I had a friend Rachel in college who had a doll, named Dolly, that her mother made from a pattern printed on the fabric. Her mom bought four copies , and every time Rachel wore one out, her mother would make the next incarnation. The doll my friend had at college was Dolly number three, and she was beat up, worn out, and one mistaken ride in the washing machine from just falling apart completely. Rachel said that once Dolly III fell apart, her mom would make Dolly IV, which Rachel would then have with her for the rest of her life.
Sometimes I wish there were other brand new Eileen patterns in a drawer somewhere, ready to be sewn up, all good and new, when I fall apart.
Various and Sundry 