Alice Zinn
I found this information posted to the 1-inch mini group. Those of you
that were looking for information on making shoes might find this
interesting. Tom from Earth and Tree is selling these books I guess.
I'll see if I can get more info on these books if anyone is interested.
They seem very interesting.
Shoe It Yourself Vol 1
by Alice Zinn, 16 pages, patterns and instructions for many different
types of footwear, along with special tips to make their construction
easier and more fun. Makes bunny slippers, ladies and men’s slippers,
canvas Chinese shoes, penny loafers, saddle shoes and shoe box pattern
Shoe It Yourself Vol#2
by Alice Zinn 20 black & white pages with instructions and patterns to
make high heeled clogs, tennis shoes, sandals, baby shoes, baby shoe
box, leather boots and box
for boots.
Open Sesamini
by Alice Zinn, 23 pages, patterns and instructions and tips for making
one-twelfth scale miniatures that do fulfill their purpose, they really
open and close. Create your own purse and its accessories, a wallet,
attaché case and even a studio couch, which opens into a double bed.
Cam |
Costuming BookS
The book which is considered to be the costumer's Bible is: The Mode
in Costume...Wilcox. It not only has a detailed sketch of an era by
decade in men's and women's fashion it also explains what is happening
in each era in fashion and gives a page of appropriate footwear and
hats as well as fabric design. Fabulous reference.
Laurie Sisson
Costuming Book
The other new discovery is the 'La Poupee Modele' book, Volume II.
This book contains authentic patterns from the magazine (1868-1885).
Incase you're in the dark about French (me too) roughly its like the
doll's doll dressing patterns from the Victorian age. Do you love
those French hand sewing techniques, pins, tucks and pleats? (or .. in
my case do you love making it LOOK like that?) This book will
definitely show you how! Cost is about $70 - but perhaps on your
Christmas Wish list.
Dana
Museum Costume Book
I live in the UK and I have a book that it my doll making Bible. It's
the catalogue of the huge collection at the Victoria and Albert (V&A)
Museum in London. It's called "Four hundred years of Fashion." It has
photos of all the clothes and detailed descriptions of each one. I've
done a copy of the "Bar" Dior New Look outfit of 1947, and I couldn't
have done it without this book. It details the fabric used in the
original. There's also a history of fashion from about 1600, when the
collection begins. I know it's still in print, because I've seen it in
Museum shops over here. Its ISBN number is 0.00 217190 2 for the
paperback. check it out! I love museum catalogues because you get to
see the real thing!
Lynne Connolly
Several Books
Of course everyone here knows about Sue Atkinson's Making and Dressing
Doll's House Dolls -- love this book but always have to reduce the
seam allowance because the patterns are too big! The fine print says
the seam allowances are 1/4", so I reduce them on a copier (or on my
scanner, then print them out) to make them that much smaller all
around. But I always test-fit with a scrap of tissue, since I don't
use molds every doll has slightly different needs. The pictures are
great for becoming inspired and the posing/scenes give you even more
to work with. My sculpting only took off when I got Making Miniature
Dolls with Polymer Clay by Sue Heaser. The step-by-step directions are
clear, the illustrations are many and very detailed, and those
actual-size templates of how big your doll should be when assembled
(one each for men, women, babies and children) I use so often that I
copied them and put them under clear plastic so they are clay- and
glue-proof. I even use these when I assemble kits now, to make sure my
dolls are in proportion and the arms are the right length. The
clothing patterns fit great, they are basic ones that you can add as
much detail as you want on. I have a few booklet-type references,
like Susan Sirkis' Wishlet book #8, and others on polymer clay; a
subscription to Dolls and Miniatures and to Dollhouse Miniatures; and
the Internet!! Nothing beats it for reference sources. And those past
Frills and Fancy files? I downloaded them all onto a disc (I have been
doing this since then with the current ones too) that I can open up
and refer to without tying up the phone line as I peer at the screen,
doll in hand.
