I was never a big doll collector growing up. My dolls consisted mainly of my Barbie's and See Wee dolls. My sister Raini loved collecting dolls. She liked the Hamilton Collection dolls and every Christmas would get a new one.
It wasn't until 2007 when I fell in love with Nancy Ann's.
My first Nancy Ann was #157, Queen of Hearts. And she stole mine. I loved her sweet little pouty face and her beautiful dress. I started buying as many as I could afford on Ebay.
I soon discovered the Nancy Ann's I liked most were not the frozen leg ones I had been buying, but the more expensive (and rarer) jointed leg dolls.
My budget is often limited to what dolls I can buy, but sometimes I find a real bargain. often, she needs to be restrung and cleaned and over the last couple of years I have developed a really good knack into fixing them up.
It is sort of sweet therapy for me to get a dirty and limb missing doll in from the mail and begin her restoration.
When all is said and done, and she is a beauty again, I feel very accomplished.
Certain rules must be followed....you never, ever iron a Nancy Ann Dress. Ever. The fabric is so delicate that it will ruin the garment. Mohair wigs cannot be brushed. They will fall apart if you do. And the restringing of arms and legs is tedious. Tweezers are a must!
My jointed collection has grown. Every now and then I resale a doll to buy one I want more. I have also bought and resold for extra money such as Christmas & birthdays. I hate reselling the rare ones. It always depresses me but my family must come first.
here are a couple restores I did:
Before (Summer)
Before (Cinderella)
After (Cinderella)
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