Wonders from the Library

The other day, Anna paid a little visit to one of the local libraries, without me.  Again.

She came back with a sizeable amount of books.

About eleven books and one DVD, most of which are of little interest to me, though they may be of good use to Anna. 

This one though is very useful for the both of us.  It is Make Doll Shoes! Workbook 1 by Lyn Alexander.  To check out this particular book, Anna must be eager to start working on my new shoes right away.  I am pleased.

It is an older book, but the information in it is still relevant.  It is mostly intended for making shoes for antique dolls and reproductions of such.  A very useful guide indeed.

Anna also checked out a copy of The Blue Fairy Book.  I know, fairy stories seem like such frivolous reading for someone who claims to be an adult.  But at times it is beneficial to enjoy a bit of frivolity, especially in the form of classic folk tales designed to inform as well as entertain. 

In addition to being entertaining, this book is also visual appealing.  The illustrations are intricately design and beautiful to behold.  We will get much used out of this book.

Of course I didn’t take Hikaru with me.  I  haven’t gotten a carrying case for her yet and I have no other way of safely and easily taking her places.  So until I am able to take her, she will just have to stay home and enjoy what I bring back for her.

This time I didn’t technically bring anything back for her, but I did check out the shoe making book to help with making her some shoes.  But not just for her, I do own other dolls as she frequently fails to remember.  And I will probably have more dolls in the future.  All of which will probably need shoes.  Learning various methods of making doll shoes would be super handy.

As for the fairy tales, it’s just another hobby of my mine.  I  enjoy reading fairy tales and folk tales.  It’s fascinating to read different tellings of the same familiar stories.  So naturally I spend a good amount of time browsing that section of the library whenever I make a trip there. 

It’s funny about Hikaru, all that stuff she said about enjoying frivolity and fairy tales being educational?  She got that from me.  I told her all that to get her off my back about bringing home a “children’s story book” as she put it.  Of course it’s that same “story book” that she has be browsing through constantly since I got it. 

I am quite aware of the other dolls, but most of which are stored away, hence do not require much of anything let alone footwear.  And as for the future, Anna needs to make sure I have everything necessary before even considering purchasing more dolls.

As for the fairy tale book, I was simply mis-informed about the purpose of those sort of stories.  I am grateful to Anna for educating me on the matter, but I dis-like the way she mocks my previous ignorance.  I will let it be for now.

So while I wait for my shoes and other items to be made, I shall enjoy my fairy stories over a nice cup of tea.  I am at peace.

Read More »

It’s Finish! And It’s Gorgeous!

I have some wonderful news.  At long last, and after numerous pleas from myself, Anna has finally finished making one of the dresses she promised me.

Isn’t it magnificent?  It suits me so well.  There are a few small flaws in the construction, but that is to be expected. Anna still needs a bit more practice sewing for a doll such as myself.  Still, the dress did come out beautifully.  Let us take a closer look.

The top layer of the skirt is pink and trimmed with delicate lace and ribbon bows, while the bottom layer is white with a subtle floral pattern.

Here you see one of the bows Anna carefully tied by hand.

The bodice was carefully fitted to my frame and is trimmed with another hand tied bow plus more lace around the neckline.  The square neckline is most flattering and draws attention to my well molded neck and collar bone.

The back drops down quite low enough to admire my lovely shoulder blades, but thankfully not so low as to be inappropriate for day wear. 

Yes, this dress suits me quite satisfactorily.  Anna even made a matching hair piece.  It nearly completes the look.  I say nearly because I am still in need of a suitable pair of shoes.  All I have is the sandals Anna made for me last Summer (see Of BJD Fashion: Lace and Ribbon Sandals).  As darling as they are, they are most inappropriate for this rather chilly weather.  Proper shoes are most needed, and stockings, and perhaps a coat too.

Well where should I start?  It did take nearly two months to complete this dress.  Hikaru wasn’t just exaggerating.  But when she says “numerous pleas”, she really means “much nagging”, or should I say whining. 

Anyway, the reason it took so long wasn’t just because I was busy with work and other projects.  It took so much time to get it right.

First I had a pattern that was supposed to be made to fit most MSD sized ball jointed dolls, but it was apparently designed for a doll that’s both bigger and less “curvy” than Hikaru.  I only found out this after cutting and sewing the fabric for the bodice.  It took tons of time and effort to take it in in just the right places until is finally fit her.  That’s actually why it goes down so low in the back, it was part of how I got it to fit her in a flattering way.

After finally getting the bodice to fit and then sewing and attaching the skirt, I discovered another problem I hadn’t noticed until the dress was finished.  The skirt for the pattern was too short and narrow to get the desired effect.  I thought, how in the world do you make a too short skirt longer? 

Easy, add more fabric.  So an underskirt was added.  If you look closely, you may recognized the underskirt.  It is one of the circle skirts I made for Hikaru (see Of Bjd Fashion: Circle Skirts).  Specifically the one that failed to fit her right due to a mistake I made.  It was put to good use with this dress. I also cut the front of the original skirt, added lace and gathered it for that pretty bustle look.  It worked perfectly.

But wouldn’t you know it.  I finally finished one thing for Hikaru, and she is already talking about having more stuff.  But she does have a point, cooler weather clothing is necessary now.  Plus a doll-sized coat sounds totally adorable.

I don’t nag and I definitely don’t whine.  How dare she say otherwise.  I just wanted to encourage Anna.  Goodness knows she needs it. 

I know well what a trial it was working with such a generic and poorly designed pattern.  I think it was excellent learning opportunity for my dear fledgling bjd owner, and I do believe the experience has helped her immensely.  I expect then that the next piece she makes for me will be completed in a more timely matter and with less issues. 

Anyway, despite a few…mishaps, this dress is still wonderful and looks fantastic on me.  That is all that really matters.  I am at peace.

Read More »

Doll Owner’s Corner: Videos for Entertainment

First of the month, time for another Doll Owner’s Corner.  Where I, the doll owner, get to do what ever I want without Hikaru butting in.

This time, let’s talk videos.  There are lots of videos on YouTube on ball jointed dolls and even dolls in general.  Lots of useful videos about where and how to buy them, making clothes, doing faces, etc.  All helpful stuff.  But sometimes a bit on the dull side. 

That’s why it’s nice that there are also videos about bjds that are almost purely for fun.  So for your entertainment, I have compiled a list of some of my favorite amusing videos.   Almost all of them are from the same YouTube channel, AsenvaBJD.  She is just that entertaining to watch in general and her fun videos are that much more. 

Entertaining Ball Jointed Doll Videos

• Stuff BJD Owners Say
• BJDs Are My Thing (Shake It Off Parody)
• What They Think About the BJD Hobby...
• Waiting
• What Did I Just Watch? (play list)
• What Really Happens During a Review (play list)
• BJD Frozen Parody - Let It Ship

Enjoy!

Read More »