Weir vs. Dancing Rain Doll kits?

[SeekingJoy]

I am trying to decide which doll kit to use as my first doll-making experiment. Does anyone have a preference between the Weir kit and the Friendship Dancing Rain Doll kit?

I am a novice sewer, but have an expert on hand to help me out (thanks, Ma!). Neither of us have made a Waldorf doll. She has made lots of rag dolls, among other things, over the years.

Also, does anyone have a picture of an undressed Weir doll? I can't quite tell how the arms are attached since all of their pictures are of dressed dolls. I need her to be sturdy enough for my preschool-age boy. No button joints for him.

[medaroge]

I got the Dancing Rain doll kit and made one for my son for his 3rd Christmas. I did the button jointed arms and they have stayed tight on through lots of play. It was also my first doll and turned out beautifully. I can sew straight lines and thats about it, fwiw!

[E.V. Lowi]

They are both wonderful WAHM companies.

The Weir dolls are more of a classic Waldorf body type with the arms cut in 1 piece and the legs/body cut in 1 piece. It has the push up foot which can be hard to fit for standard doll shoes.

DRD dolls are original doll patterns designed by Amy, unique and exclusive to her. She also sells the highest quality skin tone knit imported from Europe.

[SeekingJoy]

Thanks for the advice. I went ahead and ordered a DRD kit. Next time I might try a Weir doll pattern, but I have read such great things about Amy's kit, instructions and support that I figured I would start with her.

[BethSLP]

SeekingJoy,

Hate to tell you this, but I *still* have not received my DRD kit that I ordered on 10/22/08. In Amy's initial email, she said she would be gathering my supplies for shipping the next day.

I have not received the kit, and after 8 days I called and emailed. No reply.

Then at 10 days, I emailed again. No reply.

I just sent another email. I'm at my wits end as I've already missed a weekend of work time.

According to her site, the kit ships within 3 days and is sent priority mail within 3-4 days. So the upper end of the time would be 7 days. I'm at 13 days right now.

My emails are essentially begging for a reply at this point. My mom has already started sewing clothes for this doll and I am a beginner who needs plenty of time to sew the doll before Christmas.

I really don't understand why she isn't responding, since the first email was so prompt.

Frustrated,
Beth

[BethSLP]

she finally wrote back tonight. she said my emails were in her spam box and she just now checked her voicemail as well.

there was some coordination issue with the assistant and it did not get sent. its being mailed tomorrow.

I'm hoping it was a fluke and it doesn't happen to you. I'm just relieved and happy to have an answer, and I'm looking forward to the kit arriving soon.

XOXO
B

[SeekingJoy]

Oh, I am so sorry to hear this. I received my kit right away and started yesterday.