How Do You Repair A Thumbelina Doll?
The Thumbelina doll (in sizes 14, 16, 19 and 21 inches) by Ideal was one of the most popular baby dolls produced in the 1960s. Attesting to their much-loved state, years later many Thumbelina dolls no longer have their characteristic “wiggle” or are in need of other repairs. There are certain steps that a collector can take to repair their Thumbelina and put her back in proper working condition. First, slowly unwind the wire tie around the neck that attaches the doll’s body and head. Winding this tie too many times will result in it breaking. Carefully remove staples at neck. Remove head and wooden donut/ring inside neck. The gear box is attached to a rod that goes through the wood ring at neck and into the doll’s head. Cleaning the body: the cloth body should be spot-free and a nice medium shade of pink. “Spot” cleaning can result in stains on the cloth and is not advised. The cloth body may be fully cleaned in gentle detergent like cold-water Woolite or a no-chemical detergent for ba
