Aria

Aria, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Iplehouse SID Aria is showing off a new dress from Iplehouse. She's also wearing new lingerie under that dress as well. Her wig is by Michele Hardy.

More photos can be found on Flickr. Thanks for looking!

Stella

Stella, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Miss Stella - my Iplehouse/Fairyland hybrid - is moping around in her new IH Marilyn dress.

Isn't she gorgeous?

Rexy in new Iplehouse fashion

Rexy, a photo by alington on Flickr.

Finally, nYID Rexy has some fashions that fit well, and she's pleased about it.

This adorable outfit, the Sky Flower Set, is one of the new outfits available from Iplehouse designed just for the nYID body. You can see additional photos of Rexy on Flickr.

Rexy has makeup from Iplehouse (type C), Mint on Card glass eyes in cyan, and a wig by Iplehouse as well. She's tan--special real skin.

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!