Keep Putting that Best Foot Forward

 

She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies;

And all that’s best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes:

Thus mellow’d to that tender light 

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

                             - Lord Byron

Take a walk with me on the path of dark beauty I'm imagining Lord Byron speaks of. This is my particular fancy, but I  respect that it may not be yours.

I throw this out there as a whimsy - merely something for you to ponder and accept or reject as it fits YOUR particular fashion sensibility. Always remember, no matter what you see or read - you have to always stay true to YOUR own vision!

Gothic is used to describe some of the most beautiful literature and architecture ever developed, most hailing from Renaissance times. And it is this type of fashion I desire. This type of gothic fashion I crave can depict death, war, and any of the many bloody, moody feelings of the shady sisters who wear them, while still being capable of rocking a runway. I want fashions that will make me scream!! Scream for more, more, more, of this specific kind of beauty from designers who venture down this dark and dreary path I love.

No Lolita types or harajuku girls for me. My style is sophisticated, and a far cry from sweet. It also doesn't veer off on a path of nose rings, tattoos, or safety-pinned garments, although I realize these elements are often used in gothic fashion of today. However, I am aware of many different styles of gothic because I've done my research. And I believe research can be the key for designers who wish to unlock their gothic style.

A true aspiring fashion designer, in my mind, needs to research all types of a genre to determine what best suits their aesthetic vision. Then if one digs rockin' a runway with a handcuffed wench, I'd be the last to rain on their parade. In fact, don't tell anyone, but I always love to be proven WRONG. All I care about is finding somehing scrumptious for my devine divas! So scoot on over to the library or surf the internet - YOU may define THE gothic look of tomorrow!

Okay, designers, you've heard my opinion, but do YOU have this challenge all figured out by now – or not?? If not, perhaps your guest judge may give you some insight….but first, the challenge:

Challenge 1 - Guest Judge Lori Lyon

Our first guest judge was the winner of the CDDC People's Choice last year. She was also the winner of this challenge in the first CDDC, so Larraine felt she should be the one to judge it.

This challenge is our little tribute to the King of Shoes, Joe Tai, who is very ill at this time. We want to wish Joe all the best and send our good thoughts and wishes to let him know we are thinking of him.

The first challenge will be to find a special pair of shoes and design an outfit around them...the twist...this shoe and design creation must be Gothic!!

 Lori was gracious enough to give me some insight into judging this Gothic challenge.

When I talked with her, she wasn’t even sure there were enough Gothic shoes out there to get you inspired, so she suggested a bit of embellishment or that even creating your own shoes  “might” be the key. That’s what she did to win this challenge, but for other Gothic offerings she's selected one of the styles now on the market.

“Even though I don't do too much Gothic inspiration in my designs, I do find it interesting, and I really love the Gothic and Lolita looks for inspiration. I also love watching Anime with my daughter which has these types of looks - also Japanese culture.”

She also advised we look at what is new.  " There is a lot of goth style inspiration on the Fall 2010 ready to wear lines also.  Runway shows and articles about current designs are  great sources to reference."

And when pushed further for specifics, she replied, “ The one thing I will look at is if they really put thought into their design to make it cohesive-and whether they did their research on the subject. Also less is more sometimes - always stand back and look at your design! If you are unsure and think maybe something is too much - it probably is.

Most of all, I will look very closely at construction and fit – I am a stickler for both these things. I will take into account those that maybe are less experienced seamstresses, though.”

And she continued, “I'm hoping to see some really original designs out there. With this challenge you can get pretty creative with shape, and it doesn't always have to be black!

 A tip: "I would steer away from doing black because it does not photograph as well and it makes it hard to see the details. If you noticed when I was in the competition last year, I only used black in the last challenge, and then it was a print. I steered away from black for a reason. It doesn't photograph well for competition.

However, it's not that I will judge anyone differently if they use black- I want everyone to use what inspires them.  It's just an inside tip that I felt worked for me."

Thanks, Lori, this has been short, but very informative, I told her as she sped off to meet her latest deadline. But before she was completely out of ear shot, I heard one more thing, “Oh! The other thing is they should include in their short description of their design EXACTLY what led them to their interpretation to be sure we know how they meant it to be interpreted.

You can also look at HER pictorial bio on the Couture Doll Shop blog!  Just scroll down the page.  Remember, artist’s create what they like and I’ll just bet Lori isn’t into creating what she doesn’t feel will please her as well as the public – and occasionally, even a few judges of her own!! 

