Nyokitto

The photo of the nyokitto sprouting in front (below) taken from the book Pattern Magic 2 by Tomako Nakamichi is really interesting. It has inspired me to make my own version for dolls. 

I decided to work on a gingham fabric. I thought it would be interesting to see how the lines move on the surface of the nyokitto. I modified the pattern such that there will be no seam on the chest. This is what I came up with.

It doesn't seem to be as interesting as the photo in the book. I thought that I've made a mistake or something. I searched for others' work, for comparison and saw this: https://charlotterowanscott.wordpress.com/2013/03/08/bodice-with-curved-nyokitto/. It seems that the bodice really have a basin for a chest. I studied the photo from the book to find out the difference. A quote from the author gave me a clue. "Drape is a play on light and shadow."

The lighting really made the 1st photo more interesting. The weight of the fabric, allowing light to pass through the nyokitto is what is different. With the light passing through,it's as if the blouse is very light and almost floating.

Whatever the outcome, modeling a misshapen outfit is no challenge for my fashionista queen Kayla.

Headphone Jack/Dust Plug Mini Bags

I have been seeing this mini bags intended for headphone jack/dust plugs since last year. I wanted to get some but I didn't know where. Sure, there are some being sold online but online shopping is such a hassle, at least here anyways. I chance upon these in a mall in the province being sold at about 60% off their original price.

From the looks of their packaging, these are old stocks that didn't sell well. Well, it's original price was way too unreasonable, if you ask me. But with their current price, I was willing to buy 10 but these are all the design/color that were left.

My favorite is the Celine trapeze bag mainly because of the bright colors. The Balenciaga motor cycle bag looks ordinary especially because it is stiff when it should be slouchy. The Birkin bag seems too small. Plus, I already have a couple of Birkin bags for dolls. I got these mainly because they are colorful. I have a project in mind where I can use this bags. Maybe the other bags that I already have will work better but I couldn't pass up the chance to buy these since the mall is out of the way and it may not be available when I get back.

Slowing Down

It's February and for me, it is a busy month. I see myself cutting down on dress making and maybe blogging, or not. We'll see. Before that happens, lemme talk about my latest project.

When I did the clothes of the Life in the Dream House (LiDH) dolls, I had a plan. Before I made them, I bought the things I needed. I already knew how to style them even before I started cutting the fabric. That's not the case now.

I pick a doll and I create clothes for it from the stuff that I already have. Sometimes I have an idea for a doll but I don't have the right materials. I don't want to have a huge stock of fabric so I'd either edit the idea or scrap it altogether. That's going to take a lot of time.

Even when it's done, sometimes the final fitting on the doll is not as I expected. Like this one, I really wanted to make a simple cropped top and a gingham skirt for this simple doll. The mix of all the simplicity makes it a little boring even for me, especially after doing the LiDH doll clothes. This came out very secretarial. Although, I was really thinking of something she can wear at the office. That was the goal, and I guess it was met but...

It (the one on the left) still is boring to me, not to mention basic and old. So I challenged myself to make it a little bad-ass. The one on the right is what I came up with. I got the idea from the runway shows of popular brands. A lot of the dresses there have a classic timeless silhouettes and they just make it look more interesting by making them wear boots and/or hats. They added pops of color but I personally limited myself to black and white for this project. Maybe on my next projects...

Stop the Props

At times, this hobby can be time consuming. For somebody with a full-time job and who is technically the head of the family, it can get overwhelming sometimes. My training has taught me that when things get overwhelming, one should learn how to break things down, to keep them simple.

Some of the most time consuming areas of this hobby are (1) storytelling (2) making dresses (3) styling (4) taking pictures and (5) making props and dioramas. After breaking things down, one should prioritize. Storytelling went out the window a long time ago, although it creeps back in from time to time. I had to figure out in which area I really wanted to improve. I decided it's the dress making. Dolls can be beautiful even with a crappy background, right? Making dresses is more fulfilling with the right styling, in my opinion, so styling stays. And don't expect me to let go of taking pictures when I'm willing to spend more on a camera than a smart phone. Making props and dio finally has to be cut to a minimum.

Still, I wanted my doll photos to have an appropriate background and Photoshopping is not an option since it also takes a lot of time. My  interest in action figures lead me to a photo in Flickr that showed how to have an interesting background with minimal set up and clean up time (as cleaning up is also time consuming).

