My Pretty Brown Doll: Crochet Patterns for a Doll

Love love love this book just what the world of crochet was screaming out for. Brown and black girl hair done brilliantly by a gorgeous lady who knows best.5 Stars 🤎🖤

First, let me break down the details for anyone who is curious.In this book you will find patterns for:- one base doll body with nonremoveable undershorts that will produce an approximately 15.5 inch tall doll- two variations on that base, including a ballerina with a non-removable top and a mermaid tail- three basic hairstyles (one of which has two variations)-12 different pieces of clothing, including several different shirts, some pants, a couple of dresses, some skirts, and even a tutu made of tulle rather than crocheted- 13 different accessories, including shoes, socks, a beret, a backpack, and a fabric headscarfAfter the instructions for the base body and the hair, the clothes and accessories are grouped together in outfits. These include a scientist, two athletes (or three if you count the ballerina), two students, etc. No princess. The author does not count simple variations in colors as their own pattern the way so many designers do. If an outfit piece carries over from a previous one, she'll refer you back to the first pattern. There's no gaming the system here.(Please understand my pattern counts for the outfit pieces might not be 100% correct; I did my best but make no guarantees.)In addition to the obvious things like yarn and stuffing, you will need 15mm safety eyes and 3/8 inch wooden dowels (the author recommends buying 12 inch long dowels and cutting them down). If you want to make the Afro Puffs, you'll need a pompom maker. If you want to make the "curls for days" you'll need extra dowels (which of course can be reused) and a hair dryer. Note as well that two of the three hairstyles call for bulky weight yarn but a worsted weight wig cap.Now, a bit of a technical review. I've been crocheting a very long time, so I can't be 100% sure, but I feel confident the instructions are so clearly laid out even a rank beginner can achieve success. There are bountiful clear photos of the steps to make the basic doll. Everything is explained in the order you will need it as you are crocheting, and she explains the construction sequence and techniques at the beginning of the book.The patterns for the clothes and accessories do not have the tutorial style photos but they do have clear instructions. The outfits are all very nicely put together. They seem to all use worsted weight yarn, except of course the two fabric things mentioned.It's already been mentioned in other reviews, but the book is of very high quality. The paper is heavy and glossy. The photos are all fabulous. The dolls, clothing, and accessories are beautifully staged.Now, for what I wish this book had. There aren't any patterns specifically for boy dolls, though several bits can easily be used to make a boy. I'd also like to see more professional outfits. These are exceedingly minor things, though, and do not take away from the quality of the book at all. I hope their omission leaves the door open for a follow up.Finally, I want to echo the excitement of other reviewers that this book even exists. No one needs a white chick to tell them how important representation is. I'm so very excited to have it in my hands, though. It is, sincerely, one of the nicest books on making crochet dolls that I have come across. The technique to make curly hair is awesome. The Parisienne doll in particular is absolutely adorable, and I'm going to make it for my best friend. You won't regret buying this, no matter what a doll who looks like you looks like.

This was a highly anticipated purchase. Yolanda let everyone know how great this book is and yes she was right. This book takes you through crochet doll making. It has something for the beginner and beyond. The pictures are beautiful! I went through the whole book and now I’m ready to make every project. You won’t be disappointed with this purchase. A bonus is Yolanda has a Facebook group to support the maker. Well done!

I honestly became emotional holding this book. For so long we had to edit or adapt our designs. To have something so inclusive was amazing. BUT, to have it designed by one of our own was absolutely emotional. Look at what we can do for us. And from this one book, look at how many little girls, moms, grandmoms, friends, etc... lives will change by it. Holding something that represents them and us as a whole is wonderful. This book was beautifully written. You can feel Yolanda Jordan's love, passion, and hope exude off each page. Her vision was definitely needed. Buy this book, for yourself or as a gift. It's so worth it.

I was sooooo exited to learn doll making and could not seem to pick it up until now. I've been following Yolanda on YouTube for some time, silently but am truly amazed that she finally published this book. Thank you for a beautiful book. I ordered the paperback and the Kindle so I can take your book on the go with me if I am ever in need of a project. I have tons of the Lion Brand Skein Tones when they originally came out. I use to follow another doll maker but could never connect to get anything done. Thank you so much for sharing your art in a beautiful and convenient way. Bravo!