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You know how it is. There’s something you desperately need to find. You know you have it, it must be somewhere…

I confess, the time between dolls – when one is just finished and put up for adoption and the next O.L.D. (Once-Loved Doll) is standing there in need of clothing and looking at me with those large (usually) tin eyes – is a time that I absolutely dread. What if we can’t come up with anything that will do?

Enter The Mayor of our fair city, aka my sister, Julie: “Skater!” she said in her squeaky voice, waving her tiny fists. PERFECT. In fact, I even had a pair of doll skates, just waiting for the right girl! They were around here somewhere…

Reader, I searched and searched. I found one, but heaven help me if I could find the other. I knew it had come off the shoe it was attached to, but no problem, I wanted to make my own shoes anyway. I TORE THIS PLACE APART. TWICE. THREE TIMES. I would wake up in the mornings with a start, “Maybe it’s ______!” only to search and search again fruitlessly. There’s nothing quite so frustrating as seeking something you absolutely must have and not being able to find it.

So, what to do? I had some doll-sized tennis rackets, maybe she could be a snow-shoe wearer instead. Nope! That wouldn’t be right. I decided to make my own skates. I thought of several options and finally came up with…clothespins! Where there’s a will, there’s a way. “Old English” aged them nicely.

Now, she won’t be doing twirls and jumps and sudden stops in these anytime soon, not if she wants them to stay in one piece, but by golly, I got my Skater that Julie (aka The Mayor) so helpfully suggested.

Meet Piper, the official O.L.D. No. 19. You can see her adoption page HERE. She’s my favorite to date! Kind of old fashioned looking, isn’t she?

Actually, Piper has several different looks. I got a little carried away with her as I thought and thought about where that other skate might be…

Her main look in the cream wool coat and hat are sort of a departure for me. I looked at vintage skating images from the 30s but couldn’t find what I had in mind. Enter Victorian post cards. Here are my inspirations:

This illustration inspired the striped socks.

I love, love, love Piper. Of course, I love ALL my girls. And honestly, if I could spend forever on each one, making thing after thing and accessory after accessory, I would.

Piper’s skirt is made from the same fabric as Savannah’s dress. Her muff is real fur. Mink, I think, and I braided the cord it hangs from. Her sweater has embroidered silk flowers on it. Sometimes I find myself wondering what a grown woman is doing working on these dolls all day. And then I get nice emails like the following:

“Your creations are awesome. had to let you know that you’re the first seller i followed. I’ll be watching for your “new” O.L.D.s.”  –Amy

“Love it!”

“Now I know what your work is & I love it! I missed the Angel aviator (last one) & read your blog & am thrilled to have found such a great artist! The OLD, Once Loved Dolls are the BEST thing I’ve seen for a long time! GREAT WORK, GOOD JOB, BRAVO!” Doll Hugs, Sue Ann

These kind comments make me feel less silly and thank goodness for them!

Speaking of Angel, she will be joining her fellow flyer Bonnie. Together again with Michelle E. in Colorado! It will be interesting to see how this plays out…Thank you, Michelle!

I *think* I know what the next O.L.D. will be wearing. I’m already behind! That lawn wasn’t going to mow itself! And if I could invent self-raking leaves, I’d be RICH. But with these O.L.D.s, all I can do is my best. Plus, for THIS girl, I know where everything is!

Mostly.

And with that, I leave you. Happy Wednesday, you’re my favorite!

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