Arabesque

10.01.2013

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago when I was a wee lass, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up. My recollection is that I almost immediately responded that I wanted to be a ballet dancer.

You see, I had a perfectly fluffy pink tutu that made me feel like a beautiful ballerina. I even took ballet lessons, although I was completely terrible at it--adorable, but terrible.

It's been quite some time since my dancing dreams had faded, so the request for me to make a ballerina doll to show at Quilt Market was a very welcome surprise! I initially thought about using my Greta pattern, but she just didn't have that ballerina feel to me, so I came up with a new doll.

 Ballerina doll by Retro Mama
Instead of a tulle-only tutu I wanted to show off more of those gorgeous Arabesque prints by Anna Griffin, and so made her a skirt with some tulle layers on top, with a vintage button jewel on the waistband.
 Ballerina doll by Retro Mama
There is something so special about ballet slippers, I just had to put little soles on the back so my ballerina could dance en pointe.
 Ballerina doll by Retro Mama
I especially love her eyes.
 Ballerina doll by Retro Mama
Isn't this antique (and completely hand sewn) baby quilt amazing? Every stitch is perfect.
 Ballerina doll by Retro Mama
I am putting this pattern together right now for you, but it will take a little while to get it just right--I'll be sure to post updates!

Happy Stitching,