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Across the Fence:  American Girl Dolls  |
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idcityrose
True Blue Farmgirl
202 Posts
Rose
Idaho City
Idaho
USA
202 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 10 2009 : 3:15:21 PM
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I was just wondering how many farmgirls have bought or heard of American Girl dolls? I really love that they are for girls of all nations and have historical stories for each one. I know they are too pricy for the average person but I just love the fact that these dolls are not "Barbies" with big boobs, high heels and questionable clothing (OK some Barbies are really cool for collectors).
I have 3 boys, 2 grown and one young man (18) so I missed the whole doll thing but does anyone else appreciate these dolls as much as I do? I started making the knock off American Girl dolls years ago. Michaels still sells them but you don't have to build them anymore, and I have begun making clothes for the ones I have and I just get excited by this, dressing each one uniquely and with her own personality.
I think I just love dolls, having grown up poor and not having much maybe I just want to live my "girlhood" over again.
Anyway I was just wondering how many farmgirls love the dolls as much as I. I have seen some fun ones some of the farmgirls make.
We are never alone in the forest of Sisters! We "Mountain Farmgirls" are outstanding in our field! |
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homergirl1957
True Blue Farmgirl
111 Posts
cathy
tieton
washington
111 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2009 : 3:25:50 PM
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rose,
my grandmothers name by the way.
i bought my first american girls doll last year. she is julie the 1970's doll from my era. it is supposed to be for my granddaughter but i haven't given it to her yet i think i will wait until her 7th bday, in october. meanwhile what kind of patterns do you reccommend for making clothes. what dolls do you have. i do want one for my own. i was an army brat so i literally have none of my childhood toys, as we had to purge every time we moved! i think it is neat that they have a doll hospital to repair any damages they may sustain. they are beautiful! i also dvr the movies when they are on the hallmark channel.
in the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.-a. einstein |
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idcityrose
True Blue Farmgirl
202 Posts
Rose
Idaho City
Idaho
USA
202 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2009 : 3:41:01 PM
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Hi Cathy,
Rose was my grandmothers name as well. I was glad to hear that you are as taken with the dolls as I am. I use McCalls, Vogue, Simplicity and Butterick patterns for my dolls. My dolls are not the real deal but are knockoffs made to resemble the AG dolls. They are also 18" and look like them. I just made my blonde girl a costume pattern, kind of a renaissance pattern, I just finished a levi/denim jacket and jeans for my red haired girl. I have made daisy Kingdom patterns for them as well.
Most people who have the AG dolls won't buy anything for them that is not offically from the company but if you would like to try your hand at making clothes for them I have some duplicate patterns I would send you. Its a lot of fun to create clothes. Email me if you would like me to send you some patterns.
We are never alone in the forest of Sisters! We "Mountain Farmgirls" are outstanding in our field! |
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homergirl1957
True Blue Farmgirl
111 Posts
cathy
tieton
washington
111 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2009 : 4:27:53 PM
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rose,
email is on its way. hope to send you something in return! i will have to check out the dolls from michaels, don't get there too often. i am not picky about dressing them in only ag stuff, making clothes for them is half the fun!
cathy
in the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.-a. einstein |
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kissmekate
True Blue Farmgirl
890 Posts
Kate
Delano
Minnesota
890 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2009 : 5:10:25 PM
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We have four at our house.
My Mom and I purchased Samantha-the Victorian- for Christmas one year for my Daughter. She saved up her money and bought the companion doll, Nellie within a year. That same year, my Mom bought me Molly-the WWII doll. I cried like a baby when I opened her. I wanted her so badly, but would never buy her-too much frivolity on my very tight single Mom budget.
Since Nellie and Samantha were discontinued this year, and we have almost all of the outfits for them anyways. My daughter saved up and purchased Kit.
After Christmas, all of our dollies, myself, my DD, my Mom, my cousin and her daughter and Mom went to the MOA and went to the American Girl Doll store for lunch. The girls were in Heaven. Lauren purchased Kit while we were there, and Betsy bought the bathtub.
I suspect I will get Emily, Molly's companion doll, since I was drooling over her at the store. She is very fitting for me since I once had my very own red headed Emily. Hope I don't cry, but I probably will.
Suffice it to say, we love them at our house. For the most part, only Mom and I are allowed to purchase stuff for Lauren's dolls. It is our thing. Usually one thing for Christmas, and one thing for her birthday from both of us.
Once in a while though, my cousin has bought something for one because she buys the official stuff and knows how much we love our dollies, and we reciprocate for her daughter's dollies.
Oh and Cathy, you are smart to wait. We did a test run with a Target version the year prior to see how Lauren would treat it.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
Edited by - kissmekate on Feb 10 2009 5:29:11 PM |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2009 : 6:12:05 PM
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We have Kit and Molly at our house. The first Christmas after we adopted the girls (almost 6 years ago now) they got them from Santa. (ALOT more than Santa usually spends but we were so excited to finally have daughters) What is cool is that at the time Kit looks just like my oldest daughter (not so much anymore) and Molly did and still does look just like my youngest daughter. They have taken really good care of them and have lots of homemade clothes for them now. I even knitted them little sweaters one year.
