numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
Project Dollway Top Designer 2010 Best Set Design 2010
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Post by numberonekitty on Jul 29, 2013 15:05:20 GMT -5
Grade B Too much plastic and not enough of any other material, otherwise it would have merited an A. The microscope: This is the most disappointing part in the set. Given that it is all plastic, it lacks the detail that I was hoping for. I expected it to be heavier. It looks and feels like what it is: plastic. The knobs do turn and the scope does rotate down. The slides can be placed on the stage and sort of viewed through the lens. They can be seen but are very blurred. The slides: The 6 slides come packaged in a very thick, quality cardboard box. There is a slot for each slide where they can be easily removed and returned to the box. The downside is that they are made from white plastic. I expected them at the very least to be a clear plastic. Sorry for the blurry pic The test tubes: Of course I was not expecting them to be glass, but in spite of the plastic I feel these were well executed. The "liquid" inside is a tube of plastic that can move up and down. Nice touch! The glasses, book and apron are all comparable in quality to other similar American Girl products. The book is a mini version of the real thing. My girls had something very similar in their classrooms. Love the mini text and illustrations. Overall, I find the set has lots of play value and is great for displays and scenes for dolls in a classroom or lab setting.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
Project Dollway Top Designer 2010 Best Set Design 2010
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Post by numberonekitty on Dec 6, 2012 9:35:07 GMT -5
I will echo all that has been said here about the table and chairs. Great quality. I had read that it was heavy, but I was still surprised by just how heavy. I have Kit's table and chairs and the NOLA table and chairs and I use them very differently. The NOLA table I use as more of an accent table for displays. Kit's table gets more use in a dining setting.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
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Post by numberonekitty on Nov 30, 2012 17:09:25 GMT -5
They do look very similar. For me, if they were not separated by time periods, I don't think I would own both. I keep Ruthie historical and she does no time traveling. My #49, Katie, is modern, so the two are never really interacting together. *mod edit to remove broken image links*
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
Project Dollway Top Designer 2010 Best Set Design 2010
Posts: 3,257
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Post by numberonekitty on Nov 4, 2012 16:42:25 GMT -5
I just did a product review on my blog for this set. I am just c/p from there. I have more pictures there on the blog of the set and the details. pippaloofordolls.blogspot.com/What I love: ~The chairs have ample seat room so Caroline can sit comfortably without falling or slipping off. The shield back design was shrunk down triumphantly to doll size. The proportions and the curves are just right. ~The drawers pull forward easily, but do not pull out entirely from the table- a boon to those who tend to loose pieces and parts to things. I loaded up one of the drawers with a few heavy foodstuffs and miscellany- and the table stood firm it's ground. The drawers are perfect for storing cutlery, napkins or foods- keeping them free at hand for meals. Love the little routed table edge and the gold faux inlay. The small details make all the difference. What I don't love: ~The seat legs seem a touch low to the ground, making the chair seem to have an overall squat appearance. ~The mahogany finish on my table and chairs were not a perfect color match, as demonstrated in the photos. The chairs are a touch darker in tone. Again, back to those little details that make the difference. Perhaps this a a flaw specific to the set I purchased. It's not bothersome enough for me to return it however. ~The $140 price point for this set seems high to me. I am a firm believer in that you get what you pay for. However, at that price I would have expected some other accessory bundled with the table; the ubiquitous flower vase or even a table cloth to accompany it. Kit's patio table and chairs are made from a sturdy heavy metal and those are priced at only $90. The $140 price point make Felicity's tilt top table and chair's secondary market prices seem reasonable. Still overall Caroline's table and chairs is a great addition to the American Girl furniture line up. It will transition well an an antique piece for dolls of generations beyond Caroline's time period. Rating: A
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
Project Dollway Top Designer 2010 Best Set Design 2010
Posts: 3,257
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Post by numberonekitty on Nov 1, 2012 19:47:30 GMT -5
My #49 Katie, loves to entice! #49 looks great in just about anything I think. *mod edit to remove dead image links*
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
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Posts: 3,257
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Post by numberonekitty on May 25, 2012 9:52:15 GMT -5
I'm so happy for you that you finally have Kit's desk. It truly is one of the most awesome things AG makes. I wish all of their items were made with the same attention to detail. Here is my Kit and her desk:
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
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Post by numberonekitty on Dec 20, 2011 12:49:02 GMT -5
Winter Play Outfit for Dolls Item# V8234 - $24 Make the season bright for her Bitty Twin! This wintry set features:
A creamy sweater with a big embroidered snowflake and a furry collar A deep-blue velour skirt trimmed with a patterned ribbon Blue knee-high boots edged with faux fur for the finishing touch Includes the Bitty Twins Holiday Games activity book for girlsHere ya go: The top and skirt are both a pretty good fit- just a little roomy, but not so much that either looks ill fitting. And I'm rather picky. The shoes fit, but I won't be using them with the outfit.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
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Post by numberonekitty on Oct 31, 2011 20:48:51 GMT -5
I have the chair, but don't have Kanani. It's well made and I adore the colors and pattern. If you don't ever plan to set up a bedroom or living space then I would probably pass on it.
