The Girls

Recently someone asked for me to show my sewing area. Boy did I start sweating bullets! I mean this is my haven, my "close the door and don't look" area. But I decided that I would try to get myself a little organized to give you a peek.

But before all that, I would like to introduce you to the girls.

These sweet girls preside over my sewing area. They watch me sew every stitch, and are quick to let me know when I have made a mistake, or when I need a suggestion on a color selection. They have been very faithful friends.

Years ago when our family was vacationing in the hills of North Carolina, we came across a Co-Op craft shop in the town of Dillard. It was filled with rooms and rooms of hand made crafts from the locals. Just about the very first time we went there, I spotted her.....


Naomi was the cutest little clothespin girl that I had ever seen. She was dressed well, and had very good manners. She was very happy to come all the way to Florida with me. And so started my adoption of clothespin dolls.

I think Sarah was the next girl to come home with me.

Sarah is the perfect Southern Lady. She has a sweet smile and is always very polite. She never fusses at me when I make a mistake. Always patient and kind. The kind of sweet charm that keeps your heart.


Bonnie took my heart on yet another visit. She always has her little sewing basket close at hand. She loves to do hand work, and is quick to help me find the lost needle or thimble. Don't you just love those curls?

On yet another visit to the mountains, we stopped in once again at the little co-op shop. I searched and searched for the little clothespin dolls. But there were none to be found. I asked one of the volunteers about the dolls. She informed me that the lady who made the dolls had opened a shop over near Franklin in the Red School House. I, of course, appealed to my dear sweet husband to drive over. We soon found the Red School House which was bursting with antiques. But along one side of the building was a craft shop. The lady who made the dolls was Wanda Weldin. We were able to meet her and chat for a while. She teaches the Indian children up in the mountains and does crafts on the side. It was such a delight to meet her. All of her little clothespin dolls are signed with a symbol on one of their hands. Some are even numbered.

That day I could not resist these two little companions.

Sasha loves to gather flowers, while Peter is always running off with his Radio Flyer. Peter and Sasha watch over my china teacups. They enjoy a spot of tea every once in a while.

It has been many years since we have been to the mountains. The last time we went, the little craft shop in the Red School House was gone. I have purchased other clothespin dolls since then, but they just really don't compare.

Before I end this little story, I must show you one other doll we bought from Wanda.

I love this cute little doll with the jute hair. She sits and smiles all day long. We have given her a very important job. She sits by the front door to welcome all that enter. As you can see, she stays busy working on her quilt.

And before we left the craft shop on the day she came home with us, I had Wanda do this for me.........

Please excuse the undies :-)