Playmates

Clara loves her teddy.

More new dresses.

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. :)

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.