Discovering new worlds is fun. If you'd like to see the other posts about doll quilts here on Maida Today, click here. In this post, I'd like to focus on resources for making antique inspired doll quilts. I love quilts, but making a large sized quilt is beyond my attention span. But making a doll-sized quilt would be just right!
Visit Edyth O'Neill's blog, she's got a lot of doll quilt pictures up right now. The pictures of Martha Rutledge's quilt reminded me of how I came to discover some resources about making doll quilts. I oohed and ahed over a picture Edyth shared via email of a quilt that Martha Rutledge had made. When I mentioned I would like to make a doll quilt, Martha recommended the joining Kathleen Tracy's quilt group.
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| Hexagon Quilt by Kathy Tracy |
Kathleen Tracy has written many books, and leads some groups focused on her work on Facebook. Kathy has written several books about making small quilts, and one book in particular is focused on American Doll Quilts. You can learn a lot about making doll quilts from Kathy's group and books. Also, visit Kathy's website Country Lane Quilts where she has a where she has some free antique inspired doll quilt patterns. Kathy also has a blog here called A Sentimental Quilter.
In addition to Kathy's books and resources, there are some other wonderful blogs and resources. First off, don't forget about antique doll quilts themselves as inspiration. Here are some links to antique doll quilts available for purchase.
Other Books About Making Doll Quilts
In addition to Kathleen Tracy's books, doll quilters have specifically recommended these books to me:
Great Little Quilts: 45 Antique Crib and Doll-size Quilts with Pattern and Directions
Twenty Little Patchwork Quilts: With Full-Size Templates
There are some great gems published in the past. Amazon has a great list of books to try.
Some Quilt Blogs to Visit
There are a lot of wonderful sites on the web. I picked a few here that are either focused on doll quilts, antique quilts or have great links lists related to our topic. Visit these blogs and then look at the links they have on their blogs. You'll find some great resources!
Barbara Brackman has a great post about the Ghormley collection of doll quilts here.
Dawn, of Collector with a Needle (great name!) has a wonderful post on doll quilts with pictures of a special exhibit of doll beds and quilts at the International Quilt Festival in Houston. The Exhibit, called "Sleep Tight Doll Quilts" showcases a number of new doll quilts. Visit Dawn's blog to see some wonderful doll quilts shown there with links to other sites on doll quilts.
Only Doll Quilts site is of interest for obvious reasons!
Marian Edwards Dreamsweaver has a great blog showcasing some quilts she has made.
Humble Quilts has a lovely post showing some antique doll quilts which inspired new doll quilts made as reproductions.
Study Antique Quilts
Inspiration for color and pattern can be found through studying antiques. Of course, we always sign our work so as to not confuse any collectors.
Stella Rubin Antiques 
Hi Dixie, Someone just sent me a link to your website. I enjoy collecting doll quilts and hope to eventually make some. So far those that I have thought I was making turned into something other than a doll quilt...like a small signature quilt instead. I have written about three posts about doll quilts. Stop by and visit sometime and keep up your own good work! http://karenquilt.blogspot.com/2009/04/western-washington-quilt-study-group.html
ReplyDeleteThanks for mentioning my blog on your site. I've really enjoyed your blog!!
ReplyDeleteHi, Karen and Lori - I'm glad you enjoyed this post. There are so many good blogs out there it was really hard to choose! The lovely thing is that when people visit the listed blogs they lead to other blogs. AND if people comment here they also can leave a trail to other options out there. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love the internet!
Dixie
Thank you for mentioning my blog, ah yes the wall of little quilts I have posted about a few times
ReplyDeleteit was my inspiration for my wall of little quilts. I have many little quilts and rotate them from time to time
on my wall, it truly is inspirational to see them together like this.
anyone can do it! just keep making those doll quilts!
thanks again
Kathie
I still need to make my first one, Kathie. :-) But your wall is definitely inspiring. I have a lovely quilt made by Marian Edwards that is the beginning of my collection. :-)
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