It's Been a While

Yes, this blog has certainly been neglected recently. However, as you can see I have been busy with other things. Firstly, I'd like to introduce you to two of my recent arrivals ~ this little gal is another Gotz Happy Kidz by Hildegard Gunzel who's name is Clara. She is from the 2016 release, and she arrived on the 29th March, just three days after Katie. I am so pleased with these dolls, they are so much better IRL than I ever expected of play dolls.

 

I am particularly proud of this set, the pattern (11 Back to Basics School Set

by Jacqueline Gibb) can be found on Ravelry, though I modified the cardigan a little, more by chance than intent. :)

Sorry about the hair across her face in the next photo, I didn't notice it until I cropped it, but I thought it too nice not to post.

Now this doll below is a real disappointment. Her face is very pretty, but when I unboxed her the smell of the vinyl was ***** awful . . . a bit like pungent vinegar, and the smell took ages to dissipate, UGH! Her joints are loose and the stringing is uneven which makes her very difficult to stand. Then when she sits, one leg stays straight and doesn't bend at the knee like it's supposed to. I wasn't that impressed by her shoulders either, she's built like an Olympic swimmer!!

She is a Hape Kidz'n'Cats by Sonja Hartmann, who I have called Julia. I think Sonja should not have given the making of her dolls to Hape, if they are all going to arrive like this one, they are going to disappoint many Kidz'n'Cats followers.

I had pre-ordered a second of these dolls (Isabel) but have since cancelled it and ordered a completely different doll . . . but more on that when she arrives.

New Doll, Clothes & Shoes

My Gotz Happy Kidz Katie (2015) arrived 26th March, along with a D'Nenes Bolivian Marieta (Little Liberty) who I have renamed Libby (but more on her later).

As I have been feeling rather less "talkative" than normal I immediately began knitting this four piece outfit for her to model. It took some time to complete all four pieces, but I was perfectly happy knitting and thoroughly enjoyed the quiet time away from the computer.

I also ordered four pairs of shoes, of which only this pair managed to fit her rather chubby little feet. However, all is not lost, they will fit other dolls I have on hand. :)

This five piece outfit is for sale.

Now I am going back to my knitting, as this gal needs something in blue and I have another doll (who I will show you down the track) in need of new clothes.

Gotz Hannah and Her Dog 2016

Don't know where the year is going to, it's just disappearing so fast!! I thought I would take a little time out to re-organise my doll room and it has simply taken ages. I'm still not happy with it or anywhere near completing everything I had planned to do (but more on that later).

I have however, managed to slip another little doll into my basket. Well she's not so little, at 50cm/ 19.5" she's the tallest of my play dolls. I quite liked the 2017 edition of this Gotz doll, but wasn't keen on her having a fringe (bangs) so I had to do some hunting around to find last year's release. Fortunately, I found one in Melbourne at a reasonable price, so I shan't have the wait that would usually accompany an order for a doll and she should arrive later this week.

I'm looking forward to sewing for this gal as soon as I bring my new overlocker (serger) home. I am so lucky to have a hubby that likes to spoil me, he's paying for my BabyLock Imagine which was quite expensive compared to my old Janome, but what a great little machine. No complicated threading or tension adjustments to worry about with this baby!!

Hope you are all enjoying plenty of dolly time. :)