Sunday

Metamorphosis Monday

I'm joining in on Susan's Metamorphosis Monday today to show my old childhood doll I just had restored. This doll is over 50 years old.

For more MM fun, go here to Susan's Between Naps on the Porch.

When I mailed my old doll to Naomi to be restored, it was in six pieces as the rubber bands had deteriorated. This is the way it looked before.

The doll had to be cleaned

The hair had to be washed:

and the hair had to be set:

The dress had also deteriorated and could not be saved so the doll restorer took the dress apart to make a pattern so she could copy the dress exactly.

I remember the dress as being a pink-lavender color, it had lots of ruffles on it. She found a very similar fabric in this color and texture.

Here are the yards and yards of ruffles that had to be hemmed on both sides, then stitched on around the bottom hem.

Then the other ruffles around the hip area.
She did an exquisite job working on every detail!

Ta-da!
Can you believe how gorgeous she turned out!

She looks like a brand new doll!

I can't remember what I named her, she is an
Effanbee Honey doll. I'm trying to think of a lovely name for her,
any suggestions?

She doesn't look like she is over 50 years old, does she?

Naomi, is the doll restorer, and she has an Etsy shop, http://artheliasattic.etsy.com here, she does wonderful work, a real perfectionist! Thank you, Naomi for all your hard work! You have made me very happy!
I think you are a miracle worker! From this:
To this:


I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving, we certainly did! Two of our children and their families were here and we had so much fun with them. I'm always sad when they leave, I wish we all lived closer together. I'm now thankful I have my blog and blogger friends to keep me company! I'm too tired today to start Christmas decorating, but hope to start tomorrow.

Have a happy day!
God Bless.

Katherine

18 comments:

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Katherine,
Wow...this is just amazing! I never realized the process was for restoring a doll...Naomi did such a wonderful job! You were so smart to hold onto her and not just toss her when she began to fall apart. She is just beautiful! Almost made me cry when I saw her all restored...soooo sweet to see her back to original beauty. :-)

Unknown said...

Katherine,
She is just beautiful. I had no ideal it took so much time and work to restore a doll, I guess I really just never thought about it. Thanks so much for sharing.
Sandy

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness Katherine, the doll looks so beautiful. What an amazing repair. I am so happy you have her restored and can enjoy her. Her dress and hair are so pretty. She is a beautiful doll.

Mary Fran

Eileen said...

Your doll looks beautiful!
And I think Rose would be a fitting name for her!
I can't get over what a wonderful job was done restoring her. Naomi really is a miracle worker!
Enjoy your beautiful treasure!
All the best,
Eileen

Charlotte said...

What a fantastic restoration. Your doll is so beautiful. I'm glad you found someone who could do such a great job.
Charlotte

Anonymous said...

The doll is beautifully redone and I'm sure you are pleased with the outcome. A suggestion for the doll's name would 'Naomi' for the lady who restored her.

Blessing to you & yours,

Jayla

Adrienne said...

She is gorgeous! What a wonderful restoration. I was amazed a few years ago when my dear mother had an old doll restored and to see the 'new' life in the doll - and my mother's eyes was well worth the price. Thanks for sharing your sweet dolly with us. ~Adrienne~

LTD said...

Wow, this is an amazing transformation!!! She is so gorgeous now and I am so glad that you found someone to restore her so beautifully!!!How about Summer for a name?

Janet

Anonymous said...

I would name her "Lucky" Bella!
Thank You! for sharing your beautiful doll and all her Glory!!
Makes me glad I held onto mine and that even after years they can still look like they did when you were a kid!!

Karyl

Teresa's New Life said...

Oh, Katherine- what a beautiful restoration job. Naomi should be commended for sure, but I wouldn't name my doll after her. LOL You said she was an Effanbee Honey Doll. I think I would jus call her Honey, becuse she certinly is one.

KimMalk said...

She is just so beautiful! I just love old dolls. This must be so rewarding.
@cheapchichome.blogspot.com

parTea lady said...

What a treat to have your doll restored. She certainly turned out beautiful. Now she can be treasured for another fifty years.

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi Katherine

Your doll is such a treasure and the restorer did a wonderful job!

Thank you for entering the Christmas teapot give away on my blog! I will be announcing the winner on Wednesday.

Marilyn Miller said...

Very pretty. I have a doll that looks like the before. I haven't looked at my old dolls for a very long time, I miss them.

Your doll turned out beautiful.

Lallee said...

Katherine, what beautiful work was done on your treasure of a doll. She is just beautiful. Look how bright her face is, and her hair is now so soft and smooth looking. The new dress is beautiful. You must be so pleased!!!

Bearly Sane said...

There is much beauty in old things, you just have to look deep to see it.
My congratulations to Naomi for such a wonderful restoration...she is superb...she reminds me of a real southern belle!
Warmest hugs,
Sandi @ Bearly Sane

BumbleVee said...

What a wonderful restoration Katherine! ... she is lovely.

I have been looking back through some comments... and am hopping around check out some blogs I have visited ... what seems eons ago! I was looking at your apple cake recipe that I posted on my blog... in November '07, if you can believe it... I may make it again..it was very tasty...and I have apples....

glad to see you are still blogging...

xinex said...

Wow! She is a real beauty now!...Christine