Sew the Contemporary Wardrobe for 18-Inch Dolls: Complete Instructions & Full-Size Patterns for 35 Clothing and Accessory Items

I want this book really bad, my mom had it years ago and lost track of it but this is my third attempt in ordering it and the patterns have either been removed or have not been put in the book. Very disappointed

I really wanted to love this book. Having read the description I thought it sounded perfect. When things say you can use these patterns to teach your child to sew I am expecting simple patterns. The book arrived and I confess I was shocked at the level of detail in some of these patterns. The clothes are adorable but when it started talking about coat linings and piping on pjs I felt I was in over my head. I pulled out the patterns from the back. Two of the patterns have huge holes in so I did request refund which I got without issue. The paper for the pattern is very very thin, hence the holes, these were not tears just paper missing. The printing is super light and so when I but out some pieces I was confused on how they made a top it was only after several minutes of staring I could just make out the text place on fold. I am not sure whether it is these particular patterns or just because it is doll sizes but when I went to buy supplies they did not have all the right items in and I will have to be buying these online. Also as someone who has not really sewed much I found some of the items I needed hard to find. I have now managed to make a top and a dress. I would say that the dress ran a little big on my doll. I could have lost over an inch in width and it still would have fitted. Now the doll is not one of the name brands listed so I don't know if that was the problem. I confess I found some of the instructions a little confusing. I am sure if you are used to sewing items then it would be easier. Overall I will continue to use some of these patterns but I will be adding to them as I want other designs. I am sure that as I get better at sewing some of these patterns will appeal but at the moment the details scare me.

This book is a gift for my 9 yo daughter who is a beginning sewer. The book has a packet of full-sized patterns in the back printed on paper, not tissue. The illustrations of the sewing details are good, it could use more step-by-step illustrations, but I will be helping my daughter to sew most of these items, or sewing them for her doll myself, so this isn't so much of an issue for us. I can use the illustrations to elaborate on what I'm teaching her as we do it together. My daughter looked at this book in our local bookstore, and thought the garments were pretty and more like what she herself likes to wear. I wanted a book for her that she could use to construct wardrobe basics for her doll while learning some basic clothing construction techniques. She has sewn pillows and some 11" doll clothing already. The pattern manufacturer's like Simplicity have some patterns for the 18" dolls, but they are a bit intimidating for a child to learn with since they require knowledge of pattern reading and garment construction.This book has a great basic wardrobe for an 18" doll like the AG or the lookalikes. Some of the details and embellishments for the patterns are definitely beyond my daughter's abilities, but she is a new sewer. I've been sewing since I was her age, and consider myself to be more of an advanced sewer; these patterns seem to be fairly straightforward to me. Joan Hinds even includes directions for a crocheted embellishment and has tips and tricks througout the book for working with smaller scale clothing items. Construction methods are basic; definitely not a book for someone who has never seen a sewing machine before, but fairly easy to follow for someone who is making the jump from basic curtains and pillows to garment sewing. I'd recommend you start with the kerchief, then try the capri pants and a basic short-sleeve tee. Clothes seem to fit a bit loosely, be sure to follow the seam allowance given, and check your doll's measurements before you start.

I am by no means a seamstress. I am working with a 30-year-old machine, and it has been just as long since I seriously started a sewing project. I bought this book because it had options: many different pattern pieces to mix and match, suggestions for fabrics, plus printed pattern pieces on high-grade tissue paper. Plus, the price was right! Most doll clothes patterns are too expensive, and they appear complicated with so many small pieces. There are fewer construction pieces for garments here, and the instructions are very clear. Designs are current and don't look like fashion from the 1900s.I haven't made every garment in the book, but those I have made fit my grandaughter's Fancy Nancy doll and her American Girl doll -- without any alterations.+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++UPDATE! July 10, 2013Still using the pattern book, and we're very pleased with the results! Some of the patterns are easy, while others are intermediate level. Everything you will need is right here in the book. Now that I have been sewing more regularly, I appreciate that the actual patterns, printed on tissue paper like normal patterns, are included. Many patterns are available on the Internet that are downloadable pdfs. They are tricky to print -- the sewer must double check printer settings to be sure the machine is not at "fit to paper." Also, those same patterns, for me, always have to be printed on regular paper stock. Regular paper is difficult to pin through, It is virtually impossible to find the line of the grain through regular paper.

Waiting to purchase my doll before I start sewing but very well defined instructions. I am going to put lightweight interfacing on the pattern pieces to ensure the integrity of them because I can see they will be used over and over. I Have placed the patterns for each outfit in separate envelopes so it don't have to keep looking for the correct ones to use because there are over 100 individual pieces.

Absolutely brilliant book but minus the patterns which I really wanted pity that I have to return it

I bought this book in 2012 to make clothes for one of my grandchildren now I have a great grand daughter and I m using it again.It is superb value everything fits together and I would thoroughly recommend it.

This is a really good book if you haven't sewn dolls clothes before. The clothes are not that exciting but the patterns are all a good fit and can be altered if you want a more up to date look. I've uploaded a photo of the pyjamas I made from the book

Lovely book, well written. The patterns are already there for you in a separate envelope at the bay. It was good to get patterns you didn't have to photocopy. I have made a couple of the outfits, and I am happy with the results..