DAY 11 – A FARMHOUSE CHRISTMAS

We’ve been very busy making so many things but it has been fun to see what we could do without money. – Shirley

“Mama,” exclaimed Shirley suddenly, startling Ina who was deep in thought, “let’s make a doll for Sadie. It would be such fun and even more fun to see her enjoy it while she’s here.”

Shirley thought she had presented an excellent idea and was disappointed at Ina’s long pause.

“I thought we were going to make an apron,” answered Ina at last.

Now it was Shirley’s turn to pause thoughtfully in order to form a diplomatic reply. One had to take care in standing up to one’s mother. So, she pointed out that while serviceable, an apron wouldn’t be much fun for a four-year-old. And since no one could afford a store-bought doll this year, why not make one?

The real Shirley Dobson, c. 1928

“But Ethel will be here in just a week. The time grows short,” Ina reasoned.

“Oh, but Mama,” Shirley pleaded, “I can make a doll in a few hours, and we only have to make the doll. If we don’t have time to make clothes, we can do that after Christmas while Sadie watches.”

“Yes, that’s so,” said Ina, finally catching Shirley’s enthusiasm. So, together they dove headfirst into the scrap box in that cubby under the stairway and came up with a piece of muslin, perhaps a piece of an old dish towel or apron, that was just right for a small doll.” Shirley set to work that very afternoon, drawing a pattern on the order of a cloth doll she had seen in a magazine and carefully cutting the muslin.

And now, we can’t write more because we’re busy. KW

[In real time, we’ve had record-setting warm temps – officially 65 in the Valley on Dec. 10. A farmhouse Christmas will be possible this year for sure. The imaginary family of 1930 is waiting for us.]