ANTIQUE BRU FASHION DOLL REPAIR AND RESTORATION | CLEAN AND REFRESH ANTIQUE DOLLS | RARE FRENCH DOLL

[@ruthkaiser6168]

Hi new here. I watched this video and I was wondering why you didn't wash the dolls clothes? They look dirty. And her wig why aren't you restyling it to look nice? It looks very messy. She is a beautiful doll. Please help me to understand. 😊

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thanks for watching! We usually only wash clothing that is 100% cotton. On this particular outfit, it’s very old, and I didn’t want to risk ruining the outfit by submerging it in water. On very old antique dolls, we want the clothing to have some look of age, and not for the clothing to be crisp and clean. It looks better with a little aging and color. We do different things for each doll depending on the type of materials. The wig doesn’t look messy to me in the final result. It didn’t need much. She looks fabulous now in our shop.

[@Viktori141]

​​@@RachelHoffmanDollsтранное у вас понимание старомодной одежды ,она 😏Мне кажется,Старомодная это не значит ,что она должна быть грязной 😊Вы думает, если старую одежду не стирать,она будет выглядеть естественно,хотя если постирать одежду руками,в специальном щадящим растворе,для стирки старой ткани,то наряды куклы прослужат ещё дольше,чем они сгниют от грязи, темболее вы ещё и гладите грязную ткань,тем самы запечатывание грязь 😏А если бы постирали аккуратно наряд и погладили отправителем,а не утюгом,наряд прослужил бы ещё дольше😊

[@amandapittar9398]

Washing is detrimental to the clothing. It can damage it. The clothes are not dirty, just aged. The hair would not stand up to “ restyling” and could not bear it. It is almost just as it was. Old cotton can be damaged by detergents, even archival standard ones. It is ALWAYS better to do as little as possible. The wig is possibly real hair with organic glue. “Restyling” is false & unnecessary. It would destroy both the wig and the authenticity of the doll. If the wig was beyond repair, you would try to get a near replacement. It will never look “perfect”. Old dolls will never look pristine, fresh and shiny. That’s their charm.

[@olblueyes78]

Wow! I think she looks absolutely stunning!❤! Linda did an amazing job,and I wish I had even half her skills! Thank you for the video!!

[@Mimi-sf5sq]

I'm new here but the lady, Linda wanted to do a proper restoration. I felt like the one filming was more for "do only what you need so I can sell them". Such a shame. I feel of Linda was given full reign they would've looked magnificent.

[@bettyboop4263]

If only these dolls could talk, The workmanship is amazing. The makers of these beautiful dolls and their fashions were so talented just like Linda is today❤

[@taiweannoona1204]

So lovely to watch Linda working. I miss her❤ she was a good teacher and so are you❤️

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

@@taiweannoona1204 thank you so much! I’m glad you got to visit!!

[@treeshapedsnacks4078]

The doll you worked on has such a loving and maternal expression.

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

The shoes! The SHOES! The dress! The corset! You just made my day with the first doll…truly extraordinary. Her face is in amazing condition. From high school until I was 40 I made my own clothes, including suits. I taught myself, as well as I could, couture sewing…when see a dress like the first one, I am in awe of the quality of the seamstress’ work. The second dress is lovely as well, but the first is so complex.

[@michaellane5409]

Both dolls are a work of art. Linda is absolutely amazing at bringing these beauties back to life. Wonderful video.

[@lillychevalierfox]

Video with Linda are always, always fascinating! she is such a perfectionist, no details escape her eyes. she shares her passion to us so well. Ironing this white fluffy dress!!! ooooooh my!. this is definitely not me :( . I marvel at Linda's gentle patience for all her on going projects. Thank you Linda and thanks Rachel for sharing with us a little bit of her time and knowledge.

[@patriciaolsen5029]

Fun to watch! Love her after look😍

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you!!

[@zezmo987]

This right here is where my heart thrives: dolls! I never walk away from this channel without a smile!❤

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@ragdolldreams21]

What beautiful ladies! They don’t make things like they use to. I’m in awe of all the details that went into the dresses. The faces are so dainty and sweet. I love to think that once upon a time these dolls belonged to a happy little girl. The tea parties! The fun! Thanks so much for sharing and thanks to Linda for giving them a new chance to be enjoyed. 🎀💕

[@juliehenderson440]

I am a little late watching this, but I enjoy watching Linda do all the doll stuff.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you for tuning in!!

