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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Introduction
  • CHAPTER 1: Tools of the Trade
    • Choose the Right Tools and Materials
    • Fabulous Felt
    • Materials for Doll Hair
    • Choosing Fabric for Doll Fashions
    • Project: Doll Maker's Pin Cushion
  • CHAPTER 2: Make Your First Doll
    • Stage 1: Body and Head
    • Stage 2: Paint the Face
    • Stage 3: hair
    • Stage 4: Arms and Hands
    • Stage 5: Legs and Feet
    • Stage 6: Assembly
  • CHAPTER 3: Basic Doll Fashions
    • Signature Sundress
    • Signature Sandals
    • Skirt and Top from Recycled Clothing
  • CHAPTER 4: Intermediate Doll Techniques
    • Needle-Sculpted Face
    • Shoulder-Length Hair
    • Hands With Fingers
  • CHAPTER 5: Intermadiate Fashion Techniques
    • Scalloped Hem
    • Needle Felting: Beading
    • Skirt With Flounce
  • CHAPTER 6: Advanced Doll Techniques
    • Custom Skin Tones
    • Making Curly hair
  • CHAPTER 7: Advanced Fashion Techniques
    • Embellished Bear Sweater
    • Heirloom Dress
    • Fashionista Trousers
  • Conclusion
  • Appendices:
    • A: Patterns for Doll Bodies
    • B: Face and Hair Templates
    • C: Patterns for Doll Fashions
    • D: Resources
    • E: Machine Stitches
    • F: Hand and Embroidery Stitches
  • Index

Title: Doll Fashionistas: sewing stylish dolls and their wardrobes
Author: Ellen Lumpkin Brown
Publication Date: TPB:2009
Publisher: Krause Publications, Inc.,
Page Count: 128
Book Dimensions(ht. x w.): 11" x 8 1/2"
ISBN: 0896897125

PATTERN RATING:Star Rating Pattern pieces are full size unless stated otherwise on the pattern - and then she gives you what percentage to blow them up on a copy machine to get the correct size. She gives some markings on pieces, but not a lot. You get one doll pattern and a handful of basic clothing patterns to act as templates.

INSTRUCTION RATING:Star Rating Mrs. Brown gives exemplary instructions with lavish photos to take you through the doll-making process step by step. She gives you simpler mitt hands and flat painted face for beginners, or hands with fingers and a sculpted face if you are more advanced in your skills.

BONUS MECHANICS RATING:Star Rating Mrs. Brown gets a couple of bonus stars for her "fashionista" fashions - her dolls are so stylish! Why should Barbie have all the fun? Mrs. Brown gives you a solid approach to designing a "look" for you doll, and the basic patterns to style as you like.

SUMMARY- I love this book! I grew up making hundreds of outfits for mine and my sister and cousins' Barbies - all from old patterns my mother had collected for that task. I love the look of Mrs. Brown's dolls - especially the knees. Yes, that sounds funny - but I've always been unhappy with how traditional ragdoll legs hinged at the knee without any concession to it actually being a knee. Mrs. Brown's design gives her dolls knees so they may sit like proper ladies and look classy doing it. I couldn't check out her DVD that came out with the book - I'd have to buy extra software from Microsoft to decode it, but most people watch DVDs on their computers now, so probably won't have the same trouble. Buy this book.