Showing posts with label Carpatina. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Carpatina. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 22

My Stardust memory

Momma has become quite interested in "slim-bodied" 18 inch dolls ever since she got Carpatina's Ana Ming. When she was looking into them, she discovered a line of dolls that is, sadly, no longer in production.

Not only that, but she discovered that I am not the first time traveler!

Stardust Classics dolls were produced from 1997 to 2001. The 18 dolls were designed by Vernon Thornblad, who later  designed the Carpatina dolls.

The three Stardust Classics dolls all have a fantasy theme and are Laurel the Woodfairy; Alissa, Princess of Arcadia; and Kat the Time Explorer. Each doll had a series of four books with accompanying outfits, accessories, and furniture.

We (of course) like Kat - even if she is a blue-eyed blonde. (Maybe we'll have to make an exception for her someday?)

The following descriptions came from an old Stardust Classics catalog.

Kat the Time Explorer: Ten-year-old Kat is excited about spending a year with her aunt Jessie. Her excitement turns to amazement when she discovers that Jessie is working on a time machine. Soon the two are sent spinning back to London in 1851. They're thrilled to learn they've arrived during the Great Exhibition, the first world's fair. But the adventure turns into a wild search when the time machine is lost. Without it, they're stuck in the past! 

Kat is as curious as her namesake. So when her aunt repairs a time machine, she eagerly plunges into the adventure. The Stardust Classics doll celebrates Kat's enthusiasm. Her blue eyes reflect her lively curiosity. And with long blond curls and blushing cheeks, she's at home in the most elegant -- or practical -- outfits from long ago. Kat is 18 1/2" tall and easily posable.
Kat comes dressed for her first adventure in Victorian England. The floor-length gown, in dusty rose and ivory, is accented with rose bows and pearls. She also comes with slippers, tights and underwear, plus a copy of Kat the Time Explorer. Accessories sold separately.
Kat's Extras: This four-piece set sweetly complements Kat's Victorian ball gown. Her choker is a miniature cameo on a rose ribbon. The ivory and dusty rose accents are carried over into Kat's ribboned hair comb. And for true elegance, add the parasol and fan in lacy white. Both open and fold like the real things.


Kat's Egyptian Adventure 


Kat and the Secrets of the Nile: In 19th-century Egypt, Kat and Jessie join excavators looking for ancient treasures. They quickly learn that some of those treasures have been stolen. As Kat sets out to find the thief, she dodges dangers from sandstorms to crocodiles. But the greatest threat proves to be a clever villain, who's figured out Kat's on his trail.

Kat's Egyptian Outfit: Kat's Arabic teal dress, edged with golden coins, is topped by a fuchsia robe. Gold slippers and a gauzy veil with jeweled headwrap complete the look.

Egyptian Jewelry: Jewelry worthy of a pharaoh. The golden collar and armlet are fashioned from flexible metal for easy fit.

Plum Traveling Suit: Kat's perfectly suited for 19th-century Egypt in this stylish skirt and peplum jacket. The outfit is a mix of plum and gold florals, with velvet and braid trim. Comes with blouse, boots and socks.

Excavation Accessories: A handy set on desert digs. The straw hat shelters Kat from the hot sun, while the backpack holds the fragment she found and her pick for unearthing finds.

Egyptian Furnishings: Shopping the market of Minya, Kat spots two handsome pieces: a wooden trunk and a colorful fringed rug.

Egyptian Treasures: Four reminders of Egypt's rich past: pharaoh's crook, hawk-headed burial pot, serving tray and statue of an Egyptian cat. 

Kat's Mongolian Adventure

Kat and the Emperor's Gift: Kat and Jessie travel to Kublai Khan's court in ancient China, where their arrival sets off a power struggle. Caught in the middle are Kat's new friends, Princess Cocachin and Marco Polo the explorer. While Chin is being forced to leave China to marry a cruel man, Marco is forbidden to depart. But when Kat tries to help them, a crafty enemy plots to trap her in the past.

