Working with fabric and thread by quilting, sewing, weaving, and dyeing I find myself connected to a history of “women's work” with a needle and thread. Traditionally we made functional items for our family for survival of the elements. Yet by making them objects of beauty, they are handed down from generation to generation providing the survival of a family's history; one of love and labour, sacrifice and celebration.
My skills at dressing Bleuette are a culmination of over forty years of textile endeavors. My story has come full circle from when my mother taught me, at the tender age of five, how to embroider. After years of sewing, quilting, weaving and dyeing, I find myself once again, simply sitting quietly with needle in hand, as I work to embellish another Bleuette creation.
Few dolls have captured my interest so thoroughly. Like so many other Bleuette devotees, her “je ne sais quoi” has shown me a way to express my interest in history, fine craftsmanship, haute couture and the wonderful frou-frou of little girls.
