I’m Officially a Blythe Doll Freak

If she was still alive, Grammy B. would be very proud to know that her tomboy granddaughter just bought two Blythe dolls.

She was a big-time doll collector in her day and, well, I was not.

As a young girl, I wore baseball caps and collected baseball cards. I crocheted and did other crafts, but I thought playing with dolls, especially those with unattainable figures, was a total waste of time.

Then, I saw a big-eyed Blythe a few years ago and it made me reconsider my lack of enthusiasm for dolls.

I’ve wanted a Blythe ever since, but was too chicken to import one from overseas and just kept putting it off.

Then I met Morgan Doane, the Blythe dressmaker I featured in my Sunday column. She assured me that I could safely order a doll without getting ripped off, so I finally took the plunge.

I was genuinely surprised when the dolls actually arrived today. I think I was fully prepared to be ripped off and kind of amazed when that didn’t happen.

I have no plans to start stockpiling dolls, (Sorry, Grammy B.) but I do have big plans to make clothes for these big-eyed ladies. My daughters and I have formed a naming committee and will announce our decision later.

These “Prima dollies” arrived from Hong Kong sporting dainty ballet outfits, but immediately underwent a costume change. Today the doll on the left is wearing a handmade apron and dress I made last week. The dress is too big, but I love the apron and plan to make many more. The purple-haired doll (her hair looks pink in the photo, but trust me, it’s purple.) on the right is wearing one of Morgan’s creations.

And for the record I think it’s weird, too, that several of us crafty, lovers of all things handmade are buying plastic dolls from overseas to dress up in handmade clothes. I do recognize the irony there. But after seeing what a kick my daughters get taking turns pulling the cord to change the dolls’ eye color, I have no regrets.

I’m playing with dolls and I can’t believe it either.

Okay, I have to get back to work. Jeff and I are finishing up the Daniel Vosovic podcast, so stay tuned! Even, non-crafty Jeff liked this one. :  )

***UPDATE: I ordered from this online shop, but please don’t hold me responsible if you run into an issue. I’m a complete rookie at this. I chose this shop because it accepted credit cards and I just felt more secure paying with credit as opposed to a Paypal cash transfer. If any of you more experienced Blythe owners have some helpful purchasing advice, please post it below. Thanks!***