I'm trying to learn about these gorgeous dolls by browsing around here and googling etc. But I have some questions I can't find answers. May I ask here?

1) One thing I'm confused about, what does it mean when it says "single" or "double" head usage? Is it something to do with whether or not you can turn the head?

2) Are there any close up pictures of their hands? I'm curious how detailed the hands/fingers etc are.

3) Do the standing dolls all need support to stand or can they stand alone? I keep seeing stands advertised but don't know if they're essential or optional.

4) What is the shoulder plate? It sounds ugly! Is it just what lets their arms move?

5) In your opinion, are Himmies real looking? Or are they realistically proportioned beautiful DOLL like creations? If you see what I mean? I mean, can you pretend it's a real little girl or would you be stopped short by the dollyness?

6) Sorry, one more question. Roughly how heavy are these dolls? (I can't shift much weight!)

Anyone who doesn't mind helping me learn, thanks very much! I keep getting tempted to buy one (previously loved!) but feel I don't know enough about them.

Hi Lindilou see if i can help any
1) One thing I'm confused about, what does it mean when it says "single" or "double" head usage? Is it something to do with whether or not you can turn the head?
THIS MEANS IF THE SCULPT OF THE HEAD HAS BEEN USED ONCE OR TWICE
2) Are there any close up pictures of their hands? I'm curious how detailed the hands/fingers etc are.
I WILL SEE IF I HAVE SOME PICS

3) Do the standing dolls all need support to stand or can they stand alone? I keep seeing stands advertised but don't know if they're essential or optional.
YES THEY DO NEED STANDS

4) What is the shoulder plate? It sounds ugly! Is it just what lets their arms move?
NOT SURE WHAT YOU MEAN HERE?

5) In your opinion, are Himmies real looking? Or are they realistically proportioned beautiful DOLL like creations? If you see what I mean? I mean, can you pretend it's a real little girl or would you be stopped short by the dollyness?
TO ME THEY ARE AS REAL AS CAN BE (I CALL ALL MINE MY LITTLE GIRLS)

6) Sorry, one more question. Roughly how heavy are these dolls? (I can't shift much weight!)
THEY VARY DEPENDING ON SIZE MY 36 INCH GIRLS ARE BETWEEN 6 AND 7 KILO`S BUT THE 2007 GIRLS ARE MUCH LIGHTER
hope this helped hun

Thanks so much. The answer about the head made me laugh!

I'm kind of gutted to realise how heavy they are. I'd never be able to manage that, no way at all.
I'm still going to collect Himmies though...in photo form! Better than nothing eh? I do love looking at everyone's photos on here.

(The little ones don't interest me as they wouldn't be a realistic size for the age the doll looks.)

Oh dear, I've just realised how very disappointed I am.

I am sorry that you are dissapointed. To me, some are more childlike than others. My Ilvi who is a 2007, does not feel so heavy and that she is a sitter makes her easier to carry (IMO). I feel that Ilvi and Tetti from 2007 are two of the most realistic Himmies.

Anne/Medici

Just to clarify, I'm not disappointed in the dolls themselves - they are stunning. I have really bad health problems, and that kind of weight is way too much for me to handle. It's really disappointing, but better I found out before I bought one!

I understand. I know that the earlier years of Himmie's carry lines of smaller dolls, whinch might be lighter Also the 2007 and 2008 mini's are wonderful. As I don't handle my dolls too much (I guess I'm too used to the antique dolls LOL), the weight isn't too important to me. I have heard, though that AH started using a different and much lighter vinyl in 2007, than the previous years vinyl.

Hope you can find your Himmie, that will be right for you.

Anne/Medici

yes the 2007s are much much lighter and a sitting Ilvy would probably be just the thing also dolls like Mava Lunna ect 06 are smaller but still realistic and you can usually pick them up now for a good price might be worth a look into

The 28 inch dolls from 2002 and 2003 are less evolved mechanically than the current dolls, but artistically they are just as wonderful. I have Tilly from 2003 and adore her! She doesn't way much at all compared to my 2005's and 2006's. Other small dolls I quite like are Elsa and Polly from 2003. Polly is a sitting doll and would probably be easier for you to lift. I don't know much about the older girls, but I would highly recommend deciding what you want and then looking over all the years to find the doll that is right for you. Newer dolls are not necessarily better depending on your collecting needs and wants.

