5 comments about All Dolled Up: Sewing Clothes and Accessories for Girls and Their 18-Inch Dolls.

1. I loved this book. Instructions are clear, photos are great. Definitely a good investment!



2. Even though I've only made a few of the items, I know I will enjoy this book for many years. The CD is great for beginners or as as a refresher course.



3. This book is great for those of us who have daughters/grandaughters who are caught up in the 18 inch doll craze {American Girl Dolls). The instructional video is great too. All you need is a little sewing experience (not much) and you can produce adorable doll outfits and matching pieces for their owners. The handy carrying bag - to hold the doll, her clothes & accessories - is the first piece we made and was a great hit. My grandaughter and I highly recommend this book.



4. This collection of clothing designs for 18 inch dolls and their owners is charming and sweet. The part that impresses me most is the simplicity of construction. Joan Hinds has streamlined a lot of techniques for this collection.
   The collection includes dresses, skirts, aprons and accessories as well as tips for scaling designs to suit dolls and girls both. Even the most complicated outfits wouldn't take more than a couple days to make and many of them could be done in an evening.
   Skirts include a darling pleated skirt sewn on a pair of old jeans with a matching vest and a tiered gathered skirt.The dresses are wonderful. There is a simple jumper set that's just too cute made with the right fabrics.
   The techniques include a method for making straps that doesn't use interfacing and an alternative to basting to gather fabric that is very clever and quick.
   The included video shows the sewing techniques that you'll be using to sew the outfits. Nancy Zieman hosts the video with Joan Hinds.
   Many of the techniques and patterns are things that can be very easily sized up so that Mom and daughter can having matching aprons or dresses and match the doll as well.
   It also makes a wonderful introduction to sewing for children who are just getting interested in learning how to use a sewing a machine. The adult can sew the child's dress, and help the child with sewing a matching outfit for their doll.
   A lot of the clothes remind me of the things my mom used to make for me when I was 7 or 8. Classic designs that have stood the test of time, so if you do invest in the book,it's not unthinkable that you would make some of the same styles of clothes for your granddaughter that you might make for your daughter.



5. Wow! This is one of the best kids clothes/ doll clothes pattern books out there. Great pictures, fun outfit ideas as well as great accessories for your little girl's dolls. Very happy with this book. Well worth the money.

4 comments about Una mujer como tu (Spanish Edition).

1. entiendo la crítica efectuada pero es que todos nos podemos equivocar alguna vez al comprar un libro: en el caso de Layayu, es lógico que una persona que es fan de "sexy-romance stories" no pertenezca al público objetivo de Neus Arqués y el libro se le caiga de las manos.
   yo, por el contrario, creo que "Una mujer como tu" es entretenido, trata temas de actualidad en un tono ágil y desenfadado, y propone reflexiones lúcidas sobre los dilemas a los que nos enfrentamos muchas de nosotras.



2. Compré este libro, tomando en consideración las dos reseñas que habían del mismo las cuales le daban 5 estrellas al texto. Mayormente compro libros en inglés, porque estudié literatura en inglés, pero quería ver si este libro era tan bueno como lo "vendían". Lamentablemente el libro está tan mal escrito--o mal traducido--que no pasé del primer capítulo. Por nada del mundo recomendaría este libro a nadie, pues aunque es barato, es una perdida de dinero y de tiempo.



3. Si eres una mujer que no esta conforme con su vida y ve que todos a su alrededor tiene todo bien formado... te encantara este libro. Te pierdes en cada historia desenlazada.



4. Una mujer como tu presenta con cariño y humor cuatro protagonistas que enfrentan los retos de hoy. Un libro muy divertido de leer.

5 comments about Crobots: 20 Amigurumi Robots to Make.

1. I want to say right off these crobots are not for kids. If I were to make them for a child, I would make sure I didn't use any beads or buttons or anything else that could possibly become loose from the crobot. Those cute little decorations are definitely a choking hazard.
   
   The projects are cute and relatively easy to make, the photographs are cute as well. But sometimes the directions seem a bit off - why would you make 4 legs for a crobot that isn't supposed to be four legged? And 2 bodies? Weird. Plus sometimes if you follow the directions exactly, you will get lost. I've been crocheting a long time, so I was able to work it out but for a beginner it may cause a lot of problems.
   I would be happier to recommend this book if the directions were better edited. So I recommend it with the warning that you probably puzzle your way out of a pattern. If you can deal with that going into it, you will be better prepared than I was.



