Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Bravery at a very odd age



Every time I have to give up a sliver of my anonymity, I freak out.  So I was being extra brave when I actually entered an Arts & Crafts Show at the University where I work.  Although I have a milliion quilts (okay, less than 300 but it seems like a million), I decided to focus and feature the dolls I have been making.

I think these are "comfort dolls."  I did not plan to make dolls; they were just born of my imagination and after each one was created I felt I needed to make a quilt for each.  As I was creating the display (totally an extemporaneous event), I realized what a treasure these would be to give to a friend who might be dealing with an illness or grieving over an ended relationship. 

Each "set" consists of the doll, the quilt, a journal and a ditty bag.  The quilt underneath is one of my favorites and I'm so glad I got to use it for this purpose.  I think this whole display is rather cheerful and I'm very happy with it, even though it didn't attract very many visitors.  Let me know what you think!

xxoo

Friday, May 17, 2013

Amish Doll Quilt, etc.


This Amish-style doll quilt was made back in the late 70's on an old Singer Stylist sewing machine.  It's almost 40 years old and I'm not sure if it qualifies as an "antique," but since I listed on etsy it has been "favorited" by at least a dozen people and added to a Treasure List.  It's only $12.  Do you think if I prepared kits to make these they would sell?

This morning I finished another doll quilt I'm calling "Falling Leaves."  No photo yet because I am copyrighting the design and preparing a pdf pattern to sell in the shop.  Let's see if I can actually DO this!  It is a really cool, fast and easy pattern from which you can make "seasonal" wallhangings or doll quilts or table runners by switching out the fabric choices.  The first quilt I made is called "Easter Egg Hunt" and I designed a winter-themed piece called "Ice and Snow" for winter.  Next up is a piece I am calling "Wildflower Field." 

Tuesday I am going to participate in my first Arts & Crafts show.  I'm really nervous, but I don't know why.  It's not a sale, but there is always someone who wants to know "How much?"  Also, I'm worried about theft.  If any of you have any insights or advice about this, leave a comment.  I will be forever grateful!! 

Back to the drawing board!  xxoo

UPDATE:  This little quilt was finally "favorited" permanently and flew to its new home up North!