maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
Posts: 589
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Post by maggiedoll on Sept 18, 2016 13:21:36 GMT -5
Released in 2015 for $45, retired in 2018. Combines items from previously retired sets, including new Niña Doll, the candlestick from Nighttime Necessities, and various items from her Books & Supplies.
Josefina likes to have her favorite things close by at nighttime: A candle in its silver-colored candlestick for light after dark. A quill pen and inkwell to practice her penmanship. A faux-leather ledger the Montoya family uses to keep track of business on the rancho. A faux-leather notebook that’s filled with poems, proverbs, songs, and sayings that Tía Dolores learned from Mamá. Her beloved doll, Niña, made by Mamá.
*mod edit to remove dead image links throughout review*
Logic says I should have no need for this. My Josefina has a candlestick, two Nina's a pen, ink and books. Why would she need this? I talked myself out of getting it for Christmas. However, when it disappeared from stores so soon after its release I knew my Josefina would never forgive me so I waited seven months to get this set.
Nina is back! She is still an adorable little doll. She is not floppy, but a sturdy little doll that based on her scale, would be about 18 in for a girl-sized Josefina. She's not movable, but well made and study for respectful play.
PM Nina, BF Nina and Mattel Nina. The biggest difference is that BF Nina does not have earrings and a large eyelet trim along her dress hem. I personally don't like her cross eyes but her face is open and seems like a happy little girl.
PM Nina has a petticoat, BF does not. Both have pantaloons.
Whose's a cute little doll?
I personally don't bring work to bed, but bonus for American Girl giving Josefina such a work ethic. The book is made of light, soft fake leather, with a leather-like feel. The paper has a rough texture, thin and like the PM ledger is in Spanish and English.
BF ledger (open) and PM ledger. Both are the same size and weight, PM is just a little darker.
The memory book is made of thick swede that covers a cardboard backing. Like in the story, this book is filled with poems and riddles that Josefina's Mama. One side is in Spanish, the other is English.
BF book (orange) and PM book (green ribbon). PM is darker with a softer cover, like it was completely had made. NF seems like those blank books that can be brought in craft stores.
PM candle stick (smaller and duller) and BF (larger and brighter). PM is made of metal with a rubber candlestick, BF is plastic.
BF candlestick does not run the risk of tarnishing like PM.
Like the PM version, BF candlestick can rest in Josefina's hand.
PM ink (tiny) and BF (larger). PM ink really did not seem like a ink well, given that the tiny feather could not rest in the inkwell. BF actually allows a pen to rest inside.
Not the most realistic feather, but way better for play/display.
I really like this nighttime set. I really don't know where a Josefina without a nightstand table is supposed to keep her candle but this set is worthy of PM respect. It brings back several important accessories from Josefina's stories and past collections. It seems to be on the same death watch as Addy's set (I have not seem it in Dallas since December) but I recommend it for not only Josefina collectors, but for other 18th/ 19th century dolls.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
Posts: 589
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Post by maggiedoll on Jul 10, 2016 9:40:07 GMT -5
This set was released in 2015 under the BeForever branding and retired in 2016. Earlier versions of the paints and paint box were included along with other items in the Summer Amusements set (1987-2001). This set added an easel and painting to the revised paints and paint box.
From American Girl.com Just like her mother did, Samantha loves to paint outdoors. This doll-sized painting set was designed after real ones from her day, and includes:
An easel A pretend paint set A palette A paintbrush Her finished product: a beautiful watercolor painting of a butterfly
*mod edit to remove dead image links throughout review*
Yeah for birthdays with disposable income and easy access to an American Girl Store!
So I was pursing the Mount Vernon website (becomes YOLO!) and realized that a paint set that belonged to Washington's granddaughter looked enough like American Girl's new version of Samantha's paint set.
Yeah for Felicity getting new stuff! Ha American Girl, you will never deny my beloved Lessie new goodies!
Paint Set 2.0 inside looks a lot like the cheep party favor paint sets. I don't think it was part of American Girl's design concept of having so much white but for many paint sets (like Nelly Curtis) porcelain was included as a mixing palate. It was also hit for rich girls like Samantha to paint china stuff.
PM sets don't really age well (gasp!) and their obsession of making sets "real" have made the children's playthings fragile and give a washout look. Beforever has a deep rich color and bright gold details, it looks like something a girl would find pretty. Even though by feel and weight it is obsessively plastic by look it has an appearance and touch of wood.
Okay so the basic Beforever/PM differences, the most notable is that PM has tiny real tubes of paint. I am pretty sure that the Beofrever paint brush could really work. I think that it might had been neat if the Beforever "paint" could had been removable and replaceable with one of those cheep party favor paint set so that the Beforever generation could paint. I think the Beforever version of the paint thingy is more washable than the PM thin wood paint thingy and note, Nelly Curtis had something a lot like in her her set. Same style and although different, I still think Beforever is just (if not easier to clean) playable.
I am however a little annoyed with the easel. It has a look of wood but it is very light plastic. It is easily fold able so bonus place for storage.
The easel hooks up with this tiny notch and hook, unfortunately it does not like to stay together. Thankfully this easel is study and can handle some falls, but prepare to yell at the piece of plastic.
The painting looks passable for a girl with some years of art lessons. It is cute but nothing special.
Two PM girls argue about art and the benefits of a BeForever world.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
Posts: 589
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Post by maggiedoll on Jun 5, 2016 16:49:29 GMT -5
When it’s time for Addy to settle down to sleep, she can’t do without her favorite things:
A brass-toned lantern that Addy can really hold—it lights up at the turn of the wick knob Her bedtime book, Mother Goose in Hieroglyphics, which is full of rebuses: puzzles made up of words and symbols Her beloved Ida Bean rag doll, made by Momma with love
There are three reason why you will buy this set. 1. You live in a post-BeForever world. 2. You will NEVER spend more than $40 for a DOLL LAMP. 3. OMG ADDY!!! GRABBY HANDS!!! *mod edit to remove dead image links throughout review* Darn Addy and her awesome cuteness! Of course, I would like some originality, maybe Janey the doll, Baby Ester or maybe another book. However, American Girl can do worse, and I for one like collections with the PC prettiness with Mattel sturdiness. Ida Bean is back! She still has beans in her body, hands and legs. She is a simple doll, larger than Kirsten's doll but not as study as Kit's. She is foldable and Addy can hold her very well. The biggest way to tell the Idea Beans apart, is that pre-BeForever Idea has earnings. I got my pieced Ida Bean around the great retirements, 2008 or so. Both Ida Beans have beans in her body, hands and feet, long white drawers and a simple purple dresses. Beforever Ida Bean has the strange hairline of the old and is of the same size and weight. She is easily to display naturally in Addy's world, either on a bed, chair, on Addy's lap or in her arms. However, I must confess I don't like Beforever Ida much. It is not her quality, it is her face. Pre-Beforever has an open, appealing face, much like a Momma would sew for her daughter. Beforever Ida has a judgmental face. I feel this doll should have a meme: Hater's goanna hate. I feel this books is great for a girl who is learning to read, perhaps teaching her siblings and parents as well. The book is exactly the same as the Mattel version (around 2006/2007). Both books are readable, both are study and both are made of the same materials. To prove my point, I'm not going to tell you which one is which. The binding is new so it is hard for Addy to hold open her book, but it is a clear print that a child can read. I don't own PC lamp (yet) but I fell this version is roughly the same side. It is light plastic, fairly study and can handle a few drops on the night stands. The shade is not easily broken and the plastic, although may not feel realistic, seems like it. This type of lamp would had been common up to even Kit's time, for those of you who may need a reason to buy this lamp. I think it is brilliant to make the lamp turn on! It reminds me of a Christmas tree light blub. A dorky historian may note that lamps would not have produced the light we take for granted today. The lamp comes with the cell batteries, I don't know how replaceable they are. This set has had a death watch for months now, I confess I brought mine regardless of the repeats because I knew it would bother me if I did not. I think it is not unreasonable to display the books to give the appearance of two different books (also it was common for books to be published in volumes). You could have one lamp on the nightstand and another on the table. Maybe the Ida Beans can be shared with Addy and Ester. Or, if you chose, I think the lamp, doll and book are just as good as the PC/early Mattel versions. On the plus side, a sale at American Girl has to be a plus for Addy.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
Posts: 589
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Post by maggiedoll on May 14, 2016 14:09:11 GMT -5
Bandbox Item# AWAL $16 Retired
Pack Addy’s treasures on the 1860’s version of a suitcase, a wooden bandbox covered with pretty wallpaper and lined with newspaper. There’s even a leather strap for easy toting when she travels. The Bandbox is almost cheaply simple. The box is a thin and light wood craft store issue, someone talented with glue could easily make a copy cat in under ten minutes for about $5. . The most unique part of the set is the newspaper print that lines the bottom. It would had been nice if it had lined the sides and lid as well. It is a full copy of a poem. Given the fact this item is give or take 20 years old, it is held up very well. However I have never had much luck with buckles (Molly's skates, Kit's shoes so the buckle makes me nervous. The bandbox is hard to buckle, a strong and delicate finger nail is needed. The bandbox can hold a lot. My Addy keeps her knitting and sewing supplies but a lot of her PC small accessories can easily be stored in the box. It is not Addy or her bandbox fault but compared to the other suitcases it is not neither study and unique. The bandbox is a lovely display piece, but I am not as impressed with the construction than with the details of Felicity's trunk of Kit's (to me) suitcase. However, Addy likes it and will use it to take her trip.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
Posts: 589
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Post by maggiedoll on Apr 3, 2016 20:38:53 GMT -5
Tea Lesson Item# ESAL $22 Retired
