A devotee of fashion, and lover of Blythe, Sarah (Carousel Girl) combines to the two to produce exquisite outfits for the big-eyed girl from Japan under the name of Dolly Gosh.
Santas Little Helper
KLJ: Tell us a little about your background – what city are you from/living in.
I am a Brisbane girl, born and bred. I’m lucky enough to work in a field that I enjoy – freelance design. I have a Fine Arts degree, majoring in fashion design, but really enjoy many different facets of design. I am, at heart, a creative person and find myself needing several creative projects on the go at once! So even when not working, I can still be found in my studio, tinkering away, either at my sewing machines or playing with design ideas on my laptop!
KLJ: What got you interested in Blythe (and other Japanese dolls or toys)?
You know, I had to really think about this, how did I even discover Blythe? Aside from having a very healthy collection of barbies as a little girl, I’ve never really been all that keen on dolls. In fact I can remember scoffing at “grown women” who collect “children’s toys”!
My sister had given me a beautiful antique birdcage as a gift, and I really wanted to display something quirky in it, I thought perhaps a vintage Barbie would look good. In my search for a suitable Barbie on ebay, I discovered Blythe dolls. A whole year of obsessing passed before I caved and bought my very first Blythe – Bow Wow Trad. I couldn’t resist her. I like to think she’s my dolly doppelganger…that long, straight hair, with blunt fringe. I even have a freckle (beauty spot?!) out from my left eye 
KLJ: How long have you been collecting Blythe?
I’m really very new to collecting Blythe. After buying my first dolly (BWT) in August 2008, there seems to have been a bit of a population explosion in the DollyGosh household. I now have nine Blythes, three more on their way and am on the hunt for my very first Kenner!
I have a truly shameful admission though…many of my beautiful lovelies are still in their box, never removed, day after day staring at me through a flimsy plastic window. Only three of the nine have ever made it out of the box, into the big, wide world! I cannot seem to stop buying new additions, but at the same time, can’t bring myself to take them out of their boxes! Sometimes I think I leave them in their boxes, to justify my purchases, as though I bought them as an “investment”!
KLJ: What started your interest in sewing and clothing design?
Throughout my teenage years, I had very little interest in sewing. In fact, when I was in year eight, my dear darling mother had to help me finish making a pair of boxer shorts, for a home economics assignment!
It wasn’t until I was at uni, halfway through a psychology degree that I realised I needed to live a more creative life. I dropped out of uni and began sewing madly, teaching myself as I went, making handbags and purses and selling them at local craft markets. It was at this time, I decided to make a childhood dream a reality and become a fashion designer. Some years, many all-nighters and much stress later, here I am, a mini-fashion designer!
Kimono Cuteness
KLJ: Why do you sew for Blythe?
I think my enjoyment in sewing for Blythe lies in the ability to be truly creative, and just let my imagination run wild! I can ignore the need for practicality, whether or not something is commercially viable, along with the many other considerations that must be given to designing for humans!
Sewing for Blythe also offers instant gratification – I can be inspired by something I see, jot down a little sketch or idea and have a design made and on a doll by the end of the day!
There’s also nothing better than seeing an outfit you’ve made all styled and photographed beautifully on a fellow Blythe-lover’s doll!
Fancy Tea?
KLJ: Which is your favourite Blythe, and why?
Surely you’re not going to make me pick just one? I have quite a thing for StarD at the moment and think I need her…as with MRB and MML. I think once I land my dream Kenner, she will forever be my favourite! But for now I think my fav would have to be BWT…simply because she was, not only the first Blythe I ever bought, but also my first “in the flesh” sighting!
KLJ: Do you have a favourite customiser? Who? Which is your favourite of their projects?
I don’t know that I have a favourite – but I particularly like the work of @nai and Ragazza. Some of the custom dolls on Yahoo Japan are to die for too!
KLJ: If you were able to visit Japan right now, name one place you would go and why?
Miyajima, the renowned sacred island, to see Itsukushima shrine at sunset! When I was in primary school, my Japanese teacher spoke of visiting Miyajima, and walking amongst deer, as she watched this beautiful shrine, as it seemed to magically float on water! It sounded wonderful and captured my imagination –still does! I’d be sure to take a Blythe, dressed in one of my little kimono, with me. Imagine the photos! Oh and I’d have to visit Junie Moon, too of course!
KLJ: If you could buy one thing only in Japan, what would it be?
Fabric! Fabric, fabric, fabric and more fabric!
KLJ: Thanks so much of being a part of our little website!
You can find more of Sarah’s delicious dollycreations on her Flickr Stream.
William West / AFP/Getty Images
A firetruck is dwarfed by the approaching fire.
