BlytheLife.com opened in July 2010 and is a blog and resource hub for all things Blythe!
Interview with Kimberly of Rosiee Gelutie & Giveaway!
Written on May 10, 2013 at 12:00 pm by MichelleFiled under: Featured, Giveaway with tags: Rosiee Gelutie
I first met Kimberly in Portland in 2011! She was one of the first Blythe people that I met “in real life” and she made me feel welcome at my first ever Blythe meet. I asked her if she’d be interested in doing an interview with me for BlytheLife and fortunately she was! She’s the mastermind behind Rosiee Gelutie, to learn more – continue to read!
Hi Kimberly! What can you tell us about yourself and how you discovered Blythe?
I’m a 41 year old Hair Stylist with a Mortuary Science Degree. I had seen pics of Blythe around and was always drawn to her. I remember seeing a book in a bookstore that had Blythe doing everyday things. I loved that book but couldn’t afford it. In 2001 I was at a toy show and there were tons of them (the whole first BL series). I bought my first Blythe that day (a BL Hollywood) for $50. I was so excited to own one!!! Had I known then what I know now I would have bought one of each!
How big is your Blythe family? Who’s your favourite?
I have 45 Blythes (this includes 2 Blybe’s that are my mini me and my bestie’s mini me, 3 Icy’s, 2 Middie’s, a Jecci 5 and an ADG). Gertie is my very favorite Blythe in the whole wide world, aside from Gertie’s Bestie Elouise.
Where does the name Rosiee Gelutie come from?
Rosiee Gelutie is an anagram of My Bestie Mandy’s girl Elouise and my girl Gertie! I tried many combinations before I settled on Rosiee Gelutie.
How did you get started in sewing for dolls?
I started sewing for Blythe because I love crafting. The very first item that I made for them was a Donutzie. I wanted to create a Pal that could be held by them and be fun.
What made you decide to start selling what you make?
I knew that I wanted to open a shop to sell items that would allow me to visit my Best Friend in Australia every other year. I thought it be selling knitted hats, bags and aprons for Humans. But it ended up being Donutzies and Clothing for Blythe!
What went through your mind when you made your first sale? How about when you first saw something you crafted (and sold!) being photographed?
I was tickled! My very first Blythe item sale was a Donutzie. I was super excited to package him up and send him off! And the first time I saw an item that I made photographed, it made my heart warm. I still get a huge smile on my face every time I see someone’s girl in an outfit or bedding, or with a Donutzie that I’ve created.
What has been your biggest learning curve when you went from sewing for humans to sewing for dolls?
I did some Costuming when I was in College (I was a Theater Major before Hair and Mortuary) and I sewed some items for myself but I never enjoyed it. I always felt like I was fighting the machine and lost in construction. When I say that I thought I would make bags and aprons in my Etsy shop, I thought I’d fight my way through it (I’d only made a few aprons and never a bag btw)! It wasn’t until I started sewing for Blythe that construction and pattern making finally made sense! I just finished making a bag for my Mom for her Birthday and it all made sense! I’m actually gathering tools to make a shirt pattern for myself now. Sewing Doll Clothing has changed my whole approach to and understanding of sewing!
All crafters have their own routine when they have the time to sit down and craft, what’s your routine?
I think my only routine for sewing in to go into my Hobby Room. That is my “special” place. I walk in and if it’s an utter disaster I have to clean it first and while cleaning I’m looking at the items I’m putting away and gaining some focus for creation. Then if I’m in a mood to cut things out, I’ll sit on the floor in front of my mini ironing board and do that. Or I’ll start sewing or just picking out fabric that is calling to me if that’s what I’m in the mood for. I usually have the Netflix cued up on my ipad (I’m really into Miami Vice right now). I like everything organized and a spot for everything.
Where do you find your inspiration for your designs?
I love simple lines and late 60’s to early 70’s designs. I keep building on to patterns I’ve already created. Just thinking of new things to add (sleeves, collar, buttons) or to shorten this or lengthen that. Sometimes someone will say “I’d love to see more of some type of item” and I start sketching away. Sometimes I sew something weird and then think if I do this and put this here… Hey! New pattern! Accidents can be happy creations!
What has been your favourite piece of Blythe clothing that you’ve made so far? Which Donutzie has been your absolute favourite?
Ooo! That’s a hard question. I really don’t know. I think I’d have to say that I enjoy the pieces that are made out of very limited vintage fabric the most. Simply because they are OOAK items. My favorite Donutzie was Gertie’s very first Donutzie that was green with a hot pink back. His name was Limey and we lost him at BC Dallas. I was devastated and looked every where for him and asked everyone else to keep an eye out. My Husband says that Limey ran away to join the Rodeo and that it was his plan all along, once Limey knew we were going there. So I like to think that he is riding some big stallion in Texas with a ten gallon hat! 🙂
What is your favourite aspect of running your own business?
