3 comments about Bleuette Clothing Patterns, 1905-1916.

1. It was a very perfect delivery and I am very satisfy with the book. I know the book before I purchased it. I have seen it by a friend and therefor I want to have it.



2. The book starts with a little history of the doll from French and great vintage pictures are added (through out the book) to show how things were back than and there are instructions how to make the right embroidery stitches that were used. Patterns are actual size and easy to trace. Instructions are easy especially when you're an more experienced sewer but also the novice can have an easy start sewing because there are all kinds of patterns to find in this book. From very easy to complicated (more pattern pieces, pleats to make, put trimming on etc.)you will always find the right pattern to start with.
   The pictures of the fashions to make, are the size of one page - 9"x12" - so all kinds of details are there to see. What can I say but this is a wonderful addition to your doll(pattern) books and I'm sure you'll love it! Good for hours and hours of reading and sewing pleasure.



3. Louise uses the original French patterns and sews them as they were meant to be done. Her work is inspiring.

4 comments about Dawn Dolls: Official Encyclopedia & Price Guide.

1. This was the first book that I purchased before starting my Dawn doll collection. I played with Dawn and her friends as a child but didn't have any of my dolls. All the pictures in the book are wonderful and help you identify the 'authentic' Dawn doll stuff from the imitations. I didn't even realize that there was so much stuff about Dawn. A very fascinating stroll down memory lane. I refer to this book before purchasing ANY Dawn dolls or accessories. A MUST for any Dawn doll collector!!!



2. Lots of great pictures.
   Did not like the value format



3. A wonderful book with so many incredible photos I could not set it down until I looked at absolutely everything! Beautifully done with great photos of one of my favorite childhood "friends," Dawn. Brought back special memories for me, and also reminded me of Dawn clothes and accessories I had forgotten over the years. I loved seeing each outfit modeled by a doll too. One of the best parts for me was the chapter on knockoff and copycat dolls and toys. I was able to identify a Dawn knockoff doll that I had been previously unable to! Thanks! A great book for the new collector (like me!) or the veteran collector.



4. This new Dawn book is a must have for the Dawn collector! Even if you are just starting out, you should see this book. You will find this book to have large and clear photos. Very helpful to see details! The author shares her amazing collection and has some unique hard to find and variations. Other books did not do justice to Dawn dolls. I find myself scanning this book over and over. The price guide is pretty accurate in helping you seek out these lovely ladies. Thank you for sharing your collection with us Benita Schwartz!

No comments about Patsy Doll Family Encyclopedia.

2 comments about The Die Cast Price Guide: Post War : 1946 to Present.

1. The Die Cast Price Guide will be a greatly appreciated resource for collectors of post-war die cast vehicular toys and models, from Hot Wheels and Matchbox to Tootsietoys, Dinky Toys, Burago, Danbury Mint and Franklin Mint. The author explains how die cast vehicles are produced; what constitutes "near mint"; how to ask the right price and how to interpret today's market.



2. Doug Kelly's new book is a nice addition to a toy collector's library. But with only 125 brands mentioned in the book, it doesn't cover even half of the known brands of diecast and related automotive toys and models. Another book, Collectors Guide to Diecast Toys and Scale Models (by Dana Johnson, $19.95 from Collector Books, ISBN 0-89145-693-7) covers 416 such brands, with another 150 brands discovered since it's 1996 release. (Over 560 brands will be included in the second edition scheduled for 1998.

5 comments about Vintage Clothing for the Fashion Doll.

1. A great book with patterns to copy to make more clothes for Barbie.



2. I spend hours looking through this book, imaging what kinds of fabrics to use for each vintage dress design! The author has really easy-to-understand instructions for many of Mattel's original doll outfits. It makes me, a novice seamstress feel confident and excited about sewing. It brings back memories of my childhood and watching my older sister sew clothes for my barbies! I can't wait to start making clothes for my daughter! Highly recommend.



3. A very detailed and describing book. Many detailed pictures.
   I am somewhat disapointed in the content though. Would have expected more advanced or exiting outfits.
   Many of the outfit are more "basic" than "Vintage".



4. There are some really sweet outfits to make for fashion dolls and patterns and instructions that make the job easier. Photos are bright and clear.



5. I own several pieces by Marirose and she is a dream to work with. Her work is top notch and I admire and respect her talent, but this is a review of book.
   
   I can barely sew and these patterns work for me. I've made 3 of them so far and I have trouble even threading a needle or running a machine. The layout and explanations make sense to an amateur.
   
   On the other hand, she reproduces patterns here for some very rare and hard to find fashions that a Professional could certainly enjoy making.
   