I love the Kaya doll (the Indian girl)alot. Maybe someday for me. We have ALOT of the books too...even though my girls are 12 and 14 now they still read them alot and love those dolls.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2009 : 6:15:39 PM
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Oh no! Samatha was always my favorite!!!!! I can't believe they are discontinueing her!
Any way, I found strasburg children clothing sells the dolls for cheaper (they are American girl dolls, but with out the stories, etc). They sell the clothing to match your children's. IE if you go there and buy your child a dress, you can buy the matching one for the doll.
I've been to the American Girl store, and for the price of the clothing (for real children) I don't think they were as good of quality as the Strasburg Children clothing I found. It was still expensive though, but I bought on deep clearance. And I never see the American Girl store have the children's clothes on deep clearance. Strasburg told me also all their clothing is hand embroidered, it does look it!
Here's a link-I found it at my local outlet mall, I didn't even know this store exsisted till last month!
http://store.strasburgchildren.com/
http://www.heathersprairie.blogspot.com |
Edited by - MagnoliaWhisper on Feb 10 2009 6:17:53 PM |
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MagnoliaWhisper
True Blue Farmgirl
2817 Posts
Heather
Haysville
Kansas
USA
2817 Posts |
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Laura Marie
True Blue Farmgirl
419 Posts
Laura
Rancho Cordova
California
USA
419 Posts |
Posted - Feb 10 2009 : 7:17:27 PM
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I read every book when I was in Elementary School. They came out about that time. Samantha was my favorite. I collected all the books of Felicity, Kirstin, Samantha, and Molly. I would order the catalog all the time and just dream of what doll I wanted. At that time the dolls where about $80. I never did get one. Then one year a friend of mine after we were talking she went and bought one for me for Christmas, Samantha. I love her. She is still in her box, with all of her accessories. Now they have the American Girl Store. Girls can go in and pick out and dress their doll and then have tea with their doll. There is a store here in LA. I wasn't aware of them discountinuing Samantha. I never did get to making clothes, but I love the stories behind all the girls!
Laura Marie #369
www.lauramariedesign.com
"It's not the size of the farm but the size of your heart!"
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City Chick
True Blue Farmgirl
1402 Posts
Deb
Chattanooga
TN
USA
1402 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 04:37:57 AM
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My daughters have the dolls. My oldest has Felicity and a look-a-like doll, my youngest has Samantha. They too love the books and the movies. Each year my brother blesses them with a gift certificate for the AG store. We are planning our trip down there now. Since the Chicago store has moved into a new store it will be a new adventure for us. We ate at the AG restaurant last year - it was cheaper to eat on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building the year before!!!
I didn't have dolls when I was growing up. I had Uncles that were only a few years older than I was so it was all cars, trucks & blocks. I'm excited to get to share in dolls with my girls.
http://www.xanga.com/My_Pondering_Place |
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yarnmamma
True Blue Farmgirl
4247 Posts
Linda
Clarks Summit
PA
USA
4247 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 04:56:26 AM
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Hi farmgirls,
I have a couple of knock-off AG dolls that I love.  
We had a doll clothes swap a year or so ago. The clothes were for 18 inch AG type doll. We made the pioneer or old Victorian style clothes...most had pinafores and bloomers.
There were on 4 of us in the swap but it worked out ok. We each made 6 outfits.
I acquired one of my dolls from a farmgirl barter so I have 2 now.
Making the outfits was really fun.
I liked making the bonnets and knitted or crochet shawls for them.
If anyone wants to do the AG clothes swap I would join.
I don't want to host again but maybe one of you want to?? I would suggest 3 or 4 outfits instead of 6.
I LOVE any kind of dolls! It is so fun to make their outfits too.
Linda in Scranton, PA
farmgirl #71 |
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crafter
True Blue Farmgirl
2313 Posts
lori
Fort Atkinson
Wisconsin
USA
2313 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 06:23:34 AM
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We have , 2Kits, Samantha, Kirstin, Nellie, Bitty twins, and one of the dolls they make each year and 2 dolls that you match to look like you- way too many clothes and furniture. My friend works there and takes me to the employee sale. That is the only way I can afford these for my daughters. My friend has 3 sons- can you believe that and I have 3 daughters. We enjoy all the stories and playing dolls for hours on end. We are very grateful for the AG items we have.
Lori
Have a Country Day |
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4forMe
True Blue Farmgirl
166 Posts
Dawn
Easton
MD
166 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 07:22:11 AM
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We love AG dolls. Julie came to live with us at Christmas thanks to my mom. She is the only historical AG doll we have.
My daughter has been collecting the "girl of the year" for the last 4 years. We have Marisol, Jesse, Nicki, and Mia. Their clothes, accessories and books.
I have tried to get my girl to get interested in the historical dolls (this year especially since Samantha was being discontinued) but she is only interested in the current doll. She has already asked for Chrissa for her birthday this year.
