Every child should have the experience of being able to run in and out of their grandparents house at will. I could tell her just about everything, there was no judgement. And in turn she shared the trials and tribulations of her youth, things I later found out my father didn't even know. I was as close to her as I will ever to be to any human being.

In 1989 my first grandchild was born and I found myself trying to be the same kind of grandmother to her that mine was to me. It is a good goal to strive for.

Grammy was one of my first original dolls and she created herself. My hands and my mind were not under my guidance but hers. I was missing her and she came back to me in this form. Click HERE to see a photo of my grandmother.

Grammy is one of three dolls that I made at that time. All are dressed in removeable clothing from the "skin out". Each one is wearing undergarments that would be appropriate for the doll. For a long time, every time I wanted to show someone the boned corset, or the heirloom lace work on the slip, I had to completely undress the dolls. This was a pain!

Having to unbuttoning all those tiny buttons, taking off that hand knit sweater, sliding the slip over her head and then having to put it all back on again. Finally, I got smart. One day I decided to undress the dolls and photograph them. Now I leave their clothes on and show photos instead.

Grammy is sitting in front of Crazy Quilt designed and created by David K. Small of Small Expressions and Artistic fabrics. David and I met a few months back when he gave a color lecture at my quilt guild. It seemed logical that someone who made one of a kind dolls and someone who painted one of a kind fabrics might have a lot in common. And so we talked. And later talked and talked....(well you get the picture). Since that time I have painted fabrics, David has played in clay, we have shared photo shoot time and assisted one another in many ways. I use a lot of his fabrics in my current creations and expect to be using more as he expands into wearable fabrics (silks especially, Mmmmmm).

You can get to Small Expressions and Artistic Fabrics through our links page or you can click on the quilt behind Grammy and go there now. (But please do come back.) Grammy is also visiting at David's site sitting in front of a crazy quilt that I made. That picture is also a link back to our HOME page.