Friend or foe

Steampunk Red Riding Hood by Madame Alexander $199.95

Red Riding Hood isn't so little anymore! She makes a whimsical appearance in the 2015 Madame Alexander line as a 16 inch Alex doll with a steampunk twist. She is made of vinyl and fully articulated. A 2015 Madame Alexander doll. Suitable for ages 14 and up.

Momma and I love the wolf's tail!

The Silent Witness

On April 9, 1865, General Robert E. Lee surrendered his once formidable army of Northern Virginia to three Federal armies under General Ulysses S. Grant. The terms of surrender were set about noon during a one and a half hour meeting between the two generals in the parlor of the McLean Home.

(The First Battle of Bull Run, also known as the First Battle of Manassas, took place on July 21, 1861 at the farm of Wilmer McLean of Bull Run, Virginia. Soon after that battle the upper middle class family moved to the village of Clover Hill, Virginia - the name of which was changed to "Appomattox Court House.")

Wilmer and Virginia McLean had four daughters and a son. Sometime before Lee and Grant met that Palm Sunday afternoon, 7-year-old Lula McLean had left her favorite doll in the parlor.

The rag doll remained in the room where Lula had left it while the generals met. When the meeting ended, Union officers - anxious to obtain souvenirs of the event - plundered the McLeans' parlor appropriating items ... including Lula's rag doll.

Colonel Horace Porter of General Grant's staff, wrote: "A child's doll was found in the room, which the younger officers tossed from one to the other, and called 'The Silent Witness.'"

One of the cavorting Federal staff officers was Captain Robert Todd Lincoln, son of the President of the United States. The doll was taken from the home by Capt. Thomas W.C. Moore, of Major General Sheridan's staff. For well over a century, the Moore family kept the doll as a "war trophy" of sorts. Poor Lula never saw her beloved rag doll again.

Lula's descendants remembered the doll as "...lovingly handmade by a doting mother."

The body of the doll was made of coarse unbleached cotton and stuffed. Inked on the simple, round face were eyes and nothing more. Printed cotton fabric was stitched together to fashion a bodice, skirt and leggings.

Lula's doll was donated to Appomattox Court House National Historical Park in December 1992, and is now on permanent exhibit at the park.

http://www.nps.gov/apco/silent-witness.htm

Times change. Girls are forever.

BeForever, the new American Girl line, launches on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, and I'm still not sure what to make of it.

Our new BeForever books feature our beloved historical characters in a new format designed to appeal to girls who like high adventure and contemporary fiction. We also have fun new puzzle and craft books, plus Bitty Baby activity books for little girls!

It appears the original six books for each character are now condensed into two:

Finding Freedom: An Addy Classic Volume 1 
by Connie Porter

Addy Walker’s family is planning a dangerous escape from slavery during the summer of 1864. But before they can leave, the most terrible thing Addy can imagine happens--her Poppa and her brother, Sam, are sold! Addy and her Momma decide they must head out on their own. Although the road to freedom is difficult, Addy’s new life brings new friends, school, and even the opportunity to help others. But when will her family be reunited? 

A Heart Full of Hope: An Addy Classic Volume 2
by Connie Porter

Having Poppa home fills Addy’s heart with happiness, and moving to a boarding house brings a new special friend--one who encourages Addy to always stay hopeful for the future. Then Addy enjoys the victory of having her idea chosen for a fair fundraiser, where a friendship is born, and the answer to a riddle brings a wonderful surprise. But will the rest of Addy’s family be reunited before the New Year?

And finally, each set has a third volume inviting the reader to time travel?

A New Beginning: My Journey with Addy

by Denise Lewis Patrick

What would it be like for a girl to suddenly find herself in Addy Walker’s world in the middle of the Civil War? How would she feel facing new freedoms and unexpected limits? In this book, readers can join Addy on adventures to outrun a slave catcher, raise money for soldiers, and search for Addy’s family. Their journey back in time can take whatever twists and turns they choose, as they select from a variety of exciting options in this multiple-ending story.

I have not seen any of the new Addy items other than the book covers and a gray market photo of the new Addy in her new blue Meet dress. However, my Dear Friend Samantha Parkington is shedding her Archived Status, and it appears she has a nifty new Ice Cream Parlor.