2. I got my book yesterday and already started my first lil bopbot! It is so simple so far and I have never made an Amigurumi before! I will admit the patterns are mainly for adults, but I am sure you can replace the beads and stuff with something else so you can give to children. I plan on making certain ones for my son that way. Can't wait to work on the more advanced ones!



3. I have to say, this is the best Amigurumi book that I've come across as of yet! The book is VERY well laid-out. From beginner to veteran crocheter, this book makes it easy. All of the information that you need is laid out clearly, from what materials to buy to the stitches that you'll need to know, including great, clear illustrations on how to do those stitches. I love Creepy Cute Crochet: Zombies, Ninjas, Robots, and More! and its clever, off-the-beaten-path patterns, but that book is lacking the initial basic information that this book lays out clearly and simply for the reader. With "Crobots", you CAN just pick this book up, head to the craft section of your local department or art supply store, stock your basket with yarn and needles, and go get started! "Creepy Cute Crochet" didn't make it quite that easy.
   
   "Crobots" has absolutely adorable patterns, but they're not child-friendly. I love the way that screws, grommets, pin backs, snaps, and other notions are utilized to add a more authentic feel to the crocheted robots that you're taught to make here, but their presence makes them child-unfriendly. As long as you keep that in mind, or opt for other, safer substitutions, I can't see anyone not deeply enjoying the patterns and designs in this book.
   
   I can't WAIT to complete my first Crobot!



4. For those who like to crochet and are interested in cute little crazy toys - this book is a must! Fun projects, good explanation - one remark : som e of the the little toys are decorated with iron screws - so not suitabe for little kids!!!
   
   havCrobots: 20 Amigurumi Robots to Makee fun, enjoy this book!



5. This book has the most darling patterns! They are all very cute with very easy directions. There are very detailed directions on the construction of these toys. This book is will worth the cost!

5 comments about Barbie: All Dolled Up: Celebrating 50 Years of Barbie.

1. This is a very pictorally comprehensive book that is great for reading as well as looking through. One of my friends made prints from some of the pictures then framed and hung them in her daughter's room when they redecorated. I plan on doing the same thing this summer when we redecorate our daughter's room. There are so many fun pictures and little pull out features that really take me back to my first Barbie!



2. This book is a great representation of the history and "development" of every girl's favorite doll friend. Because my daughter loved it so much, she had a very hard time giving our borrowed copy back to the library, so I had to buy our own copy! It's would be a great collector's item too!



3. I got this book for Christmas and I LOVE it! It is put together just like a scrapbook, complete with pockets with different souvenirs in. It's really fun to look at and read. It's also quite interesting if you'd like to know more about Barbie Doll.



4. This book is fantastic! Not only is it a great coffee table book , it is also wonderful for the Barbie Collector with reproductions of the fan club letter from long ago and lots of other memorabilia .



5. It was my entire childhood in one book. I blissfully recalled the Barbies I had, and dreamed about the Barbies I wish I had. I can't imagine a more complete book than this!

5 comments about The Official Precious Moments Coll Guide to Figurines 4th (Official Precious Moments Collector's Guide to Figurines).

1. Pages 32-62 were never inserted by the publisher. The merchant was notified and my money was refunded immediately



2. I was very pleased with this book. Clear pictures and several ways to look up an item. Always wanted a book like this and now I have it.



3. The Official Precious Moments Coll. Guide to Figurines 4th is a comprehensive guide to Precious Moments figurines. It has great colored pictures of each one. I think it is an excellent way to keep track of the figurines one has and also the value of one's collection.



4. This book is a MUST have for any collector. With the information I found I can place a value on each individual piece for insurance purposes. A real time saver!



5. The 2007 Bomm Precious Moments guide is truly precious since it incorporates retail and secondary values into the same book. The cross-indexing by figurine title and model number is also wonderful. The photos are great quality, too. The guide is a must-have for all collectors!

5 comments about Anatomy of a Doll: The Fabric Sculptor's Handbook.

1. Looking through the book I see a lot of potential for me
   to be a doll maker and I can hardly wait to get started.



2. this is a great book for doll makers. A valuable resource to my collection.



3. This is a book to get you INSPIRED to create your own designs. This is not a book filled with patterns for you to copy. It is about technique with wonderful photos and illustrations.
   This is a great book for a doll-maker whether experienced or novice. But if you feel that you are too new in doll making and you need patterns or step-by-step instruction then this is probably not for you at this time.



