I am, unfortunately, not attending BlytheCon this year in NYC. While I would love to attend BlytheCon (I didn’t attend the one in Texas either), it is just not in the cards for me. At least not when it’s in October and I’ve got this pesky thing called school. Plus it costs a small fortune to fly from where I live to NYC (approximate cost is 1.5 Kenners, give or take – this does not include accommodations or spending money, it’d probably be able 2.5 Kenners all said and done), and I just don’t have that kind of cash at the moment – but a girl can dream! You know the true doll fans are those that measure costs of things in dolls, Kenners or otherwise.

Next August, I’ll be in Seattle for BlytheCon 2014! Are you going?

Only another week or so (BlytheCon NY is occurring on October 13th this year), and then I’ll be able to drool everyone’s photos of their fantastic swag and all the gorgeous dolls gathered into one place.

Are you going to BlytheCon NY? What’s on your shopping list while you’re there?

In preparation for one of the biggest events in the Blythe world, that’s happening in August, I interviewed one of the co-organizers for BlytheCon 2012. It’s happening on August 5th, 2012 in Dallas.

Hi Erica! What can you tell us about yourself and how you discovered Blythe?
Hi everyone! I am 30 years old, from New York City. I discovered Blythe by doing a simple Flickr search. I typed in the most random thing and she came about. Her beautiful big eyes caught my attention. When that happened, I need to learn everything and anything about her.

I know that Dallas is a bit far from home for you and Mara, your partner in organizing BlytheCon 2012. Why did you two decide on Dallas, Texas?
Previously, the last two BlytheCons were in Atlanta, GA, and Portland, OR. These two locations were on each side of the USA. We decided to do it in the smack center of the USA this time!

What has been the most challenging aspect of organizing a convention so far from home?
The challenging part is not seeing the space from our own eyes. Judging the limit in attendees was very difficult. We actually had to close registrations until we were able to figure out how to make more space for more than 200 people. Thankfully our good dolly friend Lauren (Cakewalk Queen) was so kind to take the time and scout the venue for us. She was able to give us some kind of insight on where things are. Lauren recorded a video for us and helped us see how we can make seating arrangements. Mara and I did some math and we were able to fit in about 60 more guests.

What’s one thing that’s new to the USA-based BlytheCon this year that hasn’t been done previously?
We are featuring demonstrations in 3-4 different categories. We wanted attendees to not only shop and socialize, but gain some knowledge in how to do basic customization, sew, knit/crochet and re-root. We are so thankful for the talented people who have donated their knowledge and time to teach our fellow dolly enthusiasts.

What has been the most fun part of organizing BlytheCon?
I think knowing all the details and seeing everything come together is the most fun part for me. I enjoyed designing the website! I also had fun setting up all of the artwork for stickers, post cards and other little things we will include in the goodie bags. Everything looks so cute, I hope everyone likes it!

How will people staying at home be able to keep up with the happenings during the event?
We have set up an Instagram account. You can find us there under @blythecon. We have an “instagram-otographer”, who will post photos before and during the event. We are trying to figure out a way to have a live stream/feed set up somewhere. We wont know much about that until probably day of or a few days before.

Logo designed by Effluo/Lirije.

What are you looking forward to most during BlytheCon?
Seeing all of our hard work come together! I think its going to be awesome. I am also looking forward to meeting everyone for the first time and shopping!

What kind of pre- and post- events are there for people to attend and take part in?
We have a few things planned! On Friday, I am inviting a few friends to my room for a slumber party. We’re just going to hang out and see how many dollies we can fit on the bed! Then on Saturday, we will have a big pool party in the Gaylord Texan Hotel & Convention Center. After the pool party, we will have a big dinner at Riverwalk Cantina (a restaurant inside of the hotel). After dinner, if anyone is feeling up for it, we may have another slumber party, part two!. Sunday is our main event. As for post-event we haven’t planned anything, as the event will pretty much be all day. The event ends at 10pm, and many people are leaving the day after.

What can we expect from you and your vendor space during BlytheCon?
You will find my shirts in every color for Blythe. I think my table might actually be boring compared to some. I haven’t put much thought into my vendor space as I’ve been so busy finalizing everything with the event. Hopefully this week I can put a final touch on my table.

Erica’s number one girl, Florence.

Thanks so much for doing this interview with me, Erica! What kind of advice do you have for someone who’s traveling with Blythe?
I would say never check in your bag with your Blythe dolls. Bring them on the plane with you. Don’t worry, TSA will not stop you, they don’t care really. The risks are higher when you check them in. You can also ship them ahead of time if you have a friend living locally. Personally I am bringing them on the plane, all 10+ of them! Just to make sure they are with me at all times!

Thanks for having me! It’s fun talking about BlytheCon! Hope to see you in 2013!

BlytheCon 2011 occured this year in Portland, Oregon. It happened on June 20th (Monday) and it was a blast. The venue was Venue Pearl, which was easy enough for me to find from the nearest MAX station. It was so much fun. There were so many people, a lot of vendors and a lot of dolls to see and (politely) drool over.

(If you want to find out more about the photos, click on them and it’ll lead you to the Flickr pages for those photos!)

irulethegalaxy’s Matilda surveying the crazy that is BlytheCon:

Squirrel Junkie’s amazing nautical Kenner display:

Gorgeous custom dolls:

More gorgeous custom dolls:

irulethegalaxy’s amazing Kozy (Matilda) again:

More and more gorgeous custom dolls:

Cute display on a vendor’s table (I loved the Hello! sign):

luxielou’s gorgeous Zella (Gbaby custom):

Super cute outfits on equally cute dolls:

I hadn’t seen Petites before BlytheCon, so getting to see them was a treat (I also never saw customs, BLs, FBLs or Kenners in person before):

On Sunday June 19th, there was a Early Bird Meet for those already in Portland for BlytheCon. It was organized by happibug and happened at Director Park. It also happened to be my very first Blythe Meet ever. Here are some of the photos that I took while I was there:

(If you click on the photos, it’ll lead you to the Flickr pages for them where there’s more information – some of the dolls I’m unsure of who they belong to, unfortunately.)

Photos from the actual BlytheCon (June 20th) will be going up on Friday!

Artwork by Rabbitine /  Badge design by keyinherpocket

In just two weeks, BlytheCon 2011 will be happening out in Portland, Oregon.

I know a lot of Blythe fans are super excited about BlytheCon happening stateside this year and I, for one, am excited that it’s on the west coast! For those that don’t know, I live in British Columbia, Canada. Which is about a small hop and skip away from Portland (for the geographically challenged, BC is right above Washington state, which is right above Oregon) and that means that I will be there and I’m so looking forward to meeting people who are also dolly-minded.

A side note: If you want to look for me, I’m going to make it super easy for you to find me – I’ll be the doll crazy girl holding onto two Blythes. Oh wait, that’ll be most people there! I’ll have to think of some way to make me easily identifiable.

This week’s question of the week:

Are you attending BlytheCon on June 20th? If you are – how many dolls are going with you? If you’re not – are you going to be do a Blythe Meet around that date for a mini-BlytheCon?