My Rag Doll by Corinne Crasbercu
I’ve just finished making my first ragdoll, from the aptly named ‘My Rag Doll’ book by Corinne Crasbercu. I’m very pleased with “Dolly” (a particularly original named bestowed upon her by my three year old daughter), though unfortunately and somewhat paradoxically, I’m rather less than pleased with the book itself. For despite the beautiful dolls and great photography, the patterns and instructions are insufficient and in some cases incorrect.
I wanted to make a ragdoll for my daughter and thought it would be easier and quicker to make from a book with patterns and instructions for both the doll and her clothes, rather than creating them from scratch. After a good search, I felt that ‘My Rag Doll’ certainly offered the most charming dolls, however the reviews on Amazon were also a mixed bag. The general consensus seemed to be that the dolls and their outfits were utterly delightful but there were a substantial number of people commenting that thought that this was a book for advanced sewers only. Being a reasonably experienced sewer, I thought it was worth giving the book a try as I couldn’t find another with dolls I liked half as much. Having now completed a doll from the book I would have to agree with the “advanced sewers only” assessment. It’s unfortunate as the dolls should not be that complicated to make, if only the instructions were better.
I choose to make the cover doll as I loved both the red Princess leia style bunches and the dungarees. The basic template for all 11 dolls in the book is the same, it is just the hair and facial features that differ. In the edition of the book I have, the pattern pieces for both the doll and clothes are full sized so you can just trace them off rather than have to enlarge them by 140%, something that was a common gripe amongst other reviewers with previous editions. I wouldn’t have minded enlarging them so much, but what I did find frustrating was the incompleteness and the errors in the templates. For starters, none of the pattern pieces are drafted with seam allowances, which is such a pain as after tracing them all out you then have to add a 1cm seam allowance before cutting, something I found unnecessarily time consuming. I can only assume the publisher was looking to penny pinch and didn’t want to include a few extra pages to accommodate the slightly bigger patterns that adding the seam allowances would have produced.
Perhaps the biggest issue I had with the pattern pieces though were the errors. I can only speak for the particular garments that I made, but the dungarees had two major errors within the template. The first is that all the leg pieces were labelled “1/2 Front Leg”, which is not helpful in the slightest. The second is that the bib piece was not symmetrical, when it blatantly should be so I had to readjust it. For a beginner, I imagine both of these issues would have resulted in much stitch unpicking and wasted fabric.
Possibly the worst thing for a beginner would be the instructions. There are no adjacent photographs or diagrams, just text. I don’t think it helps that the text has probably been translated from French. In places the instructions feel skimmed over or sometimes even in the wrong order. I had to resort to looking on Youtube for clearer instructions on how to create the doll’s hair. Luckily, my experience in pattern cutting and sewing enabled me to make up the clothes without too much trouble but I was admittedly working from my own knowledge a lot of time, rather than following the instructions. The author also assumes the reader has a sound understanding of sewing and embroidery terminology, for example reference is made to ‘skeins’ (a length of thread or yarn, loosely coiled and knotted), ‘satin stitch’ and ‘bullion knots’ without any accompanying images or glossary.
That being said, the book itself is very nice with great photography of the dolls and also pretty lays of the fabrics and trims needed for each one. It makes for a pleasant coffee table book if nothing else. I probably wouldn’t recommend the book for beginners but if you have some experience of sewing and making clothes, the gorgeous, and very French, detailed design of the dolls make it worth giving a go, despite the book’s shortcomings.
Ro
I completely agree! I’ve just made a doll today, and like you, had to rely on my own sewing experience and knowledge rather than the instructions and pattern. I was also frustrated by the lack of seam allowance on the patterns – I had recently come across this on a US pattern – maybe they all do this!!
The doll body part patterns didn’t match up and it was extremely fiddly to get the arms to fit correctly into the holes. Lots of instructions seemed to be missing, but I worked it out and am ridiculously pleased with my little doll. Now to make some clothes! 🙂
I came across your blog whilst searching the author’s name for more help!
Podflower
I’m glad it wasn’t just me that had difficulties then 🙂
I don’t know why it is common to not include the seam allowances – it’s not like you won’t need them and is just a pain to have to add them yourself. It’s such a shame the pattern and instructions let the book down so badly because the doll designs themselves are just lovely.
Would love to see a pic of your finished dolly!
x
Beverley Nicolaides
I also found the same problem very annoying and when you go online to look for answers there are videos available WHICH YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR!! Shame on you Corinne!
Lindsay
Hi i just bought this book and am finding it difficult to construct the head. I have made several but i am not happy with tje appearance at all. If you could give me a few tips i would be very grateful. Thanks
Podflower
Hi Lindsay, which bit of the head are you having difficuty with? Is it point number 3 – reducing the back of the head?
