5 comments about Barbie: A Visual Guide to the Ultimate Fashion Doll.

1. My daughter loves this book, and we are on our 3rd copy because she has worn it out taking it on trips, in the car, etc. Her favorite part is the international dolls section, where she enjoys looking at national costumes from around the world. The layout and photos are very well-done, and it brings me back to my childhood as well!



2. This beautiful book is a must-have for any girl who loves Barbies. It is a children's book and is a visual delight...not a dry guide for adult collectors. The pictures are crisp and labeled, as the other DK books are; "corduroy hat" and "red patent leather pumps," etc. A huge hit with my 9-year old niece.



3. My kids like it. It's got excellent layout, clear crisp pics, but isn't comprehensive. Great to look through, and point to - look, I had that one when I was a kid..... (YOU were a KID?) I don't use it with my collection, but I am glad I bought it - it makes a pleasent just for fun.



4. This book is really nice, the pictures are gorgeous, and it has some index on Barbie dolls by year, also Barbie's friends. Not so much on collectible dolls, but there are some dolls with gorgeous pics, some are different from the publish pics and a few are the same. Nice information for dolls and furniture. Great book! The cover is stunning!!!!



5. I love this book. This is the neatest book in the world. It has almost every Barbie I have in there. My favorite Barbie was the Olympic P.J. I use it to help me surf on Ebay. If you like Barbies, get this book now!

5 comments about The Ultimate Barbie Doll Book.

1. This book is NOT the Ultimate Barbie Doll Book. I could not find a single collectible Barbie Doll which I posses from the years it describes it covers when I purchased it. Description of the dolls covered should really be more detailed for collectors who are new to the industry. In addition, there is no option to select from Amazon if the item described does not meet your needs, you simply get a refund, minus shipping as a user error...Not too fair in my opinion.



2. I mainly purchased this book to remember some of my childhood toys- I wasn't expecting the detail and page after page of pictures that made me interested in collecting Barbie's as well-
   
   This thick hardcover book has colored photos of each Barbie both in the box and then a close up of the face. The Barbies are presented in chronological order by year by doll type- so i.e. Barbie from 1950s til 90s then Skipper from 50s-90s, then Ken, etc.
   
   The book also has friends of the infamous Barbie and Ken couple; many of which I have never seen or heard of!
   
   If you are looking for a nice photo array and price guide of Barbie and Friends. Truly the "Ultimate" Barbie book.



3. This is the best Barbie identification book out there. It's useful to identify those thrift store and garage sale dolls and their outfits. Each item is also described with identifying marks, etc. I have owned this book since it came out and it's the one I go back to the most, for complete Barbie information.



4. I love my new Ultimate Barbie Doll Book. I still have my first Barbie Dolls from the early 60's along with Ken, Midge & Skipper. I have over 100 dolls and found them all in this wonderful book. The photos are beautiful. The Barbie novice to enthusiast will truly enjoy this book.



5. If you're looking for help in identifying your Barbie doll and friends then this book is for you. I collect old barbies and I have found this book to be most helpful.

5 comments about Blue Book Dolls and Values, 16th Edition (Blue Book Dolls and Values).

1. Very helpful book - have really been enjoying this book as I have wanted this book for years, finally got it!



2. I bought this book to help me determine the value of a collection of high quality dolls that my aunt wants to help her sell. Our of five doll designers, only one of the designers was even listed in her book. This was a waste of my money, for sure!



3. I am formilair with this book. It is a great book IF you know the name of your doll. If you don't it is not a good one for you.



4. THE resource for all your doll questions on values and dolls.



5. Although the Blue Book is the avid doll collectors' favorite price guide, it contains numerous categories that have not been updated for quite a number of years. China, parian, papier mache, and wooden, some of the earliest dolls in existence, have been gaining in popularity for several years now and the market prices, both at auction and online have been rising considerably. The Blue Book has not caught up with this trend.
   
   Also, it would be extremely helpful if there were a comprehensive section that described the methods used in compiling the information as well as the sources of this information. Some of the prices are so far off the mark in actual market prices realized, that it makes the professional wonder if the numbers are merely picked out of blue sky.
   
   The book is well structured and is the easiest to use on a daily basis, of all the price guides, however, serious updating and a description of the price compilation process, would improve it immensely.

2 comments about Barbie the First 30 Years, 1959 Through 1989 and Beyond: Identification & Value Guide (Barbie the First 30 Years).

