Dolly Bureau, Volume I - A new pattern book by Megann Zabel

MSD/1:4 doll patterns, a photo by theartofmegann on Flickr.

Doll patterns in a book, all to scale, with clear instructions in English, designed for beginners to intermediate dolly couture fans? Sounds too good to be true--but it isn't! Check out Megann Zabel's newly released book, Dolly Bureau Volume 1, available now!

The retail price of the book is $27.95, and you can currently find it for sale from DollyBureau.com, Amazon, Denver Doll Emporium, The Doll Peddlar, The Swell Shop, and also at Azone's booth in doll shows in Japan. This price gets you a 100-page full color book, in 8.5x11 size. Inside, you'll find 14 full outfits (lots of mix-and-match pieces) for various dolls.

Volume I includes outfits for Momoko, Poppy Parker/Misaki, Chip (FR:Homme), and 1:4 (MSD) and 1:12 (Lati Yellow and Pukifee) sized BJDs. Additionally, lots of full-color photographs display other dolls, such as Pullip, Odeco, J-doll, Tiny Betsy McCall, Model Muse Barbie, Ken, Limhwa To You, and Liv. The patterns are to scale, and require only tissue paper to transfer.

Megann Zabel, the owner of MegannArt, has a background in fine arts and design, which really shows in this publication. The attention to detail in her patterns, illustrations, and overall design of the book is amazing. The book is beautiful--it is a must-have for any fashion doll fan, in addition to the budding designer.

In addition to her gorgeous layout and photography, I must add that the instructions are really wonderful. Megann includes a step-by-step photo tutorial of the first pattern, which--for me--is particularly helpful. Even if you have no (or limited) prior knowledge of sewing in smaller sizes, the supply lists, techniques, and clear instructions (such as what exactly "easing" means), all make me want to try again.

Additionally, the author invites her readers to share the results of their endeavors online. While the patterns are designed for personal use, you can join the group on Flickr here--plus sneak a peek at the terrific patterns inside the book. Personally, I am in love with Megann's photography!

This is Megann's first publication, and I happen to know Volume II is in the works now. I'm thrilled to see more from her, and am so excited to see this new line of easy-to-use patterns.

This book would make the perfect gift for a young doll collector, in addition to those of us who have been collecting for a while. My nine year-old Lauren is really inspired, and I hope to be sharing some of her creations shortly!

Alice: Out of the Box sneak peek!

If I can ever get the file uploaded and working properly--this book is on its way to draft form--as of yesterday. I'm also hoping to debut this book in digital format as well. I'll keep you posted.

It's more eye candy and fandom than a how-to, so even if you're not a BJD fan, you might like it.

Birthdays and the like!

Lati Yellow Bayer Alice full-set with kitty, my birthday present!

I'm 39 today (really, it's my first 39th birthday), and I have plans for 2012.

First, this will be the year of conventions. I'm very excited to say I'm already planning on attending some this year. If you haven't already registered for the IFDC, and while it's primarily a fashion doll convention, I will be teaching a seminar called Ball-Jointed Dolls for Beginners. Ms. Cholong of Boutique Doll (US Dollheart and Ruby Red Galleria rep) has ever so graciously agreed to provide some surprises for the seminar, and I'll be having some there, too. Please join me if you can.

Second, I'm going through my doll collections again. I'm hoping to piece together an article later today (or this week) about how I'd like my collection to refocus later today, but because it's mostly changing on the fashion doll side, I might be posting over at the Fashion Doll Review. 

Third, I'm planning a project in a brand new format. It's about 80% complete. I'm hoping to make it multi-platform, so it will be accessible to most (if not all) of you. I'm still working on that part. It's a fun project--not really educational--more "artsy," if I dare use the term--and I'm planning on a launch date in the middle of February.

Finally, my second BJD-related book has a name: The BJD Enthusiast. Is there anything you'd like to see in it, specifically? I welcome your comments, particularly if you think the Beginners book was lacking in an area. This is not a revision--it will be all new material, including professional, step by step face-up instructions, which are fabulous!

I can't wait for another new year, and I hope to be posting more frequently to this blog!