Dolly Bureau, Volume I - A new pattern book by Megann Zabel

Poppy Parker/Misaki Pattern, a photo by theartofmegann on Flickr.

Doll patterns in a book, all to scale, with clear instructions in English, designed for beginners to intermediate dolly couture fans? Sounds too good to be true--but it isn't! Check out Megann Zabel's newly released book, Dolly Bureau Volume 1, available now!

The retail price of the book is $27.95, and you can currently find it for sale from DollyBureau.com, Amazon, Denver Doll Emporium, The Doll Peddlar, The Swell Shop, and also at Azone's booth in doll shows in Japan. This price gets you a 100-page full color book, in 8.5x11 size. Inside, you'll find 14 full outfits (lots of mix-and-match pieces) for various dolls.

Volume I includes outfits for Momoko, Poppy Parker/Misaki, Chip (FR:Homme), and 1:4 (MSD) and 1:12 (Lati Yellow and Pukifee) sized BJDs. Additionally, lots of full-color photographs display other dolls, such as Pullip, Odeco, J-doll, Tiny Betsy McCall, Model Muse Barbie, Ken, Limhwa To You, and Liv. The patterns are to scale, and require only tissue paper to transfer.

Megann Zabel, the owner of MegannArt, has a background in fine arts and design, which really shows in this publication. The attention to detail in her patterns, illustrations, and overall design of the book is amazing. The book is beautiful--it is a must-have for any fashion doll fan, in addition to the budding designer.

In addition to her gorgeous layout and photography, I must add that the instructions are really wonderful. Megann includes a step-by-step photo tutorial of the first pattern, which--for me--is particularly helpful. Even if you have no (or limited) prior knowledge of sewing in smaller sizes, the supply lists, techniques, and clear instructions (such as what exactly "easing" means), all make me want to try again.

Additionally, the author invites her readers to share the results of their endeavors online. While the patterns are designed for personal use, you can join the group on Flickr here--plus sneak a peek at the terrific patterns inside the book. Personally, I am in love with Megann's photography!

This is Megann's first publication, and I happen to know Volume II is in the works now. I'm thrilled to see more from her, and am so excited to see this new line of easy-to-use patterns.

This book would make the perfect gift for a young doll collector, in addition to those of us who have been collecting for a while. My nine year-old Lauren is really inspired, and I hope to be sharing some of her creations shortly!

Sock Tutorial: Cardigan & knee-highs for SD13 ball-jointed dolls

Materials:

2 ladies crew socks or 1 ladies knee sock (I recommend pre-washing socks to set colors and pre-shrink the fabric before sewing)

Pattern (scaled from the image included at the end of this post)


Scissors

Pins

Needle and thread

Patterns for download and for sale

The Adams-Harris Pattern Company offers a wide variety of doll patterns for sale--sized for large, mini and tiny BJDs, Marley, Kish, Tyler, Antoinette, Ellowyne, and American Model--at reasonable prices for your home use or for resale purposes.

This site was only recently brought to my attention, and I have to say, while I'm not personally a sewer, I am really impressed by the variety of sizes and patterns available.

There is also a portion of the website that offers a free section of clothing and accessory patterns for a variety of doll sizes, including an SD-sized 1790s era shoe. I read the instructions, and it looks really well-done and easy-to-use. Please check out the website, and support it!

Remaking an iconic Dior gown for a lucky 16" doll

Here is the completed dress, pictured on Tonner Doll's "Euphemia," from Tonner Doll's Cinderella Collection.

This was a labor of love for my wonderful friend (and fellow Fashion Doll Review writer), Carolyn, who asked if I could recreate this iconic dress for her small-bust Tyler. I'm always up for a challenge (especially when it involves fashion!), so of course I agreed!

I made sure to take photos throughout the creative process so that you could see how it all came together.

Turning a silk scarf into some new wardrobe pieces

I recently found some silk scarf panels of fabric at my local swap meet (my favorite place to find cheap fabric!) and decided to see what I could make with them.

From the circular design in the center of the scarf, I was able to make 2 half-circle skirts. I added a waistband and 2 rectangular strips to one to create a halter dress. (My vintage brunette bubble cut models this one.)

The second half of the circle I folded over at the top to make an elastic casing, then made a seam at the center back. (I supplemented this outfit with a navy t-shirt knit bodysuit - also made from cheap swap meet fabric!) The 2 corners cut from the panel I used as the front and back of a tunic, with a pair of knit leggings to round out her outfit. (These are pictured on the 2 Fashion Royalty dolls.)

These Barbies may not cater a luau, but they will waitress!

My good friend, Stacy, is expecting her first baby very soon, and I had the privilege of throwing her a baby shower - the first one I've ever put together. The shower was co-ed, and - much like Stacy herself - not entirely "traditional." In the spirit of bucking tradition, I decided to enlisted my little Mattel army to host the snack table.

Sewing tip of the day: cutting out small pattern pieces

Having trouble cutting precisely around those tiny corners and curves of your pattern pieces? Here's a simple, inexpensive tool that makes the job easy!

Rotary cutters come in diameters of 60mm, 45mm and 28mm, as well as 18mm, which I use for doll patterns. The one that I own is made by OLFA and costs about $13. A package of 2 replacement blades can be purchased for about $8. It features a sliding piece to cover the blade while not in use, so you don't slice your finger or anything else nearby!