5 comments about Decorative Stuffed Toys for the Needleworker: Instructions and Full-Size Patterns for Embroidered Animals, Dolls and Ornaments.

1. I was delighted to find this reprint of Douglass' book, having moved away from the library whose battered copy I'd checked out too many times to count. "Decorative Stuffed Toys for the Needleworker" provides patterns for some charming stuffed animals, from a peacock to a poodle, plus a basic rag doll with an extensive wardrobe. But this book also provides a guide to many, many decorative embroidery stitches to embellish the dolls with. Either part, the patterns or the stitch instructions, would be well worth the cost of the book. But finding both in one volume makes this book a real treasure!



2. I had no idea when I ordered this book what a surprise I
   had coming! I had not seen the cover, so when it arrived my
   mouth dropped open when I first saw the cover and then started
   leafing through inside. Inside is
   black and white illustrations and some photos. But it has not
   only the patterns but illustrations for stitches as well. The
   patterns are fantastic and I guarantee this book will remain one
   of my favorites on my shelfs and get much use!! In my opinion
   you get way more for your money on this one!



3. There wasn't a picture of the cover and of course no way to see what was inside the book. I do not like this book at all. All the pictures are black and white and most seem to be drawn by hand. The stuffed toys are not your cute dog, cat or farm animal.The toys are weird. There is not one toy I would want to make.



4. However, having said that, it's okay. While I can understand the other reviewer's disappointment, to say that the designs are weird is unfair in my opinion. Apparently, that reviewer didn't "get it", so to speak. The toys in this book are very small and have an ethnic flair to them. Due to the elaborate needlework shown on the pictures, I would guess them to be from India, Asia, or Mexico if I were to see them in a shop. These toys are meant to be used as a decoration for your home, not as children's toys; hence, the title, "Decorative Stuffed Toys...etc. They have a folklore style which is very charming and allows for a tremendous amount of experimentation and diversity in how they are made and embellished. If you love doing hand embroidery and want to try your hand on 3-dimensional objects, then this is your book. The author encourages the use of different fabrics and embellishments and hopes you will think "outside of the box" when choosing your materials and embellishments. All in all, it is a very good book for the avid needleworker who would like to try something different.



5. I have a double major in art and home economics and have collected and used books on doll and bear making for many years. I have had this book for several years and want to make a few remarks for those who are interested. If you are looking for a cutsie book with patterns to copy and make this book is probably not for you. This book appears to have a Polish or German origin and is very ethnic. This is one book that I continue to go back to over and over again just for the wonderful patterns and resource that it is. Originally published in 1954, it does appear a bit dated. Good reference material is timeless, for instance, recently I needed patterns for balls and this book provided me with ball patterns in four, six, and eight sections. So I did not have to do the calculus to figure this out, if I could do calculus! Patterns that can be reworked, every embroidery stitch that one can imagine, how to do beading on fabric,paper mache and simple dolls. Patterns for many, many different types of doll clothing and so on. For the price of this book used, how could one go wrong.

4 comments about Beautiful Babies 2: Advanced Techniques in Reborn Doll Making.

1. Book is not well made. After less than 1 week is started to come apart. Michelle is very talented, but this book is over hyped. Book is way overpriced for the content.



2. I actually liked this book a lot better than the first one. I think I'd call this an intermediate level book.
   She uses Genesis paints in this book and goes into creating life like skin coloring using a broad pallet of colors. (And she does this for several races, not just Caucasian babies.)
   I thought there was a lot of good information on color in this book. (Color mixing, undertones, techniques, color correction, etc...)
   If you are starting out in reborning I would say this is an excellent purchase. It's also good if you don't have much background in color theory. (Which, I think, many reborners lack).
   If you are really looking for advanced techniques, that's not really here.
   If you are starting out but would like your dolls to look more life-like this book will probably help you.
   I give the information in this book 5 stars BUT it is way overpriced (hence my 4 star rating).
   If you are interested, I'd look for a copy on sale or the cd-rom version.



