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.

Tuesday

Kitty Collier's coming in 2021

Yesterday I felt the need to indulge in a little dolly shopping on eBay. I found a 2000 version of the 18" Kitty listed by a dealer (not a doll collector), so I made a ridiculous offer (mainly to compensate for the shipping costs) and much to my surprise, it was accepted. She has the KC head and body, with the most beautifully styled rooted blonde hair, pretty blue inset eyes and a stunning gown.

As you may already be aware I have two Tiny Kitty Colliers, one redhead (2004 Basic), one blonde (Evening Gala) and a beautiful brunette Tonner Sindy (Bridal Bliss) who all arrived mid 2020. So it should come as no surprise that I would also purchase this 18" version, especially being a bride. Although I would have preferred a red haired gal, it's a pleasant change.

"In a make-believe time and place, Kitty opens up her dress shop, which boasts the most beautiful clothing and accessories. Always the height of elegance, Kitty wears her highly detailed ensembles with great feminine flair. In 2000, Kitty Collier™ made her debut, marching onto the fashion doll scene as an unprecedented 18” full vinyl fashion doll with a vintage touch, bringing a breath of fresh air to collectors everywhere. All Kitty Collier™ dolls have rooted hair and high quality inset eyes. Since 2003, Kitty Collier™ has had bent knees, swivel waist and rotational hip joints making her ever so poseable."

As you can see from the photos, she looks like she's in excellent condition, so I am feeling pretty pleased with myself and my purchase. I probably should not have purchased any more dolls until I made more room, but who can resist a pretty doll at Christmas?

Demi Longueur

The English translation of the French words "demi longueur" is half length, it's a term which was popular in the mid-century salons and runways of Paris.

One of the many introductions in the 1950's fashion parade was the ballerina length dresses and gowns that Dior made famous. Dior specifically used the phrase "Demi Longueur" to refer to this longer hem line.

Madam Alexander was quick to incorporate this length into her costuming for Cissy, as shown in this article written by Bruce Allen de Armond.

There are several other terms used for this signature length and there are slight differences in the term of “tea-gown,” “3/4 length” and “ballerina length” . . . however, overall, "demi longueur" is the one featured in the numerous dresses and gowns made for “Cissy” from 1955 to 1962 by Madame A.

However, I have wondered if Madame A may have initially been inspired by this beautiful, feminine gown made by Dior in 1947, as she used often tulle to make Cissy's dresses.

Now, do you remember this post, well her hair kept getting tangled and her boots fell apart, so I decided to take a leaf out of Madam A's book and make my Cissy a new outfit . . . my own version of the "demi longueur".

This dress is completely handsewn, including the top stitching on the collar . . .

and the pin tucking on the skirt.

I also changed her wig, to a Monique Gold with beautiful ringlet curls. It's still fine hair, but it's more manageable than the one she came with, and as luck would have it, I had a pair of shoes that matched this outfit and which fitted her perfectly.

Sometimes things simply fall into place and now she's redressed, I feel she deserves to keep her original name . . . Cissy!

Wednesday

Finished!

This may well be the last post I'll be making before Christmas, but I thought I should let you see the diorama of the Paris studio apartment finished.

Well as finished as it's going to be at the moment . . . I'm still undecided about the pulls for the blinds and I need some miniature pampas grass or something similar to go in my large black urn . . . maybe I'll end up just finding something in my garden.

I hope all of my readers have a Happy Christmas despite the current pandemic . . . stay safe and well until my return and if you need something to occupy time in lockdown, check out this link to the artist who drew this Christmas card!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM DOWN UNDER!