We Make Dolls!: Top Dollmakers Share Their Secrets & Patterns

I try to get all of my craft-type books from the library first to see if they are worth the purchase. I can say this one definitely is! I've had it checked out from the library for a month now, and I couldn't stop myself from ordering my own copy. There is wonderful variety in the book, and sooo many cute items. I'm a beginner, so I can't say how an advanced doll maker would feel about this book, but I find it inspiring and fun to look at. I've made the "Fleur" doll twice already- one for my sister and one for myself- and they both turned out absolutely adorable. I'm looking at making Red Riding Hood from Suse Bauer next.Now the bad. There is really only one bad thing I can say about it, and it is regarding the "patterns" from Ana Fernandes. There are three dolls listed for her, but you only get the pattern for ONE. You get a pattern for a girl doll, and for the dog and lamb she "gives you" you are told to use the same body as the girl doll and figure out the rest on your own (see my image in the gallery to see the lamb). For a beginner like me, making a template myself for the dog's head, ears, and clothes and the lamb's head, ears, and cape seems a little daunting. The lamb's head seems especially complicated to me as it uses a mixture of fabrics. I don't know if this was Ana's idea or the author/publisher, but it was not a smart one. If Ana only wanted to give us one pattern or the publisher only had room for her to give one, then they should have just listed one doll for her. But since they chose to list the puppy and lamb, why couldn't they just include the head and ears for them? After all, if I could make my own patterns I wouldn't need this book!So don't count on full patterns for 23 dolls, you get 21. I can't figure out why they did this- it's annoying. I still recommend this book, just know that 2 patterns are more or less missing.

I loved this book when I first got it. I was so excited to learn more about making dolls and stuffies in general. I personally don't like making other people's designs, so I wasn't concerned about the patterns. I did, however, want to learn better techniques to help me make my own patterns and dolls. I followed some tips from a few of the doll makers and went to work. I made a very kewl doll and am working out another doll pattern. So far the book has been very very helpful. The only drawback I see is the instructions are hard to follow with the pictures. I was going over a few techniques I wanted to learn and realized the main parts of the pattern were not illustrated. I kept finding myself saying "how'd they do that again?" I eventually figured it out, but not without some head scratching and realizing I'll have to mentally deconstruct the doll to see the problem solved. With that issue, I can only give the book 4 stars. But overall, it was a very good book with sweet designs and very inspiring, dedicated doll makers.

When I first stumbled on this book I knew I had to have it. It features so many of my favorite stuffed animal/doll artists (like Mimi Kirchner, I love her!). So far I've only tested out one or two patterns, but the directions where clear and easy to follow. I love the interview sections with each designer as well as all of the pictures of their studios or their works in progress along with their personal tips and tricks.This is a great book for someone who is just getting into stuffed animal/doll making as there are many different styles of stuffed animal/doll patterns most books are published by or feature only one individual so you will typically get only one style of pattern with basic variations. Whenever I am in a creative rut, I will flip through this book and remember how much I enjoy making stuffed animals/dolls and then will set off into a sewing frenzy.

I had high hopes for this book but am somewhat disappointed in it. I appreciate the doll makers who generously contributed their techniques and designs to it, but overall, I found the book too simplistic and too cutesy. I hate giving away the fact that I'm a product of the dinosaur age, but back in the 1980s, when I first began making cloth dolls, there were several designers who created really sophisticated patterns one could use as-is or adapt with one's own ideas. They were advertised in such magazines as "Needle and Thread" and "Needlecraft for Today," wonderful magazines now long defunct. I wish someone would publish magazines like them today! There were also several very good books on the subject. I still have my copies of the magazines, but, alas, I left the books behind in some move or other and haven't been able to find any copies.

This is really a great book, one of the best I've bought in awhile.A variety of doll and toy artists generously share their patterns.ideas, and life stories.I was inspired to try my hand at the BobiDog project within a day of receiving the book.I modified him abit, changed the head & legs a bit, and used plastic joints insteadof buttons, and I was quite pleased with the results and how fastthe little dog came together.I can't wait to try some of the otherprojects.You won't go wrong with this wonderful little book!

I have bought many dollmaking books written by some of the best doll artist around and I have to say that I feel this one ranks as one of the best I have had the pleasure to own in a long time. The doll artists are very popular and quite well known and I have been following their artist blogs for a long time so it's really nice to see the human side of these individuals and read their stories of why dollmaking inspires each and everyone of them. I recommend this book to all dollmakers and doll lovers as the quaility of this book recieves an A+++.

I loved this book. It has lots of good tips for making the fabric toys. Most of the templates are full size, but some do need to be enlarged. There is a "what you need list", "before you start" and tips. Then a "what to do" section with photos to illustrate the process. The designers give their web address for you to find out more about them and their designs. The book was delivered in good time and perfect condition.

It was okay, some patterns were good and some were too quirky for my taste .Good ideas to make up your own patterns, and inspire tho'..I mainly bought it for the tattooed man which was very basic the, instructions could have been better. But it was a good read about the creators.

I fell for the red riding hood doll on the cover and made this straight away. It turned out just like in the photograph and I am delighted with it. I will certainly make more from this book.

This book is an interesting read from a design point of view. Full of hints and tips for building a craft based business. Lovely photos of the various sewn characters, and patterns are included.

Fun little doll making book, simple to work out. Dolls are bigger than expected.