I woke up this morning, Sunday, and started to reflect on things. My little world has gone through many changes this year, and I feel I need to change (and grow) along with it, in some way at least.
I believe in giving back, and there are many ways to do that. Mind you, I have put in my fair share of volunteer work, and donating money to various organizations, but I want to do something different; to give back utilizing the talents God has given me. As with everyone, he has given me my talents for a reason, and I love what I do, so much.
So here I sit wondering how to give back while, at the same time, utilizing my talents. A few ideas have started trickling in . . . small steps, hopefully in the right direction. I am working on some ideas, and I hope some of them will pan out. I’ll keep you informed along the way. Don’t worry, I will still be doing what I love to do, creating for our dolls.
Meanwhile, I continue to downsize. I will continue have things on my tag sale page and on eBay (a couple auctions starting tonight) before they head on over to Goodwill. I don’t know how long I will keep eBaying and tag saling; I may get tired of the whole process and simply donate it all. It takes a considerable amount of time (time taken away from creating), to photograph, edit photos, add them to my website or eBay, write descriptions, then pack and ship. Although, I’m not sure Goodwill is the right place to donate boxes and boxes of new dolls though. Does anyone know of other donation sites? I’d appreciate some suggestions.
Back to dolls! I worked on an elbow-length sleeved sweater dress for Sugar (Pukipuki) yesterday. The style is super cute and fall-like, but I am not sure I like the way her arms can’t hang straight down due to the bulk under the arm. What do you think? Really, I’d love to hear; I can’t decide.
In the photo below, you can see how her right arm can get closer to her body (I have her left arm further out on purpose).
Don’t forget, please let me know of any donation sites you’d recommend, thank you!
And, thanks so much for stopping by for a visit! ❤
Cindy Rice Designs 
As a thrift store junkie, I would think your best things/dolls should go to the bay. The rest, I suggest Salvation Army or a Hospice Thrift store in your area. Salvation Army helps directly to those in need. Smaller charity thrift stores are a great way to donate. Many clubs run them. One here donates all proceeds to the battered women’s shelter. You might also consider a consignment shop for your better items. The charity one here charges the least percentage and donates to the shelter. I think one of those stores could showcase your dolls. Just a few ideas.
As to Sugar’s dress, in winter, more bulk. After all a girl has to keep warm! Cute color too.
Thanks so much for all of the information, Joy. Wow! You are an encyclopedia! So many ideas here . . . perfect! Sugar is dressed for the weather today, it’s COOL! Haven’t felt this temp in months and months, low 60s!
Samaritans Purse helps at Christmas. There are lots of churches etc that are collection places especially before Christmas. Or Keen Copeland or Joyce Meyer or Billy Graham organization who help disaster victims. I am sure they would love to give your dolls to those in need. Very cute outfit. Remove some of bulk by using thinner yarn at under arm or sleeve.
Thank you SO much for all of the donation site suggestions, Donna. It would be nice for little girls to get my dolls. Years ago, my daughter and I packed up a huge box of toys to send to missionaries who were going to Africa to distribute the toys at Christmastime. It was very rewarding. We even saw photos of the children with some of our dolls.
I’ll keep a lookout for thinner lace weight yarn. I do have #30 cotton, but cotton doesn’t give or stretch.
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