Last month, when I went to the Harwinton (CT) Antiques and Design weekend, I happened across this fantastic portrait.  At the time I had just spent several days painting scallop topped boots on what felt like an entire army of tiny feet and sewing yards and yards of gathered white ruffles and lace.  Finding this painting felt like the hand of fate.

We’ve hung the portrait in our parlor, so that she over looks the wing-back chair and Sheraton sewing table, where I sit in the evenings to do my hand sewing.  That way whenever my thread tangles, I have to rip out stitches, or just generally need a bit of encouragement, I can look up for inspiration.  This tiny girl is a gentle guide to the look and feel of long past childhood, that I strive to convey in all of my dolls.   I am so happy to have found her!