Memories of Hand Spun Hair on a Dear Doll

I've been dusting and vacuuming a little nook in our hallway where I have a vintage child's desk sitting with various vintage toys and books. I enjoy walking past this area and often get a smile on my face when I do. One of the sweet little things in this area is a doll made for me many years ago when I first began giving spinning demonstrations with our local spinning guild.

If you read an earlier blog post of mine, Summer Sewing Project, you'll remember my tale of early spinning demonstrations and the pioneer costume I made back then. Well, I had just made that costume with calico fabric when one of the guild members, who is now a long-time friend, Elaine of  Considine Creations said to me, "Why don't I make a doll for your mother with a dress from your leftover costume fabric and some of your dark handspun yarn so it will be like you. I will give it blue eyes, although I usually give them brown eyes." I was so excited to be able to give that doll to my mother for Christmas that year. So excited that when I received it, I asked her if I could pay her to make another one like it for me. So that little doll is in my nook.

I'll show you some close-ups of the doll and all the detail that Elaine put into her.

Her blue eyes have faded. They once were sapphire
blue. Now more like ice blue.

The big poofy hat is one of her great features.
You have to hold it by the tip-top and
gently sit it on her head to get
the full "poof effect."

Cute little pantaloons trimmed in lace.

And here is how she sits now in my nook.

 And the nook itself.

By the way, if you click on the link to Considine Creations, you will find felted pin cushions, leather thimbles, wool blankets and other products made from Elaine's corriedale sheep wool.

Happy dusting...or knitting...or spinning. :^)