If you know how to display image files on a big enough TV or LCD screen, then it will be easy.  The screen will serve as a digital background, a sort of video wall. Another toy blogger wrote about it here. The solo pictures of my Life in the Dream House dolls in the previous entries all have digital background. All you need is the floor to be installed. The tricky part is lighting the scene such that the camera does not capture unwanted reflections from the screen.

I usually download suitable backgrounds on my phone during a commute or any waiting time or while in bed trying to make myself fall asleep. Not only did this cut down the time I need to take pictures, it also cuts down the toys I wanted to buy. Having less props also means I need less storage space. It's a win-win-win solution, if you asked me.

All Together Now

These are my version of Life in the Dream House dolls. Let's have one more look at all of them before I move on to other stuff. Plus, I want a picture where they all seem to get along.

Ryu

I love this doll. Unlike what Ken wore in the previous entry, I can wear Ryu's outfit, that is if it came in human size.

Almost

One sewing frustration I have is making a good enough (not necessarily a perfect) blazer. Constructing the collar is always a challenge for me. Finally, I have succeeded but I have to alter the pattern because it is a little short.

And yeah, I'm into pastel these days.

Hippity

Hurray! I'm still motivated to sew doll dresses. Experimenting with new patterns is a box of chocolates. This one turned out not the way I intended it. Just because a fabric flows in human size, it doesn't mean it will in Barbie size.

Is it just me?

Or the Mutya Barbie really looks like a Bratz doll? Not that there is anything wrong about looking like a Bratz doll. I don't think it was intended, though.

Simple

That's how I like it.

Beware: The Thrift Store Doll

Thrift stores offer some of the most interesting doll finds. I never thought it would be as interesting as this.

I came home from the province and saw that the few dolls I had on display have fallen down, except for one. It was probably due to the earthquake that hit Metro Manila early this year while I was away (10Jan2015). I just fixed the dolls on their stands and went on with my life.

I go to the province almost every weekend and last weekend was the same. I came back and saw that the dolls have fallen again, except for one. There was no earthquake that time. It was like those times when we can't explain what happened and then we have those cliche feelings we get from ghost stories. Goosebumps.

Although the Philippines is known to be a Catholic country, majority of Filipinos still have pagan beliefs, like me. I have a friend whom we believe to have a sixth sense.  I asked her to meet me in a mall last night. I brought her the doll that remained standing so she could check it.

She asked me if I knew the former owner. I told my friend that I got the doll early this year from an online seller who bought it from a thrift store. The online seller said she needed to raise funds because of some misfortune. I didn't bother knowing exactly what.

It was haunted. According to a friend, the original owner of the doll had a violent death. She was in her doll room when she died. And she loved all her dolls so much. She advised me to get rid of it. I immediately looked for a trash bin in the mall. I pity the person who will find that doll and decide to keep it.

This experience have made me think twice before buying from the thrift stores. Tonight, I'm going to the province one again. I would really freak out if when I come back and see all the dolls I have on display fall once again and the haunted doll back at the shelf.

Awesome Overlap

I have observed the return of the overlap skirts. Overlap skirts are easy to make and with a new twist, the old overlap is awesome.

This year, I heard that the trend is for longer (below the knee) skirts. I like it. It makes the doll look less immature, less slutty definitely.

On a Roll

This is the third outfit I have created for this year and it's just January! Sometimes I'm just inspired to make doll clothes. My dolls inspire me. Do your dolls inspire you?

I's not perfect. There should be a cowl neck but it's difficult to drape fabrics at this size. I like it, anyways.

Hasbro price increase

Hasbro toys specifically the 4-inch action figure line recently increased their prices by at least 30% in the US. Locally, the price increased by 50% long before the manufacturer increased the price.

Collectors resisted buying locally. A lot imported the Marvel Universe figures. It cost less to import than to buy locally. The result: there are a lot of peg warmers in local toy stores.

If we consumers collectively disagree with the price scheme, we can collectively boycott their products. (The reduced articulation is also another reason to boycott the new Marvel Universe Infinite Series line.)

This, I think is what happened locally. The local distributor had no choice but to revert their prices. That is why I got me these new figures last night. The Wasp figure (my 2nd) will be used for a custom.



