The Dolls Clothes Collection by Christina Harris (2003, Paperback)

Great batch of patterns for 14", 17-19", 20-22", 23-25" dolls, both boys and girls.

The 30 clothing patterns are divided into sections by time period: Victorian, Edwardian, 1920s-1950s; further section contains undergarments specific to the time periods of the clothing.

The total number of complete outfits, head to toe and including undergarments specific to the time period is 15: 4 girls' and 1 boys' pattern for each of the time periods.

Variations on the patterns are given, infinitely expanding the number of outfits to be made; most of the variations take the garments into a different time period as well.

In addition to the main garments and undergarments are sections on hats and shoes & boots, with patterns for eight (8) hats and five (5) pairs of shoes and boots.

The photo on the cover is only a sampling of the patterns inside: the cover photo shows 2 of each of the three time periods. End papers show outfits, front and back, in black and white. Wish I could show them but html is not allowed here.

The patterns are full-sized; all you need to do is photocopy, scan, or trace them onto cooking parchment or tracing paper; no enlargement or graphing is needed. From these you can make just about anything, limited only by your imagination.

Each pattern is made up, with clear photographs of the back and front, as well as detail photographs if needed; construction illustrations for any special techniques are included, and an illustration of a suggested adaptation of each pattern is given, just to get you started getting the most out of the patterns you have here.

Two outfits I especially like are the Shirley Temple "Baby Take a Bow" Dress and the Poodle Skirt, both for a 14" doll (if you want them for an 18" doll, simply photocopy or scan them at 128-129%), and having shoe patterns for the different time periods is a big bonus.

This is an imported book, published in 2003, and gives measurements in both inches and centimeters.

The introductory section of the book covers
taking the basic measurements of a doll
adapting patterns
tools and equipment
choosing trims
working with fur fabrics
helpful sewing tips
basic sewing techniques and stitches:
gathers
run and fell seam
elastic
closures
stitch glossary
and basic dressmaking instructions:
interfacing and lining
dress bodices
collars
cuffs
skirts

Added hint from me: As always, trace a pattern from the book and use it to cut the pattern out in muslin and sew it quickly to see the fit first , and be sure to press all seams as you go. A clover mini-iron costs about $15 (available on eBay); in a pinch, a small night-light bulb on a fixture you can hold works well for pressing sleeve seams from the inside.


I will try to get a photo of the cover up here for reference. Neither Half.com and eBay have it in their stock photos.