HARUMIKA alternative?

hampshirebabe

I've been looking at these dolls for my daughter, but they seem very expensive for what they are. One reviewer said her daughter would have been just as happy with an artists manaquin and the scraps of fabric.
If anyone has got this toy, would that work instead or is it worth getting the proper thing?

squeakysue

My daughter has this toy and it is fab, keeps her quiet for ages, I even enjoy having a go! I would say the mannequin is definitely worth getting as it is the way you tuck the fabric in the back that makes the different outfits. I would recommend getting just a basic set with the mannequin then cutting up your own fabric squares and ribbons from stuff at home etc for extra outfit options. I bought a set of fabric scraps off eBay to add to my daughters selection too.

peachyprice

My daughter has several Harumika dolls and like squeakysue she cuts up her own fabric and ribbons too. He's had an awful lot of use out of hers and loves it.

I can't really see how an artists mannequin would work without sewing and pins TBH, the appeal with the Harumika dolls is that it's quick and easy to make and change outfits without being fiddly.

I'm sure I saw an advert recently for something very similar but can't remember which make it was.

hampshirebabe

Thanks, theres a crayola one thats similar but you use sticky dots to hold it together at the back. But I'll keep an eye on ebay for a second hand one. Thanks. :-)

peachyprice

That was the one! I would imagine the sticky dots would lose their stickyness eventually.

If you have a Smyths toy store near you they sometimes have them reduced.


ETA:

Oh, just looked they have a starter set reduced to £12.99!

http://www.smythstoys.com/Search4/Shop_Product_List.aspx?Profile=Sterling&query=harumika

Millie's_Mum

You can pick Harumika up cheaply sometimes (keep an eye on Home Bargains and Debenhams sales) but you can get 'Fashion Angels' toys and pads in The Works which are brilliant, not quite as hands on as Harumika but a similar idea