Appreciating the Quality of Handmade
I opened my Etsy shop in January, 2016. I started with a variety of doll clothes and one doll Moses basket. I sold a custom basket, then another. Fast forward a few years and a few hundred baskets and I am transitioning to doll clothes which was my original intent with my shop. I enjoy what I do immensely and I love being part of a joyful experience. My reviews say it much better than I ever could, I've been very fortunate to have been part of the happiness that baby dolls bring to our world. History wise, I share my story here with you.
I was 6 years old when I made my first piece of doll clothing. My mother had just bought a new Singer 99 machine and along with it were fabric swatches that I used to make clothes for my baby doll. A few years later I received a birthday gift of handmade Barbie clothes that my friend's mom had made. They were absolutely beautiful. The one I remember most was a red satin evening gown with hand sewn pearls on the bodice and a matching shawl with fringed ends. I soon began sewing for my Barbie doll. My grandmother would accumulate fabrics ends and bring them to me when she visited and she would help me with my skills. I would later sew for myself and occasionally family members when there was a flower girl dress to be made.
I later earned my bachelors from a textile college and worked for several years for a clothing manufacturer in fabric testing. I would continue to sew, making most of my maternity clothes and items for my home.
When my daughter was born my mother had an antique shop in Peddler's Village, Lahaska, PA. As we all do when working craft fairs, she would browse neighboring shops. She bought my daughter the most beautiful crocheted hat and sweater sets I've ever seen! Some 30 years later they are still being used for my grandchildren and as decorative items in the nursery. But there was much more to be had at this quaint shopping village. The most cherished item was a quilted doll carrier basket and dolly. My daughter loved that set and it brought so much happiness and comfort to her. Dolly is now threadbare and packed away but the love and happy memories that I associate with her is my inspiration today. I've never stopped sewing and I now have the opportunity to create items for sale and share my labor of love. I hope to inspire children to also appreciate the quality of handmade items.