I can only hope my doppelgänger fares as well.

Not all heroes wear capes!

Momma and I are proud to be part of the four newest Dolls for a Cause auctions on eBay. All four auctions run through Sunday, June 22 and 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit Fisher House Foundation. 

Today I focus on My Personal Favorite, the Steampunk Batman and Robin collection that Momma contributed to.

How do you define a Hero? This is what we asked ourselves as we went to work on a collection to honor our veterans. In these auctions you will find an amazing assortment of superheroes and real heroes. These are our true super heroes! They are selflessly our protectors. I would like to thank all of our service men and women for your service to our country. You are my superhero. You are Batman without his cape.

These amazing collections will be sold as 100 percent donation to Fisher House Foundation. We did some research to find a veterans charity that spends the money wisely where we could feel confident that your donations will be put to very good use.

A Fisher House is “a home away from home” for families of patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. The homes are normally located within walking distance of the treatment facility or have transportation available. There are 63 Fisher Houses located on 23 military installations and 24 VA medical centers. Many more houses are under construction or in design.

Since 1990

• Families served: More than 180,000
• Number of lodging days offered: Over 4.7 million
• Saved families more than $200 million in lodging and transportation costs

Not all Heroes wear capes - Steam Punk Batman and Robin collection

We decided to take Batman and Robin and change them into something new and different yet still touches us as the true Batman and Robin always have. Batman and Robin are classic superheroes we all know and love, and we are so happy to present them to you as a tribute to our veterans.

Donated by Dacia of Mini Me Dolly Divas on Etsy
Steampunk Batman

Skirt - bustle skirt pattern by Thimbles and Acorns, black fabric, with batman print bustle, edged in yellow beaded trim, and closes with a snap

Shirt -pattern by MHD designs - gray with Batman fabric trim has pleated neckline, this shirt is fully lined, it has little snaps on the sleeve cuffs for a nice snug fit but will still easily go over your doll's hands, and it closes in the back with snaps

Corset -pattern by MHD designs- black fabric with machine embroidered Batman patch fully lined, has a ribbon strap closure in the back

Cape - Modified Melody Valerie Couture pattern is black with Batman fabric lining, fully lined and closes in the front with a snap

Steampunk Robin

Skirt - Thimbles and Acorns bustle dress pattern modified. I modified this pattern making a short underskirt for fun. It is made in green and red fabrics with yellow bead trim and closes in the back with a snap, and has whimsical machine embroidered patches

Jacket -Thimbles and Acorns bustle dress pattern - this jacket is fully lined and closes in the front with snaps.

Hat - Bonjour Teaspoon pattern available at Pixiefaire, hat is fully lined.

T-shirt- Trendy tee pattern by Liberty Jane Clothing, green embroidered T-shirt closes in the back with velcro. This T-shirt is my nod to service men and women, our heroes without capes.

Donated by Greta Huls of Rexphiles on Etsy
Additional Steampunk Accessories

Lobstertail bustles to properly outfit the steampunk dresses made with the Thimbles & Acorns pattern 1870-02. Bustles became popular after the Civil War when travel by train became popular. Large hoopskirts didn't fit through narrow train aisles so the bustle became popular.

Batman's bustle is made with licensed Batman fabric, and ties with coordinating grosgrain ribbon. A small surprise is hidden from view - Bam!

Robin's bustle is made in green and red fabrics with yellow bead trim, and ties with yellow grosgrain ribbon. A small surprise is hidden from view - Pow!

Goggles/masks - inspired and modified from Simplicity® Pattern 1392: Doll Accessories. Both are made with soft black or dark green and dark red vinyls, coordinating ribbon ties, and yellow plastic lenses. I sewed everything making it sturdier and eliminating the need for glue. "Your identity is your most valuable possession. Protect it."

* Sorry dolls and shoes are NOT included in this listing*

Thank you for admiring our collection. This is one of four amazing collections to support this charity presented by Dolls for a Cause. Please look for our other auctions, and find us on Facebook.

I shall spotlight the other auctions this week!

 

No guts, no gory

When my Big Sister and her Cousins started collecting American Girl dolls years ago, Momma knew she had to become a dolly doctor or go bankrupt.