I keep telling everybody that we consumers pay the employees of the toy manufacturers. We are their bosses. If we don't like their work, why should we pay them?

Safe Sucks

I see Summer as one of the most adventurous friends of Barbie. I really don't want to make her wear something "safe".

This Summer doll has been repainted to have smaller eyes. Her lashes has been trimmed short and her head shrunken, of course.

New Nikki

Most Fashionista Nikki/Artsy dolls I've bought ended up as body donors with their heads used for experiments and eventually disposed. This one experiment ended up nicely so I decided to keep her.

Her mocking smile is gone. The eyes were repainted to be smaller. Her head was shrunken, of course. She actually inspired me to start sewing doll clothes again! That's how much I like her.

I was told that she's a fashion blogger so I styled her to look like one. I hope I did not commit any fashion crime.

Wonderful

I got surprised by...

1. The appearance of another wave of Marvel Infinite Series (formerly called Marvel Universe) action figures in a major toy store. I've only seen them in secondary shops last year and they're usually loose or not in original packaging. I skipped buying the Wonder Man figure since it wasn't a priority figure for me. I expected it to be less popular like the 1st version so it will be a peg warmer as well. I wanted to buy it later but when I was ready, it was no longer available. I'm glad to get another chance.

2. The price of the figure is 33% off. But then again, it was the regular price for early last year. At least, it was being offered for a price I'm willing to pay. It is also the same price in secondary markets so I guess they're just being competitive with the pricing.

3. The price was further reduced by 20% when the cashier scanned the item. It could be a glitch in their system or the tag price is wrong. Either way, it's good for me.



When I was younger, I saw an art work depicting Wonder Man. I instantly had a crush on the fictional character. I also liked that the character is not flat. He has sided from good to evil and back to good again. Kinda reminds me of myself today, turning good or evil, depending on the situation.

Jianidi Doll + Fan Bingbing Barbie

For those wondering how the Jianidi doll works as a body donor to the poorly articulated expensive Barbie dolls with the Peace skin tone, here is a photo.



The Jianidi doll is slightly paler than the Peace skin tone but it can easily be overlooked. It just seems as if Fan is blushing.

Also in the photo is Edeline Barbie (12 Dancing Princesses) head on another clone body with the Peace skin tone.

Jianidi Doll (Comparison)

The Jianidi doll is about the same size as a Barbie Fashionista. They can share clothes and shoes.

The Jianidi head is also bloated like the current playline Barbie. The hairstyle also makes the Jianidi head look bigger.

The skin tone is a little paler than the Edeline doll (from the 12 Dancing Princesses line). A comparison photo between the Jianidi doll and the Fan Bingbing doll might be posted later.



The wrist joint has a gap unlike Barbie's. The waist also allows for a mild twisting but lacks the bust joint.

The idea of letting a doll wear both flat and heeled shoes is a nice idea but there should be some mechanism to prevent the foot from returning to a "flat" position especially if it is wearing heels.

For less than US$10, this doll is a good buy. I might get another if it wasn't such a hassle getting one.

Jianidi Doll (Out of the box)

Since it has a different foot compared to a regular Barbie doll, the fit of Barbie shoes on a Jianidi doll is a concern. Luckily, the shoe fits.

It wasn't apparent in the previous blog post that the name of the doll is Jianidi. The collage below shows the Jianidi label, on the lower back of the doll, the dress, and the top cover of the box.

Jianidi Doll (Box Photos)

This doll was bought from a seller based in Divisoria.  Their store is located in one of those older buildings (not 168 nor 999), the name of which I have forgotten.

It is the same size as a Barbie doll, and its joints are similar to Barbie Fashionista. I guess it can be called a Barbie clone.

Here is the doll in the box and the back of the box. The doll did not came with any footwear, probably to showcase its jointed ankle.

Did it flop in Korea?

I saw a Mattel item that had stickers in Korean. It obviously was intended for the Korean market.

It's a long way from Korea.  I can't help but think that the item was a flop in its intended market. They're just trying to sell it here just in case it sells.

I might buy it if they offer it at a discounted price. Why pay full price for something that looks like a flop?

3D Printing: Changing the World of Dolls

3D printing is a process of building a 3D object by depositing a thin layer of material at a time. For 3D printed toys, the materials are usually plastics. The linked Wikipedia page shows a time lapse video sample of 3D printing.

The application of 3D printing is as limitless as the imagination. This technology can allow anyone to start a small manufacturing business. There are already a number of entrepreneurs who have used the technology on doll manufacturing. Here are some examples:

Makies
These are customizable dolls. They have a set of "templates" from which a customer can choose from. The dolls look like kids so these are not something I'm interested in.

Mariage Poupee
The dolls (or figurines) have great likeness of the people they are being modeled from. The dolls have the play value of a cake topper, though. People who are vain enough to think that they deserve a mini-monument will really find this idea important.

Mary Magpie by Joey Versaw
This quirky looking doll with a taste for vintage fashion is about the size of a Barbie doll. Joey has created a new line of gay male dolls called "First Love" (also 3D printed) but the male dolls have better articulation.

With the recent developments, acquiring this technology has been made cheaper. For a price of a couple of expensive dolls, one can get a 3D printer. This is not only applicable to printing dolls. One can also print doll accessories like shoes, buckles, bracelets, necklaces or even doll house parts! (3D printed houses for real people have been done.) This brings the power to manufacture in our own backyards. We don't have to rely on just one country to manufacture the things we want.

For those who would rather not buy a printer, they can go to companies that offer 3D printing services. Locally, 3D Printing Manila is one such business.

When I say "printing dolls", I also mean action figures. I approached a 3D printing shop in a local mall a few months back to find out if they can print toys. They can and they showed me a toy robot part they were trying to replicate. The tricky part was modeling it exactly like the original. This will not be a problem if one is starting to design from scratch, without the intention of infringing on someone else's copyrights.

Think about it. The possibilities...

I'll leave you with a link to a time lapse video of the 3D printing process of a doll.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HtHuRUeGWM

Villains

Some of my Marvel Universe super-villain action figures

The Marvel universe has a lot of interesting villains. My two favorite villains are Mystique and Magneto. The storytellers explained to us where they are coming from, the hardships they have to endure. I get them. Other villains need back-stories like theirs.

If there is something we learn from villains it's passion--not taking 'no' for an answer, getting what you want no matter what the cost. Hmmm... reminds me of die-hard collectors.

Last of the good line

Local SRP of these action dolls are PhP750. I got them recently for less since a lot are selling them for less (they are relatively unknown characters), but still some online sellers ask for more.

These maybe the last figures I'm going to buy from this line. The upcoming releases have crappy articulation. No wonder, more collectors are quitting this line. I'd rather buy an old figure and customize it to get the character I want.

Touch of Tribal

Taken from the last runway show of Planes & Prince, a local brand.

Mathematical

I don't know which will be sadder, Finn growing up or Finn dying. I hope the show will last long enough to explore both. There's nowhere else more epic to go. It will be mathematical!

The second problem

There will be no peace. I pray for something and somebody else prays for the opposite. I came across a toy review that views the low price of a toy as a problem.

A facepalm is not enough to express all my thoughts, I look up "napalm" on Google. I also look up the blogger's resume because his word is not simply a product, it's his lifestyle.

It's easy to figure out why. The first problem is that he is a salesman.

Natchios on the toy shelf

I tried to look for more discounted Barbie fashion packs in other malls but I wasn't interested in the ones left. I tried looking for more Skrulls but they were not sold in the store I visited. Luckily, I saw an Elektra Marvel Universe figure and immediately grabbed it.

This figure is being sold for around US$19 on local eBay. That's just a dollar mark-up from what the other sellers sold it for last year. I got it just last night for around US$13.

Based on hearsay from the toy community, it was only now that these figures reached local toy shelves because the distributors didn't want the Marvel Universe toy line to compete with the Avengers toy line. They only made it available to selected collectors and hobby shops to help build up an appetite for the majority (via blogs and FB reviews). The distributor with the help of the scalper-collectors and hobby shops resell it for a higher price as they have connived to make it appear rare. These transactions usually doesn't involve a receipt so the tax portion also goes to their pockets. (No wonder a lot of MU collectors are pissed and decided to stop collecting.)  This is also what happened to other figures like Dagger, Thanos, Rhino and Abomination. The remaining inventory were just released recently in local toy stores, others on a later date.

