April 14, 2009

A Flea Market Mystery

A few years ago I bought the book Petits Cadeaux Brodés (Little Embroidered Gifts). The embroidery projects in it are beautiful and the photos all have a vintage theme. Ever since the first time I thumbed through it, one of my favorite vintage objects in it has been the tiny doll in the picture above. I'm not sure why, because even though I find them adorable, I've never been especially drawn to vintage dolls.

Well, my sewing and embroidery "to do" list has gotten pretty long and I hadn't looked at this book in a long time (maybe a year?). Then the other night, in search of some embroidery inspiration, I pulled it out. And, as usual, I ended up at this page, smiling at this cute little doll. And that was that. It was time for dinner and the book went quickly back on the shelf.

But guess what I found at the flea market the very next day? The exact same doll. I'd never seen one like her before and I don't know if I'll ever see another one again. Actually, I didn't find her - it's more like she found me. And the strange thing is, this same thing happens every once in awhile. Pretty mysterious, don't you think?
Here she is, all 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) of her, with the new dress I made for her.

P.S. The little boy quilt is coming along - all 35 blocks are finished and sewn in rows. I just have to sew the rows together and hopefully will post about it again pretty soon.
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15 comments:

  1. C'est fantastique ! Elle est vraiment très jolie. Elle vous attendait... Bonne continuation pour votre quilt. Bonne fin de semaine.
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  2. It seemes that some things just have to happen.
    And whwn they happen, we call it magic.
    Janine
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  3. Wow -- what a cool find! You two were meant for each other ;-).
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  4. ohmygoodness! what a wonderful coincidence =)
    she's so tiny and sweet looking
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  5. What a darling little girl. Have you researched to find out who made them and what they were called? You are truly a flea market success story.
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  6. I think it is fantastic. Looking foreward to hearing much more ;-)
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  7. C'est vraiment très mignon...et si petit...
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  8. allez vous lui faire une garde-robe?
    avec une petite boite a chaussure en guise de chambre et des mini-cintres pour accrocher les habits fait main!
    c est tout un monde que vous pouvez creer!
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  9. Lucky you! I wish she found me...
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  10. I'm not positive, but I think the little dolls are called "Frozen Charlotte". I've seen them mentioned on blogs over the years. Anyway, she's a great find.
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  11. What a great story! I love life's little mysteries!!! How exciting for you :o)
    Hugs, Laurraine
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  12. Lucky lucky you! What a great find and story - thanks for sharing!
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  13. Hello,
    This book seems beautiful and inspiring.

    I think these little dolls are called "ARI" dolls. They were made in east Germany and some people like to collect them. I actually have one that I am very found of.
    It is so nice that she found you on a flea market.

    I am still looking forward tosseing the boy quilt...so impatient. Take care
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  14. How magical and serendipitous! The doll was meant to be yours :)
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  15. I bought a couple of these dolls to make embroidery boxes for my girls out of old cigar boxes. I can't wait to have these finished in their favorite colors. I've been going through some of your old posts b/c you blog is my FAVORITE. I just love it! ~Page
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Thank you and merci for your comment!

A bientôt,
petits détails

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