[@lindatweddell4216]

Absolutely love to watch Linda do her magic! Thanks for sharing your amazing talents with us and the dolls ❣️

[@amandapittar9398]

Antique dolls, sewing and cute babies… perfect afternoon watching❤ As an archivist, I appreciate that everything you have done is minimal, perfectly done and able to be reversed later should better techniques come along. Bravo ladies bravo 🙌🏻 🎉🎉🎉

[@Gardengirl4]

Truly beautiful workmanship on the clothes and a joy to watch Linda talk through her beautiful clothes.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Glad you enjoyed it! ❤️

[@ellenirion9658]

Loved watching the restoration. I live vintage textiles.

[@lamkins2276]

What a gorgeous dress and doll. I learn so much watching Linda. Thank you both for these videos.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much!

[@justynabm4959]

Beautiful, old, elegant dolls

[@patriciamccollum109]

Love to watch Linda do her handiwork on making dolls look beautiful again!

[@margaretlynch1494]

🙋‍♀️❤So pretty! At first, I thought it was hopeless. That dress looked like dryer lint to me. Linda is amazing. What a beautiful dress and beautiful doll!

[@christineingram55]

Absolutely wonderful job restoring her clothes Linda.This was as you said an expensive doll.Her clothes were beautifully made and to the standard of a ladies dressmaker would make a dress too..The bottom of the main skirt had the piece of protective material around that helped to shape it,but was also easily removed and replaced.That was added to protect the main material in a. real dress. She looks amazing now and a huge difference to when you first showed us.This one I think you will find was the young girls everyday doll.The bigger doll is in beautiful condition and clearly less played with so I would think she was either just for display in her room because she’s heavy or she could have been her Sunday Doll that was only allowed to be played with that day.In those days it was quite common. Because Sunday was a Day of Worship and after church they were only allowed one toy,not all toys to play with as usual.That’s how it was in the U.K. .But I think I have heard the same there in the USA too.I loved watching the restoration.Although a doll like her has always been on my wish list .My finances say no .But I do still love looking at them and in this case seeing her clothes restored.Thank you .🥰

[@richpollard8566]

So beautiful! And just as in the days these dolls were fashioned, only the wealthy little girls owned such exquisite dolls & today, only wealthy "big" girls can afford such dolls. 😄 But it doesn't cost anything to look & admire your work. Thank you for the video.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you so much!

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

Amazing restoration of the second dress…thank you…I learned so much…I saved the video for the tips and tricks but also because I’m fascinated by the front ruffling and drape.

[@marionashby2716]

What beautiful dolls I'm in love ❤️❤️

[@vincenowell9172]

That Bru is quite amazing. Wonderful job, Linda. 😊

[@shakrimh]

Woww, thank you all for this great video, love these dolls, and their dresses. Learning a lot and fantastic work👌🌹🌺

[@cherryb6105]

Beautiful💖💖💖 Thoroughly enjoyable video!

[@sarabowen3570]

Her dress reminds me of a Worth ball gown. Thanks for the great tips.

[@stephaniemitchell5940]

Wow! You're so talented.❤

[@scottweeks6379]

I know it strange for a man to say it........But I Love Beautiful Dolls both old and new! There's just something about them I'm just fascinated by. There's so much ugly in the world around us today and so many people accept the ugly as Beautiful. I don't understand it for the life of me. I love Beautiful things......I always have. I was told by someone close to me some years ago that if I didn't have something Beautiful around me that I would die of Beauty Deprivation......I told that person how true that statement was and still is today !

[@pamelamorgan2866]

Thank you Linda and Happy Birthday LaVaughn!

[@KingOfGaymes]

Omg a virtual doll convention?? I didn’t know there was such a thing! That sounds amazing! I also find the first doll and others like it a bit funny because she has a very grown woman body then her face looks very.. toddler like almost 🤣 the other dolls face feels like it would suit the bigger one better since it has an elegant woman look!

[@s.f.8867]

Well done Linda!

[@almacaballero8027]

❤beautiful Work

[@joanfolch1518]

Brilliant job!! The doll looks so gorgeous now, very entertaining videos 👌😊

[@lorrieanneswan6509]

Irean's restorations is pretty cool too.

[@DorsetHegdepig222]

Beautiful old clothes xxx have you tried the steamers meant for people clothes?? they can be good but would have to hang it up. Thanks for sharing those lovely dolls.

[@hollyprincipato3287]

It looks good.

[@arctiknitter]

This was wonderful! I even put down my knitting so I could just watch-and that is not usual for me! Thanks so much. Do you suppose this doll would have had gloves on originally? The outfit looks like it needs gloves to me.

[@maggie5736]

I learned a lot. Thank you. I would panic working with that old fabric. I was wondering if Linda could do a little demonstration on what it takes to make a reproduction French doll? Those eyelashes and eyebrows are so hard! At least they are for me. I had a friend say the only time she got them right was after a glass or two of wine!