Here is a pic of it in a living room setting.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
Project Dollway Top Designer 2010 Best Set Design 2010
Posts: 3,257
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Post by numberonekitty on Jul 4, 2011 20:44:23 GMT -5
I give the entire set an over all Grade A. As can be said for any of the AG food sets-there are high points and lows. I'm thrilled to be able to say that there are many highs. Lets start with those: Pepper grinder: A+ Plastic notwithstanding, it is designed just like the real thing- from the color to the faux metal bottom. You can even twist and turn it! Cheese shaker: A+ AG does state that it's supposed to be a cheese shaker. But personally I feel like it will get a whole lot more mileage as a salt shaker. So henceforth that's what it shall be in my eyes. More plastic, yes- but it can be forgiven because it's in perfect scale and oh-so cute! Olive oil Dispenser: A This has a more plastic like look to it than the other pieces, but the black rubber top does look like the real thing and the fact that it's an olive oil dispenser at all is fabulous. Lasagna and pan: A The lasagna itself is fairly detailed and is actually one of the more appetizing foods to come out of the AG kitchen. I was a tiny bit disappointed that all of the lasagna pieces were not removable, but I've come to expect that. The pan is plastic, but designed well and the color is spot on for that type of dish. Fork and spoon: A+ Metal and in acceptable scale. Plates: B Plastic once again, with a floral design to match the pitcher. Here are the low points: Drinking cups: C Blatantly plastic, and look more like something you'd serve an ice cream dessert in. Pitcher: C Attractively shaped but in it's place I would have preferred a milk or juice carton. Would have had more play value. Dessert cups: B- More plastic, as expected. Would have forgiven that if the dessert was a little more interesting. Strawberry ice cream with a strawberry garnish. Maybe I'm being too picky, I dunno. Bread: C- Color and texture are very unappealing. Pieces like these are the reason that I started making and selling my own doll food. The napkins are useful and are a pretty coordinating color. In spite of the few missteps, I think this set is a refreshing standout among the AG food sets. Highly recommended.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
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Post by numberonekitty on May 31, 2011 15:09:45 GMT -5
Here is a quick pic of the OG chair with it. I don't use the craft table for what it was intended, as it does seem a bit small for that purpose.
But boy does Kit's chair look cute in that set up!
