Hello Cabbage & Roxy
I’m a bit behind with previous posts, so I may be repeating things that other members have already covered.
Hiding Roxy
You mentioned having a bed frame, is this one of the old ones made of steel with coil springs that supports the mattress, or is it the newer ones with wooden slats that supports the mattress? If it is the former, sorry you’re pretty much stuffed, if it’s the later one, here’s what I would do. Remove the mattress and slats, purchase from a builders merchant a few 38mm x 25mm approx. roofing battens. These are rough sawn timber so will need planing or sanding. Mount these on the top of the side rails, edge on. On these secure a piece or two of 18-20mm chipboard, cover with a layer of foam followed by some material (lining material is cheap, and looks like satin plus it comes in almost a hundred different colours. Replace mattress and make bed. And the most important give Roxy a hug and a few kisses for being so patient! If you measure the depth of her transit box, you’ll know the minimum space you will need to provide.
Clothing
Elina is a Primark XS in womens, Womens size 6 for tops, size 8 for skirts and ages 13-15 in childs. A while ago I conducted a comparison of doll sizes v clothing sizes, I found that all/most dolls are scaled down from the 1950’s preferred womans size of 36 24 36 or 36 24 38. Refer to Miss World. Todays women do not have that size, their waist is somewhat larger 30” being the average (thanks to McDonalds). So completely ignore the waist size, concentrate only on the bust and hips.
A micro skirt for a child/adult will become either a mini, a knee length or midi (that’s mid calf), when put on our girl(s) because their waists are so narrow the waist band will go down to their hips. Another plus for Primark is you can always return it/them, so you can start the process all over again, such fun!
I prefer loose fitting (has ‘fondle room’) front closing, zips or buttons, easy to put on and take off.
Loose fitting items can be tightened around the waist by a belt, or a 1920s style pearl necklace, think they’re about 40” or so, can be purchased from ebay for about £2.00 I believe the company is Bristol Novelty.
Remember anything too big can be taken in, anything too small cannot be made larger as there isn’t enough material. Sewing skills will be the next thing to master!
Does Roxy have wire in her toes? If not, get some elastic tube bandage, put it on the foot a fraction over the big toe nail, then apply the socks or stockings onto the foot. Now pull both the sock and the tube bandage together, once all the toes are in place at the front of the item, pull the bandage up and over the sock to remove. No lost nails or bent toes!
Asking for help in shops
So as a newbie, and we all were one once, you may not have the confidence to ask for help, concerned about what questions you may be asked. Get yourself a small notebook and write in it what you want to get. Lets say its a 28 b cup bra. You would write bust (b) 31” under bust (band) 28”, In the store with your book open at that page look at it and the bras on show. Toggle between the two, then approach someone, “Excuse me, could you help, I’ve been given my instructions but I can’t seem to understand them.” I have used this technique several times not so much with clothes mainly make-up and have received excellent service.
Going back to the storage/hiding issue, remember to take into account her clothes, footwear, make up, jewellery, hair (wigs) with shampoo and conditioner. Plus her care kit, baby oil, baby powder or Talc., Virgin Olive oil, etc., etc., etc..
Finally regarding Roxys origin, all members here care about is that she is loved, cared for and receives presents and plenty of hugs and kisses. Keep her happy and she will reward you in ways you never thought possible! Incidently Elina came to me direct from a factory in China, she was welcomed warmly, is a forum member and regularly posts. I believe you heard from her earlier.
Regards to you both
Esjay & Elina Ell.
I believe she's about 38kgs out her packaging, that some weight for your first doll, I am sure in a few weeks you will be finding her really easy to move around, although I wouldn't recommend trying cowgirl for a little while.
You might get a slapping, especially from her husband....
