Vintage Velvets Sophie Dolls

Isn't this a sweet batch? I'm getting all of the listings ready for the update, but I wanted to pop over and post a few photos of these sweet girls and their lovely silk velvet frocks.
Silk velvet is a trickster to sew with, but it was totally worth it. I want to keep all 4 of these for myself! Of course, I won't, and they'll be in the shop in just a little bit!
UPDATE: Hello my dears. That was a very crazy-fast update, as lots of the comments have said. Thank you! I hope no-one is too very down-hearted about it, because there will be more soft things in May! And who knows, maybe there will be something you like more or better? I'm already scheming up new designs and images! And there will be a new product for the shop tomorrow or Friday that I'm pretty flippin' excited about.
Thank you again, so much.
xoxo







These girls are gorgeous! Vintage velvet has such a wonderful texture. It would be adorable to see more vintage fabric girls. I love your creations!
Posted by: LindaJ | May 05, 2008 at 02:55 AM
Oh my goodness! Those are soooo cute!
I was just noticing on another blog someone soo sad that they missed out on one and so I had to do a search and right there on the top of Google is you! Yay.. an easy search.
Posted by: Tammy | May 02, 2008 at 04:27 PM
I don't know if someone's already said this, but that bottom picture looks like an album-insert band photo.
Posted by: Josiah | May 01, 2008 at 12:45 PM
Oh wow, they're gorgeous!
As usual, I missed out on all the Etsy fun too!
Posted by: Tizzalicious | May 01, 2008 at 12:18 PM
I didn't even SEE the creeping bunnies! They must have been listed and purchased in between me hitting the refresh button. BUT, I am so thrilled to say I got the one I had my eye on: little miss Blue Hair. I think my daughter will love her.
Thank you so much for posting the pictures ahead of time, so that when your listing went up I knew what to look for and didn't have to waste time thinking.... :-)
Posted by: Robin | May 01, 2008 at 02:17 AM
Gasp! I love their stockings! I enjoy your work on etsy and I am very happy to see more of it!
Jade
Posted by: Stick Nymph | May 01, 2008 at 01:38 AM
Ahhhhhhhhhh - geez - it's like Target on Stella McCartney day in here! Is it always like this?
Love the velvet dolls! I live in Australia too, but unlike Louise, I haven't managed to drag myself out of bed at 3 am for an update yet - sounds like my sleep addled brain wouldn't be up for the stealth bomber tactics people are talking about in here!
Anyways - Em, you do a fine job, obviously everyone LOVES your stuff, which is why they are so sad to miss out, but personally, I think that's half the fun.
I never thought the day would come when people were SO keen to get their hands on a one of a kind, handmade softie. Love it.
I hope the madness of the updates isn't to much for you, my dear!
Anyways, just wanted to say congrats for your successes, and for sharing the Sophie pattern - I'm gonna have a go at making my own!
I do like the idea of a few non-update softies snuck into the listings though - and maybe a wee page somewhere with a price list? It is annoying that Etsy doesn't list sold prices......
But keep up the beautiful work Em, for as long as it makes you happy!
Leah xxx
Posted by: Hyena In Petticoats | April 30, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Hi Emily,
Would have loved to have had one....no luck. When will you make more...I will try AGAIN...could you let me know what the dolls cost, if and when I am able to get one....it was 11AM my time and I could not even get to a computer to see....I wish they stayed up on the website to see them.....keep sewing...one day I will be lucky enough to have one of my own
Posted by: Raejean | April 30, 2008 at 09:55 PM
Love your velvet dolls, they are amazing! Love that your update went so well!
Jill in Florida
Posted by: Poppy | April 30, 2008 at 09:13 PM
The colors you use for these dolls are so great!
Posted by: Marilyn | April 30, 2008 at 08:53 PM
darn love velvet!
