I have always been drawn to Russian nested dolls; I remember first playing with them when visiting Poland as a little girl (my father and my maternal grand-parents were born in Poland). It's only recently that I've been introduced to what I think is their more Russian name -- matryoshka dolls; I've always known them as babushka dolls. I think each doll's little painted details as well as the way the paintwork changes with the next doll has always caught my eye, even as a child.
Not surprisingly then, a serious wave of nostalgia hit me when I spotted this set -- made in Russia -- at a local shop...of course, I had to have it! Same goes for when I saw these prints from Heather Ross' West Hill collection! Even though I have no idea how I'll use these adorable prints ('love her choice of color streams, don't you?), I'm happy they're sitting (three bolts) in my workspace so I can look at them as much as I want...yup, I'm a bit nutty when it comes to fabric!
A few years ago, I made some little backpacks which I embellished with babushka appliques; unfortunately, I didn't save one for myself... So, I thought it was high time to re-visit the babushka motif in bag format. And, this is what I came up with this time 'round -
As you see, I've "nested" the bags: each bag fits into the next sized-up one ! I used felted wool sweaters for the babushka bodies and flowers...yup, I'm still having fun throwing thrifted wool sweaters into the washing machine and wondering how they'll look when I pull them out! Anyhow, the totes could be used as carry bags or also as storage bags, hung up on hooks or knobs like in this lovely room shown in the July issue of Country Homes & Interiors -
Now, I had to throw in the photo with the bed (I think it's all part of the same room) because I absolutely love the way it's been styled -- it all looks so casually (I'm sure it wasn't though!) but beautifully put together with a great color combo...shhh...I actually bought this issue only for this photo spread!
If you're like me and love all things babushka, check out tsktsk....I very happily wandered onto this blog just the other day and was instantly smitten....and, added bonus: you can buy her beautiful work at her Etsy shop! I'm impatiently waiting for my Ivanov Girls to arrive...Enjoy!
Oh my goodness, the cuteness! It's killing me. I need a little girl so I can put these in her room.
Posted by: Sarah | July 12, 2007 at 01:02 PM
a lady who sells them here in Bris told me that the dolls 'find' you not the other way around.
Your artwork has been sent so hopefully you won't have to wait too much longer.
your dolls are lovely. I'm in the process of trying to make a softie matryoshka now.
thanks for the mention. :)
Posted by: tiel | July 12, 2007 at 02:27 PM
These bags are truly wonderful!! I absolutely love your matroyshkas!
Posted by: Mirre | July 12, 2007 at 03:09 PM
Absolutely darling - every single one!
Your blog is wonderful - I'll be back.
Heather
Posted by: Heather | July 12, 2007 at 04:08 PM
Wow, Beata! I'm speechless........OK, not really. But what a great post! The details of your work are exquisite. I'm glad that your pix are large enough that I can appreciate your careful stitches and that sweet little face.
Someday I'll have to nab the Matroyshka set that I bought in Hungary and gave to my brother, so I can take pix to show you. The dolls are mostly black and red, with white details and shiny metallic sections too.
Posted by: Lilli | July 12, 2007 at 08:29 PM
oh my... these are the sweetest little purses ever! Will you be selling them?
I have four young daughters, and I can't think of anything cuter than a photo of them with their purses... biggest to smallest of course!
Please let me know if you'll be selling any of your nesting bags!
Tiffany
scrapsadaisy.blogspot.com
Posted by: Tiffany | July 12, 2007 at 10:49 PM
wow, your babushka bags are adorable!
Posted by: corry | July 13, 2007 at 12:16 AM
Love that idea, such cute bags and the commenter with the four daughters..a photo of them with the bags...that would be a cute follow up to this post.
Posted by: Laney | July 13, 2007 at 03:51 AM
OH my god!!! I am sooooooooo glad that i found your blog!! Just love this post :) It shows me your passion, creativity and also that you have an eye for small and very important details. FUN
babushka, hehe...such fun story and what a creation that you made!Totally love the bags, want one!!
