New Book, Doll Studio Boutique

It’s so exciting to formally announce the release of my new doll clothes sewing book, being released this fall! Doll Studio Boutique

Working for over a year, keeping things secret during that time is always so hard. This book is my first for the smaller dolls, Wellie Wishers and Ruby Red Fashion Friends. The patterns also fit the Hearts for Hearts dolls nicely.

When the dolls arrived, I created slopers and drafted the patterns from those. Many people use their printers to change a pattern’s size for a different doll. I tested that and it didn’t work well. The garments did not fit properly. I think in order for that to work, the dolls must have the same body type and same body proportions.

These dolls have hard bodies, unlike the soft body 18″ dolls. Each pattern in Doll Studio Boutique has been drafted, draped and adjusted, and designed specifically for the 14″-15″ dolls listed above. After a sloper has been completed, I go back to my sketches for specific designs, add ease and start drafting.

After drafting the pattern from the sloper, I made a mock up in similar fabric. This helps me to see its drape and fit. Modifications are made if needed. Occasionally, it works the first draft, but not usually.

These 3 were the first dresses I worked on. The blue and green dress is the first muslin test and the pink gingham was after the base pattern was adjusted and I was working on the details.

Picking fabrics maybe the most time consuming part, and then this happens.

I’m also so thrilled to announce Sydney Paulsen, Sydney Rose Studios, did the lifestyle photography. Not only did she knock it out of the park with these photos, she hit a grand slam! Her photos are extraordinary and make the book look like a fashion magazine for dolls. It’s so beautiful and fun to look through for inspiration.

Here is one of my favorite photos from the book. It’s the Sleepwear chapter. Isn’t this so fun!?

The projects include: shirts, skirts, pants, shorts, dresses, knitwear, sleepwear, and accessories: slippers, hats, headbands, and bags!! Sew a complete wardrobe!

Written and designed for beginners, it includes many great “first” projects for those just starting their sewing journey. Though the projects are beginner-friendly, the projects are stylish and not overly simple looking. I believe, this book will also become a favorite for more advanced sewists, too.

Beginning sewists who haven’t made a doll garment will have plenty of outfits to make. Classy looking outfits that will help build confidence in sewing as they learn the basic sewing techniques, like the Simple Top and Simple Skirt, shown here. A

As the beginner gains proficiency in sewing the basic designs, they can easily add a new skill to their repertoire of sewing skills by sewing a different variation, such as the Simple Top View B, which adds the technique of gathering.

Here’s little peek into some of the photos from the book.

The book will be released October, 2021. You can pre-order now and be ready to join the launch party sewing challenge in our facebook group. The first place prize will be gift certificate to purchase a Ruby Red Fashion Friend Doll.

Happy Sewing!
Erin