BABY MEET BABY

Baby Sasha meets Baby Bear in this series of photos that feature my newest Baby Bear created for the class I am teaching online for EbearZ University. Last year I taught a Toots Bear class and now my Baby Bear class has just started.

My Baby Bear has arms and legs inspired by the Sasha Baby

"TEDDY" - ANOTHER CHALLENGE

Another recent challenge from a Sasha friend came in the form of a request for one of my hand-made Teddy Bears. She was looking for a companion bear to keep her company -- one she could hug.

Therein was the challenge as my bears are hard stuffed and not the most huggable critters around.

But I love a challenge so I created "TEDDY" and while he is not soft stuffed he is almost two pounds lighter than any of his brothers.

He arrived at his new home today and has taken up his "spot" on the bed among a cluster of pillows.

A DRESS FOR CLAIRE

A few months ago one of my Sasha friends asked if I would create a dress for her doll. Ginger is fortunate to have a lovely studio doll, created by Sasha, in her collection. Claire, the doll in question, has the fabric body typical of one period of studio dolls. This body presents certain challenges for the designer because of the shape and position of the arms. And, add to that challenge the fact that I would not have the actual doll to measure and fit the outfit on.

First there were sketches showing how I hoped to minimize the effect of the arm position by using a long full sleeve and an Empire A-line shape dress which Sasha often used as well.

Measurements came and I made a full size paper model of Claire and sent off the first "muslin" to Ginger for a fitting. The dress was less of a problem than the pantellettes which were hard to fit because Claire had no defined waist.

The outfit was finally completed and I think Claire looks quite lovely standing by the stained glass window.

A BIKE FOR SASHA

Sasha is delighted with her new American Girl bike and Gregor is clearly envious. It is a little bit large for Sasha since it was designed for her taller "cousin" but she seems able to manage it just fine.

Spring is just around the corner and the warmer days of summer will offer lots of time to peddle around town.

THE CHRISTMAS DOLL

For many, many months I had been searching for a redhead Sasha but none caught my eye. Again and again I searched eBay and Shelly's website but always without success. On Shelly's site there was a later production Gotz ANGELA with a sad expression. The description said she had a caved in neck and could only pose looking up or looking down. She was there day after day and week after week as I continued my search. I would always stop and look at her downcast pose and expression -- wondering why no one had adopted her. Then a few weeks before Christmas I saw a notice in her description -- "OFFERS INVITED" and I decided that I would adopt her if my offer was accepted. It was.

Now she is here with her brothers and sisters. I have not yet "corrected" her neck caving but she can hold several poses that I find delightful and filled with her special charm and personality. One day soon I will correct the problem, but for now she is giving me one of her looks that says, "I'm home and I'm OK."

AN EVENING WITH SASHA

Tuesday evening we had An Evening With Sasha in Philadelphia at the Happily Ever After doll and toy shop. I gave a talk about Sasha and brought several of my dolls to show the various differences in Sasha production. Other members of the Center City Doll Club also brought dolls to display. It was a lot of fun and I'm sure Sasha has caught the attention of several people who were not familiar with her charms.

Thanks to Norvell Jones who took the photo of me describing Sasha's world.

AN EVENING WITH SASHA

The Center City Doll Club in Philadelphia will be hosting AN EVENING WITH SASHA on January 18, 2011 at 7pm.

For complete details please contact me at SashaStreetUSA@aol.com