Customer Reviews

A Closetful of Doll Clothes (Creative Crafters)

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The author, Rosemarie Ionker, is well established in the doll world with her doll clothing company "Petite Creations". Her company offers the highest quality doll clothing line available, so she speaks with the voice of experience. But, Ionker herself confesses in the text of this book that her designs are not for beginning seamstresses. They are presented for those who aspire to the level of detail, design and professionalism found in the garments offered by her company.

The patterns in this book are for 4 specific dolls. The 20 inch doll and the 11 1/2 inch doll are Marley and (original)Bethany by Kish and Company, for whom Ionker regularly designs. The 18 inch doll and 14 inch doll are porcelain dolls by Diana Effner. These dolls are featured on the cover of the book are referred to throughout the text. There is no reference to these patterns being generic, and little reference for adapting them for other dolls. Of course, they can be used for other dolls. The doll measurements are given so you know if your doll is of a similar size, but the seamstress of these garments will have to determine if the patterns need to be adjusted and how to do that.

In this book, Ionker offers patterns for coordinated "wardrobes" or "trousseus" for dolls. The basic pieces for each doll include a coat, dresses, and undergarments. She suggests usage for color themes and fabric choices, and instructs on the use of trim. She offers sewing tips and pattern notes. There is a page identifying each pattern piece in a one page layout. The reader can then find the pattern pieces in the correct size by going to the chapter for each doll.

I would not recommend this book for modern 18 inch dolls. It is more tailored for artist quality vinyl dolls and porcelain dolls. The patterns are for clothing items now considered old-fashioned for today's children and are not pieces for modern wardrobes. These are lovely designs, though, for fans of Petite Creations. Smocking and embroidery make the photo section of this book eye candy for the adult doll collector. Whatever challenges this book may hold for the less experienced seamstress, it more than makes up for in inspiration.

This book offers beautifully designed doll clothing patterns and advice about sewing for dolls in general. However, it is not for beginners as it gives a minimum of construction information. It would have been nice if the smocking designs had been included, but they are not.All in all, it is a beautiful book that will stimulate your imagination to sew for your dolls. It does offer patterns in several useful sizes so that you can make a complete wardrobe for several of your dolls.

I wanted to make doll clothes for my granddaughter's various dolls and this book has been wonderful! It has patterns for 11 1/2 inch, 14 inch, 18 inch, and 20 inch dolls. They include a coat, panties, dresses, pinafores, blouses, bloomers, jumpers, collar variations, sleeve variations and embroidery/embellishment suggestions.

I simply copied the patterns and cut them out, chose some fabrics I had at hand and started sewing. Basic sewing skills are all that are needed to enjoy making these little clothes; 1/4 inch seams are allowed. If you don't have a machine, they could easily be done by hand as they are small.

A few bits of ribbon and lace, some recycled clothing for fabrics and your dolls can have a complete new wardrobe!

Rosemarie Ionker very rightly describes her designs as not for beginning seamstresses. Some of the directions are confusing, and it can be daunting finding the right pattern pieces. The styles make up beautifully, though.
I wouldn't recommend them for most modern dolls..without making up paper towel or muslin "shams" first. The 14" clothes vary in size/fit. Some items fit both my antique Schoenhut and the Tonner Betsy McCall (14" patterns) Some don't, usually being too large.
However! The illustrations and ideas alone are worth the price of the book. I just wish the embroidery patterns were available as transfers! And it's an excellent resource for the experienced doll costumer. I'm glad I bought it!!

Adorable outfits with pin tucks, smocking, & even hand embroidered details. Because Dolls' dressmaker doesn't have those things, I recommend this book in addition to The Dolls' Dressmaker. Now my life is complete! (or at least my collection of doll patterns is!).

This is a collection of charming doll clothes for several sizes of dolls. They are exquisite, BUT, the instructions are few and are difficult for the average sewer to follow. Patterns must be traced and constructed. If you are not a VERY experienced seamstress, do not get this book; you will be in tears. It is really aimed at those who don't need instructions on how to make something, just the ideas and patterns. I am glad I have it though; I think it is a beautiful book. Just don't buy it with the idea that you can easily whip out these clothes.

A nicely put together book with some lovely doll fashions. However, one must have a fair amount of sewing experience (in my opinion), to utilize this book to its fullest extent. Nice photos--great for inspiration. 'Instructions' are a bit vague in my opinion (assessing from a professional seamstress point of view). I would think a beginning sewer might find the instructions a bit confusing.

From thumbing through the book, I think this is going to be a very useful tool in making doll clothes for my young friend.

This is an awesome book for the doll artist. A wonderful grouping of costumes that most anyone will be able to use. Now all your little creations can have a pretty costume. Well worth the money.