An oldie but a goodie...

I posted this little story on my dolly website 5 years ago...my how time flies!!! You can get the free witch hat pattern here. Happy Halloween!

Tabitha's Makeover Story Hi! This is me just a few days ago. I am a pretty Battat "Our Generation" Girl. I used to be a sweet little girl's best friend - she would style my hair, have tea parties with me, and take me along on all kinds of adventures. Like most little girls, she morphed into a teenager and became interested in boys and loud music. Her mom felt sorry for me sitting all alone in the closet, so she donated me in hopes of me finding a great new home. I ended up at the Value World Thrift Shop in Middleburg Heights, Ohio. There were lots of dolls and stuffed animals in the store - baby dolls, Barbies, Tickle-me Elmo - all looking for new homes. I felt lucky to have clothes on! Even though I had a few marks on my face and tangles in my hair, I felt certain I would be adopted quickly. Just after I was put into a bin of huge (but friendly) bears, Carla came into the store and walked right back to the toy section. Seems she had been looking for a girl just like me! She picked me up out of the bin and told me that she had a very important modeling job for me. Me? A model? I was THRILLED! We went to Carla's house, and she started me right in on my spa treatment. First she shampooed my hair, and then combed out the tangles. She cut off about an inch of split ends, but I had the hair to spare! I felt like a new dolly after having my haircut! Next, Carla gave me a facial with a smelly cleanser and some gentle "dermabrasion." I was amazed at how it erased away the ink and scuff-marks! She touched up my cheeks and lips just a bit with some acrylic cosmetics. I was almost ready for my modeling debut! Paisley, an American Girl of Today, has been modeling for Carla for several years now. She put on one of Carla's latest designs and showed me some poses. She is a really great model, isn't she? The camera loves her! Next, it was my turn to get dressed up... Tada! Look at me - the cutest little witch in the Midwest! No wonder Carla named me Tabitha! Here is my close-up. See what a new hairstyle and a little makeup can do for a girl? The shoot took longer than expected thanks to Carla's young assistant, Louie. He had his own ideas about how I should wear my hair, and kept taking off my hat. At one point, he took off his pants and threw poor Paisley in the flowerbed - very unprofessional! It was time for me to go to my next job - the important one Carla told me about when we first met. Since it was such a pretty day, we decided to take Louie's hot red convertible. He wasn't in the best mood, so I was glad to let him have the front seat to all to himself. Ready to ride! After a few minutes loud complaining, Louie just conked out. Ahhh - the silence. We had a lovely, peaceful trip to Lakewood, a suburb just outside of Cleveland. Here I am with my new boss, Kathy. She had a stand ready for me and everything - I LOVE it here! My job is to help sell Carla's patterns and to get customers to sign up for her sewing classes in the fall. She is going to teach little girls how to make pillowcase dresses for dollies like me! She is also going to teach grown-ups how to make twirl skirts just like mine (but lots lots bigger). I waved goodbye to Carla and Louie (who had woken up very refreshed and actually smiled at me), and got right to work posing. I have a great view of the bustling downtown, and I'm so looking forward to making lots of new friends!

Update: After a several month long stint at the fabric shop, Tabitha went on to star in the "Twirls for Girls" video. Her 3 year old co-star Isabella fell in love with her, so she went to live with her in her Connecticut home :) .