Poor Samantha and Josefina arrived for surgery last week, but Momma had la grippe and then what sounded suspiciously like a consumptive cough.

Today was the day. Momma examined the patients while I tried to calm their nerves.

Poor Josefina was in pretty good shape - except her left arm had fallen off! Samantha had a bad case of Floppy Legs, and her arms weren't much better.

One hour, some elastic, some brass ferrules and washers, and one bottle cap (artificial shoulder replacement) later, both Josefina and Samantha are ready to go back to their new homes.

Does your doll need surgery, too? Let Me know at steampunkaddie (at) gmail dot com and I'll tell Momma.

Doll Bones

Ooh, I love a good book and Doll Bones by Holly Black sounds exactly like my kind of book!

Zach, Poppy, and Alice have been friends forever. And for almost as long, they’ve been playing one continuous, ever-changing game of pirates and thieves, mermaids and warriors. Ruling over all is the Great Queen, a bone-china doll cursing those who displease her.

(Doesn't the Great Queen remind you of someone you know? I bet my Dear Friend Angry Jess will like her, too.)

But they are in middle school now. Zach’s father pushes him to give up make-believe, and Zach quits the game. Their friendship might be over, until Poppy declares she’s been having dreams about the Queen—and the ghost of a girl who will not rest until the bone-china doll is buried in her empty grave.

(BTW, did you know that bone china is a type of porcelain made of bone ash?!)

Zach and Alice and Poppy set off on one last adventure to lay the Queen’s ghost to rest. But nothing goes according to plan, and as their adventure turns into an epic journey, creepy things begin to happen. Is the doll just a doll or something more sinister? And if there really is a ghost, will it let them go now that it has them in its clutches?

I can't wait to get my hands on this one. As for you, I see you shiver with ... anticipation.

The Wonderful Dolls of Oz

I've got the dreaded Dorothy Doll Dementia right now and wanted to discover when the first Dorothy doll was made.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was published on May 17, 1900. It was followed by a popular 1902 Broadway musical and three moving picture adaptions before the 1939 version starring Judy Garland!

• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1910)
• Wizard of Oz (1925)
• The Wizard of Oz (1933)

It is generally acknowledged that Oz merchandise predated the 1939 The Wizard of Oz, but I can't discover when the first dolls appeared. 

Dorothy and Oz character dolls have been produced since then including Madame Alexander, Barbie, Tonner, and the 75th Anniversary of the 1939 release has increased that production. (The Hollywood premiere was on Aug. 15, 1939, at Grauman's Chinese Theatre.)

I, of course, like the newest steampunk versions. (I've always had a thing for both the Tin Woodman and Tik-Tok.)

I'm curious, which do you prefer?


1.) Tonner's Tornado Traveler Dorothy?

tonnerdoll.com

or 2.) Madame Alexander's Dorothy and Toto, Steam Punk Doll?

madamealexander.com

Personally, I like aspects of both dolls (I am seriously loving M.A.'s Toto!) and I am excited to meet the newest addition in September!

CuriOzer and curiOzer!

To be perfectly honest, Momma has not paid too much attention to Madame Alexander dolls since she was a girl. She thinks she has two packed away and my Big Sister has one of their 18 inch dolls, but the childish faces have not appealed to Momma in years.

So we were both Pleasantly Shocked when Doll Diaries posted a photo on Facebook of Steam Punk Dorothy from the 2014 Toy Fair.

WHAT?!

After hastily digging around we discovered not only their Steam Punk Oz line, but a Steam Punk Wonderland line, too!

NEW Commemorative The Wizard of Oz™ 75th Anniversary Dolls Designed by the Iconic Madame Alexander Doll Company!

-- Dorothy and Her Friends Have Been Re-imagined and Will Continue to Spark Imaginations of The Wizard of Oz Lovers --

February 7, 2014 (New York, NY) - From the time Dorothy™ landed in Munchkinland™, Madame Alexander has created exclusive dolls based on the classic film. Seventy-five years later, the journey continues with an exciting new limited edition collection of the classic characters re-imagined in a Steam Punk style, as well as special collectible dolls in celebration of the classic movieʼs 75th anniversary.