Lynn Rossetto
I have been trying to make the dungeness for 3 days…have involved my engineering husband and we can not figure it out…where is the back pant piece..why is there 2 front pant pieces that don’t fit…any help would be appreciated. Are there updates to this book to cover or explain mistakes?
Podflower
Hi Lynn, The two pieces on page 123 (the ones with the brace piece also on them) make up the back pieces – they are wrongly labelled 1/2 leg front (very helpful isn’t it!). The pieces need to be joined where the dotted line is before you cut out the fabric, so the more rectangular piece is the bottom of the trouser leg, then then piece with the curved edges makes up the back bodice area. Once you have stuck these two paper pattern pieces together at the dotted line, then you need to cut two opposite pairs out of the fabric, so one piece will be the back right leg/bodice, the other the back left leg/bodice. The centre or “crotch seam” is the longer curve, the shorter curve is the bottom of the armhole, if that makes sense. Hopefully that helps, please let me know of you need any further assistance!
Lynn Rossetto
Thank you so much for your help….going to give it a try right now!
Beverley Spurlock
I completely agree with all of the above comments regarding this book . It does give me some degree of satisfaction to hear other experienced sewers experienced the same frustration. I was beginning to worry that dementia was setting in when I couldn’t understand the directions. I resorted to abandoning them altogether and just putting the clothes together relying on my past sewing experience as others did.
I have made several dolls and the clothes to go with them by using the patterns and pictures as only a reference and inspiration but checking and refitting every piece BEFORE I stitched anything. That said the book is well worth the price for the inspiration but don’t give it to a newbie seamstress it might make her abandon the art of sewing all together. It also irritated me that the only tutorial I could find was one offered by the author and they were charging a lot for it.
Pam
I’ve just made this doll (it is actually one doll after all – just different hairstyles and face designs). I bought the book months ago; I have the version that requires pattern enlarging, but there was a loose page with a link and passcode to print off full size versions. Like everyone else, I’ve rolled my eyes at the lack of seam allowance, found the pattern errors and relied on my own knowledge of sewing and doll-making to bring this doll to life. As you say, there’s really no reason for it to be so difficult. I have other doll books written in Japanese but I’ve made one and a whole wardrobe without any trouble! It’s the diagrams that are lacking in this book, even just a close up photo would help in some instances. I also found the video tutorial and its price tag…bit cheeky really, since they wouldn’t need a tutorial if the instructions and patterns were clearer.
Have complained like that, I do love the doll I have created from this pattern and hope there’s a sequel with more outfits in (less frilly perhaps).
Sharla
I too have bought this book. I thought i could make rag dolls for my god daughters for xmas. I am struggling to even construct the legs and feet. I am fairly new to sewing and getting frustrated. I cant find any tutorials on you tube either
Podflower
Hi Sharla,
It’s such a shame the instructions are so poor as the rag dolls are lovely and would make great xmas presents for your god daughters. If you would still like to make rag dolls for your god daughters then you could give “Nami” a try. She is a 30cm rag doll made from a kit that contains everything you need and also more importantly the instructions are very detailed and clear. She is available in the Podflower shop: http://podflower.com/product/nami-poddolly-sewing-kit/ and also available via Etsy if you prefer: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/464338517/kawaii-chibi-rag-doll-kit-nami?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=nami&ref=sr_gallery_1
Margaret Goldie
I appreciate your comments on this book. I have just bought it and now am wondering should I or should I not have a go…!!! I made a doll recently by Pauline Ineson and was pleased with it in the end, but it also in some areas had instructions that were not quite as clear as they could have been.
Podflower
Hi Margaret, I would definitely give it go as the dolls are lovely if you can get through the instructions! It sounds like you have some experience with making dolls that don’t have full istructions so you might well be able to figure this one out too! If you get stuck feel free to ask for some tips! Good luck!
Caitlin Bryson
Hi Podflower, I too have experienced frustration with the lack of instructions and the errors in this book! Just a question, I have found that the bloomers and half bloomers pattern pieces seem to have the seam allowance included in the top and bottom of them, and am wondering how you have found the bloomer pattern? If I add 2cm seam allowance at the bottom of them as detailed in the instructions (say on p45, which are incorrectly instructions for the half bloomers, not full ones which are part of this doll’s clothes) then the fold lines and elastic casings are all out. Help!
Jackie Frewin
I thought it was just me. I’ve copied all the pattern pieces, and carefully cut them out only to realise that no seam allowance is included, which is a nuisance. And when one piece, eg dungarees leg and pocket, is overlaid on another piece, it doesn’t give any clues which lines to follow for each piece. I will need to get out my old sewing patterns for proper instructions as my sewing is rusty. Thought this would be quick and easy to make for granddaughters for Christmas.
