Pages

Guide To Collecting And Caring For Collectible 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 popularity of a specific doll is another key factor that influences its worth. Those who wish to purchase for resale need to do their research and consult books which indicate typical prices, however it should be understood that these are normally for mint condition dolls, therefore a lower price can be anticipated for those with signs of wear or minor damage.

Cloth dolls can be both cherished collectibles in an adult's collection or the loveable pal of a child. Whatever role they play, it will eventually be a good idea to clean them. This must be done cautiously however, to avoid ruining the doll's appearance. Proper cleaning can help freshen up the doll's looks and preserve its condition.

Prior to cleaning, it's advisable to try to determine what materials the doll has been made from. Labels, if they are still intact will normally provide this information, but if these are gone some cautious investigation be needed to reveal the most suitable cleaning approach. Taking a damp cloth and lightly dabbing the doll's back will help determine if the fabric's dyes are prone to bleeding, if they do water cannot safely be used on the doll.

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.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment