If you haven’t see it yet, I did get Nyssa’s dress set finished and listed on Ebay. I think it turned out so sweetly and Nyssa is VERY happy with me right now. So many of the dresses for the ball jointed dolls, especially for Nyssa and her sisters, are fantasy, raggedy on the edges, all lace, and they just aren’t me…I’m a “sweet little girl” kind of doll dress maker. So when I saw Marsha’s dress pattern for this dress in her Etsy shop (Trentsation) I knew it would make a dress just the way I like them.
Here are a few pictures of it all finished…and I’ll put the link under the pictures. You can also click on Nyssa’s picture at the top right side bar and it will take you to the listing.
If you click on any picture it will enlarge.
Here is the link to the auction on Ebay…. Valentine Charm.
I hope I haven’t already told this story. I checked in my previous posts and it didn’t appear to have been talked about. If you’ve heard it before…just smile because I love this story!
Once upon a time, back in January/February 2010, a ball jointed doll named Nyssa (sounds like “miss uh”) was making her debut. She was made by Australian Doll sculptor and artist extraordinaire, Kaye Wiggs. I had never heard of ball jointed dolls that could have their eyes and wigs changed and had bendable arms and legs and wrists and were such fun to pose. Well one day, I was “surfing” the internet and ran across this doll face that arrested me. This is the face that started it all…
Those 2 pictures were Nyssa’s “pre-order” pictures. The fair skinned version was a limited edition of 84 dolls (I checked and it was 84, not 87 as I had thought) worldwide and I wanted her but it was impossible to find one. NO ONE was selling their dolls but occasionally you’d see one on a doll forum going sky high. The pre-order had come and gone and now it was August when I was first seeing her.
I began to pine away for her… I mean really pine away! (I know… it sounds silly, but I did) I thought about her constantly and was, obviously what you’d call obsessed! I wanted her SO much but there wasn’t any way I was ever going to own one. I joined a doll forum called the Resin Cafe to learn more about Nyssa and other Kaye Wiggs dolls. If I couldn’t have her, at least I could enjoy the pictures others posted of their dolls.
After a while on the forum, I decided to write a poem and post it. I wish I could remember the goofy little poem I wrote but it was just about how much I would love to own a Nyssa doll and make clothes for her.
Well…right after I posted my poem, someone answered my comment and said they had a Nyssa doll they would sell me for $1300. My heart did a flip flop but I didn’t have that much money. I had been saving but not quite there yet! She said it was okay and she’d take the money I did have and I could send her the rest later. We were warned pretty often on the doll forums to watch out for scammers who said they had dolls but really didn’t. They would post pictures over and over and get people’s money “over and over.” I had always been told when purchasing an expensive doll from someone online to have them place a piece of paper on the dolls chest with the sellers name and what the date was that day and then take a picture for you to see. It was just a way to prove that they had the doll in their possession. This lady sort of balked at that and said she had the doll packed away and had people working on her house and didn’t have time to do that, but she assured me she had the doll. I thought about it for a day and got back with her again. I asked her again if she would write her name and the date on a piece of paper. She got really agitated at me and said she had workers who had to be paid and did I want the doll or not.
Well… anyone besides me sensing a red flag? I went back on The Resin Cafe doll forum and commented about what had happened. It turns out she had just registered as a member on The Resin Cafe the day I posted my poem. I thought maybe she was one of those scammers we had been warned about, so I decided to send a personal message to Kaye Wiggs herself and let her know there might possibly be someone on the forum who was trying to scam doll people. Kaye answered me back and decided it sounded pretty fishy to her so she had the person removed from the doll forum. She thanked me for letting her know and I was heartbroken, but back to waiting for my dream Nyssa.
A short time later I received a personal message from Kaye. She thanked me again and then said, “So what was the doll that you were looking for… Fair Nyssa or Tan Nyssa?” I answered her back, “I wanted the woman’s fair skinned Nyssa doll so much…I’m so disappointed.” Then she emailed me again and said, “Well, I think I might be able to help you out….I have a couple of my own personal Nyssa dolls and I think I can part with one if you’d like.” IF I’D LIKE? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? She said she could sell me one for $900 and would send me a paypal request for money. That was exactly what I had saved up! I know it’s a lot of money, but she was one of those dolls I was just smitten with down in my soul. It happened very quickly after that… I paid and she sent the doll from Australia. She’s been with me ever since and is very special! I will make her some more dresses this year…I promise Nyssa! :o)
See you tomorrow,
Blessings, Jeanne
What an interesting story, Jeanne! Wow, you got an actual doll from Kaye Wiggs! No wonder she is so special to you! I never did pay attention to dolls that much, and knew nothing about dolls other than American Girl, Madame Alexander, and Vogue, well maybe Gotz, and of course Barbie, but never cared for Barbies. I only seem to gravitate towards little girl dolls with smiling faces. To each their own, I guess. I can’t believe people do such terrible things to scam others, and with even dolls? I think people who collect dolls are the sweetest, kindest, and honest people there are!!!
Nyssa looks adorable in that dress, and I’m with you on how to dress dolls—pretty dresses are best, and are always timeless!