4. I do not buy craft books that I can't see whats inside, because its a good way to be bummed when you get the book. When I tried to look at the pictures in this book, and their other book, they were all blocked; what a bummer looked like a good book.



5. Very detailed information on many types of soft doll construction. It is filled with excellent techniques and ideas. If you are interested in making soft sculpture dolls this is a great resource.

5 comments about Barbie Doll Photo Album 1959 to 2009.

1. Book is very nice; however if you have any other reference books do not waste the money. There is nothing new in this book.



2. With the title Barbie Doll Photo Album, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from this book, but my hopes were high since anyone familiar with J. Michael Augustyniak's other tremendous Barbie doll books knows that his titles are must-haves in any doll reference library. When I received this ASTOUNDING 450-page hardcover book, I could NOT put it down as page after page fascinated me with the brilliant colors, HUGE photographs throughout (many photos fill the ENTIRE page), wonderful close-up photos, and fascinating information regarding identification, stock numbers, trivia, and values. The lay-out was absolutely the BEST, as the book, logically, follows Barbies "life" chronologically from 1959 all the way through Christmas Holiday Barbie 2009. The book features MANY, MANY vintage rarities in new-in-box condition never shown in any other doll books, and Augustyniak treats even the more recent years with the same respect given the vintage period: with countless dolls! Ken collectors will be ecstatic as no other book has ever shown so many Ken dolls (Ken debuted in 1961 and is shown continuously through the book), and the other Barbie friends and family members are also incredibly-well represented. The great charm of this book is that the most advanced collectors as well as those just beginning collecting will find this book impossible to put down, as this visual history of Barbie through the last 50 years is simply as lovely as the doll! I would give this book a PERFECT rating, especially since I would have expected to pay far more than $29.95 for a book of this size and value!



3. Pros:
   Full color
   Huge pictures and nice layout
   Sequential-year-of-release formatting
   Debut years of sculpts, dolls, or doll lines
   Includes dolls released exclusively in other markets--unfortunately, the pros end here.
   
   One major con for Black-doll collectors:
   The omission of several, as in too-numerous-to-count African American Barbies and friends, is misleading.
   
   If the goal was to include only Barbies, I was teased by the initial inclusion of vintage dark-skinned dolls (e.g. Francie, Christie, Brad, Cara, Curtis, Julia) into thinking all members of the Barbie and friends family would follow. The author's format consistently includes images and details for every white doll made in the lines explored, to include the different hair colors (blonde, brunette, red, etc.); but in many of the lines where dark-skinned dolls are known to exist, no mention is made of these dolls via illustration or text. A notation that the excluded dolls were manufactured (e.g. An African American version was made) would have sufficed to properly inform the reader.
   
   The following is my observation of known African American dolls omitted whose white counterparts are included in the book: SuperStar Christie, Magic Curl Barbie, Twirly Curls Barbie, Crystal Barbie and Crystal Ken,Great Shape Barbie, Peaches 'n Cream Barbie, Day-to-Night Barbie, the Heart Family series, Dream Glow Barbie and Ken, Astronaut Barbie, Magic Moves Barbie, Jewel Secrets Barbie and Ken, Funtime Barbie, Super Hair Barbie, Perfume Giving Barbie and Ken, Doctor Barbie, Dance Magic Barbie and Ken, Flight Time Barbie, Costume Ball Barbie and Ken, Teen Talk Barbie, Totally Hair Barbie, Radiant in Red Barbie, Earring Magic Barbie, Hollywood Hair Barbie, Paint 'n Dazzle Barbie, Western Stampin' Barbie, Police Officer Barbie, Camp Barbie, Super Talk Barbie, Dance Moves Barbie, Pretty Dreams Barbie, Teacher Barbie, Cool Shavin' Ken, Talk with Me! Barbie, Harley-Davidson Barbie #1, Bead Blast Barbie, 40th Anniversary Barbie and Ken, Happy Family series: Alan, Midge, Ryan and the new baby; Princess and the Pauper Barbie and Ken; 45th Anniversary Barbie, Generations of Dreams Barbie, Barbie 50th Anniversary, and My Favorite Doll Black Barbie.
   
   In addition, most African American Staceys and Skippers are omitted.
   
   This is just a partial listing of the Black Barbies and friends that are omitted from Augustyniak's current Barbie book. I am sure there are other African American, Hispanic, and Asian dolls that were cropped out of Barbie's photo album. The informed collector is left hanging; the novice is left misinformed.