Which brings us to another interview, one that will tell you what another judge expects overall in this competition.  Judith Markich was one of our regular judges last year who will be continuing with this year's competition. 

Her bio from last year is located on this blog at the bottom of the page.  However, her time since the bio hasn't included much doll work. I'm afraid she's been somewhat overwhelmed by all the things she wants to do now that she and hubby are empty nesters!

However, Judith always enjoys  sewing for the Modern Doll Collectors Convention.  She likes to do an outfit for their charity event every year, and she passed along some pictures and a video of hers for our viewing pleasure!  It features the conventon's theme of Kaleidoscope. Caution: Video contains music!

She also offered this insight into her judging:  "My passion is for detail and proportion. Something out of scale added to an outfit can change the whole perception of the look. I also like to see a thought process behind an outfit emerge in the design."  Ah, can you see what she's talking about in her Evangeline's outfit?? Can you meet her requirements while keeping your vision?? Guess we will find out soon!

And that's all the Goth tips or Judges info you'll pry out of me this week.  But I didn't want to close this blog without pointing out some of the blog entries that exist about photography.  Now don't get me wrong - I'm no expert - I'm just giving you information I've found along the way.  However, the information for preparing pictures should be spot on as I coordinated with Larraine when I wrote it last year.

You Oughta Be In Pictures  shows some novel info about photography, and gives tips on staging, backgrounds - well you get the picture.  And When Size Matters deals with picture size, photo editing programs, etc. that you might want to be aware of before sending in  your entry pictures.  And, if all else fails, you can always buy the fabulous photography book from one of our sponsors, Pat Henry, of Fashion Doll Quarterly magazine.

Pat Henry's fantastic take on fashion doll photography, FDQ: In Focus, Digital Photography for the Doll Collector.covers everything from selecting cameras to setting up your photo studio, and many other wonderful tidbits. Take a test drive by checking out the FREE preview located here in pdf format.  This is definitely something I'd recommend for your fashion library if you love designing and photographing your dolls!!! 

Okay, my lovelies, I'm going to slither back into my cave and get ready for cocktails with Ms. Elvira.  But if anyone reproduces the guy in my opening picture, send him my way - I happen to have a diva doll or two that would find him quite delicious.........IF they can pry him away from ME!!

The Final Curtain!

and so it ends......fantastically - just like it started. And we would not only like to applaud the winner of this final challenge, Dal Lowenbein, but it is also time to crown the overall winner, Emilia Nieminen, and to proclaim the People's Choice as Lori Lyon. What an achievement for each of these ladies!! But we also don't want to overlook all the talented designers who participated. We have seen an extreme amount of growth and the wonderful fortitude necessary to work through a tedious competition like this one! Congrats all 'round!!!

Now we must digress a bit and give you some information on our final ongoing judge, guest judge, and sponsor that was omitted during our holiday hiatus.

Our final ongoing judge is like many who love Barbie. She enjoyed Barbie during childhood, then reluctantly gave her up as the teen years approached. However, a gift from a friend brought her back! It wasn't Shayna's intention to get so hooked again, but her infatuation grew and so did her collection of dolls and doll clothing in 1:6 scale. Today Barbie is joined by lots of friends including Dollikins, Fashion Royalty, Monsieur Z, Momoko, and more.

In 2004 Shayna began to want to sew for her dolls. It only took buying a pattern and some fabric to get her going. Today she's totally obsessed with creating new wardrobe choices for her bevy of dolls, and sometimes even a customer or two. Shayna limits the saleable items she will make because she works full-time and sews for her dolls primarily as her creative outlet. Therefore, a maximum of two of one outfit is made - one for her girls, and one for sale to her mailing list.


Fit is key, and whether using a pattern she's bought or made herself, Shayna works on each pattern to make sure to get the most flawless fit possible. She works with the best quality fabrics, and washes and soaks many to ensure no staining on the doll. Lining garments or finishing seams is determined by what is needed to create the best and lasting garment. Shayna also makes complimentary jewelry and other accessories for her outfits, which may occasionally include a new pet. The overall appearance, quality of her garments, and limited availability have made her outfits so desireable that she now holds private auctions for her mailing list. If you're interested in seeing more of this artist's beautiful work, check her website.