[@angelaprayerpoems]

I absolutely love your channel the dolls are stunning question do you ladies have a top ten of favorite dolls in the shop or a favorite kind of doll

[@luckygardeniasdashboardcon9214]

Loved ❤ This

[@julieking5151]

Wonderful! 🤩🤩

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you!!

[@1dianep]

Wow both of these dolls are amazing, a Smiling Bru is on my wish list but I doubt I will ever be able to afford one.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Maybe one day! You never know!

[@modestahidalgo3244]

I love dolls too,how you doing?how. You and your beautiful baby god bless you all

[@lorrainedubzak6654]

In looking at how elaborate these dolls we’re dressed is it possible that these were fashion models for salesmen from the period? I know that salesmen would have dolls that would model the fashions of the day to the aristocrats . I love these old dolls and, how elaborate they we’re dressed. I would love to be able to create garments of this quality in doll scale. Just stunning ❤️

[@kathyk479]

The ruffle a on the 2nd doll looks like the color of the ruffles were blue and yellow? Maybe and time has raided it? It's stunningly beautiful!

[@justice4all411]

Linda's work is mesmerizing, I always enjoy when she's in the shop working! With Rachel's knowledge and Linda's expertise your channel keeps me entertained...and of course Holland Diane and Stanley add some smiles too! Thanks so much all of you. What year are these dolls from? I don't know much about these antiques as far as how old they may be...thanks for any info!

[@nikkicustomcreations5912]

Beautiful I love your work I make custom dolls

[@irosquaredboku]

This really emphasizes the care and detail that restoraters employ, and she turns out beautiful. I'm more of a customizer, using modern fashion dolls to mimic the gorgeous fashion dolls like those, and I don't think I could even come close to the detail and love you use. The oldest doll I have in my collection is an in-box 1997 Polish Barbie doll from my great grandmother. I'd love to find an antique doll like the ones you work on, but I'd be terrified to own her.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Wow, thank you! Appreciate your kind comment. 🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@breeinatree4811]

I just found this channel. And i love it. I was wondering if you had/or know any videos of restoring the hair? I have two old doll that I fixed their dresses, but the hair is a little frizzy, and some of the curls have been stretched out.

[@marikkelaszlo3355]

What is her petticoat/bustle made of? It looks so sheer and lovely, is it made of silk chiffon? 🥰

[@carmencolon3520]

Beautiful dolls and excellent work that Linda did. Where I can find those small irons? Rachel keep your hands on the camera 🤣😅. Thanks for everything you girls do for us.

[@Mmmpizzarolls]

I'm new to doll collection and I'm happy to have found your channel. Could you or anyone else recommend a book for composition doll repairs?

[@sunitafisher4758]

🌸 my goodness I had no idea they made dolls like this ages ago She has all full undergarments and all of the finery with her jewellery etc Both dolls are made to such a high quality I would have never dream of anything like this. I just had no idea they made them this ornate? Every stitch in garment just screams bespoke custom made for each doll. I wonder how many ladies/gents worked on each doll and how long it must have taken them for start to finish at each stage of the process including the clothing. I should imagine it wouldn’t be fast one, must have been made to order type. Dolls usually scare me, I had bad phobia as a child, I couldn’t stay near a doll or hold one. Mom said I started to scream or cry, so just teddies for me and other toys. I’m doing much better as an adult but I will admit, I get creeped out and cannot stay in same room as dolls I have no issues with children or babies lol, they are gorgeous I can’t think of how I got a phobia like that, but I was told my granny had lots of old dolls and I must have had a traumatic moment near her collection, perhaps the pile of them fell all over me as a baby, I don’t know. I’m glad I don’t freak out as badly as I did when I was a baby or girl. Good bless my mom for her patience who over years tried to show me dolls in stores and one day, I agreed to one. I must have been 5 or 6yrs, very old to start to have a doll and when I got her home I hardly picked her up lol Even to this day I can’t pick them up for too long, the old fashioned ones I am referring to Barbie etc never appealed to me & had no issues My cousin recons I had an evil encounter with my grandmother’s collection because he said my other cousin screamed while she was in same room with them. My nana got them from all over the world including Africa, India, China etc, she had porcelain ones and smaller ones like monkey with musical instruments as well as clowns. I’m not sure if that was the case but if my younger cousin had similar experience, who knows 😱

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Thank you for joining us on this video and for your comment!!

