Puchi Collective

When I first caught the Blythe bug back in summer of 2003, one of the “early pioneers” of Blythe fashion was Tiffany of SqueakyMonkey.com. I remember the KMSPA (Kiss My Shiny Plastic Ass) shirts and how everyone had to have a designer Squeaky tee, corduroy flares and striped stockings from Tiffany!

Four years later, SqueakyMonkey is more than just tees - Tiffany has created a whole line of Blythe couture - distressed denim jeans, fairytale dresses, tailored velvet coats, vinyl corsets and so much more. Tiffany is still a pioneer in Blythe fashion, merging cute and high fashion with confidence and flair like no other seamstress could, while always maintaining a unique fashion sense and style.

Tiffany was able to do a little Q&A with us recently and shared her thoughts about all things Blythe.

Tell us a bit about yourself (Name/Line Name/ Dolls you collect).
Tiffany / aka tiff and squeakymonkey I collect primarily Blythe dolls. I have around 20 presently and a few other Japanese dolls and toys.

Does your doll-style match your personal style?
Not really. . I do make distressed jeans and tees and pair them with Momoko Doc Martens - that’s my style! My Blythe fashions are more of a creative outlet same as drawing, painting and photography have been. The clothing I create is a bit more dramatic than anything I would ever wear. Perhaps if I was 12 inches tall and my eyes changed colors at the pull of a string.

What inspires you? Where do your ideas come from?
Inspiration comes from everything. Japanese Pattern Mooks, Magazines, people on the street. I’ll see something on someone at a restaurant and get excited to make something similar in miniature. I’m presently working on a little button down short sleeve blouse that I saw in a picture which is on my inspiration board from Interview Magazine a year ago - hopefully I’ll have it worked out to the way I want it soon. And sometimes you just get a piece of amazing fabric and there isn’t an immediate intention - yet, sometimes there is a general notion of what this is going to be someday. Take my latest Principessa Ball Gown Skirt - when I found the fabric - I just knew it was destined to be a big skirt - but, I had to figure out how to make it work. Same with the corset that I am working on - although that is an offshoot of an idea that I’ve had mulling about for a long time. I also do sketches - a lot of time I find myself re-working an idea over and over again and someday it might get made. Also would like to note and give props to my friend, Shannon, who often times comes over to craft with me while I work on SqueakyMonkey and she has been there when some of my best pieces of late were created. I’ll hold something up to her and ask her what she thinks and she gives an honest opinion. Or I’ll get really excited about something and then run it by her. “You know what would be cool?! or Ooh! How about this with this?” etc…

How do you balance creativity with business?
I work very hard and long hours on SqueakyMonkey. I hate to make people wait for things - but, there is only one of me and I can only make so much. If only the girls could really sew! I honestly never dreamed I would be making doll clothes for a living. SqueakyMonkey can often times be more than a full time job. I do have the luxury of being able to dedicate myself full time because my career is freelance - so I am free to live the creative lifestyle. I am still working on finding balance with my other business ventures. Sure, it’s no fun churning out the same thing over and over again - but, I do feel it’s bringing joy to other people and that is very satisfying and that’s why I keep doing it. To keep from getting burned out - I slip in a new design while “slaving away in the sweatshop” and “voila” I’m as excited as I was the last time I came up with something new!

How has Blythe, and crafting for Blythe, changed your life?
My life is not the life I had before Blythe at all. It has changed immensely - too much to fit into this Q&A. Before Blythe - I occasionally would make a pair of pants or something - but that was it. Although - I’ve always been into “making stuff” but, not that much sewing. I’m constantly learning and finding ways of making things better - I enjoy a good creative challenge. Right now Blythe is my creative outlet.

Apart from creating things, what do you do?
I spend time with friends and family and with my dog, Osa. I am pretty serious about music and watch the Simpsons religiously… I’m also very interested in interior design and working on my apartment. My other “jobs” are freelance design and photography - which are both also creative… I am happy to live a creative life.

Any tips/sage advice for a begining dolly seamstress/tailor just starting out?
Not that I can think of… Just do it - don’t be afraid. Handmade clothes are the best! Especially the ones you make for your own dolls! That’s how I started. I had to get Goldie out of that awful gold jumpsuit!

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Thanks Tiffany for the great answers and great advice!

Those of you who love seeing our darling Blythe in the spotlight - the July 2007 issue of Haute Doll magazine will have a SqueakyMonkey fashion spread with photos by Tiffany - look for them at a bookstore/newsstand near you very soon!