Here’s everything Felicity needs to practice the proper tea ceremony. Tea leaves were stored in the wooden tea caddy. Felicity’s dark blue teacup and saucer have an elegant fruit pattern on them. There is no handle on the small china teacup, which came from China back then. Put the spoon on the saucer, her cotton napkin in her lap, and pass her a queen cake. Just be sure her loose tooth doesn’t fall out when she takes a bite. How embarrassing! [Mod edit to remove dead image links throughout review.]On a personal note, I am attached to this set because this the first thing I brought as a grownup years after I was denied American Girl as a child. Take that parents! In the movie, Felicity is a little annoyed that she has to learn how to serve and take tea. However in reality Felicity would had understand from a much early age how important this social ritual is. The tea caddy is PC wood, light and smooth. It seems study, like it can survive storage and a few falls from the tea table. As mentioned above the caddy would had been locked. Not only because tea was expensive but also shows that the family can afford the cost of such a caddy. The caddy is a nice think but I do believe that it would had been nicer if there was a tea pot. During Felicity Part II American Girl had a tea caddy with the tea set. Since there is only so much tea one can drink the American Girl version is Felicity's jewelry box (with the cocker poking out). Tea caddy II is slightly larger with smaller gold details. I really love the tea cup and saucer. They are a lovely shade of blue with a peach and a gold trim. Random historical fact, it was common for people to pour the tea from the cup to the saucer to cool it and drink from the saucer. Felicity might had drunk her tea at home in an informal setting. With the tea set dishes. Tea Lesson is a lighter porcelain and with enough force can be broken. Aside from the pink color the Tea Set seems more like a toy and the Tea Lesson a reproduction. The Queen cake is a little...American Girl issue food. It feels rubbery and is tiny. Felicity would had popped this thing in her mouth in one bite, no risk of losing the tooth in biting into the cake. Not much of a lunch but as Miss. Mandlery said "you don't eat because you are hungry." The napkin is a medium-weight cloth, with a simple weave. It covers Felicity's lap. I forgot the spoon. It has tarnished with age and it simpler than the spoons with the chocolate set, it lacks the tiny detail that those spoons have. Felicity can hold it. While the other PC lunch sets get a passing reference in their books, Felicity's actually so an real important part of her education. A young lady had been educated in classics or history but she was not truly an accomplished lady unless she did not serve tea. It is a classic PC way of teaching history to girls without hitting them over the head with it. I think what the set represents is more important than the actual set. After all, what is a tea set without a pot?
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
Posts: 589
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Post by maggiedoll on Apr 3, 2016 13:56:29 GMT -5
Needlework Kit & Frame Item# EBAN $22 Retired
Felicity’s stitching certainly improved once she got her own needlework frame. The sampler kit contains needle and thread to stitch a colorful bird, vines, flowers, and the words Faithful Friends Forever Be. There are even two thimbles—a tiny one for Felicity and one for you, too! Open the storage boxes on the base of the frame and tuck the supplies inside when her lesson is through. Warning: Excessive gushing about the awesomeness of this set below. Warning II: Sorry about the blurry photos. I blame the awesome. [*Mod edit to remove dead image links throughout review.]The needlework frame balances rather loosely on the hoop. I would think that if Felicity was really pushing a needle in and out of the fabric the hoop would be constantly falling off. Unlike many American Girl accessories this is actually to scale. The hoop is a stained version of the basic Hobby Lobby issue. A reasonably talented needlewoman would be able to copy the sampler without the guide. The sentiment could work well for other time periods. The frame is the best part of the set. I must confess I don't know how historically correct it is, after an extensive 2 min Google search I could not fine a real version. Of course it could be simply that it rarely survived the test of time (after all for most of American history something George Washington touched was more likely to survive than something Martha Washington used). It seems that it would had been more a practical element of a small sewing box or a sewing basket. The frame is PC issue wood, slightly light and slightly fragile. It is also a dust catcher. The spool would had been used to store thread. Each side as a TINY little compartment. The girl and doll thimbles. Personally, I would rather have scissors or thread wax or another sewing supply than a thimble for a girl. Of course, I have not been a nine-year-old since this set was $22. Excellent for display purposes, the thimble stays on Lessie's finger without fear. Photobucket deleted my thread picture. There is thread, enough to sew the sampler without any mistakes, and to scale with the girl. It is kind of for display. There is also a needle for a girl. It is actually possible for getting a doll sized needle for Felicity, but if you pretend the girl's needle is a tapestry needle if may be possible for Felicity to use. This is what I miss most from American Girl from the '90s. Written booklets detailing not only the historical context of the accessory, but how to practice what Felicity had to know. Not a lot of pictures, but it is simple to read a follow to learn basic sewing. This is old school PC and although I am not decrying anything made post 1998 this is an excellent evidence for just how awesome American Girl could be. This set is an excellent representation of something that was so important in Felicity's life that is not so common in today's girls. It is well made, well presented and even though it would had been nice to add one or two more sewing supplies it does not feel lacking. Plus it is just plain awesome.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
Posts: 589
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Post by maggiedoll on Dec 20, 2015 17:07:32 GMT -5
Toy Farm Item# JAAS $16 Retired
Josefina fell in love with a fascinating American toy she saw at the Santa Fe plaza—a tiny wooden farm. It looked so different from the low, flat-roofed adobe farms of New Mexico! Your toy farm includes a house, a chimney, front steps, a barn, two trees, two fences, a horse, a cow, a goat, a pig, and a wagon loaded with lumber. Store it all away in a wooden box for safe keeping. [*Mod edit to remove dead image links throughout review.]Josefina's Toy Farm is everything that Peasant Company was proud of, it an important part of the story, well made and (I assume) history accurate. It is also very PC tiny, fragile and expensive on the secondary market. If you pull up American Sales page on the Way Back Machine to around 2001 you will find these little suckers on clearance for about $8. Yeah, I was not that lucky. Every little thing fits into Josefina's hand and is painted wood. The house is very detailed. Yeah someone good with a thing paintbrush could recreated this set but the devil in these details is a great devil. I don't let the steps and never used them, it seems like a silly little piece. Random fact, the house is hollow. It helps in storage in the box and makes the house more fragile and light. Also a random place to keep a house. The barn looks like the house, except with a wide open space enough for the cow to look out. The two fences are really key into creating new scene. If something is destined to be lost, broken or missing from a set I would place money on the cart and the tiny piece of wood. It is accidently step or drop on it fragile, but accidently putting too much pressure between the thumb and finger fragile. The animals are of more study type, roughly the same size of Felicity's ark. The tiny pig is the reason why Josefina fell in love with this set, his a cute little pig. In the what...the side of the set, the box. I mean, a nine year old should be able to carry her toy farm box, not to be able to store her goat. I have a soft spot for Josefina and her well detailed collection. I really wish that this makes a Beforever return, and hope it would be a more study sort. For its cuteness, playability (but for careful fingers!) and craftsmanship. A
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
Posts: 589
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Post by maggiedoll on Sept 13, 2015 21:19:56 GMT -5
From American Girl.com: Kit's Radio Set $42.00 In the 1930s, families would gather together around the radio to get the news, follow radio serials, or listen to “Fireside Chats ” from President Roosevelt. This radio has a dial that lights up, a volume control knob, and a tuning knob that moves the tuning needle when turned. Your girl can hear real recorded news from the 1930s, or attach the included 3.5mm audio cable to her own electronic music player to listen to her own favorite songs. This set also includes a mini abridged Robin Hood book given to Kit by her brother, plus a felt baseball pennant. All that makes American Girl. The pennant is just a throw away item. Almost like there was a surplus of that thick, stiff and rough craft like felt with some white lettering that can easily rubbed off. Apparently Kit's favorite baseball team asked for too much money. 'Cause I'm sure they are so rolling in Red's merchandise income. Yeah, books are back! Book nerd happy dance! I have Kit's night time accessories c. 2006. I can see no difference between these books. In fact, I'm not going to tell you which book is which. Lovely full color illustrations. Like old school American Girl, Robin Hood is readable. The radio book is front with all of Kit's books. It is a bit bigger than the average doll book, like a larger picture book for a kid slightly younger than kit. The center, the focus of all things that make a collector happy, the radio! It is modeled on the Cathedral style radios that would had taken up quite a bit of floor space in Kit's living room. The radio is make of typical American Girl plastic, very light, smooth but very study, like can survive like a drop to the floor or being stuffed in a tight storage space study. Yeah, it is a side... The details make the radio very realistic. The dials really move. The tiny little switch needs a good nail to turn on. A tiny screw driver works best opening. It is kind of hard to show, but the radio glows a creepy shade of red when on...not sure how realistic that is to the time period. There is a news report, a message form FDR, some music and a I think a radio show. Each snippet is about 30 seconds longs. There is some static in-between channels. Kit and her radio, common American Girl rant, the radio is too small! It fits well on her trunk but I just it is just right for $42 scale. Kit could easily drip kick this radio. She and Ruthie seem to think it is the bees knees however. The pennant is pretty much worthless and the radio is too small, but the book and the radio are an excellent sing of where BeForever can take our dolls. Both are relevant to Kit's books I like the fact that BeForever are linking today with yesterday with MP3 Palayers and Radios. I wish my cord would work with my phone but I love the idea. B+
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
Posts: 589
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Post by maggiedoll on Aug 29, 2015 22:51:24 GMT -5
This item was introduced in 2015 and retired in 2018.
