The 1860's...

Long ago, in the 1970's, my sister received a marvelous covered wagon and horse with a matching set of dolls, one male and one female, for a Christmas gift. She was thrilled. So was I.

We often played and acted out adventures for these dolls, using the male which we named Tom as a boyfriend for Polly, my Skipper doll. 

I took these photos back in 2001.

I loved playing with my Skipper, and I would often sew outfits for her.

The above dress was bought from the New Westminster Farmer's Market, made by an elderly woman who had the most amazing table full of gorgeous handmade Barbie clothes. She would certainly do well on Etsy nowadays! The dress above was only $1.25! Every August my parents would go once to the Farmer's Market. They would buy fresh produce and farmer's sausage.

I made this dress and crocheted the trim. I sewed it all by hand and designed the pattern. I also made Polly's little bonnet.

Oh the fun we used to have!

I'm so glad we didn't have electronic gadgets to ruin our imaginations.

I have so many happy memories of my childhood and teenage years.

By Loretta Houben

Addy Walker came home to my house on April 28, 2016.

I heard she was going to be retired soon.

I should have bought her last year when she was $130 Cdn.

I paid $154 Cdn!!!

That is getting extremely expensive for American Girl dolls.

But I had 2 gift cards for Indigo/Chapters store, and they are good for the AG Boutique!

I went downtown to meet Karen Owen, the author of doll and tea blogs.

She had asked me to sew a dress for her Mother's Chatty Cathy doll that she inherited.

It was fun to meet her and her little niece in Blenz coffee shop across the street from AG.

Afterwards we looked at the dolls and accessories.

I wound up buying Addy, because the gift cards were burning a hole in my pocket, and I never really know how long the AG store will remain in Vancouver.

Plus it was my dog's 15th birthday on that day, and Addy would be my 15th AG doll!

So here she is being welcomed by a few of her sisters.

I purchased the tea cart from The Queen's Treasures online a few weeks ago.

It was very tricky to put together.

Robert had to help me.

That's my maternal Grandma's lace dresser scarf on top.

Addy is very cute. I just love her thick hair!

I feel her Meet Dress is rather skimpy for the era, though.

Her bonnet, handbag and necklace were extra.

Everyone enjoyed hot tea together.

It was fun to get some of the dolls off their shelf, and set up a scene.

I rarely do that anymore.

By Loretta Houben