dimanche 18 mai 2014

Information About The Collection And Care Of Soft Dolls

By Minnie Whitley


People of all ages enjoy the delightful hobby of doll collecting. Whether one favors the those fashioned from china, plastic, or the timeless charm of soft dolls like Raggedy Ann and Andy, with stuffed cloth bodies, a doll can be very special. Serious collectors should know which factors affect a doll's value and they should know how to care for them so they last a long time.

The doll's era often plays a big part in determining how valuable it will be considered on the market. Typically antique and collectible dolls will fetch a higher price than newer ones, but not always. An informed buyer will also be aware of particular details to note which are tell-tale marks of quality such as hairstyle, features, stitching, and even the clothing they are wearing.

Over time a doll may develop worn spots, holes, or cracks, but in many cases these minor imperfections can be effectively repaired by a toy restoration expert. A doll that is damaged will be less expensive and it can result in collectors getting a good deal on an otherwise pricey item.

The overall popularity and demand of a particular doll also has a big impact on how much the asking price for it is. Buyers who are primarily shopping for dolls they can resell should first consult some of the useful pricing guides, yet they need to be aware of the fact that such prices are typically representative of mint condition dolls and those with light wear or damage will fetch a somewhat lower price.

Whether a fabric doll is part of a treasured collection or a child's beloved companion, it may eventually need to be cleaned in order to stay looking its best. Special care must be taken when it comes to cleaning as to avoid permanently harming the doll and spoiling its appearance. If done properly, it can revitalize how the toy looks and assist in its preservation.

It's advisable to figure out what materials the doll is made from prior to cleaning it. Some will have labels attached that should contain this information, but if they don't it will be necessary to do some experimentation to figure out the most suitable cleaning method. In order to find out if the fabric will run or bleed, dab the doll's back with a damp cloth, if it runs water cannot safely be used.

A doll whose fabric appears to be able to sustain washing, must first have its stuffing, if it's not polyester removed by slightly opening one seam. It's fine to wash the doll's body with a detergent for fine washables or baby shampoo, followed by a thorough rinse to remove any residue, wringing out and finally hung on a drying rack. When the body is dried completely, stuffing can be replaced.

Dolls in reasonably good condition made of cotton fabric, which contain polyester stuffing and have acrylic yarn hair, can even be washed in the gentle cycle of the washing machine with regular detergent and hot water. If they have no plastic parts sewn onto them, they be tumble dried on low heat, but in most cases air drying on a line is recommended.




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