Customer Reviews

The Doll's Dressmaker: The Complete Pattern Book

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Venus Dodge's lavishly illustrated *The Doll's Dressmaker* is more than a collection of sewing, knitting, and crochet patterns: it's also a how-to book suitable for both experts and beginners, as well as a good read. The book is clearly organized in sections for every conceivable item of clothing, from diapers, underwear, shirts, dresses, and pants to sweaters, shawls, hats, shoes, and trimmings. Patterns are given for dolls from 11 to 25 inches. Want to make a puff-sleeved, round-collared, full-skirted dress for an 18" doll? You simply take the doll's measurements, compare them to those of the appropriate pattern pieces, and put the elements together, guided at every step by Dodge's crystal-clear instructions. She includes every possible bodice style, sleeve, collar, cuff, and skirt, tells you how to sew each, then sets you free to combine them however and in whatever fabrics you wish. For the uncertain sewer, she suggests suitable fabrics; often, she bases her suggestions on what would be historically accurate for a given style. That so many styles are possible makes this book an excellent bargain. With Dodge's patterns, one may duplicate ready-made doll's clothes, including that sold in upscale catalogs, at a fraction of the price, and, with fabric store remnants, in much better fabrics. One can even duplicate a child's clothing so she and "dollie" can dress alike! I've had this book for a couple of years, used it many times, and can honestly say that my daughters' dolls are better-dressed than I am.

There are over 120 designs and so many wonderful ideas. Patterns are included for 11"-25" dolls both modern & antique including undergarmets & accessories even shoes. The book makes great reading & has lots of color photographs. I am very impressed & can't wait to try some of the designs!

The Dolls Dressmaker Book is the most complete pattern book I have ever found. It includes everything one could want to dress their doll. Clothes, underwear, accessories, hats, shoes. Excellent instruction information on assembly, mix-n-match pieces. Great rcommendations of trims, laces, etc. All full size patterns grouped by size, easy access in back of book.
I Very Highly recommend.

This is the most comprehensive book on making baby and little girl doll clothes in a variety of sizes. The instructions are as clear as or clearer than the average pattern packet so, although the author assumes some sewing knowledge, most sewers should have no problem following the directions. The patterns also trace easily onto computer paper and are simple to cut out. Not only are there photos of dolls wearing the clothes, but there are a great many black and white line drawings showing possible style variations with appropriate dates (from 1880-1900, for example). This is helpful information for those trying to clothe antique French bebes or German dolls. There are also excellent sections on color, scale, applying trim and using special sewing techniques such as pintucking; extensive information is provided on accessories as well.

I only have a few quibbles with the book: first, as a previous reviewer said, the patterns are scattered throughout the pages and that is confusing. I wish they were all at the back. Also, there are only two patterns for 11" babies -- a diaper and a one-piece suit. The full patterns are for 14"-25" dolls; I would have liked to see more patterns for 11-12" babies. However, there is a section on pattern-free sewing that provides instructions on making a smock dress that would work well for a baby doll.

I was even able to adapt a pattern to my 18" American Girl-type doll by combining two different sizes. This might be the only pattern book you need!

The subtitle of 'The Dolls Dressmaker' by Venus A.Dodge is The Complete Pattern Book. The subtitle says it all. This comprehensive guide to making antique reproduction to modern baby-doll clothes has interchangable pattern pieces. Therefore, any of the dresses or other clothing items can use almost any style sleeve, collar or bodice in any length. The photographs of her beautifully executed examples, make you want to re-dress every doll you own. The patterns fit the dolls that they are intended for. This book allows the experienced and novice seamstress to make just the right frock. I highly reccomend this book

I'm gonna hafta respectfully disagree with most of the rave reviews of this book - because I certainly didn't get the great results they got. Quick rehash : the book has numerous pattern pieces you mix and match for the garment you want in one of six doll sizes, from 11 inches (not Barbie) to 25 inches. Pretty much the whole garment is scaled to any doll's height. Sounds simple, great, and creative and I thought it would be.