Rebecca keeps her most cherished treasures safe in her bedroom. This set includes: •Four painted nesting dolls, a traditional Russian toy—each one fits inside the next •A wooden box with a set of doll-sized dominoes that can actually be played •A mini abridged Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm book •A cloth bag for holding Rebecca’s crochet supplies: an ornate crochet hook and a finished lace doilyWarning, to all the Rebecca lovers out there, but Kit is sooooo into Rebecca's Bedroom Accessories around here. Sadly, Kit is really this shade of gray in real life but I still love her. This is a perfectly awesome set and I think it is very much worth $48. The star of the set is the little nesting dolls. This is 100% American Girl plastic. I am guessing there nesting dolls are decaled on. There was no old Russian woman sitting in a cottage lovely hand crafting these dolls while Fiddler on the Roof dances outside. This is American Girl! For fun, the inside of one of the dolls. The dolls are very sturdy little thing. Not stump on them or throw them against the wall study but they can handle a kid putting them together and apart. These dolls are TINY. Russian mother with a bag. Harry Potter's cousin with a broom. Little Girl with a basket. [URL=http://s221.photobucket.com/user/maggiedoll_2007/media/Birthday%202015/20150725_153124_zpsdlqwet6s.jpg.html ]URL] TINY little girl. For fun, Kit's nesting dolls with my nesting dolls (from Russia, most likely from that Russian old woman who is not making the American Girl nesting dolls) from my childhood. Yeah, Rebecca gets a book! It is great that she gets a book that she is shown reading in her series. I know very little about Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm, but I really like the colorful cover. Real copy of the actual book. Random collection of Kit's books. The only difference is that Rebecca has no pictures. It's awesome that American Girl made this! It is pretty true to the books that Rebecca kept her crochet supplies in a calico bag. The bag is a pinkish calico with plastic handles and is fully lined. It holds the hook and project with room to spare. The crochet hook is very detailed. Quite a bit light but a nice little hook. It fits in Kit's hand. No crocheting can be done with this hook. The project is a completed doily. It would had been nice if it had been half completed with some yarn. Compared with Addy's doily...still boring. A random addition, a domino set in a big box. I am pretty sure the box is plastic. It is a bit surprising that there are individual dominos. I think there are about thirty little pieces. WARNING those little suckers fall out easily. Within ten minutes of getting it out of the box two dominos fell out and slipped into the Great American Girl Limbo of missing parts. I know little about dominos, but the pieces seem to scare and fit well with the dolls. I love this set. There is so may pieces that add to the bed room of which doll gets this set. Everything is very playable and adorable. A
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
Posts: 589
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Post by maggiedoll on Aug 16, 2015 1:44:29 GMT -5
From American Girl.com.... Addy loves when she can spend time helping Momma in Mrs. Ford’s dress shop. Help your girl set the scene for Addy with this set: •A bright woven check dress with a full skirt, simple gathered bodice, and short bell sleeves—popular styles in Addy’s day •A crisp white pinafore with purple grosgrain trim and patch pockets for carrying her sewing supplies •Soft white stockings •White canvas lace-up boots with shiny black toe caps •Measuring tape •Pretend sewing scissors that open and close •A cute bird-shaped pincushion that Addy can really hold
On my Addy (who for some reason looks a little grayish green), American Girl and I have an agreement, they make Addy stuff, I buy it. It is a nice system and as a sewing nerd myself I am glad that Addy has finally got to embrace her inner dressmaker. For some reason, I had it in my head that this dress would be made of American Girl issue taffeta, it just has that look to it I guess. However it is a very nice, kinda heavy cotton with a nice feel to it. The dress is a bit roomy and has a skirt to fit the full set of mid-Victorian undergarments my Addy wears. I do wish that the dress had a higher neckline because her chemise has to tucked in under the dress and it still looks strange. Yes Virginia, Victorians did were dresses with low necklines and short sleeves!
An 1860s dress with the closest shade of purple I could find on Pintrest. Nobody loved color more than the mid-19th century consumer. Bright colors for wallpaper, furniture and clothing. So bright we might even find it a bit garnish today. Addy surely would had the ability to own a purple and blue dress fabric was getting cheaper and more ready-to-wear options slowly coming to the working class. Plus Momma was a sewer and there was also a second-hand shop in the neighborhood. Frankly, Addy should get to wear this dress, she looks great in blue and purple. Addy's apron is a bit too matchy for my taste, and for mix and matchers I think it would hard to find another dress to wear this apron with. It is of the same idea as the plaid pattern dress and the original birthday dress but original enough to not feel like a repeat. It is soft cotton and is easy to put over the dress. The dress also comes with shoes and stockings...which I gave to another doll and completely out of my mind at the time of the picture taking. The shoes are just like Addy's summer boots in color and texture but the only difference is the laces are permanent and the back goes up with Velcro. The stocking are thin but not thin enough to show skin or feel fragile. However as much as I love Addy there is only so many black and white boots she needs. It would had been nice instead if maybe she had a ribbon or another hair accessory. Now the goodies that make this dress the Sewing Dress and also the $48 dollar dress. There is a measuring tape, pincushion and scissors. The pincushion is the best of the lot. The bird is heavy plastic with a fuzzy coating and looks like a peep. Multi-purpose pincushions, sometimes in the shape of an animal, were big in Addy's time. This bird might had had a built in tape measure, been able to clap onto a table to hold fabric or trim or been able to double as a needle case. I think American Girl might had been going for an idea like this: Our little guy is cute, but Addy can't even hold her. She does have to very fake-looking pins sticking out of her. But why can't she at the very least have an attached tape measure? As for the tape measure, I forgot to take a photo of it. It is a short piece of ribbon with two plastic ends. It is too short for Addy to even put over her neck. American Girl's plastic often does not bother me, I have a cat and a habit of having my dolls underfoot I often prefer plastic. However...I appreciate what American Girl was going for with the scissors but it is not there. The plastic makes the scissors look too thick and almost a bit cheap. This could had been made better.
Bonus though, Addy can hold her scissors and it looks like she might actually be cutting! As a personal bonus for my Addy, we have been passively working on making her hatbox as her sewing/knitting box for a couple years now and we have completed the set without spending $20 on tiny metal scissors and a relatively period correct pincushion all we need now is that bloody needle book...