The Madame Alexander Doll Company is excited to introduce a new Limited Edition Steam Punk The Wizard of Oz 16” Doll Collection. Inspired by 19th-century sci-fi and fantasy, these brand new Steam Punk-style dolls reenvision the classic The Wizard of Oz™ characters – Dorothy, the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch. Continuing the Madame Alexander Doll Company tradition of “love in the details,” each doll will come with the classic charactersʼ accessories.

Dorothy and Toto Steam Punk Doll $199.95
Dressed in a blue and white gingham skirt, brown velour corset with gold ribbon and a white cotton shirt, this 16” fully articulated brown-eyed, brunette-braided Dorothy™ is set to enter Emerald City. Blue knit thigh-highs, ruby red boots and a black flock-top hat adorned with white and black feathers and gold goggles complete the look. A silver “robot-like” Toto is carried in a white woven basket. 

Wicked Witch of the West Steam Punk Doll $199.95
This 16” fully articulated Wicked Witch of the West™, brunette with brown eyes, is quite fetching interpreted in the Steam Punk style. Green with envy, she is dressed in a green and black taffeta and silk dupioni dress accented with green on green stripes. Buttons and gears embellish her bodice as does a big green tulle bow. Her stylishly floppy black hat is made of dupioni and also accented in green tulle. Other accents include a choker, black suede lace-up boots, and lace stockings - a real wicked witch indeed. Steam Punk Wicked Witch of the West™ is ready to get on her broom and fly over Emerald City! 

Glinda the Good Witch Steam Punk Doll $199.95
With red hair and brown eyes, the 16” fully articulated Glinda the Good Witch™ is ready to take on the Wicked Witch of the West in true Steam Punk style. Her embroidered pink layered petal skirt, accented with a sheer pink train is paired with an embroidered pink satin off-the-shoulder bodice tied with gold ribbon and accented by a gold “gear” butterfly and gold nailheads. A pale pink taffeta petticoat, pink glissenette thigh-highs and gold glitter boots complement the outfit. Ribbons, feathers and watch gears adorn a pink felt top hat, while a gold wired wand, topped with a heart-shaped sphere, complete the look.

We could not find a press release for the Wonderland dolls but here are their descriptions:

Alice In Wonderland Steam Punk Doll $159.95 

A modern twist on a classic theme, the Steam Punk Alice In Wonderland doll is a bent knee, 10" blonde, blue-eyed Cissette dressed a blue and white Victorian inspired stripped taffeta dress is paired with a white organdy blouse with faux buttons, a bow and gold circle accent. The dress, accented with two red satin ribbon belts, has four "pick-ups" held in place with silver metal nail heads. This unique collectible wear white organdy petticoat, white panties, red and white striped thigh highs and brocade ankle boots. Alice carries a canteen and cross body bag plus a set of goggles. A new favorite for Alice in Wonderland fans. 

Mad Hatter Steam Punk Doll $159.95
Our 10", bent knee Mad Hatter doll takes on a new look! Created in a Steam Punk style, with an unique face paint and red hair and wearing a black and grey checkered coat with tails and lined with green and yellow minicheck over striped green woven trousers. His blue and purple taffeta vest is worn over a white organdy shirt accented with dark blue polka dot bow tie. The outfit is accessorize with watch gears, a gold pocket watch and red belts. On his feet are brown pleather boots with metallic buckles. Paired with an orange plaid top hat decorated with gears and a velvet ribbon, this is truly a special gift for Alice in Wonderland fans!

The Steam Punk Wonderland dolls are scheduled to be released in May, and the Steam Punk Oz dolls are scheduled for September.

I'll get you, my pretties, and your little dog, too!

MakieLab, MakieLab, make me a Makie

makie.me

Momma and I are both fascinated with modern technology, especially 3D printing.

Three-dimensional printing is a process of making a solid object from a digital model. 3D printing is achieved using an additive process, where successive layers of material are laid down in different shapes. 

So we were fascinated to learn about Makies by MakieLab in Great Britain, a company that prints custom-designed dolls.

