Generations - a New Series of Historical Paper Dolls

After several years of being a quilt and quilt block designer, I have developed a passion to create mix and matchable figures especially females. This love and desire stems from a childhood hobby of drawing barbie dolls with different outfits. Did you also design clothing for your dolls? 

New Paper Dolls Series

After taking a very long break from quilting, designing, and sewing, I sat down one day and just "doodled" - designing on the computer. I wanted to see if I could create a new figure with a historial flair. After several hours of diligent changes, Quilter Grace was created. She may look like a little Dutch girl or even a pilgrim too. You are welcome to image her as you wish.

Most of the figures will have baskets with arms and hands in front. Some will have bonnets or hats while other may not. Most of the figures will be European-like in nature but not all. 

As with most block patterns, I like to design foundation patterns in segments that can enchace the design of the figure. I don't like irritating segments that involve unachievable matching points or 20,000 intersections that create bulk. The challenge is to keep segments so that can be used by multiple figures with ease. Hopefully, these designs are successful and you will enjoy them as well. 

Mix & Match

I had so much fun designing Grace, I designed more paper dolls which have interchangeable segments so you can create even more figures too. Without giving away too many secrets, you can exchange the heads, torsos, and dresses. For instance, you may want to put a bonnet on another figure or even swap out the basket. 

The historical figures will be available on the 15th of each month for the next several months. Receive a 20% discount on the figure on the day it is released! This will be reflected in the price on Release Day.

Quilt Along - Generations of Friendship

If you would like to sew along for at least six months with a new figure each month, I will be offering a quilt block setting also at a reduced rate for all who purchase at least one of the Generations Paper Dolls. I am mentioning this upfront, so you can choose a background that will fit all figures. Don't you just hate it when you run out of fabric during a project? The quilt below is approximately 50" x 50" for a nice wall quilt.

This is a neutral and fresh color scheme that is used throughout the written pattern of green (a dark and a light), yellow and a coral. Choose this palette for a more modern or even European look. Add some lovely fabrics to Grace's basket such mini prints or even lovely florals.

Fabric Requirements

Here are the fabric requirements if you would like to make the quilt above:

• 1 3/4 yards -  Background (Light to medium value neutral such as gray.) 
• 3/4 yard - Accent 1, Border 2 (Dark Main Green)
• 1/8 yard - Accent 2 (Yellow)
  
• 1/2 yard - Accent 3, Binding (Coral)
  
• 1/2 yard - Accent 4, Border 1 (Creme or White)
• 1/8 yard - Accent 5 (Black)
• 1/4 yard - Accent 6 (Light Main Green)
  
• 1/4 yard - Hair & Baskets (Brown)
• 1/8 yard - Skin (Use different shades for added interest.)
• 55" x 55" Backing 
• 55" x 55" Batting
  

If you would like a more patriotic or traditional look, choose this red, gray and blue color scheme.

Here are the fabric requirements if you would like to make the quilt above:

• 1 3/4 yards -  Background (Light to medium value neutral such as gray.) 
• 3/4 yard - Accent 1, Border 2 (Dark Main Blue)
• 1/8 yard - Accent 2 (Dark Gray)
  
• 1/2 yard - Accent 3, Binding (Red)
  
• 1/2 yard - Accent 4, Border 1 (Creme or White)
• 1/8 yard - Accent 5 (Black)
• 1/4 yard - Accent 6 (Light Main Blue)
  
• 1/4 yard - Hair & Baskets (Brown)
• 1/8 yard - Skin (Use different shades for added interest.)
• 55" x 55" Backing 
• 55" x 55" Batting

Selfmade Layout

If you love the figures but don't want to commit to a wall hanging, you can also make a table runner with five figures (or design your own quilt with any amount of paper dolls). Simply outline the figures with 1" and 2" finished borders.

Social Media

Let's have some fun and sew along together! Upload your makes and progress on social media. Use the following hashtags: #eppaperdolls #epgrace #easypatchworkpattern #eppattern #epgenerationsquilt

Online Shop

Grace is available now on Etsy. Click on the link to the left or on the "Pattern Shop" in the bar at the top of this page. Each month, a new figure will be released on the 15th of that month. Figures from the last three centuries will be availabe for purchase.

The Gernations of Friendship (with stars) pattern will be available on November 1, 2021. You will receive a discount code for the quilt layout download with each Generations Paper Doll purchase sent as a private message. Check your spam folder if you don't get a message. 

Preview

Stay tuned for the next blog post on October 29, 2021 to see my fabric selection and to read about the Generations of Friendship layout blocks. Happy quilting and sewing!