   It's a great book, from a wonderful lady.
   
   I can't say enough good, except to add that she did not ask me to review her book or anything like that.
   
   Go Marirose!

2 comments about The Story of Barbie Doll (Story of Barbie).

1. interesting, but in my opinion it could be better with more photos



2. This beautiful book contains over 300 full color sharp pictures about Barbie. It provides an excellent history of Barbie and her evolution. A wealth of information is provided, not just the usual brief descriptions. You'll find out how she was created, how she has changed over the years, fashions, relatives and friends, ethnic and foreign Barbies and how to take care of your collection. Special issues and buyer cautions are included. A beautiful book every Barbie collector and owner should have.

1 comments about The Collector's Guide to Transport Toys: An International Survey of Tinplate and Diecast Commercial Vehicles from 1900 to the Present Day.

1. If you love tin toy and diecast toys then you will love this book.Most double pages feature toys catering for such things as buses,trucks,emergency vehicles and so much more.You will love looking back through the past of toys you probably had and I bet you say:"I had that one!".
   The photos are clear,in color and the text to describe each one is exceptional.
   This book is a must.

2 comments about Yesterday's Toys: 750 Tin and Celluloid Amusements from Days Gone By.

1. As an introduction to Teruhisa Kitahara's magnificent toy collection, this book is lavish and enchanting. The large-sized, hardback coffee table book edition consists almost entirely of gorgeous, color photographs of toys from the past, which are visually interesting and require little comment. What comment there is, however, is sometimes wrong. That's not a big downside, because toy hobbyists don't read Kitahara so much to learn about their hobby, as to gaze at the wonderful treasures in his collection.

   This book is compiled from three previous Kitahara books covering, respectively, "dolls, clowns and animals"; "planes, trains, boats and cars";" and "robots, spaceships and monsters." Someone interested in one of those categories isn't necessarily interested in all three. I, for one, find myself mostly drawn to the third category of robots and spaceships.

   Other visually lavish and not-too expensive books in that category include "Vintage Toys: Robots and Space Toys" by Bunte, Hallman and Mueller. "Marx Toys: Robots, Space, Comic, Disney and TV Characters" by Maxine Pinksy includes lots of old robots because many of them were imported through Marx or its subsidiaries. "Baby Boomer Toys and Collectibles" by Carol Turpen is also fascinating in this regard. One recent book I very much like is "Space Toys of the '60s," by James Gillam, which concentrates exclusively on three toy lines: Zeroid robots from Ideal, Mattel's Major Matt Mason, and Colorforms' Outer Space Men. Along with many color and black and white photos, this inexpensive oversize paperback provides a fascinating history and personal discussion of these toy lines.

   "Toys of the 'Sixties" by Bill Bruegman is slighty harder to find, but this large paperback by the editor of "Toy Scouts" is filled with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories from the history of toys, and chock-full of black and white drawings and pictures. Finally, "Boy's Toys of the Fifties and Sixties" and its companion volume, "Girl's Toys..." is a fascinating collection of actual pages from the Sears Christmas Wishbooks from 1950-1969 (something everyone wishes they had kept). Those enchanted by the visual feast of Kitahara's book might want to peruse further in some of these other inexpensive volumes.




2. This a wonderful book if you love to look at the history of toys. the photos are wonderful and colorful. I am a graphic design student and my class bought this for our teacher who is always looking for photo of toys resource book. It has it all and its fun to look at.

No comments about Collecting Toys: Identification and Value Guide (O'Brien's Collecting Toys).

2 comments about Kachinas: Spirit Beings of the Hopi.

1. If you are a serious collector of Hopi katsinam (kachina dolls) or are seeking accurate illustrations of the nearly 400 katsinam, I would highly recommend this outstanding book as a companion to Barton Wright's foundational work (Kachinas: A Hopi Artist's Documentary). Neil David has been called the "Norman Rockwell of Native America" and rightfully so. His illustrations are some of the best and showing both front and back views of each katsina is much appreciated. Most of the 79 katsinam contained in this book are not in Wright's book and several are extremely rare and seldom, if ever, seen or carved. Start with Wright's book and then add this one. You can't go wrong with either!



2. This is the most comprehensive book on the Kachina to date. This book is the only one where the illustrator has depicted not only the front of the figure, but also the back and this makes this book a must to own for anyone who studies the Kachina or who is an artist and wants to be completely accurate in the depiction of the figure. The figures are historically and spiritually exact and are certainly meant as a tribute to the figure as a revered being.Truly a fine publication and well worth the cost.