A Lifetime of Sewing and Everything Else

I was born sewing. Pretty much, I started sewing my own clothes when I was 9 yrs old, and now I'm over 50. Then I started designing, and writing quilt patterns. I have published one Quilt Book called Log Cabin Quilts: A Brand New Story by Karen Murphy. You can still buy it on Amazon. Yes, Karen Murphy. As soon as it was published, I got married! So much for all that name recognition!

I've also written a novel - Morningshine available on Amazon for Kindle and in paperback. It's the first book in a 3 book series. The second book is Morning Glory and I'm currently writing the last and final book in the series. https://www.facebook.com/KarenMurphyGass is my official Author Page.

Normally, I sew, or embroider. And you can still find my patterns in my store (with instant download! how about that?) :) However, life has some hairpin turns in the road now and then. The end of May 2013, my husband went home to be with Jesus. He had liver cancer. But now, although I miss him terribly, I'm overjoyed that he is completely healed, very healthy and as my grandson says, "Playin' third base in Heaven!" (Mike was a big baseball fan, the St. Louis Cardinals especially.)

I have also gone back to school to get my degree in Creative Writing! I started in Sept 2013, online, and I'm VERY excited about that! I also moved back home, to be closer to my family. I need them at a time like this. Been very busy! Currently, I'm in my second year now and have a 3.8 GPA.

But I will always sew, right now I'm sewing for myself - how strange is that?

Being a girly girl (and a grandma of 15 and another on the way), I do love dolls! Combine that with my love of sewing, and you get Doll Clothes. Not just any old doll clothes, but couture doll clothes. Yes, I do have couture training, I can legally use that word :)

My doll, Riley Madison, has a life of her own, and she is very busy. She is involved in a lot of school activities, many requiring special outfits or costumes. (her clothes will be back in the shop soon)

I use good fabrics, and hardly to never use Velcro on anything. I prefer other closures, such as snaps, hooks and eyes, zippers or buttons. However, I have found this incredibly thin velcro that will convince me to use it now and then :)

The clothes I make for Riley Madison come from a variety of sources. Some of them I design completely. Some of them are made from Liberty Jane patterns, and some are a variation of a Liberty Jane pattern. In each description, I'll tell you which is which.

These are not clothes for the little girls to play with, but they are for older girls on up to the more serious collector.

If you need a special outfit for your doll, I'd be happy to accept your commission.

I'm glad to meet you :) Karen Gass