Doll Models

A nice lady in our area Free cycle site gave me an 18 inch doll made by King State for sizing the clothing. After cleaning her up and trimming and brushing her hair, she is a cute doll.

This doll is much like the American Girl. She is stuffed her entire body. Her head turns from side to side. I read all about these dolls and the adjustments you need to make to patterns. They are all 18 inch dolls but not all are equal in size. The only part of the dolls that is the same are the feet.

Then I got a 1/2 price sale on a 2009 doll from Madame Alexander. This doll has a breast plate. This gives her a neck and the ability to move her head from side to side and up and down. It also gives her a bigger head. I haven't undressed her yet to measure her shoulders or waist but I bet her measurements are different from the King State Doll.

I've read reviews on this doll. The biggest complaint is that you can't remove the boots without a lot of trouble. I've bought 2 pair of boots from Walmart. They are cut down the back to the heel and go on and off the dolls just fine. I did have a hard time removing the boots from this doll but after getting them off, I cut them down the back and now they are easy to remove.

The second complaint is that her hair is a nightmare. I can't understand Madame Alexander Company putting their name on a doll with this poor hair. King State's doll is wigged and the hair can be brushed into a nice hair do. This doll has rooted hair and all I can say about it is that it is like Barbie's hair. I will deal with the hair later.  The doll it's self is really nice and I like that her head can be posed. Both dolls can stand up on their own without a doll stand and that is a nice feature.

Buying the new doll allowed me to see the clothing up close. It fits the doll perfectly but the fabric is junk and I am wondering after it is washed if it will fit at all. These dolls are for playing with. Hair and good clothing is important.

Having never left my childhood as far as dolls go, I have a plan for them. The doll with brown hair is named Kate and will be the model for the "Royal" collection of clothing, dresses with matching coats and English styled hats. Morgan is her American friend who will be the model for clothing that any cool girl would want to wear today.

After picking up the doll from the Free Cycle lady I headed to Joann's for foam board in 2 thicknesses, hat feathers and a boa...which all girls should have at some point in their life. The foam board will be the sole's of shoes and also the frames for the English hats. I also bought some knit fabric for underwear and tank tops and some beads and shoe bling.

I think I have all the supplies I need for now. Tomorrow I'll be figuring out the right size that will fit both dolls.