Legacy of Needlework?
Aynthem
AnnaMarie wrote in message <3c2a859e@news.>...
>Greetings:
>
>I have an odd question. I'm a fairly prolific stitcher, youngish and keep
>alot of my own work. I make bell pulls and plan on framing some pictures
>(right after that framing class next summer at CATS).
>
>So.... for those of us without children.... in my dotage, where shall I
>leave my needlework? Are there museums looking for works of this sort?
>Guilds who wish these things? Any ideas?
This may not be the answer you want to hear, but I simply don't worry about
it.
I mean, after you're dead, you're dead. I won't have any consciousness with
which to worry about things. What happens to the things that brought me
pleasure in life just doesn't matter at that point, and that's how I view my
needlework: as something that brings *me* pleasure *now*. I suppose I have
a more fatalistic viewpoint than most, though, for various reasons. I don't
think anything I do is that special that anyone living in the future would
miss out by not seeing it, assuming that the future isn't so bleak that
survival is the only concern (population pressures). I'm happy now in the
act of doing needlework, so that is the value the work holds, not some
future intangible value. I can't imagine the disappointment some people
have when they find out that what they highly value doesn't mean a thing to
their children or others in whom they wish to find validation.
Please don't take this to mean that I think your work has no value; quite
the contrary. It's just that looking at your work in terms of its future
value to people you don't even know may affect the pleasure and joy you take
in doing it. I read of too many people who are so concerned with making
sure their work is heirloom-quality, and "properly" presented and preserved,
that their work seems to become a source of anxiety, and not of fulfillment.
I *hate* seeing that!
As for your grandmother's pieces, or possibly yours someday, you might want
to contact a local historical society to see if they have any interest or
would know of a place that would.
Good luck!
Melody
frasersmom
consciousness with
which to worry about things. What happens to the things that brought
me
pleasure in life just doesn't matter at that point, and that's how I
view my
needlework: as something that brings *me* pleasure *now*. I suppose I
have
a more fatalistic viewpoint than most, though, for various reasons.
<<
Geeeeeez! I can only hope that some of my fringe descendants will
look at my work and think nice thoughts about me! I try to spread my
work around amongst friends and relatives. My needlework over the
years has been a big part of my niece and nephew's lives. They look
forward to receiving something every year at Christmas and they're
still small children.
I have inherited many things done by my mother, grandmother, great
aunt and great grandmother. I cherish every one. I can't bear to
part with needlework my mother was in the process of finishing, even
though I don't believe I will ever finish it. It was a big part of
her life! My sister and I went through many things including linens
and wedding dresses this past summer. She took some of them home to
Germany with her where she plans to use pieces of them in the costumes
she wears to do old world dancing. I plan to make something modern to
display the crocheted and tatted laces they made so I can see them on
a daily basis for inspiration.
As for the things in my home, I will specify them in my will and
expect the recipients will be thrilled to receive them.
--
Tamara in sunny San Diego
tjb...@prodigy.net
Russell Miller
still in their original wrappers and they're dated 1897 from the
Corticelli Thread company. I have traced my family tree back several
generations, and any time I am given something like this that has been
handed down through the generations it makes me feel like they're a part
of me. I only wish I had something she actually stitched! What a
treasure that would be!
Maureen In Vancouver, B.C.
--
Maureen Miller
rpmi...@dowco.com
emerald
AnnaMarie <wolf...@ida.net> wrote
>
> I have an odd question. <snip>
> So.... for those of us without children.... in my dotage, where shall I
> leave my needlework? Are there museums looking for works of this sort?
> Guilds who wish these things? Any ideas?
Many of the larger museums around the world have textile collections. You
could look into those and, in your will, stipulate a museum of your choice
as the beneficiary. It doesn't necessarily mean your pieces will be on
public display - AFAIK many are stored for historical/study purposes.
You may have nieces or nephews or honorary relatives (such as your friends'
children) who would be very pleased to receive some of your work as a
memento of you.
Who knows, in your dotage, you may meet some young person who absolutely
loves textiles and want to give them all to her/him.