I grab my sewing doll July to model that plaid outfit. I was a bit worried that the Sewing Dress would look too much like the Plaid dress and the Flower Picking/Kite Flying/Whatever You Call it Just Buy it Please! dresses. They are all different enough that you don't need to be a complete Addy Collector to justify getting them.
As much as I like this dress I do feel that something is missing, a Gody's Lady's Book, a pattern, some fabric or maybe a needle book or maybe even a sewing machine? What about a hair ribbon? The lack of another thing is not enough to make me feel gipped about the $48 cost, I think the dress is very nice and the pincushion is cute. The whole outfit just feels a bit lacking. B
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
Posts: 589
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Post by maggiedoll on Feb 8, 2015 15:54:05 GMT -5
Nighttime Necessities Item# JDA $20 Retired 2006
Help Josefina get ready for bed with her blue-an-white Puebla basin and cotton towel. Then, pretend to light the candle in the silver-colored candlestick, and open her carved memory box—inside are six tiny treasures: a piece of Mamá’s lavender soap, a swallow feather, a silver thimble, a turquoise nugget, a rattlesnake rattle, and a heart-shaped charm called a milagro. Josefina’s stories tell why each one is special! [*Mod edit to remove dead image links throughout review]This is my favorite of the nighttime sets, very nicely made and fits well into her stories. The memory box is tiny and simply made, however it does not seem fragile. A strong fingernail is needed to close the latch. The lid is a real 3D carving of the sun coming over the mountains and a tiny little home. Since it belonged to Mama there is the possibilities for a backstory. The box holds six TINY little treasures from Josefina's stories. Its an excellent tie in to not only the books, but to Josefina's personality. There is also room for a couple more, I keep her flowers in the box as well. Although they are tiny, they are very realistically sized to the doll. The thimble fits on Josefina's finger and the turquoise fits into her pocket. The charm could be a bit bigger and the soap has a funny texture, like the attempt was made to try to make a soapy feel but instead has a more greasy feel. The rattle is plastically and has no rattle noise, but I'm sure Josefina would prefer a quiet rattlesnake. The candlestick is large and a bit heavy, it is made of metal but it seems like it will last well. I love how the curve of the stick seems to fit into Josefina's hand, making a lovely display. The candlestick has a bit "timeless" quality to it, it could fit in anyone's time period from Felicity to even Molly. I quite defiantly declare it but could it perhaps work into Rebecca's stories of her Sabbath candlesticks? I can state that the candlesticks looks wonderful on Josefina's piano. The underside of the candlestick. I'm not sure what this calls but the base is not completely solid. I don't see it as a problem. I do notice that there are hints of tarnish but thankfully it has not spread. Not to be an alarmist, but I sat the candlestick on Josefina's nightstand and a few days later I saw staining on the same spot. The nightstand is PM and I also have a Mattel version that does not have this. Could be a stained from its life before me, could be from the candlestick or maybe Josefina spilled some water without me knowing about it. The candle is removable from the stick. Much like Felicity's it is molded to look like it has been used. It is a bit rubbery and a little flexible. It fits snug into the stick and there is little risk of falling out. The basin is made of a heavy ceramic, perhaps porcelain or maybe even a type of stoneware. The basin is very heavy, like it was dropped on to a hard surface it would break heavy. It feels like it had been glazed. The blue is medium shade and the white is more of an ivory. Those are the only two colors on the basin. I really don't know what the image is supposed to be, some rive passing though something. Pretty, though. It kind of reminds me of the stoneware popular in Felicity's time. I could not understand why the basin did not have the pitcher, where did Josefina get her morning water? Even though the bowl is pretty it seemed like it needed a pitcher. The pitcher from Josefina's birthday set has colors to complement the bowl and it does kind of make sense that Josefina, the youngest daughter would get more of a mix and match set. The towel is well a towel. It is quite large, with a textured pattern on the fabric. Nice towel but well, it's a towel. For fun, the nighttime accessories on the bedside table with Josefina's bed and desk. The set matches the rest of her collection, but there does seem something missing, I put the mirror from her summer set and added the pitcher. However, at the end of the day, it is a very pretty set made of fine materials and it matches Josefina the character well. I think this is pivotal of her collection. A
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
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Post by maggiedoll on Jan 24, 2015 21:35:48 GMT -5
Writing Desk & Stand Item# JSF $50 -Desk Only Item# JSF $54 Retired 2006
Tía Dolores’s elegant writing desk came all the way up the Camino Real, the trail from Mexico City. Designed to be conveniently portable, it’s plain on the outside, pretty on the inside! Set the desk on its wooden stand, lift the lid, and fold down the front flap. Josefina store her books and writing supplies inside. There’s even a secret compartment so you can hide a surprise for Josefina.
(after the Books & Supplies were discontinued the ledger, quill pen, and inkwell were included with the desk price rose to $54) I am reasonably sure my desk is early Josefina, 1998 or 1998. Except from some peeling of the decoration the desk has aged very well and uphold some minor play and/or display. [*Mod edit to remove dead image links throughout review]Given the importance of the desk in her story, I felt that her desk is vital to her collection. It is a very pretty little thing and looks lovely as a display piece I have several issues to that keeps me from loving it. The desk is in two pieces, the desk itself and the stand. The desk seems a mixture of plywood and paper with metal hinges and the stand a heavier wood. The stand does not fold which to me would make better sense if it was really to be a traveling desk. When folded up, the desk stayed folded up and I think it would actually keep supplies inside the desk. It is very compact and fits well into the tray of her trunk. On the other end, once it is open and secured on the stand the desk stays open. The desk is very pretty on the inside. The dominate color is an earthly red with bits of and gold, all that matches the plain black of the desk. The desk part paper is starting to peal at the corner do to age but that can be covered. Now to my complaint. The desk is very, very fragile. The lid to the "secret" compartment went down and won't come back up. It is really hard to open the drawers and harder to push it back in. There is sort of feeling that the slightest pull or give will break the desk or a part of it. I know that back in the PC days creating fragile things but as someone who has to deal with cats that broken such delicate things I like playing with things that I feel that a grown woman should not have to worry about breaking a girl's toy. My second, age old complaint, the desk is tiny! Josefina in my mind is a girl small for her age learning to read and write at her aunt's desk. The doll Josefina towers over the desk and sits kind of awkward with the risk hitting her knees. Speaking of chairs, why is Josefina cursed to go though life on her feet? For fun, Josefina's writing desk with Cécile's parlor desk. This is sinful in our fandom but the Mattel lovely, well-made and reasonably to scale and looks great with her owner desk is quite better than the tiny, fragile and makes her owner look large and awkward Present Company desk. I am glad that I own the desk and I think it worth the Ebay search and prices because it is so important to her story and collection. If it was not so fragile and a little bigger it would be such a wonderful piece. B
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
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Post by maggiedoll on Jan 19, 2015 0:27:33 GMT -5
English Square Piano Item# JP $120 Retired No wonder Tía Dolores insisted on bringing her piano with her all the way from Mexico City—it was a beauty! You can help Josefina play this wonderful wooden reproduction. It has the same square shape, inlay trim, and fancy metal ornamentation as the pianos in Josefina’s day. Lift the lid to reveal working keys, and use the sheet music to serenaded Josefina with the melody to Home Sweet Home. [*Mod edit to remove dead image links throughout review.]Yeah we all know the drill, "If only in 1997 I would know how much I would spend on Ebay for this thing when it was originally $120...." The piano is made of wood with metal details. Like most of Josefina's furniture, except for the bed, the piano is on American Girl's Wonky Scale. It is also very light. I think if the piano suffered a fall at the wrong angle from too high from the floor it would shatter. On the other end, My very fat cat has developed a love if sitting and laying on the piano and it seems like it has handled her weight well. However, like so many American Girl things it is a big dust catcher. You can see some dust already settled in the hard-to-clean places on the keyboard. I really like how it open and closes. In a pinch the piano can be served as a table or a desk. Currently I can not have small things out due to my kitten's "I must destroy/lose everything I can" stage but Josefina's toy farm and vase from birthday treats look lovely on the piano. I find it kind of plain without anything on the piano. I may be a minority here, but I really like the sound. Maybe it is because I knew going into the purchase that it would not should like a "real" piano. I find the "toyish" sound very enduring and charming. When playing with it I find myself like a child. It is very plain in the back but I'm sure the original 1824 pianos would had plain backs too. Each leg has a little brass detail. It does not seem like it tarnishes with age and does not seem like a risk for falling off the piano with careful play or display. I am pretty sure the details are painted. Much like her other thing's Josefina's piano could be considered plain but I would call them elegant in their simplicity. There was no bench, but the piano originally came with sheet music to "Home Sweet Home" which is kind of hard to find when buying the piano on Ebay. It's a nice addition but not vital, I don't think Josefina plays it at any time in her stories. The music is made of parchment like paper and I believe that the music is printed out in full. I don't know if it is because it was closed or in storage or something for a few years but the sheet music does not stay open very well on the stand. It will probably need to be flatten to be displayed open. When I can display it again on the piano, I prefer to keep it close. With Josefina's bed to its side, her chair/table behind and Cécile's table to the side. The piano works well in the dolls worlds. The piano is slightly off with the rest of Josefina's furniture but that could emphasis that this is a special item not found in every home. More on Josie the cat later... Finally Josefina makes an appearance! I honestly don't know why for $120 original why the piano did not come with a bench. Who plays the piano standing? Currently Josefina uses one of the chairs from her table to sit, at some point I'll get a bench of stool or something. Sitting on the chair Josefina is a bit awkward at the piano, but with some maneuvering I have her kind of sitting/kind of standing, giving it an appearance that she is sitting on the edge of the chair. If posed just right, Josefina's fingers lay quite nicely on the keys. I most disagree with some above reviews. I think this piano is lovely for not only Josefina but other collections from Caroline to Molly. Even in a bit of historical reimaging it could be used as a harpsichord for Felicity. Unlike other "large" pieces it is very important in Josefina's core books and at least one short story. It also fits into Josefina's personality as a musically talented, but shy girl who fights between attention and not being noticed. It is also a piece that you can find the piano at the price you want in time. Then, when you get it, you and Josefina will be happy. A Bonus pic, Josie, musical kitty protégé.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
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Post by maggiedoll on Jan 10, 2015 22:28:30 GMT -5
When I brought Josefina she came with a PM version of her Heirloom Accessories but I originally brought the current Mattel version for Cécile.