There might not be many Dagger and Elektra figures left since a lot of collectors have hoarded these figures to customize.  (15Jan2015 Update: This figure and others from the same wave are still in stock. This has 5 units in one major department store.) A lot are impressed with the new articulation compared to the old female figures. Personally, I'm torn.

 

New and old body comparison

Yes, the new body has better articulation in most body parts except the hips. The new female body can't do a side split! Others also like the proportion but to me it's not comic nor sexist enough, so unlike how they are represented in the comics. I like the rounder boobs of the old female figures. I also like that their feet seem smaller. The new figures are also more leggy. These are all subjective, of course.

So, I'm not really sure if I like this Elektra figure just because of the added articulation. Maybe I can do a posing showdown between a poorly articulated figure like the Black Widow and this Elektra. I'm so glad that I didn't have to pay that much just to get something I feel lukewarm about.

The Price is Right

In preparation for the Holidays, malls left and right are having a sale. Locally, people who are smarter than what's trending find October as a really good time to shop. Stores are making way for the arrival of the new items for the Christmas season. The discounted items may be from two years ago but unlike most fashion, a lot of toys retain their (play) value.

Barbie set-of-3 fashion packs normally costs US$22 are 50% off. I'm willing to pay for only 50% because, half of what's in the pack is... I can't really think of a kind adjective that means "crappy". But there are really great pieces, my favorites of which are those that shows a certain character other than being a fashionista.

There is not much price movement in the Marvel Universe figures, except for the Skrull figures from 2 years ago. Sold initially at US$12, they lowered it to US$8 last year but I felt that it was still not worth it. They are now being sold at US$4. I might just build an army of Skrulls.

One of my smart purchases is Fashionista (In the Spotlight) Nikki. She originally was priced at US$34 last year. They have it on sale at most toy stores for US$22 but I was able to control myself. I luckily found one for US$18 only. Like most fashionista dolls, I only want their bodies. I want this specific Nikki because she has a very interesting armband and bracelet.

Another toy that I have been wanting to buy is this Adventure Time action figures and comic book pack. They originally go for US$19 but now they are only US$9. I look forward to playing with them but for now, they'll stay in the pack.

Shopping this past weekend validated my belief that you can get the toys you want at a reasonable price if you just wait. Even if it eventually sold out, you can still get it from the secondary market. Someone will eventually let go of the toy you want. Time shouldn't matter. If you really want it bad, you will still want it bad years from now, especially if the price is right. If not, maybe you didn't want it that much at all.

Courtside Toy Store Mystery

Courtside is a local toy store that sells dolls, trading cards and action figures among others. They have branches in different malls in Metro Manila. I can't speak about their other products but they sell most dolls and action figures (including Lego clones) at higher prices compared to the major toy stores. Toys that they are trying to sell two years ago are still on display. Needless to say, a lot of what they are selling are no longer available in the major toy stores since major toy stores try to dispose of their inventory right away.

The mystery to me is how Courtside keep their shop open. I'm curious about their business model. I have no business background but I do know that they have to sell something for them to earn. If the toys are not going anywhere, what are they selling? Maybe those Magic Cards are really magical! I didn't bother to find out what the going rate for those cards is and how much Courtside is selling them.

These cards don't really occupy too much shelf space. When I visit their branches, most of what I see are action figures. If those figures are not selling, how are they earning off those pricey shelf spaces? Mall space is expensive. I gotta give it to those people behind this toy store. It's hard to keep a store like that open for business.

I have bought a couple of figures from their shop but I eventually found out that it was a bad decision as I could have bought the same figures at a much lower price (50 to 70% lower) somewhere else. As much as I am impressed by the brains behind the business, I have stopped buying from them. I feel good every time I visit Courtside especially when I see their toy tag prices. I always feel proud of myself knowing that I bought the same figure elsewhere at a lower price.

____________

14Nov2014 Update

The Trinoma branch is closed.

The SM North branch has little toys left, almost like it's closing shop as well.

It took some time but I'm glad someone learned a lesson or two.

New Marvel Universe Recruits

 

custom Beast and Kitty Pryde action figure

custom classic Rogue action figure

Sorta Paperdolls

Hero Machine version 3 is an online application that allows you to design your own comic book character. Aside from mixing and matching available costumes, one can also mix and match body parts. This allows you to create a variety of poses for your character.

