“They induce a rapture in this viewer. They say: I am black and comely in all conceivable ways. I am varying shades of black, brown and beige. I am decorous, impish, fearsome and wise. They say: I have my vanity. (Gaze on my dark, lustrous eyelashes and smartly-coiffed hair.) They say: I have my griefs. (Count the tears on my cheeks.)” – Margo Jefferson, Black Dolls

Through a series of fortunate events, I was asked to teach two dollmaking workshops at BLUE: The Tatter Textile Library, in Brooklyn, New York. This offer to teach has turned into a renewed passion for dollmaking and Black doll history.

I am in the process of testing and finalizing an official doll pattern that can be purchased and shared widely. Please reach out if you are interested in being a tester. Be sure to check back for workshop announcements and other opportunities to make and learn with me.

Use the contact form to get in touch about testing, for pattern inquiries and lecture or workshop requests. Or email me wanett@sownbrooklyn.com.

Note: A doll pattern, sans instructions, was previously found in Vol. 1 of Black & Vintage Zine.

Follow these links for info about donations & acquisitions.