Doll Makeover – From dusty & dirty with matted hair and shoes needing a cobbler. These girls are now ready to go home to be the special Christmas present for two very special young girls.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
One of my friends called me a few weeks back asking if I might be able to provide a little TLC for some dolls that she found at a yard sale, which made her think of her two young granddaughters. It was an honor to be called for this request, and certainly brought back many memories of fixing and repairing dolls for my daughters when they were young, as well as work I had done for some past clients.
Shoes was in needed repair, as each doll either had both or one shoe needing a cobbler. The brunettes black boots also needed to have the ribbon ties replaced.
Doll Makeover – Shoe Care Needed.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Shoe Care Needed.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
When I first saw these dolls, I was awestruck by their beauty!! Despite their hair being slightly matted, dirt and scuff marks on their porcelain limbs and face, along with years of dust, their beauty shown through. I am not certain how old these dolls are or who their maker is, but they are quite beautiful.
The first thing I did was remove all the clothing to see what could be washed, what needed repairs, and what could only be manually treated. Their were water stains, which I was able to mostly remove by soaking in a special solutions and rinsing a few times. The water was quite dirty, so each items needed a fresh washing solution in order to prevent re-introducing old dirt as I cleaned each item.
Doll Makeover – The dirty water after each item was washed in a special solution.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Full soak washing was done on the bloomers, socks (that I ended up replacing with Italian made, diamond lace knee high stockings), along with the knit lined jacket and scarf. I was not able to remove all the staining on the jacket, yet externally the jacket came out quite nicely, with little staining left on the inside lining. These items I hung on my wooden rack as I worked on cleaning the dolls up a bit.
Doll Makeover – Inside Jacket with water stains.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Bloomers needing a good washing to remove the water stains and dirt.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
The dolls have porcelain faces and limbs. All dirt was removed with a gentle porcelain cleaning solution, then washed again with clear water to be sure there was no residue allowing the dolls to glow. The faces and limbs cleaned up nicely, with the blond having a few porcelain marks that could not be removed due to previous doll adventures. These marks were minor, but would also be hidden with the doll stockings. When the girls inspect their new dolls, they will look so refreshed from their travels.
Doll Makeover – Tired and dirty, the legs have obviously traveled far.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
My next project was to gently wash and clean the dolls hair. The long-haired blonde, with braids, was a bit matted, so I needed to clean it first. Then I gently brushed her hair with a wire brush, while wet, combing out the matted snarls. I was able to comb out her bangs as well, giving her a girlish look. Once brushed out, the braiding began, still with the hair being wet.
Doll Makeover – Hair Care needed.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
The brunette doll needed her hair washed and cleaned as well, which allowed me to comb it out into a nice short look. Some trimming was required, as in brushing doll hair, you naturally stretch the hair a little, and some strands get loosen. It is natural for dolls to need their hair brushed, as it gets dirty due to dust from displaying on shelves or dirty from the course of dolly playtime. But, keep in mind to use a wire brush designed for dolls, and NOT used on your own hair. Please avoid plastic brushes as well.
Doll Makeover – Hair and dress care needed.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
As I finished braiding and combing the dolls hair, I discovered that they each needed a little “shoulder surgery”, as they each had one shoulder where the seams were coming apart. This can be a common occurrence for limbed dolls. So, I stitched them back together.
Doll Makeover – Shoulder Surgery needed.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
As the hand washed clothing items continue to dry, along with the hair, I begin to hand washed the cloth bodies. Unfortunately the stains on the torso’s were not able to be fully removed, but they still cleaned up rather nicely.
Doll Makeover – Time to remove the glue that was preventing one from removing the jacket. Why do people use glue on doll clothing??
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Next on the agenda was to hand clean the red wool coat the brunette doll is wearing. Then, since the doll arrived with the coat “glued” closed, my task was to remove as much glue as possible. My friend Susan shared that she was curious as to why someone would do that. I shared that sometimes people do this, and while inspecting the doll, it looked as if it was purposely glued as I did not see how else the coat would naturally close. I was able to remove “most” of the glue, then applied #2 black snaps so that her granddaughter could remove it if she chose to. These #2 snaps are great for this size doll, as they hold nicely and are easy for little hands to unsnap if necessary.
Personally, whenever I make doll clothing, neither glue nor velcro is used. The ONLY time I use velcro is when some specifically requested it and only if the doll was a baby doll with no physical hair that would need combing. The reason is that buttons and snaps make the garments look much nicer and present a more professional look. In addition, it only takes a second for a dolls hair to get stuck in the velcro, immediately causing distress to the owner as they try to release its grip.
Doll Makeover – snaps now replace the glue for closure For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
I then worked on both doll dresses, as one was a light velour and the other a plaid wool. I made sure that the tulle underskirts were in good shape. I hand cleaned each dress without a complete soaking, yet still providing an obvious difference in both dresses.
