Old-Fashioned Dolls and Toys: A Collection of Thirty Two Doll and Nineteen Toy Patterns That ...

It's a shame this hardcover is out of print, but just in case anyone else is lucky enough to come across a copy, I just had to say that it's an absolutely wonderful book! Its dimensions allow for full size patterns that don't need to be enlarged, and the detailed instructions are top-notch. Every detail of the varied projects has been covered, and allows for re-creating the item/s as shown or in one's own style using materials on hand. The large colorful photos clearly illustrate what the finished project can look like. Lots of craft books include projects that require purchasing brand name materials or additional embellishments in order to get the look shown. This book truly is about crafting the whole project. For example, there's a stuffed animal that wears glasses; instead of expecting one to locate store-bought glasses that fit, instructions are provided on how to make them out of wire. Another stuffed animal's outfit includes a pocket watch so instructions are given on how to create a toy one. Many of the instructions and extensive tips could be applied to other craft projects as well. I'm learning lots about cloth doll making from the book which I'll be able to apply to my own designs. With all the choices in this book, however, I'm not sure I'll have time for my own designs! There are rag dolls, "Victorian" dolls, clowns, and various stuffed animals (that could be used for seasonal/holiday decorations). Other type projects include pull toys, jigsaw puzzles and puzzle blocks, wooden animals, hobby horse animals, a Jack-in-the-box, and a hand puppet. While I've always enjoyed Better Homes and Gardens decorating books, the individuals associated with this particular craft book really deserve extra credit!

This book is not your usual boring Better Homes and Gardens book. It is an oversized book full of interesting projects with full sized pattern pieces. Toys are made from many different crafting modes so even if you don't sew you can many of the projects. Many of the projects are based on children's stories or rhymes. For someone who loves crafting toys this would be a great book with lots of inspiration.

This overlooked book is a treasure-trove of dolls, teddys, and toys to make. Not for the abject beginner but more for the intermediate dollmaker and crafter. The pictures are luscious; the patterns are full-size; the materials lists are excruciatingly detailed; the 'how to' directions are definitely for the more experienced. The original $25 price tag must have driven this book off shelves and into storage. Get a copy while you can. Once you have it, you won't want to share it, except with the lucky child who receives your creation if you can bear to part with it. Enjoy!