I thought it was time for another book review. I like sharing my book collection with you so you can see firsthand what these books are like. I’ve said it before in my reviews; how I would want a book and would look at auction after auction trying to find a listing that had pictures of what the inside of the books looked like. Why doesn’t anybody every show the layout of the books? Why can’t they show the table of contents or let me know if it includes what I’m interested in? Why don’t they show any pictures???
If you click on any of the pictures, they will enlarge.
I want to freely give you as much of a review as I would like to have when I’m looking for a book, so you can see if this is a book you would like to own yourself. This book, however is VERY hard to find! I just checked and there are no listings for it on Ebay at the moment. The last one sold on Ebay for $49.95 on December 12th. I checked on Amazon and they have it but it will cost you anywhere from $54.00 to $121.00! Yikes! Fortunately I think I got mine for less than $30… a few years ago, though.
This isn’t a book with fashion information, but more of a seamstress’s guide for how to create and make dresses for a variety of different sized dolls. The dolls represented in this book range from seven to twelve inches tall. It is written by well-known German designer Rosemarie Ionker and published by Reverie Publishing Company.
A beautiful glossy front and glossy pages inside make this book a real treat to hold in your hands. It is a paper bound book but is very nicely made. It has 144 pages and includes LOTS of colorful, clear pictures to comb over.
The book includes patterns in the back for all the beautiful color pictures shown…everything from slips and dresses to coats. Rosemarie gives tips and techniques on how to smock, embroidery and use lavish trim on them. She gives lots of ideas for very special touches on her clothing.
In the back of the book are the patterns…I traced the ones I wanted to use on paper.
Rosemarie gives lots of templates for the silk ribbon embroidery work…
The directions for all the dresses are set up like this…
Here is a dress I made for little 7″ Riley, by Helen Kish, using a pattern from this book.
Not only is this a pretty book to look at, but for a seamstress, it’s jam packed with lots of ideas for darling doll dresses. Again, this is another book I give a thumbs up!
If you have any questions about it, I’ll be happy to answer them if I can.
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
Wow, that book gives a WEALTH of information, Jeanne! Although I do not sew doll clothes, I would love to look through that book, and dream! I have always loved dolls, and just looking into that book would give me great pleasure and a trip back to little girlhood!
I especially loved the smocked dresses, which I do remember from my childhood, and I made sure my daughter had one too on her first Christmas.
HI Linda,
The book would be wonderful for ANYONE who loves dolls, whether they sew or not. It does have beautiful pictures in it and enjoyable to look through.
I used to wear some of those fancy little dresses with lace all over them when I was littler. Thanks Linda,
Blessings, Jeanne
I’ve got this book! I got it to sew for Riley. I never did like sewing those tiny bodices though, did you? Your little Riley dress is so pretty.
How nice of you to share pictures of this book. The photos are lovely and it is fun to dream about having an entire wardrobe like this.
FYI: when an entire glass of water is spilled on this book it holds up very nicely. LOL
Hi Cindy,
I thought you might have this book with the little bitty dolls make things for. It’s lovely, isn’t it?
So…an entire glass of water, huh? Very interesting…. glad your book wasn’t ruined…
Blessings, Jeanne
I have this book, too. Copyright is 2003 and that is probably the year I bought it new. I especially like the pattern that you traced, I’ve used it so many times for Riley and Ann Estelle dolls and altered it to fit my Heartstring and Little Darling dolls. When sewing for small dolls like Riley, it’s nice not to have to sew set-in sleeves to the bodice.
HI Jevne,
You’re so right about those tiny sleeves… it’s my favorite part about the pattern…the way those sleeves are set in is a wonderful idea. I’ve used that idea for other sized dolls too.
Thanks so much!
Blessings, Jeanne
Gosh, I would love to have this book! Need to keep an eye out for it on Ebay.
HI Regina,
Yes, it’s a wonderful book for seamstresses as well as just doll lovers! Hope you find it.
Blessings, Jeanne
I have this book–and two others of hers–also!! It is wonderful, just full of “eye candy”, plus good, basic instructions and lots of jumping-off places for creativity! It’s worth watching and waiting for!
HI Charlotte,
This is a great book, isn’t it? I am so glad I was able to get a copy of it. Such an inspiring book full of ideas, if nothing else!
Blessings, Jeanne
I ALSO have this book!!! And I agree that it’s fabulous!