If none of those ideas suit then I wouldn't worry about it and just enjoy
your work for yourself.
emerald
ejaycee
I very often find the most beautiful piece of needlework in our thrift shops
for a mere pittance and just have to buy it
due to the fact I cannot bear the thought that someone must have spent the
time to stitch it with love an patience only on their death to have it sent
to a charity shop by descendants who do not appreciate the workmanship.
I have the same problem with a collection of porcelain dolls I have made
over a period of 20 years and no grand daughter to leave them to. :-(
My own daughter not having the slightest interest in them
makes me wonder whether we should *expect* our children to appreciate what
we have taken so much pleasure in producing.............................
Ejay
"AnnaMarie" <wolf...@ida.net> wrote in message news:3c2a859e@news....
> Greetings:
>
> I have an odd question. I'm a fairly prolific stitcher, youngish and keep
> alot of my own work. I make bell pulls and plan on framing some pictures
> (right after that framing class next summer at CATS).
>
> So.... for those of us without children.... in my dotage, where shall I
> leave my needlework? Are there museums looking for works of this sort?
> Guilds who wish these things? Any ideas?
>
> I also have some extraordinary lace pieces from my Grandmother that need
to
> be passed on, these are very definitely museum quality with a wonderful
> story behind it. Any ideas here?
>
> I'm not even close to parting with things but I finish well over a dozen
> samplers a year plus a few smaller pieces and keep most of it. What to do
> with it when I'm gone is stumping me.
>
> Regards,
>
> AnnaMarie
>
>
kuranes
> AnnaMarie <wolf...@ida.net> wrote
> >
> > I have an odd question. <snip>
> > So.... for those of us without children.... in my dotage, where shall I
> > leave my needlework? Are there museums looking for works of this sort?
> > Guilds who wish these things? Any ideas?
I agree with the "when you're dead, you're dead" line. :) DH and I have no
kids and won't have kids.. The things I stitch with someone specific in mind
get gifted when I finish them... the things I stitch for us stay with us. I
suppose if someone named in our will wants to do something with them, they
will.. otherwise, I guess, they'll be thrown out or whatever. They will have
served the purpose of hours of stitching joy and something to hang on the wall
in the meantime :)
Cari
j...@calweb.com
Mand...@echo-on.net wrote on 12/28/01 5:41 AM:
> Here too. I love reading the posts about folks who find needlework in
> garage sales, purchase them for peanuts and treasure them (LOL, and
> may end up The Antiques Roadshow in the year 3000). That will
> probably where most of the things I've made for me will end up in 50
> years or so. Or else I'll gift them out to the interested attendants
> at the retirement home I spend my last years in. For now, I don't
> worry about, I simply enjoy them for today.
>
> Tara
When my MIL died about 30 years ago I received all her doilies, edgings
and the like because no one else in the family cared about needlework.
Some beautiful crocheted and tatted things. I became more aware of such
items, and when I went into St. V. de P., Salv. Army, etc. I found heaps
of such things, and I couldn't help thinking of all the ladies who'd
put so much work into them--and they wound up in thrifts shops. I
bought them for .05 each, or three for .l0. Later they became collec-
tibles, I guess, because now they're very highly priced. I have
an enormous collection of them. Even a lovely five-foot round pine-
apple pattern table cloth. The trouble is I don't know what to do\
with them. I did make a couple of bedspreads using doilies a la
Jean Ray Laury, but now? I wish I could find a good home where they'd
be treasured & enjoyed, used and well-treated.
jtg
Janet Rice
something of mine in one a 100 years from now "charming of example of
early 21st century vernacular needlework - notice modification of
commercially produced pattern to personalize the work". We've told
our kids to have an estate sale - don't just throw things out. If my
kids and someday grandkids don't want my stuff, some else will buy it
and enjoy it and if its for pennies on the dollar, I won't care. And
as for the things I've given away - that's just raising the beauty
quotient in the world - it can't hurt to add pretty and amusing things
to the world.
Janet Rice
explorer
featuring everything from arrowheads to advertising gifts (calendars,
promotional glassware, etc) to quilts made by local residents. The
historical society would love these treasures, especially if you were to
write a page or so documenting and describing the work. Make sure to
include the date sewn along with your name and any special circumstances --
stitched in memory of:, inspired by:, etc.
