The (Not Very Exciting But Still Interesting) History:
What the hey, I finally decided to devote a small portion
of my site to this (and now that I'm no longer on Geocities, they
can't claim it as theirs!) I originally tried to make these because,
especially after being unemployed and poor, I couldn't afford to buy
the actual UFO Catcher dolls on ebay. Also, I had quite a bit of
fabric left over from making my Amelia costume 2 years back (and my
sister had some left over from her Zelgadis costume), so I gave it a
shot. A few broken sewing machine needles later, I made a rather
large Zelgadis doll, who I don't have a picture of at this time. (He
stands about a foot tall.) I had planned on giving it to my sister
(she being a huge Zelgadis freak!), but she didn't want him because
she thought he was too big. So I tried to make a smaller one, who you
can see
here.
She was much more satisfied having a 6 inch doll, and since it didn't
use up as much fabric or stuffing, I decided to make some more. Right
away her friend heard of what I'd made and wanted a Xellos doll. I
had some small change so I went out and bought the proper colors of
fabric (and some more puffy paints!) She was so overjoyed to have a
little Xellos, and soon I got a request to make Gourry from a friend,
so again I went out and bought some fabric. (What a way to earn a
small bit of money and use my talents!) After that I really got into
sewing so I went and got more fabric to make Lina and Filia as well.
The best part was this past Christmas. My parents got me my very own
sewing machine! (Now I just break my own needles and have to buy more
myself..) As of May 2002, I'm finally working on a Filia doll, my
fourth Xellos doll (I will scan him this time!), and a Gourry doll.
Maybe someday when I have the time I'll make an Amelia doll just for
me. ^_-
So what does it take to sew these? Well, a good design is
always good. After some trial and error I finally made a good one
that has yet to fail me. Having a sewing machine, lots of thread,
fabrics, and paints also works. And last but not least, having the
filmbooks has helped me the most because they provide front and back
shots of the characters' outfits. Other than that, being creative is
a must; without it I would have never even attempted to make
anything! (I'm not very good at listing the prerequesites.. Oh well,
you get the idea!) Also don't be afraid to hurt yourself with the
sewing needle. I've jabbed myself quite a bit, and I'm finally
getting smart and learning how not to repeat such things! ^_^;;;
That's about all I have to say here at this time. If you have any
questions or whatnot,
e-mail me!
Diane's
obsessed! Take me back!!