~Doll Costumes~

In 1998 I was bitten by the doll bug. 16" Gene by Mel Odom captivated me and doll collecting sort of took over my play time even though I didn't much care for fashion dolls or baby dolls as a child (I much prefered troll dolls, model horses, and gumby).

This new obsession hit hard. I amassed vast quantities of Gene dolls and her clothes and started sewing fashions for her and making my own patterns. I met many wonderful friends at this time particularly Jay Searle and the late Beverly Rowland Stearns "Momacat". These very gifted ladies have continually been an inspiration to me from the very first of the doll days.

In 2001 at my first doll convention in Portland Oregon "Hello Portland Hello" I entered 2 of my creations in competition. Both won blue ribbons and one received Judge's Choice as well as Mel Odom's Choice trophies. It was very exciting and started me on a side hobby of sewing commissions for many happy customers.

At my second doll convention in Vancouver WA, "Under the Lilac Trees" I received my second major award for doll costume design. I envisioned a customized Kitty Collier as Arwen Evenstar and entered it in the Fantasy Category. It received 1st place ribbon as well as Robert Tonner's Choice Trophy. I was very honored for Arwen to be 1st runner-up following Cindy Friesan's (Red Silk Thread) win for People's Choice Award.

At this convention I met two great friends, Clara Abrams and Robyn Wittenberg, who nudged me towards the fantastic world of Ball Jointed Doll Collecting. I started sewing for these amazing resins and 5 years later have made many one of a kind sets which are treasured by doll collectors worldwide.