My almost 10 year old big girl wants to sew. Today was her first lesson! We decided a good first project would be a quilt for her American Girl doll Addy. Addy grew up during the civil war and was a slave until she and her family gained their freedom. My girls love reading American Girl books. I highly recommend them for little girls from any country. Their stories teach about what it was like to grow up during different times in our American history. From the 1700's until now. The stories are all fun and courageous, and have great illustrations. So, I just happened to have this great printed tumbling blocks print, all civil war reproduction fabrics. Perfect for Addy. I quickly sewed the quilt layers together and L's job was the quilting. She did every bit of it herself. I'm so proud of her!
She stitched carefully on the trusty old 'Star Performer'. My very first sewing machine. I bought this machine from QVC when she was a baby. I have since graduated to my fancy shmancy Bernina's. Yes, that means more than one. Hey, you've all seen my fabric, I have a problem. Anyhoo, this machine brings back all of the fun and frustrating memories of learning how to sew.
Isn't Addy beautiful? I love her cozy wool socks and flannel nightgown.
A little tip for you new quilting ladies: To get the antique puckered look, I never prewash my fabrics and use 100% cotton fabric and batting. That way, it all shrinks up a bit after washing, which creates great old fashioned puckers. But it is very important to use high quality quilt shop fabrics and to switch to the dryer right away after washing. This greatly reduces the risk of fabrics bleeding. I only really worry about red fabrics bleeding, and since I wash in cold and switch to the dryer quickly, I've never had a problem. This was a quick and fun project, my little quilter feels such a sense of accomplishment. Sleep tight Addy.
Simply darling. Where would I be without my mother teaching me to sew and I'm sure it was painful for her at times. She never let me take the easy way out. I would pick stitches out and cry but I'm sooo grateful she taught me to do things the right way. I'm so lucky to have the ability to sew. What a great thing you are doing for her. She did a wonderful job. So important!
Posted by: Nanette | June 25, 2008 at 06:47 PM
Does my heart good to see a youngster with sewing skills and making such a wonderful quilt. Big kudos to her and you!
Posted by: Jacquie | June 25, 2008 at 08:21 PM
Oh she did so good! I miss you guys so much! Oh and I highly approve of the Cons, good choice of footwear. :)
Posted by: Beth | June 25, 2008 at 08:35 PM
What a lovely doll quilt. She did a great job.
I wish I had had someone to teach me at a young age.
Posted by: Lil' d | June 25, 2008 at 09:16 PM
How awesome! Your daughter has done a wonderful job!! Addy and her bed and new quilt are gorgeous! Well done!!
Posted by: Farmyard Crafts | June 26, 2008 at 03:48 AM
i think the american girl dolls are so beautiful...and the accessories? to die for! your L is gorgeous and she did an amazing job on the quilt! please tell her is said so...=)...your pictures are so great i almost feel like i was there...
Posted by: terri | June 26, 2008 at 04:40 AM
Very impressive work! Addy looks very pleased with her new quilt.
Happy sewing!
Posted by: jo-anne | June 26, 2008 at 07:26 AM
L. did a beautiful job! Tell her Grandma is proud of her and can't wait to see her next project. Love to all.
Posted by: Mom | June 26, 2008 at 10:59 AM
Very well done...and I know Abby is very pleased with her new quilt.
I too think the American Girl Dolls are wonderful and I have been thinking of getting one for my bonus Grdaughter but she isn't much into dolls but she loves sewing with me so maybe this would be a great project for her and I to do together!
thanks for the inspiration
Cathie in UT
Posted by: Cathe in Ut | June 26, 2008 at 02:17 PM
what a great job....well done....look at that concentration!
Posted by: Lorraine | June 26, 2008 at 07:47 PM
You Go Girl! Good job!
Posted by: Michelle | June 26, 2008 at 08:05 PM
Great job L. You are now offically a quilter. Way to go mom!! My Katie has an Addy doll, tucked up in her closet. What a great post ... warm and fuzzy!!! What a wonderful memory.
Posted by: Cheryl | June 27, 2008 at 12:21 AM
Wow, what a great job, but she does have a great teacher :-)
lisa x
Posted by: periwinkle | June 27, 2008 at 03:52 AM
What precious pictures! A beautiful girl, AND quilt!
Posted by: Camille | June 27, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Your daughter did a wonderful job on Addy's quilt.
Posted by: The Chocolate Cat | June 28, 2008 at 01:54 AM
That first shot of the shoes under the bed is so incredibly beautiful!
Posted by: elizabeth of course | June 30, 2008 at 04:58 AM
Lovely quilt - Addy is lucky to have it!
Best, Kyra
www.BlackThreads.blogspot.com
African American quilting news!
Posted by: kyra | July 01, 2008 at 02:38 AM