find it on Amazon here.
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