Saturday, May 27, 2006

Nana's Doll and Cradle


























































My Nana made this doll and cradle for me when I was in my early teens. Isn't it sweet (the dolls face is embroidered)! The doll is 8" and she just fits into her cradle.

Actually, I think that Nana made alot of these. Some of my nieces also have cradles and dolls. And, I am almost positive that Nana made more to donate to needy children at Christmas time. Plus, there are a few odd dolls here and there around the family but without cradles.

My Nana was a very skilled sewer. My Grandpa encouraged her and always told her - if you are going to spend your time sewing, use the best materials you can buy. She sewed many wonderful things - this baby doll and cradle just one example (and a teddy bear for my brother)! Every year she made me a new school bag - I wish I had that pattern now because it really was the perfect bag! She made me skirts and a pocketbook, a wallet, doll clothes, a little drawstring bag for my jacks, an apron, bean bag frogs, pillows, and probably more things that I just don't remember right now. My very favorite thing she ever made for me was a little round pillow with a zipper in the back to hide my treasures. It was blue (for the color of my eyes) and had a face appliqued to the front - just simple eyes, nose, smiling mouth. I don't know what ever happened to that pillow. She made my brother and nephew similar pillows too. In anycase, I was always thrilled with whatever she made me!

Yesterday my aunt e-mailed me that Nana's cousin's DH is very ill (hospice). Today, while I watched Little Boy play with the garden hose out in the sunshine, I made a new label for that little heart quilt I just showed - I am mailing it Monday to my Nana's cousin as a comfort quilt (I took the doll photos using the quilt as a background). I am not sure I ever met this cousin, but I do know that Nana loved her dearly. It is hard for me to explain, but I feel that sending this quilt to Nana's cousin is like my tribute to Nana. I miss her. I think her cousin will like the quilt and I hope it will bring her a little cheer during this time. I didn't really have any plans for this quilt, I just happened to have it on hand, so maybe it was meant to be...

12 comments:

dot said...

You are truely a woman with a big heart. Just think of all the treasures your little boy will have. one can never have to many quilts.

Unknown said...

Obviously it was meant to be -isn't it funny how sometimes you work on something just because you like the pattern or an idea or new technique comes into your head without an intended recipient and then just as you're about to put the binding on a needy recipient raises their head above the parapet and there you go!

Love the little doll and her crib - wish she'd left the pattern for that one

Hanne said...

What a lovely thing to do, and for the very best reasons - remembering your Nana and comforting a person who was very special to her.
Lovely doll and cradle too - and thank you for sharing your Nana memories.

Passionate Quilter said...

What a lovely tribute to your Nana-I hope that I'm invoking those same type memories in my grandchildren. You can just feel the love you have for your Nana through your post. How sweet.

Patti said...

Sending her the quilt is exactly the right thing to do. You have such a generous heart! I remember that doll and cradle - I'm sure I had the pattern when I was in my doll making phase. But I never used it. Just like I do now with quilting - I collected hundreds of patterns and used only a fraction of them.

Finn said...

Dear, dear Evelyn, what a lovely thing to do..*VBS* I think that's the nicest form of paying love forward. I'm sure if your Nana was still her, she'd be making, sending, taking something from hand and heart to her cousin. It's a big pair of shoes to fill, but I think you do her and heart proud!

Love the doll and cradle What a treasure!! And what's more, I love that about you....that you still have the first quilt you made, and things from your Nana...Hugs, Finn

ForestJane said...

How great to have a quilt for someone who needs it immediately. And what super memories of a Nana who passed on such a legacy of stitching!

Lucy said...

So cute! I see it is a great gift for little girls :-)

Cher said...

how adorable-and wonderful that you still have that doll and cradle. what a wonderful nana! I am sure your quilt will mean so much to her cousin!

Laurie Ann said...

It was meant to be! Nana will be smiling down ... Sounds like a great woman.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh what a special doll and cradle - that is too sweet. And the heart quilt will be a wonderful comfort for your Nana's cousins DH and for you knowing you sent it.

Simonetta said...

This doll is a sweet memory :))))And' a beautiful thing that you do!!!