Madamoiselle Mimi

Release date: September , 1987

Stitch count: 258H x 123W
Model stitched on: 35 count cream linen
Model size: 14" x 7"

Chart: originally hand drawn, now computer-generated
Leaflet: not available
Kit: not available

Available via Patterns OnLine.com ONLY

©Teresa Wentzler, PO Box 176, Montoursville, PA, 17754

Description: Mimi is patterned after French bisque dolls made in the mid- to late- 1800s. She wears a striped and floral pattern brocade jacket in shades of green and gold over an ecru blouse with ruffles and pink ribbon trim. Her pleated tiered skirt is green and gold. She has long curly auburn hair and dark brown eyes. She holds an apple plucked from the woven basketful at her side.

Background Information: While I was researching for Mimi, I was amazed to learn that although the dolls were modeled after children, the elaborate costumes and hairstyles were a reflection of adult "haute couture" of the period. Today, authentic antique bisque dolls, especially in original clothing, are very valuable and much sought-after by collectors. This doll was a challenge to design: porcelain proved very difficult to capture in cross stitch. Response to Mimi was disappointing: her face seemed to evoke unfavorable reactions...my first lesson in just how subjective is the idea of "beauty"! One of the most haunting things about these dolls is that although their faces have the proportions of childrens' faces, the expressions are eerily adult. In any event, she was still fun to design and stitch...yes, I was still stitching all my own designs in 1987.

Stitching Comments: This is a large design, and quite involved: lots of detail and blended floss colors, however, the floss list is not extensive. The originally chart is hand drawn, but is quite large and very readable. A computer-generated chart is available through PatternsOnLine.com

Specialty Stitches: lazy-daisy

Important Tips: Charting Technique

Madamoiselle Mimi Floss List

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