Joan Nerini Doll Costuming Seminar
Recently, I traveled to Los Angeles to take a French
antique doll costuming seminar with Joan Nerini, from England. I have had many
requests for more information from this seminar, and so here is a report.
The seminar was held at Margaret Annes' Porcelain Doll Artistry Studio in El Segundo, California (a Seeley's Doll Studio) twice in September, from September 21 to 23, and from September 24 to 26, with approximately 14 students in each class. I attended the first session of the seminars.
Joan Nerini is an author of several doll costuming books, including "Creating Clothes For Dolls : How To Achieve That Perfect Fit and Authentic Look; " "Little Doll's Clothes, "Trimmings for Dolls, and "Socks for Dolls." She is an accomplished seamstress, and taught herself to make authentic doll clothing by dissecting many actual antique doll garments to find out how they were put together.
My skills at sewing are average at best (I am accomplished at
dressing my Miniature Dolls, but the
techniques
used for costuming miniature dolls are very, very
different than those used for larger antique dolls. There were all skill levels in
the class, from beginner (me!) to expert seamstresses. I found Joan to be an able
teacher (despite being quite exhausted by the travel and jet lag!) able to teach all
levels. You can see my finished costume (the first photo above) which is a
testament to her skill as a teacher!
The detailed costume included a box pleated, lined skirt, a
lined, panel jacket decorated in hand-sewn piping, plus lace and trim, a very intricate
ruched hat, and a scalloped and 
ruched plastron. I found the
box-pleated skirt and the hat to be the most challenging parts.
All students brought their sewing machines to class. Three of the students (including me) used their antique Singer Featherweight machines, which is perfect for this type of sewing. Much of the sewing was done by hand, using French handsewing techniques.
The cost of this seminar was $400, which seems expensive
until you realize that it was a full three-day seminar, that Joan had to travel to teach
it, and the cost of materials (fine silks and
laces) is quite high. Plus, Joan cuts all the fabric pieces for
each costume AHEAD of time, so that the outfit can be completed in three days!
Considering the techniques I learned (and the sewing confidence I gained!) I found
the seminar well worth it. Most of the students had their outfits substantially
finished by the end of the class (I had trim to attach, a hat bow to make, and some hooks
and eyes to attach, but that was it!). The class included a separate underwear kit
to be completed on the students own time.
Joan travels to Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand to teach her seminars. If you don't have an opportunity to attend one of her seminars, but are interested in her sewing techniques, Joan has just published "Creative Dressmaking For French Dolls," a book of full-sized patterns (including the outfit shown here) to dress 20" and 24" French dolls (and reproductions!). The book is wonderful, but the instructions might be difficult for beginning seamstresses. The book is available from Taffeta Publications.
PHOTOS: Reproduction Jumeau in Cherry and Ecru: Completed Costume by Denise Van Patten; doll head by Margaret Anne Wolfe
Class in Progress
Detail on back of dress (sample costume)
Doll Costume in blue: Costume made by seminar teacher Joan Nerini
Joan Nerini
Do you have any questions about this seminar, or doll costuming? If so, visit the Dolls Forum!
Back to the Doll Collecting Main Page
aricle and photos by Denise Van Patten
