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Monday, November 8, 2010

elinor peace bailey in Houston for Fall Quilt Market 2010

I'll never forget the first time I saw elinor peace bailey.  I instantly felt joy and all I could do was smile.  I thought to myself, "now there is a girl who has given herself permission to be free."  I so admire that freedom.  When I heard she was signing Cloth Doll Workshop at the Brewer Quilting and Sewing Booth I dropped what I was doing (taking a class...yikes) and ran all the way downstairs.  Tira, from Brewer Quilting and Sewing actually commented that she'd never seen me like that before.  I was sooooo excited.  So, without further ado....here are the photos I took :)

elinor is a doll maker.....and a doll in and of herself....in my opinion :)
She and two of her doll making friends, Patti Medaris Culea and Barbara Willis have written a new book, Cloth Doll Workshop.  Each of the artists invite you into their studios and show you their methods of doll making.  Perhaps you have never made a doll before....I know I haven't....but after taking one look at this book....you'll want to make at least one doll.....if  not for yourself....one to give to a special someone....I just know it. 

I was fortunate enough to get an autographed copy for myself and YES....one to be given away here on the IHAN blog.  Just look at my face..I was beaming...I have always worn my heart on my sleeve....look at the joy I have in my eyes.  I tell you.....  I treasure those times....the energy generated keeps my soul joyful and my spirit light.

I want to digress a bit for just a minute....I know I've said this before...  Did you know Laura Gunn, designer, is elinor's daughter and designer Heather Bailey , also a designer, is her daughter in law?  All those talented gals in one family...I would love to know about the rest of the family, wouldn't you?

I told elinor I wished she were my Mother (don't worry....my Mom does not read my blog...I know you are all gasping) and of course she said....no you don't.  I just hope I'm raising my boys to completely be themselves....allowing their inner selves to safely come out and be enjoyed.  That permission is priceless and something we can only give ourselves....and  having support and encouragement from others is a wonderful thing.

You already know how much I treasure this book....so if you want a copy of Cloth Doll Workshop.....you need to leave a comment and tell me honestly why you would treasure it too.  I don't want this book collecting dust now.....it must be enjoyed and used!!!  So leave a comment and I'll draw a winner on Friday evening....you might need to remind me thought!!!  LOL

Giant Smiles,
Kelly

36 comments:

  1. I have made a few dolls. And it has always been my goal to make more but life got in the way. I would LOVE to have this book as I have always admired her!cy

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  2. I would love and use this book like I have my other elinor peace baily patterns! I would so like to be as colorful, hopeful,and as free as she is!
    Thanks for a chance to win!

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  3. I like making dolls, but it has been a long time since I made any. I have one of miriam gourmley books around here somewhere, lol.

    Debbie

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  4. Oh I would love this book, it makes my heart so pitter pat. I have tried on several occasions to "copy" Elinor Peace Bailey's dolls since I first saw hers, gosh so many years ago. It's been a while since I have tried my hand at doll making, but I can feel the urge coming on. Of course I realize I'll need to buy the book because I am the first to post so there goes my chances... :(

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  5. I have always admired Elinor Peace Bailey and Patti Cullea, and I have died to try one of their dolls. I would love this book, as I have always wanted to delve into making cloth dolls, as I have designed clothes, and this just seems perfect for me.I know the last thing I need is another aspect to my hobby, but this is really something I have always wanted to do. I envy your meeting. Elinor. I hope I win, but if not, I will have to buy this book.
    Micki

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  6. I would not only treasure this book but I would use use use it.
    thank you for the lovely giveaway - I appreciate the chance to win!
    butler83ataoldotcom

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  7. I just wanted to say that I can see the love/happiness/excitement in you eyes! You look like you had a blast.

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  8. Oh, I would LOVE to win this book! Her dolls are just darling and inspiring. I've always wanted to make dolls but have been intimidated to try. This book would be a great start for me to try making one for my niece. Thanks for the opportunity!=)

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  9. OH MY GOODNESS they are such amazing dolls. I have toyed with making softies but these are just awesome my girls would be amazed if I made them one of these

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  10. My very first adventure into doll making was with the the book by Patti Culea. And I've made two of Ms. Bailey's dolls from her patterns for my granddaugters. When I look at the cover of the book I can see exactly which belongs to whom; I'd like to try a doll from the other person too.

    btw...I did know those fabric designers belonged to that family. Those grandkids must really get a kick out of THEIR gramma. *L*

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  11. OMGosh!! Lucky you!! She taught a wonderful doll class here & than came to our guild meeting!! So exciting!!! I loved meeting her & taking the class. I bought a lot of her patterns & her faces book. Plus a couple of her friend Sally's patterns. Her books & patterns have her humor all over them, cracks me up!!

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  12. Kelly I have made one "art doll" and a couple of rag dolls. You have inspired me to take a picture of my art doll for my blog. I have to say, it was lots of fun to make it. I just didn't really know what I was doing.
    Maybe with the book, I would know what I am doing for the next time.

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  13. I used to make dolls for my children when they were young - rag type dolls. I would love to make more adult, contemporary dolls. I would love this book and would definitely use it.

