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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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?
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.
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)
