No Will Power!

So I have absolutely no will power whatsoever...although in my defence, I did hold off for three visits before I succumbed and went back for the fourth time.  Of course by this time there was less choice...which in a way was good.  By the third time I went back to see them there were only two Ashlyn dolls left, some Kendall dolls and I think two Emerson dolls.  Of course when I decided I just HAD to have one, there was only one Ashlyn left which made my decision so much easier.

Her box.

Well protected inside the box

She has a hair net on her hair to keep it tidy.

I like the way these dolls are packaged as they are easy to remove.

Freed from the box.

She has a pretty little face and I love the smattering of freckles.

Out in the garden she watches our Sheltie try to photobomb the picture!

Waving hello.  Actually this arm was VERY stiff and almost unmovable, so hoping it will loosen up a little over time.

Wearing a little pair of white shoes I had tucked away.

I couldn't wait to knit her a Christmas dress.

All very seasonal now.  I just LOVE her little knees, they are so cute.

I have called her Noelle.  (I know very original for this time of year!)

My group of girls all in their Christmas dresses I have knitted for them.

An extra girl has sneaked into the picture...my Sasha girl Ziva, thought she should join them as well as she too has a hand knitted Christmas dress.

Hearts for Hearts Doll

I belong to several fun knitting groups on Ravelry.  Lovely friendly people and lots of encouragement...and they make great enablers as well!

For some time I have had on my 'wish list' a Hearts for Hearts doll, but didn't think I would be able to get one, as they are not generally available over here.  One day when I was just perusing Evilbay (like you do, or maybe you don't?!) I discovered a listing for a really lovely girl - almost as new with her box and unused accessories for a fantastic price in this country, and so decided to go for her.  There was no having to choose 'which one' so in a way that was good as I didn't have to make a decision about whom I preferred from this collection.

The box is nice and colourful.

The back of the box tells you about the different dolls in the series.

The side has a little bit of information about the particular doll.

The inside opens up a bit like a book (it closes with little velcro buttons)

She was safely cocooned in bubble wrap to protect her.  All her accessories are included (unopened and not removed)  I need to look at this properly - I might photograph them tomorrow when it is light and add to the bottom of this post.

Her clothing is different to that pictured - apparently they changed the design when they released the dolls, from that of the box picture.  The clothes are nicely made, the shoes are plastic.

She has such a pretty face.

She wears bangles/bracelets on her right wrist and also has pierced ears.  

Her hair is beautifully soft.

She meets Clara, my Corolle Les Cherie doll.  

She is a little taller, but for knitting purposes I believe the same patterns can be used.  I will know soon as I hope to start knitting for her tonight!

Sunny Sunday in the Garden.

I just love days like we have been having...the sun is shining and it is lovely and warm.  Perfect for spending time in the garden.  

Norma Jean enjoys her time in the garden and thinks the flowers are so pretty.

Anne-Marie spends some time reading a favourite book.

May Flower, just enjoys sitting by the tree.

I finished a dress last night - it was a pattern for a Les Cheries doll.

It fits Clara well, but I prefer slightly shorter dresses on her, so I will make another that is shorter.

She looks so pretty in this colour - fortunately I believe I have enough yarn left to make another.

Miss Still Waiting to be Officially Named tries on the dress...it is not a bad fit for her either.

I like that I can use patterns for Les Cheries for this girl - it means with slightly alterations I have more patterns available to make her things.

The New Year - Dolls that will be looking for New Homes.

Thinking about this New Year and the changes that we will be working towards means that I am still re-evaluating the dolls I have left.   We are hoping a big move will be on the horizon, and this means we have to think about what we can take with us and what we can't.  As much as I would like to take all my dolls, and sewing machines, and teddy bears, and books, and....well the list goes on, the simple fact is that it just won't be possible.

So the next on my list to think carefully about are:

Kidz n Cats Limited Edition Henriette.  

 I only have four KnC dolls now, two girls and two boys, having sold Camille and Alistair last year.  The two boys I have left I definitely want to keep - they interact well with my Gregor dolls and stories.  However, the girls I really don't do anything with.  I occasionally change their clothes but that is about it.  In fact I am not even sure they have had more than one clothes change in the last year!

So here she is for me to think about and assess....  her arrival photos

Her first Christmas portraits

Colourful winter warmth.

A difficult decision as she is really pretty.

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Next up is Les Cheries Clara.  She is definitely going to look for a new home.

She is a little cutie, but I have done nothing with her, apart from making a couple of outfits.

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Paola Reina Cristi is already Sale Pending and will be leaving for her new home in the next day or two.

Another sweet girl who really hasn't had the attention she deserves here.

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Next up, yes, believe it or not is my little Lati Lami girl Poppy.  Despite doing the photo a day with her, and enjoying it, I have decided she really needs to find a home that appreciates these ball jointed dolls more than me!

She will come with spare hands, clothes, her teddy etc....

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Still looking for new homes are:

This rather unusual vintage teddy (wood wool filled head)  

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Pelham Puppet Gypsy Girl

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This gorgeous Stupsi boy who comes mint in his original box.

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There will be more!

Oh and then there are the Dolls Houses.....

It is a daunting project...not just on the doll front, but everything as a whole!