Also, many historical societies and libraries like to have guest speakers
display and talk about their works.
You may also want to look at displaying them at local small town festivals
in your area. Many here have handicraft booths where items can be sold or
merely displayed and discussed.
AnnaMarie <wolf...@ida.net> wrote in message news:3c2a859e@news....
> Greetings:
>
> I have an odd question. I'm a fairly prolific stitcher, youngish and keep
> alot of my own work. I make bell pulls and plan on framing some pictures
> (right after that framing class next summer at CATS).
>
> So.... for those of us without children.... in my dotage, where shall I
> leave my needlework? Are there museums looking for works of this sort?
> Guilds who wish these things? Any ideas?
>
Meridel Abrams
> leave my needlework? Are there museums looking for works of this sort?
> Guilds who wish these things? Any ideas?
>
> I also have some extraordinary lace pieces from my Grandmother that need to
> be passed on, these are very definitely museum quality with a wonderful
> story behind it. Any ideas here?
>
This is gonna be long ... so click now if you don't wanna read through it all
... or start up the printer or go get a nice cup of java ....
Very interesting thread here . . . I've read through all the replies to your
post so far and find myself agreeing with everyone who has responded so far.
My thoughts -- I have some specific people in mind who I would like to receive
pieces of my collection. What I really need to do is document it and keep it
updated so if something happens to me (unexpectedly, of course) I would know
they would receive it.
But to tell the truth, if some of my needlework stash and collection slipped
through to some Salvation Army or Goodwill bin for pennies, my feelings would
not be hurt -- especially if someone found "my treasures" who could not
otherwise afford them. Even if some "bargain hunter" rescued them for pennies
of what they are worth and took them home to cherish and treasure and talk about
and show .. well, then, in my humble opinion, then the "life" of those pieces
would be extended. What I could not bear is that things I loved and collected
somehow was burned, mis-used or trampled on (for lack of a better word).
But right now, it is my responsiblity (rather my joy) to own my collection. One
of the things I really want to do is to document it, preserve it, and of course,
to keep building on it. I'm not talking of the only pieces I stitch -- those
to me are really "samplers" -- lessons of my steps of learning. I guess I am
talking of the few pieces I inherited -- they really need to be documented as to
where the came from and what they mean to me and indirectly to my family.
Then there are the pieces I collect. My half doll collection is growing by
leaps and bounds! I have some very nice dolls, and then some more common
ones -- each of them just as cherished as the other. I started writing little
stories about each of them (some of you may remember my Themestream articles) --
I have so many stories yet to tell! <g> And oh, did I tell you about the
chatelaine I found in an antique store in Ohio -- my birthday present last
August. My needlework "accessories" collection is growing!
Then there are the little pieces I "find". I don't own any zillion dollar
pieces. Although I am thinking of starting a "Sampler Savings Account" to save
for just one really really nice "expensive" piece in my lifetime. You know,
sort of a Christmas Club account. When I find the piece, I'll have the money
to get it ... just musing here.
Most of the pieces in my collection not stitched by me or inherited (few of
those) are pieces I find at needlework shops, antique outings, some treasured
pieces by other stitchers (those I really treasure)!! I love each and every
piece. And I am becoming more and more interested in those "vintage"
cross-stitched pieces of the 30's and 40's. I know they are not the style of
stitchery many "expert" needleworkes would be proud of -- but somehow they have
a certain charm. I find myself picking up more and more of those.
I agree with the person who posted that when you are dead, you are dead -- well
in a sense. What I agree with is that you should enjoy your pieces today while
you have them (I think that was what she was saying). In my own heart and
soul, I think that the pieces we work in our lifetimes are somehow preparing us
for a more beautiful thread and fabric in the next life. I also believe that
when we truly enjoy our collections, it somehow becomes a part of us and we
carry it with us into the next life (not physically of course).
