So I have to admit, I used to read other doll maker's descriptions of their doll's personalities and demanding ways and laugh a little. Dolls are just dolls, they don't have personalities, let alone opinions, I thought smugly to myself. That was before I met Gigi.
When I started on Gigi's clothes, I found a silk skirt in my fabric bin that I thought would make a perfect dress for Gigi, twirly and colorful and fun. However, although Daphne, Gigi's little girl, loves twirly dresses and glittery things, she also likes Tae Kwon Do and climbing trees. Not great activities to do in silk, so I decided to make Gigi a more practical cotton play dress instead.
Fast forward a few hours and there I sat staring at a half sewn cotton dress, depressed. I think Gigi was actually frowning at this point. The dress was just wrong, and we both knew it. I gave up and pulled out the silk.
A few hours later Gigi was happy again, but although I was feeling better too, I knew the dress was just not practical. How will she climb trees in that? So, I decided to make her outfit a little more multi purpose.
By adding some practical cotton shorts!
When she realized how much easier it was to play outside in them, Gigi seemed to accept the shorts, and with her hair up out of her face she is ready for anything. Except shoes. I tried and tried to convince her, but she is a barefoot girl.
When I first heard from Daphne's mom that Gigi needed to have "Ariel" red hair and black eyes (They actually ended up a really dark brown, almost black), I was a little worried that I would like her, but she has been so much fun to create. She prompted me to improve a lot of my construction techniques to make her a fitting playmate for a little girl, and she helped me discover my new favorite yarn store in my quest for the perfect red hair. She reminded me that imagination is key to creativity, and about the importance of both real and imaginary friends. Basically she reminded me about the many things that come so naturally to children, but are often difficult as adults. So although we have never met in real life I have a great admiration for Daphne, who inspired all this. Her family is lucky to have such an amazing little girl, and hopefully she will enjoy many imaginative adventures with Gigi, in her shorts and her silk :)
*Special thanks to Janette for the amazing photos and for introducing me to Daphne and her family!
