Excerpts from Letters to CW— mostly from Platypus customers

During  the years Colette W. ran her Platypus mail-order business, she received letters from fellow stitchers in, around and beyond the United States. One regular correspondent wrote from New Zealand.  Every letter was marked with the date it was received and the date it was answered. Colette preserved hundreds of these letters, which often included photographs of dolls made according to Platypus Designs and/or fabric samples pinned to stationery. Most of the letters in my possession span from the 1970s through the early 1990s.

Writers asked advice, made suggestions, and reported giving their homemade cloth dolls to grandchildren, hospitals, and nursing homes. One dollmaker shared about making a doll without a wig for a child receiving chemotherapy. Dollmakers sometimes sold their dolls for charitable causes. Writers wrote about doll and quilt clubs, and about teaching others using Colette’s patterns. Many people used Colette’s Sock Doll Workshop. One family converted Platypus animals into puppets, which they gave to Sunday school teachers, librarians, and pre-school aides.

Most letters were handwritten and some were typed. This was before email, of course. Many writers shared about their families and lives, describing weather and husbands in some detail. (I have found letters from female stitchers only.) These letter writers saw Colette Wolff as a friend, as well as a mentor.

 Here are some typical comments:

—†I thought you might like to see what I did with the Veronica doll pattern. . . . . Your patterns are the best. .  “

— “Once again, I have thoroughly enjoyed making “Hen + Chicks†and the “Quilting Scene‖ great illustration + directions. . . I have started a quilting group.â€

—â€I just finished a Phoebe and I wanted to let you know how wonderful she is– thanks to your great pattern and instructions. I took her to the doll club meeting where she was a big hit.â€

— “Once again, I turn to you for advice, and I hope you don’t feel I am the pest I feel I am . . .this doll does have me baffled.â€

— (1988 letter)†I think I have every edition of the Veronica patterns. I’ve been purchasing your patterns since 1972-3, I think. . . . Whatever you come up with, I will be one customer that will continue to add to my collection of patterns.â€

– “ . . . .I’ve made 3 Bridgets. I have a large family and each time someone new sees Bridget they fall in love with her. I’ll be mailing 2 to Texas. . . . “

— “I have to tell you how much I have enjoyed making the Veronica dolls and their costumes . . . Please don’t stop with the 1860’s! . . . My dolls have turned out beautifully and I am so proud of them. They have a place of honor on a long table in my dining room. . . . “

—†. . .  for sheer pleasure I have enjoyed “Giggles.†Every time I see an unusual fabric, I make another Giggles. . . . “ (letter accompanied by photos of six Giggles whose hair colors to match their clothes)

— “ . . . I was really struggling with doll faces. I came upon your book, “The Fine Art of Making Faces on Cloth Dolls.†This was the most descriptive and informative book I have read. . . “

— “I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed your newsletter. . ..  .I have been teaching classes in stuffed dolls  . . I have used your patterns in my classes.   “

– “ . . . I really appreciate your taking the time to help me in my dilemma with Penelope. . . “

– “Your name has become familiar to me through “Needlecraft for Today†and other magazines and I find your patterns have that special something I’m looking for. . .â€

– “ I wish to order one “platypus†design. . . Please rush my order, as I am quite anxious to get started!â€