SALE - Gothic Doll Madness

So I stirred awake this morning feeling particularly lifted and wanted to let that flow over and let you guys have something special.

Yesterday, March 08, I finally took my driving test, something I should have done ten years ago. Six weeks of lessons and several trees of bananas (for their beta blocker aspects), I passed my driving test first time round. Since we have three motorbikes and a 20 month old son, it was important to get ourselves a car as well. It still isn't sinking in that I am now legal to drive on British roads, but as a way to celebrate I am knocking 15% off the Gothic Dolls. 

WAS £34.99 NOW £29.99

This is an example of the Black Widow Gothic Doll

The Gothic Doll is one of the most popular dolls by Binky Roo Designs, often using designer fabric from Alexander Henry or Michael Miller. The have satin and organza skirts and have gothic motifs and embroidery with seed beads and charms.

Alexander Henry Fabric. Red Seed Beads. Bat Charm

Where can you buy?

You can buy from the official store or my Etsy store, links at the top of the page. Frieda is Available Now, Red Satin & Organza, Vampire Doll, named after one of the sisters from the Hammer Horror Films 'Twins of Evil'. The front of her body is made from fabric by Alexander Henry and has a Lily Munster white stripe in her black hair.

Frieda the Vampire Gothic Doll

Or, you can buy a Made to Order doll whereby you can choose the colour and theme of your choice. So don't delay.  

If you want one of these 18" Gothic beauties order now  before the prices rise again. 

Happy Shopping!

Custom Dolly - Sweet Angie

EIGHT more sleeps! It's funny how once you have a child you start to count the sleeps until an event. This event, of course, is Christmas! It never used to be a favourite time of the year. In fact, only five or so years ago I would have quite happily held my hands up and said I was the female version of Scrooge. Since meeting my husband Christmas is special again. My lack of posts has not been due to a lack of making, quite the opposite - I haven't stopped! However, these are Christmas presents and therefore have to remain secret until the big day - I wouldn't want to give away the surprises I have made.

Sweet Angie, the Christmas tree angel
On the top of the tippy, tippy top of the tree
~ Andrews Sisters

Sweet Angie the Christmas Tree Angel - snug in her cape

I can show you Sweet Angie though. After completing all the Christmas surprises I decided to make me something - something I rarely do. Our Christmas tree was erected on December 5 - earlier than normal. Since my gothic doll, Nancy, I've been obsessed with making dolls and softies using Sarah's 'Dolls and Daydreams' patterns. Sarah had been 'sharing' photos of dollies made by other crafters on her facebook page. The little red riding hood doll was appearing to be a very good pattern to adapt into a Christmas doll.

Whilst I was finishing up a couple of dolls/softies my husband had sent me a file of Christmas music - well a file of files which were labeled with different genres etc. There was one called '40s' and in there was the Andrews Sisters - Christmas Tree Angel. I fell madly in love. The song and the photos on Sarah's page inspired me to make my own Sweet Angie.

She's about 2/3 of the original size with a reversible cape.

[caption id="attachment_132" align="aligncenter" width="589"] Sweet Angie in her Faux Fur Clock[/caption]

FABRICS:
Ivory Matt Satin
Ivory Shimmer Organza with Butterfly Motif

Faux Fur - Short Hair Curly Red
Beige Polycotton
Brown Felt

I used a plain beige polycotton (doubled) for the head, arms, and legs, and felt for the hair. For her body/dress I used a matt satin layered with the organza, and finished off with the reversible cape using both the matt satin and the curly faux fur. Finally she was stuffed using hypo-allergenic poly-stuffing.

[caption id="attachment_133" align="aligncenter" width="575"] '...on the top of the tippy tippy top of the tree'[/caption]

Sarah's patterns are all lovely and there is a lot of flexability and room for customisation. With Sweet Angie I embroidered her face and name. The font heavily inspired by the Crazy Girlz font. Angie will now be part of our family Christmas tradition - pulled out once a year to sit on the top of the Christmas tree and to protect the gifts below.

CUSTOM DOLLY - Betty Lou for Nikki

There isn't a better feeling out there than making a a keepsake or gift that you know is going to be loved. When Nikki asked me for a 'Nancy Doll' but with purple ribbon and tutu I got excited - I get to make another Nancy. You see, I love making things but I do not have the space or need for a lot of the things I make, so making for others makes me happy.

FABRICS:
Victorian Flock Taffeta Damask
Shimmer Organza
Satin
Polycotton
Felt

Betty Lou sitting up with her tutu on

Betty Lou (and Nancy) is a more expensive handmade doll due to the embroidery. The heavy embroidery on her face meant that I needed to double up my fabric so it didn't pull. There is also an embroidered spider web and black widow (complete with seed beads) on her black Victorian flock dress, and the tutu consisted of doubled up purple satin and organza carefully sewn so it wouldn't fray. Stuffed with hypo-allergenic poly-stuffing.

Betty Lou next to her tutu



[caption id="attachment_116" align="aligncenter" width="645"] Personalisation can make a special handmade dolly into something precious[/caption]

I had seen gothic handmade dolls go for around $120, and although it does take time to embroider I want to maintain affordability. Betty Lou came in at £28.00 personalised.

Betty Lou was a pleasure to make and I'm sure she'll be well loved in her new home.