[@pumpkindog1636]

Just discovered your channel and I will be binging all your past videos! Loved this video and the video about men doll collector. I’ll try to comment on each one - it helps the YT algorithm 😉

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Wow thank you so much!!

[@julieking5151]

Gorgeous dolls 🤩 love this! What are those little circular patches? Did Linda make them from tape? Or leather?

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Leather from vintage leather gloves.

[@paulasmith4251]

Where would you be without Linda and Stanley x

[@carolswanson8466]

I have just subscribed and wonder where you are located, or are you open to the public.

[@deverereyes8619]

Have you tried one of those little tiny irons that quilters use to press seems flat?

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Yes!

[@lorrainedubzak6654]

Just thinking. Have you tried a jeweler To remove her necklace ? They have the tools to do this and clean the jewelry. It’s a thought.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

That’s a good idea, it was my first thought.

[@sandramaracarvalhodemelo-qn8hr]

Hi great beauty ART

[@terriviola7754]

Did Linda wash the dress or left it as it was?

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Left it as it was.

[@pizzafries]

Would steaming the clothes,damage them? I ask because if it was me I wouldn't touch an iron to it at all,for fear the fabric would tear. Beautiful dolls I collect dolls,but don't have to many and they are the cheap dolls I get at good will,can't afford the expensive ones.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Steaming is generally ok, depending on the fabric.

[@louisep4805]

Stunning work and dolls how old are they please? 💎🙏💙

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Around 130 years old! Thanks for tuning in!

[@louisep4805]

@@RachelHoffmanDolls Wow how amazing thank I am looking forward to watching all your vids. Thank you for sharing 🌹♥️

[@sharonkaczorowski8690]

For a long time women only wore undergarments when they menstruated. Underwear is a recent phenomenon. I’ve read about women on wagon trains taking their bathroom breaks together…while one woman did her business, the others hid her by holding up their very large shawls, sort of like a topless tent.

[@tonywild1963]

She looks lovely and she could have odd dates. its like the madame alexander dolls. They have 2009 on the head but 2007 on the limbs.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

This doll? She’s definitely from the 1880s, all of her.

[@carolinegooder7091]

How do I clean a large geisha doll's silk outfit? I want to sell her and two other dolls.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Hi! We have never cleaned one like that. You’ll have to Google cleaning silk I think.

[@SweetPea1970]

Now, since the porcelain gets so dirty, why don't you wash the clothes? Even putting them in an ionizer.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

We didn’t feel like it needed it enough to put it through it. It looks gorgeous now so wasn’t worth the risk to us of washing this very old dress.

[@markhackett1284]

Do you know how much a damaged French fashion dolls head would be worth?

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Not as a sweeping number. Each head is different depending on the maker and severity of the damage.

[@markhackett1284]

@@RachelHoffmanDollsThe maker is fg

[@brendaryan306]

Weren't these dressed dolls used to sell outfits to ladies of the day? The tailoring would indicate the seamstress's dressmaking skills.

[@soahdoll]

how did they ever make crinolin. back then ?

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Would love to go back in time and see!

[@revecarodriguez709]

Have you ever come across dolls that are wicked or cause problems? The reason I ask is bcoz my friend & I were driving in town we come across some dolls that had probably been thrown away but wind got ahold of them & were scattered in middle of road . She made me stop , I didn’t want to , dolls looked wicked ! She insisted so I did it was her car , I got down, showed her both dolls , throw them in the trunk . I’ll clean them tomorrow, well she forgot about them , was watering her yard , she could hear a soft like baby crying! She looked around didn’t see a baby anywhere,still she could hear the cry ! Went to the trunk of her car , heard it again, remembered she had dolls there , got keys ! With a hanger she pulled out both & tossed in trash can! She called me all scared , I said I just felt something was wrong with dolls ! I remember clearly they didn’t have battery box or anything in their soft bodies that would’ve made that noise !

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Nope. Never! None of that stuff is real in my world and experience.

[@revecarodriguez709]

@@piratessalyx7871 back to you !

[@barbaracrain2975]

🥰👏👍

[@apippin774]

I wonder how many of these dolls you repaired were haunted, eek

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

None. We don’t believe in that.

[@betycasarino9125]

Por favor en castellano

[@АленаАлександрова-э5и]

Мне интересно где транслит на русском языке вы вещаете на руссоговорящем сайте, я вот ничего не поеяла из сказанного вами, грустно

[@celenemichalchavez9907]

Too much conversation not enough repairing.

[@RachelHoffmanDolls]

Bye! 👋🏻 ✌️

[@aliciaazucenarivero1002]

Q.pena.no.entiendo.ingles.pero.me.gustalo.q.ase.la.señora