Bleuette Clothing Patterns 1905-1916 by Barbara Craig Hilliker, Louise Hedrick (2005, Hardcover)

First, let me say that I have been sewing for over 40 years. I cut my teeth on doll clothes & graduated to children's clothes, adult clothes, home decor., draperies & quilting. I've never bought a curtain or a drapery in my life. I've even done hand-smocking, (which I found it a lot more simple than I imagined). I've done lots of hand & machine embroidery, appliqué quilting. What wonderful fun! I even made & sold stuff Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls when I was a mire 13 years old. Got my boyfriends to stuff the dolls :) LOL Made lots of money for Summer fun :) The first time I met my husband of 36 years I was embroidering a Hippy shirt for myself. So, there you have it, I have more than a little experience with basic & advanced sewing.

I was very excited to get this book. I immediately started reading it from cover to cover. I felt that the author may have taken a little too much poetic licensure with the interpretations of the old Bleuette patterns. For example, no pintucks???? What's that about? Pintucks happen to be one of the most endearing characteristics of reproduction clothing. They were sorely missing in the designs. Poor Bleuette! No French seams, just overcasting. Might as well have a serger! Not me!

As I read on, I frequently found myself thinking, "Hummmm... I definitely would have interpreted that a little differently." I have many, many doll clothes patterns from several different sources & designers, admittedly I am new to Bleuette, but not reproduction doll clothes in general.

Let me rant a little, please? Thank you :) Of course, as one would imagine, each designer explains & gives directions a little differently. But, I must admit, that even I frequently (with all my experience) find myself smiling & wondering if I am reading a foreign language. (Of course, I still can't set the digital clock on my stove without getting the book out :) Humm.... I've often wondered, "Is it a prerequisite for all pattern designers to speak in & write in Greek?" :) Over the years, I have laughed myself silly when I finally figured out what they were trying to tell me. Usually most are way to verbose. However, I felt this book was a little too brief. A new twist!

I have long joked that McCall's is by far the most difficult pattern maker for me to understand. When anyone asks for advice with regard to a McCall's pattern, I tell them to read the directions then stand in the corner, flap one arm, hop on one foot, turn around 3 times, spit like a Sailor & then toss the directions directly in the trash. Your better off to look at the pictures & not read the directions at all :) LOL At least that's my experience! LOL

Unfortunately, I felt this book too had many times it was written in what seemed like Greek. And I don't read or speak Greek! It's no wonder our younger generations become frustrated & give up on learning the Art of Sewing? Can someone please teach these pattern makers the Art of Explanation! LOL As my old high school English teacher use to say, "In English, please!"

I did feel some of the ideas in the book were sweet, but they need to be improved upon for my taste. There's a time for a plain bodice & then there's a time for a pintucked bodice. There's a time for a pleated shirt & then there's a time for a gathered skirt. I think I know the difference.

I have to ask, "Does anyone making up these patterns really know how to use insertion lace?" You should not us

I decided to buy this book because I'm interested in Bleuette dolls. The price was less than other sellers offering this book and it fit into what I was both able and willing to pay. Other sellers are charging (in my opinion) an outrageous price for this same book. This seller was realistic in the pricing. The book itself is a very good historical reference.

I had wanted to get this book and love everything about it. The patterns pictures and information is wonderful. The price was one that I could afford. I never expected to be able to own it as other places the price for me was prohitative.

The authors are some of the top in the feild and I just don't have enough words to express how happy I am.

This book was given to me as a gift and I just love it! Patterns are clearly laid out, work up beautifully and fit well. I did loosen the band on the bonnet so Bleuette's wig didn't get squashed.

I've tried lots of different doll patterns and alot of them don't fit. The patterns in this book have been really nice and a great fit.

Highly recommend this book for the beginner in collecting bleuette. Lots of good information about bleuette and some nice patterns to make clothes for her.