Reeni
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Fashion Books
Go here for Miniature books lots on dolls and doll making and dressing
click on the links to fine videos, books (Susan Sirkus etc.
http://www.miniaturebookshop.com/usabookshop/home.html
BETTIE
MAKING AND DRESSING DOLLS HOUSE DOLLS by Sue Atkinson ISBN 0-7153-0788-6
This book has it all and I know people mention it all the time but it
has a little of everything in it and so many wonderful pictures. I love
mine!
Priska
Men's Fashion by Jon.J.Mitchell CO. Illustrations from the turn of the
Century (1800) Dover Pub. ISBN 0-486-26353-3 I don't know how much I
paid here but book marked $9.95 dollars. USA. and Men's Garments 1830
-1900 A Guide to Pattern Cutting by R. Davies (Batford) £25.00 UK ISBN
8-7134-5893-3 Great books to have - I hate dressing men dolls! - but
this gives a good insight into the way the coats are cut.
Hazel |
Homemade Tip Book
I copy
off all the tips, hints and how-tos. Place them in a binder with
dividers for each subject. e.g. wigs. That way I always have all of your
expertise at my fingertips.
Wendie |
Library
Instead of buying expensive books, check
your local library. If our library doesn't have a certain book, we can
request it. Sometimes, they get an intra-library loan, and sometimes
they buy it themselves. Not only does this save your pocket book, but
expands the selection at the library. Maybe someone else will see the
book & get hooked on miniatures too! I've seen many boos this way, &
then can decide if I want to add to my own library!
Gabrielle in NC |
Luggage
At Earth and Tree I got a booklet called Open Sesamini by Alice Zinn
that shows how to make all sorts of luggage.
Wendie |
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Magazines
I don't
think I mentioned this previously on the list -- Dolls in Miniature
magazine includes reviews of books, tools, kits, and products (e.g.,
clays, glues, etc.) If any of you make any kind of kits for sale -- not
just doll kits, but also clothing, jewelry, hats, . . . anything related
to mini dolls -- and would like to have them reviewed in the magazine,
just send them to me at the address shown below. Include price and
ordering information so that we can tell the readers.
Rosemary Macedonio, Editor
Dolls in Miniature
http://www.dollsinmini.com
Dolls &
Miniatures Magazine
Do you subscribe to Dolls & Miniatures? The Winter 98/99 issue had an
article describing the steps involved in making porcelain dolls from a
commercial mold
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Pattern Books
There
are two books that I have that I have thoroughly enjoyed.
Make and Clothe your own Dollhouse Dolls, by Ellen Bedington ISBN number
is 1-55521-920-9 published by Chartwell Books, 96 pages, hard cover.
Making & Dressing Doll's House Dolls in 1/12 Scale, by Sue Atkinson,
ISBN number 0 7153 9909 B, published by David & Charles, 188 pages, soft
cover.
Both books begin by telling you how to make the dolls (pouring the
porcelain slip), construction of the doll, making molds, dressing the
dolls, wigging, hats, history of fashions, accessories, jewelry,
patterns for all of the outfits in the book. Recommendation of fabrics,
and the preparation of the fabrics and other items used for the
article. Each with complete, step-by-step, directions with pictures or
diagrams depicting each step.
Pattern Books
A great
book to start with is called "Making & Dressing Dolls' House Dolls" by
Sue Atkinson. I had tried several times using different patterns to
dress these little dolls and I would get totally frustrated and throw
them back on a shelf. Then I found this book. The directions are clear
and detailed and it contains instructions on putting together a doll kit
to dressing, making shoes, wigs, and accessories. Of course, your first
couple of tries should be a simple pattern and they are in there.
Pattern Books
A great book to start with is called "Making & Dressing Dolls' House
Dolls" by Sue Atkinson. >>
Pattern Books
"Making
& Dressing Doll's House Dolls" is probably the best beginner book widely
available at the moment... for US tastes, the patterns tend to be a bit
on the large size but if you start by cutting out the pattern pieces
from paper toweling, it is easy to alter them to the size you want...
Once you get your feet wet following the directions given by Sue
Atkinson, you'll discover that there are many other ways of making and
dressing dolls...and will chose the way that works best for you!... some
people glue, some people won't let a glue bottle near a doll...some
people have a horror of a needle and thread... just remember, its the
finished result that counts...
