2000-2004 My friend Garde-robe: the sumer outfits and underwear

The outfits are presented here by Gene Marshal (Mel Odom) both the brunet and the blond are Simply Gene

Here are the underwear and summer outfits

Time period: Calgary Ab. 1999-2007.

1997- New stores for my ladies

I did several smaller shows around Edmonton. I was still sewing and buying Barbie dolls.
I bought brand news Babies from the basic playing doll series, and as well I bought them in second hand store (Barbie only). I chose dolls that were indeed played with, but still in very good conditions, no stain, no shewing, no broken neck or dismantled arms.Coming home I spent timeless hours cleaning them, shampooing, curling, to give my dolls a new life and with a nice OoaK, hoping to give them a new home.
Time period: 1996-99

I was looking more often at the smile and sweet eyes of the "big girl" in the special doll collector boutique.
Gene Marshal was growing in my heart!

 My ladies at home were more and more numerous on the shelves. I never brought all of them together, they were taking turn at each shows, as the customers were basically always the same passionate. I was glad to meet the collectors whom became friends, and was happy to see them discovering a new doll at my table even if I had met them a couple of weeks before.
When window shopping in Edmonton, I passed in front of a new kind of store (at least new for me)

 Treasure Barrel was a very nice little store that smelled soap and perfumed candles. the monthly fee to rent a booth was affordable and allows me to show my dolls (and bagged outfits ) everyday all year long.

when the store closed I moved on with Crafter's Marketplace, that sold craft & thing under the same principle. I rented a booth and brought my dolls in.

 I made more bagged clothes, as lot of customers were looking for Barbie/Ken casual outfit for kids to play with. It was not as much fun but the booth fee had to be payed right?. I sold here almost all my none Barbie dolls, I still had time and imagination for one of a kind though, and I kept my home shelves ready for the next show. Those shoppes, were convenient, nice and well organized but lack from what I loved most, the contact with my customers. I loved to talk with them, listening to their observations, and often constructive criticism, and above all, I loved learning about new dolls.

1997, Oct, 24-25-26, Craft shows Frenzy

After the first show, it appeared easier. Show's organizers came to my table to inform me of future shows during the year, in and around town.
So I started to prepare myself and when the Canadian craft challenge was held in Edmonton I was ready.
Time period: 1996-99

 It was a 3 days show but, as we were living in the same city, this was not such a big deal.

 I was more organized, and confident. I should say that my improving English helped a lot. I  was sewing quite a bit all year long  to be ready for the craft & dolls show period.

I was totally as ease with my customers, (but a little tiny apprehension that still today never totally disappeared  from my mind) they were for the most very enthusiastic and gentle.
As I was present for the tree days, I saw customer back in my table and buy a second or even third doll. I was very please indeed

1989-My first of all

When Hubby and I arrived in Edmonton, Canada, in 1989,  he was student at the University of Alberta. We were living in the student housing and were offered to use the washing machine from a common room. This room had a treasure chest a "clean clothes and toys only bin". All the moving in and out students left in it, clothes, books, toys, and on the outside the shoes and small electronics even bicycles, small furniture, or skies.
I discovered there my first doll. she was a Barbie, I cannot tell you her name, as at this time if I knew who Barbie/Ken were for having bought several of those to my kids,  I had no ideas of  neither their style, name  nor value.
I took the doll home as well as a nice (but ruined) prom dress, and started my all first, totally hand sew, One of a kind Barbie dress.
Each time I was doing a laundry I looked for dolls (they were no Barbies most of the time) and clothes to reuse the fabric.(and bought a 2nd hand sewing machine)
Of course I took pictures! very poor pictures I should say, and as they were manipulated (a lot) those pics didn't take the time very well. Anyway, it's  my blog, and I do consider it my own personal journal shared with good friends (you indeed) I think I will slip my pics between those pages.
Time frame:1989-92