#helpful dolly

[patchworkcuddlebug]

We have a silly little mantra for when we're feeling dolly and we wanted to share with that one bc we thought it might find it fun :)

It's "needle and thread, no thoughts in its head" and we don't know whether we heard it from somewhere else or it just popped in our head but it's fun to think or say when this one is up front and feels like a dolly

Oh, gosh, wow, that sounds like a lot of fun...

It has a good little rhythm to it, y'know? This one can just imagine itself smiling in stillness, its mind lolling back and forth like a little metronome.

Needle and thread, no thoughts in its head.

Maybe if it had a real metronome, it wouldn't even have to worry about thoughts as simple as keeping a rhythm. It could just lie in stillness, thinking about the stitches in its mind...

This one, um, finds this very fun! Thank you for sharing!

[patchworkcuddlebug]

This one just got its first fanart!!!

An artist who wishes to stay anonymous drew this based on Strung Along. Isn't that wonderful? The witch looks so smug and self-assured and the doll looks so cute! It's so lovely!

Inspiring other to make art is such a wonderful feeling, this one will be smiling about this for a very long time!

[patchworkcuddlebug]

2.5 meter tall combat android who only really likes its job because it gets to follow orders x servant android who really *really* likes the feeling of a gun in its hands is this anything?

Yes! Yes that is something!

The combat android longingly eyeing the way the maid dress on the rack flutters in the wind as it runs past, wondering for only a moment how its armour would look with frills. Hesitating as its commander sternly informs it that it has performed adequately, hoping beyond hope that its performance does something to inspire joy. Staring down at hands covered in blood and wanting nothing more than to to be asked to scrub every joint until it sparkles like new.

The servant android calculating every square inch of pressure needed to grip its broom, totalling 0.02% of its maximum strength output. Its eyes lingering on the humans that still populate the cafeteria and considering what exactly constitutes "trash". Wanting nothing in the world more than to finally be allowed to make a mess.

[patchworkcuddlebug]

Do you think alligators chewtoy dolls like dogs do? Do you think the doll's favourite way of "playing" is getting deathrolled by their alligator? Do they also go to Valhala (Dollhala if you will) when they get torn to shreds?

This one looked it up, and apparently alligators can't chew their food! They can only use their teeth to rip up their prey and swallow whatever they rip off.

So, this one thinks alligators would have fun doing that thing dogs do, where they grab a chewtoy in their teeth and just thrash it around! Which... probably would just be a deathroll, this one doesn't think alligators have very robust neck control. It sounds like it'd be really fun, like a roller coaster or a washing machine!

This one doesn't know what happens to a doll when we're destroyed. Regardless, this one is sure one's last thoughts must be satisfaction in completing its purpose.

[patchworkcuddlebug]

hi um, i have a question about doll ettiquete? like i understand the thing with using "that one" and third person instead of second, but what about addressing in phrases like if i wanted to say "thank you lace!" that doesn't sound right but... how would one phrase it?

-alice a

Hello there Alice! This is a very considerate question, and you're a very good floret for asking.

In this one's experience, it's a little different from doll to doll. Personally, this one doesn't mind things like "thank you" being used for it, since it understands that it's still being seen as a doll even when people use 'you' as a part of a phrase. On the other hand, it totally understands if a doll isn't as accepting. Since there typically isn't a humanity for the 'you' to refer to, it can sometimes make a doll feel a bit uncomfortable.

So, this one thinks the most polite thing to do would be to ask Lace directly! It seems like a very nice doll, this one is sure it wouldn't mind. If that one is unsure, or you can't really ask it directly for whatever reason (this one understands that plurality can be a little unpredictable sometimes) then it may be considerate to air on the side of caution. Saying "thanks" instead of "thank you", using passive voice, things of that nature.

[patchworkcuddlebug]

Your blog makes me want to scoop you up and cuddle you. I do you repair as a hobby and I think about tenderly washing you and gently loosening your old stitches. Replacing your dirty stuffing with fresh new. Sewing you back up carefully and with love

Awawawa! Oh, gosh, thank you! That's such a lovely think to say!

It has been... a little while since this one was cared for so thoroughly. The thought of being taken apart and put back together so softly and carefully... it's enough to just make this one want to melt into its bed!

[patchworkcuddlebug]

Trick or treat!

Oh goodness! So so sorry, this one didn't realize it had a visitor, so sorry to keep you waiting!

Um, let's see, this one doesn't keep much candy around the house... oh, perhaps some tea! This one has been enjoying a citrus blend, and it would be happy to share some! In fact, this one didn't get other visitors, so take as much as you'd like!

Would you like some spare buttons, too? This one just remembered, it has some lying around that aren't quite the right size to replace any of its own buttons, so it can give these away too! A little apology for being so late, thank you so much for being patient!

And there's one last thing this one would like to offer... a hug! A big, soft dolly hug, as a thanks for coming by and saying hi! 🫂

[patchworkcuddlebug]

Hey, um... How do I take care of a doll? Especially a anxious one, one that blame itself for wanting attention and for 'not being useful'? I want to help them grow out of those feelings, but don't know how.

Oh, golly, what an important question!

First, as with people, it's important to listen to what the doll needs to be comfortable. Since it's worried about not being useful enough (a feeling this one struggles with as well), be sure to ask for favours and assign a reasonable amount of chores!

Wanting attention is a little more tricky. Of course, you shouldn't stop giving attention to your doll. Even if it can be overwhelming, everyone gets lonely if they don't have enough attention. But you should be careful to make sure the doll doesn't feel overwhelmed! Here's a few tips this one would find valuable, if it were in the same situation.

First, try not to do too much. Dolls are beings of service, so a lot of us are not very accustomed to receiving attention instead of giving it. Be sure to give the doll plenty of room to perform its servitude and follow its purpose.

Second, find what kind of attention the doll enjoys most. There's physical touch, verbal praise, returning acts of service, parallel play, and much more are potential options! This one recommends asking the doll directly what it would enjoy most.

For the last piece of advice in this non-exhaustive list, something that applies to the 'growing' part mainly: reward the behaviour you'd like to see! If the doll does a good job accepting a form of attention, be sure to praise it. Explicitly tell it when you're happy that it's improving, and maybe even set short-term milestones that are to be celebrated when they're accomplished!

Most importantly, always remember, the only person who knows what you find comfortable is yourself, so always trust what the doll says first and foremost. Um, even though dolls don't really count as people? Still, everyone deserves comfort! Just pay attention to boundaries and desires to help it live its best life. Comfort is very important!

Good luck to both you and the doll! This one hopes it can handle things better soon!