For this final round we were happy to have Rudi Teruel from R&D Fashion Dolls. Rudi is a familiar face at doll conventions, and it was our pleasure to welcome him as a guest judge. R&D Fashion Dolls was the first shop of its kind in Taipei, Taiwan. It opened in May of 1999 and has been growing strong ever since. This international company is an internet success that specializes in many types of fashion dolls. Popular ones from the United States are Barbie, Adele & Veronique and Monsieur Z dolls; and from Japan: Petworks' Momoko, ANNZ, Jenny and her friends, Volks and other Anime dolls, Blythe, Pullip and RUNE dolls.

R& D Fashion Dolls are also the exclusive distributor of their own wonderful Susie doll that debuted in late 2003 and the Susie Deluxe that became available January 2007. Their ball-jointed dolls include their own Angel dolls line which includes a bevy of beauties that debuted in the fall of 2005, and their Mensjaro line, which are the male counterparts to the aforementioned Angels. R& D Fashion Dolls also carry a nice selection of wigs for some of their dolls. For more information on their dolls, you can check out the website.

For his part as guest judge of Challenge 8, we found Rudi's comments during the scoring very insightful. We hope his comments as well as those of all the judges will aid all who participated, in their future endeavors.

And now a word on our final sponsor......

The Azone Store and PBFactory are two online stores run by Denise Travers and Larraine Elcock. Denise is a stewardess and doll collector who flies to Japan frequently. During her travels to the Orient she became interested in Azone clothing and developed a desire to create an online store for these products. Also, last spring there was a movement of discontent against high eBay charges, and Denise approached Larraine Elcock, another avid doll collector, to start an online Auction aptly named Auction Fever. Here these ladies have developed the best of two worlds - a place to avoid high eBay fees, and a venue to showcase some of Denise's Japan-found items in auctions. Also, in the spirit of giving back to the community, these ladies have run several charity auctions.

After achieving success with their auction site Denise and Larraine met with Azone and PBFactory (a doll sewing notion manufacturer) at the International Fashion Doll Convention (IFDC) to present the idea of a North American online store for these company's products. Both companies agreed, and the stores became a reality. Today the stores and the auction site continue to be a success. So, it was a natural that both Denise and Larraine would want to sponsor Larraine's CDDC. Together they contributed gift certificates, and Larraine also contributed Antoinette dolls. Information is readily available about these venues on their websites: Auction Fever, Azone, and PBF.

As for CDDC...

It's been a fun ride for all of us who participated in CDDC whether we entered, watched, or cheered on our favorites. But will there be another competition? Well, at the moment that is not completely out of the picture, and it is up for consideration, according to Larraine. But, let me be clear here, she has only said NO final decision has been reached YET. You see, Larraine is part of what will be revealed below in our big announcement, and she'll be busy for awhile facilitating hosting for it. She also thinks our new winner, Emilia, should be allowed to enjoy her "reign" at least for a little while. So, be sure to follow the blog/newsletter noted below, because when and if we do have another CDDC, it will be posted there.

And, finally, the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

As many of you know, CDDC was the brain child of Larraine and a few friends. But even before Larraine launched CDDC her friends had been working on another idea. They had decided to open a "multi-leveled" online Couture Doll Shop at couturedollshop.com. On the different "floors" of this shop each of these brainstormers would showcase their items for sale. Their plan involved power in numbers; and that power would be realized by the traffic they could drive to the site by working TOGETHER to promote the site.

However, when they began to see all the wonderful talent unveiled during CDDC, the group took their plan back to the drawing board, and came back with a new presentation for Larraine because she had already agreed to host the original doll shop idea. They had decided to throw open the doors to couturedollshop.com and give the wonderful designers from CDDC a chance to actually have their own doll shop there! And, they'd decided to also invite other doll merchants. Yes, shop owners would include couture doll designers to repaint artists and everything in between. They'd not only work together but they'd also work with the merchants who came on board. Yes, indeed, they wanted to create the only place a discerning doll collector would need to visit - a one-stop shopping experience like no other for doll collectors! And, their sales pitch prevailed - because Larraine agreed and is hosting the entrance to this venue through the Auction Fever website!!

If you'd like more information simply check out the Couture Doll Shop blog/newsletter. We'd love for you to be a part of this wonderful new endeavor, so take the plunge and get the information. For under $5 per month for premier shop owners, you can be a part of it! But, if you hesitate you won't be in time for the Grand Opeing - late February - or early March, so just click that link, request the information, and you'll ensure your spot in time!

