Blythe Hats on Etsy!

Today I added four of my Little Ears hats to Sarah and I's joint Etsy shop. From top left, clockwise: Cold October Nights Little Ears, Happy Trails Little Ears, BOO! Little Ears, and Crayons Little Ears. I hope people are interested! I think they're really cute and I enjoy making them. Unfortunately no one bought the shawls and the listing expired, but there were faults with the photographs as well. In these I focused on what I was selling, the hats, rather than taking photographically nice pictures. In the top right one of Amie, the hat is in focus while she isn't. Normally I'd toss it, but I need to focus on the hat. And that reminds me, I need to introduce everyone - I'm up to 10 girls now!

I also made us a Twitter, so if you want Blythe updates, do follow: https://twitter.com/EssHippo

My Blythe Family - August 19, 2012

Most recent family photo! August 19, 2012, a photo by OnePinkHippo - catching up! on Flickr.

Back row: (left to right) Gracie, Rhiannon, Amie, Quinn, Zooey

Front row: Adalind, Lola, Coraline

This picture is missing two girls, Coral and Lotus Blossom who are both at the 'spa' (aka they're in pieces awaiting various stages of customization), I gave Quinn back her brunette scalp, and Rhiannon lost her glasses.

More updates soon!

Blythe for a Year

She came!, a photo by OnePinkHippo on Flickr.

It's been one year since I've been obsessed with these big headed dollies. My Bubble Boom arrived at my house last year on the 22nd of March.

5 dollies, countless clothes and accessories bought, photographs taken, nights spent researched and swapping wigs later I'm still in love with them. Sarah and I started a blog dedicated to them and an Etsy shop to making adorable clothes and accessories. We're even going to BlytheCon in Manchester in October, the ultimate, ultimate of Blythe collecting, where I hope to meet a lot more of Blythe buddies!

This has been a great hobby, though not cheap, but I am excited to see what the next years of dolly collecting bring!

Blythe and Therapy

When I was a child I would spend hours playing with my Barbie and American Girl dolls. And I mean hours. Not only would they go on a million different adventures, courtesy my over-active imagination, but  I could sit and change their clothes and style their hair for hours on end. I recently rediscovered my American Girl doll wardrobe, which is in a small suitcase, and I had a lot of clothes for them. When I was 8, I wasn't making too many clothes and I surely wasn't going around taking pictures of them in different places. Usually I dressed them for an occasion. Sure I played with them, and they acted out things, but one of my favorite things to do was dress and redress and redress them. Maybe there was some solace I found in that, some sort of calming effect. Because now that I collect Blythes, I find that same aspect is one thing that really draws me to them and has an incredibly calming affect. Everyone has hobbies, sure; normal ones, such as yoga, or not-so-common ones, such as taxidermy, (hopefully Blythe falling into the former category, but adults playing with dolls can have a Rule 34 connotation) and we usually laugh it off as being "cheaper than therapy" but in a way, it really is. Sure, an $100+ doll isn't really as cheap as a session of therapy, depending on where you go, but each session, medicine, books, etc can add up and it can be. For example, I was quite stressed a few hours ago and was on Flickr and BlytheKingdom and was inspired to change my girls as they'd been abandoned in the stress of finals. By the time all 4 of them had been changed and their hair restyled, I felt incredibly calm. I have problems with the obsessive part of OCD where I can obsessive over a single thought like a song that gets stuck in your head, but during the whole process my mind was blank, and free, like I was in this trance and just naturally playing with pieces of plastic and cloth. It may sound silly to someone who hasn't been battling depression and/or anxiety, or someone who doesn't collect Blythe or have any sort of collection/hobby for that matter, but if at 1.30 AM I'm able to calm myself down with a doll and prevent a full blown panic attack, or turning to something worse, then I think that's all right. If I'm 24 and play with dolls, then fine, I play with dolls. It keeps me sane. And if my dolls are what keep me sane, and able to get through the day, then I see no problem with that. It's just such an interesting observation, as I have noticed the calming affect they have had on me before. Good thing I've found them, then.

Although, this means I'll justify buying plenty of Blythe dresses and such as being "therapeutic."

Meet Adalind

I bought another Blythe for myself as a motivation present, as I had a mini breakdown a few weeks ago and needed something to help me get back into going to classes (and getting out of bed, period), as well as an early end of the semester/birthday/Christmas present. She wasn't due until around the time of finals, but arrived early. I was so thrilled I decided to open her up! Meet Adalind! 

The girls were really excited!

Zooey was especially thrilled, since when Lola came Zooey was in pieces. Zooey was quite dismayed when she was put back together and Coral had made fast friends with Lola. 

The Domos are familiar with boxes, since they order so many of themselves, but they were a little confused as to why this box was so big, and what that big headed thing was inside.

...so the Domos tried to make off with her accessories. They're like little kids, I swear. (But she did come with some neat accessories. Sunglasses and an awesome leather jacket, as well as a necklace that I'm having trouble joining round her neck because it's so tiny, and some kick ass boot that I want in my size!)