MAKIES are a new kind of toy: amazingly poseable 10" dolls with faces and features designed by you. You get to choose the eyes, nose, jaw, smile, the hair, the clothes and even the hands and feet. Once you’ve finished creating, we make your doll real, dress it with the clothes you’ve chosen, add the hair and eyes you’ve chosen, and put it in a beautifully recyclable cardboard tube to be sent directly to you.

We are a small team in London who want to bring something amazing to the world of toys. We are currently a 50/50 split of female and male employees, with a passion for creativity and ethical production.

We believe in being good, in working with our customers to make the best stuff we can, and also sometimes being just a little bit disruptive. We don't believe in limiting girls to pink, and boys to guns. We believe in awesome!

We think that Makies will appeal to the type of person who likes to MAKE things! We want Makies to be maker-friendly, so in the future we’ll be offering all sorts of paints, colours, makeup and add-ons to help you turn Makie into the creature of your imagination.

We want to build what you want to play with: swishing tails, zooming rollerskates, earrings, pets, whatever it is do let us know in the Feedback forum.

The dolls are printed in basic Ice Frosting white, but they can be dyed Strawberry Milk, Pale Pistachio, and Cocoa Bean.

You are not limited to purchasing ever doll you design; you can design as many dolls as desired. Once the doll is made and dressed it is mailed to your home.

They also have a Makies Doll Factory app so you can design your doll on an iPad.

How cool is that?

The way of Tea with Ahmie

aprilperlowski-ofdolls.blogspot.com

My Dear Friend April (who lives in Japan!) submitted this photo of her Licca doll by Takara enjoying a cup of Tea with Ahmie.

(Licca is also enjoying Re-Ment cookies/cakes, a Japanese manufacturer of collectible plastic toys. The company's name is derived from a combination of the phrase "reform the entertainment." Established in 1998, Re-Ment currently sells miniature food, furniture and animal figures.)

From what I have found online, Licca Castle dolls are Japanese fashion dolls by Tamara that are similar to Barbie, but with a more Asian build and aesthetic.

Licca was born in 1967 . . .

Over more than four decades she has met countless little girls, played together, and even lent them a sympathetic ear.

What generation of Licca Dolls did you play with? What generation does your child have?

We hope you will create and share your own experiences and memories of Licca with your family and friends.

Do you know anything about Licca dolls? Can you tell me more, please?

Have you had Tea with Ahmie today?

 

The eye of the beholder

Momma and I were extremely interested in a recent Slate article that once again criticized the measurements of Barbie and other modern Vinyl Americans.

Complaints have existed for years, and a 2006 University of Sussex study concluded that dolls like Barbie, "may damage girls’ body image, which would contribute to an increased risk of disordered eating and weight cycling."

Let's take a look, shall we?

Barbie and the other dolls are at 1:6 scale, while American Girl is about 1:3 scale, although the occasional 1:4 and 1:2 items can work, too. (BTW, eBay has an excellent doll scale guide.)

Barbie dolls:
Mattel
Height: 11.5 inches
Bust: 5 inches
Waist: 3.5 inches

If human:
Height: 5'9"
Bust: 30 inches
Waist: 21 inches
 
Monster High dolls:
Mattel
Height: 10.5 inches
Bust: 2.75 inches
Waist: 2 inches

If human:
Height: 5'3"
Bust: 16.5 inches
Waist: 12 inches 

Bratz dolls:
MGA Entertainment
Height: 10 inches
Bust: 3.5 inches 
Waist: 2.5 inches 

If human:
Height: 5'
Bust: 21 inches
Waist: 15 inches
 
American Girl dolls:
Mattel
Height: 18 inches
Bust: 11.25 inches
Waist: 11 inches

Thankfully she liked American Girl proportions:

For the American Girl dolls, which are designed to look like girls and not teenagers or adult women, I multiplied the dimensions by 3.5 to put the girls in the 4-foot range. If American Girl dolls came to life to help their Swedish-immigrant family on the farm or miraculously escape American slavery, they would stand 4'6" tall and have 33.75" busts and 33" waists. Good for them!

While Momma and I both agree to some points of the argument, we still stand by Monster High and its 2011-2013 slogan:  "Be yourself, be unique, be a monster!"

We LOVE how these dolls celebrate differences. As well as having individual face and body molds, many compare Ghoulia to children with autism, klutzes relate to Frankie, short people like Draculaura and Twyla, and Steampunks like Robecca.

