The Magic Nesting Doll

One of my favorite things to do at my dad's aunt and uncle's house was play with a nesting doll from Russia. I think most children love nesting dolls -- the way they all fit together, the way you can hide them inside each other, the shiny texture, etc. So when I saw a set of blank dolls I picked it up.

I didn't know how I would decorate them. Should I try a traditional doll? I have seen sets of animals or characters from books such as The Wizard of Oz...Then I saw the book, The Magic Nesting Doll by Jacqueline K. Ogburn and illustrated by Laurel Long. The story is about a girl whose grandmother gives her a set of magic nesting dolls that help her save the prince from an evil vizier.

So I painted the set of dolls based on the dolls in the story. But there were only 4 dolls in the story, and the set I had contained 5 dolls. The fifth doll I painted to look like my cat, Maggie, just because. I sketched the designs on the wooden dolls with a pencil, then colored in the designs with acrylic paint. Any outlining that was needed I used a fine point paint pen to draw in the lines.

Sewing Memories

This is my first sewing book:

And this is my favorite project from it:

The fabrics and fashions look a bit dated, but the projects are still applicable today. They are simple, yet teach valuable skills that can be transferred to more advanced projects.

Stitches Swag

From front to back:

Jewel Fiber Designs, 50/50 Merino & Silk, "Taffy"

Wool Candy, Meringue Merino, "Berry Compote"

Pigeonroof Studios, Aphrodite Lace, "Pumpkin"

Three Irish Girls, Adorn Sock, "Kate"

Wool Candy, Meringue Merino, "Swamp Monster"

Kit to make Ysolda's Damson from Dye Dreams, Classy Sox, "Azure"

Now, technically, the Wool Candy, Pigeonroof and Three Irish Girls aren't Stitches West yarn because I bought them at Bobbin's Nest Studio, but it was at their annual Stitches Afterparty, so it still counts.

Signs of Spring

The Japanese maple is starting to unfurl its leaves,


and the amaryllis is blooming: