Doll Makers here on the West Coast were saddened when Shirl-a-lee, our former beloved shoe maker reached the point of retirement so she could look to the increasing demands of family health issues, and we have missed her sorely. We were so used to seeing her at every show with her marvelous stock of individually handmade leather shoes of all styles as well as her beautifully crocheted doll clothes and doll stockings. Many of us relied on her to shoe our dolls, and she never let us down.
But we haven’t been in the lurch after all by Shirl-a-lee’s well earned retirement! Sandie Ulmer of Battle Ground, Washington is an experienced doll maker who got her start back in 1991, and like most of us, got caught up in making doll clothes and accessories as well. When the opportunity came along to acquire Shirl-a-lee’s remaining stock of shoes and hand crocheted socks, she jumped at it, and are we ever glad she did!
Sandie’s goal is to continue making the same fine quality of beautiful leather shoes that we came to count on through Shirl-a-lee, and to that end she took herself to a UFDC convention in Idaho and enrolled in classes to help her perfect her shoe and sock making skills. I had a chance to see some of her own handiwork at the doll show at the Red Lyon in Vancouver, Washington a few days ago, and I promise you won’t be disappointed in her products. She also continues to have some of Shirl-a-lee’s original shoes for sale at very good prices, so be sure to look her up at the shows. She’ll be at the Rickreall, Oregon show this coming Saturday, October the 10th.
Besides keeping up the supply of the many of the same styles of shoes that were offered by Shirl-a-lee, Sandie also has her own handmade doll socks available as well as clothing for 6”-28” reproduction type dolls and oak doll beds for American Girl and Barbie sized dolls which are carefully crafted by her husband and son-in-law, among other things. I’m sure you’ll find plenty of interesting items at her booth so be sure to Look for “My Dolls by Sandie” when you get to the show.
We’re happy to have made contact with you, Sandie. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone ask where the shoe lady went and if anyone knows of an alternative source. Now we know where to find you!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Does Sandie make shoes to order? I live in California and the only doll show I go to is the Nancy Jo show in Vallejo, CA. I have an old pink order sheet from Shirl-A Lee but I don’t have an address to send my doll’s foot tracing to. Thanks, Ann Van Arnum- 101 Van Winkle Dr.
San Anselmo, CA 94960. Also, I don’t have Karen’s email.
Thanks, Ann Van Arnum
Ann, I’m not sure if Sandie is taking special orders yet, but I’m emailing you some information.
I use the same shoe size chart as Shirlee Shoes and do have a few of her shoes left. I make shoes to order.
I did not see your e-mail until today as we have been out of town and had not checked since home. I hope I can be of help to you. I will be in Puyllup this weekend doing a doll show but home Sun. pm. My phone is 360-560-5408
Thank you for the interest. Sandie
Hi Sandie, thanks for weighing in here so people know what’s available. Best wishes with your shoe business. I may be at Puyallup and will stop by and say “Hi”.
Hello Sandie
Do you make shoes for the 12″ French Fashion doll using the Seeley body and the Ultimate Fashion body. Will you be coming to the Rickreall doll show again??
Thank you, Valerie
I’m sending you Sandie’s phone number by email so you can contact her with your questions.