She was a little miffed I was taking so many pictures rather than taking her out.

The Domos thought they could take her out of the plastic, but she was not having it! She's quite vain about her hair.

Here she is, fresh and clean from cardboard and plastic. She's quite the drama queen. She's told the girls she's a model from California and talks in a British accent, dahling this and dahling that, much to Lola's displeasure. She's already gone through the girl's wardrobe and decided that none are really her style, so she needs me to make her something real quick. She's an RBL* mold, though, my first different mold from Coral and Zooey, who are FBLs,** not counting Lola. She doesn't have the same "cuteness;" she looks more sophisticated.  She's my first doll with extra long hair, (I cut Lola's to mid thigh length) so I'm having a ball being able to braid it and have more freedom to give her updos. It's a bit staticy, so I think all three girls (poor Lola) are going to be in for a Spa Day. 

I have some more pictures of her I have to upload, as well as an adventure of Domos outside in the leaves, and a lot of Blythe dresses. Also Sarah and I's joint venture, EssHippo Blythes, is really taking off, and we are opening an Etsy shop! I think she'll have items in it sooner, as I'm still doing Christmas gifts, but Adalind helped me make the first prototype! They're currently just called Little Ears hats, but I have a lot of plans for them including colors and decorations:

I crocheted it up quick using some bulky yarn and an H hook, while watching Terra Nova and House M.D. I also had a migraine, so I'm sure I could make one an hour, at least, without interruptions, like wandering around to get snacks, or laughing at silly commercials.

I always say I need to get better at blogging, but instead of saying it, I need to just do it! Here's to more posts in the near future!

*RBL: "Radiance" Blythe mold: fourth Blythe mold; possibly closest to the original Kenner; largest eyes; first released in 2005

**FBL: "Fairest" Blythe mold: first released in 2009; my personal favorite mold

Dropped Stitch in Completed Project

I finished a Blythe hoodie tonight, and was seaming up the sleeves when I noticed I had dropped a stitch in the back:

I stuck a crochet hook through it to hold it, but I have no idea how to fix it. Frogging it back is not an option. Can I just pull a piece of yarn through and tie it? Think it'll hold?

Thanks! 

22. Lola's Adventure in Wonderland

Lola and Domos had an adventure and explored the autumn leaves and playground behind the house the other day! I love this weather, and autumn is my favorite season. Plus, there's tons of leaves and wood-chips for Domos to use for fights. Silly Domos. More information on them later.

I also tried to crochet a Blythe dress, but the bodice came out too boxy.

I'm not too sure why. It could be because the yarn is stiff, or because I need less stitches for the underarms. I'll frog and figure it out, after Christmas gifts.

And I had an amazingly productive weekend, on the Blythe clothing front, so once I find some time to take some pictures I'll post those as well.

Poor dear abandoned blog. I'm sorry! School gets in the way, and I had a weird emotional week that had me out of things for a while, but all is good and back to normal now.

Christmas crafting time!

New Eyes!

School has done a great job impacting my crafting and Blythe time, but I try to sneak it in there, at least a few rows or rounds a night. Even though Coral had been finished a few weekends ago, Zooey laid around in pieces for a bit until last weekend when I finally had time to put her chips in and her body back together. I made a quick mosaic of their new chippies. Both girls got slightly matted with a magic sponge, though I kept both girls' eyeshadow and lipstick, as well as Zooey's blush.

Coral's New Eyes:
Top: Floral from milkywayblythe; Yellow Actionoid from CoolCat
Bottom: Green 20 line; Yellow and pink Plum Blossom, both from CoolCat

Zooey's New Eyes (I wanted her to have more natural/normal looking eyes, whereas Coral could have kooky and crazy ones that went with her personality.)

Top: Pale gray Plum Blossom; Dark pink Actinoid

Bottom: Dark green 20 Line; Brown Plum Blossom, all from CoolCat 

Both girls have left facing greens! I did that on purpose.

 

And next I'll introduce my new girl, Lola, by the brilliant Sarah/EssHaych, who by creepy coincidence, has left facing greens as well!

 

Mosaic Mondays: Coral by Four

20. Coral by Four, a photo by OnePinkHippo on Flickr.

This was an accident, but I really like how it came out! I just got around to uploading it today, though I made it on Monday so it still counts! I also just got around to putting all my pictures on Flickr.

Poor Zooey's still in pieces, and Coral hasn't had a decent photoshoot yet, but the weather is partly to blame for that. I have started a hoodie for her.

Hopefully I'll have more time this weekend to blog. I'm being swamped with readings, quizzes and tests for school.

And since it's October, that means I need to start Christmas gifts! I have everything planned out and all the yarn, I just need to get started.

More updates sooner rather than later!

19. I want a Middie!!

19. I want a Middie!!, a photo by OnePinkHippo on Flickr.

My next girl might be a Middie! They're so cute and delicate!

