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Retro Memories Sweet Sixteen
The 16th Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event was a celebration of Retro Memories and 16th birthdays. Over 100 fans of Groove’s doll line of Pullip and friends attended the event. Although PUDDLE focuses on Groove dolls, all dolls are welcome, and many Smart Dolls from Danny Choo could also be seen, along with Blythes, Barbies, Monster High, and BJDs.
Friday’s activities included trips to the amazing doll shop Gigi’s Dolls and to Mitsuwa Japanese Mall. Attendees also checked in and socialized before heading to their guest rooms for an early night. Returning attendee Amanda Williams said, “One of the most exciting things is to catch up with old friends, and meet new friends. As an artist it’s inspiring to see the custom dolls, and it’s fun to see dress like your doll, get tips from workshops on customizing, buy from incredibly talented vendors, and experiment with creativity at the craft table. PUDDLE is a one-of-a-kind experience and I’m looking forward to attending the next one.”
A dozen table captains decorated their guest tables for the event on Saturday. Guest table themes included Art Nouveau and the New Woman, Sweet and Cutesy, Ponies, Birthday Party, Very 80s, and I Honestly Love You. Each attendee received a gift bag stuffed with goodies and an icebreaker sheet, and the name badges drawn by Aracely Reyes were a throwback to two of the early Pullip and Dal dolls.
Taylor Armstrong and Mandy Gray gave a well-attended workshop on Pullip modification. Multiple contests for doll customization and outfits were held, and the creativity on display was astounding. The 2024 theme was Retro Memories Sweet Sixteen, and Best in Theme was won by Karen Bullock’s Oscar the Grouch Dal. All elements were sewn and crafted by Karen.
Ten vendors stayed very busy selling dolls, clothing, accessories, and more. 2024 vendors included The Artistry of Lady Badger, Candy Couture, Denise’s Dolls, KuddlePussKustoms, The Mix Tape, Mota Doll’s Clothing, O Costureiro, *Poof* Chibi Doll Planet, Quaint Quintessence, and Shelby Sawyer Designs. The Leave Something, Take Something table was incredibly popular. After the event, a donation was made to the North Carolina Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures, a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education, conservation, collecting and appreciation of dolls, toys and miniatures. As PUDDLE 2024 took place on World Doll Day, PUDDLE honored collecting passion and the preservation of doll history.
Anna Duger commented, “PUDDLE is a playland for doll collecting where everyone is embraced in a very welcoming community. This year was my first and I’m already looking forward to coming back next year!” The next PUDDLE will have a theme of The Secret Garden and will take place in June 2025. Visit www.puddlestyle.com or the Pullip and Dal Doll Lovers Event Facebook group to stay informed.
CONTEST WINNERS
The Dress Like Your Doll Contest was won by Erin Foster as Xie Lian (from Heaven Official’s Blessing). She made both outfits. Danette Parsons won second, wearing a dress she bought and modified that matched the dresses she made for her two dolls Meadows Tween AKI and Kay Wiggs Layla. Stephanie Boesso came in third, matching her Pullip Batgirl.
Best in Theme was won by Karen Bullock’s Oscar the Grouch Dal. All elements were sewn and crafted by Karen.
Karen Bullock also won best custom Pullip with 80s Alice Through the Looking Glass. Marci Stevenson’s Operetta Pullip won second and Krystan Chaney’s Lilac Teddy Yeolume won third.
Mini Mir Pullip won the Groove mini contest in an itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polka dot bikini.
Best original outfit for Groove dolls was won by Stephanie Boesso with her Pullip flapper in hand crocheted flapper dress, hat and purse. Marci Stevenson’s Stede Bonnet was awarded second and Anna Trogo’s Little Cake in Bonnet was awarded third.
Best modified dolls were Meg the Furby Shepherd by Jackie Salm, Young Bae by Nate Duger, and Marianne by Lorelei Chadwick.
Best Smorgasbord doll (non-Groove dolls) was the Toys R Us Kid Hujoo by Ashley Sero. Wednesday Adams Blythe by Marna Kazmaier and B Move Saturday Hujoo by Patty Sero came in second and third. Best Smorgasbord outfit was 1970s Summer Fun by Stephanie Boesso, followed by Michelle Majzner’s Yuna Final Fantasy X in second and Melissa Sowers 1983 Work Out Barbie in third.
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