Now, although I don't want to quit riding this particular merry-go-round, I'm afraid I must. Adieu, my doll friends...."maybe" for a little while. Don't be sad; Larraine is leaving you with a new doll project to work on - hope we'll all be there.........together!!!!!!! Take care and happy dolling!!

RED rules the CARPET!!

Congratulations Louos Osman!!! I can honestly say I could NOT call this one. First, we have had verrrrrrrrrry unpredictable (but good) judges throughout; and second, there was again stiff competition charging up that red aisle!

I have to admit, though, that I loved this design and the styling. Viewing this doll posed at the podium I could almost see her giving her acceptance speech. Also, I love to see a woman embrace her feminine style without exposing everything, and this gown proved that it could be done. It was low cut in a desired way, and the embroidery and beading were exquisite - what more could a doll/actress want. Watch out Rachel Zoe!! I sincerely hope your celebrity clientele missed this challenge - because these fashions aren't available in people size.........yet.



Our next challenge embraces the stylings of an actress quite familiar with the Red Carpet - the incomparable Audrey Hepburn! At first, I had thought that introducing you to dolls made after her likeness might be the key to understanding what we need to produce. However, this is not the "make an Audrey doll and reproduce clothing she wore" challenge! Therefore, what we may want to look at is the fashions of Audrey - and not necessarily the most popular ones.

To go in this direction least travelled may require a real clear description for the judges. However, blazing trails is generally worth it. So let's go!

First of all, Hepburn has often been called one of the most beautiful women of all time, and her fashion style is truly impeccable. However, although she enjoyed fashion, she didn't necessarily place a lot of importance on it.

In "real life" she seemed to prefer casual, comfortable clothes. Like many fashion icons she kept it simple, preferring clean lines and clothes that emphasized her tall and slim physique.

Stripes were prevalent, and sometimes even muted colors snuck in among the most favored white and black used by her movie designers. Of course, the Breakfast at Tiffany's little black dress dominated for its simplicity, but sometimes she'd even pair it with bold jewelry for a different (exquisite) look. Capri pants were something she made famous in Sabrina and Funny Face, and continued to like in her private wardrobe. Fashionistas of her day said whatever color you choose, you'll look oh-so Audrey!

And, her ballet years spoke loudly in the graceful nuances of her clothing -- even encompassing ballet-type slippers which she seemed to wear with everything – dresses, pants, Capri pants, etc. And, although she loved feminine clothes, she knew how to pull off a men's inspired look flawlessly. She especially favored button-down men’s shirts, trenchcoats, turtlenecks, perfect handbags, and even a shorter haircut!

Givenchy was her favored designer, but he wasn't the only one that designed lovelies for Ms. Hepburn. Edith Head actually won two Oscars for costume design in Roman Holiday and Sabrina, and was nominated with Givenchy for Funny Face and Breakfast at Tiffanys. So research into the types of stylings these designers used for our muse may prove informative.

And, even a study of her latter years may prove interesting for not only studying her fashions, but also how she became a true humanitarian! But whatever inspiration we choose, let's strive always to stay true to our own style! Good luck, fashionistas!

So what of the judge for this challenge? I can't imagine a better one than mega-talented designer, Randall Craig -- the creative talent behind Randall Craig Couture and RTW clothing for fashion dolls.

I actually went and researched this talented designer several years ago, after receiving a gift of a sweater set he had designed! I felt like this came from someone with REAL fashion runway experience, and I was correct!

Mr. Craig earned his Associates of Art degree at Miami International University of Art and Design, and then proceeded to launch a variety of his own clothing lines. In September 2002, he debuted Choic, a collection of trendy men's tops. He has worked with some of the best, including Perry Ellis! His fashion show experience includes such biggies as Saks, Badgley Mishka, Vogue, and Neiman Marcus.

Raised in New Mexico, Randall came to fashion dolls at an early age and quickly began making hand-sewn outfits for them! When he received his first sewing machine at age 5, he was able to better fashion his designs! Today he markets his custom-made fashion doll creations under the name Randall Craig Couture. His most ambitious collection to date, Randall Craig RTW (Ready-to-Wear) for 1/6 scale fashion dolls, was met with enthusiastic response when it hit the market in early 2004, and his designs continue to sell out immediately!


As president of Randall Craig Inc., he is head of design for his signature RTW line for fashion dolls.

