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.

Saturday

RRFF Daisy

Thought this little gal might interest someone. Daisy features hazel green eyes, cute freckles and shoulder-length sandy blonde hair.

Her outfit consists of a short sleeved lavender dress with a pretty layer of sheer floral embroidered fabric and a purple sash with a silk flower; white lace leggings; silver and purple flats; and a straw Easter bonnet with purple ribbon and flower embellishments.

She is a pretty doll and a USA exclusive, limited to 175. Pre order now for March from Samantha's Dolls or Happily Ever After - US$149.99.

I like her, but I'm not purchasing this time . . . aren't I a good girl?

Friday

She's Arrived!

Eira was pre-ordered on 26th January, shipped from the UK on the 18th February, arriving today, just eight days later and ahead of schedule. Whereas my boots that I ordered for these gals on 17th January, which were promptly shipped from my supplier on the 18th, and finally departed Moscow on 28th, still haven't arrived . . . crazy slow postage, but I am allowing for Covid delays on this parcel.

The limited edition boxes are unlike the open editions, and look quite different to any that I have seen before. They are very substantial and much too nice to dispose. Inside I found her accessories taped (not stapled) to the side of the box, along with her Certificate of Authenticity (she is #91 of 150 dolls limited to the European market).

Her clothes are nicely made, although the top and pants had Velcro (which you know I hate). The jacket is gorgeous and fully lined, her accessories are also nicely finished and best of all, she is much better IRL than in her promo shots!

I haven't undone her hair yet and will probably leave it as it is, for now at least.

I'm still finding the heavy eyeliner a bit difficult to deal with, but her blue eyes are so pretty. Initially I had plans for changes to be made to this doll, but that was before I had received her, I am having second thoughts now.

I may just keep her as she is and buy another basic Fashion Friend to complete my trio. Of course that means I shall probably look for two more Limited Editions down the track so Eira has friends of her own. (Perhaps that is simply me thinking of another excuse to buy another couple of dolls? 🤣)

Tuesday

More Knits Completed

I wanted to try to make a knitted dress that actually looked like two separate pieces . . . a pinafore with a sweater underneath, creating a similar look to this, without the pockets.

I thought I had enough scraps of pale pink wool to make the sweater part and enough hot pink for the pinafore, but when I finished knitting with the hot pink I realised it was going to be too short. So I had to finish the bottom of the skirt with the pale pink, I guess it doesn't look too bad, but it's not what I wanted.

I also finished a hat, but I thought a coat was now required to complete her outfit.

I didn't have a complete pattern for any of these, but I did have patterns for parts of each of them, which I mixed together to knit them. They actually fit my Fashion Friends a little better, but I already have outfits for them.

If and when I repeat this outfit for my Paola Reina dolls, I will make the straps on the dress a fraction wider and the sleeves on the coat a little shorter.