Pattern Booklets
Another
source of good patterns is from Lolly's Lilliputians. They have a series
of booklets with all different wardrobe patterns for mini dolls. I have
made several outfits and the instructions are easy to follow.
Their address is:
Lolly's Lilliputians
3655 S. Bear St., #c
Santa Ana, CA 92704
The web site
for Lolly's is:
http://members.aol.com/lollyinc/main.htm
For more patterns, visit the web site for House of Caron:
http://www.houseofcaron.com/index.htm
Books/ patterns
This
catalog has a load of patterns in booklets and just patterns. Lot's of
Susan Sirkis booklets. I think there is a website but you have to have
at least a $20 order to order online.
If you want a catalog the address is:
Sandy's Lace and Trims
7417 N. Knoxville
Peoria, Il 61614
(309)689-1943
Fax 689-1942
There might be a small charge for the catalog. But there is so much in
here it is worth it. They have so much more than just trims.
Elizabeth
Patterns
There
are LOTS of patterns in the various back issues of the magazine. To
learn more about the magazines, please go to:
www.dollsminiatures.bigstep.com and click on the picture of the
cover of the magazine and then on the various links.
viola |
Ruching
Susan
Sirkis had a whole little booklet devoted to Ruching at one time. Also
other trims were included.... just trimmings. Ribbons roses, ruching,
embroidery all in miniature... Great book! Also her video on how to
dress miniature dolls was excellent as she showed you how to do it on
tape.
Wolfie |
Sculpting
I found the following book at an art/craft store in the painting area "jillybeans
art made easy" " faces made easy" this is around 10.00 and it is also
wonderful if you need help with facial proportions and hair styles. |
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Sewing
Heirloom Sewing
I
discovered heirloom sewing a few years ago, after sewing almost all my
life. I felt I'd tried everything, and then I came across one of Martha
Pullens' books. I was into big dolls at the time, and this opened up a
whole new avenue!
Needlecrafts Book
Good
Morning, My tip for today is the most wonderful book--Dolls' House
Needlecrafts by Venus A. Dodge; published in 1995 by David & Charles It
is a British book but I purchased my copy in the states. I suppose it is
mostly for Doll houses but there are items of clothing in it and many
accessories for doll from toys for the tiny baby to aprons for the
elderly. I love this book and would take it along with me if I were to
be marooned on a desert island. I'm not sure if it is still in print but
I would think it could be found thorough a used book search.
Wee hugs, Patsy |
Shoe books
The title is
THE ART OF MAKING BEAUTIFUL FASHION DOLL SHOES. The author is Timothy J.
Alberts & M. Dalton King with Pat Henry. It is published by Hobby House
Press, Inc., 1 Corporate Drive, Grantsville, MD 21536. 1-800-554-1447.
Website is www.hobbyhouse.com .
The price was $24.95.
Tommie
I made an
interesting discovery today. The gal that does "Just the Right
Shoe" has a
magazine. She does do extensive research into the shoes that
she replicates
and is willing to share the information. The Premiere Issue
had
quite a bit of information about the clothes of the Roaring Twenties"
and
some of the fashion trends that have come back to haunt us again.
The
people that are interested in that period might want to look into a copy
of
that issue. The price was $3.95 and well worth it IMHO.
Her
website is
http://www.willitts.com If you have not seen her
collection, take a moment to look. It will make you smile!
Donna Beeken |
Susan Sirkis
I have
the Susan Sirkis- Making Trims book on my site.
http://www.minidolls.com
Michelle Geoffrion-Mahler
Susan Sirkis and
Marie Wheat
Of patterns that I adore, I love Marie Wheat's patterns the best. NOT
for beginners though, some of them are very, very intricate and call for
doll bodies that are very slender. Susan's patterns are very similar.
Her books are treasure-troves containing not only patterns, but
hairstyles, hats, capes, accessories, etc. I have all of her miniature
doll dressing books, and some for 10" dolls. While I do not have molds
for 10" dolls, I do have some old 10" dolls that I got from AVON many
years ago - 5 of them -, which I removed the tacky clothing that came on
them, and have made them many multiple wardrobes. I call these my
"closet" dolls, because I enjoy playing with them when no one can see
me...
