Doll collecting is a popular hobby amongst both old and young. The types of these endearing toys one can collect are many, some prefer those made from china or plastic, while others are drawn to the heart-warming appeal of soft dolls, stuffed and made with cloth such as the iconic Raggedy Ann and Andy. Collectors should be aware of factors that influence the price of these playthings and they should also know how to properly care for and preserve them.
The period the doll dates from can often influence its price, as most antique and collectible dolls are generally more expensive, but not in every case as condition also plays a significant role. Informed buyers also make a point of studying which details to look for such as the doll's features, stitching, hairstyle, and clothing, which can be indicators of quality.
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.
How in demand and popular a doll is also plays a major role in determining how much it's worth. Doll buyers whose goal is to select items for resale will need to research market prices for the dolls they are looking to purchase, but they must realize that these are normally based on a mint condition doll, so those in poorer shape will go for less.
A cloth dolly can be part of an adult collector's prized collection or it may be a child's best friend. In either case it may eventually benefit from being cleaned so it stays looking nice. It's important to exercise caution when attempting to clean a doll however, as to prevent permanent damage. Cleaning properly can rejuvenate a doll's appearance and help preserve it.
Before attempting to clean it, one must determine which materials it is made from. If there is a label, it should state this information, and if not some careful investigation will help reveal the safest cleaning technique. Dabbing the back of the doll's body with a damp cloth is a good way to see if the dyes in the fabric bleed or run, if they do, contact with water should be avoided.
If the doll's exterior proves to be washable, the stuffing will need to first be removed unless it happens to be polyester. The outside of the doll's body can be washed with a mild baby shampoo or fine washables detergent, thoroughly rinsed to remove all residue, wrung out, and then hung on a drying rack. Once fully dried, the doll's stuffing can be replaced and the seam where it was taken out can then be neatly stitched back up.
Cotton fabric dolls in fairly good condition with acrylic yarn hair and polyester stuffing can normally withstand being washed in the gentle cycle of a washing machine using hot water and ordinary laundry detergent. They can also be tumble dried in the clothes dryer on low heat provided the don't have any plastic parts, although line drying is best.
The period the doll dates from can often influence its price, as most antique and collectible dolls are generally more expensive, but not in every case as condition also plays a significant role. Informed buyers also make a point of studying which details to look for such as the doll's features, stitching, hairstyle, and clothing, which can be indicators of quality.
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.
How in demand and popular a doll is also plays a major role in determining how much it's worth. Doll buyers whose goal is to select items for resale will need to research market prices for the dolls they are looking to purchase, but they must realize that these are normally based on a mint condition doll, so those in poorer shape will go for less.
A cloth dolly can be part of an adult collector's prized collection or it may be a child's best friend. In either case it may eventually benefit from being cleaned so it stays looking nice. It's important to exercise caution when attempting to clean a doll however, as to prevent permanent damage. Cleaning properly can rejuvenate a doll's appearance and help preserve it.
Before attempting to clean it, one must determine which materials it is made from. If there is a label, it should state this information, and if not some careful investigation will help reveal the safest cleaning technique. Dabbing the back of the doll's body with a damp cloth is a good way to see if the dyes in the fabric bleed or run, if they do, contact with water should be avoided.
If the doll's exterior proves to be washable, the stuffing will need to first be removed unless it happens to be polyester. The outside of the doll's body can be washed with a mild baby shampoo or fine washables detergent, thoroughly rinsed to remove all residue, wrung out, and then hung on a drying rack. Once fully dried, the doll's stuffing can be replaced and the seam where it was taken out can then be neatly stitched back up.
Cotton fabric dolls in fairly good condition with acrylic yarn hair and polyester stuffing can normally withstand being washed in the gentle cycle of a washing machine using hot water and ordinary laundry detergent. They can also be tumble dried in the clothes dryer on low heat provided the don't have any plastic parts, although line drying is best.
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