Posted by: kim* | April 30, 2008 at 08:49 PM
velvet + walking foot = bliss (seriously)
Posted by: geriann | April 30, 2008 at 08:19 PM
My best friend's little boy used to have a term for rubbing something silky at bedtime--he called it "softing." Isn't that lovely? I can completely imaging these being softing-worthy with the velvet tummies. Nice.
Posted by: melissa Crowe | April 30, 2008 at 07:06 PM
WOW!!! That was insane!! I think you only have time to purchase one item, by the time you came back it was all done. What 90 seconds? I do not think Emily that you can ever make enough. Congrats it was great.
Posted by: elmaelsiena | April 30, 2008 at 06:36 PM
WOW! Those went to fast! You have some very devoted customers. So awesome. I cant wait to see what other things you come out with!
Posted by: Shannon | April 30, 2008 at 06:19 PM
Poor Emily, she again overdone herself and will start to think it's still not enough, people are always complaining when they miss the update! :) Be sweet with Emily! And wait patiently for the next shop update!
Posted by: annejulie | April 30, 2008 at 06:11 PM
OK, that was an adrenaline rush! I've been trying to get a Sophie doll for months and I can NOT believe I was able to grab TWO of your velvet Sophies in all that madness!! I got the 2 I wanted and I am so beyond thrilled (the red and black haired girls)! Less than two minutes after it started, it was over....amazing! Congratulations!!
To those who said that items left their carts, I too was concerned about that and checked out immediately after getting the 2 dolls I wanted. But I was still surprised the first doll was still in my cart when I went to check out. So. I wonder....were you signed in??? Does that make a difference maybe (I was signed in)? I would think if you were just on the site as a guest putting items in your cart, they might still be available for signed in members. Just a thought!
Anyway! THANK YOU Emily for creating these beautiful dolls in vintage velvet. An absolutely gorgeous touch and I can't wait to receive them!
Posted by: Nancy | April 30, 2008 at 06:02 PM
I second the idea of sneaking the odd softy in outside of launches. I'm in Australia & set my alarm for 3am but it didn't do me any good :( I don't think I'll ever be awake enough with the time difference to click fast enough to own one of the beauties!
Posted by: Louise | April 30, 2008 at 06:00 PM
***For Anyone Confused By How The Update Works***
Basically, Emily already has everything "listed" already well before the update time, but they aren't active. Then at 2pm sharp (or whatever time that is in your own time zone) she starts activating them all. So everything is listed and active within the first two minutes or so after 2pm. You have to refresh *continuously* starting at exactly 2 o'clock. If you're not sure if your clock is exact, then maybe start a couple minutes earlier, but you have to keep hitting refresh over and over, because as soon as things show up, multiple someones will be waiting, click the item into their cart - and before you know it, it's gone! Also make sure that you're already logged in before the update starts, because otherwise that will slow you down in the check out process. If you find that it's 2:05 and you still haven't seen anything, maybe your connection isn't fast enough, because the whole update is usually over within a couple minutes.
The thing is, Emily pretty much has a cult following (meant in a good way!) and many many people are ready and waiting at each update, but don't give up! Like others have said, it's really just a matter of luck. I actually had a doll in my cart today, but by the time I got through check-out my cart was empty!
Emily - my eight-year-old (the one a doll will eventually be for) was telling me today that it must be hard for you, because you have to work so hard all of the time to make all of the dolls and paintings and that you're working so hard you probably don't have any time to spend the money you make or do anything fun! I thought her concern for your well being was sweet and assured her you probably do have some time to do fun stuff and spend money (and that you also like your work). She's daydreaming of being old enough to have her own shop on Etsy.
xo
Posted by: Prudence | April 30, 2008 at 05:50 PM
oh man! The time difference is killing me. I missed out again??? :((
Beautiful dolls Miss Emily. Your dollies and orginals are definitely collector items.
