Dorothy of the World and PA, asked me a year ago if I would consider doing a presentation for the Our Little Darlings Ning group and I said I would be happy to. I’ve tweaked and tweaked until I was about tweaked out… but yesterday was the day it was shown on the Ning group. You can go visit it there or read it here if you like…
Here was my presentation…
Way back in the summer of 2009 I was talking with one of the customers who bought doll clothes from me and she asked if I had seen the Little Darling dolls from Dianna Effner. I told her no, but when we hung up, I had to check them out. I saw the vinyl dolls my friend was talking about in Dianna’s Little Darling Doll Studio website (The Doll Studio ) and fell hard for them almost immediately. I must have visited that page several times a day for weeks and just dreamed of which doll I would get if I could. The problem was… I couldn’t. I think they were $365 back then, but even that price was out of the question for me.
The next time I talked with my doll friend, I told her about my “obsession” with the Little Darling dolls. She asked me all kinds of questions about which one I liked best and what color eyes and hair and wig style I’d get if I could choose one.
Well, to make a long story short, my friend surprised me and bought Isabelle for me for a Christmas present! CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? Her reasoning was… she was going to get Emily and would need clothes for her, so the best way to ensure they fit, was for ME to have my very own doll to use as a model! I was flabbergasted at her generosity and still am to this day! Every time I look at Isabelle, I remember the day she arrived in the mail. (It only took 3 months back then to get my doll from Dianna!) My friend said she was sending me something for Christmas and she wanted to be on the phone when I opened it. I called her the day the box arrived and you want to know what I said when I first took the lid off that box??? “Oh, oh, oh” and then a few more “Oh, oh, ohs!” She was absolutely perfect and I didn’t want to do anything but look at her! I kept going into my sewing room to see if she was still as beautiful as I remembered her the last time I looked at her. She was!!!
Isabelle will always be Isabelle… no name change there. I’ve never taken her wig off either. She will forever look like she did the day she arrived here…although sometimes I think it might be fun to change her wig and she what she looks like.
So that began my love of the Little Darlings! They had the cutest little bodies and the faces could be painted SO many different ways. Those eyes look like they HAVE TO BE GLASS, but they aren’t… they are painted! I would find myself Googling “Dianna Effner Little Darling” and looking at all the different painted dolls… (sometimes for hours on end!) They truly were something to behold…. and NOW I had one of my very own!
It wasn’t too long after I received Isabelle that I decided she needed a sister! (I “hear” that happens quite often when that first Little Darling arrives!) The reason is… they are just TOO TOO adorable to only have one!
I couldn’t wait much longer…Janie was my second doll. She came to me in April of 2010…a few months after Isabelle. I saw her on Ebay, painted by Joyce Mathews and I wanted her. She was a very good price, but I didn’t have all the money right then, so I watched the auction end with no bidders and remarkably, be listed again for another week. I saw that listing end, too, with no takers on her a second time. I sent the seller an offer of $200 and unbelievably, she accepted it. Now I had 2 dolls! When she arrived, her name tag said Helen. She didn’t look much like a Helen to me, so I changed her name to Janie.
I went for a little while and was pretty content… UNTIL I saw this little Asian beauty on Ebay in April, 2012. She stole my heart big time! I mean BIG TIME! I had my first REAL CASE OF DOLLY FEVER! She was so beautiful and I just HAD to have her. She was painted by Joyce Mathews and something so sweet about her just pulled me in. I bid higher for her than any time ever before and you’ve never seen such a Happy Dolly Dance as the one I did when I saw I was the winner!!!! Lian was coming home to me and she has TRULY been a favorite of mine ever since. There is nothing she doesn’t look wonderful in and she is absolute perfection to me! Lian will always be Lian. I think it means Lotus flower. She is my dainty girl, but she is usually the first one to hop off the dolly shelf and say she’s ready for a new dress. We do LOTS of talking back and forth with each other. (Actually ALL of my dolls and I talk quite a bit!)