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  14. Have long been a fan of epb.....and have made some of her dolls. Would like to make more.

    Have had a rough year and maybe dolls would be just the ticket to jump out of the doldrums.

    I made the Noah's Ark bag for my sister. Not sure she ever carried it --lots of little animals which i mounted on pins so she could wear them. Also Noah and Grace to rule the ARK.

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  15. I was a doll maker waaaaaay before I started quilting...hand made my first doll at 5 years old...still have it, too! Love EPB...what a gal! Thanks for the chance to win!! Polly

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  16. I just love Patti Medaris Culea! I have her other books:
    Creative Cloth Doll Making
    Creative Cloth Doll Faces
    Creative Cloth Doll Couture
    Creative Cloth Doll Beading
    and
    Creative Cloth Explorations.
    They are all excellent books, and I've read and re-read all of them. They are gorgeous books!
    I'd love to have Cloth Doll Workshop too - if I don't win, I will be buying!

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  17. My daughter would have a spell over this book. SHe is a creator and has made all sorts of things. She never played with dolls much, but I can surely see her making one.

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  18. You are so blessed to be able to meet her - she's been a hero of mine for years! I used to want to make dolls, and looked at every pictures of hers I could find. I no longer want to make dolls, so don't put me in the drawing - but oh, when I see her I wish I did, lol!

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  19. I made some cloth dolls for my daughters...when they were little. (20 years ago)It was great fun. I'd love to try it again...ESPECIALLY with this book!
    Lori

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  20. Kelly, I love that photo of you and EPB. Thank you for skipping your class to run down to be with her and report back to us. I so enjoy reading about her. But don't put me in your drawing because I could not put the book to good use, other than reading and enjoying it. My hands are no longer strong enough to do that type of sewing/crafting. She does wonderful dolls. Quite the family!

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  21. I would absolutely LOVE to win this book. I am awful at making dolls so I think I need her book to help me along some. I have MS so most of my time I am in my wheelchair, so I thought this would keep me busy. Let's hope with good luck. Congrats to the winner.

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  22. once upon a time i was a doll maker...and then I got a case of the quilteasies, and I need this book sew I can be reminded how delightful this lady is..I could not agree more..she is a living DOLL...

    ps I am teaching a doll class today actually...but all I am thinking is mug rugs...is that bad > lol

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  23. I took a class from elinor about 3 years ago in Houston and she got me hooked on making dolls. I recently retired and after a year of not doing the doll thing this book has me excited again. I would love to win this book. Thank you for the pictures. suejchase@gmail.com

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  24. I'd love to be able to make dolls like she does. I've seen dolls at quilt shows done in her style and marvel at how much detail and work goes into them. I would make one with lots of embellishment just cos it would be so fun.

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  25. I would love to win this book! I actually took a class from her many years ago and made a wonderful doll that I still treasure. It was one of the best classes I have ever taken!

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  26. I just commented on Gene's blog that art doll makers are allowed to do anything, especially not know what they are doing. ;) I'd love to add this book to my library, please enter my name, thanks!

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  27. Because it would make me very happy to have this book. I could fill my home full of dolls.

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  28. I've never considered making dolls, but after the pictures you posted from Houston I started thinking about them. They are so special.

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  29. I would love to win this book on making dolls...I just love on the different variations of them...thank you so much for the giveaway....

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  30. I am so happy to see epb is still around and kicking!!! I met her years ago at one of her seminars. My early dolls were of her patterns. I admire Patti Culea and Barbara Willis also!!! Winning this book would be wonderful - I am hoping Gene Black wins it - with his flair for color - I would LOVE to see what directions this book would take him!!!
    Thanks for sharing the photos - elinor still looks like she is getting a KICK outa life!!!

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  31. I love making dolls and would certainly use this book! Elinor has always been a favorite, thanks for a chance to win.

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  32. I've been wanting to try my hand at doll making. Thanks for the chance!

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  33. Thank you for another great giveaway.I have all my Mom's dollmaking supplies and this would be a helpful in creating some beautiful and colorful dolls
    Sandy

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  34. What a wonderful wacky lady Elinor looks!!
    I'd love to win a copy of this book!
    Gill

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  35. OH, I use to make so many dolls - this book would be enjoyed not only by myself, but my SIL and my daughter - we love to get together and create. This book would be not only well worn, but well loved by more than a single person in this house.

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  36. Arrrghhh!! I wish I could be in the right places at the right times like you Kelly! I would give anything to be photographed with EPB, wow! I cut my doll making teeth on elinor's patterns, the patterns are elinor in doll form, so cool. I've also made patterns by the other authors as well, both are excellent in their own right. I didn't even know they had co-authored a book, too few doll making books being these days, what a delight to find out about this one. If I don't win it I'll definitely be purchasing a copy. Best, Ani

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Thank you for reading the IHAN Blog. I love getting and reading every comment that is left here; however I may not be able to respond to all comments left during giveaways. There are times when I am juggling many tasks at one time and may not reply to all comments. Please e-mail me at quiltnotions@gmail.com if you need a reply quickly. I thank you for your understanding and-
More Later-Beth

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