Posted by: Rita | April 30, 2008 at 05:02 PM
...yeah, so I don't know if you have a "record" sell out time, but that has to be the quickest sell-out yet. Literally "one" minute passed the hour and everything was gone :)
I actually got my fingers on "Rose, Snow & Bear" WOW!! I have that winning the lottery feeling *lol* :::happy dance:::
I have been to all emilys updates within the last year and this is the first time I got a painting. I know how frustrating it is, many, many updates and I came home with nothing :(
It's all luck girls(& guys). Don't give up.
If you have one thing you want you'd better snatch it up then, forget about going back and getting another item. Your lucky if you get to buy one, lit-alone two.
<3~michelle.friend xo
Posted by: miss.michelle | April 30, 2008 at 05:01 PM
I am sooooo sad......Nothing came up in the dolls section and I was really hoping to adopt that little sky-blue striped creeper bunny that looked really shy....After 2 hours of stalking the shop, I realized that they were gone, gone, gone....
Posted by: Crissy | April 30, 2008 at 04:50 PM
I just ran across your etsy shop and your blog. Congrats on all the sales, what adorable dolls.
Best Wishes!!
Posted by: Jill | April 30, 2008 at 04:37 PM
Well, everyone cheer up! I am disappointed too, but creativity drips from Ms. Emily's fingers... the next update should be just as good, if not better!
Posted by: GirlieGirl | April 30, 2008 at 04:27 PM
I'm sad, too, I kept refreshing and never saw a thing . . . I missed out again. Your dolls are precious!
Posted by: Billie | April 30, 2008 at 04:21 PM
That was such a fabulous update! I wanted so many things but I waited for the red-stripey rabbit.
I'm sorry for anyone who didn't see the update or who didn't have time to get a doll. :( With how quickly things go, I don't think there is time to grab more than one item. When I've got something in my cart, I buy it as quickly as I can.
Posted by: Becca | April 30, 2008 at 04:00 PM
I think I am going to get one for my sister for her birthday in June. I believe she would really like that. She turns 7 this year. (Sisters Yay)
Posted by: Rebecca | April 30, 2008 at 03:23 PM
I waited eagerly all day, refreshing constantly. The only thing I ever saw was the terrarium print. Everything else only ever showed up on the sold page. That was sooo fast. What were the prices for the dolls? I was hoping for the long-legged one...
Posted by: Marie | April 30, 2008 at 03:20 PM
Ooh, I am loving these! Especially the silk velvet (and the pink hair). Super drool-worthiness. *B
Posted by: SummersCamp | April 30, 2008 at 03:18 PM
Wow. I guess it's just luck that gets you a doll... I am trying to figure out how to keep one in my cart while trying to head back to get another one. I have 3 daughters and they ALL want one. Maybe next time- Congrats on the sell out!
Posted by: Rachel | April 30, 2008 at 03:13 PM
Holy Shight-out of SIGHT, Emily! My first time trying to bid on one of your updates....and WOW...ummm.. I am impressed(disappointed...hmmm) If you ever decide to hire a staff of able bodied stichers and artists to help with the load (because I don't think the demand will lessen either way...:) Please email me and I will haul across country to help. Congrats! Maybe next time I will get a blue haired doll I so fancied.
Posted by: Audrey Seilheimer | April 30, 2008 at 03:11 PM
So cute Emily...I'm just never HERE when they go live. Dang!!!
Posted by: Shantell | April 30, 2008 at 02:52 PM
Yeah. I was able to snag the pink haired "Sophie". I am so excited. She was exactly the one I wanted. It is so hard as everything sells out in a couple of minutes. Good for you! I wanted a painting too, but not that quick. I could only get one thing in the madness. I will keep my eyes out for more originals as I have to have one (or 2) :-) I just want everyone to know be patient and eventually you will luck out. Persistence does work!
