Jamie Gets a Make-Over

Meet Jamie, Nicole's new friend. Ben thought it would be fun to get out his old "Pumpkin Patch" toy (not doll) for Nicole to play with. Ben got Jamie when he was a few years old. They were buddies. What a great idea to bring him out of the box for Nicole! One problem. It's not that she doesn't love him... she does.

But Jamie is NASTY. Filthy. Gross. I believe Ben when he says that he took Jamie everywhere. Doesn't this kissing picture make you want to scrub poor Nicole's face? Jamie took a trip through the washing machine (before the picture) but that didn't help much. I suggested the relic go back into the box. Ben was heartbroken of course. Jamie disappeared for a few weeks and as a surprise for Ben, I decided to try again. First I took mug shots:

Ew.

Nice red scuffs. Mysterious smears.

Some kind of typed ink ingrained into his head. I couldn't make out the words but there were distinct letters.

Oh, and these aren't Jamie's original clothes. They were stolen from a teddy bear. I think Jamie wore them most of his existence though, because that's where the "dirt lines" are most pronounced.

Where do I start?!?!?!

Here's what I did:

1. I reinforced the stitching so Jamie wouldn't lose any limbs in the washing process. (He had obviously been repaired before, several times.)

2. Scrubbed his head and hands with a variety of cleaners. The prize goes to Mr. Clean magic erasers. It only took a couple hours. Yes, I wore gloves. It turns out that Jamie has freckles!

3. Three more trips through the washing machine - in a pillowcase AND laundry bag for protection. I give the most credit to OxiClean - the spray and powder, although the combinations of bleach and baking soda probably didn't hurt.

4. Time for clothes. Even eBay couldn't help me out. (No, cabbage patch clothes don't work, I tried.) So I made my own pattern, and practiced by making pajamas for Jamie. The fabric was left over from the first pajamas I ever made for Ben. It worked! I adjusted a little and made Jamie a real outfit.

Very pleased with myself, I dressed Jamie, wrapped him, and presented him to Ben on Christmas. Ben received other gifts from us that he knew about, but I always try to have a surprise. I think it worked!

There are other good pictures but I like the crowd response in this one!
Nicole was a little suspicious of Jamie at first. "Who's this guy with the clean face and weird clothes?" I don't know if Ben was as excited about the gift as I was (aside from the tear in his eye, previous post). But I think Jamie got a pretty good make-over!

Here's Jamie in his stylin' Winnie the Pooh pajamas.

See how CLEAN he is?!?!?!

Looking good, Jamie!