Old needlework, and older painting questions

[Matt & Kathy Hoover]

I was visiting my mom the other day and she pulled out some crochet
edgings from old pillowcases, ones that HER grandmother had worked.
She wanted to know if they could be repaired. I suggested that she
baste them to some fabric and mount them in a shadow box, and not
do any repairs (takes away from the charm, value, and impossible
anyway with such fine thread). My clever DH asked if she had an
old photo of her grandma, as he thought it would be a nice addition,
then we were inspired to use the crochet edgings (2 pieces) to
make an oval 'frame' around the photo, with her name and such
included. Anyway, I have a little question on the basting...
should she use crochet cotton or sewing thread? Also how many
basting stitches? We don't want to further damage the delicate
work. It has to be over 100 years old! She also has some wonderful
sheets with scalloped crochet edges (in much better shape), and
many other needlework pieces done by both her grandmothers, and
aunts, and her mother...even a few by me! (crochet that is,
as well as crewel, and XS of course).

My other question is in regards to an old (we are talking 80+ years)
watercolor painting that my late grandmother (her mom) did.
It is a farm scene, and I have often thought of scanning and charting
it, but what sort of copyright issues should I worry about?
(sorry to open this can of worms again!) My mom did wood engravings
that I would like to chart as well, but I expect getting permission
from her would not be a problem...but what about a deceased person?
Also, what about old jewelry (beadwork, petit point, or cameos)?
Can you chart that for XS and try and market it?

Sorry for all the questions, but who else can I ask but you guys?

TIA
Kathy Hoover

[Monique Reed]

As far as the basting goes, use something that is *weaker* than the crochet,
so it will not cut the fibers. Put in enough stitches for support.

>I was visiting my mom the other day and she
pulled out some crochet >edgings from old pillowcases, ones that HER
grandmother had worked.>She wanted to know if they could be repaired. I
suggested that she>baste them to some fabric and mount them in a shadow box,
and not>do any repairs (takes away from the charm, value, and impossible
>anyway with such fine thread). My clever DH asked if she had an
>old photo of her grandma, as he thought it would be a nice addition,
>then we were inspired to use the crochet edgings (2 pieces) to
>make an oval 'frame' around the photo, with her name and such
>included. Anyway, I have a little question on the basting...
>should she use crochet cotton or sewing thread? Also how many
>basting stitches? We don't want to further damage the delicate
>work. It has to be over 100 years old!

>My other question is in regards to an old (we are talking 80+ years)

>watercolor painting that my late grandmother (her mom) did.
>It is a farm scene, and I have often thought of scanning and charting
>it, but what sort of copyright issues should I worry about?

You inherited it, it is your property--your late grandmother is the only one
who could sue you, assuming it was her original work, and not a copy of a
well-known painting. (Such studies were often part of a young lady's
education.) Even then, it might well be out of copyright age.

Monique

[F.James Cripwell]

Matt & Kathy Hoover (mhoo...@gte.net) writes:
> My other question is in regards to an old (we are talking 80+ years)
> watercolor painting that my late grandmother (her mom) did.
> It is a farm scene, and I have often thought of scanning and charting
> it, but what sort of copyright issues should I worry about?

> (sorry to open this can of worms again!) My mom did wood engravings
> that I would like to chart as well, but I expect getting permission
> from her would not be a problem...but what about a deceased person?
> Also, what about old jewelry (beadwork, petit point, or cameos)?
> Can you chart that for XS and try and market it?
>
> Sorry for all the questions, but who else can I ask but you guys?
>
> TIA
> Kathy Hoover

Surely if you have inherited anything from a relative, you must have
inherited *all* the rights to it as well. HTH.

--
Jim Cripwell. The people across the border, and far across the foam,
They all call it Canada, but I call it home.
From "My country is my cathedral" Author unknown
Hardiness Zone. 4 at home. 3 at the cottage.