I love challenging myself to learn new things. I also really enjoy try to achieve the goals that I set for myself.
What would you say is your most irreplaceable tool for sewing and crafting?
My iron. From start to finish I’m using this tool. I couldn’t sew without it!
How have you improved as a crafter? What tips do you have to share?
The first thing that I attempted to sew for Blythe were made out of felt. I created Donutzies and then a simple dress pattern. Then I progressed to Slacks (made out of fabric) and Bedding. After Blythe Con Dallas I had a lot of ideas but lacked the skills to do more advanced things. So for months I labored at learning how to make patterns, set in sleeves and collars. I’ve gotten better at making patterns and at adding more details to items. It’s been a slow but steady process. I hope to continue to improve and evolve.
What can the Blythe community look forward to you in the future?
I’m not really sure but I will continue to work on creating new patterns and styles as they come to me. I will also work on improving the items that I make with practice.
Thank you for doing this interview with me, Kimberly! What kind of advice do you have for someone who’s new to the hobby?
Thank you for asking me to do this interview! This has been super fun and I am touched and honored that you asked me! Advice that I would give to new people in the hobby is to get involved, ask questions and have fun! 🙂
You can find out more about Kimberly on Flickr, Facebook and at her shop on Etsy!
Donutzie Playsuit & Donutzie Giveaway!
Kimberly has generously decided to giveaway one Donutzie Playsuit and matching Donutzie to one lucky reader here on BlytheLife!
The giveaway runs until Saturday May 18th 2013 at 11:59pm Pacific. The draw will be held on Sunday May 19th 2013 and the winner will be announced on BlytheLife.com. Remember to use a valid email address for all comments. If you win, your email will be forwarded to Kimberly so she can get in contact with you regarding sending you the prize.
Please only use one email address per person, those using multiple email addresses for more entries will be disqualified.
Awesome interview. Really great to learn some interesting facts about Kimberly!
Thanks so much Stephanie! You are such a wonderful support!:)
Love the story. It was very inspirational for me.
You are so sweet!:)
I adore Kimberly. Such a generous free spirit. Thank you for running this raffle you guys!
That really warms my heart! Thank you!:)
I not only love Blythe (still have to have one but I will! one day!) but I learned some important business tip, nice interview. She’s very generous indeed, the clothing is beautiful!
Thank you for your wonderful compliments! Blythe has brought such joy to my life!:)
Great interview and I love the story.
Thank you so much!:)
Beautiful story, the donuts ummmmmm
Thank you! Go Nutzies for Donutzies!:)
I just love learning about other Blythe lovers. Your articles are always fun to read.
Michelle has an awesome gift for interviewing!:)
I am a fan of Rosiee Gelutie and of Kim. She is a lovely person with lots of cute ideas. I enjoyed this interview very much.
Thanks so much Maryanne! I really appreciate your support!:)
I remember Limey going missing in Dallas….if I’m correct he took someone’s boot with him 🙂
I still miss Limey but yes, I believe he’s got someone’s boot! LOL:)
I’ve loved Donutzies for ages but have not got one yet, but after reading about Kimberley it warms my heart to them more! If I don’t win this one I have to buy one!
Donutzies are loads of fun but careful! They can be highly addictive! He he!:)
Kimberly is one of the sweetest Blythe people I’ve ever met. It was really nice to learn more about her in this interview. 😀
Thank you Amanda! You are equally as sweet!:)
I just love Kimberly and her creations!!!!! Keep on Keeping on, girl!
Thanks so much Steph! I love ya too!:)
What an interesting interview – the sewing clothes bit really resonated with me 🙂 – I shall persevere. The clothes (and their models) are lovely and those donutzies are extremely adorable. Thanks too for the advice to newbies.
Thanks so much Gill! I appreciate the kind words! Please do press on! Sewing brings me such joy and the motivation of improvement is priceless!:)
I just love the donutzies, they are so fun!
Great interview, and thank you for sharing with us.
Thanks Karen! Donutzies are the ultimate Pal! They each have their own personality and they think you are fun too!;)
oooh I love the donitzies!!!
I’m so happy to hear that you are Going Nutzies for Donutzies!:)
I love it!!! You are doing such a fun and nice outfits! I am totally in!
