Sophie used to look like this. Her head tilted downward, as all Blythes do. That meant I had to take pictures from below – or just let it be, like this one.
Same with Maeve:
See how her head tilts down? I’m on my knees here, trying to shoot upwards so I can see her face.
Yesterday, I decided to go for it. I gathered all my tools (some of which I’ve had to purchase especially for Blythe work) went up to the office, put a towel on the hard surface of the desk, and started the process of adding a neck joint. First I had to take the head apart and pull out the body. Then I cut off a portion of the neck, sanded it, and made a hole in the center of the neck with an awl. I dry fitted the neck joint, made sure it fit correctly, and then screwed it to the neck. Then I inserted the neck joint, closed up the doll, screwed the head back together and:
Maeve, finally able to raise her chin and tilt her head to the side. Whoo hoo! I worked on Maeve first, thinking I should experiment on her before I worked on Sophie. I had to unscrew her head and take it apart twice, to make some adjustments, but I did it! Doesn’t she look lovely?
Claudia Hill, neck surgeon.
I had to come downstairs to show Don, I was so proud of myself.
On to Sophie. I learned from working on Maeve that the hair can get in the way of things, so this time, I put Sophie’s hair in a pony tail.
Much smoother the second time.
And here they are.
Look at Sophie raising her chin proudly.
They were complaining that the least I could do after putting them under the knife would be to change their clothes.
Thank goodness for You Tube. I ordered the neck joints from Palma Dolls in Spain because the customizer of my three VegaDolls, Natalia, recommended her. The parts are made with a 3d printer. Palma Dolls filmed a video just for this kind of body and neck joint and I’m sure I watched it 20 times.
I’ve been wanting to do this for almost a year but I was worried I’d screw up when I had to cut off part of the neck or make the hole for the screw. Every time I looked over at the dolls, both Sophie and Maeve would be looking down. All the other girls have some form of a neck joint. Anyway, it’s done. The girls made it through surgery just fine.
Sophie and Maeve were my first two Blythe dolls.
Okay. Just wanted to show off a bit!
I’m coaching this afternoon and fixing Sophie’s eyelashes. Long story.
And eating a piece of sugar-free apple pie.
And maybe crocheting another hat.
But first, I have to add all the changes that have been made to the script to my copy of the script so I’m all set for this afternoon.
Stay safe.
Happy Wednesday.