Marie Wheat's books are very intense, very historically done, and very
accurate. The directions are intricate and beautifully done. The tiny
pattern pieces some of which are only 1/4" wide or so call for specific
kinds of fabrics. Her wedding gowns are fabulous as are her Victorian
style dresses and such. The details! Fabulous!!
Wolfie
Susan Sirkis trim
book
This book is where I learned how to ruche ribbon! This book is so
awesome, it has so many trimming techniques, a few of which I've used. I
highly recommend it!!
Hugs, Cindy
Does anyone
know where to obtain the wishlet books by Susan Sirkis?
They are
excellent books I know that Tom from Earth and Tree
has a bunch of them in his store in NH.
The url to his site is:
http://www.dollhouse-miniatures.com/
He has a fabulous miniature store that I always
visit when I go to NH. You could
probably buy them from him.
Also a great miniature bookstore can be found
here:
http://www.miniaturebookshop.com/cgi-bin/webc.exe/usabookshop/st_main.html?cat
If you look under Miniature Dolls there are a
bunch of Susan Sirkus books.
Ramsey |
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Videos
A while
back, someone was asking about doll videos. I was able to get both of
Viola's wigging videos from "Mindstorm Productions, Inc."
www.mindstorm-inc.com
I also got one of
Sue Atkinson's doll dressing videos from Mott's Mini's in CA. I had
wonderful service from Mindstorm and they were a pleasure to do business
with. However, I cannot give Mott's any such praise. On Aug. 10th, I
ordered four videos from them. After repeated emails to them, which they
take two days to answer, I have one video in my possession and have just
cancelled the balance of my order with them. I figured that I was more
than patient waiting 2 1/2 months for them to fill my order. You can
find them at
www.mottsminis.com. If you decide to order from them, I would
suggest that you send them an email first asking if the videos are in
stock before you order. I was able to get "Sue Atkinson's Dolls House
Dress Making Part 2" which covers assembly, shoes and wigs. I am still
searching for her part 1 video. When I have secured it in my hands, I
will pass along that info as well. I hope this helped the person(s) who
were searching also.
Jean In Apollo Beach, FL,
Videos
I have both of Sue Atkinson's videos and I think I got them from either
Amazon.com or Barnes and Noble. Try doing a search there. I got them
years ago so I'm not sure exactly where I got them but I know it wasn't
from Motts. Her videos are great and you can learn a lot from them,
however, I had a hard time with the sound from my video. Perhaps because
it was ancient by the time I got it!!!
Cam
Miniature
How-to-videos
Sue
Atkinson also has a compatible set of video's that are wonderful as well
Miniature
How-to-videos
Viola
Williams videos "Let's Make a Bride" and "Wigging Miniature Women" You
can learn so much from videos. Sort of like taking a workshop.
Catalogs and Videos
I
get a catalog from Franklin Mint every couple of months and they have
the most beautiful doll pictures in it. I save each of these catalogs
and have used them so many times for costume ideas or even wigging. They
have Gibson girl dolls, Scarlet O'Hara and little girls. I also have A
booklet by Beverly Parker called "Crowning Glory A Complete Guide to
Miniature Wig making. I also use videos, I have the Sue Atkinson Video
which I think is just alright but the video by Viola Williams on wigging
miniature dolls is great.
Cam |
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Wigging
The
best two sources to have on hand (I think) for learning how to wig a
mini doll is a book called Crowning Glory by Parker Levi and a video
called Wigging Miniature Women by Viola Williams produced my Mindstorm
Productions. Everything that I do is what I learned from these two
sources.
Hugs, Cindy G.
Wigging Books
A
couple of good books on wigging are Crowning Glory the Complete Guide to
Miniature Wig making by Parker Levi and Mini Wig making by Janna Joseph.
Sharon Booker |
Visit Dana's site
Specializing in Dolls of Romance
Please report any broken
links to Annie
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