The book works its way from a discussion of what constitutes a doll and the basic forms a doll can take (such as an outline form or basic rag doll), through variations of the head, body and joints, to using assemblies such as wire armatures, needlesculpture, and finishing touches (hair, shoes, etc.).
Each type of doll or technique is illustrated with dolls by different dollmakers, and the practical instructions illustrated with easy-to-follow line drawings with instructions on how to proceed. The techniques follow logically one after the other, building up your skill as you go.
For example, you're shown how to cut a Basic Rag Doll pattern using a folded piece of paper, then how to create variations on the arm shape. Then stitching across the stuffed form to create joint bends, which allows movement in the doll, is introduced. This is followed by instructions on how to turn the legs so that the feet point out in front of the body, and how to turn the arms so they hang naturally at the sides.
Before I read this book I'd never considered making dolls, even though I regularly make cloth animals. But I found myself fascinated by the possibilities presented in this book and the pages on beginning needlesculpture made it sound so achievable that I gave it a go - and was delighted by my results. I've found the same for page after page, from shaping a bust to creating posable hands.
This book is bursting with tips and techniques, ideas and wondrous creations, and should always be at arm's length. It's a must for every fabric crafter's library! The author, Susanna Oroyan, is a professional dollmaker.
144 pages, 8.5 x 11 inches, full colour throughout Published by C&T Publishing.
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