Monday, January 26, 2009

Elizabeth

She clutched Elizabeth to her chest and buried her face in the doll's head, inhaling the familiar scent that made tears spring into her eyes, at the same time that it filled her with a deep comfort. Many nights she had sat at Mother's feet, stitching her own little sampler, while Mother carefully embroidered Elizabeth out of fine linen and tatting thread, rocking and humming a haunting tune from the old country. Now as she pressed her nose against Elizabeth's softness, she could just catch the scent of the lavender Mother had kept in her linen chest, the sweet aroma of Mother's hand soap and the home fire by which they had stitched together each night.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meet Elizabeth....

She's been in my mind's eye for literally months and I'm so pleased with how she turned out. A friend gave me this amazing embroidery pattern and I was immediately smittened. Equally detailed front and back motifs were already "doll-sized" and needed only to be transfered to a lovely piece of ivory linen. I hand-embroidered each stitch with heavy tatting thread, just like the Mother in my story above, a little while each evening for a couple weeks.

Elizabeth holds a charming little bouquet of vintage millinery flowers, vintage velvet millinery ribbon and a bit of almond-colored antique lace. Her dress has a bit of antique tatting lace around the collar and she wears a ribbon on her head, adding a dimensional quality to her appearance. Elizabeth stands about 14" tall and is stuffed firmly.
Don't miss the details of her back...even down to the part in her hair and buttons made of French knots!
If you are interested in adopting Elizabeth, visit my etsy shoppe, Stitching a Dream.

11 comments:

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

She is just ever so lovely. The picture of Cheryl style.

sandra said...

Oh my goodness....I'm in love with Elizabeth!!! She is just stunning!!! You did an amazing job with the embroidery...so beautiful!
Hugs,
Sandra
P.S. I love my little heart from your etsy shop! Thanks

Niesz Vintage Home said...

She is so sweet!
I have an old cloth doll from my Grandmother that's similar (although printed instead of embroidered).

Beautiful work!
Kimberly :)

Unknown said...

She is absolutely gorgeous Cheryl! An heirloom to be for sure!! I love her!

Hugs,
Amy

Anonymous said...

Cheryl, I don't know which I love more, the story or the doll....

~ ♥ ♥ ~

Lori said...

Cheryl, she is lovely!!! the details you have captured are amazing and sweet:)

Just Between Us Girls said...

THIS IS INCREDIBLE!!!Is she for sale????
Pat

yippeevintage said...

Elizabeth is just beautiful, Cheryl! I so enjoyed the story too... your post is wonderful :)

~ Angela

Unknown said...

Oh Elizabeth is just fabulous and I love the story! Your shop is full of wonderful things Cheryl!

sandy xox

Sharon said...

I love the Elizabeth doll...especially the white thread on the white fabric. Lately I really love white on white needlework. Beautiful.

Jennifer Hayslip said...

Cheryl, Oh my word! Miss Elizabeth is soooo pretty! WOW! I didnt know what to expect when you described her to me, and she is a visionary site. I love her soft heirloom colors. You must make more! Beautiful work sweet friend! XOXO,Jenn