Unfortunately, there's a huge variance between dolls that are in the same size bracket. For example, Ideal's Beautiful Crissy, Mattel's Timey Tell, whoever-does-them-now Cabbage Patch Kids, and now-Mattel's American Girl dolls would all come in under the 16 to 18 inch size. But there's a huge difference between these dolls ! The author doesn't include any other measurements for the patterns - you're supposed to copy the size you think your doll is, block off the half-inch seam allowances, and measure to see if it will fit your doll. If not, you can do it again to the next size up or down. Seems like writing that Size Q fits dolls that are about x tall, a to b around the chest, c to d around the waist, etc. would have helped a lot, rather than making the reader-sewist figure it out. And you're kinda out of luck if your doll is Q in the chest but W in the hips ! I've yet to find a single dart or fitting mark anywhere, and there's a reason why...

Following directions, I'd then cut the pattern out on paper towels or cheap fabric, and pin-fit it to the doll. I could then use the paper towel or muslin as an actual pattern. Um, why ? Isn't that what the book is for - to provide patterns ready to use ? I must have missed the sub-subtitle `these are just ideas and shapes, you work it out' on the cover.

Utilizing her methodology, I determined that the 14 to 15 inch size would work for Playmates' Little Princess Belle doll. Unfortunately, the armscrye (armhole) was far too tight, and altering that changed the shoulder. Fixing that threw off the neckline, and by now, I'd pretty much completely redrafted the pattern. I'd have been better off creating one to start with - because the side seams on the pattern itself, with no alterations at all, don't even match up.

Most of her doll models are reproduction porcelains of priceless antique dolls. The rest are either rare survivors from the 30s, one-of-a-kind dolls from kits, or Sasha dolls. All collectable, all expensive. The one plastic/vinyl doll I saw was a rather generic baby in a super-blah outfit.

If you're looking to make heirloom clothes for an heirloom doll - and don't mind more or less drafting the pattern yerself, despite what this book's title is - then this volume should serve you well. If you'd like to make clothes for a (ohmygosh, is she gonna use the `p' word ?) playline (yes !) doll, you might want to explore other options. Frankly, I've had more fun and success with Simplicity on 99c sales and my slightly buggy Doll Shop Deluxe software. This book has some great illustrations for inspiration, but to me, for my second-hand TRU/Wal-Mart origin dolls and my intermediate sewing skills, this so-called complete pattern book is a near-total wash. The almost scatter-shot organization of sizes didn't help much either, and my copy lacked the crystal-clear directions I've read so much about. (sigh)

Short Version : I expected usable patterns, not endless measuring and fussing with fit, but that's about all I found in this volume. Congrats to everyone who got a lot more out of this book than I did.

Excellent book with beautiful pictures. Leaves plenty of room to your own creativity. Desciptions are straightforward. It's hard for me to say if it would be good for beginners, since I'm trained in dressmaking and patternmaking, but it seems easy to figure out. I can't think of any book I'd rather use when making doll clothes - it has everything.

This is perhaps the best and most comprehensive book on making clothing for dolls. The sewer is limited only by his or her imagination. Clothing is for the child type doll body and includes many extras such as hats, bags, etc. I highly recommend this book to anyone who sews for dolls.

Book offers a wide range of details and styles that are described in an easy to follow format. Patterns are not difficult and user friendly.

Before buying this book, I would buy patterns for doll clothes. Sometimes I bought patterns from big companies like Simplicity and sometimes I bought patterns from small outfits. Of course, they were very specific patterns for only a few outfits for only a few limited dolls. Ms. Dodge's book is like owning every pattern for every doll ever created! She provides many basic pattern pieces in a variety of sizes. It will be up to you, however, to design your doll's outfit. Don't worry--the book will show you how! You will also make your own custom pattern pieces in order to get the right fit. This book covers baby dolls, girl dolls and even boy dolls. The only doll that is not represented is the womanly-figured modern fashion doll, but once you have mastered what is covered in this book, you will be able to dress those dolls too. The author provides lots of good, detailed photos and beautiful line drawings of possible outfits to inspire you. My confidence in dressing dolls has increased a hundred-fold. Now I know that if I can dream it, I can achieve it. And you can too!