The RTW collection is now carried by retailers across the United States, in Canada, and Japan, and has graced the pages of Fashion Doll Quarterly, Haute Doll, Contemporary Doll Collector, Doll Reader, and Barbie Bazaar.

In fact, Randall has held the position of Fashion Editor for our highlighted sponsor .........read on!!

What a thrill to have Fashion Doll Quarterly (FDQ) as our sponsor! Yes, that's correct!! The sponsor I'm priviledged to highlight this month is FDQ...THE FASHION DOLL MAGAZINE for those in the know! FDQ is not only the quarterly magazine that many of us can't wait to see in our mailboxes January, April, July and October; but it is also THE magazine that has been able to deliver many convention special editions! But, most importantly to us at CDDC, FDQ will be THE only magazine that will showcase our winner - what an honor!

FDQ began publication in October of 2003; and their editor, Pat Henry, says we have just as much excitement to look forward to in the coming years as we have in the past. Those following the magazine will be excited to know that soon there may be freestanding print issues or virtual issues on USB or available as downloads! Of course, readers will continue to be able to take out subscriptions from their website as well as purchase singles at their local Barnes & Noble or Borders bookseller. Starting a subscription is as easy as accessing their website.

For an example of this marvy mag, let's peek inside the latest edition. This Fame Edition focuses on the world of celebrity dolls; specifically, those celebrity dolls created by our community's artists. I was thrilled to see this topic discussed by the best in the business - Noel Cruz, Laurie Leigh and Jenny Sutherland - who also created the recreated characters on the cover!

Alex Forbes delights with her take on "The Devil Wears Prada" featuring the doll world's Robert Tonner while MaryAnn Roy introduces us to the doll version of the immensely popular tv series, "Madmen." And, if that weren't enough, there is a feature on our favorite events including Hollywood Ahoy and the International Fashion Doll Convention! All in all, another stellar edition!

Also, all of us at CDDC know that our pictures can make or break our scores in the challenges. So, I was really delighted when I discovered Pat Henry's fantastic take on fashion doll photography, FDQ: In Focus, Digital Photography for the Doll Collector.

This book covers everything from selecting cameras to setting up your photo studio, and many other wonderful tidbits. Take a test drive by checking out the FREE preview located here. I'm sure you'll need this in your fashion library!!!

Thanks, Fashion Doll Quarterly Magazine, for stepping up to the fashion plate for CDDC!

Sometimes More is MORE!!

Emilia Nieminen sets the bar a little higher - congrats on winning Challenge 3!



I can’t help but believe when each of us opened the pictures to view this designer’s vision, we knew immediately we were previewing something very special. Without knowing exactly what she meant to convey with her design, it was clear to the viewer’s eye that great care and thought was given in the presentation of not only the outfit but also the doll – who knew the base doll was really an Antoinette??

But it was in the reading of her description that we were actually allowed a little peek into the mind of this superb artist. How interesting that she would channel the surreal costumes of Eiko Ishioka to present us with a modern day Amazonian-type warrior whose outfit pushed the envelope all the way to haute couture!?! Fine corsetry with boning, delicate ruching, beading, and unique construction had all succeeded in pulling together the “epitome of perfect embellishments” this challenge demanded.

How lucky were we then that she not only chronicled her journey in her blog, but also found time to gift us with a tutorial for the sandals she made, and to provide us with a play by play pictorial in her Flickr album!

Thank you, Emilia, for reminding us of the wonderful, giving spirit of the talented artists in the doll community! And thank you to all the artists who presented us with eye candy this challenge – job well done!!

Back to reality….” do not play it safe, and don’t bore me!” Rob Thompson

By now we are about halfway into Challenge Four, a challenge mandated by our guest judge, Rob Thompson, demanding to see edgy fashion! He wants us to not only think out of the box, but to get out of it completely – yes, he wants us to go to that wonderful place of avant garde!

The challenge is to create a casual Avant Garde outfit – what the? Well, here in his own words he gives us some insight:

“I look at the word casual in this challenge to mean you don’t have to make a formal gown, I would focus attention on the edgy and avant-garde aspect of the challenge. The casual part opens the challenge up to everything from pants, shorts, blouses, dresses, coats, so you have tons of options...And don’t forget accessories, you can use hats, gloves, belts, amazing shoes and boots.”