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
Project Dollway Top Designer 2010 Best Set Design 2010
Posts: 3,257
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Post by numberonekitty on Sept 18, 2010 16:17:24 GMT -5
I have a weakness for red and knew immediately when I saw this dress that I would be buying it. I will give the entire set an A. I love the simplicity of the dress- and the fact that they didn't muck it up with other colors. The red and silver is classic together. I prefer the dress without the tights though. The sweater material is somewhat thin for the winter, but it's a short sleeved dress, so not sure if that was by design or not. It certainly would not cut it in our Ohio winters. The tights do not have any fit issues slipped on easily. The headband is covered in an ivory satin and a trio of rectangular jewels. The jewels are a bit large for my taste, but they are on trend. The red and silver slip on shoes are typical AG shoes, cute, well fitting and match perfectly. I feel the dress doesn't scream Christmas and could be worn for almost any occasion. The sweater is a silver metallic thin gauge weight with a two button and elastic hook closure. I bought the Holiday Accessory set as well and it coordinates perfectly with this set. *mod edit to remove dead image links*
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
Project Dollway Top Designer 2010 Best Set Design 2010
Posts: 3,257
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Post by numberonekitty on May 9, 2010 18:11:07 GMT -5
We have them and while I don't think they are worth the $18 price tag- they are fully functional and well made. The dolls can stand in them. No pics here either, sorry.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
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Posts: 3,257
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Post by numberonekitty on Apr 7, 2010 21:15:05 GMT -5
With the paper nature of the sign, I fully expected that to be the case. I did cover the sign with clear contact paper to avoid that. You might want to do that when the new one comes. The thought did cross my mind to somehow laminate it. But I hadn't considered contact paper. Genius! Thanks.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
Project Dollway Top Designer 2010 Best Set Design 2010
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Post by numberonekitty on Apr 7, 2010 20:49:10 GMT -5
I wouldn't call it junk, but it definitely is not worth the original price tag. My dd asked for it for Christmas. I was surpised how heavy the stool is though, ostensibly so that you can lean your doll against it- cause they certainly can't sit on it. The microphone and stand do have lots of play value though.
One warning: We left some of the alphabet stickers on the marquee sign for about a month or so- and they would not peel off. Well, they did peel off- but stripped off the paper backing from the sign with them too. I promptly called cs and they sent me out a new one immediately. And they sent a prepaid box for me to ship the damaged one back to them in.
At least they stand behind their products. I asked if this was an ongoing quality issue with this item. The rep did say there had been some returned with that similar problem.
It has only been a few weeks since we did the exchange. I have been periodically checking to see if the stickers peel off without incident. So far so good.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
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Post by numberonekitty on Jul 2, 2009 21:28:21 GMT -5
Overall I give the outfit a grade B.
The skirt color, print, design and construction gets an A. I adore the hat, but sadly ours did not fit either. Very disappointing because it was honestly half of the draw for me. And no, I don't imagine this outfit is in any way at all practical for doing any real gardening.
The camisole was a bit plain. I'd have liked to seen some kind of detail added to it- sequins or a small screen print or a few rhinestones. Just something more to give it some pizazz.
The shoes- A+. Sturdy construction and coordinate nicely without being too matchy matchy.
Necklace- C+. I agree that button and loop closure is a brilliant design. Too bad the necklace itself is simply a piece of leather with a few clear beads dangling from a loop. It's just OK. A pretty flower charm would have been a better fit with the ensemble.
I have to add and agree that this outfit really sings on Mia. I tried it on several different dolls with differing hair/eye/skin combos. On Mia it really was stunning.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
Project Dollway Top Designer 2010 Best Set Design 2010
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Post by numberonekitty on Dec 22, 2008 21:55:28 GMT -5
My sister noticed this: Why does this set have self-rising flour AND baking powder? If Kit were really using these ingredients to bake cookies, she would use either one or the other but not both in the same recipe. She's totally right!!! I never even considered that. Great catch. I personally love Kit's baking set. I was pleasantly surprised that many of the materials that I half expected would be plastic- were not plastic at all- but metal. Made the price tag easier to accept. The sifter- while it is not functional- it certainly is heavy and sturdy. I have the sifter from the Sweet Treats Bakery case and it is most definitely plastic and not nearly as nice. While I do agree that not all of the pieces are exactly as I would have designed them- I think overall the set offers a lot of play value. I hope it is a precursor to more sets made with less plastic pieces and parts.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
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Posts: 3,257
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Post by numberonekitty on Sept 12, 2008 21:02:58 GMT -5
Released 2008, retired 2012.