Blue Velvet Gown: For Kublai Khan's dinner, Kat wears this deep blue velvet dress with trailing skirt. Comes with sash and red lace-up slippers.

Silk Coat and Cap: An exotic addition to Kat's dress. The pleated coat, cut longer in back for dramatic flair, is magnificently matched by the silk cap.

Statue and Banner: Two striking pieces from the Khan's court: running horse statue and bold banner.

Mongolian Winter Outfit: Kat's cozy ermine-look coat is trimmed with black fur at the cuffs and collar. Comes with suede-look cap and boots, also edged in black fur.

Oriental Treasures: Four Oriental objects crafted with extraordinary beauty: floral teapot, two teacups, green perfume bottle, umber vase.


Kat's Renaissance Adventure

Kat and the Missing Notebooks: In Renaissance Italy, Kat tries to get a young artist apprenticed to Leonardo da Vinci. But her scheme is derailed by the theft of da Vinci's notebooks -- which she shares blame for. And more than her friend's career is at stake. Unless Kat finds the books, a spy may execute an evil plot and a masterpiece may be lost.

Satin Gown and Accessories: Kat is breathtaking in a gown of midnight blue with ice-blue overskirt and matching slippers. A delicate drawstring bag and beaded headpiece complete her elegant outfit.

Florentine Treasures: Three mementos of Florence: leather-look satchel, cloth-bound artist's sketchbook and ornate wooden chest with domed lid.


I am especially interested in her Egyptian and Mongolian adventures. Have you explored time with Kat?

Sunday, January 12

Magic, imagination, and fun

Momma and I have become increasingly interested in Carpatina Dolls since Ana Ming arrived, so we asked her to tell us more about herself and the Carpatina line.

Founder Mikaela Hinkle was born in Romania and immigrated to the United States in 1993. By 1996 she was working for Childhood Companions (which made doll lines including Stardust Classics, and Little Sisters) using her degree in Textile and Apparel Engineering. 


Carpatina Renaissance, a line of fine apparel for adults was founded by Hinkle in 1998 and named after her beloved Carpathian Mountains.
 
Incorporated in 2002, Carpatina LLC introduced
a line of 18 inch vinyl-bodied dolls called Fantasy Adventures® in July 2002.

The Girlfriends Collection® was launched a year later.
Clothing from the Girlfriends Collection fits 18 inch cloth-bodied dolls, such as American Girl.

One of the things I like about Carpatina (other than the quality!) is the imagination.


According to the story, Great-Aunt Cordelia once gave cousins Ana Ming, Julia, and Kohanna each a Magical Moonstone Necklace which transports the wearer back in time. 

The ancient Orient fascinates Ana Ming; the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and fairy tales fascinate Julia; while Kohanna likes to transport herself into the books she adores.

And steampunk! Don't forget their Steampunk Adventures!



Tuesday, December 17

Peg o' my heart

Imitation is the sincerest of flattery, right?

I have been a longtime admirer of Kirsten's Adventures. She's also Pleasant Company and has an attitude that I quite admire.

One of her boon companions is Pegleg Sally. I have long wanted my own version of her, and Momma said she will finally be joining my Steam Team!

I think I shall call her Peggy.


(Kirsten has not had any adventures in a very long time. Does anyone know why? I hope she and her Momma are okay.)

Friday, December 13

Paper caper

Printable Doll Clothes
One size fits all.

Snort.

If there is one marketing gimmick that makes Momma laugh, it is that.

Printable Doll Clothes
She is 6 feet 3 inches tall (or was in her youth) and claims clothes are even harder to find for herself than they are for Me and my Steam Team.

So we were both surprised when we discovered printable doll clothes thanks to Char at Doll Diaries.

Yes, printable. As in your computer printer.

Did you know paper clothing, in the form of women's dresses and other clothes made from disposable cellulose fabric, was a short-lived fashion novelty item in the 1960s United States?
Historically, paper and papier-mâché clothes and accessories (especially masquerade costumes) were used as early as the 19th century, but mass-produced paper fashion was invented by the American Scott Paper Company in 1966 as a marketing stunt. Customers could send in a coupon and $1.25 to receive a dress made of "Dura-Weve," a cellulose material patented in 1958.

