Online at www.ozcrafts.com/country04.html you'll find several varieties of doll vacuum covers to choose from. The pattern I had used is Sweet Suzanne. Not wanting to paint her face, I decided to go with the primitive look and leave it at that.
A Brief History of Vacuum Cleaner Covers
Before vacuum cleaners were stored in closets and utility rooms, many households kept them in plain sight. Decorative vacuum cleaner covers became popular during the mid-twentieth century as homemakers looked for creative ways to blend everyday appliances into their home décor.
Some covers resembled dolls, while others were designed to look like ladies in Victorian dresses, pioneer women, or country-style decorations. Besides hiding the vacuum cleaner, these covers added a touch of personality to a room and often became conversation pieces.
Why I Enjoy Hand Sewing
One of the things I enjoy most about projects like this is the opportunity to slow down and work with simple tools. Every stitch on this vacuum cover was sewn by hand using nothing more than a needle and thread. While sewing machines certainly speed up production, hand sewing allows me to relax and enjoy the creative process.
Primitive and Pioneer Style Décor
Primitive doll designs have remained popular for many years because of their simple, rustic charm. Unlike more detailed dolls, primitive dolls often feature minimal facial features and homespun fabrics that give them an old-fashioned appearance. This pioneer-style vacuum cover fit perfectly with the look I wanted to create.
