I want you to meet Isabelle, my American Girl doll ~
This is how she came to live with me: Our children and grandchildren were all here at Christmas for lunch. When we had finished eating, they put gifts on the table for the Farmer and me. One gift was a rather long box, and thinking it was for the both of us, I told him to open it, but the girls said, "No, this one is for you!" I took the first wrapping off, and there was another layer of Christmas paper; "So it's one of those gifts!" I thought. But under this layer was a box which I immediately recognized and I was so excited and exclaimed, "I know what it is! It's an American Girl doll!' They had pooled their money and bought her for me. I love these kids!
The papers that came with her say she's a dancer, but living on the farm with me will make her a country girl. She'll be dressed in print cotton dresses, trimmed with buttons and rickrack (I never learned to attach lace very well), flannel nightclothes, plaid and denim play clothes;
she'll sleep in a homemade bed with homemade sheets and pillowcase, and patchwork quilts.
I really like her, and I've wanted a doll this size to sew for; now I have plans for all kinds of things. Ahh ~ how much she would have been loved 64 years ago ~ smile~
Charlotte
Thank you so much. And I'm lucky to be sharing doll stories with you.
ReplyDeleteI smile
ReplyDeleteand so happy for you.
My youngest granddaughter's have the American Doll.
So perfect for you
as you love to sew.
I do not even remember having a doll
when I was growing up.
Sad - if my mother was living I would ask her why ?
Oh this breaks my heart! So sorry! My dolls were not very good ones, made from some sort of pressed sawdust ? If they got wet they were almost ruined. I think rag dolls were my favorites.
DeleteShe's beautiful! You're already having so much fun, and I know along with everything else you have to do, she will brighten your days. I'm very happy
ReplyDeletefor you. The only doll I remember having was Sparkle Plenty! :)
Now that's a new one for me! I've often wished I still had some of my dolls. I do have some of their clothes.
DeleteHow fun. I love sewing for the AG dolls. They are just the right size.
ReplyDeleteYes, much, much easier than Barbies for sure!
DeleteShe is a beautiful dolly. When my daughter and I went to New York we visited the American Girl Store.......absolutely amazing. Your bed and quilt are just perfect for her! Can't wait to see her growing wardrobe and of course more doll quilts. We are never too old to play with dolls!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sherri. I'm glad others like dolls too. I wrote one time about an old lady in the rest home who carried a baby doll with her all the time, holding it just like it was a real baby. Maybe me someday?
DeleteBy the way, I have 2 Simplicity patterns for American Girl Dolls that include several dresses, housecoat, pajamas, coat, skirt, pants, tops, ballet costume and skating outfit. They have never been used. (Probably from the 90's) I have shuffled the from one drawer to another for years. I've nearly tossed them in the donation box for the local thrift store several times. I would love to share and send them your way if you would like to have them. I would so enjoy seeing someone make use of them. You can e-mail me from my blog.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sherri; I'll be in touch.
DeleteIsabelle is soooo cute. Why can't she be a country dancer: square dances, polkas, virginia reel (my fav)? Her quilt is just perfect for a young girl. And about those dolls the ladies hold at the nursing home. I think its great, others view it as sad. I've worked with many wonderful people in the nursing home and these dolls bring them comfort and smiles. I hope to have one of my own. Oh the fun you are going to have with Isabelle!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun little girl to sew for. I am sure she will end up with quite a wardrobe. ♥♥♥ the little quilt!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Isabelle! I know your mommy will have great fun sewing for you and you will be the best dressed around!!! Nancy
ReplyDeleteAwww, she is so beautiful and more beautiful in her country clothes. I know you were beside yourself with so much joy when you opened her. Hope all is well and it's not to busy for you all. Hugs and love, xo
ReplyDelete64 years ago you wouldn't have known how to sew pretty clothes for her and you wouldn't have appreciated her as much as now. What a wonderful gift!!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet! A while back I quilted a few doll quilts. Have fun sewing for your beautiful doll.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet gift! And there's no reason why you can't love her now. So much fun! :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad she is bringing you pleasure! She will have a good life on the farm.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, you didn't tell about the "tradition," ha ha ha.....
Both of my granddaughters have American Girl dolls and they are anxious for me to sew them a wardrobe. I, too, grew to love dolls as an adult.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice gift the girls you! Love that she is a farm girl!!! I have purchased patterns hoping to make clothes for my granddaughters 18" doll. Very pretty quilt on the bed.
ReplyDelete