My obsession with American Girl dolls has grown since 2010, when thanks to my granddaughter, Mylah, these marvelous dolls came into my life. I love them so much, in fact, that I started designing and making outfits for American Girl dolls myself. I have been blessed with a gift – sewing beautiful clothes. I started when I was in high school – 46 years ago. I have sewn everything – my own clothes, my children’s clothes, Halloween costumes and curtains and pillows. I’ve even made men’s suits and a wedding dress. During the 1980’s, I made and sold dozens of outfits for the Cabbage Patch Kids, that at that time were an enormous craze. You could say that I am happiest when I am in my design studio or sitting at my sewing machine.
Mylah’s Colonial Outfit for her AG Doll
That’s how Lee Boudro’s Doll Boutique came to be. Once again, it was my granddaughter, Mylah, who asked me to make a colonial Halloween costume for her. I couldn’t resist the temptation to make a matching outfit for her American Girl doll. Mylah was delighted and other family members ooohed and aaahed. I knew then that making beautiful clothes for American Girl dolls was my new calling.
I believe that you are never too old to “play” with dolls, especially when they are as beautiful and well-made as American Girl dolls. They are more than just dolls. Their stories are inspiring and through those stories, they creep into our hearts. They make us laugh and cry; they make us love and admire them; and in the process, they help us to understand ourselves and maybe even to be better people.
I remember crying at the age of 12 or 13 because I was “too old” to play with dolls. Though I no longer played with them, I couldn’t bear to part with them. So, the baby doll and Barbies were moved to the closet, boxed and stored for a future daughter.
In 2010, Mylah asked for a Julie for Christmas. I was only too happy to give it to her. I bought a used Molly on eBay, so Mylah and I could play American Girl dolls together. Since then, my collection has grown to 16 dolls: 12 historical characters (Kaya, Kristen, Samantha, Nellie, BeForever Samantha, Kit, Ruthie, Molly, Emily, Maryellen, Julie and Ivy), 3 Girls of the Year (Mia, Kanani and Grace) and a Truly Me doll, who I have named Amelia Leigh. I have complete or almost complete collections for most of them. Over the last five years, I have been telling myself, “This will be the last doll,” or “Just one more.” I know now, there will never be a “last doll.”
I used to worry that I was crazy. How many 61-year-old grandmothers “play” with American Girl dolls? But, over the last few years, I have come to realize that I am a long way from being the only adult collector of American Girl dolls. There are hundreds, if not thousands of adult women just as in love with these dolls as I am. I hope that the articles on this blog and the clothing I have designed and lovingly made will bring joy to you as a fellow lover of American Girl dolls.