[*Mod edit to remove dead image links throughout the review.]
I got the idea from shawls like above that were popular from 1840s-1860s. I figured that Cécile would had worn one and Josefina's shawl looked like a perfect match to Cécile's parlor outfit. I was right, it matches the jacket and Cécile's skin tone very well.
The shawl is large, almost like it was sized for an adult doll, just like in Josefina's story that hers belonged to her mother. Cécile also nicked her from Maman too.
The fan is your basic American Girl fan, plastic with craft lace. In like the look that can fit around the doll's waist and it does look nice open on Cécile's desk of chair. It takes a little work to get it look like Cécile is really holding her fan, however it does not stay long on her hand.
I do not like the necklace. It looks fine around the doll's neck but the "cord" is very twisty and the cord wants to stay twisted. It is hard to get around the doll's neck and the hook likes to attack Cécile's curls. The charm is tiny and it is hard to lay nicely.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
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Post by maggiedoll on Jan 10, 2015 21:18:41 GMT -5
Felicity’s Town Fair Outfit Item# ELO $28 - Released 1997 Retired
The town fair on Market Square was the place to be seen in Williamsburg! Felicity looked fair indeed in her “walking dress”—a style inspired by French fashion. Her dark teal gown has contrasting white sleeves and three bands of ribbon across the bottom. Add a striped pink apron and a mob cap trimmed with lace and gold ribbon. Felicity’s souvenir from the fair is a fanciful wooden windmill. Hold it up to the breeze to make the propellers spin and the pennant snap to attention!
Managed to stay NIB for twelve years than I got it.
[*Mod edit to remove dead image links throughout review.]
Yeah for PM Limited Edition awesomeness!
The dress, apron and hat are all made of soft cotton, looks and feels much like the higher end fabric you would find in the quilting department at Joanns. That is not a bad thing, most of my dolls' wardrobe comes that wall. The gold ribbon is a silky texture, much like what you would find in the Joann's ribbon section, like the .50 cent ribbons. This style is slightly out Felicity's timeline, this style is a bit more 1780s than 1770s but it could pass for the simple vest and petticoats Felicity would had worn around the house.
The skirt is a lovely shade of blue, matches Felicity's hair and PM green eyes very well. It has a liberal scattering of darker blue flowers. I think the major appeal of this dress is it does not seem like Felicity's time (well, actually it is not but aside from that). However, this type of fabric would had been something Mother could had brought. The cut is not as generous as Felicity's school petticoat or even her summer dress but that would into a casual play dress.
The part of the dress that is meant to be her shift is attached to the dress. It is possible that Felicity would had worn a dress like that but most likely it would had been in two pieces. The cut is slightly low but not that much and the slight peak of lace is cute. Simple, but nice and a tiny little addition that makes the dress pretty.
The apron is red and white stripe a la candy stripe. The apron is a bit flimsily, and it is a bit hard to get it to lay just right on the dress. I am kind of torn about my feelings on this apron. On one hand it is kind of skimpy but on the other hand, the dress looks like it is missing something without the apron.
I love, love this mob cap. It is made of thick white cotton. The ruffles are a little heavy but it is very lovely and trimmed with small white lace, it frames Felicity's head well while not taking over her head. The gold ribbon had that magical trick of not being too matchy matchy while working with other outfits, I like it with Felicity's yellow tea lesson gown and school outfit. The gold ribbon is an exact match to the dress.
The greatest hindrance to this dress is that while Felicity does is that while Felicity only needed so many ball and gala gowns and does need more everyday dresses this one is so darn easy for any seamstress with basic dress making skills can make this dress. Case in point.
While the dress is easy to make, the windmill is not. I really love it, Felicity needs more toys! However, like everyone else says, it is very fragile. Very typical of the Peasant Company but still, my windmill broke with (1) my fat cat decided she HAD to sleep on Felicity's bed and (2)I set it out of its usual place and I stepped on it. Okay the second time as not PC's fault but still, I should be terrified of breaking it every time I pick it up.
But yeah it is fragile but hey, Felicity can cold the windmill! Once again, there is a fear that it will break when I put the holder in her hand but it is such a lovely detail.
Old school pamphlet! I love these things and their addition will make me pay more...not ashamed. The pamphlet gives the basic background behind the fashion of the dress, and a bit about town fairs in Felicity's time.
Despite the flawed with the windmill, and the fact that anyone with a Joann's coupon can make this dress, I love Felicity's town fair outfit. It fits her coloring and personality perfectly, and it is very well crafted and has aged very well. The windmill needs to be handled carefully but it is not like something you see everyday. Plus Felicity looks so darn cute with everything. A
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
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Post by maggiedoll on May 26, 2012 18:18:15 GMT -5
I really like Kit's desk, I just wish that it was a bit bigger. In my Kit's world, she got a child size version when she was a bit younger. I do have a word of caution, I kept Kit's pencil box (from her school supplies) in own of the drawers. One day, as I was lifting the pencil box out of the drawer, it fell out of the drawer and into the desk. I still don't know how the desk ate the pencil box. The only way I could get my pencil box was to get the drawer out of the desk, but it will not go back in. Therefore, my Kit's desk now has her drawer separate from the desk. Moral of the story, don't let your desk taste pencil boxes.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
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Post by maggiedoll on Apr 23, 2012 13:30:47 GMT -5
Addy’s Stilting Outfit
When the circus came to Philadelphia, everyone gathered to see the parade. Addy’s favorite part was the performer who walked on tall, slender stilts. Poppa used scraps of wood to make stilts that were just Addy’s size and painted them deep red. When Sam saw her practicing he named her Addy “stilt” Walker! Put on Addy’s Purple plaid dress with long puffed sleeves and green plaid trim. It’s perfect for her new pastime because it has a pair of matching bloomers for modesty!
