Historical Doll Quilts

Since 1985 or so, millions of families have encouraged their daughters' interest in the American Girls series of dolls and books. In 1990 I developed a series of historical doll quilt kits and classes which roughly parallel the eras of the dolls. As an art historian and former museum curator, I recognized the need for girls to make some of their own artifacts, not just to enrich their education in history, but so they could experience the joy of making a high-quality object of lasting beauty and value. Working closely with their mothers or grandmothers, thousands of girls nationwide have made historically accurate doll quilts from my kits, even if neither knew how to sew before. Time Travellers quilts always turn out great, and the girls feel great about their accomplishments!



Taken all together, the kits form a complete curriculum of quiltmaking. Piecing, applique, sashing, cornerstones, quilting, binding...all these techniques are presented with simple, easy-to-follow instructions. Most importantly, each quilt is placed in its proper historical context with a truly unique look at the important role of textiles in the daily lives of women and children in the era of each quilt.



All kits are available by mail order for $21.95 each, postpaid. Simply list which kits you'd like to order and include a check for the right amount made out to me, Jane Nehring, and send it to the above address. We'll ship your kits as soon as we receive your check!



This web site is definitely still under construction, and will eventually include photos of the doll quilts, lots of doll and history links, as well as essays, historic recipes, and more old-fashioned fun! I hope you'll be a frequent visitor!



Kit Descriptions



Colonial Era Center Medallion Quilt

In the 1700s, not many American families made quilts, and those who did usually just added simple patchwork borders to an expensive piece of imported fabric. This one's a perfect first project in quiltmaking, and you can even make it in a traditional "T" shape to fit Felicity's four-poster bed.



Pioneer Era Log Cabin Quilt

Fabric was so hard to come by out on the prairie that no one could afford to waste even the smallest piece! Learn the secrets of this beautiful and fascinating pattern as you stitch this quilt from your very own "scrap bag" of mid-19th century prints!



African-American Story Quilt

Can a quilt save lives? Sweet Clara's did, speaking loud and clear in the rich language of symbols used by resourceful African-American quiltmakers. Add your own story to this fascinating tradition! An easy applique technique makes it possible for your simple drawings to be translated into quiltblocks, enabling you to tell YOUR story without speaking a word. A priceless multi-cultural heritage project.



Late 19th-Century Irish Chain Quilt Kit

This blue and white nine-patch design tells a powerful story, but only to those who know how to read it! Become a quilt detective and learn to decipher the "clues in the calico!"



Depression-Era Feedsack Quilt

Chances are someone in your family background made a quilt very similar to this one! Rummage through your "scrapbag" of delightful feedsack prints to piece this colorful pastel quilt set together with white sashing. THEN learn how to become your family's expert quilt historian as you master the textile preservation techniques museum curators use!



If you'd like to place an order, please e-mail for more info. You can also order direct from this page using the information above.



Copyright 1996 Jane Stafford Nehring. All kits, contents, printed and electronically reproduced matter and lecture notes are protected by federal copyright law which strictly prohibits any unauthorized reproduction thereof.

The following links are just a few of the fun sites I've enjoyed visiting recently. Dolls, quilts, families, houses--if you're getting an image of me as a real homebody, I guess you're right!



And speaking of houses, there's hope for the domestically challenged right here in Cyberspace. The Sidetracked Sisters can be found at the: Slob Sisters Official Online Site. Good clean fun!



I love recipes that make the house smell heavenly as if I've been cooking for hours when in actual fact I've been puttering around in my studio. My bread robot actually put up his own homepage! He's sharing some of his favorite recipes at Bread 'Bot's Home Page.



If you love searching for antique reproduction fabric you will be inspired by a visit to the legendary Kirk Collection! They've got the real thing! Welcome to the Kirk Collection



If you're looking to hook up with other doll fans, you might want to sign up for the Doll Mailing Lists. Somehow it's always comforting to know we're not alone in our collecting mania!

Do you ever find yourself wishing you, personally, were 18" tall? You will after you visit TLC Doll - The Online Department Store for the 18" Doll! Lots of sewing patterns for the dolls, too!



For those very special occasions when a girl wants a truly gorgeous dress, and one for her doll too, consult Jane Ellen Carr, who is truly Jane Ellen | Dressmaker Extraordinaire. She also has a line of great oak furniture for the dolls.



BUTTERCUP DOLL CLOTHES Brownie and Girl Scout uniforms for 18" dolls, plus lots of other pretty things, and accessories too! Owner Marietta also offers a unique service: if you send her a quarter yard of your own dress fabric, she'll make a dress for your doll to match!



I was recently re-united with the cherished Barbie Dolls of my youth, and I must say they look a little rough. (My mother always said the years would be harder on girls who wore too much makeup too soon!) So one of these days I'll be consulting with TwinPines of Maine, which offers a line of very gentle, specialized cleaning products for dolls and doll clothes. This might be just the thing if your doll has had an unfortunate run-in with a crayon or something!

Knitting patterns for 18" dolls e.g. American Girls, Gotz, Corolle, Lissie, et al can be found at this site.



Come back soon!!