By now I had become hooked on the Little Darlings and wanted one more… so I got on Lana Dobbs’ list and waited for my next doll. It was a LONG wait and I changed my mind so many times in the 3 years and 3 months that it took to get her. She arrived in 2018. I thought long and hard before I decided on the name Emmie. I wanted her to sort of be my old fashioned girl and wear country romantic dresses. She is beautiful and is my demure girl. She is very gorgeous and those eyes… yes, those eyes!
I have 4 Little Darlings, but only $$$ stands in the way of owning more. Sometimes I type in Effner Little Darling doll on Ebay and filter the listings to go from highest to lowest price. The dolls are always at the top and the prices are staggering sometimes. I play this little game and I look across each row of 4 pictures and say to myself, “If you could only choose ONE doll on this line, which ONE would you pick?” It’s hard sometimes because there are SO many beautiful dolls! I guess for now, I am happy with my 4 and I’m very blessed to have the ones I do! BUT… I still go to the next row of dolls and do the same thing with them! :o)
I ABSOLUTELY love sewing for the Little Darlings! They are the perfect size and model things SO sweetly! I draft most of my patterns for them and love coming up with new ideas. I just checked my records and have made 104 dresses for them… plus LOTS of slips and hats and purses and who knows how many stuffed animals I’ve included with my listings! :o) It might not seem like that many dresses, but I sew for other dolls and they are all interspersed in there too. I sell the things I make for the dolls and Ebay has afforded me wonderful success. It just so happens that the highest priced doll dress I ever sold was modeled by Lian. This little pink perfection set went for over $400! Yep, I was just as astounded as you are right now! :o) See, your dolls can make you money! (which lets you buy MORE dolls!) :o)
I write a blog about sewing for dolls (and a few other things thrown in occasionally.) It keeps me very busy but I love meeting lots of other doll lovers who share the same passion for dolls as I do. My only problem is time. I sew for a variety of dolls and getting through my list of dolls is sometimes hard. Life gets in the way and I have even been known to miss a complete window where Back to School clothes are being shown, or even miss Valentine’s Day because something else came up and there was NO time to sew!
While I don’t really call myself a DOLL COLLECTOR, but a doll dress maker, I do have to have the various dolls to be able to sell to all my customers. I used to think that ONE American Girl doll would do the job, but I soon realized ladies want to see the dress you are selling ON the DOLL that represents that era… For example, you want to see a Colonial dress on Felicity or Elizabeth, not on Kit.
The thing I like about the Little Darlings is, they can be from whatever time period you like. I’ve done a Regency dress, a cowgirl outfit, a velvet formal dress, a tie dye set, a doggie outfit, and everything in between. Want to see a few of my dolls dressed in lots of different ways? I just LOVE how versatile they can be…
By changing their wigs, or even just styling it differently, you can virtually have as many different dolls as you have wigs…
Aren’t they just the most gorgeous dolls ever?
I have LOTS of fun sewing for mine and sometimes selling their outfits are hard, but I always make more…
I love to make dresses for 2 or 3 girls at a time and show them all in the same picture.
This was one of my very favorite doll dresses ever…It’s simple but I think Lian was made to wear it!
She was also made to wear to wear this one. See, I told you she was photogenic as well as a fashionista! :o)
I better stop showing so many pictures, but it’s hard when you have such sweet models as the Little Darlings! They are SO MUCH FUN TO SEW FOR! I highly recommend them! :o) Just a few more…
I don’t have too many days where sewing isn’t involved… it’s just part of me. I have been sewing since I was 6… and I hope I continue for a very long time. I LOVE IT!
Well, I guess, I better quit. I could talk about sewing and dolls and fabric and everything that goes with those subjects, but we’d be here all day. I hope you enjoyed seeing my Little Darlings… I think I just might have to move one of them up the top of my list and make a dress for someone (or maybe all 4) for Christmas. If you’d like to join in the fun we have on my blog, I certainly would love for you to check it out. I have some wonderful ladies who interact with each other and we have a great time.
Thank you for letting me share,
Blessings, Jeanne
How nice to hear your story, Jeanne!! No wonder that, of your four LDs, my favorites are Lian and Janie–both done by Joyce Matthews, who is truly my favorite of the artists who paint these dolls. My Heather is by her, and she melts my heart every time I look at her. There’s just something about Joyce’s dolls….
