Saturday, September 26, 2015

Book Review - I Can Make Dolls' Clothes

I CAN MAKE DOLLS' CLOTHES is an easy-to-follow guide for young fashionistas ages 8+ that shows them how to create a wardrobe for their standard-sized (12 inch) dolls. The approach is easy, quick, and fun and the results are extremely stylish. Children ages 8 and up can follow clear instructions to make a range of garments and accessories for their dolls, using basic materials such as fabric scraps, sequins, and a needle and thread.

ISBN: 9780500650516

The beautifully-designed handbook includes actual-size patterns for creating a doll’s tunic top, a knee-length coat, an A-line skirt, a faux-fur jacket, a skater skirt, a day dress, a party dress, an evening bag, and a fringed bag. There are simple, step-by-step diagrams and instructions for creating each piece of the outfit, with photos of dolls modeling the finished designs. A section at the back of the book outlines the basics of sewing, including how to thread a needle, how do a running stitch, and how to sew on buttons. Beginners with no sewing experience will have no trouble picking up the techniques.

Throughout, young seamstresses and crafters are encouraged to be creative and adapt the patterns to make their own designs. As vintage fashion and crafting emerge as an antidote to our frenzied, tech-filled lifestyles, this charming sewing book will appeal to parents and children looking for wholesome, hands-on activities.

My Thoughts: I have a grand daughter who is 6 1/2 years old. She's been doing a wide variety of different crafts & sewing projects with me for the past 2 years. Every time she visits my home we are sitting down and doing some type of arts & craft project. The reason I am telling you this is because the book is for kids ages 8 and up but my 6 1/2 year old grand daughter has been able to use this book to make the dolls' clothes just fine...with my supervision & help.

This is a hardcover book containing 176 pages. All of the patterns and projects are simple and super easy to make. The patterns are basic but can certainly be altered and made more fancier as your child grows older and her sewing skills develop. The patterns are full-size and your child simply traces them onto blank paper, cuts them out, pin's them to fabric, cut out again and then sew the pieces together as instructed. All of these items are made with hand sewing but can be done via machine depending on the age of the child.

I personally think this book is fantastic! We all know that those "fashion doll" clothes are expensive out there in the retail stores. Now you or your little girl can make the doll clothes as home and use fabric scraps and other sewing supplies that you have on hand. Plus, by making all of these items it teaches your little girl the basic sewing skills of doing hand sewing, attaching buttons, snaps, lace, fiber trims and more. Fantastic book!

You can learn more about this book and where you can purchase it by visiting Thames & Hudson online.

About the Creators: Louise Scott-Smith is a children’s wear designer. She was formerly Head of Children’s Wear Design at Liberty of London and at Caramel Baby & Child. Georgia Vaux is a graphic designer, book designer, and art director.

Disclosure: Shelly H. received a free complimentary copy of this book to review on her blog. No monetary compensation was received. Her thoughts, opinions and words are 100% her own and are unbiased and truthful opinions of the item she has reviewed.

1 comment:

jopb said...

I think that this is a great idea and wonder why no one before this ever wrote a book for young kids to make the clothes for their dolls and boys could for, superhero figures too!

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