October 2014
Get into the Hallowe'en spirit with this fun book of nine of the most loveable Gothic dolls. All of them include patterns for separate clothing, so you can make them an entire wardrobe or ghoulish outfits! Whether as gifts or to keep for yourself, the simple patterns mean knitters of all abilities can enjoy making gorgeously gruesome creatures
* My Weekly *
April 12
You will be introduced into the world of the Goth doll, no poseurs here. Each of the nine knitted dolls are unique in personality and style. This is a perfect collection of dolls for people who found her "Knitted Fairies" too tame.
The characters of the night are interpreted as handsomely beautiful in a haunting way. The proportions, facial anatomy and costume detail of the dolls are a product of Fiona's art school training in Australia, where she resides. Each doll is a marvel of its own. You will also enjoy the snippets of backstory for each character.
Basic knitting skills are required. Though definitely worth learning in order to knit either her Gothic dolls and/or her fairies. The photography is well done, both the eerie stills of the individual dolls as well as the pieces and parts used to assemble the bodies. There are two different sized bodies 20" and 23". The detailed descriptions and instruction on assembling each doll will allow you to change it up and make the doll your own.
Julian wears a black cape and boots that compliment his spikey purple and white hair and gaunt face and pale complexion. Beatrice has a red flower in her hair that stands out against her dreadlocks. Her bolero jacket with its lace lapel has long pointed sleeves adorned with beads. Violetta is a vampire that was a stage performer in her previous life. She is still dressed in her thigh high stockings and red lace dress with black bodice. Her hair is long and black with white streaks. Then there is D'Anton. Dramatic in his dress, this cousin of Count Dracula is stunning with his goatee and moustache. His high cheekbones are set off by his lace cravat. Even if doll making is not your knitting passion, you will appreciate the workmanship. Pick up the book and a wooden stake (just in case) and enjoy the creativity of each doll.
* www.examiner.com/knitting-in-hartford *
OCT/NOV 12
A brilliant book for knitters looking for something a bit 'different'. Create weird and wonderful vampires, maidens and ghostly figures with clear instructions on making and stuffing the bodies, colouring and embroidering the faces and creating the hair using fancy yarns, fake hairpieces and hair embellishments. Each doll is artfully and distinctively dressed in knitted outfits and accessories that any Goth would be proud of. The simple patterns mean that knitters of all abilities can enjoy making these dolls. Add just the right amount of scariness, and these creations will delight and inspire adults as well as children of all ages.
* Craft Focus *
May 2012
If there are youngsters in your life, do look out for this book to help create weird and wonderful knitted dolls with a Gothic theme. There are clear instructions on hand knitting and stuffing the bodies, colouring and embroidering the faces and creating the hair to give the dolls their unique and spell-binding characters. The simple patterns are suitable for knitters of all abilities and you'll be irresistibly drawn to these loathsome yet loveable creatures.
* Machine Knitting Monthly *
Oct 12
I've reviewed two books previously by Fiona McDonald and consider myself quite a fan so this is a truly biased post. What could be better than a doll book but a gothic doll book for Halloween? There are nine dolls in total - all of which have the best clothes ever. I've knitted two patterns from Fiona's books now and both of them worked out well - there were no errors in the patterns and they were so easy to follow and a joy to make. There is ten pages of general instructions about how to shape the bodies, stuff, do the faces and finish off well. As usual for a Fiona McDonald book - you can mix and match the clothes and make them in different yarn and in different colours. This is a very well presented cool book which would make a great present for a teenager who knits or anyone who loves the gothic look!
* sewingisforgirls.blogspot.com *