3. As a newer reborner I bought this book hoping to learn something. I did not learn anything that I didn't already know or could find for FREE on the internet. This would be a great book for someone whom has reborned a baby or two but definetely not for an advanced reborner. Book was poorly written and someone needed to do spell check before publishing. Book is not worth the money at all. I felt totally ripped off & let down. I would say the only thing that is good about it is the pictures as well as the info on ethnic coloring.



4. Is this really only 56 pages? Seems like a lot of money for a pamphlet.
   Not sure if I want to order it now.
   Lulu is for self-published items.

No comments about Warman's Dolls Field Guide: Values And Identification (Warman's Dolls).

No comments about Making and Dressing Traditional Teddy Bears.

5 comments about Ultimate Fashion Doll Makeovers: Tips from the Experts.

1. A MUST HAVE for any customizer!!! Mr. Faraone's Book keep getting better and BETTER!!



2. This is the best of his books! I love it, I'll be using it as a reference for a long time! there's more tips in it than I can remember in one reading. Its set up like a chat with him and other doll artists, easy to read, easy to understand. I have his 3rd and 4th books, which have tips not included in this book but this one is a MUST HAVE.



3. This one has more tips in it than any of the others but it really doesnt TEACH anything! I feel as though I am eavesdropping on artists' conversations with this format and sometimes personal ones at that!(Catty!) Nor do I want to look at pictures! I bought this book because I wanted to learn! Sorry but if another fashion doll makeover book comes out I wont be buying.



4. I wouldn't consider this book the 'be all and end all' of it... in other words it's a great supplement to other books available. If it were to be the 'be all and end all' of it, I would expect the title to be "Encyclopedia of Fashion Doll Makeovers" but it's not... it's "Utimate Fashion Doll Makeovers...Tips from the Experts"... those from novice to professional who are doing great work! Jim does say in his intro he wanted the feel of the book to be like that of his Yahoogroup™, Fashion Doll Makeovers, he has achieved that. It makes for feeling right at home with these talented artists and with internet access you can meet them too. There are some very useful tips in here that to me make it a very worth while publication in it's own right. There are 4 other books in his series. I haven't gotten any of them yet.. but it seems that one doesn't replace the others... they are supplemental to one another. And as an artist you have to take bits and pieces of advice and combine it with your own ideas and creativity. Thanks Jim and all the featured artists, your an inspiration to this novice!



5. The purchaser should be aware that this isn't really a 'how to' book. It's comprised of postings by members of Jim Faraone's Yahoo group of fashion doll makeover artists, and has a format much like a website bulletin board. It is ABSOLUTELY packed with tips and suggestions and techniques - many with really excellent photos. Its contributors are generous with their time and experience. However, I'm afraid the beginner will find this book overwhelming, since it doesn't present a simple step-by-step approach. It should also be pointed out that the techniques have not necessarily all been 'tested and approved' by the author or any collective group of artists, so it would be unwise to consider this text to be the definitive guide for handling vinyl or hard plastics. I find it to be a worthwhile addition to a larger library, but not a 'handy reference guide' - if that's what you're looking for.

No comments about Dolls Dressmaking (Milner Craft Series).

3 comments about Ultimate Doll Book.

1. And she says:

   This is a good visual reference book, especially if you are a collector of dolls 100 years old (and older). The beautiful wood dolls on page 10 are from the late 1600's - I think a museum would have something like that, but not me. The book is divided into 11 chapters, based on the material the doll is made of, or unusual subject matter such as who they depict. The funniest page is called Patriotic Character Dolls, with all the photos depicting Political Figures (men) from 1890-1918.

   The text is somewhat sparse, but the photos are stunning. It seems that every page has color photos on it, making this a good buy for an "art book". As an amateur collector, I do not feel that the information in the book is adequate for me to identify a valuable antique from a reproduction.

   There are interesting suggestions for restoration, so this book would be a good addition to a museum curator's reference library if your museum has old dolls to display.

