Brenda Starr, Doll Competitions and More at Convention

Yes, its been another fantastic, whirlwind day. I started early this morning with highlight tours of the Competitive Doll Exhibits, where collectors have their dolls compete with others in its class to win ribbons. Dolls in competition run the gamut from vinyl My Friend Mandy and Tuttis to antique bisque Brus and Jumeaus. The highlight tours are given by judges, and they point out outstanding dolls and also discuss their judging, and why they judged certain categories as they did.

Right after that, I attended the Brenda Starr luncheon. I sat with a wonderful group of collectors from all over the United States, and we were delighted by a program that was a whodunit and which actually determined which luncheon table would win extra dolls. I didn't get an extra doll (pout) but I DO love the luncheon doll, a Celebration in Silk Brenda Starr in a stunning blue silk suit.

Just 15 minutes after that I attended a seminar on German Cloth Dolls. I learned about dolls including Kathe Kruse, Bing, Steiff and others. I then made a quick run to the Sales Room and I picked up some patterns for my Cathy Hansen doll from last night.

A quick dinner, then a program by Loretta Nardone on Felt faced dolls. Another great program, this one increased my knowledge of Lenci, Ronaug Pettersen, R.John Wright and other felt-faced dolls. From there, off to the Special Exhibits.

These are museum-like exhibits put on at convention each year. This year, exhibits included Kathe Kruse, Ginny, Patsy, Daisy, Lenci and Kamkins dolls. If this wasn't enough, at 9pm we had the Robert Tonner doll gathering--just like Bleuette's gathering last night, over 200 attended. There were door prizes, information on the upcoming Fall/Winter line (ooh..wait till you hear the details...) and a delightful program on Betsy McCall as an "apprentice" at the Tonner Doll Company. It SOUNDS corny, but it wasn't--it was fun and beautifully photographed, with just the right dose of humor.

Once again, its late. Tomorrow, the annual meeting of UFDC and my Barbie dolls seminar (wish me luck!) plus another luncheon and a Madame Alexander event.