Stitches in Time

Continuing my month long September Sewing Celebration....

I don't even recall making this ensemble, unless I concentrate really hard and imagine myself deciding one day as a young girl to dress my first doll in something more becoming than what she originally came with.  Her baby dreadlocks didn't deter me from making her a more flattering little frock.  Could it really be 20 years after the fact that this dressmaker inspected her work, only to be rather impressed with the principles used in the construction of the simple jumper and sleeveless shirt?  Everything done by hand:  a hem, a slight gather, embellishment [you see my love of beads budded early], buttons and even the tiny buttonholes.  Pearl found this doll tucked away somewhere and promptly tucked it under her arm to become the mother to this baby whose face [er, hair] only a mother could love.  She began asking me detailed questions of the life of this doll.  Name, why her hair was like it was, was she my favorite, and if I knew the very exciting feature that blowing into the baby's mouth made a high-pitched baby cry.  I did know that, oddly enough.  I suppose at one time there was another method such as squeezing or burping that triggered the sound.

I bring this up not without reason.  I grew up with creative resources at my fingertips put there by two artistic parents.  We called it the Drawing Room, not the Laundry Room, a very conscientious label by my parents.  We were at liberty to create.  Always.  An even earlier recollection of using fabric, though I don't even recall for what I was using it, I found some beautiful cotton tucked away next to some unfinished doll quilts and requested the use of it.  My mom granted permission with the stipulation I do not cut in the middle of the fabric.  I complied.  Mostly.  I didn't cut it in the very center of the entire piece, but I cut in the center of the edge.  I don't think she even said anything about my slight deviation of her directions.

I recently reorganized my fabric.  I put all my scraps in removable, easily accessible drawers.  I did it for myself, but I mostly did it for my children who may or may not have my desire to always manipulate material.  I want to give my children the artistic freedom to create, create, create.  [And if I can just steer them toward my craft, it is so much easier to vacuum thread and fabric than clean paint off every surface within reach!]  I see this need especially in Divine.  She is very much like her momma which drives us all crazy, yet simultaneously creates a bond. And so continues the chain[stitch] of creation.

What was your first stitched project?