My mother passed last year, she had a couple of years where I worried about her
all the time! Then one day the thought occurred to me that my mother did
perfectly well before I was every around and she would do perfectly well when
she was beyond my "capable" care. In other word, there came a point where I
just needed to trust that the higher power (God, in my belief) took care of her
all along -- the times I got to share with her were more of a privilege than
anything. And that is kind of how I feel about my cherished needlework I am
so passionate about -- the pieces which found their way to me survived before my
possession and I really have some sort of a faith they will find their way to
where they will be loved after I have travelled on.
So, what about your pieces? First of all document them -- tell about their
history. You know more about them probably than anyone else. Then, following
the other suggestions, if you really believe they have historic value, I agree
that finding local, regional or other groups who might be interested in them
would be a nice way to share them. Hey, maybe you could write your own
needlework history book! <g> Anyway, that is one of the things I want to do
with my own collections and stash.
Speaking of legacy -- I received the best ever gift for Christmas this year.
My brother sent me a registered package I piecked up at the post office on
December 24. His words to me were not "Merry Christmas", but "I thought you
should have these". Ah he thought of me! <g> When I got the package home and
finally got it opened (boy was it packaged good!) -- I found a black silk scart
and a note in my mothers handwriting which said "great grandmother 1885" (she
would be my great-great grandmother). It looked as it had been hand mounted by
a thin silk thread to a vintage paper (proably about the same date). Also in
the package was a linen handkerchief trimmed in lace and folded inside of it was
the obituary of my great-great aunt. I never knew either piece existed -- mom
never told me. My brother said he found the hankie in the safe deposit box
when they opened it (mom passed about a year ago this January).
No one could have given me a better gift this year --
I'm done now -- only because I gotta get to work!
Please forgive all grammer and typos, I talked from my heart, not from a
dictionary or grammer guide!
. . . until neXt time,
Meri Abrams
indy...@aabbccdd.com
Bess of Hardwick
>
>
> Many of the larger museums around the world have textile collections. You
> could look into those and, in your will, stipulate a museum of your choice
> as the beneficiary. It doesn't necessarily mean your pieces will be on
> public display - AFAIK many are stored for historical/study purposes.
I think that's a neat thing. Someday, someone will come across these in the
archives and there will be a display of the work. Especially if you document
well what was used, current prices paid for items, etc. Historians love that
kind of informtion. :)
Best Stitches,
Bess
ANN Information Index
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Karen C - California
the next month. Anyone who wants to come see it, take note of two things ....
(1) if you go on Sunday morning, admission is free
(2) so is my guest room.
January 20, 11 AM
Sunday Morning at the Crocker
Film: Faith Ringgold, the Last Story Quilt
At this Sunday Morning at the Crocker program enjoy a film that provides a look
at world-renowned artist Faith Ringgold and the vivid imagery she created by
her art quilt work. Immediately following the film, there will be a tour of
Quilt National 2001 for all those interested. (Film is 28 minutes in length.)
January 24, 6:30 PM
An Evening with the Quilters
An exceptional evening awaits you! See first-hand how exceptional designs and
remarkable patterns and are created in fabric. Area Quilters whose work is in
Quilt National 2001, including Velda Newman from Nevada City, Ellen Oppenheimer
from Oakland and Rebecca Rohrkaste from Berkeley, will be on hand to
demonstrate individual quilting techniques and answer questions about their
work in the exhibition. Well-known Quilter Don Linn, known as 'Mr. Quilt' will
demonstrate long-arm quilting and other area Quilters will demonstrate a
variety of other quilting techniques. Visitors will also enjoy the opportunity
to complete a related art project constructing a personal art quilt piece. An
evening not to be missed!
--
Finished 12/20/01 - Memory becomes a treasure
WIP: Angel of Autumn, Calif Sampler, Holiday Snowglobe, Guide the Hands
Paralegal - Editor - Researcher
http://hometown.aol.com/kmc528/kmc.html
Watabod
mine in one a 100 years from now "charming of example of early 21st century
vernacular needlework
Well I real hoot here is that a friend of mine spotted a firescreen I painted a
long time ago and donated to a church sale. It was in an antiques shop as an
ANTIQUE! My friend told the shop owner it was funny because it was not old --
just painted that way -- and she knew the artist! :)
Donna
There are three kinds of people in the world........
those who can count and those who can't.
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