It's been a long summer but I am finally well enough to create again and have my first new piece since May! While in the hospital with pneumonia and in really bad shape because of my compromised immune system I felt the hands of angels caressing me when I closed my eyes, giving me comfort and peace. During my 2 week hospital stay and the months of recovery following I continued to feel angels praising God, thanking Him for my healing and keeping my spirits high. This ordeal inspired "Paisley Praise." Her name comes from the paisley fabric on her upper sleeves, which was intented for the Hoffman Challenge (http://hoffmanchallenge.com/2009challenge/winners09/dolls2009.html) but as I was ill I missed the challenge deadline. I am nearly recovered, just working on getting my stamina back and avoiding germs as best I can, and now I am thrilled to share photos of my new piece with you. I will ship her out today as I finished her just in time to go to the Celebration of the Doll Exhibit held next weekend at the Houston Quilt Festival and I am already scheduled to teach her in January, 2010. I hope you like Paisley Praise as much as I do! 
Paisley is an all cloth doll with articulated hands and a needle scolpted face. Her wings were created with layers of fabric feathers embellished with free motion embroidery. She is kneeling in her Renaissance garments giving thanks.
Judy, Paisley Praise is wonderful. And what a great way to acknowledge the Lord's work in your healing. Praying that you continue to gain strength and stamina daily.
ReplyDeleteKathleen Loose
Another lovely Judy Skeel doll! Inspiring, and I love her wings too!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathleen - I really believe in prayer. The day all the emails started coming in that people were praying for me was the first time I felt the angels touching me and praying for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Patti!- It feels great to be creating again!
Oh Judy, She is wonderful! She would have been a winner for sure! I am so glad you are feeling better all the time. Don't know if you ever got the email telling you I got the shoe pin. It is gorgeous and I just love it!
ReplyDeletehugs Karen
Hi Karen - Thanks for the sweet words! I can't imagine beating Arley's troll, but I appreciate that thought! Yes, I got your email, but I'm glad you like the pin enough to tell me again. Your shoe pin still sits in my studio near my sewing machine to remind me of you!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you missed the Hoffman deadline due to illness - she surely is a winner. On the other hand, is this the doll you would have made if you hadn't been ill? I believe something good often comes from something bad - and she's a beautiful example.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Deanna
Thanks so much Deanna. She is differnt, though the costuming was going to be of the same time period. This one seems to have more "reason to exist."
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to our Lord,Healer, Comforter, Redeemer and King. I have been in that pose many times since my stroke. Paisley Praise really portrays the worship in my heart. See you in the Altered Fabric class!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sue!
ReplyDeleteJudy, she is absolutely breathtaking!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Anon.
ReplyDeleteJudy,
ReplyDeleteThis is a truly inspired work. It communicates so strongly to the viewer. She is stunning! The technique on the wings is gorgeous. This piece has a piece of you living within.
Hugs, Bonnie
what a beautiful story! i too believe in angels!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful and inspiring work of art. Here is a prayer that you continue in health and happiness.
ReplyDeleteBeth
Thanks Bonnie, Lindi and Beth. You are all so sweet!
ReplyDeleteI have been too busy to read FOCD news for months. Today I read news and your story was the first that I read. My Grandmother died in the 1918 epidemic and your story means a lot to me. I hope the angels transported her to heaven. My mother was 19 months at the time. Thanks for the story and the doll praise. Flora Hand
ReplyDeleteThanks you Flora. I am glad we connected!
ReplyDeleteLovely! Just stunning! The Angels are here surrounding us with reassurance. Paisley Praise is a doll I would love to make. I am happy that you are well now, Judy! You are truly talented!
ReplyDeleteThank you Anon. Hopefully you can make her when she comes out as a pattern.
ReplyDelete