Kruselings Michael Reivew

Before I knew I would have to sell off a load of my dolls to pay for my treatments I had seen photos of these new articulated dolls that a friend sent me a link of an advertisement of these dolls in New Zealand (and Australia, where they first appeared).  I fully expected them to be quite expensive, but knew I really wanted one, even before I knew what size they actually were.

Well I discovered that they were soon to be released in the UK as well so I waited patiently and my boy arrived on Sunday (at my friend's place and she delivered him to me today).  

His display box has some lovely art work.

Information on the back, which reads

"For a hundred years there had been peace in Dreamland, when suddenly monsters emerged from the Sea of Dreams and upset everything.  Summoned by a glowing red heart, the great Fire Opal, five brave girls were sent out to save the dreams of the worled.  They are Luna, Vera, Chloe, Sofia and Joy."

Plus there is a boy and the back reads:

"Hi!  I'm Michael from Berlin, Germany.  When I'm not playing soccer with my friends, I'm always on the lookout for new adventures."

When I first made enquiries about this doll I was told 'He doesn't have magical powers'.  Well of course that didn't bother me in the slightest.  (Do dolls really have magical powers anyway? ;-)  )  I guess Peggy Sue would be able to debate that one well, and probably Henry too!  

Side of box.

Inside of the box - he is well attached!

I forgot to take photos of the back, but the flaps were taped with sellotape but then he also had plastic tie things that needed to be cut.

Worst of all these were also in the head - and stick out. I will need to find a fine pair of sharp scissors to trim these down.  Personally I wish toy companies wouldn't do this - I really can't see that is necessary.  

Freed from the box.

I like his little outfit.  The jacket does have pockets, but the opening is only big enough for the thumb.  His shoes are plastic with a bit of a split opening at the back.  A little worrying taking the shoes off for the first time as they are quite tight and I wouldn't want to break his ankle joints.  Not sure how easy a child would find this.

The jeans have sewn embellishments - forgot to take a close up photo and they do up at the back.  Yes both t shirt and jeans have the dreaded velcro, but that is easy for children I suppose.

He has a cute little pair of underwear.  Always nice when they come wearing undies!

He has great articulation, jointed at the wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, tops of legs, knees and feet.  He stands very securely.

He can kneel! 

Sit with his leg crossed over.

Has a little K embellished on his tummy.

Lovely face.  His hair is quite nice as well.

His head is a bit wobbly, and doesn't turn very freely.  I am a bit worried about trying to force it to turn in case it breaks as I don't know quite how these heads are attached.  I guess that is one of the biggest disappointing things.  

He is quite the character though and I think quite boyish in his looks and the poses he can achieve.

Side by side with my little Heartstrings Tommy. They can't share shoes, but should be able to share most clothing I think.  He definitely looks older than Tommy.

With my Raikes doll who is a similar height.  I think they might have similar size feet.  

He stands very well and secure and is very easy to pose.

Out in the garden with his 'twin' who also came round today when he was delivered.

His twin heads off without him.

Hey, wait for me!

He catches him up.

He really looks like he is walking.

Checking out the wildlife!

All in all I am really pleased with this little doll.  At a mere £23.99 I think he is a bargain considering the quality of his clothing, and his pose-ability.  I love dolls that can pose well, and of course also love boy dolls.  He is 9 inches tall so a nice portable size.

The major cons (and probably not that major) are the plastic ties stuck into his head and the fact his head wobbles and doesn't seem to turn much.  I would like to see these two things improved, otherwise I think he is great and I am pleased I have him.

I bought this little lad from the lovely Kathy of  'My Doll and Bear'  

Petalina are also going to be stocking them.

Learning about History

Henry was excited to receive a letter today from his friend Sasha from Gregoropolis.

He read it out to Caleb.

Oh look it says here that Sasha has sent us some postcards that are 'a trip through time'. Henry reads.

 How exciting, I wonder what he means?  Caleb asks.

They are antique postcards.  Henry tells him as he reads through the letter.  They are postcards of their hometown in the very early 1900s.  

Gosh I bet Lewis and Peggy Sue will be interested in these as they may remember what places looked like that long ago!  Caleb says.

They are not THAT old. Henry says.

Well very nearly... Caleb replies.

Henry and Caleb study the first postcard.  

This is the Dayton Dry Goods Co  and Raddison Hotel.  The postcard is dated Nov 1913.  Henry says.

See!  Says Caleb.  Lewis and Peggy Sue ARE as old as this card...

Well they don't look it.. Henry replies.  

Oh and guess what this must be the place that Sasha said he and Steve first met many years ago..although not as long ago as when this card was sent!

This next one is of the City Hall and Court House.  Sasha wrote that the clocks are actually 18 inches wider than those on Big Ben in London!  Henry tells Caleb.  This postcard is dated 7th January 1908.  Wow that is a long time ago!

This last one is even older as it is dated with two date stamps, September 14th and 15th 1906.  It is of the College Buildings, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis. Henry explains to Caleb.

That is over 101 years ago. Caleb gasps.  How exciting to have these postcards in your collection.  You are really lucky Henry.

I know.  Henry says.  Isn't it wonderful to have friends around the world that enjoy the same hobby as me!  Just look at the wonderful stamps on the back and also the names of the people these cards were sent to.  Isn't it amazing.  To think these cards were written so long ago.  What a wonderful piece of history.

Thank you for these wonderful postcards Sasha and Steve.  They are going to take pride of place in my collection.  They are my oldest postcards!

Happy Birthday Peggy Sue

Yesterday was Peggy Sue's birthday, she has a very quiet day because 'Mum' wasn't up to doing much, but being the good girl that she is, she didn't worry about it.  Today her friend Morgan came round and to her surprise she was presented with a gift.

Oh gosh Morgan, for me?  Peggy Sue asked.

Of course it is, Happy Birthday Peggy Sue.  Morgan replied.

Peggy Sue was delighted to be remembered.

She was even more delighted with her present.  

Wow!  A hot water bottle.  She exclaims.  This is going to be perfect now it is so much colder at night.

What a great present!  Thank you so much Morgan.  

Normally I make Peggy Sue a birthday dress, but this year with all that is going on I just haven't had a chance, so instead she was treated to a new coat and beret.

She couldn't wait to try it on and see if it kept her warm outside.

Come back from her walk, she declares it was 'just right'.  

Windy Wednesday

Caleb and Henry want to know if Peggy Sue and Lewis want to do a puzzle with them.

They agreed and had quite a bit of fun putting the puzzle together.

Deep in concentration they are working on 'The Thames at Westminster'

They start by trying to find the outside pieces, although with these little wooden puzzles this can sometimes be tricky.

But they made good progress.

Great teamwork!

Almost finished, just need to put in the novelty pieces now.

Completed!

That was fun.  Henry says to Caleb who agrees.

They are dressed warmly for the colder weather.

Not just need to sort out the rest of the Rose Cottage Friends.