1. this book does not go into enough depth to be of much use as you shop for dolls. you can use it to get some info on year produced, and to get a rough idea of where each doll fits into the larger scheme, but to do it right, you really need a book that includes much more.



2. This book is a good starting point for collectors. With information on vintage dolls and even some newer dolls too. This book explains How to use the price guide, since most dolls found are not truly mint or mint in the box. It also has lots of color photographs, to make identification of a doll easy. The layout of this book is nice too, there are different sections for dolls, outfits, cases and so on. Dolls are listed by year, making a particular Barbie or Friend fairly easy to find.
   This book is not as in depth as some other Barbie doll books on the market, you will not be able to find specific markings for each doll as well as a complete list of accessories - exactly what booklet, shoes, wrist tag, box (and so on) each doll came with. Also some of the photographs are fairly small, but that said, this is still a good book.
   I would also like to add that this book features many foreign dolls and accessories, Not sold in the US. (Lot's of Barbie stuff that were exclusive to Canadian and European, as well as other markets.)

5 comments about Cloth Dolls.

1. This book is definitely NOT for beginners! Not only do you need some prior knowledge of doll making it appears you also need to be an expert seamstress to decipher the vague and confusing sewing and assembly instructions. The instructions are further complicated for Americans because the author is British and the text is written in the Kings English - some of the references to the fabrics needed are terms I've never heard of. The most frustrating thing about this book is that the Supply Lists do not include the amount of fabric needed to make a particular doll, you'll need to figure that out on your own (all of my other doll making books list the exact quantities needed for every component of the doll). Also, the patterns in this book are not as well executed as those I've found in other doll making books. For me this book is poorly organized, difficult to follow and a major disappointment, I cannot recommend it at all. If you already know how to make dolls you may find this book useful, it contains patterns for making ten cute but rather old-fashioned dolls.



2. ANOTHER BEAUTIFUL BOOK WITH PATTERNS,INSTRUCTIONS TO MAKE THE SWEETEST
   AND CUTE DOLLS.A MUST FOR THE DOLL CREATOR.



3. I was not aware (or did not read fully) this is about baby dolls not art dolls which I consider to mostly be adult-ish.



4. This is a book of patterns and tips. The dolls are all virtually the same, chubby baby-faced toddlers. There is a male and female version. The infant is the same as the toddler but can not stand. The adult (pictured on the cover) is just slightly thiner and longer then the children. If you are looking for variety, these dolls are pretty much the same (they all look related to the one on the cover) and they are all conservatively or classicly styled. I recommend the book for those interested in the learning the basics of makeing a "baby doll". If you want any other style of cloth doll (such as artisan) you will be disappointed in the constraints of the styling and you will be forced to find inspiration for your imagination elsewhere. Probably more like 3 stars.



5. I've been making dolls since I was 11, and this is the book I've been looking for all my life. Worth three times what you pay. The cover does not do it justice. It has soft sculpture faces that are beautiful and natural. Usually soft sculpture dolls look like old people, trolls or are distorted. There is a baby doll that I am going to double size to make it the size of a real baby, so I can have it wear old clothes. The clothes are also beautiful and easy. Make yourself an heirloom.

2 comments about Fashion Doll Clothing.

1. I loved her designs. They were well done.



2. The facts : "Fashion Doll Clothing" includes a total of 70 patterns in seven sizes for modern popular fashion dolls. There's three sizes for 10-inch tall dolls - "A" is tailored to Cocquette Jacqui, "B" is Tiny Kitty, and there's a general "10-inch dolls" size that presumably fits both. Patterns for 16-inch tall dolls are arranged similarly - "A" fits Alexandra F. Ford, "B" fits Tonner dolls like Tyler (straight arm) and Glinda (bend wrist), and a general "16-inch dolls" category that should fit both. American Model dolls, also by Tonner, are the sole occupants of the 22-inch size pattern group.
   
   You get 6 general 10-inch doll patterns, 9 to fit the "A" doll, 9 to fit "B". The 16-inch tall girls get the most - 12 for general 16-inch tall dolls, 11 "A" size, and 13 "B" size. AM dolls score 10 patterns. As seen on the cover, most are for dresses and skirts, but coats, pants, and tops are included in all sizes.
   
   And the patterns don't repeat. If you see it for Tiny Kitty, you may find something similar for Tyler, but it won't be the exact same thing. Author Mrs. Ionker wants her readers to experiment with adaptation - so each size, even `A' and `B' within the same scale, has all unique stuff.
   
