Quilting Book of the Golden West

This is a book I did not hesitate to buy when I found it about five years ago. It is about the history of American pioneers in parallel with the history of quilts. This said immediately something to me.

I have thus to tell you a little about my own history : as a child in the Fifties, and as many children of my generation in France, I was brought up partly in the American culture. The TV programs (only one black and white channel) were almost exclusively showing American movies and series such as Western movies with John Wayne and series like The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin with Rusty and my hero : Lt. Rip masters. I always wondered if my admiration for America and attraction to quilts do not find its roots in this period of my childhood. 

In 1964 we got a second channel and more American series, which I was extremely fond of! Somewhere I must have unconsciously recorded in those programs the presence of quilts... or I have been American in a previous life!!

Back to this wonderful book : not only it teaches a lot about the history, but it gives as well many very good tips and instructions.

Amish Doll and Clothes

This Amish doll is in fact the first one I did about twenty years ago when I received from my sister a n American book with Amish dolls and Amish clothes patterns. I must say that it was not easy for me but I sustained my efforts and managed at the end. Those patterns were done to make perfect details and I suppose that they were rather adapted for experimented dressmakers when I was just starting sewing at that time! But with the neophyte's zeal and enthusiasm I finally succeeded!

Regarding the clothes, The most difficult part was the black hat with very tiny details. The pattern was such that the finished should have been as perfect outside as inside where the seams are invisible!

For the body itself, the legs and the arms are attached with buttons so that they can move.

Together with my obsession with bags, pouches... I had my doll making passion!  However, this little Amish doll is my most precious one.

Antique Doll quilt

Another antique doll quilt from this batch. This one is more faded than the others, however very charming, with its very interesting prints... Always source of inspiration.

Size 22" x 19"

Hand quilted