bonbon blog

Reviewing doll sewing books. Insta @bon.bon.doll

[bon-bon-blog]

Dollybird 14 [Review]

Summary

The Alice in Wonderland edition - I really love Alice in Wonderland so the aesthetic of this volume won me over. The cover has a gorgeous illustration of Alice surrounded by cakes and trinkets from Wonderland. There are lovely editorial spreads within depicting the classic tale as well as some darker, moodier 'dark alice' themed pages. Having said all that, there are not many patterns in this one, so disappointing!

Details

Language: Japanese  ISBN-10: 4798600911 Author: Various Patterns: "A-line dress, shirt, petticoat, socks","Dress, tunic, bloomers and socks ",Romantic dress,Alice dress set,Cheshire cat set Sizes included: Momoko doll,Unoa sister,Unoa Zero,Odeco & Nikki,Odeco & Nikki

Visual pattern list

Pros

The cover illustration

Cons

The patterns aren’t really ‘Alice in Wonderland’ themed, apart from the Odeco sized one. I think they could have done more with the designs based on the classic illustrations

Not many patterns included

Typical for Dollybird, pattern instructions consist only of a few diagrams and written instructions. They usually require some sewing skill and luck with google translate 

Lots of irrelevant pages like shopping spreads, which are well out of date now even if you could get a proxy to shop for you in Japan

Final thoughts

Skip it (unless you are a sucker for the artwork like I was)

[bon-bon-blog]

Hanon Tiny Wardrobe [Review]

Summary

Finally an English book! This one is a real treasure, a book from HANON, a creator and customiser who I think is well known in the blythe community. There are 12 patterns to follow and the resulting pieces in this book have an oversized silhouette. They have been made up in natural materials with warm muted colours which gives them a lot of charm and elegance. The first half of the book is editorial style photography showing off the fashions.  The instructions follow, and are also accompanied by nice clear photos. The patterns are inserted at the back and can be pulled out for photocopying and use.

Details

Language: English Author: [Hanon] Satomi Fujii ISBN-10: 4798611948 Patterns: Peter pan collar dress,Vest and corsage,Coat,Trousers,Sarouel pants,Lace strap dress,Boots and socks,Shoulder bag,Waist apron,Blouse,Stuffed animals,Skirt,Embroidered smock dress Sizes included: Unoa sister, Blythe middie, Blythe neo

Visual pattern list

Pros

Beginner friendly

Gorgeous photos of final pieces and styling ideas

Very clear photographic step-by-step instructions

Lots of patterns

Lovely binding

Includes a few extra techniques like embroidery that were nice to see / learn

Includes tips and tricks from Hanon, like washing finished pieces in water to get great pleats and wrinkles

There’s some cute extras - like a handbag and shoe pattern

Cons

The patterns are very oversized which I personally didn’t always like

Final thoughts

This one is an easy recommend, if only for the fact that it’s in English. I’ve made at least half a dozen patterns from the book and they were easy to follow with clear photographs for each step. I think the patterns are versatile and can look very different depending on the fabric and decorations chosen.   

[bon-bon-blog]

Unoa Freak 1, 2 and 3 [Review]

Summary

The Unoa Freak series is specifically written to celebrate and discuss Unoa dolls. Created in 2003 by Gentaro Araki, founder of Alchemic Labo, they were one of the first BJD available on the market. They are not as popular as they once were but Unoa dolls come in many common sizes, making these books a great resource to this day. The books also contain tutorials on face-ups, manicures, modding, stringing and more.

These books have been created with so much love and creativity, from the beautifully illustrated covers, to the fashion editorial style spreads for the patterns. They are one of my favourites to take off the shelf just to flick through the pages.

The number of patterns varies by book and each one has been created by different artists, so do take a look at the tables below before purchasing.

Details

Language: Japanese Author: Graphic Sha ISBN-10: UF1-4894253720 UF2-4798600261 UF3-4798609021 Patterns UF1: Pirate set,Mod set,Country set,Babydoll,Punk dress,Traditional fabric set UF2: Freie Shirt, shorts, socks. Honeymeryl corset body and skirt. Silver butterfly Jumpsuit. Elolita jacket, dress and bloomers. Dollsdrugkingdom Blouse, skirt, petticoat. Atri corset, garter, skirt, bustier, bra, stockings and miniskirt. Sekiguchi uniform set for girl and boy UF3: FLC shoulder bag,FLC Pants,FLC Socks,FLC Beret,FLC Suspender pants,Poupee Mecanique pants,Poupee Mecanique shirt,Silver butterfly jumper skirt,Hanon onepiece dress,"Galum shorts, sailor shirt, socks, beret",FLC Blouse,FLC Tunic,FLC ruffle shoulder blouse,FLC piping shirt,Atri bustier,Atri tutu skirt,Atri Skirt panties,Atri Panties,SilverButterfly sleeveless dress,FLC Cropped Pants ,FLC Denim pants,Poupee Mecanique pants  Sizes included: Unoa sister, Unoa boy, Unoa Zero, Unoa Fluorite, Unoa azurite, Unoa Ani, Unoa chibi

