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Note to Readers

The majority of the text on this blog is written by Hikaru, a ball jointed doll. Try not to question it. The text written in pink font is commentary from Hikaru's human friend, Anna. Basically Hikaru does most of the writing and Anna keeps her from getting too out of hand.

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Thursday, November 2, 2017

Of Bjd Fashion: Birthday Surprise Outfits Part 1 with Raglan Sleeve Top Tutorial

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We celebrated Anna’s birthday last Sunday, but today we have two more reasons to celebrate.  It has been well over a year since both Yuna and Sakura have arrived.  To commemorate this fine occasion, Anna has sewn brand new outfits for the both of them.

Matching outfits to be exact.

Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

Don’t they just look darling.  There is an adorable pink lace trimmed skirt with suspender straps for Yuna, and gathered shorts for Sakura also with suspenders (she means puffy shorts). 

Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

The ingenious thing is that the straps can be removed to show off the delightful blouses.

A raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

They have raglan style sleeves and are trimmed with lace and ribbon along the neckline.  Anna said they were made from a vintage handkerchief that had scalloped edges. 

A raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

Another handy thing about these blouses is the closure on the back.  Makes changing one’s clothing a breeze.

I find these yosd sized tops so delightful that I have convinced Anna to produce a sewing pattern and tutorial for the benefit of all.  Now let the tutorial begin.


Yosd Ball Jointed Doll Raglan Sleeve Top Tutorial

Materials needed:

  • Pattern
  • Fabric or a handkerchief
  • Matching thread
  • Basic sewing supplies
  • Thin lace
  • Thin ribbon
  • Snaps or Velcro
  • Something to thread ribbon (large needle, small safety pin, etc.)
  • Sewing machine is optional
  • Some sewing knowledge is helpful

If you are a bit of a beginner with sewing I recommend checking out these two video tutorials, they demonstrate some of the techniques you will need to make these tops:

Yosd bjd raglan sleeve top pattern and tutorial

Here is the pattern, it was designed based on Sakura’s measurements which are listed on the profile page.

Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

First you need to cut the pieces as indicated by the pattern. 

I lined up the bottom of the pattern along the edge of a cute handkerchief, so I could use the pretty scalloped edge instead of hemming the shirt.  This is optional but a great idea.

Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

Now to start making the shirt, you first pin the sleeves to the front piece as shown and sew.  Repeat with the back pieces.

Making a top for a yosd ball jointed doll.

Then you pin and hem along the top edge of the shirt, this is your neckline.

Making a top for a yosd ball jointed doll.

Next is to pin and hem the sleeves.  If you prefer, you can hem the sleeves before sewing them to the front and back pieces.  I would especially recommend it if you are sewing by machine instead of by hand.

Making a top for a yosd ball jointed doll.

Pin together the front and back pieces, and then sew up the sides of the shirt and the sleeves.  It is a good idea to try the shirt on you doll at this step to ensure a good fit.

Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

Now it actually looks like a shirt.  This is the point where you will hem the bottom of the shirt.  Since I used the edge of a handkerchief I get to skip this step.

Making a top for a yosd ball jointed doll.

Now for the fun part, embellishing.  Pin the thin lace along the neckline.  Sew along the top and bottom edge of the lace.  This will used as a casing for your ribbon.

Making a top for a yosd ball jointed doll.

Use the tool of your choice to thread the ribbon under the lace.  Make sure to pin the ribbon at the end to keep it from pulling out.

Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

Pull the ribbon out a bit at the center before threading it through to the other end of the shirt.

Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

You will tie this bit of ribbon in a bow later, so make sure it is long enough.

Making a top for a yosd ball jointed doll.

Now time to take care of the back opening by pinning and hemming the edge.

Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

Repeat on the other end.

Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

Now we just need to sew on the closure of your choice.  Either snaps or small pieces of Velcro.  It is a good idea to try the shirt on your doll at this point to adjust the fit.

Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

All that’s left is to pull the ribbon to gather the neckline and tie it into a cute bow.  Enjoy!


Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

Now that the tutorial is done, let us discuss the other pieces.  Anna didn’t just make matching outfits for these two adorable dolls.

Cute lace headband for a ball jointed doll.

For Yuna, there is this beautiful headband with a wonderful lace bow.  The precious little dear has become quite fond of lace, so this hair piece suits her well.  It is made using the same techniques from Anna’s doll headband tutorial.

Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

“That bow is so cute! It’s as cute as mine, don’t you think?  We match now! Do like it? Do you like mine? Do you like it as much as cake?!”

“….um…”

“Me too!”

Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

For Sakura, there is this felt bag.  Anna made several delightful bags for myself and Usagi some time ago (see Of Bjd Fashion: Felt Doll-sized Purses Tutorial) and a small one for Yuna (see Of Bjd Fashion: Yuna’s First Outfit with Tutorial), so Sakura greatly wished to have one of her very own.  She was so thrilled to receive it.

Cute new doll outfits, and a raglan sleeve top tutorial with pattern for yosd ball jointed dolls.

“It looks just like Usagi’s bag, but the bow is better!  And it fits me, and it’s pink, and…”

Maybe a tad too thrilled.

That is all for today, but do not despair.  There will be more to enjoy tomorrow with another tutorial to complete the charming little outfits. 

Until then, be at peace my dear readers.


Give it a try:


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Wednesday, November 1, 2017

Doll Owner’s Corner: Behind the Scenes Round 7

First of the month, time for another Doll Owner’s Corner.  When I, the doll owner, talk about anything at all.

This month’s topic:

Doll Bloopers

That’s right, it’s round seven of the fun doll photos (check here for the previous set).  The theme for this set is “getting the dolls to cooperate”. 

There are times when taking photos of dolls that you have an idea for a particular pose, but the doll doesn’t want to go that way.  This is especially the case with ball jointed dolls despite how incredibly “poseable” they are supposed to be.

Fun bjd bloopers.  Doll Photography.

Take this photo, it’s one of the outtakes from this post when Hikaru, Usagi, and Sakura were suppose to give us their “super cute” pose.  You can see that Usagi got it right, but the other two are a different story.

Fun bjd bloopers.  Doll Photography.

Here’s one when Yuki got his body (see Bjd Unboxing: Doll Family H Body and New Shoes?).  He was just suppose to sit there holding Shiro the deer, something he does constantly. 

Somehow this time the sight of the camera made him topple over knocking poor Shiro’s head off.  Luckily no harm came to either of them.

Fun bjd bloopers.  Doll Photography.

Here’s another with Yuki from this tea party.  All he had to do was hold on to a plastic cup, but down it went, spilling imaginary tea on Shiro.  That is one patient little deer.


Speaking of deer, remember this post of Shiro flying like a reindeer?  Here’s how it was really shot. 

Fun bjd bloopers, and how I made a deer fly.  Doll Photography.

I first took this photo of me holding Shiro by the antlers….

Fun bjd bloopers, and how I made a deer fly.  Doll Photography.

…And then I took this photo holding Shiro a bit lower.

Then I used this free image editing software to add the top half of the second photo to the first photo. 

Then voila!  Instant flying deer shot.  Because sometimes you have to manipulate some photos to get the shots you want.

That’s it for this time.  Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions for more fun bjd photos.  Otherwise look forward to more doll stuff coming soon.


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Sunday, October 29, 2017

Happy Birthday 2017


Happy Birthday 2017 from the ball jointed dolls of From a Doll's Eyes.

Today is a special day indeed.  It happens to be Anna’s birthday, though as usual I will not reveal which one.  I will however ask you to join us in wishing her a very happy birthday.  May there be many more to come.


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Friday, October 13, 2017

Of Bjd Lifestyle: DollyBird Vol. 12, a Japanese Doll Magazine

Some time ago, Anna placed an order at an online bookstore called Kinokuniya.  This particular shop specializes in Japanese books and magazines, so naturally Anna was drawn to them.

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

And thus, a few weeks later, these sewing and fashion magazines arrived in the mail.  The other ones have their appeal, however it’s the center title that deserves special consideration. 

It’s an issue of DollyBird, a Japanese magazine for doll collectors.  Anna purchase volume 12 of this fine publication because of it’s focus on ball jointed dolls.

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

The cover photo alone is quite stunning, both with and without the dust cover. 

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

The inside is just as beautiful as the outside.  The first thing we see inside is an article on bjd photography.

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

It is a pity that no one here can read Japanese, however we can still enjoy the beautiful photos.

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

Anna, I want you to study these photos carefully to improve your camera skills.  I want all my photos to look this exquisite.

