Customizing Caroline: Hannah Swensen from 'Murder, She Baked'

We don't watch a lot of new films or TV shows. In fact, our grandfather used to say that we couldn't watch anything in colour -- and wouldn't watch anything with actors who were still living. Not quite true, but old black-and-white films, Westerns, classic musicals, etc., have always been our favorites! But we do, occasionally branch out into newer films or shows (particularly Jane Austen themed British shows). Well, that's been the inspiration for some of our dolls, including Elizabeth's Margaret (Marie-Grace with new hair style) --- styled after the heroine of the 2004 mini-series "North and South", based on Elizabeth Gaskell's classic novel.

Here's Hannah with the first 'Murder, She Baked' novel -- which we haven't actually read yet!

Our newest addition to the family DVD shelf are the five Murder, She Baked TV shows. Mom stumbled on these at the library a couple of weeks ago, and we have really enjoyed them! The main character is Hannah Swensen, a baker in a small Minnesota town. She's very fun, perky and inquisitive. Elizabeth decided that she needed a Hannah doll -- and sooner than later. We played with the idea of using a Kit doll with a Tenney wig, but after some purchases of Tenney wigs fell through it seemed like we should consider other options. For a couple of days, Mom and I had really been suggesting that Elizabeth try a Caroline. Particularly appropriate, since we had a beautiful one who was standing unclaimed in the back of the cupboard. So, we looked at some more pictures of Hannah in the shows, and I assured Elizabeth that removing the wig and putting the part on at the side would make the difference. The eye colour was really the most perfect, so we decided to go for it! She couldn't be more perfect. At a later date, Elizabeth may paint some freckles on her, but we'll see if that happens or not. Here are photos of the doll and photos of Hannah (and Mike) in the shows.

So, Islandshire has a new inhabitant and gives a big welcome to Hannah! She is going to work for Eydie at the island's fanciest eating establishment, Eydie's Gourmets. Eydie will make all the main courses and fancy desserts, and Hannah will handle all the cookies!