The Fashion File - Impdoll

The Fashion File - Impdoll

How did you discover BJDs (SDs, Delf, Ai whatever types you collect)?

My close friend, SephXIII introduced me to her first, an FCS SD13 F28 boy named Razkil. He was beautiful, and I really liked him, but I felt he was quite heavy to handle. Later on, a cute little Unoa Sist arrived on her doorstep and I felt that a little one was in my future. That's when I did research of the companies having the 43cm-sized ones, and I fell in love with Little Fair Dana. A few months later I won a beautiful Dana head on Y!J and a girl body for her separately. A year has passed since then, and now she is away as I'm replacing her with the new Crystal skin version, and a new boy has come to stay with us now, a little vampire named Alitos.

Rathi has gone through a few faceups since her arrival, which inspired me to make different style clothes for her and it was a cycle of faceup change and clothes inspiration. I love her.

What got you started in making clothing for them?

When Rathi arrived, she didn't have much clothing, as I didn't have a Paypal account and had to borrow SephXIII's. I started researching and found MSD-scaled patterns from the SD FAQ and learned how to sew, by hand and later on using a machine. I started making "Alice" type dresses and expanded to separates, although my favourites are still dresses.

When did you first start selling your clothing?

A few months down the road, as my sewing grew better, I decided to offer them for sale. It gave me motivation to become a better seamstress and reach the next milestone. Nowadays I also take commissions so that there's a wider range of items I could learn, and help others to achieve their dream look.

What inspired your business name?

I call my little girl an imp all the time, and my website name is titled imp! for her as well. When I was looking for a shop name, I just expanded it to impdoll as a tribute to Rathi.

Did you encounter any obstacles before selling/marketing your clothes?

Not really. It went quite smoothly when I put up my first two outfits on Ebay, so I continued to do so at least once a month and build up my reputation that way, and when DoA became a forum, I continued selling through the Marketplace. Recently I've completed university and started working that my time for sewing truly went down to zero, though I love sewing too much to stop completely, I still open my commission list and work on them slowly.

What is your favorite fabric/material to work with?

I like cottons and cotton knits, they have the largest range of cutesy prints, floral or patterns. I've liked these prints but aren't the type to wear them so I live vicariously through my dolls. I wish one day I'd dress up in the same Alice-type dress as Rathi!

What is your least favorite fabric/material to work with?

I really dislike working with pleather, and once while making something with it my sewing machine got broken and I had to send it to repairs and after that my grandmother took the machine back (it was hers). Other than that elastic and I have a love-hate relationship.

What has been the most rewarding part of making clothes?

Definitely the pictures I can keep looking at, mine or other owner pictures of the clothes I've made. I'd love to be able to look back and see what I've achieved. The knowledge of making them and the satisfaction of translating an outfit into 3D version has been a great motivating factor for me too.

What is the most difficult part of making clothes for your dolls?

Matching laces to the fabric! I have so many pretty ones that in the end, I drape them all over Rathi and the fabric, then pick the one that speaks to me most. I'm really glad if I have the choice of showing them all to the customers and let them choose themselves or otherwise I'd still be sitting and going "Hmm. Hmm?" at the laces.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Most of the outfits I made were learning-based, so it depends on which part I wanted to practice making for that outfit. I also doodle a lot of dresses and then sew them. I also get inspired from looking at dresses on Y!J. I have a huge folder full of dress pictures on Y!J that I use on days I have inspiration-block.

What has been your favorite outfit/piece so far and why is it your favorite?

This purple floral and white fabric that became a pretty dress I named "Elegance". It took a while to finish the outfit but when it was done it was worth every minute. It had all the ingredients of my perfect dress, especially the gathered edge. I went with the flow with that dress and believe me that's the best way to do it.

Where do you usually sell your clothing?

I find Ebay to be the most successful method, but I occasionally sell through Den of Angels marketplace as well.

Are there any tips or advice for novice "seamstresses" you'd like to share?

Practice, practice and practice. And don't be afraid to try new things, buy a lot of cheap fabric for your trial pieces and don't give up until you get it right!

Who is your favorite model?

Rathi! (Little Fair Dana). She is a joy to work with, she doesn't give me grief while being a test dummy and she always looks good in any style, and any eyes/wig combo she's in, its amazing!

Who is your "dream doll"?

Little Fair Dana will always be my favourite, my dream doll come true. I feel at peace whenever I look at her. The doll I pine for is Prode of Jocker Ren, I've always liked Little Fair Ren's face, but when the white-skinned version came out, he was perfect. There is something about his face rendered in the white skin that captured me.

Is there anything else you'd like to share about yourself, your dolls or your clothing?

Its been more than a year since I got involved in dolls, coming from a person who never played with dolls ever, I can say that Asian BJD has made my life more fulfilling and a wonderful hobby to immerse yourself in. Thank you to everyone who've made this journey amazing and interesting!