BlytheLife.com opened in July 2010 and is a blog and resource hub for all things Blythe!
Blythe On A Budget: The “D” Word
Written on October 9, 2013 at 12:00 pm by MichelleFiled under: Article with tags: blythe on a budget
The dreaded “D” word that nobody wants to hear: diet. Specifically, I am referring to the phrase dolly diet. As a dreadfully unemployed, full-time student who spends all of her “free” time either studying or online (socialization doesn’t typically occur in my life – sad but true). Due to this unemployment state, I don’t get to buy as many dolly things as I would like. With unlimited funds, I would probably do things like… Buy a Parco or pricey custom doll on a whim, buy a minty Kenner or all the Middies just because I could. But I don’t have unlimited funds, so what’s a girl to do?
Dolly diet time!
Because I do budget some small amount of funds towards “fun” purchases, I’ve reduced the amount that I feel is appropriate to spend because the ‘fun’ money needs to also cover eating out, new clothes and other fun things. I’m sure that I’m not the only person in the doll community who needs to budget for dolly shopping. I tend to ‘binge’ shop, mostly because I have to go periods without buying doll things. So for the month of October, and until the next of the term (December), I have decided to not spend more than $10 a month on doll-related purchases.
Time to sew?
This means no doll purchases, and likely no purchases until December when I can combine all the funds into one purchase. It will be a good break from spending because I’ll be keeping myself on track by not spending copious amounts of money on dolly goods. The best way that I can ‘save’ is by shopping locally – like when others in my local doll group is purging out sundries! In addition, I could also spend time crafting for my dolls – I do have fabric, thread and elastic (not to mention all the patterns that I have!). It could be less expensive overall if I only use supplies that I have on hand!
Like with all things in life, it’s important to consider how much you can afford to spend and to factor in extra costs before making a purchase – like shipping! Things you should consider before making a purchase online:
- Cost of item
- Cost of shipping for one item (or multiple items)
- Potential custom fees
Generally speaking, when you’re buying an item online the cost of the item is just the beginning. There’s always additional costs to consider, especially when you’re making an international purchase that requires shipping and has the potential of incurring custom fees!
I have bought honestly maybe two doll related things in the past 16 months. I was employed for most of those as well! Just not terribly profitably! Now that I’m not, I don’t think I’ll get getting anything at all.
It’s annoying because I feel like it shouldn’t matter and I should just be able to feel happy taking photos, working with what I’ve got, and making stuff, but… yeah. It’s a funny hobby like that. It gets me down when I can’t spend money, I think it’s part of the community culture tbh. I mean, it’s nice having new stuff! I totally get it! But as a hobby on a budget, it’s not the best.
I completely understand the budget dilemma! My dolly funds come completely from my etsy sales. Since I only work a 60% contract, all of the funds from my “real” job go toward our household expenses, and there’s not much left over for non-essentials. Anyhow, you’d think that I would be satisfied to sew clothes for my own girls . . . I mean, I do have the skill set to do that! Funny thing is . . . I would rather sell a bunch of stuff in my etsy shop and then turn around and buy something from someone else’s etsy shop. It’s like an illness . . . 🙂
Here, here. I’m from the “chronically underfunded” lot as well. Most of my money goes towards medications these days. I’m okay with having a limited family of dollies, and I love to design and sew outfits for them. I have lots of craft items to work with, too. But the one problem that I am having is the craving for dolly shoes. There are so many cute ones out there that I would love to buy but the time you factor in shipping costs, it can get a bit pricey. Silly when you consider that the little buggers never walk on them … or do they? mwhahaha!
This thread really touches a chord. As a newbie, I’ve thrown myself wholeheartedly (as I do) into my new hobby. When I started I thought oh, just one doll will do. Famous last words…. It is like an addiction. I have just been to Blythecon and I had a lovely splurge – but now? Well, my job has come to an end, so – DIET. DOLLS & CLOTHES. I can no longer spend money on what is essentially an extravagance. I have thought about starting a little online shop so that it’s completely self-funding. I can make clothes, I have fabric, I have yarn. (I just can’t make glittery little shoes, LOL).
Thankfully I haven’t had to use the D word just yet although I am trying to control my spending.
LOL Like Gill, I am a newbie and I thought I’d just buy 1 doll also… boy was I wrong, I just bought my second Neo, and 6 LPS Blythes. lol
Oh dear, I may have slipped in my diet a little…! Pam – I’m glad I’m not alone LOL. what is it about these dolls? They’re just too lovely :).
LOL Gill, I don’t know. I am having so much fun!
So am I, Pam, some of friends/family think I’m mad….but I love my hobby 😀
I’ve just found your lovely blog – I’m going to make a cuppa and have a quick browse before I turn in (it’s late here!). 🙂
lol Gill mine do too!
My blog is blythes right now, but I am thinking I may end up changing it to all dolls, they seem to be addictive.
I just did my blog to share with a few people I know who like dolls!
You are so right – I’ve found I’ve been looking at other dolls too…and I LOVE your little cabbage patch dolls – I think I need help LOL. I think a blog is a great way to share an interest – especially something as visual as Blythe 🙂
Yes my friend has been telling me all the dolls she’s been collecting and so I am getting the itch to buy some lol… love the Ever After Dolls. Yes the blog is great, especially since I am learning to sew, good way to watch my progress.