How much can you lift? What size are you looking for? What is it you find most appealing about Himstedts (example: redressing)? What kind of expression is most appealing?

Ooh, now I'm getting my hopes up again. I didn't know they vary so much over the years and between each other. Thank you again for all taking the time to help me, I'm so grateful. I know it's only a doll, but ....

How much can you lift?
This is the problem. I have a reborn for sale that is just over 4lb and I find her very heavy. BUT, that kind of weight spread over a larger doll would be easier to handle I imagine. Also, a larger doll wouldn't get moved about so much, e.g. she's not going to be cuddling on my lap every night LOL.
I will do a check on what I could hold and fill in more detail here in case anyone has suggestions of particular dolls.

What size are you looking for?
I like the full size, not the kleiner kinder. I want something that looks realistic SIZE not just realistic proportions. Ideally that would appear to be a little girl between 4-8 years old in looks.

What is it you find most appealing about Himstedts (example: redressing)?
Well they just reach out and grab you by the heart don't they?
I love that they are like an imaginary little girl in your living room (I'm guessing).
I enjoy making clothes & redressing, and would like to be able to use real size girl clothes. And styling their hair would be fun. (I'm probably making some pure collectors scream in horror!)
I don't really like the stands, it spoils the illusion of reality for me, but I have no experience with this & I suppose you get used to it.

What kind of expression is most appealing?
HAPPY! I do like seeing the pensive etc, but the ones I love most are happy. Either playful happy or sweet happy. Some of the ones with teeth are very cute.

I'd never seen Himmies before I joined here, so it's all very new to me. But with so many dolls on sale now as people make room for the 2008's I keep seeing ones I like. (Quite confusing actually as there aren't many I don't like LOL) I sort of feel like they are all slipping through my fingers, but that's just me being silly. Do you see them for sale throughout the year?

Thanks a million to anyone who is taking an interest in this, I'd be lost without your help.
Lindilou

Hi Lindilou,

If you go to www.himstedtheaven.com then click on "Doll Gallery" you will be able to see all the dolls there.

Unfortunately, due to the weight of heavier dolls I wouldn't recommend anything taller than 30 inches. The 2005 line is also the heaviest dolls in my collection so it may be better to look at the smaller dolls to be unveiled later this year (hopefully) and earlier 2002 and 2003 dolls. The 2002 dolls were skinnier and finer-boned looking, but 2003 had chubby girls, too.

First, take a look at the Himstedt Heaven doll gallery (Majbritt did a fabulous job setting that up). The 2002 and 2003 dolls don't have full shoulders like 2004 on. So, sleeves are necessary on those dolls, but they are smaller.

Another thing to consider is that there is a "neck joint" on dolls before 2005 and sitting dolls may be easier for you to handle. Another option - which is a bit pricey - is a jointed doll but a lot of those are larger with the exception of this year's collection which are a bit smaller.

To see this year's and some recent years try the Himstedt site www.annettehimstedt.com.

Good luck!!!

Thank you so much Elphnst, that is great info, the sort of thing you don't know unless someone tells you. Exactly what I need!

I'm going to make a cup of tea and check out the Heaven link, what a treat!

I really appreciate your advice. Lindilou

Hi--

I agree that you should look for ones that are under the 30 inches.

You will find some nice prices on the 2002 dolls. These are definately petite.

If you like to collect photos, you might try to obtain a 2002 catalogue. Then, you'll have a pretty good idea about "double head usage" "size", etc.

Looks like your questions have been answered. But welcome!
Cher

how did I miss this thread? Thanks guys for helping and Laura, I think you would love the himmies...but I see your issue on the weight. 04 and 05 seemed to be the heaviest years for some reason? I have never owned one older than 03. But I agree that the 26-30 inch range might be your best bet for less weight but still realistically proportioned. I had Moni and Lisi from 03 and loved them...they were very cute...although solumn.

Good luck, cant wait to see the final verdict!

Hugs

Elisabeth