I was a frequent visitor to the Dolls' Hospital in Rochdale, somewhere near Cheetham Street, as I had a baby-sized doll with a hollow head, and couldn't resist poking its eyes in. My other doll, made of black satin and stuffed with old stockings, I think, often underwent First Aid at home in the form of darns and patches, as our dog, also black, used to pinch it and have a bit of a chew at it. I have it still, but the dog is long gone.
Today's toys aren't made to be mended, just thrown away. It's a total culture shift from "Make do and mend". Gosh, now I do sound old!

Gillg