   I found more photos of the contents by researching the book on auction sites - since FDC doesn't feature the `look inside' option - but you can't beat Amazon's price !
   
   The review : While the two dresses I've made went together easily and fit great, this isn't a book for beginning sewists. Very few step-by-step directions are found here. You get fabric advice, general sewing tips, and even a brief history of zippers, but very few garments have a paragraph or three of instructions. As long as you're familiar with basic garment construction, however, this book will give you few problems. I've added photos of my doll wearing the two dresses I've made from this book to the image gallery above.
   
   I did have a few confusing moments. There's lots of great photos that reference the patterns, but the patterns don't reference the un-numbered photos. I did it myself with a pen. A full cross-reference would have enhanced this book, I think. Sometimes I look at the pattern first, not the photo.
   
   On the pattern pages, Mrs. Ionker shows the altered sloper she used to create the final pattern. It's nice to see, but a bit confusing when the page has solid grey parts (sloper) under black lines (pattern). I wondered for a few minutes what I was supposed to use to make that great dress on page 20 ! I understand she wants her readers to learn pattern drafting, but usually, I wanna get going on my latest project before I run out of time ! Use the black lines. And get some great ideas from the altered sloper.
   
   I also found that the General Sleeve was much too tight to fit over my bend-wrist doll's hand. I had to resew it much more narrowly, and even then, had to wiggle and bend her thumb to get it on her for the photos. It's an easy fix, just wanted you to be aware of that possibility in your sewing.
   
   In conclusion - this is a great, reasonably priced selection of patterns that fit well and sew quickly. A great value, in my opinion - there's something here for the intermediate as well as the advanced. I only have one of the dolls she created patterns for - an '05 Tonner Wicked Witch known as Elphie - imagine how much more useful it'll be to you if you own Tyler, Tiny Kitty, and an AM !

5 comments about Tasha Tudor's Dollhouse : A Lifetime in Miniature.

1. Those who say this isn't the "real" doll house are missing the point entirely! The Williamsburg house was specially made because "Thaddeus Crane" and "Emma Birdwhistle" never had their own proper dollhouse, but lived on shelves. The book explains this quite clearly. The one-quarter life size scale is fascinating in itself. Anyone who is a fan of handmade dolls, doll houses, or Tasha Tudor should delight in this amazing book. I wouldn't trade it for the world.



2. This isn't Tasha's dollhouse, like I thought it was. I got suckered in like many. Still, it is a well presented book with delightful pictures. And the furnishings are Tasha Tudor's. The ideas and elements of the design are well within the reach of the serious dollhouse collector and for that, the product of emulation, it is invaluable and inspiring. But like Coleen Moore's dollhouse, and Queen Mary's, there is a lot about it that are not within the reach of the average person. One has to realize this was not an authentic doll house, but a item made for display for people to marvel at. And marvel we do. The plans shown in there are adaptable. But I would much rather have seen Tasha's dollhouse...the real thing.



3. This inspiring book provides readers a colorful look at the holiday season at the home of renowned artist Tasha Tudor. Accompanying Harry Davis' kaleidoscopic descriptions is illustrations and photographs by Jay Paul. The book is well designed and depicts a wide range of Christmas activities centering on how Ms. Tudor and friends celebrate the season of joy. This is a wonderful gift for individuals who enjoy the art of Tasha Tudor as Mr. Davis and Mr. Paul pay homage to the great artist.

   Harriet Klausner




4. I am surprised to find out that Tasha Tudor's actual dollhouse is not pictured in the book, because the title leads us to believe we will see the "real" thing. Instead we see a re-creation by Colonial Williamsburg. My understanding was that the blank pages and extra white space were to have had art by Tasha Tudor. Little Brown is quoted in the Tudor bibliography as planning 20 line drawings and 20 watercolors by Tudor. Did she refuse to do the drawings because she didn't approve of Harry Davis' writing the book? Aside from the furnishings being from Tasha, the house we really see is a recent replica and is misleading. I would rather see Tasha Tudor's real dollhouse not a newly made replica. I was disappointed with this book, especially knowing that Tasha did not want it published.



5. I am surprised to find out that Tasha Tudor's dollhouse is not pictured in the book, but the title leads us to believe we will see the "real" thing. My understanding was that the balnk pages were to have been drawings by Tasha Tudor. Did she refuse to do the drawings because she didn't approve of the book? So aside from the furnishings being from Tasha, the book is misleading. I would rather see Tasha Tudor's real dollhouse not a newly made replica. I was disappointed with this book, especially knowing that Tasha did not want it published.