I then took the socks that were washed and almost dried and gently pressed them, but the stretch was loosen due to age, so I selected some replacement knee high socks from my inventory. The socks I selected were knee length, with a diamond design. These were made in Italy. They dressed up the dolls from the feet up. The original socks will be returned to Susan with her choice to keep with the doll or to toss.
The bloomers for both dolls were then pressed. The elastic on the waist was good. The elastic on the mid-calf was “okay”, not really needing to be replace, so I took them in slightly and adding some matching ribbons/bows and applied them to the outside hem area of each pair. They matched their corresponding outfits nicely giving them an added sweet look.
Doll Makeover – Shoes repaired, bloomers washed & pressed with bows attached to sides, and new stockings.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
In my search for replacement ribbons for the blonde braids, I found some lovely red ribbon which matched the red wool coat. It had a gold edge, which I thought would look lovely and festive (since she would be given as a Christmas gift). Plus, would it be fair to have one doll with ribbons in her hair and the other without? I don’t think so!! I did not have any brown ribbon on hand, but since the blonde doll had black in her dress, I choose to use black ribbons to replace the one missing as well as the worn out one.
Doll Makeover – Blonde needing something for her hand to carry.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
One thing I noticed with the blonde doll, was that she had a hole in her hand, that made me think she had flowers in her hand in her original form. So, I thought it would be nice to add a few flowers to complete her look.
Doll Makeover – some added flowers to carry.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Susan shared that she did not like the loose look of the blonde dolls cuffs on the knitted jacket. So I folded over the edges and stitched them in place. This gave the jacket a “neat” appearance.
When I had first removed the scarf from the same doll, I was amazed at how long it was. This scarf can be worn as a head covering as well as a neck warmer. The length and width makes it workable in whichever style the owner decides. It washed up quite nicely, again leaving the water quite dirty, then after hang drying, I pressed it in order for it to lay nicely one worn on the doll.
Once completely dressed, the shoes were dried from being glued back together. They will be returned wearing their original shoes, all scuffed and worn, but that is a sign that these dolls have traveled far. Since porcelain dolls are made mostly for display, I will recommend to Susan that her sweet little granddaughters understand that they are tired from walking and would benefit from bedtime reading versus everyday play. Hopefully the two little girls will understand.
Doll Makeover – Shoe repair done.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Shoe Repair done.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Susan shared with me, that when she found these dolls, she was reminded of her granddaughters, as one was blonde and the other brunette. There will be no confusion as to whose doll belongs to whom.
Doll Makeover – Ready for pick-up or delivery 🙂
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
The dolls now how bubble wrap on their hands, legs and heads in order to protect them on their future travels until they are boxed, then re-opened with anticipation of delightful squeals from two little girls.
I hope that you enjoy the pictures that follow. It was an honor and joy to work on these dolls, knowing that two little girls would be recipients of my love in providing some tender loving care, to their new Christmas dolls.
~ Putting Thread to Fabric ~
Laura
Seams To Me Blogger
Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties – Custom Seamstress, Consultant
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Laura D. Field
Reflective Tapestry of Life
Writer, Blogger, Proofreading, Editing, Freelance contributor
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Doll Makeover – snaps now replace the glue for closure For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – snaps now replace the glue for closure For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – snaps now replace the glue for closure For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Dolls cleaned, hair done, dresses cleaned & pressed…before ribbons, stockings and outerwear.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Bloomers washed, pressed, ribbons added, stocking on with repaired shoes.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Bloomers washed, pressed, ribbons added, stocking on with repaired shoes.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Bloomers washed, pressed, ribbons added, stocking on with repaired shoes.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Bloomers washed, pressed, ribbons added, stocking on with repaired shoes.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Bloomers washed, pressed, ribbons added, stocking on with repaired shoes.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Bloomers washed, pressed, ribbons added, stocking on with repaired shoes.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Bloomers washed, pressed, ribbons added, stocking on with repaired shoes.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Shoes repaired, bloomers washed & pressed with bows attached to sides, and new stockings.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Face & hair washed/cleaned, combed & ribbons added.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Face & hair washed/cleaned, combed & ribbons added.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Face & hair washed/cleaned, combed & ribbons added.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Face & hair washed/cleaned, combed & ribbons added.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Face & hair washed/cleaned, combed & ribbons added.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Face & hair washed/cleaned, combed & ribbons added.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Face & hair washed/cleaned, combed & ribbons added.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Face & hair washed/cleaned, combed & ribbons added.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Face & hair washed/cleaned, combed & ribbons added.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Face & hair washed/cleaned, combed & ribbons added.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Face & hair washed/cleaned, combed & ribbons added.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Doll Makeover – Outfits cleaned, pressed with dolls modeling their fresh looking outfits.
For Sue – TLC work done by Laura of Davina Dawn Sewing Specialties
Blog: www.SeamsToMe.DavinaDawnSewing.com Web-site: www.davinadawnsewing.com
Christmas is a time of pouring one’s love into the heart of what they do for others. Susan found these dolls and immediately thought of her granddaughters. It was an honor to pour my love into these dolls. Merry Christmas Susan.