Tuesday, 29 January 2013

Treasures of the Gypsy

I have participated three times in the "Treasures of the Gypsy" challenge sponsored by Pamela Armas and shown at the Houston International Quilt Festival in the fall.  

The gypsies I created for the challenge remain some of my favourite dolls and I have not parted with them.  I present them as the three stages of womanhood and the cycle of life; the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone.

The first gypsy is Zinghera, Maiden Gypsy made in 2001, theme "Gypsy of the World".  The maiden represents purity, beauty and the innocence of childhood dreams.  She reminds us all to look after the magical child that lies within us. This doll won the "Best of Show" in 2001.
Shown with her young cat Mimi, Zinghera has travelled the world and returned home with many treasures that she will eagerly show to all her family and friends.

Side view showing crazy quilting and embroidery.

Close up of her face. (I used multiply body parts from different patterns to create her).

Her hand made shoes.
The second gypsy challenge, in 2003 had the theme "Gypsy of the Night Sky".  I made this gypsy as the Mother of the Night Sky.  The mother figure is the life giver, source of nurturing, patience and unconditional love.  Notice that her faithful cat "Mimi" is now much more mature.
She won the "Gypsy Choice" award in 2003.

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A close-up of her face (from a Kooky Davis mold, cloth overlay).  Her turban has the signs of the zodiac and hand felted and beaded "night stars".

A back view showing her embroidered cape that is hand beaded with images of the night sky.

Her faithful, aging cat "Mimi"
 The final gypsy challenge in which I participated was in 2005 with the theme "Jewel of the Gypsy".  I completed my trilogy and used Melinda Small Patterson's pattern (Baba Yaga) to make the Crone.

The Crone is the wise, old woman who imparts wisdom and is called upon in times of loss.  She is wild and free and represents the strength in all of us.  Notice that "Mimi" is gone but in her place is a rebirth, a young white kitten to start the cycle of life again.


Back view showing her cape (made in part using a Sari)

A final look at the Crone Gypsy and the start of the circle of life in the Kitten.

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