5 comments about No. 1 Price Guide to M.I. Hummel Figurines, Plates, More... (Mi Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures & More Price Guide) (Mi Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures & More Price Guide).

1. I have one and will give you information on the Hummel Silk Carpet.(The Book lacks this information)
   On the back is a tag stitched to it saying:
   
   M.J. Hummel
   ORIGINAL HUMMEL SILK CARPET
   HANDKNOTTED IN BEIJING, CHINA.
   
   ARS AG, ZUG, SWITZERLAND
   
   LIMITED EDITION :10 /50
   
   Also there is a tag attached to the SILK CARPET written in both Chinese and English
   ZHE JIANG SILK RUG
   
   I am giving this information because the book does not have a picture of this HUMMEL SILK CARPET and not sure about the information I just posted.
   VALUE UNKNOWN but it is Very Beautiful



2. I have all, since the first publication, of Robert Miller's Price Guide to MI Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures and More.
   Mr. Miller has all the knowledge one would expect & want to find in his books after much research and many trips to Germany to gain this knowledge. This is THE HUMMEL BIBLE! I highly recommend this book to all Hummel collectors or to anyone interested in the collecting of fine arts. Very well written with explicit details about Sister MI Hummel's life in Massing, Germany & her schooling. Each known Hummel is pictured & tells of the Master Artist who molded each three dimentional figurine from the drawings by Sister beginning in the 1930's to the present TMK markings. A great investment for Insurance purposes when appraising your figurines by The Hummelking!



3. This book is very well illustrated, well layed-out, easy to use, and the pictures are very beautiful. It's full of information, explains more than I expected, and it is a MUST for Hummel collectors.



4. not only is this a complete guide -- but it is so easy to use -- anyone owning or buying Hummel's should have this -- I only wish I could find Guides like this for my other collectables --



5. Even though it's proclaimed by expert collectors as the absolute source of information about Hummel figurines, Robert Miller's reference work is easy for amateurs as well. He provides insightful guidance in determining value and quality as well as interesting tidbits about production and variations in the figurines. His work is referenced by many sellers in internet auctions, but is also helpful in figuring out just what you already have. As a rank beginner, I had no problem in following his material and ascertaining the value of an inherited collection. It was also useful in helping me determine additions that I wanted to make to the collection.

5 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Vogue Dolls: Identification and Values (Collectors Encyclopedia of Vogue Dolls).

1. Terrific reference book - definitely would recommend for personal or public libraries. Loads of pictures and information - very helpful.



2. Even though Kathryn Kay was mentioned as a former Vogue Doll employee, her doll "Ginger" by the Cosmopolitan Doll & Toy Corp. was not illustrated and with absolutely NO information. This book is otherwise recommended for Vogue dolls only.



3. This is an exceptional book for people who love the Vogue dolls! Illustrations and text cover both composition, hard plastic and vinyl dolls. The illustrations are many and identify hundreds of various costumes sold for the Vogue dolls. The Ginny, Jill, Jeff and Ginnette sections are especially helpful. Collectors who have costumes or dolls with missing pieces can use the book as a reference to complete outfits. If a collector likes 1950s Ginny dolls, this book offers a wealth of information and is known to collectors across the country as the "Bible" for Vogue collectors.



4. My doll friends and I use this book daily! Especially love the 'Herstory' section where there are plenty of vintage photos showing the factory sewers and samples, Promotional events, and store displays! Book is interspersed with actual catalog photos and many, many color photos of dolls from private collections. Great to see a variety of Vogue dolls all in one book, too!



5. This Book is great and is written so the reader can find about everything that is necessary to start a Vogue Doll collection!!! There are a couple important things I want to mention to eveyone about this book that are very helpful..The way the dolls are put in YEAR ORDER and when a doll is not pictured in this book the Authors make sure it is mentioned with the NAME OF THE DOLL and in detail what she should be wearing for that year, No doll is left out. PHOTO'S ARE GREAT!!
   This Vogue book is a must for the Vogue doll collector with a wealth of information. I learned so much with this book and could not be without it! It has all you need to help you in your quest for Vogue doll collecting.

1 comments about Simple & Stylish Patterns for 18-Inch Dolls' Clothing (Creative Crafters).

1. These seem to be for the American Girls dolls for the 1950's and 1960's...not so much for "modern" clothes.