Alternatives to doll carriers?

I used to use Luts carriers but if I'm taking more than one big doll (I can fit three tinies in with a big doll in a carrier), I use my roll-along luggage case ^^ It's so much easier.

 

I have a vintage trombone case that I relined with padding and white velvet for my gang. I can fit one of my 60cm dolls along with two or more of the smaller dolls as well as a bunch of their stuff in it. It's amazingly sturdy, but the only problem that the case itself is very heavy!

 

I'll use my old Violin Case it can hold an SD or MSD! I just have to make sure my violin is safe when I use it!

 

My first doll carrier was a diaper bag I got in Target. I could fit two 60cm dolls sitting, plus at least two minis and several tinies. And it wasn't too expensive.

 

I usually carry Liliane in a luts 60cm doll bag with her volks pillows
but the bag has a metal bit on the side that sticks into my shoulder that really hurts after holding her for a long time ><
allot of the people who come to the meets use country road or mooks sports bags to carry so i decided to buy one as well >< soo much easier she just sits down now with her faceup mask on and her pillows.
its much easier i think also because people dont think im carrying an instrument around all the time.

 

I bet it also had many many pockets.

 

I use my husband's old tripod soft case. It opens up all the way flat and that makes it much easier to load and unload the dolls. It closes with a very long zipper and some velcro at one end. It is really roomy and has both regular handles and a shoulder strap. Camera bags tend to be expensive though - you might check ebay for used tripod carriers. I have cotton fabric yardage that I like too much to cut up for quilts. I use a yard and a half of fabric to wrap each doll securely. That way they can't rub or smudge one another in the carrier.

 

I was asking the same question and contemplating on getting a proper doll carrier a few months ago, but now, i have found a MUCH cheaper alternative that works equally well.

I find the kind of carrier you use depends on the size of your dolls. For my Puki Pukis, I just but them in their pillows and a small box and dump the box in my bag. For my Yo Sd - SD sized dolls I use a gym bag (not the soft ones, the one that holds it shape well) & use the pillows the dolls came with to protect the doll. It works really well with reasonable (medium) protection.

I can't find the pic of my bag, but here's a pic of a similar bag from the internet to give you an idea (add shoulder straps and you're there). I'll take some pics tonight and put it here. I paid US$17 for YoSd & MSD size and US$25 for SD size.

 

Oh~ I used my telescope bag, actually! xDD I sewed on some claps, and I added lots of cotton padding, but it works out well. Sadly, though, it's only good for carring, no protection. Which is okay, mind you - The reactions of a telescope bag randomly snapping in half [Kicky legs of DOOM!] gets great reactions.

 

I use a suitcase that I modified with a liner and straps, then painted the outside to make it more unique. I had so much fun making it (and it wasn't very hard) that I've picked up another vintage bag that's egg shapped with a wristlet to make a bag for my baha.

http://www.denofangels.com/forums/showthread.php?t=210020

 

Wow that's really cool!
If you don't mind me asking, how did you sew the D rings on the sides? Because the side looks so stiff I wouldn't think you could sew through it.

 

I use this Cinnamoroll Bag I got at the Sanrio Store XD

Though I don't like how I can't close it XD
So I'm going with prince_of_the_netherworld on sunday to hunt for bags XD

 

I'm back with the pictures ^^

Shoulder straps, medium protection. The bigger bag is for SD size(sitting position). Smaller fits Yo Sd size (Lying down), MSD (sitting position).


Close up look

 

I don't mind at all! I used a piece of webbing stuck the D ring into it then folded it over to make a small piece of strap. I used hand sewing thread (the heavier kind) and sewed it on. The canvas wasn't that thick, but I used one of those small rubbery needle grabber pads for quilting to pull the needle through. There is also a black plasticy band of that runs through the middle of the side that I couldn't sew through, so I just made sure the webbing was larger than the band giving me room to sew up the sides. I've used it a couple of times and haven't had any problems.

 

I actually have a baby carrier..sling...thing. My aunt gave it to my mom to carry our very old tiny dachshund in, but he hates it, so it ended up in my stuff. Its actually pretty handy, two big dolls and at least one more smaller doll would fit in easily, and since its made to hold up to a one year old, its pretty sturdy. The only problem is that its difficult to get on and off without unloading the whole crew first...
Well, that and passerby are always horrified when I just swing it around or wear it backwards... Hey, my 'babies' don't cry if they're upside down. >3>

 

Right now I have an MSD coffin case for when I get my boy,

But later when I plan to order an SD I do plan to use a totebag of some sort, that or just carry him.

Bags are expensive if you get one off a doll sight (of course it depends in other situations) I'd rather be spending that money on another doll, thankfully my mum got me a case

 

where i live in the uk cylinder shaped hand bags with tiny little straps are everywhere, on most market stalls and in shops. You could probably find one big enough...for msd size at least... though most of the ones i see are a bit chavvy
its a very interesting topic.

 

I have a coffin case for my Delf and I'm getting a Mecha Angel size carrier with my Sard, but for my Baha I got a purse (with a zipper and flap) from a local store that sells Sanrio et al. I lined it with a scrap piece of foam, so that when it's closed the foam protects her all around, and there are two pockets for props or an extra outfit. Eventually I'll get thicker foam and sew in a lining over it, but it works for now. Once Zenshin's wings are finished, I'll have to hunt for a carrier that will hold both her, her wings, and Hinoko. Thanks for all the ideas, everyone!

Oh, and friends of mine have discovered that cell phone cases work for Pukis. But then, what doesn't work for Pukis?

 

I have a Sharp brand video recorder case from back in the day, it was made to fit one of the larger camcorders and it's padded. I can fit both my MSD boys in it with spare room.