$28 ALO (Limited Editionthis outfit introduced in 1997 ) Discontinued Historical background: Addy's stilting outfit is a reform dress, more commonly remembered as a bloomer outfit. Reform dresses were a simple, semi-lose dress with bloomers that may or may not be seen peaking under the garment. This outfit represents the Virtorian Dress Reform from 1851-1901. Back to my dress, NIB in package: Things don't stay NIB long around here. The outfit is a dress, stilts, pamphlet and a special hanger. I forgot to take a picture of the box but it has a special "Special Edition!" banner with all (then) six girls. If you are nerd like me and need the pamphlet it basically rephrases what I have just copy and paste from the Playthings guide. Nice if you are pamphlet collector but not needed otherwise. It would had been nice if the dress had a matching ribbon, my Addy uses Ruthie's meet ribbon which is almost the perfect shade. The dress and bloomers are made out of plaid, thin purple cotton with a green plaid trim. Even though it may not look like it, the dress is a good spring/fall outfit. Like most other outfits, the buttons on the front are just for show, it Velcro in the back. I believe my Addy is around 2002-2007 and the outfit is a little loose on her. That's okay because it is meant to be a play outfit. Detail of the trim. Copycats, the plaid is only sewed into the yoke and waist, not on the bodice. The trim along the waist is actually the waistband. The trim is also along the hand and the cuffs. The bodice and sleeves are gathered but the skirt is pleated. The bloomers are loosely gathered on the waist and the legs. The bloomers go all the way to the top of Addy's boots. The boots that match best are the boots from her boots and shocks set. Since there is no Velcro on the bloomers they are a bit hard to get on. The stills are made of light but study wood painted a dark red. They are a bit of pain to store, I keep mine in the tray of Addy's trunk. Even though there is elastic on the stilts and footrests it is a bit of pain to get Addy to hold her stilts. My Addy has very loose legs, so its a bit of a pain to get her to hold her steady on her stilts. She's leaning against the trunk. The stilts are a good size for a child playing. She does not tower over other dolls, but there is enough of a difference to know that she's stilting. I really like this outfit, and really wish that I could had gotten it for $28 in 1997. The prices go pretty high on the market, but sellers have a tendency to overprice their used outfits. If you wait a while, you can spend only a little bit on a new outfit. However, the dress seems like it holds up well to play so a well used condition should still be in decent condition. In all, it is a very nice, neat play dress for Addy with an unusual accessory that makes a good display. A
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
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Post by maggiedoll on Mar 20, 2012 11:43:04 GMT -5
From American Girl Playthings, Felicity is a closet pyromaniac. Clothes Press
Colonial homes didn’t have closets in them, so people folded their clothes neatly on the shelves and in the drawers of a clothes press. An important piece of furniture in fine houses back in 1774, it’s an heirloom for you to cherish today and forever. H: 251⁄2”, W: 15 1/8”, D: 8”
$150 ET Retired OMG I finally own this! I've wanted this clothes press for almost twenty years, and finally got lucky last December. The clothes press is made of very heavy, solid wood that is held together by stapler-like nails. The top and sides of the clothes press are very nice, thick and smooth wood while the back, doors, and bottom are made of a lighter, softer plywood feeling wood. How, may one ask, do I know the wood so well? [*Mod edit to remove dead image links throughout the review*] This is how my clothes press came home to me. Yeah, I cried. For all it's solidness, the clothes press is not the most hardy piece of furniture ever made. It was not just the wood, but the brass details were damaged in the delivery. However, aside from the bottom the clothes press came together reasonably well with a bottle of wood glue and some hot glue. A liberal partial refund also made the clothes press more palatable. My clothes press did not come with shelves, which helped in it's price. Without the shelves one can see how roomy the main part of the press is. See, a doll can easily fit into her clothes press but the doors will not close on her. Taking the shelves out may be a possibly for those having trouble making everything fit. Not the best photo, but one can see how dresses can fit into the press. All my Felicity's clothes (besides the separates) are folded and stacked in the press in two piles. Felicity has a lot of clothes but they barely half filled the press. There is a wrinkle problem, especially for things that get stuck at the bottom and are only worn once or twice a year. However, it is not any worse than clothes stored in a trunk like Kit's. An added bonus is that it is easy to find the wanted dress, unlike a trunk like Samantha. Getting the dress out may be an issue. Even when I finally get around getting her shelves, I still think she will have plenty room to grow. This image also shows the clothes press in relation to Felicity. The clothes press is almost two Felicities. Perhaps Lissie will need a stool? The drawers are roomy. The bottom holds Felicity's spare shift, night shift and cap, all her other caps and her four pairs of stockings while the top holds her three outfits that are two pieces. If the drawers are too full, clothes may fall out or get stuck and may be difficult to get out. The drawers have pretty brass handles that are functional as well as pretty. They are however kept on the press by tiny nails, which can loosen over the years. I had to hot glue a couple of handles back onto the press. In my fantasy about this, I always imagined that the top of the clothes press would barely hold Felicity's hats. I was very happy to realize that the top will support the hats and several more things. Due to the overhang of the top, the clothes press does not completely rest against the wall. If would be nice if it was possible to hang something on the top overhang. The clothes press in the context of my closet. As one can see it dwarfs Kit’s furniture but it is perfect for Felicity’s furniture in matching and scale. Another plus for me is that it looks like in belongs in Felicity’s room, unlike say the doll sized trunks kept by the other dolls. Pleasant Company promised that the clothes press would be an heirloom to treasure forever. Compared to my 2007 Addy trunk and c 2001-2007 Kit trunk it has aged very well. The brass has not dulled as much as Kit’s and has not nicked as easily as Addy’s. In fact if the shipping incident had not happened I think the clothes press would have been in excellent to new condition. It may take a while to find one in excellent condition on a budget but factor in higher shipping, and I would say go with an experienced seller. I went with a newbie and was very lucky it ended as well as it did. I would highly recommend the Clothes Press as a solid, well-made and historically accurate piece that would make any doll proud to keep her wrinkled clothes in. A+
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
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Post by maggiedoll on Jan 12, 2012 22:58:43 GMT -5
AG Playthings.com: Satchel & Supplies
Addy’s striped satchel has everything you’ll need to help her practice the “three R’s”—reading, ’riting, and ’rithmetic! Her Union Reader is a miniature version of a real schoolbook used in northern schools in the 1860’s. If you have good eyes, you can really read it! Addy learned to write with a slated pencil and a big double slate. The yarn binding around the slate’s edges kept if from scraping against her desktop and disturbing her desk partner. Addy used a wooden abacus, or “numeral frame,” to learn arithmetic. Slide the little beads back and forth to help her add and subtract.
$18 ASAB discontinued On Addy's desk: My set does not have a slate pencil. I'm sure it's very nice but not something I needed to die happy. I really like school sets, and have all except one. Felicity's is the most awesome, but Addy's is in a close second. Addy with her supplies on her desk. The scale of the set is really good for the doll and fits well on her desk. The supplies looks like something that Addy would use on a daily basis. The slate is the main thing in the set, so much so that it had a retirement reprieve for a couple years to be paired with the desk. The desk slate is open and the PM slate is closed. The only difference I see is that the PM yarn is slightly wider and redder. There are four sides to each slate, and school work could really be done. Detail of the yarn. I like this detail because it really does keep the slate on the desk which is good for me because my cats love knocking the slates off my desk. The abacus is very PM, with little details on the handles, movable beads and a tiny PM sticker. With a little work this can fit into Addy's hands. The only issue is that this is very fragile and I keep it in her satchel. Speaking of the satchel...Addy's is made out of simple cotton stripe fabric lined in white broadcloth. Like the other historical school bags the satchel has just as enough room for her supplies. Addy holding all her supplies. Like all the other school and nighttime sets the best thing is the book. Addy's is a Union Reader from the mid 1860s. This copy, which I guess is mid to late '90s, is laminated. This protects the book well, but makes it hard to keep the damn thing open. The read is mini reprint of the real thing. Kids can look at the tiny pictures, read the tiny stories and do the tiny lessons, ironically probably while avoiding their own modern homework. To repeat myself for the umpteenth time, school sets are perhaps the most awesome things ever created by American Girl and worth the Ebay prices. Addy school supplies are mentioned in her books and illustrations. For a set well detailed and relevant in the books A.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
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Post by maggiedoll on Jan 10, 2012 1:01:25 GMT -5
From Playthings: Kit’s Trunk Kit uses her mother’s old trunk for her clothes when she moves up to the attic. It’s covered in burgundy vinyl and trimmed in wood. The top lifts up to reveal a compartment where you can keep your Kit doll, and two drawers with brass handles hold her outfits and accessories. I think it was around 2007 that the trunk became hingeless. For the first time, I actually went the secondhand market route and got me the hinged trunk even though American Girl.com has a perfectly good one still available. : Kit and her trunk...and Tabby the cat's butt. The trunk is made out what seems like either light wood or heavy-duty cardboard. The outside is lined with pleather (misspelled fake leather) and brass details. The brass has tarnished over the years, of course, I don't think my trunk was the best kept trunk ever. As someone has pointed out, this was Mother's traveling trunk, it should be lightweight. The locks are very pretty and look Victorian to me, which would put it correctly in Mother's young adulthood. You can see the pattern of the pleather. The brass details. They are heavier than the leather and feel cold to the touch. I do think it is real brass. The trunk seems like it should be a little longer, there seems something short about it. Kit fits in the top tray. You can slip a few accessories around her, not a lot but enough to keep her from sliding around. If the hats are stacked together, there will be more room for other accessories. I was curious for a long time how much this trunk would hold. The tray holds my Kit's ridiculously large shoe collection along with her hats, socks/stockings, hair things and a couple of other things. The trunk's opening falls down to show two large drawers. I don't know how historically correct it is but it is nice. My Kit has a lot of clothes and her wardrobe is a bit of a tight fit in my drawers. It's a bit tight in my closet so Kit's washday set has to go on top of the trunk. The trunk is wide/long enough to display somethings if you are short on floor. Kit could fit up there as well. In all, I wish that the trunk had a bit more things. I do however love the brass details and the attempt made to make it look like a real trunk. The fact that is the only trunk mentioned in the books is an added bonus. Right now hinged trunks seem to go on the low side on Ebay. My very played with trunk was under a $100 shipped. Even though it seems like it went though the ringer (or the crayon box) the trunk has survived. Kit's trunk is a well made, sturdy piece of storage. A
