I've been doing some sorting out and I found this painting of the very first doll I ever made, about 20 years ago. Not an art doll, this was years before I heard of that concept; she was a Victorian rag doll. I even made all her tiny clothes which could be removed. After I lost my mum I had a strange feeling I needed to make a doll, and this little girl had popped up as a pattern in mum's
'Woman's Weekly' magazine in the mid 1990s.
I remember the designer also made tiny doll quilts, and did beautiful detailed illustrations. She worked in a beautiful blue painted summer house in her garden. Doesn't that sound wonderful! At that time I never dreamed about designing my own patterns. So I made Katie Beth (named after my two nieces) from hers. Katie Beth sat with my bears for a long time before I gave her to a charity shop. She was very sweet, so I hope she found a good home. Before she left, I did this painting of her sitting with her best friend 'Buttons'.
I'd love to know more about the lady who designed the doll pattern, her work was really exquisite. I can't remember her name, but I believe she lived in the south of England. If anyone knows anything about her - please get in touch. Unbeknown to me then, she put me on the path to finding out about art dolls.
I remember this pattern! :) If you contact the magazine publishers (IPC Media, I think), they could possibly let you know how to get a back copy, as all publications need to be registered and submitted to the Legal Deposit Office for record keeping. Good luck! I hope you find the information and I love your painting. :)
ReplyDeleteShe's a lovely little doll, Jules; and you were so clever to paint a picture of her before she left. Your story reminds me so much of when I first heard of Tasha Tudor living in her 18th century home, living an 18th century life and making her living with her watercolor illustrations and stories. I read about her in Victoria magazine - also in the mid 1990's! and I have never forgotten that inspiration. It still inspires me today!
ReplyDeleteLucky find in the charity shop whomever got to rehome her :) Lovely painting too.
ReplyDeleteThe style looks familiar, but unfortunately not familiar enough for me to come up with a name. I do hope Katie Beth went to a good home..
ReplyDeletehow could you give her away she is adorable and the painting is so beutiful
ReplyDeleteI remember this pattern too! I probably still have a copy somewhere as I used to keep all of the toy patterns from this magazine. I believe the designer was(is) Jean Greenhowe. All of her toy patterns are so attractive...
ReplyDeleteYour painting is SO cute!
ReplyDeleteKatie Beth is very sweet and sitting with her best friend Buttons I can imagine they had lots of fun times. How lovely you painted this remembrance. How joyful for her to set you on a path of art dolls and all things creative. I hope you find your pattern lady information. Blissful Creating...
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely to look back at your beginnings and then you know how far you have come. She is adorable
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful gal. Only you would paint a picture of her before she left. You rock!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful doll. That sounds like it was quite a project and I am so glad you have that beautiful painting. I would love to hear if you find out the name of the designer!
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me to have a go at doll making. Finally, after raising two sons, I have a grand-daughter.
ReplyDeleteHermosa muñeca, es el estilo que me gusta.
ReplyDeleteSaludos desde Chile
Maru