Absolutely adorable set, but not for beginners!
I am an experienced seamstress, but I have never made a project from a book. I didn't know I would have to trace my own patterns onto parchment paper! Tracing the pieces for Mary, Joseph and Jesus took me over 2 hours. The instructions are excellent, however, the few black/white pictures shown were not too helpful. Trying to fit the main body pieces together with all the curves was a challenge. I had no idea how big the finished pieces would be - Joseph stands about 13" tall! There is no mention of size anywhere in the book. This set requires a lot of time, patience and skill if it is done right. It definately is not for a beginning seamstress. I decided to "cheat" a little and add some small black eyes and some color to the face with a little powdered blush. I know the true Amish doll does not have a face, but I decided my dolls needed something! The tiny Amish quilts are simply exquisite. Now I just have to find the right place to display this large set at Christmastime!
My view on Amish Nativity by Ruth Ann Gingrich
I have started making the figures in the book, and I find the instructions easy to follow. The illustrations are very good.
Precious, unique patterns. Well designed.
After "discovering" this book quite accidentally (while searching for an advent calendar pattern), I feel as though I've found a diamond in the rough! This book is so unique, and so intelligently designed. The patterns are simple to sew, with clear and concise instructions. If you've ever matched notches and stitched curved seams, you can make this nativity! Wonderful and relatively easy! As an experienced quiltmaker and novice cloth doll maker, I'm so glad this book even exists. It's exactly what I didn't know I was looking for!It is helpful to know the scale of the patterns: the manger (made with basketweave print fabric and interfacing) is approximately 4.5 x 7 x 2 inches tall. Not pictured on the cover is a great camel pattern. The donkey, who kneels, is designed without legs -- an example of how intelligently the patterns are designed. Most nativities I've seen are either rustically wooden or regally porcelain. This book is both humbling and inspirational, so in keeping with both the Amish and the nativity scene. I look forward to any future books by either co-authors.
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