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.

Sunday

Julia's New Wig & Friend

I think Julia looks a good deal prettier in this wig and she is so much happier now she has a friend to play with.

ABYA ~ Yes, I knitted the outfit ~ the dress is a free "Poppy" pattern and the sampler cardi was created from the depths of my own noggin! :)

Friday

Photoshoot: Bunnies, Owls & Roses

I've just finished these outfits modelled by Gotz dolls, Katie, Hannah and Clara. It's a little unfortunate that the lighter printed fabrics look a little washed out in the photo . . . they are more colourful IRL.

I was hoping to have co-ordinating shoes/boots for them in time for this photoshoot, but I am still waiting on their delivery.

The short sleeve top is a easily understood FREE pattern to knit and has a four button closure at the back. The dress is made up of five rectangles of fabric, no fancy cutting or pattern needed and can easily be made to suit any size doll.

The dresses are really simple to make, no pattern needed, I made it up as I went along. It’s just 5 rectangles of fabric, 1 for the skirt 5.5″ x half the fabric width, 1 for the contrast hem same length x 4″ which folds up over the seam to form the hem, 1 for the waistband 12″ x 4″ which folds down over the gathered seam, and 2 for the straps (2″ wide then folded in half). I closed it at the back with buttons (no back seam), straps stitched at the back crossed and fasten with buttons at front.

Hope you all are having an enjoyable time with your own dolls & crafts. :)

Saturday

Happy Days!

I received this beautiful doll yesterday, she was the doll I selected to replace the pre-order doll I cancelled and I am extremely happy with her. She is a 52cm, second edition Jamie, sculpted by Dianna Effner for "Maru and Friends" and the tallest of all my vinyl dolls.

When I opened her box, she was held in place with white satin ribbons and wore a hairnet over her hair. A certificate of authenticity was included, along with the story book about Maru and the friends she makes when she arrives in America.

The clothes she is wearing came with her and are extremely well made, they include underpants, boots, slacks, top and a jacket which is quilted and fully lined, just like a jacket we would wear ourselves.

She is so pretty I am tempted to add another of these dolls . . . but not for a little while yet. :)