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!

the complete patchwork retreat

Are you looking for a full-catered, patchwork retreat that is well organized and thought out? Do you want to leave your sewing machine at home or need to buy some thread or more fabric while you are there? Not to worry! This retreat has it all such as sewing notions, fabrics, sewing machines on site (if desired), comfortable accommodations, fine food, massage, nail services, hot tub access, expert quilting & patchwork instructors, a diverse program of different quilt projects and quick activities all in the most exquisite of locations - a chalet in the French Alps! This full service, complete retreat is offered through Elita Sharpe (The Busy Needle Quilting) from Geneva, Switzerland. Her very well organized and well thought through quilting retreats in Morzine, France offer everything an international quilter might want at the Patchwork in the Peaks Retreat.

Miss Elita

Elita has been organizing retreats for several years now perfecting the ultimate patchwork retreat experience. She is ever humble in her abilities and knowledge and helps you on your way as a quilter to further develop your skills as well. She neither boasts nor brags and is always reassuring and helpful. Elita has been quilting for over twenty years and runs a long arm quilt service and a small online patchwork shop in Geneva. Being a quilter herself, her passion is to provide a haven for quilters to get together, enjoy their time off quilting and share their experiences with one other.

I was so honored to attend this wonderful retreat (Peaks 6) last weekend where I was not only warmly welcomed by Elita and her group but also instantly accepted by the other quilters who have previously attended. Thank you, Elita, Gina and Crew!

As a group of sixteen quilters with a wide range of experience from the near novice to the professional, there were absolutely no problems with understanding, because the pace was set by your own needs. Both Elita and Gina (her right hand and additional instructor) helped us along with our projects. They always made me feel comfortable - no rush, no worries, no pressure. If I  didn't want to sew, I could just sit out on the terrace and have a glass of wine if I fancied it better. All projects were optional. You could just sew on what you brought with you, if you preferred to.

Early Morning Sewing Views of Morzine, France

Elita introduced us to a Y-seam exercise with the spinning card trick. Most of us were a little challenged with the new Y-seam, and I think I heard a few interesting words thrown into the air, but we all mastered the project in the end. Our projects adorned the wall of fame by dinner time. I too was most definitely challenged by this seam. I try to avoid it at all costs. But I continued on and made the $&§% thing!

Spinning Card Trick - A Hard Day's Work

Most of the projects were organized in the mornings and other activities such as nail services, massage or hot tubbing in the afternoons. A French/English breakfast including porridge and baguette was served for breakfast, a light yet filling noon-time lunch and a very savory dinner & dessert in the evenings. I didn't take a picture of my chocolate croissant bread and butter pudding we had for dessert one night, because it simply disappeared too fast. Delicious! It was a slight change to my typical "German-style" cuisine of breads in the morning and evenings, but I adapted quickly. Thank you very much, Lou!

The Finest of Dining Prepared Fresh Daily

Not to mention the two lovely hosts of our chalet, Karen and Richard who thought of everything to help our visit more enjoyable including shuttle service to and from the airport as well as the most awesome entertainment on the way back. If you are a future guest of the Mountain Lodge Company, don't forget to ask for the Julie Andrews package and tell them "Karen the blogger" mentioned it! Thank you, Richard! I didn't have to be so nervous about catching the plane; you got me there with a good amount of time to go.

View of the Chalet Les 4 Vents Including Ample Parking

This retreat and chalet caters to the English-speaking community which allowed me to feel absolutely comfortable speaking in my native language and opening up to the others around me. Sometimes, I tend to freeze up and shut down when others around me are talking too fast or I don't understand a foreign language as well as I should. Here, I felt like I really belonged especially since I met others who also had very similar life journeys and experiences such as myself. I feel that I made a few more friends on this retreat and look forward to my next visit for another awesome experience. I am very curious to see what type of agenda Elita and Gina have planned for the next retreat coming up in April 2015! Are you?

View from the Wrap-Around Balcony

Did I mention that I have always dreamt about a quilting retreat in the mountains in the fall? As a patchworker reading American quilting magazines, you will find advertisements for ultimate quilting retreats in the ski areas, surrounded by nature - locked in with other patchworkers for a quilting experience away from your families and other distractions. I have been searching and yearning for such a retreat in Europe for years now. And now I have found it, and I don't think there is any way you can improve upon it. Elita has fulfilled all of my expectations and more. There was even perfect 20°C weather with sunny skies every day!! Thank you, again, Elita!

Everyone Deep into their Sewing Projects

And for those of you who joined in the fun for the long four-day weekend, thank you for putting up with my little paper piecing intro. I hope it helped you learn a new technique that you will continue to use and feel confident about.  I truly enjoyed your company and look forward to continuing this new friendship. Most importantly, I look forward to seeing you again at another Peaks Retreat!!

Patchwork in the Peaks 6 Crew

THANK YOU EVERYONE!! Big Hugs!
Karen - the blogger