I spent a lot of money last Xmas for doll clothes from ‘American Girl’ and ‘Maplelea’. I thought their prices were outrageous and could not afford everything they wanted. My 2 granddaughters  have 4 dolls and they wanted more designs than what is available.  I started to knit stuff for the dolls and they loved it, as did their friends.  I was making clothes for them, their friends and schoolmates.  I told them it was costing me and they should start a little business.  That way I could make stuff, get my money back and they could make a little as well.  It took so long to knit it all that I could not keep up, so started to sew them.  I got everything they we would need, tent, etc. and we opened at the Newmarket Farmers Market in May.  I was only planning on doing it once or twice, just for fun but the girls really loved it and really got into it.  They loved the compliments and excitement from the girls who came to see and buy their outfits.  Since they design the clothes and they are original, they look at them as "designer clothes" for dolls at reasonable prices.

My granddaughters, Cassandra  (10) and Jacqueline (8) Co-design what they want me to do for them and so far it is working out well.  We make a large assortment of clothes for any 18 inch doll, too many to list and they give me a new design every week.  We have a lot of girls who come, with their dolls, to see what new outfit we have that week and it is nice to see them and get to know them.  We have made matching outfits and are  thrilled when they come back with a picture of them and their doll wearing the dress or pajamas.  Cassandra and Jacqueline are now planning the designs for Xmas.  They have suggested things like matching aprons for Mom, girl and doll, Xmas stocking with dolls name and Santa hat, Xmas fancy dress for doll as well as matching Xmas pajamas.  They have a lot of ideas and I do this for them happily, as their happy faces and the faces  and enthusiasm of the girls who come to the market, is the best thank you I could get.

We will be at the Market until the end of October.  We will be at 2 big Xmas craft shows.  One, for the United Way at the Regional building on Yonge Street, just north of Eagle on Thursday, November 26th, 2009.  The second one is at the Community Centre, on Timothy Street, Saturday, December 5th.  We are planning to do some exciting Xmas gifts for the girls and their dolls!

We can be reached at 905-830-9850 or at Beacowan@rogers.com.