HI Linda,
I might have to share the second part of the story tomorrow… yes…there’s more!
I never in a million years thought I’d own a Nyssa doll, much less one from Kaye’s personal collection. I also never thought I’d pay $900 for a doll…YIKES… but I had saved and saved and saved for her and I just decided to go for it. I think when I got her, I only had a few AG dolls, that was all. So she was really special and I’ll never forget when I opened her box. Of course she was bald and nude, but she was beautiful to me.
Thanks Linda… for liking little girl dresses too… my favorites!
Blessings, Jeanne
Now I understand why you love her so much. I like her best with the red wigs you showed in her original pictures. What an interesting story. The whole outfit is beautiful. It looks like the bodice is lined in white so no problem on her skin. She’s a beauty! Would the dress fit Ellowynne?
HI Susette,
She does have peachy skin tones so she does look wonderful in the red wigs… maybe I’ll do something that goes with a red wig next time! :o)
I think the dress would be too big on Ellowyne but I might try it on her on on the Wellie Wishers too, just to see how that pattern works for the other dolls. Thanks for the idea…
Also, I’ll just answer your email here… I think I may have figured out the light problem in my sewing room. Where I have it set up to take pictures of my dolls, the lights are up above the dolls and it casts shadows on their faces… but I took Nyssa yesterday and set up a picture area behind the lights, sort of across from where my area is now. The lights are “behind” the dolls there and I had the best pictures turn out when I did that. I need to tweak it just a little bit but I think I can get it to work there. I need to set up my tripod to get the pictures the stillest possible so they are clear. I’ll keep you posted if it works. thanks for the tips about the lighting though. I already do that, but sometimes the shadows just won’t lighten enough to suit me.
Blessings, Jeanne
Nyssa has such a sweet face. I only have a Laryssa, but I think she is the cutest thing. 😀
HI Christine,
After Nyssa was made and her edition was closed, which meant she would never be made again, Kaye had people begging her to make something similar to her. She came up with Talyssa, Laryssa, and maybe some more…just slightly different, but still having a Nyssa look. She was a very popular and sought after doll.
It’s nice that you have Laryssa… :o)
Blessings, Jeanne
Jeanne, I loved your story, everything I have heard about Kaye Wiggs goes with it. It seems that most of the doll designers are really lovely people. I want to tell you about my granddaughter’s reaction to the AG dolls. (She and her mother are finally here for the “Christmas” visit after 2 delays due to sickness, my son was unable to come at this time.) Simone has been playing with the Kit doll I bought from you, ignoring the lovely new one
bought to look like her. Who knows the mind of a 5 year old, LOL!
HI Sissy,
Thanks for telling me about Simone and Kit. I guess you never know what might happen when a new doll comes on the scene. I think you bought Kit for a model for you…what will you do when Simone goes home and wants to take Kit with her? EEP!
I think you are so right about the doll artists… they all really are very nice people.
Thanks again for filling me in on YOUR sweet story!
Blessings, Jeanne
What a wonderful outcome to your story! I understand that pining away feeling. I’m currently thinking about the “A Girl for all Time” dolls. There are a number I of them that I like. They aren’t as collectible as Nyssa but I still understand the feelings of wanting them.
I can sympathize with you. Amelia now lives here, and is very sweet. Perfect size to be a younger sibling of an American Girl. Recently picked up a knitted outfit for her that is so sweet. Also have a pattern I want to sew for her. There is just something about her look that I love.
HI Joy,
I hope Felicity is doing well with her new sisters! I was wondering how your knitting lessons were going? I saw you mentioned you picked up a hand knitted outfit for your Girl of All Times… pretty soon you’ll be knitting your own outfits, won’t you?
Thanks Joy,
Blessings, Jeanne
HI Charlotte,
I was just looking at the Girl for All Times last night. Which one are you leaning toward?
It’s funny how the love of a doll captures your heart, isn’t it? I’ve been looking at the 10″ Boneka dolls too. I like the Tuesday’s Child dolls, and wish I had been on the debut of these little girls. It never ends, does it?
Thanks Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne
Well, deciding which one is part of my problem. I like a number of them. My favorites are Clementine, Matilda, and Amelia. I’m glad to hear you are pleased with your Amelia, Joy.
This is such an uplifting story. Thank you for sharing it.
HI Kathleen,
I’m so glad you enjoyed the story of how Nyssa came here. I love the story too and still can’t believe it ended like it did. It might give someone else hope for a doll they are wanting. :o)
Thanks Kathleen,
Blessings, Jeanne
Am very happy you weren’t scammed. That is a lot of money to lose.
Loved Nyssa’s story. A real connection with Kaye Wiggs. I do like her in a red wig. She can sport quite a few styles also. I think the first photo with her trailing the hat is spectacular. What a little doll she is.
Thank you Joy,
She is a very special doll to me, even though she doesn’t get my modeling time. I need a stand for her and maybe I would showcase her more often… She does wear those reddish toned wigs very well.
Thanks so much for your sweet compliments of her. I’m glad everyone likes her.
Blessings, Jeanne
Wonderful story with a good outcome for you and your Nyssa. Your passion for Nyssa is apparent when you write about her. And she looks lovely in her very feminine red Valentine dress. All of your touches to her outfit are perfect.
Speaking of dolls a person would love…I’ve decided I want a Felicity with the very very red hair! I can’t believe I changed my mind. I might even keep the Felicity I have now because she is very pretty. I may have told you I have a tendency to favor red-haired dolls. I have dark hair and always wished I had red hair. Anyway, Ebay has a few of them but just not sure I want to dive into them so quickly till I find the right one for me. It’ll be a fun adventure.
My doll with the ribbon at the back has red hair that looks like Rebecca’s. That may be a question you could ask of the seller. Felicity is a beautiful doll.
HI Susette,
Yes, asking the seller questions is the best way to assure you are getting a doll that is authentic…
Think we need to start a Felicity fan club. I too would have a difficult time releasing one for another. Maybe they can be fraternal twins!
HI Joy,
I was thinking the same thing… a Felicity Fan Club… how fun that might be… I’d love to be in a room with a ton of Felicity’s on display! :o)
Thanks, Jeanne
HI Paula,
Thank you for your sweet comments about Nyssa. She truly is a wonderfully sweet doll and even though she stays in her box most of the time, I love her dearly. Thanks for your compliments on her dress too.
So you want a red headed Felicity? You will have lots of fun looking for the perfect one! I’ve got the one I like, but I still look on Ebay sometimes for her, just to see what’s out there. I hope you have a wonderful adventure finding your dream doll, just like I did Nyssa.
Thanks so much Paula,
Blessings, Jeanne
What a wonderful and touching story, Jeanne, and I’m so glad for your happy ending! If anyone is deserving of an adorable limited edition BJD, it is you, and I’m sure the personal connection with Kaye Wiggs makes your little Nyssa all the more special to you. How nice that you can continue to share your obsession — scratch that! –love for her by making charming outfits for her “sisters” like this lovely, red print dress. I also agree that classically pretty doll dresses have the most appeal, and Nyssa looks so sweet in “Valentine Charm.” She is a very animated and expressive model, and you will indeed have to sew for her more often.
I’ve so been enjoying everyone’s stories and pictures of dolls and of life. From ugly sweaters to bedtime vignettes, and chickens to gumballs, your blog is such a “good thing!”
HI Anne,
Getting this pattern from Marsha has been a big boost for me to sew for Nyssa more. I have drafted a few patterns for her, but it was really nice to have one totally done and one that fit so well. It was an enjoyable experience sewing for her this time. I will be sewing for her again… :o)
I’m glad you think my blog is a “good thing.” I’d like to think so…
Blessings, Jeanne
Sweet….I’m glad you’ve been able to enjoy her so much, what a fun story!….the outfit is just great.
Blessings.
HI Becky,
Thanks for your comments, I really do need to sew for Nyssa more often… maybe I will now that I’ve told everyone her story. Thank you very much!
Blessings, Jeanne
Hi Jeanne,
Happy Friday! well I’m late so happy almost Saturday LOL
I love Nyssa’s red dress. It’s such a sweet little girl dress and looks lovely on her.
While reading your story of how Nyssa came to be with you I cringed and thought OH NOooo Jeanne you didn’t but breathed a sigh when you didn’t! What a super story and no wonder she’s so special to you. I know that feeling all to well. I’ve been watching for a Kaye Wiggs Gracie for quite a while. When one pops up they are always so pricey! Yikes besides the fact I have trouble letting go of that much cash on one doll, my hubby might have me locked up LOL. I just remind myself I still need to pay the balance on two Little Darlings and my “Doll lust” subsides (for a while anyways!) You asked if we had any BJD’s, Well I have two, Millie who is very new to me and Coco who’s been with me for a while . Millie is so sweet, she’s a tiny little thing just 11 inches tall. I can’t wait to dress her. Coco… well I’m not really in love with her. She’s an elf and even though she looked so cute in her debut photo’s she’s not what I hoped for. I’m thinking of dressing her and selling her. The whole ebay thing scares me a little but I reading ebay for dumbies LOL so maybe soon. Well that’s an ear full sorry LOL
I pray you and George have a nice weekend.
Hugs
Ingrid
Hi Ingrid,
Thank you for your sweet compliments on my Nyssa and her dress. I’m glad you like it.
I debated about getting a Gracie when she was first offered, but I resisted. I have 2 Dolls Nyssa’s size and really didn’t need a 3rd.
I used to have Millie but I never bonded with her either so I sold her.
Ebay isn’t so scary once you do it a few times.
Thanks Ingrid,
Blessings, Jeanne
I love Nyssa’s entire outfit, Jeanne, and I especially love the story about how you got her! I think the Lord was watching over you, keeping you from sending your money to that other lady, and then getting such a special doll instead!!
HI Charlotte,
I’m glad you like Nyssa’s dress set. It went together pretty quickly and it was great having a pattern that worked so well!
I’m glad I didn’t get taken by that lady either… whew… that would have been a disaster for me! I truly did get a special doll and a wonderful story to tell!
Thanks Charlotte,
Blessings, Jeanne