But he cautions, “You can buy a Versace jogging suit, but it is still just a jogging suit. I think there are various levels of casual, from what you would wear to the grocery store, to what you would wear to a party…you can make anything work with imagination and creativity. So if you want to make a jogging suit, just make it interesting, edgy, and avant-garde. You will have to determine your own definition of edgy and avant-garde…Each designer is going to have to do some research to decide what avant-garde means to them….The other judges have their own definitions as well, so in the end make something you love and feel is interesting!”

Rob also SUGGESTED the stylings of Alexander McQueen as an EXAMPLE of avant garde work. But do not get caught up in this one designer if you are not comfortable emulating things from his style. Most of the major fashion houses do some form of avant garde – it will be your task to decipher which suits you best! Case in point are the beautiful fashions featured here from the 2008 Museo Capucci Collection presented in Florence, Italy.

My wish for all of us would be that we have as much fun creating our work as we see in this video of Leigh Buchanan presenting his Finale Collection for Project Runway Australia!


And, who better to take us down the Avant Garde path, than this OOAK doll artist and designer who makes small limited editions, Rob Thompson. He’s not only designed his own doll; Hana; and doll fashions for Dolly Style Dolls, a Japanese doll line, but he has also done limited edition Susie's for R&D Dolls; Manika, Momoko dolls for Tom's Toys and Goods in Japan; and Misaki doll for BIC and Dolly Style Magazine, both in Japan. He sells his dolls under his business name of Robsdolls through several Japanese doll shops as well as his own website and at different doll conventions and events. He is also looking forward to teaching a workshop at the 2010 IFDC on the “Japanese Esthetic – various street fashions and hair styles,” is busy producing his own how to DVD on rerooting, and will be opening an Etsy store soon featuring some of his newest fashions.

His work has been featured in numerous magazines including Dolly Style magazine in Japan, FDQ (Fashion Doll Quarterly), and Barbie Bazaar. Look for his feature articles to begin appearing in FDQ in the Spring. There he’ll not only be giving us some insight into how he creates, but he’ll also be doing articles and interviews with his friends who also happen to be doll artists.

Rob has already demonstrated his giving nature on the CDDC Board through his instructional posts. And his giving nature extends to charity auctions. Rob regularly collaborates with Randall Craig RTW for the IFDC convention charity auction, and with Steven from Dressmaker Details for the Barbie Convention charity auction. His love of the work is apparent, and these collaborations have produced some of the highest selling auctions at these venues!

You’d think with all these accomplishments Rob has always belonged to the doll world, but he only began his OOAK customizations in 2000. He originally attended Marshall University, majoring in broadcast communications and minoring in art.

He actually began his career as a radio DJ in college, and worked in various positions before settling on tech support at such companies as Xerox, Morgan Stanley, and GE.

But when he was diagnosed with sarcoidoisis and found himself physically unable to return to work in 2004, he still needed an outlet to support himself. The doll world got a great OOAKster when he turned his hobby into a business!!

For more information, take time to visit Rob's venues: Robsdolls,
Rob's Blog and Rob's Flickr Page.


A word from our sponsor..............

Lyn Waring Dress Forms and Hats
for Fashion Dolls

If you’re a Challenge winner, you are going to be getting an additional treat! Lyn Waring will let you pick out a sloper of your choice from her website to use in your designing! (Email Larraine to claim your prize.) Be sure to click the link above to see all the wonderful products she makes!!

Lyn has been making these slopers and other instructional items for dolls since 2001 when she had a chance "meeting" with Bill Jones online, and he asked her to make a dress form for Barbie. And she’s no novice to sewing; in fact her interest began as a child. As a teen she wanted to continue her education in dressmaking, but her lack of funds allowed for something a bit more practical at that time, Hartils Business College. Lyn hated that school, but over the years Lyn pursued education like an adventure, and here is her continuing educational background:

-Claremont, Perth & Bentley Technical College Western Australian institute of Technology
(Curtin University), 1980 Associate Diploma Art (Craft/Textiles)
-West Australian Institute of Technology (now Curtin University), 1990 Certificate Apparel Design Manufacture - Bentley College of T.A.F.E.

When she began her involvement with fashion dolls, 2001,Western Australia hadn’t heard of ‘fashion dolls’ except for Barbie and Ken. Lyn’s collection, other than Barbie, began with a trade for patterns with Bill where she received a Gene doll. But today she admits to having a few more. A girl “needs” dolls for making accurate patterns, doesn’t she? And could that have been her admitting, “It is too scary to think about all the dolls I have – fashion dolls are ‘contagious’”!

