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Dollybird Vol. 41: Ruruko Takes the Cover
Dollybird Vol. 41 Key Details
- Theme: Ruruko
- Publisher: Hobby Japan
- Volume: 41
- ISBN: 9784798641577
- Where to Buy: CDJapan, eBay, Amazon Japan, Etsy
Hobby Japan just released a new issue of Dollybird, and this one is all about Ruruko.
Dollybird is a magazine for doll collectors who enjoy crafting, sewing, and keeping up with new releases.
If you collect Japanese fashion dolls, you have probably come across it before. Each issue covers doll features, patterns, and projects and this one has a lot going on.
Let’s take a look at what’s inside.
Ruruko Is the Cover Star
The cover features a special collaboration Ruruko doll made with the fashion brand Candy Stripper.
The collab came together at the request of designer Namie Manabe, and the result is a doll dressed in a matching outfit alongside an elementary school model inspired by Ruruko.
If you are not familiar with Ruruko, she is part of the PetWORKs family of dolls. She is the younger sister doll of the lineup, roughly the same size as Licca-chan, and has been around long enough to build a real collector following.
Inside the magazine, you will find a 1/6 scale pattern for a Candy Stripper dress by allnurds. If you enjoy making clothes for your dolls, this one is worth a look.
There is also a collaboration project with ryoko from mimi décor, who is known for her Rika doll content.
In this issue, she brings her styling eye to Ruruko, from makeup and hair to pattern making and shoe colors.
The project introduces what the magazine calls “Ruru activities,” with a fresh visual direction for Ruruko.
Orders for the collaboration Ruruko ae [mimi décor], designed by ryoko will be available exclusively through Dollybird.
Sugary Girls Gets a Feature
The second feature covers Sugary Girls, a blind doll series that has been getting a lot of attention lately. These are 1/8 scale dolls based on the sweet girl illustrations of artist Eku Kamikura.
This issue includes a photo spread produced by Roseden with a popular dress designer, plus a basic 1/8 scale clothing pattern by pantalgic-mimi.
The issue also walks through some simple customization ideas to help you make your Sugary Girls feel like your own.
More Dolls and Projects Inside
The issue does not stop there.
Cherry-chan also known as be my baby! Cherry has a feature too.
She teamed up with lace apparel brand Overlace to create an original embroidered lace dress set made at a lace factory in Okayama.
The result is a special made-in-Japan lace dress that feels worth seeing up close.
There is also a brand-new doll introduced in this issue. Her name is Suzu, and she is from Seaside Peach’s new series called “Seaside Uniform Life.”
She is a 1/6 scale doll with long hair, handcrafted by artisans at Little Factory.
A Dollybird-exclusive Suzu Sailor Edition is available, and the magazine includes a pattern for a 1/6 scale school bag by Red Camera.
A Few More Things Worth Mentioning
There is another new doll project tucked inside the issue, but the magazine is keeping the details close. You will have to read it yourself to find out what it is.
The issue also includes coverage of several doll events which is always a nice way to see what the community has been up to.
And as a treat in every issue, MAKI-sensei has included a paper craft.
This time it is a “devil summoning item” featuring Babymare-chan in a new color.
It is meant to be cut out and enjoyed and according to the magazine, the little devil just might bring you good fortune.
Dollybird Book Information
- Pages: 112
- Publisher: Hobby Japan
- ISBN: 9784798641577
- Release: March 2026
- Price: ¥2,200 about $14
Where to Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Every issue is built around photography and styling, so the visuals alone make it worth flipping through. When you want the full story behind an interview or a pattern, a translator app like Google Translate rounds out the experience.
Patterns cover Ruruko, Sugary Girls, and Suzu, and more. Keep in mind that patterns use a mix of photo instructions and illustrations. Sewing from the illustrated patterns takes a bit more patience, especially if you are new to doll sewing.
Ruruko is a PetWORKs doll series. The cover model is a Candy Stripper collaboration doll, available as a Dollybird exclusive. This issue also includes a 1/6 scale Candy Stripper dress pattern along with a look back at 13 years of Ruruko and PetWORKs history.
Yes. eBay is one of the best places for older volumes. CDJapan, Etsy, and Amazon Japan also carry Dollybird books. See the Complete List of Dollybird Magazine Books for the full index.
Let’s Chat
Are you a Ruruko collector, or is she new to you?
And after seeing what’s inside, vol. 41, is this one going on your list?
Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
If you’d like to see more Dollybird issues, we have a resource page just for that. Browse the Dollybird collection here.
Ready to keep going? Dollybird Vol. 42 is up next.
More Dollybird Resources
- Complete List of Dollybird Magazine Books
- Dollybird Sewing Patterns & Paper Crafts: Vol 41–50
- Your Complete Guide to Dollybird Magazine Patterns by Volume
Source: Dollybird
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I don’t buy every issue of Dollybird but this one I have been waiting for.
Hi Sunshine,
Oh, this issue is definitely calling your name 😊
What are you most excited about?
Dollybird vol. 41 is packed with so many dolly goodies!
I can’t wait to get a copy too, but it might be a little while for me; got to take care of some bills first 😅
I am really excited about all the projects and features in this issue, but the pattern for 1/8 dolls is what I’m looking most forward to as I have a Sugary Girl doll and would love to make her an outfit.
Hi Sunshine,
Oh, you have a Sugary Girl doll!
I’ve been curious about them after seeing this issue.
What are they like? And where did you get yours?
If you try the pattern, come back and let me know how it goes 😊 It sounds like so much fun.