Billie Holiday

I received a message from a friend, promoting the 17th annual African American Fiber Art Exhibition, Celebrating Black Music. I thought, I would love to create another musical genius, but whom? Female? Yes, I create female dolls, she must be an icon in the music industry, and my first thought is…Billie Holiday…Lady Day! Gardenias in her hair would be instantly recognizable.

I look for and download pictures of her. I study Billie’s skin tone, hair, clothing, shoes, and jewelry. I begin knitting her arms, body, head, and legs. I download her book and listen to her life story on Audible, as I stuff and seam her body parts together. I also listen to Billie’s musical messages in her songs, and her voice as I embroider her face, fingernails, and hair.

As the weeks go by, my Billie doll and I are smiling. We become one with Billie Holiday. I knit gardenias and my heart sings! I am creating Lady Day!

Surrounded by her music, songs, voice, light, color, gorgeous dolls, and beautiful yarn, I knit her gown. I can think of no better place to be.