Customer Reviews

Two-Hour Dolls' Clothes

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Simply designed cheerful clothing for 12, 14, 16, 18 inch dolls. Basic sewing techniques and terms explained and illustrated for the novice seamstress. Patterns are overlapped for the different size dresses and may need to be measured and adjusted for specific commercial dolls. Very clear instructions that can be easily followed. Would be an excellent book for a child learning to sew

"Two Hour Dolls' Clothes" is a colorful and unconventional look at sewing for dolls. In this book, there is more emphasis on creative fabric choices then highly skilled or detailed sewing. As an "advanced beginner" seamstress, I found this book to be very liberating. The photographs and watercolors are delicious to look at, and this has changed my view of sewing into one that includes enjoyment with fabrics and style instead of frustration for a lack of perfection in my sewing skills.

However, from a practical level, the patterns are unclear. Patterns for different sized dolls are set inside of the larger patterns for the same piece, and they are colored in with watercolor designs, suggesting fabric. I would recommend "Two Hour Dolls' Clothes" for those who enjoy photos and watercolors of dolls and their clothes as well as the creative use of color and fabric. It may open your mind to new visions of what doll clothes can be.

For those who would like a more straightforward book with clear patterns of basic pieces in a variety of sizes, I would recommend "The Dolls' Dressmaker" by Venus Dodge in addition to "Two Hour Dolls' Clothes". "The Dolls' Dressmaker" takes a more traditional instructional approach to doll clothes construction. With both books, one is sure to create skilled and creative clothing for dolls.

I found the projects in this book really are quick. These are very basic patterns which are made special by one's own fabric choices, lace, buttons, embellishments, etc. As shown, the outfits have a country/funky/eclectic look that can work for contemporary or old-fashioned dolls. Some sewing experience is assumed, and these projects do take a somewhat "quick and dirty" approach in that edges won't be finished, bodices won't be lined, etc. But great for quick, cute, doable projects.

My daughter wanted a doll for the Holidays---trouble is we are on a budget and I just didn't think I could come up with the needed funds to purchase a wardrobe for that doll.

I last sewed sometime in, oh probably 1985 or so. YES REALLY. I found this book at a fabric store (my first venture there for many years). I was VERY sceptical---I didn't think, after such a long time, that I would be able to "do" this sewing thing. I have now sewn 3 BEAUTIFUL dresses for my daughters doll and she is VERY VERY happy.

The really great things about this book are 1). You don't have to have loads of fabric. For most of the patterns only 1/4 to 1/2 yard are needed (which means you can use remnants and that saves a lot of money) 2). The instructions are easy to follow (yes even for a beginner or one who has not sewn for years and years) 3). The clothes are adorable 4) The Patterns are easily modifiable to add lace, ribbon, change a collar here or there, etc.

I LOVE THIS BOOK. 5 STARS!! My highest rating!! If you have a doll you need to dress (from 12" - 18") this is the book for you.

"Two Hour Dolls' Clothes" is a colorful and unconventional look at sewing for dolls. In this book, there is more emphasis on creative fabric choices then highly skilled or detailed sewing. As an "advanced beginner" seamstress, I found this book to be very liberating. The photographs and watercolors are delicious to look at, and this has changed my view of sewing into one that includes enjoyment with fabrics and style instead of frustration for a lack of perfection in my sewing skills.

However, from a practical level, the patterns are unclear. Patterns for different sized dolls are set inside of the larger patterns for the same piece, and they are colored in with watercolor designs, suggesting fabric. I would recommend "Two Hour Dolls' Clothes" for those who enjoy photos and watercolors of dolls and their clothes as well as the creative use of color and fabric. It may open your mind to new visions of what doll clothes can be.

For those who would like a more straightforward book with clear patterns of basic pieces in a variety of sizes, I would recommend "The Dolls' Dressmaker" by Venus Dodge in addition to "Two Hour Dolls' Clothes". "The Dolls' Dressmaker" takes a more traditional instructional approach to doll clothes construction. With both books, one is sure to create skilled and creative clothing for dolls.

I've been sewing since i was a little girl, using regular vogue, simplicity, butterick, and mccalls patterns, mostly for doll clothes., this is the first book i've tried. I LOVE the freedom of it, how simplistic the patterns are. I've always been a stickler for authenticity and never really admired whimsy, this book really changed that. This book showed me how using fun whimsical fabrics can really add personality to a doll. Anyway, I found it really easy to use, but i'm a very experianced sewer of doll clothing. The instructions really weren't very clear, I didn't really see how you could make anything of lasting value using the no-sew methods that were also included. But my very favorite part of all was that by combining pattern peices you can make literally THOUSANDS of different designs for almost any size doll, included are patterns sized 12" to 18", I've enlarged them to fit 22" dolls and shrunk to 8" dolls and it worked alright. (with a little fine tuning), I've made some beautiful things using this book, and I also like how the clothes are arranged in seasons.

The book was not what I expected. It is not a book of clothes for a child (or adult) to sew for the dolls your favorite kid has (Barbie or baby dolls). However, it is an excellent book for porcelain dolls, collectible bears and thicker bodied cloth or plastic "child" rather than fashion dolls. It has patterns for 12-14-16-18" dolls, how to measure/adjust, great tips. With it you can make every day clothes or the fancy heirloom dresses for collectibles.

this book is the logical next step to the mary frances sewing book. it's incredible and simple. learn to sew doll clothes and then take on the real stuff. i started with sewing 101 went to mary frances and did my graudation here. now i'm on to the finer points of tailoring. forget home dec, do clothes, it's really fun and incredible and great showing off your creations.

the multi-sizes in the patterns are no different than those found in the professional sewing patterns fo butterick, vogue and simplicity. everyone does multi-sizes these days. this is a cheap way to learn how to read them.

this book gives you the basics and lovely clothes for your dolly to boot. venus dodge's books are also great for this journey, but you really have to be into dolls.

This book could be classified as a table-top book besides a how-to-pattern book! Anita Crane's watercolor illustrations add to the beauty of this gem of a book. The photographs are also superb and I simply cannot wait to make the clothes, they are all exquisite! I like the idea that there is a multiple size range for the patterns and the ideas on customizing the doll clothes. This book is nothing short of sensational, superb, sublime and the absolute best I have seen! Thank you Anita Crane for a DREAM of a book!!!! You have inspired me! Dolls and teddies at this home will be quite fashionable soon! Could you do a book on dreamy and vintage type doll clothes for boy dolls/teddies? My children will love to have their toy friends dressed in clothes to match their own!!!

Book is good for those who really know their way around sewing, but not necessarily for beginners. I am working with a 7 year old on a sewing machine, and can generally follow instructions; but am still new to the sewing thing. Overall pretty good, but needs less jargon.