My Pretty Brown Doll: Crochet Patterns for a Doll That Looks Like You

This book is beautiful. I pre-ordered it on the recommendation of a yarn crafter I follow, and I'm so glad I did. Knitting is my primary yarn craft - but crotchet really is so great for sturdy stuffed toys. These excellently photographed step-by-step patterns will give you a full-sized firm, well-made doll that is set up for kids to actually play with, as well as a delight visually! There are far too many uncanny crochet doll patterns out there, and this book has excellent facial features designs and directions so you don't end up accidently building a creepy doll. And just as importantly, realistic varied hair in the form of hair bases (wig caps) with detailed instructions for braids, puffs, ponytails and curls.I enjoy Yolanda Jordan's range of interests available in her clothing and accessories. My five-year-old daughter is thrilled to have a mermaid option (which is a pattern without legs or clothing options, of course). And my 12-year-old adores the many possible hair choices as well as outfits - softball and soccer uniforms, collegiate sweater, school uniform, fairy wings, tutu, labcoat, dress, backpack. Each doll is photographed in a finished look, but most of the accessories can be changed in and out - only the ballerina and the mermaid have permanent design changes from the base doll.To note as well - my daughters are both white. Ultimately, I'll let them decide on the flesh tone and hair styles and colors for their dolls, but this book is about much more than yarn choices. This book, where brown hands model the steps and brown dolls are featured in every design, is a powerful collection of intentional skin colors and normalizing ethnic/natural hair in all of its unique expressions.

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.

I bought this book to be supportive. I LOVE this book because it is so well written and has the best designs. I am almost finished with my first doll and can't wait to do more of this. We always search for the best gifts for our grandchildren - how about making a doll that is unique to them? Get this book. You don't need to be a crochet expert or use fancy yarn to make something incredible!

I had my eyes on this book for awhile but my daughter wanting a doll gave me the push to finally buy it. I asked her to draw how she wanted her doll to look. The next day after receiving the book she had her doll. She was amazed and so happy.What I love most about the book is that the patterns are very well explained and easy to follow.Thank you - One Happy Mama and 8 y/o❤️

Add this book to your crochet library!

I like this book so much, I bought the e-book for my Kindle. I had pre-ordered the original back in April. The pattern instructions are so clear and easy to follow. My favorite pattern is the mermaid one. I love how there's clothing patterns for the doll as well. I 100% recommend this book.

I am weepy as I write this review. I simply love this book the quality is exceptional. I have waited years for a designer to release a book on how to create a ethnic doll. I understand designers want to keep their creations under wrap. But the prices they charge for a finished doll are well beyond my budget. I started crocheting as a stress reliever during the pandemic lock down. I am no where near a proficient but I was able to follow Yolanda's instructions and complete my first doll within 3 days. She is not perfect but my mom loves her and has placed her on her bed. I plan to make more dolls for the other older ladies in my life. This is the idea book for doll making. The instructions are complete and the pictures are wonderful. The author has a Youtube channel with supporting videos to assist you in the process of creating your doll.I'm hopeful that there will be another addition of this book. The only thing I suggests is making it spiral bound. I hate to get creases in a book. And I already know I will be using the book repeatedly.This book is an excellent source for any one wanting to learn how to make a crochet doll.

Lovely designs so many dollsWould love to see more books from this lady

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 🤎🖤

This book is excellent for doll making not only for brown dolls but you can also use for cultured dolled well written easy to follow instructions lots of pictures techniques almost finished the doll very easy not time consuming

Excellent livre de crochet, très bien rédigé, les explications sont claires et les photos excellentes.Beautiful amigurumi book, one of the best ! Well written, clear besutiful photos and explanations.Love it!