Alternatives to doll carriers?

I have a Neewer photography and lighting carry case for my 70cm girl. I have a double MSD carrier from Coolcat. I think I want to make a violin carrying case for my SDs.

 

For only bringing 3-4 dolls around with me, I use the Volks carrying cases. Most of the time I end up using the shopping bag from the Volks store (big canvas one that says Super Dollfie/Dollfie Dream on opposite sides) because it can hold about 10 1/3 scale dolls at a time.

 

For my first convention I bought one of those pet backpacks with a window in the front hard-shelled lid. Then I attached it to a three wheeled stair-climber frame with some bungie cord so it could spare my poor back and be rolled around like wheeled luggage.

The downsides are that specific backpack is just a bit short, so my girls had to fold a bit inside their padding/blanket rolls, and as this was for a driving trip I would not recommend this setup for flying.

It was solid enough to hold a couple MSD sized dolls safely and roomy enough to fit the padding and an extra bag for carrying around the convention. And it was fun to set up my doll inside the case so she looked like she was leaning forward with her hands on the inside of the window to get a look around : D

Convention transport

 

I've used a few different things to carry my girls around; mainly tote bags and backpacks, as I haven't really done any serious traveling that required more than the bare minimum of protection. I'd probably shell out for something more legit if that were the case, or actually try to finish my forever-stalled steamer trunk conversion.

 

I've seen some violin shaped cases for sale and violin cases that have been modded to fit dolls. It's a nice fit if you have a 1/3 doll or 1/4 dolls.

 

I bought a (I think it's tenor? The biggest) ukele case for my 72cm boy. I had to bend his knees a bit for him to fit, when it was supposed to be long enough but oh well xD. It was a soft case, for bringing him to BJDC in August, so I didn't need something heavy duty for like a plane or anything.

 

I think mostly any size bag will do so long as you make sure to pad it with lots and lots of soft material. Like really a lot. Unless you want to see the doll at the same time then I recommend maybe a pet carrier?

 

I use a Betsy Johnson travel bag! It measures 19" L × 9" W × 11" H. I took 3/4" thick foam sheets and made inserts for the bag to make protective layers (bottom, middle, top) and to do the same to the sides too (all foam pieces are covered in a satin slip to prevent damaging the wigs). I can carry one SD and a 1/6 on each of the two layers comfortably, or six slim 1/4 between the two layers total.


(Image above: black betsy johnson bag with white panel that has black bow)

(Image above: foam inserts in satin slipcovers)

 

That bag is adorable!!!

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Because I am a Big Boy 70cm collector, suitcases and large duffel bags are usually required for travel. They are too heavy for shoulder bags, especially if I am carrying more than one.

I recently got into the OB11/nendo size BJDs and was pleasantly surprised they fit into a craft organizer! Lol

 

Truth be told, I just use a large Longchamp nylon tote bag and wrap all of my dolls in pillow cases My SDs sit upright on top with their legs full outstretched, and all the smaller dolls lay on top of the legs. I throw in some doll cushions on top to make sure they don't just go flying around in there, and I'm basically done. In the past I've used my school backpack, and an easel carrier. Honestly if my collection gets any larger, I might just use my carry on suitcase altogether.