 |
| Forever Summer |
I am so excited to be vending at BCLA this year! This is my first time vending, and it has been a lot of work. I spent time thinking about my collection, what I do best, as well as current trends and interests. For some time now, I have been working on patterns from other designers and Japanese magazines. There are so many that I have always wanted to try, so I decided to just go for it and make them for myself and to share with others, too. I do tend to add my own twist to these patterns. And every dress is a unique creation.
First off, the big news for me is that I have a new logo for BCLA! I am just thrilled with it! A very big thank you to Jen Furman at Jen Spectacular for my awesome logo. Look for it on my packaging, signage, cups, and pins.
 |
| New logo designed by Jen Furman |
 |
| Summer Sundress Collection by Tiki Doll Designs |
The Summer Sundress Collection is based on a Cindy Sowers pattern. The pattern is available on Etsy as a download here. I used high end imported fabrics, such as Swiss batiste, gauze and eyelets. All the fabrics start out as white. After making the dress, each one is individually hand-dyed using a variety of different dye techniques to achieve the varying dye patterns. Then the dye is set, and they are washed and shaped to dry. After they are dry, I embellish each with Japanese glass beads and a bow, which has been specifically tied and dyed to go with the dress. They close in the back with a single snap. I feel these dresses are at the very heart of the Tiki Doll brand, glam summer forever exotics in jewel tones.
 |
| The Big Valley |
Another pattern that I enjoyed playing with was the popular Tirin and Katten pattern. It is also available as a download on Etsy here. I used this pattern for two different concepts. The first, I call The Big Valley. Since BCLA is based on Hollywood, these dresses reflect the classic television show, a Western set in Central California. Created from vintage fabrics, silk, and chambray and embellished with detail stitching, leather belts, and real gemstone and pearl accents, these dresses evoke the spirit of the classic Western appeal.
 |
| African Wax Print Dresses |
I also used the T&K pattern in a series of African inspired dresses. I was lucky enough to find some superb African wax prints at a local designer fabric boutique. Inspired by these traditional fabrics paired with silks and batiks, I am excited to offer a limited line of dresses as an homage to the newest girls on the scene, our dark skin girls produced exclusively by the Chinese retailers of what are commonly called “Fakes” by the Blythe community.
 |
| Baby Doll dress series |
I did develop a new pattern of my own for BCLA, the Baby Doll Dress. It is based on the classic little girls’ mid-century dress, also common of dolls in that era. I chose this design for BCLA because of the link to the golden age of television, again, though I did update the look. Other designers have made dresses similar for Blythe, as well. I have used trademark and vintage cottons, paired with silks, vintage laces, gemstones, and pearls. Each dress is a unique expression.
 |
| Cabled Cardigan with Fur Collar |
A small collection of the cable knit, belted cardigans with fur collars will also be available. These are hand knit of a merino/silk blend on tiny needles. They are perfect scale and are super soft with the most delicate sheen from the silk. Super fuzzy, animal-friendly, faux fur collar.
 |
| Blythe head on a Mimi Bobeck body |
 |
| Dresses for plus size Blythe |
 |
| Sweater, pant, and hat sets for plus size Blythe |
The final pieces in this collection are a series of different items for the new, popular plus size Blythe doll. She is a hybrid doll with a Blythe head transplanted onto a Mimi Bobeck doll body, from The Drew Carey Show doll line. These dolls have a gaining interest but very little is available on the market for them. Each dress is a unique pattern. I also have a few pants with knitted sweaters sets available. Some outfits even have hats! The beautiful wool is imported from Italy. The yarns are alpaca and angora. The pink and yellow plaid is a soft textured, vintage cotton. After BCLA, I am excited to spend some time focusing on these girls and expanding the pattern selections for them. And even offering some patterns online!
 |
| Knit Hat Collection |
Finally, I have a large selection of knitted hats. All of these hats are made from high end boutique yarns. Some are beanies with rabbit fur pom poms. Others are a mesh slouch hat in variegated, super soft, silk and merino blend. There are two cabled hats that are based on a hat worn by Hermoine in the Harry Potter movies. I even have one hat that is a replica of Hermoine’s Godric Hollow hat!
So that’s my entire collection! I will have a few additional items, such as doll prop sticks, Kaiser stands for Blythe, pink and purple striped stretch pants, cups and buttons.
See you in LA!!!