Two Of Us

If you read this blog religiously, than you've of course heard of my good friend, the lovely, talented, and totally awesome Sarah/EssHaych. Way back in March she jumped on the Blythe Bandwagon with me and purchased a Simply Thumpty Thump, the sister of Coral. (For non Blythers, Takara released a set of three 'Manga' Girls, Simply Sparkly Spark, Simply Bubble Boom and Simply Thumpty Thump.) We have about 10 emails going back and forth, one dedicated to Blythes. We share shops, photos, clothes we've made, and customizations. Unfortunately there's a large mass of salt water more popularly known as the Atlantic Ocean that separates us; I'm in the United States and Sarah is in England.

I was reading the blogs I follow, and after seeing Mason Dixon Knitting got a wonderful idea. Why don't Sarah and I start a blog like them!?! Theirs is mainly knitting, and they're separated by distance as well; Kay lives in Manhattan and Ann lives in Nashville. For their posts they write to and update each other on their crafty progress. Why can't Sarah and I do that, only with the theme of Blythes rather than just knitting? Of course we can. Thus EssHippo Blythes was born!

Ours not only has posts concerning Blythes, but free (!!!) patterns and a Blythe database. When we get the blog on its feet we hope to have shop reviews and interviews. So definitely check it out! Even if you haven't been bitten by the Blythe Bug, after reading the blog you just might!

So what are you stil doing here, silly? Go check us out!

WIP Wednesday: Early Morning

*yawn*

This is one of my (many) WIPs. I had an idea the other night to make a Domo sweater for my Blythe. I found yarn in my stash in brown, white and red, though it's worsted and sport weight. I'm knitting in it Lion Brand Microspun, and even though I'm using US 1s it's coming out chunky. I think it's going to be a chunky sweater coat rather than sweater, but that's ok. Plus, my stranding/Fair Isle is a little tight, but it looks good! I hope to work on more tomorrow.

Goodnight!

Zooey!

Zooey spam, a photo by onepinkhippo on Flickr.

Formal introduction of my new girl, Zooey!

Dolly clothes and FOs/WIPs to come, ASAP!

Meet Zooey!

My Chocolate has arrived!, a photo by onepinkhippo on Flickr.

A lot has been going on recently, but I had to let everyone know my Simply Chocolate arrived today! She'll be opened in the next few days. *squee!*

15. Goodies from Sarah/EssHaych

15. Goodies from Sarah/EssHaych, a photo by onepinkhippo on Flickr.

Fun package for Coral from EssHaych! Blythe related items include: hangars, which I need to find a Barbie wardrobe or something, because I want to hang all her clothes up; an earflap hat that she wants to wear now; a Domo sweater!!; an adorable miniature letter from Zoe; a baby blue Eggbert to go with the pink one she sent me earlier; an Eggbert TLC kit, because the aforementioned pink Eggbert(a) has one leg left; and a miniature yarn basket! I need better pictures of it. There were also goodies for me in the form of candy and scented pens (yum!) and tons of Royal Wedding items for my mom, including a little teapot! Thanks dear! I'm working on getting one out to her by the end of the summer. I have a little stack of Blythe clothes on my sewing table.

The dress Coral is wearing is a Donutzie dress by the talented kimberlymunn on Etsy. Fabulous! It's a little donut! 

Recently I haven't even finished anything "human" sized. Everything is Blythe sized. It doesn't take long, maybe a night or two or crocheting, and that instant gratification is awesome. And I think it wakes up the little kid in me. :]  

Mosaic Mondays: Chocolate

15. Blythe Simply Chocolate, a photo by onepinkhippo on Flickr.

Celebrating Simply Chocolates this week, because Coral is getting a sister!! She's my prize for, once again, getting through a semester. This one has been tough, though it's only been 3 weeks, filed with a lot of migraines, depression, pure laziness, and even a panic attack. So she will be well received. 

EDiM III Week III Wrap Up

13. Every Day in May III Week III Wrap Up, a photo by mochaxlight on Flickr.

Mosaic Monday: EDiM3 Week II Wrap Up

12. Every Day in May III Week II Wrap Up, a photo by mochaxlight on Flickr.

Baby's First Handknit Item

Baby's First Handknit Item, a photo by mochaxlight on Flickr.

Shrugs and Kisses by Maggie Baird

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft in Mango, which matches perfectly with her stock dress
Needles: US 1 (2.25 mm)
Started & finished: May 4

Very quick knit. It was just a parallelogram. It could have been wider, as she doesn't really have sleeves. In fact, it's only sewed together by one stitch. And there's an odd roll in the back, but it fits!

Knitting for Blythe is instant gratification.

WIP Wednesday

WIP Wednesday, a photo by mochaxlight on Flickr.

Coral and I had a great mail day Tuesday. Not only did I get $146 back from the government (!!!) but Coral received some beige pants from BlytheKingdom. She doesn't have any shirts (yet!) so she's modeling the front of an unfinished sweater. I also made a little shrug for her tonight, so there will be information on that soon.