Cherry
Maybe we should start a support group for readers of this book! I like all the above sewers have struggled to use this book despite 50 + sewing years experience. It would have helped if some of the photos, instead of being whimsically posed, could have shown details lacking in the instructions. Glad to know I’m not alone in being frustrated by My Rag Doll book.
Shelley
Cherry did you manage to get this made? I am getting ready to start and looking for someone who has recently made one or wants to work on it. Perhaps we could help each other? Shelley
Cherry
I’m so sorry Shelley that I have only today at the end of March seen your comment. In answer to your question I have not and will not be making this doll. I bought the book because I was attracted to the clothes but decided to use the ideas to make my own versions and am now working on a much larger waldorf style doll.
Happy to try and help depending if you are still working with it or not obviously. I have clicked the notify me Bix so that should help!!
Cherry
Box!
Gill Smith
Totally agree !
Alison Keylock
Does anyone know how to make the ‘going on holiday’ dress? I have the book, which shows 2 or 3 photo’s, but there is no pattern…
Gill Smith
I am so pleased to have found these reviews as I found the reviews on Amazon horrifying ! However you have all given me some heart and hope ! I bought this book some time ago but am relieved to know I have the updated version with full size templates. I am making two for my twin granddaughters birthday at the end of May, I have cut out all pieces for the dolls and the first thing I’ll be doing is gathering the back of the head. I am quite excited at the prospect and hope my past sewing experience will see me through. I agree with you all, the instructions and photos are sadly lacking. I have had to spend some time reading through the instructions so here goes. I may tell you how it goes :0)
Shelley
I recently finished the doll. I had to find my own way at certain points and did the hair differently, but I am pleased. Working my way thru the outfits a little at a time, if you need any moral support let me know.
Margaret Goldie
Oh I did not know there was an updated version? I look forward to seeing/hearing how you get on with the dolls. Best wishes
Gill Smith
Thank you Margaret, I will try and update now and then.
Gill Smith
Dolls are coming along nicely, taking more filling than I expected. I want to buy hair next. Can you tell me if the cotton yarn for the blonde doll is dk or Aran. Of course the pattern does say which or how much !!!! Is one ball enough ? I’m wondering how much very fine mohair I would need for the other one. I would be grateful for suggestions, thank you so much!
Gill Smith
Sorry, tired today ! I meant ‘ does NOT say’ which or how much.
Kathleen Sheehan
So glad to find all your comments. I have the updated book with full sized templates and hope that means the seam allowance is now included. I have been going over the materials and instructions and had already decided I would have to give it my best guess. I am wondering if it would be easier to embroider the face before sewing to the doll. I have also found it difficult to locate some of the small print fabrics. Any suggestions?
Cherry
Little Oke Dolls sells dollmaking supplies including fabric for dolls’ clothes. Many of the dresses in the book are Liberty tana lawn which is lovely if a bit expensive. Alice Caroline sells small quantities making it more attractive price wise! I have bought from both online shops.
Gill Smith
Billow Fabrics sell Liberty Art Fabrics, they are perfect but a little expensive. Beware if trying to buy fat quarters !!! The smallest size is less than a fat quarter which I found to my cost as my dress pattern would not fit ! So I reordered them in the second size which is slightly larger than a fat quarter!
Cherry
Ouch! That is annoying. I have such a love for Liberty that if I have a tiny bit that isn’t quite enough for an outfit I will make a dress in a complementary colour or white lawn and use the Liberty as a bodice only or wide stripe on the bottom of a dress skirt etc.
Gill Smith
Thanks Cherry , that’s a brilliant idea, you’ve got my imagination flowing ! I love Liberty too .
Gauri k
Hi , I am from India and own one copy of the doll book. Though the instructions are sketchy ,I could figure out a way to sew the pieces. I have made traditional Indian costumes for my dolls (seven so far) .It was a difficult task but I managed and the dolls are immensely popular here.
Kathy
How tall is the rag doll? I bought the book intending to make them for my granddaughters for Christmas, I can’t figure out the feet and how to attach them to the legs. Did anybody have trouble doing them? The dolls are so cute and their clothes are adorable but I don’t know if I’ll try to make them. She needs to do a new book with detailed instructions and pictures. Has anybody bought the expensive tutorial? Is it worth buying.
Kathy
Kathleen Shhehan
I found the video useful. However it only covers the making of the doll. And I still didn’t know if my pattern in the book included seam allowances. I sewed mine “assuming” they did. The video does not include instructions for making the clothes. That’s been challenging. I’ve just kind of sewn based on my knowledge. I didn’t like the way the hair turned out and I took it off and used another method – sewing each strand to the head. Then cut it to a shoulder length which will withstand kids play better. It was time consuming but I like it much better.
I do wish they would go back and create detailed instructions with pictures and illustrations.
I am going to switch to another rag doll pattern and use the faces and ideas from the book.
Wishing you good luck on your doll making!