Kit can stir up some holiday fun with everything in this baking set. When it’s time for holiday treats, Kit can “bake” a batch of homemade cookies with everything here: 3 cookie recipe cards 2 metal measuring cups A pretend sugar box A pretend flour box A pretend can of baking powder A flour sifter with a handle that really turns A wooden rolling pin Kit can use to “press” patterns into the dough 2 metal cookie cutters to create festive shapes in the dough Pretend cookies on a golden platter A festive tablecloth and star-shaped centerpiece F7892 $44Holiday Baking Set $44 Grade: A This set includes: three recipe cards- heavy cardstock two measuring cups- metal flour sifter- metal with plastic handle sugar box & flour box- heavy cardstock can of baking powder- metal rolling pin- wood with metal handles two cookie cutters- star and round shaped made of metal with plastic handles tablecloth- screen printed festive print cookie platter- heavy gold metal candle- rubber material candle holder-plastic cookies- molded plastic Every item in this set is to scale and well-made. The metal items had a nice weight to them- especially the shiny gold platter. wooden rolling pin- very authentic looking The sifter handle actually turns! This was my favorite piece in this set. I was so glad to see it made from metal and not from plastic. The sprigs of pine don't fool me- but they do look festive. The candle is rubber- a little odd. The boxes aren't too flimsy and the can of baking powder really surprised me. I was certainly not expecting it to be made of metal. These two little metal cookie cutters- oh my!- could they be any cuter?? They are the perfect size for the dolls' hands. The gold tray is quite heavy for it's size and has a brilliant gleam that would be perfect for any holiday event. Three little recipe cards- Holiday Nut Roll, Sugar & Spice and Thumbprint Jelly cookies. I think I may try one of the recipes! Cookies- molded plastic- I wish they would have a least separated the two different kinds. The round tablecloth is screen printed with the holly and ivy. Overall the set is fabulous and worth the $44 price tag.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
Project Dollway Top Designer 2010 Best Set Design 2010
Posts: 3,257
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Post by numberonekitty on Aug 31, 2008 0:42:33 GMT -5
I recently had a friend pick this outfit up for me at AGPC. I was steadfastly against adding to my Mia's collection for months for various reasons. Mostly it was the price, the color and the style.
However, the figure skater in me broke down- so it's now part of our collection.
What I like:
-the tights- they were a must have with any skating leotard set. So happy to see them included. They are authentically thick and warm feeling.
-the embroidery and the sequins- pictures do not capture how they dazzle and catch the light.
-the hair scrunchie- I was so glad to see it was not a useless clip or pin.
What I do not like:
-the flower trio on the bodice. A case of over embellishment- and not something one would commonly find on skaters' leotards.
-the flap of material that cascades over her left shoulder- in real life I can just see it winding around her neck or flipping up in her face while spinning and jumping. Not really practical if you want to be technical.
-the velcro back closure- as others have stated- the spandex material will snag horribly with the velcro- it should have been a fashioned with either snaps at the crotch or been pull on style.
In other words I give the set a solid C. I had my hopes up so high for something stunning- and for me it really missed the mark.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
Project Dollway Top Designer 2010 Best Set Design 2010
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Post by numberonekitty on Jul 8, 2008 14:23:46 GMT -5
Does any one know what the differences between the two versions are- besides the missing party hat?
I have tried making picture comparisons- but they really do not seem too different from what I can tell.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
Project Dollway Top Designer 2010 Best Set Design 2010
Posts: 3,257
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Post by numberonekitty on Jun 23, 2008 21:29:07 GMT -5
I was very excited to see this latest addition to Kit's collection. Overall grade: B
What I like about the set-
- the colander is real metal - the fruit is molded together (I know many people will disagree with this assessment- but as a mom with girls who are perenially loosing things- the fact that they are not individual pieces is a plus to me.) - the blue tin pot is amazingly realistic looking.
What I did not like about the set-
- while I do like the style, print and color of the apron- I was a bit disappointed with the fit. Easy to get on of course- but I had a hard time adjusting it to lay properly. - I also wanted the jars to open. This was the biggest disappointment for me.
Overall, there is really so much play value in this set. My girls know nothing about canning- so it opened up a discusion about canning and really did bring Kit's story to life.
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numberonekitty
OOAK Customized Doll
Project Dollway Top Designer 2010 Best Set Design 2010
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Post by numberonekitty on Aug 19, 2007 22:21:07 GMT -5
Since this outfit shares my dd's name- and she takes ballet to boot- I just had to get it for her!!
I must say that it was a lot more substantial than I thought it would be. The tulle is a heavy stiff weight. The velvet material is wonderfully thick and the embroidery is first-rate.
The only knock against the outfit is that that choker was very hard for my dd to put on with out assistance. Otherwise- a great costume. A stand-out amongst all the other dance outfits they have offered lately IMO.
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