I have started this log/blog/dialog in my head hundreds of times as a forum of discussion (hopefully) for two groups of people, Embroiderer's and Janites. The focus is the creation and completion of my 'Cabinet of Curiosities'. A historically inspired cabinet/casket usually completed by young women after mastering different forms of needlearts. This space is my little motivation buddy, to keep me on my course begun over a decade ago. When I think back to paths chosen, I fervently believe I've been lead or mislead here, to this point. Now on the anniversary of the Jane Austen (JASNA) tour of England, which Linda (my tour/stitching buddy) and I embarked on in 2013, all the pieces are falling into place. I have been in this spot for several years, fact finding details, it is time to get on with it. One year from now I expect to be in a completely different place with accomplishments, and if not, then I will have been a very foolish woman and squandered the gifts I have been given.
I am not a scholar, more a crafts person. I need to create visual pieces, in my head and with my hands. My childhood dreams of life accomplishments (like most of us) has been one of compromise, due to the constraints of the reality of life. This is why I feel a kindred spirit with both Jane Austen and the characters depicted in her novels. I understand the impact/relevance of decisions and the frustration of the interruptions of everyday life on the concentration of thought and deeds. It is truly amazing anyone is capable of creating anything... One must be in complete solitude or have the support of others who take care of life's details and believe in their dreams.
I received a letter (ironically.. very JA) at the beginning of this week...perfect timing. Huge compliments to the German Engineer (she meant my husband) who did the work on a condo in which the author's father, now deceased, loved living in the past twenty years. The same condo, I wish to add, which ruined my dreams... Little did she know all the ideas, drawings, selection in floor plan, suppliers and decoration decisions were made by me! Yes, Norm carried out, very unwillingly I may add, the woodworking, chiefly because he is frugal to a fault. She had no idea the pains, heated arguments and general stress to make the place so desirable. But without that condo (and the fire), I would not have been forced to become 'a stay-at-home-mom', giving up my Engineering career to reroute my creative juices into embroidery during nap time and evenings. Now, finally with an empty nest, I can finish my opus and move on to phase two of my life. I can only hope what is said about women in their 50's actually being in their prime is true. I can tell you I physically feel like I did in my teens, due to finding my ideal workouts, so I think I'm on my way!
I have been blessed to live in an area with many like minded women who enjoy the relaxing/creative satisfaction that embroidery brings. Our local Guilds are able to easily support teachers from all over the country to advance our skills. I plan to discuss over two dozen teachers in the next few months whom I have greatly enjoyed classes with and have inspired me. Without them and their dedication to supporting suppliers and each other, this craft would have become extinct probably in the late 1800 early 1900's. A revival of sorts in the 1970's with the restoration of Williamsburg produced the reproduction of samplers from their inventory. My path crossed this popular pastime through my Aunt Jean who embroidered these reproduction samplers for a friend. They were then given as gifts to customers whom they restored historical homes for. My Aunt blessed me with two 'left over' sampler kits. One kit was done in simple cross-stitch, which I completed soon after receiving it. The second was 'The Chase', although a stamped design on a quality linen, the level of embroidery was beyond my undertaking. Once time allowed, I joined a local embroidery guild to learn these techniques and my world has been rocked ever since...
So I will end the blog for tonight... one year ago this evening Linda and I were boarding a plane at Detroit Metro, completely excited we were lucky to have gotten into the JASNA tour of 2013 celebrating the 200 anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice (P & P). Tomorrow a discussion of Holbein stitch, dutch influenced motif samplers, the symbolism of one motif in particular and the surreal beginning of being in JA's country.
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