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!

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!



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.