Doll Meets

Not-so-recently, A and I went to a doll meet (that's her Lisette there, with Tryphosa). We only stayed for a short time, and it felt a little awkward. The more I go to doll meets, the more aware I get of the awkwardness that I feel at them. It's not that people are mean or foreboding; usually it's just the opposite, where everyone tries to make each other feel welcome. But I guess it's just the knowledge that I have nothing in common with them other than dolls that makes me feel falsely cheerful and kind of odd in conversation. There are some meets where it's less awkward, but those are few and far between.

I'm not sure what my concept of a meet was before I started to notice this. Maybe it was 'a gathering of friends with dolls involved', where the emphasis is on friend-making? Or perhaps it was 'a chance to see other people's dolls in real life'? That seems just as likely. I go to the Otakon doll meets, but those are just to trade or buy things, and I usually don't really find anything I love there.

What is your concept of a doll meet? Have you been to meets? Did you feel awkward as well? Do you feel at home there? Why?

This Narae

...I need her (stole her picture from Andreja on DoA). Her owner has put her up for sale on the Marketplace and I really do absolutely love her. Maybe this is real dolly love? Lol. She would look so good with the Shushu and Tryphosa, too. I'm thinking she might be Leathie Rivers from my novel! Maybe, maybe not?

EDIT: Turns out not. I had a bit of trouble with her current owner, and I really don't want to go through with the transaction because it seems like it will be unpleasant for the both of us. I decided to try to give my Shushu the same expression, and hopefully it'll work out better that way. I bet I wouldn't like the Narae body anyway *tries to console self*

Why I Think I Can't Keep Dolls

... So, I'm selling my Zero. I'm really upset about it. I sanded her seams, nipples, eyebrows, and did a lot of work for her posing and faceplates. I really tried to keep her. I LOVE her body scuplt and her faces are beautiful.... but she just won't stand for me. It's hit or miss - sometimes she will, sometimes she won't, and I've never had so much trouble photographing any doll (even my Supia Roda, with her weird 'uneven' legs).

Contrary to my keep/buy record, I really, really loathe selling dolls. My friend has had her two dolls ever since I introduced her to the hobby back in highschool. But me - I've had around 10+, now including the Unoa Zero. I've wondered for the 5 years I've been in the hobby about why I can't seem to bond with any of my dolls.

At least my Shiny Fairy May, Tryphosa, isn't going anywhere. Maybe it's because I see her as a precious gift? But, I had seen my DZ Shoyo in that light, as well as my SDF Ethan head. All were still sold. It's not like I don't want to bond with a doll, it's just that I can't seem to. Even my precious Kurumi left me, because of the thought that 'maybe this just isn't the right time in my life for her'. I do plan on getting her again someday, so it's not a permanent loss.

I'm getting a MNF Shushu again, small bust with #3 hands. I think she'll be turned into a Multihead, with a Miyu and maybe one other head or a modded head or something, to counteract the 'one look' syndrome ('I don't really see an 'expression' on her face. It's all just one look'... that thought has also led to the selling of dolls). I'll also be buying a TON of accessories, wigs, clothing and shoes for both Tryphosa and the Shushu. I've never had a lot of things for my dolls, preferring to make most instead, but perhaps my lack of leisure time (when employed) and lack of fabric experimentation funds just dampen my enthusiasm for free form sewing fun. Maybe the ability to fully style both will help me to get along with them better.

Maybe it's just because I can't justify spending so much on myself. Maybe it's just that I would prefer to spend the money on more 'practical' things, but I can't ever shake my beloved doll hobby. Maybe it's that I haven't found the 'right' doll for me. The Shushu, if she were in 60cm size with all available A-line options, would fulfill all of my dreams. Maybe 'my' doll hasn't been made yet? I have no idea.

I'm so tired of selling dolls. I really hate saying goodbye to them, especially since the reasons I bought them haven't changed. And it may not seem like it, but they're all special to me.

Sorry for the text-heavy, ranty post. It's just been on my mind lately. Has anyone else here had bonding issues with *every* doll they've bought? Have you known someone like this? Did you think that they should just settle with a doll and get it over with? Did you get frustrated with them? Did they seem to be upset over it, or did they seem to be okay with selling a lot?

Even if you just have a random thought on the issue, I'd love to see your opinion. :3

Tryphosa and Crewcuts

So, my wonderful boyfriend, henceforth known as Rafen, gifted me with Tryphosa for Christmas!!!!!!!!! I know, late posting. XD And this Valentine's Day he gifted me again with beautiful Enchanted Doll #24 eyes for her....!!!! I adore the way they photograph, and they sparkle in such a lovely way in the light! So, I was thinking of her style, and what clothes to dress her in....

Immediately, I thought of Crewcuts. In addition to everywhere else in the world, I've worked at J.Crew, and I always lamented the lack of Crewcuts in our store. Crewcuts is the amazingly styled J.Crew kidswear line that I am currently obsessing over.

Aren't those the cutest little girls EVER?!??!?!!?

I want all of the Crewcuts clothes for Tryphosa! I'll probably be trying to copy some pieces/styles for her. I've found her style!

Revised Doll Wishlist!

I'm just up bored and sick, so I've revised my doll wishlist!

Oh my god, it's boys! Boy dolls on my wishlist?!?! Anyway, this was a limited headsculpt from the company SNG Switch. The first one is the more 'open-eyed' version of the sculpt and its name is Milwha, and the second one is the 'dreaming' version, whose name is Hahwha. I really can't decide which one I like better and would be happy owning both. I would love to put them both on Volks SDGr bodies; I've handled one in person and they're really great. But they cost lots and lots of money for a body, and so I may go the Spiritdoll route (I like those bodies, too). In my opinion, they would make marvelous twins. I would REALLY like it if they were twins. xD They also remind me of Suzaku and Lelouch of Code Geass (respectively) and that doesn't hurt. Although I would really envision Suzaku's face with a more 'I'm a little bitch' expression.


Shiny Fairy May (picture by Turbow on Flickr). I really adore Bluefairy's way of sculpting and I don't like the bodies/headsculpts any less through the owner pics. Hana's eyes started to bother me so little mature May is now my goal. She embodies a character named Tryphosa, the curious and intelligent daughter of a classics professor at Kumiho's college. I'm going to start saving for her after Christmas. :3

An Unoa Zero. Big boobs, too? Jeez, really breaking the mold on my usual tastes. Yeah yeah, I know. She'll be the cost of a small house. But she'll be worth it. Someday I will own a Latea/Marion/Sleeping Faceplates/boobs conglomeration. She may have alternate personalities? I'm not really sure what I want to do with her character yet. Image courtesy of dressmaker Silver Butterfly.

Iplehouse SID Soo is next on the list. I've decided to reshell Remiel. T_T I adore the modded Supia Roda head I have for her, but she's a very realistic character and the sculpt just never seemed to perfectly reflect her strong badassery. This sculpt, though young looking, has potential and I don't think she'll look shabby sporting Remiel's ice blue eyes and unnatural flaming red hair.

Actually, that's all for now. I eventually want a Minifee, but the more I look at all of them the more I get confused as to which one I'd really want. I think I really just enjoy the A-line body so much, and want to have a character to go with it lol. I could go Celty-style and make it headless, but then the elastic would show, wouldn't it? XD

Part of it may be my satisfaction in just owning my Volks Kurumi. She's really everything I want in an adorable girl doll (except she's SD10 size, which is hard to carry around! Hence Tryphosa) so I think the need to get others has been severely curtailed. Now I'm wanting for those mature girls, and boys, as you can see! Oh my, I'm going down a dark path. XD;