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
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Post by maggiedoll on Jan 4, 2011 22:43:17 GMT -5
Felicity's Stable Set Item# G0799 Felicity can take care of her horses with everything in this colonial stable set:
An illustrated stable background that folds out for playtime A wheelbarrow to transport the two feed bags A water bucket for the horses to drink from A rake and shovel to keep the stable tidy A brush for grooming $60 *Also known as the accessory that will not sell out.* [*Mod edit to remove dead image links throughout review.]Okay, so this set is not worth $60 to a collector but for $30 it is nice for the accessories. The "stable" is scenes and settings light. It is painted on two sides and all the folding panels make for good storage. One thing that I like is that it is possible to choose the stable size. However, all good points fall when it is easily pointed out that the stable is smaller than both Felicity and Penny. Felicity left the dance lesson early to check on Penny and both received concussions from the low ceiling. I don't know how it effects play but it gives a nice a little "What the...?". I brought the stable for the accessories. What you get is a wheelbarrow, two bags, a horse brush, a rake, a shovel and a bucket. Everything are made of 100% American Girl plastic. Quite nice for $30. Wheelbarrow. Felicity can't drive it that well, but it is sturdy. Bags would take two minutes to make in craft class. There were annoying American Girl tags sticking out before I cut them off. The rake and shovel are one of the main reasons I wanted the accessories. They are the right size and fit into Felicity's hands. Bucket with Lessie holding it. I almost threw out the brush with all the stable packet supplies. It is a cute real brush. Felicity can hold the brush and do some horse grooming! Not unless you really, really want it, I don't think it is worth $60. The accessories are nice for Felicity but they are mind blowing awesome. Probably it will end up on sale for $30 or less. Due to an over saturation on stables it is going to a lower price on Ebay. If you think that you will at some point in time regret/want the stable you should probably bite now. C- for $30 B- for B for better to get it now than paying Ebay prices in a few years. mod edit to remove broken image link
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
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Post by maggiedoll on Oct 20, 2010 13:22:21 GMT -5
Nighttime Necessities
Light Felicity’s way to bed with a make-believe candle in a brass candle stick that has a dear little heart on its handle. Make her bed toasty by warming the sheets with the brass bed warmer before you say goodnight to her. Tuck her in and read her a passage from The Little Pretty Pocket Book—a favorite of children back in England and in the colonies. $18 EDA Retired (Book was not added to the set until 1993, prior to then the set was referred to as Brass Chamberstick & Bed Warmer $18) I got this set from Ebay in 2009. It was not NIB and seemed in semi-played condition from the mid 1990s. The bedwarmer is a historically correct reproduction that could range for the 17th to 19th century. It is made out of wood and metal. It is light and has a little hook so if able, it can hang from a wall. However, it is kind of hard for Felicity to hold it. The bedwarmer opens so Felicity can store warm rocks or something. The problem is that the bedwamer opens way too easy. Also, over time it seems like the screws attacking the metal to the wood loosen. The candle and candle holder are very detailed and realistic. The candle holder is metal, because mine has dulled over the years. It is too heavy for Felicity to hold but looks like it was made from an original. It is made to catch wax and has a cute heart detail that would appeal to a nine-year-old. The candle does not seem to be made out of wax, perhaps plastic. It is not bendable but looks like it has been used, with wax dipping. The "wick" also looks like it has been burning for a while. The The Little Pretty Pocket Book has been reproduced in full (I think). It starts at the title page and introduction and goes though the alphabet. It's a cute little children's book with Purtian-like verses ("If proferous, of Pride beware; Changes of Fortune frequent are.") The book even has period appropriate printing, spelling and grammar. The book itself is made with brown leather like material and can be fit with much work and little comfort in Felicity's pocket. This nighttime accessories is one of the Felicity's best PM sets. It is historically correct and can be used for other time periods and very pretty to display. It is a little high maintenance, with the bed warmer and candle holder prone to tarnishing. Keep in mind that it may not age perfectly well even if it is NIB. However, Felicity probably did not have brand new things herself. I do believe that it is worth the pretty Ebay penny and is needed in any Felicity bedchamber. A+[Mod edit to remove dead image links throughout review.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
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Post by maggiedoll on Oct 11, 2010 17:03:59 GMT -5
The PM purse is embroidered and the Mattel purse is screen painted and is a lighter color.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
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Post by maggiedoll on Oct 5, 2010 22:54:59 GMT -5
In the years before Jell-O (1920sish) gelatin was a great show off food. In order to get gelatin, you need to eat a lot of meat, and for a long time, only wealthy people could eat a lot of meat. For someone to have a lot of gelatin molds showed that you had money. : Cakes were a common treat, the pyramid in the treats set were a typical wedding decoration. Those pyramids could get pretty high. I pity the kid who tried to snake a cake from the bottom.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
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Post by maggiedoll on Sept 22, 2010 16:40:44 GMT -5
Flannel Underwear When frosty winds blow across the prairie, snuggle Kirsten into her flannel underwear. The chemise comes down almost to her knees, and there’s a deep quilted border on the petticoat for added warmth. To keep her toes toasty, there’s a pair of black-and-white-striped socks. $16 KWAU In it's archived glory: The undergarments are made out of thin, soft flannel. It's not fancy, even the lace is basically simple tiny lops around the neck and arms. The Mattel set does fit my PM Kirsten well, but the chemise is bit of a pain to get on an off. The chemise with Kirsten's meet drawers. It goes down to her knees. I probably put it on back wards by having the button in the front but I like my Kirsten dressing herself. Lace detail, it does show a little with a collarless dress. The petticoat ends at the eyelet of the drawers. The quilting would give Kirsten little warmth, but it is a pretty detail. It would be nice if it was a different color or something. I wish that the petticoat is a little fuller, to push out Kirsten's skirts out more. On a good note, Kirsten can wear her underthings under her clothes without a problem. The socks are nice and simple. They are gray and black. Um, yay socks? The chemise and petticoat are pretty simple, anyone with Kirsten's patterns can make them. Historically underwear would had been white, plain and simple and Kirsten does need undergarments. I'm just overwhelmed in the blahness. B for making a modest and warm Kirsten.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
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Post by maggiedoll on Sept 22, 2010 14:11:49 GMT -5
American Girl.com sales: Kit can get her family’s clothes clean as a whistle with these washday accessories:
A pretend washing machine from the 1930s with rollers and an agitator that really move A pink embroidered apron with criss-cross straps that button on 2 printed cotton hand towels A box of play laundry soap Kit uses to get clothes clean A drying rack that folds out so the laundry can drip-dry A pretend iron and ironing board Kit uses to press out wrinkles A rattan laundry basket so Kit can bring the wash upstairs Birthday from-me-to-me 2008: In all it's NIB glory: Yeah, there is a not a speck of wood and metal in sight. It's all plastic. But hey, plastic makes American Girl go 'round. The centerpiece of the set is a washer. American Girl made the Washmore washer prettier than the real-life samples that I have seen. The body is cream colored with red specks and the "metal" stuff is steal gray. The rollers on the rinser is rubbery-feeling and American Girl added the brand "Washmore" on the front. The washer is Kit-size. Kit's hand rest on the rinse handle. An added bonus is that the rollers really work and can push the hankie though. The washer can hold a couple of dresses and a couple of socks (but where does missing socks go? ) for a real washing experience. Inside the washer. The middle thingy really moves and there is a small hole that drains out pretend wash water. Kit, her oven, her desk and her washer to show size. The set comes with an apron. It is a rose-type shade of pink that buttons with real tiny buttons. Flower details, cute, but not for my Kit. By Kit's time, irons would had been electric and temperature controlled. It looks kinda like the way irons should had been. It is made of light, shinny plastic with a black handle made to fit Kit's hand. I guess unfortunately all girls need to iron. The hankies are nice, big, screen painted in popular Depression area styles. They are nice for displaying the washday set with one being ironed and one going though the rinser. They are bigger than Kit's meet hankie and I can see them being used for other play ideas. The ironing board is a basic boar with a removable cloth top which happens to be a dust magnet. It goes to about Kit's waist, the help her look cute ironing. It is a pain that it will not fold up and makes storing a pain. The bottom, with legs that will not fold up. The wash basket is typical Hobby Lobby issue, but it can hold a couple of folded Kit dresses. The soap box is standered issue American Girl product. It is made of cardboard that does not open and is very light. It is not meant for hard play but looks likes for display and play acting. I could not find a picture of the folding rack. I'm not too found of it but it is useful. It can fold out and hold a few things. Not wonderful but not bad either. For display value I give it a B+. All piece is correct for Kit's period and Kit can been show doing all the washing activities. If one could forgive the plastciness of everything, one can kind the nice details in the washer, soap box and iron. Everything besides the board can be store in the box, but the set looks too nice to hide in a box. I have not been a kid for a while but I would guess a play value of a A-. It probably depends on the kid, but if you have a girl that likes putting her doll to work there are a lot of things that she can do with the set. The washer has moving parts, the iron looks like the real one in her house but historically correct and the basket holds clothes. A little history nerd in the making can have interesting comparing and contrasting between laundry in 1930s to laundry today. Isn't that what American Girl is all about?