Sewing, knitting, gardening mom of 4. |
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idcityrose
True Blue Farmgirl
202 Posts
Rose
Idaho City
Idaho
USA
202 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 08:30:55 AM
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Glad to know I am not the only one (adult) who loves these dolls. There is just something magical about them. It would be a blast to go to an AG store and see all they have. We used to have a toy store in Boise that carried the dolls and accessories but they no longer have them. They used to have Magic Attic dolls too which are also fun. When I have a free minute I will post the pictures of the dolls I have made clothes for (the knockoffs). I made a little girls costume from a curtain that I found at the thrift store for $4 and I used the scraps the make the doll dress. They both turned out great! I am keeping my eye out for more inexpensive curtains since I know what I can do with them.
That is so cool that you get to have tea parties and that you all feel like I do about these dolls.
Some people look for happiness, others create it.
We are never alone in the forest of Sisters! We "Mountain Farmgirls" are outstanding in our field! |
Edited by - idcityrose on Feb 11 2009 3:50:18 PM |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 09:59:21 AM
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I grew up with theses. I have lets see Felicity, Addie, Samantha, Molly, Kirsten. I keep wanting to buy the ones I don't have. They are in the bottom of my corner cupboard. I also have accessories and my uncle made them a wooden bed canopy and all. They are great and I always read all the books. Still have them!
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
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Jeanna
True Blue Farmgirl
267 Posts
Jeanna
Franklin
NC
USA
267 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 2:40:51 PM
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My daughter has Felicity, Samantha, Nellie, Kaya, and a couple of look-a-likes. She loved to play with them. Now they are going to be stored for the next generation.
Jeanna
Farmgirl Sister #41
Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
Henry David Thoreau |
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City Chick
True Blue Farmgirl
1402 Posts
Deb
Chattanooga
TN
USA
1402 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 4:14:03 PM
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If you ever get over to Ikea - their doll bed works perfectly for the 18" dolls! A lot less expensive than the bed from AG Place! Nice wooden ones too. My girls love to stitch up little quilts for their dolls.
http://www.xanga.com/My_Pondering_Place |
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ranchetta
True Blue Farmgirl
318 Posts
carol
Marysville
Wahington
USA
318 Posts |
Posted - Feb 11 2009 : 6:59:37 PM
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I recently received a catalog from American Girl showing all their wares. They are a bit pricey but I agree that they seem like "real" girls instead of Miss Boobie Barbie. My 7 year old granddaughter loves the American Girl DVD's that I bought for her! Will work on getting her the sets of books next year.
http://curlywillowsranch.blogspot.com/
http://alteredshots.blogspot.com/ |
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HomeIsWhereTheHeartIs
Farmgirl in Training
14 Posts
Kim
Ligonier
SW Pennsylvania
USA
14 Posts |
Posted - Feb 16 2009 : 11:41:50 AM
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Our family loves American Girl dolls...dd has one, but it didn't have a name...you picked what color hair, eyes, skin you wanted for it. DD also has a Bitty Baby and the Bitty Twins...they are a little pricey, but the quality is worth it. The clothing and accessories are so darling. We will always hang on to these...
~*Kim*~
Visit my blog:
http://home-is-where-the-heart-is.blogspot.com |
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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Feb 16 2009 : 1:39:52 PM
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My granddaughters have them. I think I need to find some patterns to make them clothes for gifts.
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
Planting Zone 3
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
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homergirl1957
True Blue Farmgirl
111 Posts
cathy
tieton
washington
111 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 1:35:40 PM
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rose,
the patterns are awesome! thank you very much! can't wait to make some designs for my granddaughters doll!!i do also someday want one of my own, am leaning toward kit. thank you again. see you this summer!cathy
in the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.-a. einstein |
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rachels7683
Farmgirl in Training
34 Posts
Ohio
34 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 7:13:43 PM
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| I got 3 when I was younger and still have them. Samantha,Felicity and Nellie |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
Posted - Feb 22 2009 : 11:38:35 PM
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My favorite doll growing up was my American Girl doll. I still have her and all of her clothes too! She is Molly Mcintire. They are really great dolls but unfortunately now the company is under Mattel and everything is made in China. It's a little sad.
Chelsey
Farmgirl Sister #283
http://farmgirlpleasures.blogspot.com/
http://aminiatureworld.blogspot.com/ |
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Prairie Princess
True Blue Farmgirl
1075 Posts
Jodi
Washington
USA
1075 Posts |
Posted - Feb 23 2009 : 07:11:33 AM
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I never owned an American Girl doll -- out of the budget growing up -- but I would spend literal hours dreaming over their catalogs and making my wish lists, lol. Since the company has switched ownership to Mattel, my interest has diminished a wee bit, but I could see getting into collecting the original edition dolls! They are FUN to sew for...my sister and I did finally get a couple generic 18" dolls when she turned 9. I think I still have a couple patterns hanging around...
~Jodi
"Women are like teabags...you never know how strong they are until they get into hot water." Eleanor Roosevelt |
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Across the Fence: American Girl Dolls |
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American Girl Dolls