One of my favorite things Lyn has produced are her books about hats.Her love of pattern cutting and making hats led her to produce two books! Hats Made Easy, published in 1996, came first, and was actually a book for making hats for real life dolls (people).

But the book I found charming dollwise was the one she published in 1999, Hats in Miniature. This book was the result of her time spent actually traveling around teaching how to make hats. She began making smaller versions of different hats as samples because these would fit easily in her suitcases and would prove less a burden to her luggage costs.

From front cover to the back, it is a must have for doll sewers who like to make unique accessories for their dolls, but it is out of print. However, Lyn has reedited, extended and updated it in a self published EBook, Hats for Fashion Dolls. This EBook not only includes all the hat designs from her original book, but now is more fashion doll-oriented, and includes designs in 16 sizes! There is also an updated version available for people who previously purchased the original book.

Hats for Fashion Dolls and Update

Lyn’s love of all things pattern and textiles has continued throughout her career by her being awarded grants and working as Artist-In Residence in1981 at Gascoyne Region, Western Australia for the W.A. Arts Council , and in 1982 at Primary School for the W.A. Crafts Council.

Her awards include
-1988 Moora Wool Craft Awards - Award for Weaving

-1990 Young Designers Fashion Awards - Australian Wool Corporation - State Finalist "Most highly commended for expert use of hand woven woollen fabric."

-1993 New England Awards - Open Design - evening wear (2nd.) Supreme Award - runner up.

Today Lyn enjoys her doll work and swimming in the early morning; she is an ocean swimmer who keeps young with this exercise 365 days of the year. Thanks for participating, Lyn, and we hope this will keep you fit, healthy, and generally enjoying your dolly-influenced life for a long time!

Anybody seen my bedazzler????

Challenge 3 may seem easy at first glance. Magalie Dawson is our guest judge this challenge. Our clue is Embellished - Our guest judge this week is known for her fabulous embellishments. Use your creative skills to create an outfit that is the epitome of perfect embellishment.

Well, let's see how easy it is. After all, the dictionary explains both of the keywords quite simply:

epitome = typical or ideal example

embellishment = a decorative or fanciful detail that makes something beautiful

So all we have to do is add a detail that is the ideal example of something that makes a garment beautiful - right?? Could it really be quite that easy?? Somehow the word challenge doesn't suggest easy to me!

You see, fashion has its own unique considerations when defining things. Also, people differ by taste on what they would consider the epitome of anything - especially in fashion. Therefore, when designing garments, a designer needs to be aware of what dictates the proper use of embellishments. From my research embellishments are not just defined as adding design interest, rather they specifically are also defined as items NOT necessarily required for the proper construction of a garment. Case in point could be the use of a fly in a woman's trousers; it has no function; it is simply an embellishment.

And, I've found nothing to indicate that all embellishments are created equal. Embellishments vary in that some can be very nice, others can be quite bold, and an overabundance can be downright gaudy. Embellishments are truly the bells and whistles of fashion, but careful attention must be paid to avoid staggering over into the gaudy category. Sometimes the less is more rule needs to be factored in!

Embellishments can also give off different vibes. Some may subtly enhance a creation, while others can serve to contrast -- some providing vivid and even sharp contrasts. In using them we can be over the top or patently mild, working ever so carefully to achieve what the judges will be looking for. And so it is whenever one chooses to enter into a design competition. Guidelines must be met and specific tastes satisfied. Frustrating though it can be at times, the essence of this challenge is to add an embellishment that is not necessarily required for the garmment's proper constuction while also being interesting. Not to pay attention to these guidelines can be fatal!

We can use embroidery, bows, cord, rhinestones, and even designs actually overprinted on fabric as embellishments...and so much more. Beads, appliqués, fur and lace all come to mind as being marvelous embellishments! But, again, what distinguishes the equality (desire) to use a certain embellishment really relies on what we want the embellishment to actually do, and that is what will also be judged in this challenge.

Also, when choosing our embellishments we might want to look to items that are normally not considered embellishments; rather, they are generally considered notions. One may not think notions would NOT act as embellishments because their reason for being is usually to add an easier way for garments to function. However, well-known items such as zippers, buttons, bias tape, interfacing, and the very thread that holds the garment together, can cross over into the category of embellishments! Think of that well-placed zipper that doesn't function - it has been put in a strategic position merely to tease us in a manner that will make our garment more interesting.