By the way, I looked it up (I collect name books!), and “Lian” (with an A) means “willow that sways like a dancer”. I was pretty sure I was right, because my Asian AG doll is AbbyRose Lian. However, Lien (that’s with an E) does mean lotus flower.
I recognize a few of the fabrics in those dresses, as I have (or did have at one time) those same ones. I think of the ones you showed, my favorite is the black velvet/white one on Lian, although I also love the multicolor floral on Emmie, the pink and white floral on Lian, and the second dark purple one on Isabelle.
(For those that read both, I also posted the above on the ning site.)
Jeanne, as I was reading your “story”, I just thought of the word “lucky”! How fortunate you are to have come across such a beautiful collection of Little Darling dolls! Each one is special, and like children, I cannot say which I prefer!
You have certainly knocked it out of the box with your collection of clothes for them! Each and every outfit is perfect for the doll who is wearing it!
Here’s hoping your story will let others see what we here on the blog see, a seamstress who loves her dolls and who has the ability to make them shine with the beautiful outfits you create for them!
Jeanne, you got me started on dolls when my granddaughter Riya was born as my children were boys, so G.I. Joe was about it in the 1960s. I ordered a Dianne Effner painted by Magalie. I’m so lucky to have her. I call her Riya, of course. This is such a wonderful post about your collection and the pictures are amazing! My favorite has always been Lian since I first saw her. The black velvet with white lace and the red sash is my favorite dress as I had already bought one just like it for Riya, and I think I’ve sent along a picture of her wearing it a long time ago.
I was going to save this thought until after Thanksgiving, but after seeing this blog and the extent of your collection, I’m going to jump right in on it. The next person who should be invited to visit your lovely home now that the renovations are complete is your insurance agent! Just the kitchen and roof replacements are enough to qualify for a change in your policy, let alone the collection of dolls and your sewing machines and “stash.” There is a rider that can be included in the policy for replacement value of the personal property, which is actually the most reasonable type of insurance one can buy.
I wonder if someone else will have seen the “This Old House “ episode in which Bob Villa did a whole program about his house having burned down. I think it might have been due to lightening during a storm. They were so fortunate in that their daughter was leaving to go to college and had gone through the entire house, recording a video of every room in detail as they had an amazing collection of antiques. Just the kitchen was a treasure trove of antiques. The value was based on that video but also on the approximate value they had chosen to insure. Every area of the country has different kinds of risks, not just fire.
One might think this could never happen to them, but I just saw an interview with the TV personality Rachel Ray who had that experience during the last year during the pandemic. She said everything was covered except the irreplaceable things that are valuable for the memories. A famous actress also had that experience recently in Los Angeles.
Sorry, but the fabulous collection of wonderful dolls has caused the reminder, even realizing you might already have taken care of this, but other followers might be interested as well. I might add that I have no connection whatsoever to the insurance industry! Ha, ha!
Have a wonderful visit and Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 to everyone!
Great reply on insurance, Susette. The survivors of the 2017, Tubbs Fire here in northern CA, will certainly agree that a video is the way to go. Inside drawers, closets, boxes in the garage, everything should be in that video. Trying to remember all of the lost items from memory was painful and impossible for some. Most insurance companies required that all of the losses had to be itemized. From Band-Aids to spatula with the original and replacement cost. Many families have still not settled their claims. A nightmare. Thanks Susette for this great reminder.
I forgot to mention not storing the video in your own home! Send a copy to a family member or friend!
Susette, here in Christchurch NZ we understand the value of insurance!!! Our earthquake was the most expensive insurance event ever even though we had EQC money (Earthquake Commission). That is a government levy that goes on all insurance policies, if you didn’t have insurance you didn’t get EQC money either.
Awe, Thank you for sharing, Jeanne! It is so nice to hear your story of collecting Little Darlings! It makes me want to, too! Haha. They are so beautiful and the dresses you made for them are, too. I am so glad you enjoy making doll dresses so much and that you love to share them with us on your blog! I think another talent you have is writing. 🙂 May God bless you!