But as the novelty appeal of paper clothes wore off, their downsides became more apparent: they were generally ill-fitting and uncomfortable to wear, their garish colors could rub off, they were often flammable and, of course, they ended up as trash. By 1968, paper clothing had disappeared from the market.

We had to go see for ourselves after hearing about Printable Doll Clothes. Momma and I both had to laugh when we saw this:

"My dolls never seem to understand the concept of 'size' when they want to borrow each others dresses. Luckily my printable doll clothes are very accommodating to different doll sizes."

Sounds like me, Clementine, Robecca, the Wilde bunch, and now Ana Ming.

Inspired by Jules Verne books with a dash of Steampunk, Julia is perfect for an adventure into the realms of imagination.

Each outfit set comes with mix and match tops, skirts, sleeves, and accessories which can be combined to create many different outfits.

This collection includes five outfit sets (four color, one B&W), each of which is a four-page PDF file and contains three tops, a straight skirt, flared skirt, circle skirt, one small circle, and two belt and strap sets.

Elizabeth has kindly shared the Julia pattern with me, so expect a more in-depth review and fashion shoot in the near future!


In the meantime, if you would like more information on Printable Doll Clothes and how they are made, you can visit her website, PrintableDollClothes.com. Her designs are available as printable PDF files at her Etsy Store, https://www.etsy.com/shop/PrintableDollClothes.


Monday, December 9

Ana Ming dynasty

I'm sorry I haven't blogged as much recently as I had hoped, but Momma (and I!) have been swamped with her new job at Toys Я Us.

However, I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my new friend, Ana Ming, straight from Char at Doll Diaries!

Char needed to make room in her dolly world for another doll, so Ana Ming is coming to live with us.

According to the Carpatina website:

Ana Ming
The vitality and glory of the ancient Orient-home of her mother's ancestors-fascinate Ana Ming.

Lively intelligence glows in her rich brown eyes. With gleaming waist-length black hair, glowing cheeks, and rose-touched lips, she has a timeless beauty.

A0000 ~ Ana Ming Doll

  • Collectible, 18" slim all vinyl body, Kanekolan wig, closing eyes
  • Golden Brocade Dress with Mandarin collar and delicate frog closures, Underwear & Matching Shoes
  • Blue Presentation Box and tag with care instructions

Momma has promised to get her the Camden Station Outfit as soon as possible. 

Meanwhile, Clementine and I are camped outside waiting for the Pony Express to arrive....


 

Tuesday, November 26

Extra! Extra! Read all about it!

News flash!

The steampunk outfits and extras are now available for order at Carpetina!

And what is more, I was told to tell my Faithful Followers - next year they will have steampunk for American Girl, too!

Carpe Carpatina!

Wednesday, November 20

Steampunk adventures

The new catalog is here!

The new catalog is here!

The 2014 Carpatina Dolls catalog is out, featuring one of the two new steampunk outfits upon its cover!

Fun and exciting traveling
fashions in the age of steam – the style is late Victorian with a modern twist.
 
The outfits, which are on page 15, are adorable!

However, please be warned. These outfits DO NOT fit 18-inch dolls such as American Girl ME. The Fantasy Adventures outfits are designed for their slimmer 18-inch doll. (The Girlfriends Collection does fit American Girl dolls.)

Maybe I'll get a new friend for Christmas? 

Who do you think should join my Steam Team?


I tend to like brunettes, if that helps.

I wonder if they'll let me borrow the Steampunk Extras?


Wednesday, November 13

It's a small, small, small, small world

Please excuse me while I have a fit of snickers.

I heard that Carpatina was releasing at least three steampunk outfits and accessories next month, so I rushed to their site to check it out.

This is what I found.

Yup, those are full-size.

Now I know steampunk is a small (but growing!) genre, but that's ridiculous.

I have asked for larger photos but in the meantime, break out your magnifying glasses.