Doll Couture

I might wind up editing my review because I don't know if I can do this book justice in the first round of the review. First I have to thank Mr. King for writing a book for small dolls. And Barbie dolls no less. The story written around Lola, his beloved Barbie, is so cute and all the assistants are a scream! He uses his old Barbies and because I didn't know what size Barbie would work, I did write to him to ask him and his answer was any of the 1960 Reproduction Barbie dolls will be perfect, however, he DOES TELL YOU HOW TO ALTER for different size Barbies!!! That's worth the book alone!!! You just don't find that in doll books. I know...I have search for ages!!! The pieces in the book are not constructed like human clothing, another plus. The shoulders do not have set-in sleeves to worry about. All the clothing have step-by-step photos and written directions. Mr. King is a big fan of basting, something I never did and maybe that was part of my problem. He has also constructed some of the pattern pieces in such a way where the bulk from seams is non-present, in fact, if you looked at the book backwards, the pieces might look a bit odd since they are not the usual patterns seen--even in the doll world. Much time is cut off with his construction methods yet he uses professional sewing equipment. I especially love that he tells "his story" of playing with dolls from a very young age and having to hide them as they were not approved of. Yet somehow as time went on, he blossomed and has been able to use his gift because he absolutely has a gift. He also believes clothes should be beautiful. (A really nice change form all the crap on TV showing ridiculous clothing that no one in their right mind would touch let alone wear.) My favorite outfit is the last in the book: The Cocktail Coat and the Strapless Dress. He used a floral jacquard fabric in autumn colors with a black background. Just stunning!!!! I'd love a dress from this fabric--or a little jacket. He also does a Doleman Coat which this cocktail set is based on and it's such an adorable coat!! No set-in sleeves to worry about yet it's still lined. Because Mr. King enjoys sewing beauty, he has incorporated beauty into the clothing in this book. I find it so refreshing and so lovely!!! I can't wait to shop for the goods!!! The book's title is very appropriate for its contents! I just love the stories....(he has a super imagination) and I love that he uses older Barbies that have been played with and even with care, their hair has seen better days. It's just delightful!!I would like to address the individual who complained about the pictures. This book sorta has a vintage feel. So when you look at the photos, they remind me of the old pictures of the era. They're not all touched up and cropped as you'd see now. (Well, maybe they are but to me, they've retained their preciousness of the period.) Sure, I'd love them to be larger because I have cataracts and I have a harder time seeing. The paper is high quality. It's not shiny, but it doesn't need to be--to me. In fact, if you want to make notes, flat paper is better. No smears. So I find no offense in the paper used at all.He's also a fan of muslin fittings and has a chapter of Maisie needing special fittings because she can't wear off-the-rack clothing. So he goes through that process and shows you how to do that with great results--and Maisie is delighted!!My favorite book has always been Anne of Green Gables, but I dunno...might have to move that one over for this one. I've never seen anything like this book before and it could only be written by someone who has talent and a huge imagination! There's about 190 pages of goodness here and I am smiling just thinking about it!!Standing ovation for Mr. King. Well done, sir!! Well done!! (And thank you!)

This book is inspiring. I tried sewing YEARS ago, but this book has sparked an interest in trying my hand at making, and possibly designing a doll wardrobe, and even trying hand sewing. Glad I bought it!

Good read

Wonderful book with loads of inspiration and patterns!

I’ve been a fan of Kenneth D. King for many years, I’ve purchased books from his website and took a class with him in person decades ago, when American Sewing Guild brought him to Atlanta. Naturally I wanted to read his latest book ;). I’m not particularly interested in making doll clothes, however, I do make clothes for small dogs (gifts for family members with dogs), and it seemed that this book might be helpful with that, since sewing for an XS dog is also sewing on a small scale and presents challenges (I had issues sewing a dog jacket last year for a tiny dog). His sewing instructions are very detailed and well-photographed, Kenneth even shows how to install an invisible zip in a doll dress. I really loved that he showed how to sew a doll’s lace undergarment, since stitching with lace and sheers can be challenging. His resulting projects are beautiful. Kenneth always shows a new way of doing something, I’ve been sewing 55 years and I learn new things from him in every book he’s published!

Very good source of patterns with instructions when sewing for Barbie and other 11 1/2" fashion dolls. Very easy and pleasurable to read. Has the story of Lola woven through the text, makes for fun reading! Lots of step by step photos for sewing. Explains how to take measurements, tools and materials needed , hand sewing tips, choosing fabric and fitting. Full size patterns at back of book that can be traced or photocopied for use. This book gives all those professional couture tips to make your clothes look designer. But the best things about this book, besides the full size patterns, are the color photos! I have been sewing for more than 50 years and this book will still take my doll clothing to the next level.

I do not like to give poor reviews of a person's art, but in this case I was expecting interesting and couture patterns for Barbie dolls, and the book delivers the artist's storylines about his dolls, and several patterns that I consider more simple than couture... I was not excited with the idea of using the patterns in the book. This book may appeal to other people much more than it does for me. It's just a matter of my expectations and taste.

I enjoyed the heck out of this book. As a person who doesn't sew, I was still interested in the carefuland impeccable instructions and illustrations of techniques. The tale of Lola and her friends and clothesadded a whole other dimension of fun to the experience. I would imagine the skills could be adapted to the making of tiny pet clothing, as well. All in all, I savored every page, and recommend it most highly.