The Dolls' Dressmaker: The Complete Pattern Book

by Venus A. Dodge

Book Overview

In this collection of more than 120 dolls' dress designs, from modern outfits to period costumes, all the patterns are of actual size and ready to trace off the page and use. They fit dolls of 10 to 25 inches (28 to 63.5 centimetres), and can be altered to fit other sizes. Many of them are intended for the beginner, while experienced dolls' dressmakers should find the more elaborate period costumes an interesting challenge.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0715392891
• ISBN13: 9780715392898
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: David & Charles
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 1.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 8.5" x 11.7"

Customer Reviews

Great information

Honestly love this book so far I like that it gives very clear well written instructions plus the included patterns alone are worth triple the price I paid for this. Absolutely great find for doll enthusiasts like myself who love learning how to create different clothes for all kinds of dolls.

Perfect for my projects

Great pictures and instructions.

The Dolls DressMaker by Venus A. Doge

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.

The best all-around costuming book I've seen!

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!

This book is the most complete doll pattern book I've seen.

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!

If you only had one doll dressing book, this should be it.

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

Ms. Dodge helps you make your doll the envy of the playroom.

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.