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.






6 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!