My Chatty Cathy doll collection

A friend asked me where I'd put my Chatty Cathy dolls which used to be in the dining room cabinet. I had briefly put them in there before I added my fabric stash. I admit I'm a fabric addict. I love looking at the gorgeous colours of the fabrics each day, and I'm loath to put them all in my new craft room, as I wouldn't be able to see them up there.

Here's a picture of my Ikea cabinet in my bedroom, where I store a few of my Chatty Cathy dolls:

I got my first Chatty when I was 4 years old, Christmas Eve, 1964:

I've always loved dolls and the new dolly smell! I kept my Chatty carefully in her box, and she moved with me when I got married in 1982, and spent many years in a closet until 2002, when I rediscovered Chatty all over again on eBay. I have 20+ Chatties; I've never counted them. I've met quite a few good friends through doll groups online, and I also opened a little boutique for designing and sewing clothes for the dolls.  (Updated: 2021....Telus deleted all the websites so my site is no longer available)

 Chatty has been a joy to collect. 2009 is a special year for her, as she is turning 50!

By Loretta Houben