I Had To Give Up On The Bridal Gown

I am one who does not like to give up on a project. Once I start something, I will rarely throw in the towel. This Barbie Bridal gown has given me so much grief! And all the medical issues (stress) got the best of me.

 I began stringing the 1,200+ beads onto the crochet thread. I can't see them clearly enough and my fingers aren't as nimble with these things anymore. Reading glassed helped a little, but there was no hope for the fingers becoming more agile!

So, I finally contacted the customer and told her I simply couldn't continue on this project. No money was exchanged, so I don't need to refund anything.

The gown, the beads and supplies will be packed safely away, where I can possibly try to get back after it and someday surprise my friend (yes she is a repeat customer who has become like a friend) with the gown of her dreams.

I beat myself up over not being able to continue. She understands, but I can tell she was very disappointed.

Ruby Queen Crochet Barbie Dress

Just finished writing up a post about the newest completion! With the various blogs focusing on niche topics, I feel it is easier for my readers to follow links to the posts they're most interested in reading.

This particular gown proved to be a wonderful challenge, right from the beginning! One week after our rollover car accident, I got busy and finished with the crochet work and began gluing the rhinestones on the underskirt, overskirt and cape. The instant stitch glue on hand did not work at all. The rhinestone fell right off!

Went to town and picked up some 527 glue and got busy re-gluing. They stuck! Everywhere! Unknowingly, I glued one small ruby rhinestone to my left eyelid!

Anywho, here is a link to the gown's post on MomLovesCrochet blog.

Lavender crocheted Barbie Bed doll on ArtFire - Price Reduced!

Bills are piling up, and I want to be able to create some new items, so.... I will be cutting prices on many items in my ArtFire Studio.
The first is my Lavender Barbie Bed Doll. This beautiful set includes the doll, gown, slip, and pillow form. Reduced to $50 from $75.
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/HollysDollies/3532205

Crocheted Barbie Bed Doll - lavender

I finished adding the embellishments to the Barbie Bed Doll and got some photos. 

"Miss October" in lavender and purple from the Victorian Ladies Centennial Collection.

I still need to work on styling her hair. I will update the photos once I do get a successful style accomplished.

The bodice, skirt, train, bustle and bustle pad are crocheted in lavender; the crocheted ribbon and lace trim ribbon are done in purple; the lace trims and accent panels are crocheted in white.

The doll stands in a pillow form with a tube.

You can see more pictures and complete details at my ArtFire Studio - Crocheted Barbie Bed Doll.

The Barbie doll is included in the sale of the gown. She is brand new purchased just for this project. She is the newest version belly-button and flat footed.

Finished handmade Barbie Doll Clothes

I spent several hours yesterday going through all the fabric remnants and scraps trying to figure out some nice outfits for Barbie and Skipper. Not many small prints. Found some great pieces for a patchwork bear or two.

Today, I sewed two rompers for Barbie and finished one wrap gown and another almost finished. I am still looking for a well loved Skipper doll to use to make sure these outfits fit, so I won't be sewing for her until I get a model.

These rompers will fit both the older style and the newer "belly button" Barbies. Our models today are vintage style Teresa and the new jointed Fashionista Barbie.

The rompers are available for $1.00 each and $1.75 shipping in padded envelope. Barbies are not included in the price. Only the rompers.

"D" is for Dollies

I began making cloth dolls in 1989. Bunnies, cows, baby dolls, Raggedy Ann and Andy. In 2009 I began dabbling in creating the primitive dolls with a Raggedy Ann look.  Most dolls are made from muslin or cotton broadcloth with the baby dolls being made of craft velour. Little girls just love the hug-ability of this fabric. 

We have dolls of all sizes ranging from 10” to the huge and loveable 36” Raggedy Andy.

My current project is with my first design – a 12” tall prim bunny with hand painted features, long floppy ears and big big bunny feet. I am going to be featuring this doll as a boy or girl and offering seasonal/holiday clothing. We are working on a web page specifically for this doll at Holly’s Dollies.

Recently I have begun dabbling in sculpting dolls in polymer clay. A fun challenge but really not getting anywhere fast. The eventual goal is a 14” ball-jointed-doll who can model the 14” doll clothes line for me.

I have a very small collection of dolls. Two Galoob Baby Face Dolls, a 25” crow doll, 1 Berenguer, 2 unknown vinyl dolls, 1 CBK, 2 DinkyBaby dolls, 1 MoxieGirlz the blonde and 5 Barbies.  I am hoping to find some dolls this coming Yard Sale season. Only two thrift stores in this area so findings are rare. I am looking for Skipper, Crissy and any inexpensive dolls needing TLC of various sizes so that I can use them for making sure the doll clothes fit.

Webpages Updated at Holly's Dollies

I've spent the morning updating 4 pages on Holly's Dollies Web Site. All about doll clothes. I've gotten a few new outfits finished and photographed.

Doll Clothes Added separate categories for the different types of dolls. 

American Girl Added 2 new dresses. 

Barbie and Friends Added a crocheted business dress and jacket for Barbie and 2 outfits for Skipper 

Baby Dolls Only 1 set finished. A jumper and shirt for 14-16" baby.

As always, custom color orders are welcome.