Awww! Thank you so much!:)
Great interview! Thanks so much for the chance to win a Donutzie and matching playsuit I feel like thats something my girls are missing PLAYSUITS!!! Someday they will each have one of their own 🙂
Thank you so much and you are welcome! I look forward to the day when I can see your girls sporting RG PlaySuits and Donutzies!:)
Loved reading your interview Kimberly! I always wondered where the name Rosiee Gelutie came from and I was hoping you would find Limey!!!! 🙁 Thank you for sharing! :). I love my voodoo donutzie!!!!
You are so sweet! I keep hoping that someday Limey will find his way home! Thx Maribel!:)
I just love Kim’s creations!
winning this giveaway would be a wonderful bday present!
My fingers are crossed for you! Thank you!:)
Loved reading the interview 🙂
Thank you! That is really sweet of you to say!:)
we love love love kimberly! Rosiee Gelutie Fashions are fun and adorable!! Big hit at our house!!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your compliments and your support!:)
just love Kimberly & the donutzies & donutzie outfits! All my girls feel comfy in the dresses, playsuits & other outfits! Never had a an actual donutzie though – still need one!
Thx so much Barbara!!! Your comments make me smile!:)
We love Rosiee Gelutie so much that my Blythe’s refuse to cooperate getting dressed into anything else! So unique, fun and fresh! Talk about making a statement! Thank you Kimberly for sharing your talents!
He he! You are awesome Erica! Thanks so much for commenting and for your support!:)
Kimberly you know I love you & your clothes & of course donutzies! I am honored to have RG clothing for my girls – someone is always in at least one piece 🙂 HUGS!
Thx Biz! It tickles me to see your Girls frolicking in their RG Fashions with their Donutzies!:)
So happy for you! We love everything you make. You are such an awesome person! *hugs*
Thank you Sarah! You are even more awesome!!!! Hugs back at ya!:)
I adore your cute outfits and Donutzies!!! I’m yet to own a donutzie too 😀 Hoping to meet you IRL next month also!!! xxx
I am really looking foward to meeting you Jayne and I have about 70 Donutzies to put into people’s goody bags at Blythe Fest!:)
Socute!!!!
Thank you Deborah!:)
What a great interview! I’m a RG fan as well. Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
Thanks so much Diana! I appreciate your interest in the giveaway!:)
I loved reading your Blythe story Kimberly! My girls have a few of your cute outfits and dresses, and donutzies. Looking forward to meeting you at BF next month! 🙂
P.S. How wonderful to hear you have 45 girls!
Thanks so much Michelle!!! I am SUPER excited to meet you soon! 4 of my Girls will be coming with me! You’ve been supporting Rosiee Gelutie for a loooong time now and I really appreciate it!:)
Thanks for the giveaway!!!!
You are welcome!:)
LOVE, LOVE LOVE THESE! THANKS FOR THE GREAT GIVEAWAY!
Thank you!:)
We absolutely love Mrs Kimberly she is super groovy and she makes us simile 🙂 and we adore all of her wonderful Dountzies and all of her beautiful creations my Blythe girls love wearing Rosie Gelutie . It was wonderful to have had read Kimberly’s interview we thank you Kimberly for sharing it with us all . You rock pretty women 🙂 we send you Kimberly and all your girls a thousand hugs xx
Aww! Thx Emma! You are so sweet! XOXOXOX
Dude, you ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!! you know I love all my Rosiee Gelutie Creations xxxx
No, YOU ROCK!!!! I can’t wait to see you in a few weeks! Thanks for being such an inspiration and a support for me! I’m so blessed to have you as my Bestie!:)
Great interview! Keep up the good work 🙂
Thanks so much Nicole! I really appreciate your support!:)
what a great interview, and also a generous give away! as always fun to read 🙂
Thx so much Ruth! You are always such an inspiration to me!:)
Thank you for the great interview! It is always fun to hear the background of every creative artist!
You are so sweet! Thank you!:)
What a lovely interview! Kimberly seems like such a sweetheart who enjoys what she does. It was a first for me to hear about her and her incredibly adorkable donutzies. She’s definitely going to be my next etsy purchase!
Awww! Yay! You make me smile so big!:)
The cutest stuff everrrr!
He he! Thank you so much!:)
Awesome interview, i love your creations! Your donutzies are awesome!!
Thank you so much!:)
What a great interview!!! Kimberly is one of the sweetest and most giving people that I know!! ?
Sarah thank you so much! I really appreciate your kind words!:)
Kimberly is one of the most amazing people I know. She’s sweet and warm and funny and so very talented! (Not to mention incredibly generous). Love this woman <3
Thank you Jennifer! You are such a kind and wonderful person!:)