Doll Quilts

"Sewing was an essential task for women in the 19th Century. Little girls were taught their first sewing skills at the age of three, and many of the initial sewing projects were doll quilts. The child was able to choose her fabrics from the scrap bag, measure and cut the pieces for a simple quilt block, and hand sew with small and regular stitches. This "practice" was made more enjoyable by the prospect of having a cover for a beloved doll.

During the pioneer era, quilting was popular due to the expanding textile industry and the availability of inexpensive fabric. Quilts were needed for the westward journey and would adorn beds once the pioneers were settled. Young girls brought their treasured dolls for the journey while the women packed quilts made by friends and family as going away gifts."

http://www.quiltingboard.com/resources/article-15.html

Under this above link you'll find more interesting information on Doll Quilts, the article is called "The History of Doll Quilts in America" and is one of the rare really nicely written articles upon Doll Quilts… rare, because we all think it's clear what that is… and essentially it is true, yes, but there is more to say on this subject because Doll Quilts reveal so much about the role of a child in a household over the centuries, and also about the history of quilts in general.

I love Doll Quilts, very much so. I think they give a cozy bright light to a room, when they are seen with the eyes of an adult, and a cozy warm feeling to your family of teddies and dolls, when they are seen with the eyes of a child.

I started to make a few, some I keep here, some I offer on Etsy:
hhtp://etsy.com/shop/lupinequilts