Kathleen
Kathleen Sheehan
My doll measures 12 inches.
Beverley Nicolaides
I’ve finished my doll , sewed the head and arms and legs together by hand, yes, very fiddly and has taken me ages I am now onto the dress and boy what a terrible pattern. iIwill look elsewhere for a pattern which fits my doll.17 inches in total!! having said all that she’s cute and I’m keen to finish her for my first granddaughter!
Gill Smith
I agree, the dress pattern was difficult. I persevered because I didn’t know where I could find another pattern. The neck was too high and I had to cut it lower and sleeves were fiddly with terrible instructions so I did it my way in a different order. Have you done the hair. There was no mention of cotton yarn thickness or quantity. But I did my best. I gave them to my twin granddaughters for their 5th birthday. I’ll try and add a photo
Sorry do not know how to !
Good luck 🙂
Beverley Nicolaides
Thanks Gill it’s good to know it’s not just me.!! Yes i did the hair, I just bought 1 ball of Merino Bland Chunky wool from John Lewis, which worked quite well in the end but again, fiddly. I think If I did another I would take photos of each stage and post them on somewhere like “Instructables” or Pintrest!! I made a toile of the bodice first just to see if it fitted properly and then used it as a vest! Thanks, Good luck to you too if you ever make another though I should think making two was quite enough!! I bet they loved them!
Gill Smith
Just had to reply Beverley, as I did make 3 ! I made one for me at the same time and used her as a model. I used cotton yarn for the girls’ as I thought it would stand up tougher for play. And tried the fine mohair for mine in a sort of strawberry blonde colour. I love it, it was like making a little wig and much more enjoyable. I followed the instructions in the book and for once it worked well. I left it long (once cut you can’t put it back on) and means I can plait it here and there, very pretty. Wish I could show you a photo. I suppose it’s not good policy to put your email in a reply ? She sits next to me now but only in her vest and bloomers( no time to make dresses etc) with a happy smile . Please don’t think I’m mad ! Good luck with yours
Beverley Nicolaides
Ah well done Gill, no they are very cute I understand your attachment 🙂 I will eventually put a picture on my face book page.
gillsmith1
I would love that and maybe then I could send you my photos
Beverley Nicolaides
I will when I’ve finished.
Ranae Clemenshaw
I love the dolls but I hate the book. She talks in this book as if she designed these dolls as a young girl! Directions are for a advanced sewer which I am not. I have made 4 dolls badly. I have tore apart many and put it a side for a while and am back at it again. Does anyone know how tall these dolls are I am thinking between 15 and 17 inches??? I have made many different dolls from others dolls makers patterns,even from books, bought email patterns and free doll patterns, no seam allowance is normal, so I assumed the same here, but most of all, I have always had very good directions and this is the first pattern book that just totally baffled me. I have made one doll that looked okay and gave it to my granddaughter with clothes, only those patterns on the dresses and trousers where the pits. I use them as suggestions now and I am now redoing the pattern my way so that things will go easier for me.
Ranae Clemenshaw
Hey after searching all over and checking others websites that sell the book I found on that said the doll is about 15 inches tall. Hope this helps everyone out there that was wondering. I have one at 15 and another at 17 the other dolls I am using their stuffing for new dolls with my own adapted pattern.
rosemary solesbury
i have the book and i have decide to make the doll without the seam allowances . The doll comes up smaller but the clothes fit. I am considering not making any more as i am getting very frustrated with the clothes the instruction are confusing and the pattern pieces don’t make sense. I re engineered the doll and redesigned the legs so that i could sew the arms and legs to the doll before stuffing them it turned out ok . I don’t like the way the outfits are made it would be nice to have facings for the neck and armhole
gillsmith1
I agree. I made my dolls and clothes by adding the seam allowance to all pieces, making 15 inch dolls. I managed the doll pattern. I made 3 , 2 for my twin granddaughters age 5 and one for me ! The cotton yarn for the hair for the girls I found quite difficult as the pattern did not say what weight yarn to use. I used an Aran weight which seems ok, but maybe dk/worsted would have been easier ? But I used fine mohair for mine , making the ‘wig’ as instructed and I love it. I knitted the base and threaded the hair on with a crochet hook, making it just thick enough to make it look natural. I have left it the length suggested and haven’t trimmed it yet as I rather love the wild look.
But the clothes were so awkward. The underwear was ok but the dresses I made were a terrible fit, hard to make the sleeves and to put them in. The neck was too high so I had to cut it out deeper and yes, I made a facing . I couldn’t understand the pinafore pattern at all so just had to guess. I managed to finish them both in time for their birthday end of May and they are a huge success. My dolly still hasn’t got a dress, no time ! She just sits in her vest and bloomers waiting with her cheery smile ! Good luck Rosemary if you make any more, I think it’s worth all the trouble, Gill x