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
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Post by maggiedoll on Sept 22, 2010 13:29:50 GMT -5
I paid full price for the washday set, and I think it is worth full price (unlike, say the oven). I just may finally write that review for Kit's washday set. The only thing that I don't like is the drying rack which stays folded up. The apron is a little two fancy for my Kit, but it is very pretty shade of pink with cute flower details. The hankies are kind of silly, but are pretty and can be used for other things or used for Kit's purse. The washer is very cool. Yes it is plastic but it is a solid heavy piece. It would be nice if there was a cord to stimulate like the think can be plug in (like Kit's waffle iron). What I really like about the washer is that not only can you crank the rollers to rinse the hankies but you can make the washing dasher move back and forth. The washer can hold two or three pieces of Kit's clothes, so you can really "wash" clothes. Sure you can hunt Ebay for a salesman sample of an iron washer but this one is pretty darn good. The ironing board is nice and sturdy, it would be nice if it would fold. It's kind of awkward to store and will not go back in it's box. The iron is cute, it's nice and modern for Kit's time. I wish it was a little more detailed, irons in the 20's and 30's would had temperature controlled dials and a nice long cord. The wash basket is what you can get at Hobby Lobby for a couple dollars. The soap is simple box and feels empty. I guess Kit used up the soap. The only thing I added was some wooden clothes pins and someday (seriously, I'm a procrastinator ) a nice drying line for Kit. I think would had played with it as a kid. Other than that, it is very nice set and if you can, get it for Kit. mod edit to remove dead image
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
Posts: 589
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Post by maggiedoll on Mar 7, 2010 12:15:54 GMT -5
Kit’s Dog, Grace Item# F7886 Kit finds the clumsy and lovable basset hound, Grace, abandoned by her owner. She’s soft and furry, with long brown ears, a white-tipped tail, and adorable freckles on her face. $18 Grace is a cute little basset hound. She is made out of fabric with plastic eyes and a sculpted face. She has big floppy ears a long body and short little legs. She looks like a dog that would be clumsy. Grace has a very sweet/sad face, you can see why Kit falls in love with her. Grace with my other dogs. While the others have a more neutral expression Grace has more look in her face. She is however much shorter than the other two. Grace's body with the other dogs. She does look like a basset hound. However, she is so tiny. Shouldn't a full grown basset hound be bigger? Would the pattern make a more more to scale dog cost that much more? : Grace was a needed part to Kit's collection, and I really do like her. She grows on you. She looks cute with Kit and even doll Kit seems like she really loves her dog. If only she was full sized but since she is not she gets a B from me. *Mod edit to remove dead image links throughout the review.
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
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Post by maggiedoll on Feb 4, 2010 11:48:51 GMT -5
Molly’s Camping Equipment Item# F5822 Molly brings all of the required equipment for her stay at Camp Gowonagin:
A working flashlight and a compass for nature hikes A green shoulder bag with a mess kit, including a tin plate, cup, and pot that nest together in a frying pan A sit-upon kit to keep Molly’s bottom dry on evenings around the campfire; it includes a vinyl pouch, red plastic thread, and a newspaper to tuck inside—a copy of the Chicago Tribune’s historic D-Day edition of June 6, 1944 $18 Cyber Monday sale: I admit it, I mostly brought the stuff for the newspaper for Kit's collection. I thought Kit would appreciate an early edition. The sit upon seems like it is made out of a bendable, crafty-like plastic. A cute and quick little craft for a little and girl it does seem it would protect Molly's bottom from a wet log. The instruction booklet is a leftover from Pleasant Company's glorious past. The mess kit is a pleasant surprise. It is made out of either metal looking plastic or really cheep metal. The concept is great and any little camper would love setting Molly to cook and eat her meal. My complaint is the the screw that attaches the frying pan to the handle is very lose and it is an annoying task keeping it from falling apart. The bag is nothing to write home about, Molly. It barely holds the mess kit, and nothing else. Kit's hobo bag holds more goodies, and it is cuter. The flashlight is a nice size, and it fits into Molly's obsession of red. I'm sure that it works fine, but given my bad luck with working American Girl things I don't want to test it. Here it is with Kit's lantern to show it's size. The lantern is slightly heavier, but both are made out of plastic. The newspaper is awesome, it is brilliant, it is all that makes American Girl good. It is longer that I thought it would be. Along with the cover story it has many advertisements and other articles. It is slightly studier than a real newspaper but probably would not hold up to a rough child's play. I forgot to picture the compass ( ). The thing is tiny and made of plastic, and will be easily lost. You can probably squeeze it into a pocket. Right now, it is nice and safe in Kit's desk cubby. Everything with a doll. Everything is of good scale with her, and would make a great play set for a girl. At $18 it is a decent price and it fits into Molly's story well. If you have a collector's mindset I don't think you appreciate the plasticness of the set. My only real complaint though is that the bag should be bigger to hold everything. B+
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maggiedoll
Girl of Many Lands
If what you are saying is true...then I still don't care
Posts: 589
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Post by maggiedoll on Dec 27, 2009 1:17:21 GMT -5
Kit’s Winter Coat Item# D7335 Kit beats the cold Cincinnati winter in this double-breasted, wool coat that Mother and Mrs. Howard made from one of Dad’s old ones.
$24 Christmas '09 The coat looks like your basic man's dress coat. It is a medium shade of gray with lighter flakes mixed in. The fabric is probably not wool, but it is not fleece. I peg the fabric as imitation wool tweed. Like all other winter coats, this is not going to keep a doll warm. As well, the coat is not lined. Coat has a nifty collar that makes Kit look sophisticated. There is enough of a neckline to push a scarf though to make the outfit even better (and warmer). Cuff can be worn up or down. The sleeves are slightly tight on my older Kit. American Girl is not even trying to cover up these fake pockets. Personally, I think $24 makes real pockets worth while. The worst thing about this coat is the buttons. They are tiny little suckers, almost as small as the buttons from Kit's birthday dress. Given that these are coat buttons, not to mention made for men, shouldn't they be just a little bit bigger? This makes it hard to button the coat and not made for tiny hands. Kit in the North Texas Christmas storm '09. The coat is roomy enough to fit well enough Kit in a simple dress, her Christmas and newer school dresses may be pushing it a little. The belt is a little hard to get on or off, which along with the buttons makes me recommend limited this to older kids. Given the coat's importance in Kit's winter story, and the fact that she does look warm in the outfit (not that the doll herself is warm) I think it earns an A-. *mod edit to remove dead image links throughout review
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