Thursday, January 14, 2010

Breathe New Life Into Your Doll Collection With Fun Clothes and Accessories

By Stephen Daniels

For some of us, the little girl who loves her dolls is still hiding within. For many of us, though, she's not hiding; she's enjoying her collection every day. Doll collecting is a fascinating hobby. Whether you like porcelain dolls with elegant period costumes, baby dolls with lots of clothes, or the popular 18 inch brands such as American Girl, there are plenty out there to choose from.

Part of the fun of doll collecting is the many different costumes and outfits you can find for them to wear. Updating outfits to match the season or the holiday is a fun way to keep your collection looking fresh. Red velvet Christmas dresses, Halloween costumes, traditional ethnic clothing, seasonal attire, pajamas, and bathing suits are just a few of the garments available. Bridal gowns, evening dresses and historical clothing are favorites of a lot of collectors. Hunting for precious little shoes, lacy undergarments, and other doll accessories to match the outfits is part of the fun.

Purchasing furniture is a lovely way to display and arrange your collection. There are many delightful pieces to be found, both in specialty shops and on-line. Some of these are period pieces, which are great for 18 inch dolls as well as many other types. Others are contemporary, and may match your own furniture or decorating style. Doll beds are available in many styles and sizes, from sweet, swinging cradles to bassinettes, bunk beds, four poster beds, and canopy beds. Pillows and bedding complete the look.

A doll tea party with an appropriate sized tea set is a lovely display for spring, or Mother's Day. Dishes, high chairs, wooden hutches and play food, as well as tables, are available for such scenes. More furniture can include Night stands, coffee tables, living room chairs, and all sorts of lamps.

Chests of drawers, armoires, and steamer trunks also come in doll sizes, and they serve a dual purpose - they look great, plus they can be used for storing small pieces! Keeping each doll's clothing together makes it easy to locate outfits. Underclothes, socks and shoes are very tiny and easy to lose. However, many companies offer bloomers, pantaloons, slips, chemises, and panties as replacements. Tights and socks come in a wide variety of colors, and even undershorts for boy dolls are readily available.

If you like to sew, knit or crochet, patterns for doll clothing are available. Many manufacturers specialize in vintage clothing as well. Any of these items would make a unique and truly appreciated gift for a collector of any age.

If you'd like to add unusual touches to your collection, there are many options. Ice skates, cowgirl boots, bandannas, eyeglasses, purses, backpacks, earmuffs, brushes and jewelry are just a few ideas. Even doll outerwear can be purchased. Matching jackets and hats, fur jackets or stoles, trench coats with matching totes, and even hooded sweatshirts can be found.

Quite a few companies manufacture a wide variety of clothing and accessories that are just right for popular sizes and brands such as 18 inch dolls. With all the great outfits and items available, there's no reason why you shouldn't indulge yourself and spruce up your collection.

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