Visual pattern list

UF1

UF2

UF3

Pros

Gorgeous cover art with a partially transparent layer

A real must if you love Unoa dolls

The photography is superb

So many patterns for any size of Unoa doll

Includes a few accessories 

Tips and tutorials for common doll styling and mods

Cons

Minimal instructions for the patterns, sometimes just a couple of drawings

The patterns in the book don’t work for every size of Unoa doll, usually each pattern is designed for a particular body sculpt (cries in Unoa Zero)

My copy of UF2 had a few pages come loose from the binding - not sure if it's a common problem but something to keep in mind

Final thoughts

I don’t think I would recommend these as pattern books for beginners, as the patterns are sized so specifically and the instructions are quite minimal, but if you are an experienced sewer I think you will enjoy the variety of styles here. My main reason for recommending these books wouldn't be the patterns though - it's the peek into BJD history that make them special. I think they are a great addition to any bookshelf. 

[bon-bon-blog]

Dollybird 25 [Review]

Summary

Honestly, I bought this one because the cover is cute. I don’t even collect Pure Neemo. What is wrong with me? Anyway the patterns in here are cute and I would definitely make some of them if I had a doll they would fit. There are lots of patterns this time too. The saving grace for me is the Gingham set for Unoa girls / slim minis. 

Details

Language: Japanese Author: Various ISBN-10: 4798614076 Patterns: Tutu skirt,White dress,Fringe tee,Gingham shirred set,Cute cardigan,Cute parka,School Shirt,School Vest,School Tie,School pants,Halter neck and wrap skirt set Sizes: Pure Neemo, Unoa sister, Pure Neemo boy, MDD, DD Sister

Visual pattern list

Pros

Perfect for Pure Neemo fans 

Cons

Typical for Dollybird, pattern instructions consist only of a few diagrams and written instructions. They usually require some sewing skill and luck with google translate 

Lots of irrelevant pages like shopping spreads, which are well out of date now even if you could get a proxy to shop for you in Japan

Final thoughts

Definitely a nice one to pick up if you have Pure Neemo sized dolls.

[bon-bon-blog]

Dollfie Dream Sewing Book [Review]

Summary

This is a pattern book for modern casual wear for Dollfie Dream dolls. The outfits you can put together are very feminine, the main components are blouses, skirts and dresses.

Patterns mainly use cottons and some stretch fabrics. Beautiful large format photos show how to style the pieces together, and give ideas on fabrics and prints that can be used.

There are also suggestions on how each piece can be customised such as changing the sleeve length.

Clear step-by-step photographic instructions show how to make each piece, I think I wouldn’t even need Google translate to follow them. 

Pros

Large clear step-by-step photos

Decent number of patterns that combine nicely into outfits

Versatile patterns for basics that can be made again and again in different fabrics

Gives ideas to further customise each pattern, eg changing sleeve length and decoration ideas

Patterns for cute accessories included - that handbag!

Patterns included as a pull out at the back (I would recommend photocopying them so you can reuse them and make use of both sides of the pattern paper)

Cons

Only for Dollfie Dream, I wish it at least included MDD sizes

Only feminine patterns included - just something to keep in mind but not exactly a con depending on what you are looking for

Information

Language: Japanese ISBN-10: 4798622265 Author: Taeko Sekiguti Patterns: Cardigan,Camisole dress,Tote bag,Ribbon skirt,Frill sleeve blouse,Socks,Puff sleeve dress,Babydoll,Pantie Sizes:  Dollfie Dream (All bust sizes), Dollfie Dream Sister,Dollfie Dream Dynamite Dolls

Visual pattern list

Final Thoughts

A definite must buy for Dollfie Dream owners. Very beginner friendly so recommended for novices. More experienced sewists should also be able to alter the patterns to fit other SD dolls without too much trouble. In my opinion this is a great addition to my pattern collection and I would recommend it.

[bon-bon-blog]

Sewing books for dolls [Review series]

There’s nothing I like more than transforming fabric into captivating outfits for my ball jointed dolls. Now, there are pattern books on the market for doll sewing hobbyists, but there's a twist: most of these books or magazines aren’t written in English, and you've got to do this whole international song and dance to get them. Not to mention the patterns within the books can be a mystery right up until you hold them in your hands, which for me, honestly makes the whole thing feel like a treasure hunt. So I’ve decided to use this blog to document my findings; what is in each of these books? What patterns are available? What sizes do they cater for and how easy are they to follow? And ultimately what books are worth getting?