It is like playing with paper dolls only you can do more. All of these three characters were created using HM3.

To try HM3 go here: http://www.heromachine.com/heromachine-3-lab/

I don't get it

I don't get...

(1) why some local collectors are selling (to local buyers) Rhino, Mysterio and other Marvel Universe action figures with a high mark-up when there are stocks available in the local stores at a lower price.

(2) why these figures are made available just recently in the local toy stores when they have been released last year and the toy line has been discontinued/re-branded.

(3) why a change in name warrants an increase in price without changing the quality, only the packaging,

(4) why the official distributor of the new/re-branded Marvel Universe figures insists on selling them at a high price when other small-time sellers are offering them at a lower price especially those obscure characters like the Death's Head.

I didn't get the Death Head and the Guardians of the Galaxy figures. They will be peg warmers eventually. I'll wait for them to lower their prices. If they run out of stock, it's okay. I don't really want those figures that bad.

I did get for myself the three figures in the above photo. They are cheaper than the re-branded line.  I'm keeping my lust for these toys under control.

Mattel's Barbie Marketing 2014

After the recent poor sales of Barbie items, especially earlier this year, let's see how Mattel is promoting the brand to promote sales.

Styling by Rachel Zoe
The Good: They used a playline doll and made her look like a collectible.

The Bad: The doll maybe playline but the clothes and accessories are mostly collectible.


Muse for a Moschino Collection
The Good: The runway was used blatantly to promote the Barbie brand.

The Bad: The 80's is an acquired taste.


Instagram Campaign
The Good: We get to know Barbie's personality more, what lifestyle and brands she likes to promote.

The Bad: She may have a split personality if she likes both Rachel Zoe's style sensibilities and the Moschino collection inspired by her.

It is obvious that Barbie is trying to reclaim her role as a fashion doll. She could just be successful. I just don't know how she can manage that if she thinks she can be anything she wants to be or take on any job. What's that phrase, "jack of all trades and master of none"?

That's just the brand image promotion. What's about the actual products? Will there be an improvement especially in the playline dolls (their biggest and most important market)?

The Holidays are coming and it is the time of the year where toys sell the most. Toy companies are doing their darndest to promote their products. How will Barbie's marketing team fare? We'll soon find out. It's just fun to take down notes, for history lessons at least.

One of the seven

Have you caught yourself while you examine publicity photos for the new must-have doll? Your eyes widen with excitement. Your mouth open for more air. The heart races while the fingers help you navigate through the irresistible. You imagine the pleasure that will be. You want it. Bad.

Hold it. Take a selfie. That's lust. And you're consuming porn.

Eventually, you'll give in.

That Day, That Day

It's supposed to be like this and it's all okay, like that song.

All About That queen

I was browsing FB profiles and I came across a local beauty queen's. She's also an unpopular actress and a public figure so she shares photos of her family. I like that she's a doll hobbyist and shares her work via FB. She makes clothes and customizes dolls. I like some of her dolly jewelries. Great work.

She also shares her sense of humor on her FB page. The thing is, the jokes she posted were mostly about fat women. She is a beauty queen. I was expecting more beauty queen jokes. Oh wait, there was a joke about contesting the winner of a Muslim beauty pageant. Fat women and Muslim women, she finds them funny.

Somebody cue Meghan Trainor's All About That Bass.

One Direction Singing Dolls Review

I have been seeing the One Direction (1D) Dolls by Hasbro in toy stores for some time now. They were initially sold at US$50 locally. As expected, they became peg warmers. Now, they are being sold at US$18 each. The Harry and  Niall dolls were already sold out.

Unfamiliar with the quality of these dolls, I initially both just one (Zayn). I was satisfied with the quality. I decided to get two more. Zayn was already out of the box when I thought of making this review.

Team Building

The membership of the Peace Operation and Strategic Espionage Reserve (POSER) is slowly growing. The newest agent is Angel. She is a tech expert.

 

Agent Angel

The ranks are filled by a meticulous screening conducted by Edeline. Knowing the abilities and weaknesses of each agent, she is also in charge of building a team for each mission.

 

Agent Edeline