4. Great book with very informative photos of each type barbie and dates when issued. J. Michael Augustyniak has great books at a great value. Even better than this book is his 2008 book called Barbie doll Collector's Editions. Highly recommend both books.



5. This book has the best Barbie doll photos! I love the large photos and the close-ups. The dolls are orangized by year, which is great. Barbie is together with her friends. It is my new favorite Barbie doll book.

3 comments about Warman's Barbie Doll Field Guide: Values and Identification.

1. This title not only features an expanded price guide from the previous edition but showcases a part of the collection of renowned Barbie expert Sandi Holder. Holder, who runs Sandi Holder's Doll Attic in Southern California, has been featured in Newsweek magazine, as well as newspapers and magazines around the world. Sandi has served as a Barbie doll consultant for Mattel for years. Her business established a world record for the highest price ever paid for a single Barbie when she auctioned a Ponytail #1 doll for $25,700. My favorite part of the book? The 50-page vintage fashion sets chapter. Great fun and simply beautiful! Whether you are a collector, a big girl with fond memories, or have a little girl who loves Barbie in your family, this is a wonderful little book.



2. I have a problem with reference books that are filled with errors because they are written by non-collectors. I am assuming this book was written by a non-collector because no self-respecting collector/expert would want to lead other collectors so astray.
   
   The only reason for a collector to purchase a reference book is to assist in their purchases -- ensure they are buying a doll with the correct head and body along with the proper swimsuit/outfit. This book has significant errors so the collector is left vulnerable instead of informed. These errors are blatant, hopelessly sloppy and undoubtedly caused because the author does not know her subject matter. That alone is unforgiveable, but additionally, the price guide is terribly inaccurate.
   
   If the subject is of sufficient interest to warrant a reference book, the effort should entail enough research and care in the creation to produce something of value to the reader. This book will mislead rather than empower a collector.
   
   It is clear is that the main motivation for producing the book is money, not sharing accurate information. Collectors deserve better, and there are much better books on the subject.



3. I think this is a great book for the novice collector.
   
   The market will bear whatever someone is willing to pay for an item, so I never pay attention to estimated values in books, mostly due to prices will increase and decrease at all different times of the year.
   
   I love buying from Dealers as they will only charge you actual MSRP on an item when it first comes out. I understand an item increasing in value, so I understand a dealer charging more for an item when the supply is low & demand is high.
   
   This book is a neat tool to carry in my purse when I am looking at Barbies and find one I have never seen before. I have the previous edition & I have worn it out, so it was nice to see a new one come out!
   
   The best way to get a idea on a value on a doll is to research completed or sold items. Sometimes my dealers will let me know what a doll is worth too. Always do your own research for values, but the book is a great starting point to find valuable dolls!

1 comments about Madame Alexander 2010 Collector's Dolls Price Guide #35 (Madame Alexander Collector's Dolls Price Guide).

1. I have 100 Madame Alexander dolls and this book is very
   helpfull in determining their value.

5 comments about Cloth Dolls.

1. The technique for making these dolls are different and I like the face pattern which doesn't put a seam down the center of the face like other dolls. However, all the dolls look alike. I haven't made a doll from this book, but I am looking forward to making the doll on the cover. She is the most interesting doll, however my doll won't be a flapper. Great price though. Amazon makes it worth your while, delivery from the seller was very prompt and I will treasure it in my doll book collection that I've started.



2. I like this book very much. It makes me want to start on a new doll immediately. The photos and instructions are great. And even though the dolls are somewhat similar, I am thoroughly pleased with the, at times, subtle differences and have found myself just looking thru the pages for merely the joy of it.



3. I just recieved my cloth doll book. I read alot of the reviews before I ordered it and I can't aggree more with the good opinions of this book. I have five grand daughter and 6 grandsons and I want to make them all a doll. I was thinking of making dolls for all my grand daughters but there are some pretty cute boy dolls so at least the younger grandsons will probably also get a doll.! I can't wait!



4. I was intrigued by the book cover before I purchased the book. Once I received the book I was extremely impressed by the step by step instructions. The pictures are beautiful. I am in the process of making my first doll and it was extremely easy to follow.



5. I have yet to make a doll using this book, BUT I can hardly wait for Christmas to settle down so I can. I read through the entire book and what an inspiration! Instructions are so clear, beautiful pictures and now I understand how sculpted faces are made...I think I can do this. I have been looking for a book like this for years. Worth every penney.