Sunday 6 January 2013

Introducing Natalya

At some point in my childhood I was introduced to Matryoshka dolls. I don't know when, or who owned the set I first saw, but I was entranced.

I didn't play with dolls. I preferred jigsaws and teddy bears. So to be so fascinated by dolls was unusual. I suspect this, and the BBC adaptation of "War and Peace" in 1971, was to start my lifelong fascination for Russia.

I acquired my first set of nesting dolls during a trip to Russia in 1990 (my first visit). Three more sets have joined them since - only the traditional design. The more modern "trap the tourist" type, produced in quantities worthy of a Five Year Plan, hold no real attraction for me.

For years I have intended making my own version of a Russian Doll. I don't do woodwork, so I thought I would sew one instead. This weekend, I finally got around to making her. Here she is, my prototypskaya. I may make more, if the whim takes me, but for the moment, Natalya will do well.






7 comments:

toby said...

Oh, how wonderful! She's very sweet :)
Well done!

Ms Sparrow said...

Here in the Twin Cites, we have The Museum of Russian Art. When I visited several years ago, they had a traveling exhibition of Matryoshka dolls. It was amazing! If you visit their online website, you can see a short video of some of the many sets they showed. Just click on Exhibitions and then Traveling Exhibitions. It looks like you have a great start to creating something unique!

sparrow said...

Thanks for the tip Ms Sparrow, I will definitely check that out.

Rease said...

She is beautiful, Jane! Love it! I will be sharing with my friend, Yanina!

sparrow said...

Thank you for all your encouraging comments, I am planning to start another one tonight:-)

Anthony (Tony) Hanmer said...

Very nicely done, looks professional! I would like to see some other expressions as well, including with open eyes. Success to you!

Kat Mortensen said...

LOVE her, Jane!
Coincidentally, it was another friend off me called, JANE, who introduced me to these wonderful dolls. She had an authentic one ( bought by her father, who was a world traveller). As a little girl, I coveted her fascinating multi-layered doll!