130cm Fabric Anime Repair and Maintenance Log

GDP2000 · Post by **GDP2000** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 1:05 am

Kinda long winded title but I plan on making multiple posts on keeping my girl in top condition.

The first entry is going to be on a loose shoulder. and how to tighten with minimal invasive procedures.

Tools needed :
Allen Wrench 4mm

1. Remove outer skin to expose shoulder seam.
2. Feel for bolt with hole for wrench.
3. Position arm where hole will be close to seam.
4. Move Allen Wrench through seam and guide to bolt.
5. Tighten to desired level. (You may have to hold the arm while tightening)
6. Remove Allen Wrench and smooth seam and stitching.
7. Inspect for desired results.

Notes:
Bolts may be inverted on each side. Left in the back and right in the front.

Pictures were taken after tightening the left and while tightening the right.

samara78 · Post by **samara78** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 1:16 am

Awesome.

Byakuya Kuciki · Post by **Byakuya Kuciki** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 1:28 am

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! I really appreciate you posting this. The elbow joints on my girl are very loose, but I was hesitant to do anything because I was not sure how complicated the process would be. I would hate to damage her in any way. Ill have to give this a go when I have the time.

GDP2000 · Post by **GDP2000** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 2:07 am

I will continue adding to this thread each time I have to fix something on my girl. I know enough about design and sewing I can easily maintain her and try to find the minimally invasive way to do it. If I do have to get major with it I will go step by step taking pictures as I perform the procedure. I will only perform a major procedure once I have a plan or two in place.

I want this to be a guide to make fabric doll ownership as pleasant and as easy as possible.

matt gloss · Post by **matt gloss** » Sun Jan 14, 2018 2:46 am

Wonderful thankyou
MG

GDP2000 · Post by **GDP2000** » Wed Jan 24, 2018 11:47 pm

Ok, today's entry is on tightening a loose hip.

I notices one of Mina's legs was getting loose, eventually it was a bit too loose. so feeling around her hip I found the bolt. Where the leg bends you can feel it through the skins, it sticks out a bit.

How to get to the bolt.

1. Remove head and clothes.
2. Fold arms to hold elbows in front
3. Unzip outer skin and peel down as far as you can, comfortably
4. Make your doll lean forward at the waist
5. Bend loose leg at hip up into slightly seated position.
6. Reach arm down back around hip and to the location of the bolt.
7. See tightening methods

Tightening methods.

-No Tools-

1. Firmly pinch the nut in your fingers through the inner skin.
2. Tighten as much as you can, comfortably

Notes - You can't get them all that tight with this method but if you're ok with your doll being a little loose it is fine.

-With Tools-

*Warning! This could cause some minor damage!*

1. Slide hand between skins with 4mm Allen Wrench to location of the hip bolt.
2. Attempt to insert allen wrench through inner skin hip seam.
3. Move wrench towards loose hip bolt.
4. Semi seated position allows for longer end to be inserted and threaded through, small end is used to tighten.

Notes - The stitching for the iiner skin hip seam is tighter than the shoulder seams.
Be careful not to pinch the inner skin with the tool as this can cause a tear to form. (found out the hard way)

Mr_Cthulu · Post by **Mr_Cthulu** » Thu Jan 25, 2018 12:55 am

Just wondering does the bolt tightening also apply to the dagmar bodies as well since I feel (and could be wrong) they would share a similar frame?

Byakuya Kuciki · Post by **Byakuya Kuciki** » Thu Jan 25, 2018 2:18 am

Mr_Cthulu wrote:Just wondering does the bolt tightening also apply to the dagmar bodies as well since I feel (and could be wrong) they would share a similar frame?

wondering this myself.

GDP2000 · Post by **GDP2000** » Sun Jan 28, 2018 10:59 pm

Probably scaled up but don't be afraid to feel around for similarities.

GDP2000 · Post by **GDP2000** » Sat Feb 03, 2018 12:29 pm

So I was thinking, TPE dolls have their maintenance routine. Why not fabric dolls too.

Fabric does have the issues of being porous and absorbent. They could get filthy and harbor allergens way more easily. Occasional spot cleaning can keep them looking good but I'm thinking of a monthly deep clean that will keep your doll and you healthy. This should include cleaning methods and spot removal if necessary.

-Deep Cleaning List-

-Baking soda and peroxide paste is used for general spot removal.
-Right now I'm using Siege Teddy Bear Cleaner for any dirt and dust that gets on the skin. I'll have to look around for other options as well.
-Wigs are washed with wig specific shampoos. (I don't use cheap wigs)
-All easily reachable joints are inspected and adjusted as needed. (this can be done each time before playing with your doll too)
-Clothes are washed.

Notes:
-Possibly Scotchgard

GDP2000 · Post by **GDP2000** » Thu Feb 08, 2018 8:34 pm

Today's post is going to be on sewing and clothes.

Here is an infographic on some basic hand stitches.

I haven't had to sew anything yet but the time will come when I need to, be it on the doll or to tailor some clothes to fit her better.

Clothing size off the rack is between 6-8. Underwear is around 4-5. Shoe sizes are around 10 or 11 and can help the doll hold some poses and stand better. Costumes can be fun too. The 130cm Fabric Anime doll is small and asian in physique, finding the right size of clothes will require a bit of trial and error so check out thrift stores. This way you don't spend too much and you can practice tailoring if you find something you like on your doll if it is too loose.

You can get a decent sewing kit for about $10 and any craft store will carry the different types of needles as shown in the picture.

GDP2000 · Post by **GDP2000** » Tue Apr 10, 2018 10:41 pm

Another part of this thread will be on making improvements to the doll. For the first foray into this, minimally invasive, I will look into getting more realistic faces to work. This may involve mannequins or masks. some may need to be cut to fit better.

roninfiertze · Post by **roninfiertze** » Wed Apr 11, 2018 1:22 am

This all looks so familiar to me...

My very heavily modified anthro doll project is based on this same doll.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=92551

GDP2000 · Post by **GDP2000** » Wed Apr 11, 2018 11:20 am

roninfiertze wrote:This all looks so familiar to me...

My very heavily modified anthro doll project is based on this same doll.

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=92551

I saw that one too, looked pretty good by the time it was done and the step by step pictures of the progress was great. I want to create something like that but with basic maintenance and repairs on this doll to make owning it much easier.

This doll is very affordable and so many are turned off by the anime art part of it. There aren't many options for different heads for them and nobody really sells masks designed for them. There are a couple of more "realistic" masks but those are usually sold with the doll and not separately. With a wider range for faces it would be a very economical option for those wanting to own a doll but not have to deal with paying alot or having it weigh too much.

nanakoDX · Post by **nanakoDX** » Wed Apr 25, 2018 12:21 am

I have a very similar doll coming in. I was wondering if you have seen any staining from clothes or wigs on your doll? I have mostly bought light-colored clothes so far and I know that everything I buy needs to be washed before it's worn regardless but just wanted to see what your experience has been.