Crocheted Basket Challenge

Dolly Dimple

This is a 16" Dimples doll made by E.I Horseman.  It dates to the 1920s-30s.  The back of the neck is marked E.I.H. Dimples. These dolls were enormously popular as "mama"dolls.  They were made in several sizes and produced for many years.  Since this is my first doll recovery and this is a valuable antique, my efforts will be minimal as I learn the art of restoration, and above all do no harm.   I'd like to do this in memory of the maternal grandmother I never knew.  Her name was Dolly Dimple and I believe called Doll.  She spent all of her middle age and elder years in a sanitarium.  Not exactly clear on the reason.  I met her once when I was four or five.  Here are the before pictures of Dolly Dimple.

I decided to stop after a thorough cleaning.  So here she is with her new crocheted dress and rosey cheeks.

Ling Ling

Ling Ling was born in China in a very poor province of Mongolia.  Few families in her village had running water.  When her mother died in childbirth, she was placed in an orphanage with dozens of other babies in unsanitary conditions.  As luck would have it, a British documentary was being produced on orphan children.  The choreographer fell in love with Ling Ling and immediately began adoption proceedings.  Because he was well known by the Chinese government and possibly they hoped for a favorable video, paperwork took only weeks instead of years.  When it was time to fly home, our videographer had to purchase a second ticket.  His wife knew nothing of the adoption, but it speaks highly of their relationship that he felt confident when he called home and said, "Helen, I'll be bringing someone for dinner, I won't tell you whom, as it's to be a surprise."

Needless to say, Helen was thrilled with the baby she had yearned for for many years.  We now go forward three years as Ling Ling (her family calls her Lingle) is ready to go to her first children's party.  Mother bought a party sundress with matching hair ties.  Best of all Ling Ling is wearing panties with ruffles!  She holds tightly to the present wrapped up with a bow.  Mother keeps an eye out in case she gets to open it.  She doesn't quite understand presents for other people.

Here is Ling Ling all dressed up and ready to go.  She is very proud of her ruffled panties!