Two days ago my Mother-in-Law pulled this book out of her collection to let me borrow it. My nose hasn't been out of it since! This book is a treasure for toy makers and doll makers. The dolls are some of the most beautiful and charming I've seen. Included are not only dolls but wooden toys as well, Teddy Bears, Bunnies, Giraffes, cats, Raggedy dolls, hobby horses, Cows, angels and the list goes on.

The book is chock full of gorgeous color pictures of every doll. The patterns are all full size and clearly printed so they are easy to trace.

To start, the book begins with 3 short sections on How to Use This Book, Dollmaking Techniques and Doll Hairstyling Tips. These sections include embroidery stitches, tips for stuffing a doll and how to make fabric, yarn and wool wigs for dolls.

I have decided that I am going to make at least three of the projects in this book and my fingers are itching to get started. I love the Rachel Doll, from the top of her curly-haired head to the tip of her suede slippered toes, she is the ultimate romantic doll.

Next on my list of upcoming projects is a moire and brocade shoe filled with the Old Woman and all her little children in dolls. If this book was mine I would have already framed the picture of the shoe, it's lovely.

Project number three is the Topsy-Turvy Twosome, a cat at one end and a mouse at the other end of this adorable topsy-turvy doll.


Details
Old Fashioned Dolls and Toys by Better Homes and Gardens Books, Sara Jane Treinen, editor
published in 1992 by Meredith Corporation
ISBN 0-696-01975-2 hardcover edition
original price $24.95

Making and Dressing Cloth Dolls
Ebook with patterns and instructions to make 5 cloth dolls as well as chapters on general doll making techniques.The book includes 21 inch Lalena Doll, 21 inch David Doll, Bear Dolls, 9 inch Destiny Doll and 15 inch Annie Doll, all together in one handy book. 53 pages.Making and Dressing Cloth Dolls.