Happy St Patrick's Day

 Happy St Patrick's Day from some of the Rose Cottage Friends.

Introducing Neil

A couple of pictures of Neil, (named after my piano accompanist and friend who I heard had sadly passed away) my little Käthe Kruse Däumlinchen boy I got myself just before Christmas. I used to have three others of these type of dolls, but sold them a few years ago, wish I hadn't now as he could do with a little friend, and they are so hard to find over here. I don't think I realised just how flexible and poseable they were before.  

He is enjoying playing with a little wooden farm animal set.

He is a real sweet little boy.  I'd like to make some more clothes for him, so if anyone knows of any good patterns for these little dolls please let me know.

A Year in Review: 2020

Summing up the year...

It has been a strange year in so many ways, and I have been less involved with the dolls for a number of reasons. Most of which I won't go into on here.

There have been a few 'departures' and there will be more in the New Year as I refine my collection and focus.  I have had a lot of time to think about what direction I want to go in, and have a few ideas brewing.  I will be cutting down/stopping  posting on the social media platforms I am on and just posting on my blogs, this one and my Sasha blog: Sasha Haven   

I had a couple of creative periods where I made bears and tiny rag dolls, but in between those I have not had much creative mojo happening at all.  The bears and TRDs can be seen on previous posts.

I had four new dolls this year - one of which will be leaving.  The newbies are:

December saw the arrival of Sam just before Christmas - a gift to myself after seeing her on Ebay brand new in box for less than half the usual price.  I have wanted her for a long time, I think it is the orange tights! and so couldn't pass up the chance to get her.  I was a bit worried about whether I would like her or not as I have been quite 'off' dolls this year, and didn't like the boy doll Max when he arrived earlier in the year (shown below, and I am selling him).  

I got this sweet little Kathe Kruse doll in December as well and really like him.  I used to have three of these little dolls but sold them all a few years ago.  

A boy was added to the Gregor family in July, and has settled in well.

This is Max,  I thought I would really like him as I like boy dolls, and I should have sent him straight back without opening him, but I did open him, took a few photos and then put him straight back in the box where he has remained ever since.  For some reason I just don't like him, so he is looking for a new home.

Interestingly looking back on my first post of the year:

The Year of Twenty 

I didn't do too bad in sticking to my thoughts...I certainly created twenty items - more in fact.
I kept pretty much to the twenty dolls I had out at the beginning of the year, which was an interesting experiment.  Although I know I could never get down to just the twenty dolls.  I definitely like my Sasha and Schoenhut dolls too much to cut down on them, although will be cutting down on a lot of the other smaller vintage type dolls.  'Lockdown' put paid to visiting a lot of places with Henry, although he did visit a few places which was fun, and I hope to continue that more in the New Year.  I haven't felt much like taking travel companions out and about with me this year, but perhaps that will change.

I never finished my Carve a Hitty nor made her twenty items of clothing.  Getting ready for a move put paid to that, and she has sat on my shelf by my computer ever since...just waiting to be finished.

So that was pretty much my year really.  

I hope everyone has a good New Year's Eve.

For Sale: Kathe Kruse Boy

Sadly my wonderful Kathe Kruse Boy is also looking for a new home  He is from the 1970s and has his original outfit and tag. His foot is marked 1977 - see photo.  His hair is a little sparse in places, again see photos.  His body is in lovely condition, although the hands are slightly faded as would be expected in a doll of this age considering the rest of his body is clothed.  Again see photos.

£265 negotiable for those willing to pay as 'family/friends' plus postage.

Please feel free to ask any questions.