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.