fancy dresses, heirloom details Nancy Wilson Barbata, founder and chief doll costumer of , grew up in a family of artists. Appreciating art, participating in art, and being comfortable with art evolved naturally from this upbringing. However, until recently Nancy felt unsure what her calling might be. Among the varied disciplines she has studied are watercolor painting, pottery, glass blowing, needlework, graphic design, writing, and photography. As a result of being raised in a family of artists, Nancy developed an instinctive appreciation for color, order, precision, and quality in her work, her home, her life. It was Nancy’s maternal grandmother who sewed finely detailed doll clothes. She shared her love for dolls with Nancy and her little sister during their formative years. When the girls were old enough, she joined their mother in teaching them to sew. As the dream to start evolved, Nancy’s mother recalled the dresses that had been created when she was a little girl. Details such as dainty smocking, embroidery, and doll-sized pockets intrigued Nancy. The dresses that have survived various moves and the passage of time have become prized possessions and sources of inspiration for the budding entrepreneur. www..com is the online extension of Nancy’s sewing studio in Millbrae, California. With , she hopes to preserve the tradition of designing and creating fine garments for collectible dolls. September 2007