Karen
I think Susette is on target and those of us with insurance might think of increasing what we have. One of my newer cookbooks would cost $200 to replace, and collector-owned AG outfits from 20 years ago are very expensive now — often around $200. I just saw one I have on Ebay for nearly $300.
I can see by the photos that it’s time for more LD outfits. The 3 Christmas outfits are shouting, “More like this! More like this!” I wanted a new colonial outfit, but I’d really like to see another auction of 3 LD dresses before Christmas even more. Do LD outfits fit RRFFs?
No, Sally. Little Darlings are smaller by a couple of inches, and slimmer than RRFFs, and of course have shorter arms and legs.
A very nice presentation on your LD girls. Good job! I was thinking that the writeup would be on a facebook or other online group, but surprise, it was Ning, of which I am also a member. 🙂 The LD’s are lovely, and there are a group of the girls around here too. Another option for anyone looking for a similar doll are the Maru kids, also sculpted by Dianna. They are less expensive, sweet, and come in two sizes. We have a few here also. I don’t think I’ve seen a Maru at Jeanne’s, but you never know. Anyone else have Maru kids?
Thanks Jeanne for doing that great Little Darling story. Loved it.
I have several LDs, but I also love the Maru kids. I have mini Maru Savannah and I really wanted the 20″ doll Savannah also but have not found her available. The 20″ dolls are absolutely beautiful and someday I will have one, but the size has held me back and when I found the Mini pals I decided on one of them for the moment. I plan on more. They are too cute to pass up and the price is right.
I have some Mini Pals, but I’ve always wanted Valentina. Although, I don’t think she is a Diana sculpt.
Dear Jeanne, we are honored that you created this wonderful column for us at Our Little Darlings on ning. We, of course, are dedicated to Little Darlings and love to see them in beautiful attire. Your girls are modeling amazing outfits, hand crafted by you! Thanks for sharing this information with the Sofa Sisters.
What a wonderful presentation, Jeanne. I had not realized your Isabel had been gifted to you. What a very generous and thoughtful friend you have. Can’t fault her motive lol. You are so blessed to have such a supportive friend. I remember some of the LD dresses but some were before my time. They are all beautiful but Lian’s black top and lace skirted dress will always be my top favorite. I love the hats and hair adornments you add to your ensembles. I really need to get better about doing that. My girls are lucky of they get their hair brushed. before a photo shoot.
Sean has been working on painting my kitchen louvered pantry doors for a couple weeks now. They are quite large and cumbersome so I feel blessed he took on the job. He is a perfectionist and did not consider the job complete until everything met his standards. And believe me there was a lot that didn’t go well. He will be installing the doors this morning and I’m over the moon. They were there before but not finished so the latch had not been put on and the doors kept coming open not to mention the fact that they had tons of fingerprints and no way to wipe them off. He was late getting here because he was behind and accident but he still should have them on before lunch. Yes!!
What a wonderful presentation Jeanne. I really loved reading how you started your LD collection what a wonderful thoughtful friend. My friends think I am mad to collect dolls! Loved seeing all the lovely dresses, some I have never seen before. What a treat.
Looking forward to seeing some LD Christmas outfits now
Tried to comment and it disappeared!
Great article Jeanne, loved the pictures.
Well that is two comments that have disappeared. loved the article Jeanne and loved the photos. I really have to go now see you tomorrow
What a lovely presentation, Jeanne. Yes, you are very lucky to have four Little Darlings.
I think Janie is my favorite. Love her blue eyes. The gold Christmas dress was one of my favorites. I also like the first purple on on Isabelle with that adorable cap.and others, too many to list.
I agree about the insurance. I also have some of the PC/AG outfits and accessories that are now $250-$300. A real shocking one is Samantha’s Lawn party socks and shoes that I paid $8 for are now $110. That whole set is one of my favorites to put on my Samantha. Luckily, Samantha was not favored by my daughter at all, so everything I originally bout for her was returned to me in new or mint condition. Even other historical PC/AG items I purchased seven or eight years ago have skyrocketed on ebay. I think a lot is the renewed interest in the original six since the 35th anniversary. I’m so glad to be finished *huge sigh of relief*
Yes, you also need to insure antiques, not just dolls..