Yes, they are skinny but, hey, they are monsters! I certainly don't intend on ripping my fiberfill guts out and replace them with gears.

It's about time!

Wilde Imagination

Momma and I have been in mourning ever since Wilde Imagination announced in December 2012 that it was discontinuing its Imperium Park steampunk line.

It took a year, but photos of the newest Ellowyne Wilde were released today in all her steampunk glory.

Introducing, Just in Time!

Pru insisted we take a walk by the bay
But I didn't want to come out to play.
It's much too early, I rightly say.
But she talked me into it, Hip Hip Hooray.
I had to scurry, I had to race
to make it before the sun bared her bright face.
A stroke of luck!
I'm JUST IN TIME.
I get to see the sun rise,Isn't it sublime?

Just in Time Ellowyne features a hip steampunk-inspired ensemble and arrives bearing shiny hazel inset eyes behind thick lashes and a full rooted mane of mink. Including a cream bodysuit with elaborate collar, rich burgundy wool jacket with golden buttons and cameo detail, burgundy stripe skirt with fashion chain and bow detail and ribbed cotton tights, even Jules Verne himself would be proud! Our fashionable time traveler's ensemble is complete with sassy period button-up booties, a burgundy top hat with ribbon and chain deco, and of course, goggles. I dare say, the game is afoot! 

A limited edition of 1,000 dolls is scheduled to be available in April.

How shall I wait until then? Thank heavens my birthday is April 9!

No Tribble at all

It has taken way, way too long, but Steampunk Uhura is finally on her way to Nichelle Nichols!

In case you're late in joining this story already in progress, Momma took me and my dear friend Phoebe to Phoenix Comicon 13 last May to meet Nichelle Nichols - AKA Lieutenant Nyota Uhura of Star Trek: The Original Series fame. 

Ms. Nichols liked me so much she asked for one just like me! 

Swoon!

Well, we all know there is only one ME, but Momma worked hard to recreate a steampunk doppelgänger just for her.

Sadly, between the time it took to create Steampunk Uhura and Momma's bouts with pneumonia, Bell's Palsy, a hospitalization, etc., it took until today for Momma to send Steampunk Uhura on her way.

But Steampunk Uhura is really and truly headed to California to live with Momma Nichols.

I hope she likes her!

BTW, someone commented on Ms. Nichol's Twitter page about the lock and chain I was wearing.

I want to say that I wear the Master lock and chain as a symbol of my origins, but only I have the key.

Dolly'll never go away again

As previously mentioned, Momma has never cared for blond, blue-eyed dolls.

Maybe it was because she was a brunette, brown-eyed girl.

Or maybe it was because of all of the blond, blue-eyed dolls on the market in the late '60s and early '70s when she was in her formative doll years.

Almost all the dolls she saw of that era were blue-eyed blondes - at least in the town she grew up in. Momma had Ideal's Velvet and Mia (she preferred the brunette Mia) and didn't even know there was an African American Chrissy until she was an adult.

She and her brother both collected Marx's "Best of the West" and her brother collected their "Noble Knights and Vikings" action figures. Momma had Jane, Janice, and Josie West, as well as Princess Wildflower, while her brother collected the males in both lines. (Momma would have liked to collect girls from the "Noble Knights and Vikings" but there was none.)

At the end of her doll-playing days (but not collecting!) she had Mattel's entire Sunshine Family and Happy Family lines - mostly because she liked the multicultural and multi-generational aspect of the dolls. (Mattel did not make a "Black" Barbie until 1980!)

But her biggest regret? Not keeping the two Barbies given to her by her older cousins.

Why? Her cousins are 6 to 12 years older than Momma and gave her two of the earliest Barbies when they outgrew them!

Sadly, Momma did not like what she now thinks was a 1961 Mattel Barbie Titian-Hair Bubble-Cut Barbie, and what was possibly the first 1959 Teenage Fashion Model Blonde Barbie.

Momma disliked them so much she dressed them in white slips (yes, they made dolls wear slips back then) and forced them into domestic servitude for her Mod and Malibu Barbies.

Snigger.

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?

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!