Mad for Matryoshka

The past year there's been an increasing number of Matryoshka items appearing in the craft world, especially Etsy. I predict that this will soon overtake the owl/bird popularity, especially in kids market. I actually quite like the little dolls. Someone told me that they symbolize fertility, which makes sense in a way, but in any case I think they are cute without all the representational baggage. Nora is into little creatures lately (the fox family has been a great hit) and likes to carry little animals and people around and tell them stories. So I've had my eye on several Matryoshka stuffies for Valentines Day. But really I can't afford the ones I liked so much, and I really wanted a pair (either mama/baby or big sister/little sister). So I figured I could make one myself - it's not like there's a lack of fabric in this combined house - both Mom and I are fabric hoarders. So I found a couple of rough patterns on line yesterday and proceeded. Here's the pattern I used for the larger doll (I made a few changes - mainly felt for the face) and the smaller doll I just free handed the pattern. I'm not totally happy with the final - I wish I had used pink for her cheeks and lips and I wish the pocket weren't so tight, but all it all, I'm satisfied. Maybe I'll make some more if Nora loves these two.


That pink floral fabric has been in my mother's stash since I was a baby. In fact, there is a little dress cut out of the fabric that she never sewed up for me. I think Nora is too big for it now, but I might still might make it up, since it's already cut and everything, maybe she can wear it as a top. I'm glad that some of the fabric has actually gotten used after all this time, even if it is less than 3 inches square. I also found a whole bunch of patterns from my childhood - some of them mom had used for making my clothes, and some were never cut. I'm debating trying a few of them out on Nora (we certainly have enough fabric) but I'm also a little concerned about how they might turn out - several involve set in sleeves and pin-tucks, and I'm not really known for my patience and precision in sewing. Given how much she adores dresses, I really should give it a try.