Content copyright . Joe Kowalski. All rights reserved.
Why Sister Mary Joseph’s Doll Bazaar?
This is quite a story. When I was a kid going to a catholic school, the nuns every year had a Bazaar at the convent next to my school. My favorite booth at the “Bazaar” was always the doll booth run by Sister Mary Joseph. Well, forty years later Sister Mary Joseph and the convent were long gone. I was recovering from a back surgery and ended up living at a handicap accessible apartment built on the site of the old convent. I always felt secure in that apartment but at times late at night I could hear the distinct “click” of nun’s shoes down the tiled hallways and the jangle of beads the nuns always wore. I always felt this was Sister Mary Joseph watching over me while I was recovering. When I started doing my patterns I named them and my eBay store for that dear old nun who loved her dolls. I have now moved but I still feel like she is watching over me, my home, my cats and my dolls.
Sister Mary Joseph’s Doll Patterns began as a hobby: a simple and economic way for an internationally known Theatrical Costume Designer and Educator to share his designs with fashion doll lovers across the United States. It has evolved into an internationally known name in doll patterns.
These patterns are a labor of love; they are Unique; known for their originality, ease of making and attention to detail. Great care is taken to adapt period and modern clothing to fit the miniature scale of fashion dolls. Each pattern is hand drafted, not mechanically manipulated through a computerized designing program.
Highly detailed- hand illustrated - Instruction Guides in each pattern include hints and tips utilizing techniques drawn from 30 years of Theatrical Experience. However, I can’t include all the information I would like to in every pattern so I am including here down-loadable files that have expanded explanations of using special materials and techniques as well as a list of sources and some fun facts and about historical costuming and movie trivia that you might find interesting.
Downloads of Tips and Trivia
Click on one of the files below and you can save it to your computer or print it out if you like!
1. Setting eyelets and studs A How-To on setting eyelets and Paper Brads used as studs on garments.
2. Working with Leather, Suede and faux Leathers A How -To on working with these materials
3. Movie and Doll Trivia A fun little trip through old Hollywood and costume history
4.Sources sources for doll accessories and doll dressing supplies
5. Working with Lace Tips on working with lace in doll size
