My Doll Haven

Everyone Needs Playtime

In our hectic, modern lives, many of us focus so heavily on work and family commitments that we never seem to have time for pure fun. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we stopped playing.

When we carve out some leisure time, we’re more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than engage in fun, rejuvenating play like we did as children. But play is not just essential for kids; it can be an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well.

There doesn’t need to be any point to the activity beyond having fun and enjoying yourself. By giving yourself permission to play with the joyful abandon of childhood, you can reap oodles of health benefits throughout life.

Monday

It Begins With an Idea

When I first saw the DIM Youra head I knew I had to have her, even though I wasn't sure what I was going to do with her. However, the more I looked at her, the easier it became to see who she would become . . . a sprite or more precisely a water spirit.

My first step was to purchase a body for her, a Luts Romantic Kid Delf. Then a wig and some very special eyes, not blue, nor green, but a combination of both.

As my thoughts turned to creating this water spirit, I gave her a name . . . Ondine.

Then a purpose . . . to direct the flow and course of the earth's water.

She would live in the waters of Elvin Forest and become a Guardian of the streams and the babbling brooks that meandered through it.

In my mind, Ondine's clothing had to shimmer just like the sun dancing on a lake and should be the colour of the sea. Soon the search for fabric was underway. I was lucky to find exactly what I was looking for quite quickly and as the idea continued to grow, the sewing began.

Fortunately, I had a lovely watery backdrop that would do to show you the first stage of Ondine's very special clothes.

Saturday

All in a Day's Work

I've had great fun in turning this beautiful piece of fabric

into this

then into this!

Hanako's (and mine) very first Kutaka & Obi.

Now to make her some sandals to wear with it, as her feet aren't suitable for Geta.

Wednesday

Reality Check

For the next week or so, I will be spending more time sewing for my own dolls, rather than making new garments for my Etsy store. Things have been very quiet over there and I am just not in the mood for throwing good money after bad, especially when it means neglecting my own dolls to do so.

I switched bodies over on Sally and Ondine, giving Sally the younger body and Ondine the fuller busted body. I think Sally almost looks like Alice in her new dress and I'm so pleased I chose blue for her, the colour really suits her complexion. However, I am debating as to whether I should make stockings, socks or leave her legs as they are . . . any thoughts?

Hanako has been sitting on my sewing table since her arrival on the 14th May. Poor thing is completely naked (except for her wig), waiting for me to make her a yukata and sandals to wear.

Pippin is also waiting for her outfit to be made, although she has been wearing clothes belonging to her cousin, in the meantime.

Daisy and Maisie need face ups before they really look like sisters and I need to complete their dresses . . . the patterns have been drafted, but I'm still waiting on some pretty fabric to arrive.

There are more dolls coming, but not for some months yet, but you can read all about them HERE.

Ooops, I almost forgot, Ondine needs a very special costume too!