I know I worry about redoing the large dolls, as I can see me making some huge mistakes, and at those prices I am not comfortable. I have a huge bin full of thrift store goodies to redo, so if I screw up so what? I only buy ones with unusual face molds ( steffies, deedees, Disney, and Mackies as they have stopped using those in the playline) and still I have a bin full. Boy, do I need to get to work!

I also have to live with hubby, who tolerates my doll purchases to a point. I love to point out to him that Gene is all his fault, as he bought me my first one for Christmas one year. I was perfectly content till I got one in my hands. LOL, but still the price can be pretty steep. I prefer dolls in the under $50 range for the most part, as I feel that is fair for most of them, and less likely to cause a budget ruckus.

On another note, I did recieve Feline Formality yesterday. The Fed Ex guy stopped in front of my house, and I thought to myself "Gee, I'm not expecting anything" Saw that Integrity Logo on the box, and remembered Suzanne is not using them. I was jumping up and down, and practically grabbed the box out of his hand. Poor man! Box packed great as usual, Suzanne, love the bumpersticker!! So here is a quick revue of the doll. On first sight, I loved the new octagonal packaging. I thought it was really sharp looking and I think for people who like to display in the box it will be great. AS a deboxer, I was less thrilled with getting the doll out. It took a lot longer than the quick unties of the ribbon on the shoe box style box, but at least she was still tied instead of sewn and wired. Took a while to get to all the accessories, but I love the new shoe mold, and the little shoe box is great. I really like the fact that the earrings are shipped out of the doll, since Candi has a pretty rapid green ear problem. Outfit and hair are gorgeous. Beautifully lined and fitted. There was a small stitch needed to keep the top of the jacket together on the doll, but I prefer that to double stick tape. Love her hair. The French twist is so sophisticated. About the only thing I am not real sure about is the lipstick color. Seems a little pale to me, but that is personal taste, and not a doll flaw. The thing that really put me over the top on this one was the fact that her toenails were painted. What a great little detail. I just love this doll. I am so tickled to be able to fall in love whole heartedly with Candi again. Off to play dolls now.

Sorry for the novel!

Kathy M.

I think you may have stumbled onto one reason why 15.5" dolls may

ultimately be a difficult sell for the long haul. I know when I buy a bigger doll I do have to think long and hard about where the doll is going to be displayed or stored. And they can be 'spensvie, too. The problem I have with smaller dolls is that they ARE too easy to buy. Well, not high-end collectible dolls, but many of the ones I like to think about buying for creative expression are as easy as going to the Goodwill and spending $3 for a nekkid one. Though I won't do that because for an extra $2 I can get one fresh in the box and the hair isn't wrecked. Still, $5 or $3, a whole lot can start to accumulate in my basement...I am a lot more restrictive about my purchases when there's more money involved in the investment. REgards, Pat

Frivolities Antiques Ft. Collins, CO