Posted by: Aimee | April 30, 2008 at 02:50 PM
kris-many thanks! that makes sense :)
emily - thank you for bringing such beautiful, creative work to life. you're an amazing artist. my daughter (she's 5) and I make up bedtime stories that go with your paintings. she has 'donut girl' hanging in her bedroom, and doesn't go many places without your paper dolls which she carries in her little suitcase. Even though we didn't get one of your dolls, we will head to the fabric store to pick out just the right clothes to make our own doll from your pattern you so kindly shared on the MS site. that will be so special! thanks for sharing the pattern with us!
Posted by: sk | April 30, 2008 at 02:48 PM
They're all beautiful, and what a great idea to use the velvet. It looks very nice.
Posted by: Erika | April 30, 2008 at 02:47 PM
I never saw any of the new items, and Ive been sitting on your main Etsy page and refreshing constantly since 1:45. I am so bummed! Man I loose out everytime! Bummer.
Posted by: Lauren | April 30, 2008 at 02:42 PM
This was my 1st "update", and reading the above comments are exciting...I never saw anything, except that dolls were showing up on the sold page. Interesting how etsy works. Congrats! You're awesome!
Posted by: Windy | April 30, 2008 at 02:33 PM
sk - I don't think Emily has enough time to put her update items into their proper categories. You're better off just refreshing the main shop page to see when the dolls appear. Don't worry - there are lots of us who missed out! :)
Posted by: Kris | April 30, 2008 at 02:30 PM
umm yeah, i refreshed starting at 2 and nothing new ever came up. sad now...
Posted by: alexis | April 30, 2008 at 02:29 PM
I love the velvet!
Posted by: hazel | April 30, 2008 at 02:29 PM
Hi, Emily: thought it was time to add to "my collection" and I got her!!!
Posted by: michele | April 30, 2008 at 02:22 PM
I'm a little confused as to why nothing ever showed up, despite continual refreshing. Does anyone know? Too much demand? I'm on the west coast - does that distance/delay cause the problem for me? I mean nothing at all ever showed up, just blank, "0" showing up in the doll category. Anyone know? I am a frequent & long-time buyer on Etsy, so I'd really like to know what happened.
Posted by: sk | April 30, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Wow... crazy update! Would have loved a doll, but by the time I refreshed, there were only two on the screen, and they were sold before I could check out :-( MAYBE... could an occasional softie be listed outside of the update? That would be a lucky find indeed while everyday browsing on etsy!
Posted by: GirlieGirl | April 30, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Emily..the updates are so exciting! I was hoping for some pins, maybe next time.
Still fun to watch everything disappear in 60 seconds! crazy.
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer | April 30, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Hi Emily,
I am so sad I lost out on buying one of your Dolls! I had one in my cart and went to get another doll and then they both were gone! I was already signed in and I thought when it was in the cart that it was mine to buy. I was wrong.
Posted by: Cindy | April 30, 2008 at 02:15 PM
Wondering if something is wrong with Etsy, or too much traffic on the site? I have been refreshing your shop on Etsy for the last 15 mins. but nothing yet...
Posted by: sk | April 30, 2008 at 02:10 PM
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
*cries many tears* I missed my creaping bunny by a nanosecond! OH MANNNNNN I was all set and ready to get it but BOOM it was GONE.
Will there be any more originals or creeping bunnies! and it is only 7 minutes after 2! DANG IT! *is beyond sad now*
Posted by: nan | April 30, 2008 at 02:09 PM
these really are beautiful. i love the velvet...and their gorgeous faces.
have to admit that i am sitting here with a wee frown on my face though as i tried to buy one but they were all gone before i could get through the shopping cart steps. i wanted to sit one of these adorable girls next to my sewing machine to keep me company as i sew...next time i hope.
congratulations on such a great update!
happy wednesday to you!
Posted by: liz elayne | April 30, 2008 at 02:09 PM
eheheeee awesome update, 2 min later everything was sold! Congratulations :)
Posted by: annejulie | April 30, 2008 at 02:08 PM
:( no pins. (im crying now)
good job on the update, so many nice things.
will we be seeing prints of the new originals?
Posted by: meg | April 30, 2008 at 02:08 PM