   This book is for adults, and its reading level is too advanced for children under 12.




2. Doll collectors and fans will find Caroline Goodfellow's Ultimate Doll Book to be a fine, colorful guide showcasing more than 400 dolls ranging from 18th century simple peg woodens, to 19th century French fashion dolls, down through today's Barbie & Ken. Chapters are packed with color images and even more important, provide portraits of the dolls clothed and unclothed along with identification tips based on structural details. From rag dolls to baby dolls and national dolls, this is packed with insights.



3. 
   I would consider this book a coffee table book. Why??...Because the photos are like the larger photos used in basic coffee table books. Nothing wrong with that, but this book just skims over the various doll categories. Thus, it is a basic doll book with lovely photos, & great for beginner doll collectors.

No comments about Gourd Puppets and Dolls.

4 comments about The Teddy Bear Making Book: Step by Step Instuctions for Lots of Terrific Teds.

1. I bought this book because I have another by the same authors that is excellent. However, this one is not nearly as good. Nine of the patterns are for very basic, non-jointed bears, with only two patterns for jointed bears.
   
   This might be a good book for a complete beginner, but if you have much experience or want to make jointed bears, I would pass on this one.



2. This is a fantastic book for making teddy bears that will probably bring back memories of the teddies you grew up with!
   
   I love the variety of bears offered from the easiest to the more difficult jointed bodies.
   
   There is even a teddy that can be completed in an hour or so. Do you have lots of young ones on your gift list? Then, this is the teddy for you!
   
   The last pages of the book are patterns for all the teddies that you can xerox or trace to form your own thin cardboard templates. I agree with the suggestion to use the carton of cereal boxes to make your template patterns. It is easy to hold down in place while outlining on material and flexible enough not to crease easily.
   
   The suggested materials to make teddies are available in fabric stores or from the list of suppliers in the index.
   
   I also agree with the suggestion for hand sewers to use strong thread, such as button hole thread. I do the same in hand sewing doll bodies.
   
   There is a very useful section at the front of the book called "Guide to Techniques" that shows with text and photos just how to cut out and sew, assemble your teddy, and make the finishing touches such as eyes and nose.
   
   I have to admit from the point of uniqueness I like the Grizzly Bear the best. It is just adorable and one of the easier teddy bears to make.
   
   I think once you begin making these teddy bears in you will be forever hooked on making teddies for all the little girls and boys in your life.
   
   My highest recommendation!



3. I loved the pictures. Found one bear I would like to try making.



4. This book is very inspirational. It's well written and has a great selection to choose from. Very clear instructions.

2 comments about Fighter Jets: Paper Airplanes That Really Fly (Paper Airplanes That Really Fly!).

1. I happened across this book in a bookstore and could not resist buying it.
   
   To date, I have made the first three airplanes in the book. I'm working on the fourth now. The first few models are rather simplistic to get new people accustomed to paper modeling. The later models are amazing. The curves of the aircraft are to scale and very impressive.
   
   The book is also a great way to learn how to design your own paper model airplanes to fly. I've made a space shuttle using the techniques learned in this book and it looks/flies great!
   
   I should mention that this is not a typical 'paper airplane' book. You do not simply take a sheet of paper and fold it in various ways then fly it. You have to cut out numerous pieces, form them to get the proper curves, glue them (carefully, so that the paper doesn't warp when it's drying), and THEN fly them. Even though that may sound challenging, the first few airplanes are enough to learn the skills necessary for the later (and more challenging) airplanes. And...THE PLANES FLY GREAT when built with patience and care. Mine have survived some great crashes into walls and radiators since I have a habit of launching them indoors (all the planes have a hook for launching via rubber bands).



2. Some number of months ago, I gave my neighbor's kid some gliders preprinted by NASA as a PR gift (Got them at Oshkosh). It wasn't long before he was stopping me on the way back from work to ask if I had anymore planes! This title fit the bill (more planes). It was in color and precisely precut for little hands. I almost didn't gift it!
   -RECOMMENDED-