I gets so exited reading your blog and looking at all these fantastic pictures that i want to share it with everyone that visit my blog. May i ? And may i use one of your pictures ? Aina :)
Posted by: Aina | July 14, 2007 at 03:24 AM
I have a friend who loves matroyshka dolls - I made her a felted one for her 30th birthday instead of a card and gave her a set of handpainted ones from Russia - with a cooking/baking theme! But your bags are just fantastic!! I love them!!
Posted by: Di | July 14, 2007 at 12:29 PM
You've made some beautiful bags. I love your choice of fabric and colour and your sewing is excellent.
Posted by: rhondajean | July 14, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Beautiful, really great idea you had. Nesting the bags...and the motif is so well made!!! I like them all, colors are perfect too. We have a small set of dolls that my husband's sister in law gave to us. She is from Ukraine.
Posted by: Zabrina | July 15, 2007 at 09:13 AM
Beata, this post is beautiful! I love the way the you laid out your photos, and your bags are charming and delightful.
Posted by: Aleka | July 15, 2007 at 05:47 PM
I adore these bags, so charming and clever!! Your photos are so summery and fresh too! I want to pluck those totes out of the screen and go for a walk to the library!!
Posted by: sara, the house of charm | July 17, 2007 at 03:33 PM
I love those bags and of course love Heather Ross's new line of fabric. I haven't bought any yet - what am I waiting for, lol...
Posted by: Amy | July 17, 2007 at 05:43 PM
Your bags are the most adorable things ever! And your babushka set is one of the sweetest I've ever seen.
Posted by: Lallee | July 18, 2007 at 07:04 AM
These are just lovely.
I have linked to you if that is ok.
Alison x
Posted by: Alison | July 18, 2007 at 11:16 AM
Just thought I would say that I enjoyed finding your blog and that I love the Russian dolls!
Posted by: janet clare | July 21, 2007 at 02:03 PM
I just found your blog. I love your babushka bags!! I have a few babushka dolls. We visit a really cute shop called the Doll's Nest where the owner has lots and lots of babushkas in all prices. I will have to post about my favorite one some time.
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | July 24, 2007 at 10:28 PM
Wow! Your Babushka-bags are so lovely! What a beautyful idea! I´m glad to found your blog, I´ll come back soon :)
Sunny greetings from Hamburg, Germany
Posted by: Riccarda | July 25, 2007 at 11:46 AM
I hope you won't mind. This post was so adorable I posted about your site today and sent my friends to see your beautiful blog!
Posted by: Betty @ She's Sew Pretty | July 25, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Delightful! They are just so cute.
Posted by: Sarah Leak | August 10, 2007 at 12:26 AM
Heavenly...that's all I can say about those adorable bags! I love those little stacking dolls too and always wanted a set as a child. It wasn't until I was a mum myself, and had a daughter for whom to buy them, that I found out their true name.
It was absolute brilliance of you to make nesting bags with their likeness on them. I am very impressed with your blog indeed!!
Linda
Posted by: Linda | August 11, 2007 at 07:34 PM
Your bags are beyond adorable! And that you made them nest... that's over the top wonderful. I love, love, love it!
Posted by: happy zombie | September 12, 2007 at 01:09 PM
It is rare that I visit a blog and fall instantly in love with it! But this has happened to me with yours. You are so talented and I can see the love and thought that goes into your creations. I am already addicted to your art :)
Dot
Posted by: Dot | January 18, 2008 at 12:50 AM
these are really matryoshkas ) i'm russian and i can't understand why they call these dolls babushkas. babushka means granny in russian.
Posted by: Mila | September 23, 2008 at 06:41 AM
Hi Mila,
I think the name depends on where you are from -- I'm of Polish descent and in Poland we call them babushka, which you are right, means an old lady, and to me, whenever I look at babushkas/matryoshkas, I see old ladies or grannies.
Posted by: Beata | September 23, 2008 at 08:27 AM
Your babushkas are so sweet...and I love that you've nested the bags! I also tend to buy magazines just because I couldn't bear not to own a particular inspirational photo. My husband now hates magazines. :D
Posted by: Erica K | April 28, 2010 at 10:51 AM