You do realize how long it takes to get that good at photography, plus if I focused that much time on photos I would have less time to make things for you.

…Taking some things into consideration, I suppose your skills are adequate enough, at least for now.

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

What is she doing in this magazine?!

Hikaru, this is a magazine for doll collectors.  That means many different types of dolls, including Barbie who is popular in Japan too. 

Anyway, why take that attitude with vintage styled Barbies too?  I would think you of all dolls would find them more appealing, at least compared to the regular Barbie dolls you seem to despise.

Hmm…I suppose she isn’t as tacky looking as the plastic horrors at the toy store.

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

“Oh my, what an adorable outfit, isn’t it Miss Hikaru?”

You are quite right Momoko, it is a rather chic looking ensemble.  It would look wonderful on me.

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

Now let us get back on topic, here is a fashion spread featuring male ball jointed dolls.  Intriguing.

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

These are perfect, this is a excellent example of the styles you should be wearing, Yuki.  Don’t you agree?

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

“…What is that?…You want me to wear a bonnet?…”

Oh for goodness sake, no!  And it’s a head dress, not a bonnet.

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

This, Anna!  You simply must make something like this for me.  It is gorgeous.

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

“Oooh, yes.  The bunny ears would look so cute on you Hikaru! :)”

The dress, Usagi.  I was referring to the dress.

There are are so many beautiful pieces of doll clothing in this catalog, I mean magazine.  And it just gets better.

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

I’ve found that one of the most wonderful things about this magazine is that there are included patterns and instructions for some of the pieces.  Meaning Anna can quite easily make them for me.

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

However, Anna says that all the bjd patterns are for SD sized dolls.  Still, I believe Anna has more than enough skill to resize the patterns to fit me. 

And although the instructions are in Japanese, there are plenty of clear photos to follow.  Meaning she can’t use that as an excuse either.

Review of the Japanese doll magazine, Dolly Bird.  As seen through the eyes of a ball jointed doll.

Overall, I found this doll magazine to be a most wonderful and worthwhile purchase and I look forward to seeing more issues in the future.

Be at peace my dear readers.

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Sunday, September 10, 2017

A New Name and an Odd Tea Party

Much time has passed since our latest ball jointed doll arrived, and things have been running smoothly.

Naming the new doll over some tea.

Our new doll is such a sweet girl, so exceedingly polite and well mannered.  The children (and Usagi) could really learn so much from her example.  She has truly been a delight.

Since she is fairly settled in here, it is high time to present her properly by name.

Introducing our newest bjd, Momoko.

So I now re-introduce, Momoko.

The name has a pleasant ring to it.  However, knowing Anna, it probably refers to some bizarre anime or manga series.  Again.

Actually, it comes from a movie that was inspired by a novel, though the movie did inspire a manga too.  Plus, I know of another manga series with a character with the same name, but that’s a different story.

Anyway, Momoko is the main character in the Japanese movie, Kamikaze Girls (the Japanese title is Shimotsuma Monogatari). 

It’s the story of a girl who wears lolita fashion, a clothing style inspired by the Victorian era that involves modest clothing with lots of pretty lace and ruffles (Hikaru loves it).  The character Momoko unwillingly makes friends with a biker girl.  It’s both a funny and touching story, so I do recommend it.

The first part of the name, Momo means peach.  It is also the name of her sculpt, which is why I told Hikaru I had some ideas for a name for her long before I ordered. 

Truth be told, this was one of the names I came up with when trying to choose a name for Hikaru (see What's in a Name).  The Momoko in the movie and Hikaru are similar in terms of personality and fashion taste.

Do you mean to tell me I could have been named after an elegant character in a movie as opposed to a some robot in a comic book?!

(Be nice Hikaru, many of your readers like manga.)


Oh well, what’s done is done.  Momoko is a lovely name for a lovely doll. 

Naming the new doll over some tea.

It’s so nice having someone around here who truly understands the brilliance of a perfect cup of tea, unlike some other dolls

Two ball jointed dolls getting a little too creative with their tea.

“Tea is super tasty with ice cream. :)”

“I want chocolate milk in mine!”

Naming the new doll over some tea.

Oh well, at least they bothered to drink the tea this time. 

Naming the new doll over some tea. "You want WHAT in your tea?"

“Miss Hikaru, may I please have some ice cream tea as well?”

Oh dear, not you too!

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