The quilting and textile worlds are mourning the loss of doll maker extraordinaire Elinor Peace Bailey. With over 100 self-published doll patterns, several books to her name, and countless projects that brought joy to many, Elinor was an inspiration to artists everywhere to help them embrace their creative side. The Quilt Show sends its condolences to the Bailey family and celebrates the life of Elinor Peace Bailey​.

Here's a little bit more about Elinor from Fabric-Chicks (Home of Elinor Peace Bailey Cloth Dolls):

"Elinor Peace Bailey received her art education through Parson's School of Design, Tyler School of Fine Arts, and Brigham Young University. She has written Mother Plays with Dolls, The Rag Doll From Plain to Fancy, and recently, Two Doll Makers Meet in the Middle. She has illustrated books for BERNINA of America and Fairfield Processing. Elinor Peace Bailey has designed fabric for P&B Textiles, Daisy Kingdom, and Concord Fabrics. She has acted as a consultant for Crafts Magazine, Prym Dritz Corp. (who has manufactured her dolls), Fairfield Processing, and Spring Mills.

With over 100 self-published doll patterns, Elinor Peace Bailey continues to inspire women to begin a life of creative play."

And here is a statement on Elinor's passing from her family:

"Last night at 736 pm, Elinor took her last earthly breath and then found herself light as a feather, pain free, unburdened by her physical body.

I know she watched as we bathed her and then dressed her, (even put a little lipstick on her cause “your mom loves a little lipstick”) us making sure she was dressed to meet God, in her temple clothes that she loved so much.

I know she swayed and sang perfectly to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir playing in the background; Marie Fay, sister, roommate, and best friend, knew exactly what she’d love.I know she threw her head back and laughed as we laughed watching her favorite movie, Legally Blonde, in her honor as we waited for her to be taken away (maybe she even did the bend and snap, God only knows).

I know that she watched on as Muff and I said our goodbyes, me asking her to say hello to my future grand-babies for me, and her of course agreeing.

And I know that she then smiled and nodded and turned away to face the long anticipated light and love and wonderful reunion she had awaiting her on the other side, safe in the knowledge that we would see each other again.

Words cannot express our gratitude for the love and outpouring of support you have shown our family and our mom, sister, aunt, crazy grandma, crazy great grandma.

There was never and never will be in the whole wide world anyone like Elinor Peace Bailey. We were lucky to know her."