In the final analysis, what is important is that we always keep in mind -- for both designing and this challenge -- is that embellishments are NOT required for the proper fit or construction of a garment; they are that extra gem that enhances its quality! Are you up to this task??

Now, here's a little insight into our guest judge this week, Magalie Dawson.

It's hard to think of Magalie Dawson without MHD Designs immediately coming to mind. Her love of dolls and creating beautiful doll clothes has been apparent in every eBay ad or item shown on her web page to date. Here is the link: MHD Designs

On her web page you will also find a wonderful Q&A interview that will tell you her background and other information I would normally include in a bio - so I won't try to improve on perfection; just go here: About Magalie Dawson

What I will elaborate about, however, is the experience I have had as her customer. The care Magalie puts into her pattern descriptions is as great as the care demonstrated in her pattern pieces. For one thing, you get step-by-step illustrated instructions! You also get direct access to the designer should you find yourself still having a problem understanding any phase of her work!

But what sealed the deal for my admiration was the fact that these patterns actually fit the dolls they are intended for. IBelieve me, I know of what I speak, having struggled too much with commercially made patterns for doll clothes - both modern and vintage - that simply do NOT fit!! When using Magalie's patterns, I actually felt her with me every step of the way. She was teaching and encouraging me with her attention to detail!! She was inspiring me not to fail; rather that I needed to at least try new things!!


So, I would simply say to those designers who really wish to do well in this challenge: all you need to do is look! Look at the designs she has given the doll design world for your clue, because no one really designs things they don't like! No one manipulates fabric quite like Magalie Dawson, either! Perhaps you may find an embellishment she's used for her style that might fit in with yours; or perhaps you may find a clue in another judge's choice of embellishments!?! Just as long as what you see fits into YOUR design esthetic also, it should work - so I encourage you to do just that - Make it work!!

Blogmeister's Observation: From comments I've read on the CDDC Board, it's apparent some of you are 'fraidy cats when it comes to actually cutting beautiful fabric you've collected. To you I'd offer some sage advice from one of my elderly Aunts: "What are you waiting for?? If you save it tooooooo long it just may end up being used by your significant other's NEW spouse.....you know, after you are gone!" LOL Seriously, you don't have to pay attention to my Aunt; just listen to these words from Magalie:

"I always use the type of fabric I intend to use for the finished design so I can see how it will fall, thus creating my prototype."

" It doesn't take yards and yards of fabric to sew for dolls, so mistakes are not too expensive, and you learn a LOT from each effort. Besides, I truly believe that there is always a way to turn a 'mistake' into a 'success'."

Enough said??

****Now A Word About One Of Our Sponsors****

We are happy to have FDQ, Tonner Doll Company, PB Factory, and Jude Designs as sponsors. Here is an announcement and some information from one of them

What does a personal trainer and a couture doll designer have in common? They are both professions of the talented Tamara Casey, owner of Designs by Jude. This fitness guru came into the doll world after discovering the doll market on eBay where she was selling videos and exercise equipment. With the support of her family - two sons and a husband - she began doing OOAK dolls; balancing her time between painting, sewing and drafting doll clothes patterns. Never had she imagined she would have spent her days playing with dolls! But her continued flow of return customers over the past six years have soldified her role in the doll business!

Tamara works under the company name of Designs by Jude, and has maintained both a doll store on eBay and a website presence. Here are the links:

Designs by Jude

Doll Stuff by Designs by Jude eBay store


In December of 2008, she really expanded to a full fledged pattern and notion business by acquiring the intellectual property rights to what had been The Fletcher Pattern Company, developed originally by designer Gary Fletcher. How fortunate was the doll world to have had her step in when Mr. Fletcher decided to move his career in a different direction! Today her website is a blend of both companies, and also features other doll items including shoes, jewelry and accessories. And, she continues her personal goal of providing great service, variety and quality products.

CDDC is proud to welcome Tamara Casey/Designs by Jude as one of our valued sponsors. And we'd like to take this opportunity to reveal the part her company will play in this competition.

BREAKING NEWS!!

Tamara will be providing a pattern in pdf format for each of the 8 challenge winners. Whether the winner receives their first pattern from this talented designer's stores, or if it will add to their collection of her works, we are sure this new prize will be a delightful surprise - and, hopefully, an incentive to push the boundaries of each contestant's talents even further in each challenge!

Look for further details about this new development on the CDDC website.