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Doll Couture: Creating Custom Clothes Featuring the Story of Lola
Haberdasher to the stars and famed designer Kenneth King brings his Belle Epoque sensibilities to the world of custom doll clothing construction in Doll Couture . Inspired by his viral social media stories of Crazy Bella and her high-fashion friends, Doll Couture showcases King's one-of-a-kind designs for clothes that fit 11 inch posable dolls.
Doll fashion has a long history within the tableau of clothing construction as the first way many constructionists started their sewing journeys. What sewing-crazy kid doesn't remember creating outfits for a favorite doll? Doll clothing was the entry point for so many, and it remains a craft that speaks to the intricacies of detail work that go into all clothing construction.
The recently renewed interest in doll culture, nostalgic focus on collectibles, and renewed interest in the fiber arts make this the perfect time to step into this space. Guided by King, an expert in couture sewing who threads the needle between the mechanics of garment construction and the visual feast of rich fabrics and design, Doll Couture will be a one-of-a-kind project that both delights and inspires.
Doll fashion has a long history within the tableau of clothing construction as the first way many constructionists started their sewing journeys. What sewing-crazy kid doesn't remember creating outfits for a favorite doll? Doll clothing was the entry point for so many, and it remains a craft that speaks to the intricacies of detail work that go into all clothing construction.
The recently renewed interest in doll culture, nostalgic focus on collectibles, and renewed interest in the fiber arts make this the perfect time to step into this space. Guided by King, an expert in couture sewing who threads the needle between the mechanics of garment construction and the visual feast of rich fabrics and design, Doll Couture will be a one-of-a-kind project that both delights and inspires.
- GenresNonfictionArt
192 pages, Paperback
Published December 12, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
February 22, 2024
An excellent book on a very narrow topic - this is REAL couture sewing with linings and finished seams and everything! I read it mostly for the bio of the author, whom I really admire at Threads Insiders. He's a great teacher.
If you ever wanted to create a Chanel suit or a very dressy gown for your barbie-scale doll, this is the book for you! If you're into cosplaying with 1/6 scale dolls, you may get some useful patterns and lessons in how to create truly fitted outfits. Otherwise - admire the lovely pictures, read King's wonderful intro, and vow never to drive yourself insane with teensy tiny sewing!
If you ever wanted to create a Chanel suit or a very dressy gown for your barbie-scale doll, this is the book for you! If you're into cosplaying with 1/6 scale dolls, you may get some useful patterns and lessons in how to create truly fitted outfits. Otherwise - admire the lovely pictures, read King's wonderful intro, and vow never to drive yourself insane with teensy tiny sewing!
January 6, 2024
I will have to read this again over for all the details. It’s a wonderfully whimsical and fun storyline to go with Julia Child-level detailed how-to instructions on the patterns. I can’t wait to make or get my hands on all the specialized tools!!!
April 17, 2024
I don't know if Goodreads somehow monitors reviews, but this book is currently attributed to the wrong Kenneth King (should be Kenneth D King). Anyone know how to fix that?
Doll Couture is a creative, playful approach to couture sewing techniques. Although the patterns and instructions are definitely not for the absolute beginner sewist, the book encourages imagination and play alongside attention to detail, precise cutting and sewing, and couture touches like buttonhole-stitched snaps and thread chain hanger loops. Garments are sewn from fine fabrics, fully lined, with finished seam allowances.
And that's just the techniques side of the book. Lola's story provides context and purpose for the fashion: each garment fills a sartorial need for the wearer. Translated to the language of stylists, these are clothes for the life Lola lives.
Doll Couture is a creative, playful approach to couture sewing techniques. Although the patterns and instructions are definitely not for the absolute beginner sewist, the book encourages imagination and play alongside attention to detail, precise cutting and sewing, and couture touches like buttonhole-stitched snaps and thread chain hanger loops. Garments are sewn from fine fabrics, fully lined, with finished seam allowances.
And that's just the techniques side of the book. Lola's story provides context and purpose for the fashion: each garment fills a sartorial need for the wearer. Translated to the language of stylists, these are clothes for the life Lola lives.
November 3, 2025
So far, I've made knickers, and the dress. Lots of dresses, six or more. This has changed the way I make Barbie clothes forever.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews