I spent last weekend in Detroit, my hometown visiting friends, family and various appointments. Detroit has wonderful places for families, like the Zoo, Detroit Institute of Arts, The Henry Ford and Greenfield Village. Due to snow my Sampler Guild Christmas party was cancelled. Although disappointing it turned out to be a special day. My close childhood friend, who I was staying with, and I decided to visit Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester, Michigan to view the Christmas decor. The last time I remember visiting was a wine tasting event almost 20 years ago. Before that my family would make random holiday visits for car shows, etc. on the estate when I was in grade school. I loved Meadow Brook's Knole cottage (as any child would) and the Tudor styling of the great houses', 88,000 square feet with its' 110 rooms, as the website now boasts. In reflection of the day, I realize this is probably where my love of the English Country Manor House and literature began. Built by Matilda Rausch Dodge Wilson, in the English style of the 16th and 17th centuries, and finished just before the depression of the 1920's, it is a feast for the eyes. All constructed of American materials, Tiffany glass and Rookwood tiles, (no Pewabic, surprisingly). Matilda was insightful, intelligent and created a wonderful legacy of the pioneering history of Detroit. I found in the library, the carving of her favorite author, of all people Mark Twain, one author I simply can not make through more than one chapter....what a disappointment...
but wait...........
on a shelf, eye level to the left of Twain's likeness....and left still of his book....
Jane Austen's entire leather bound and embossed canon......
How frustrating, no pictures are allowed and nothing touched, everything as Matilda and her family would have left them...I'm dying now to know who's edition's were they? Did Matilda enjoy Jane Austen too? Or were they Frances or Barbara's, her daughters. Actually Matilda's story reads almost like an Austen heroine....What a wonderful delight to find JA, in a familiar location from my past, just waiting to be found..........Happy Birthday Jane.........
Friday, December 16, 2016
Saturday, July 25, 2015
Thoughts on Women and Virtue in Austen's novels
I wrote the following, on Virtue, almost two months ago but did not post because I have been hurt by comments I have received or heard criticizing women who embroider. I need to set the record straight. It has been my experience that some of the brightest women (and men) either embroider, tailor their own clothes, fashion drapery and bedding for the home, are involved in woodworking, or have some sort of creative outlet. It is an art to view something in your minds eye and then create it with your hands. I personally am deep in thought, relaxed (extremely focused), and usually planning the rest of my day in the early hours of the morning, five or six AM with my needle in hand. In a way it is a bit like yoga, a complete concentration on the present where you are experiencing a peaceful time of meditation. I currently am finishing Barbara Jackson's teatime basket and a matching sewing pocket 'Sweet Heart of Mine' to carry my tea service and stitching project(s) to a friends home or a local Jane Austen meeting. The pocket's verse is, 'Count that day lost whose low descending sun... views from thy hand no worthy action done'. I suppose even writers, like J.A., could find comfort in that verse. Several comments have been made in papers and at the recent AGM focused on Mansfield Park concerning Lady Bertram. The comments usually equate embroidery with sloth or a useless pastime, but as any embroiderer would know, she is escaping. At some point in the past she simply relented to the overbearing nature of her sister, Mrs. Norris, and constant interference with her family. She introverted into her thoughts and it has become a bonding time with Fanny who sees all. There......a load off my mind! I personally consider critics of embroidery ignorant of the deep connection of expressing oneself with the needle, whose roots span thousands of years. Fine embroidery is cherished in museums! Like literature, it is what binds us to who we are and where we came from. Now I can post again........ but I have updated some of what I wrote previously........
Next on the agenda..... I am looking forward to attend an event with the Eastern Pennsylvania Region of JASNA this coming weekend (June 6th, D-Day). They are hosting Sara Emsley author of a fascinating book, 'Jane Austen's Philosophy of the Virtues'. Her talk will be on women and ambition in Jane Austen's novels and whether ambition is a virtue. I came across her book, by accident, almost two years ago while planning my Austen themed 'Seven Virtues' casket. I googled Jane Austen and Virtues, hoping for some papers on the subject, and Sara's book and blog popped up. The book is a college text book, as such a bit pricey, so I requested a copy from a local college before actually purchasing it. I was floored and have to admit it did change my original plan. At the time, I was struggling with two virtues and their corresponding heroine. My second time through her book, I realized the real story is a heroines struggle with a particular virtue, anything if taken to an extreme could deceive a persons perspective and deprive them a connection in a personal relationship and true happiness. In reality today, I wonder if behaving in a virtuous lifestyle is not a handicap and cause for ridicule, but perhaps that has always been the case. The time in which you live dictates the values of your society, and you will do your best to compete in what the venue dictates.
Once I followed the struggle concept everything fell into place and my only criticism of Sara's book is that she does not give Jane Bennett enough credit for extreme temperance. Jane is so severely temperate and under control, it has enabled her to be too trusting of others. It prevents Jane to advocate for herself and as such readers and academics do not take Jane Bennet as a serious Austen heroine. Jane's extreme temperate character is unconvincing as a stand alone, her power is her ability to reign Elizabeth in and balance each other, which is the real story. Almost everything we are told about Jane's perfections are from the conversations of others. My proof is that Darcy, who we are told is critical of everyone, can only say, "she smiles to much", I believe he is actually a wit. Mrs. Bennet places Jane into an awkward position with regard to the invitation to Netherfield. The Bingley sisters bully her into the belief that Bingley does not care for her. Even when she visits her Aunt and Uncle in London, when urged by Elizabeth, she does not find an excuse to conveniently 'run' into Bingley (something Lydia would have figured out once she had arrived..... ah Lydia). I could go on and on...
Again the extreme genius of J.A. takes another form from the Greek virtues of Prudence and Fortitude (Marianne and Elinor Dashwood), and Temperance and Justice (Jane and Elizabeth Bennet). I find the coupled virtues, balanced between the sister duos, extremely interesting. Imagine J.A. toying with the concept of sister pairs, then pairing Greek virtues to decide which would make a better story-line/conflict. Next, we have the three Theological virtues from St. Paul, Faith, Hope and Charity. Each with a character who is struggling solo, Fanny Price, Anne Elliot and Emma Woodhouse. Until the Montreal AGM I did not feel that Fanny Price was a good example of Faith but if you consider she is struggling against the Sins of Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride each symbolized by a character in the novel, she does keep the faith. In fact each sin appears to have a male and female counterpart, they all have a role to play!
Another interesting observation, the earlier novels written in Steventon deal with the strong sister relationship and balance of two Greek virtues, where the later novels written in Chawton are focused on the struggle of theological virtues and the heroines long standing relationship with a man. My Proof, are Fanny and Edmund, Anne and Captain Wentworth and Emma with Mr. Knightley. Each of the men are a symbol of the the virtue the heroine is struggling with. Edmund a theologian and Faith, Captain Wentworth a sailor (an anchor) the symbol of Hope and last Mr. Knightley ('Knight' symbol of chivalry and valor), the gentry and charity to his fellow man. The evolution from the investigation of the close sister relationship of Elizabeth and Jane in Pride and Prejudice and bro-mance between Darcy and Bingley. Gradually evolving into the investigation of the open/friend relationships between Elinor and Colonel Brandon and also Marianne and Edward. In contrast to the relationships between Elinor and Edward and Marianne and Colonel Brandon which are so strained and hopeless due to sexuality. Is she subtly pointing out the gradual change from immaturity where the closest relationship is one of same sex and maturity where it evolves to one with the opposite sex. When you consider how each heroine seriously struggles, eventually to find balance in learning about themselves, they do become more desirable because they have found happiness.
In case you are interested the conclusion of the Emsley talk was.... modest ambition can be considered a virtue....
Next on the agenda..... I am looking forward to attend an event with the Eastern Pennsylvania Region of JASNA this coming weekend (June 6th, D-Day). They are hosting Sara Emsley author of a fascinating book, 'Jane Austen's Philosophy of the Virtues'. Her talk will be on women and ambition in Jane Austen's novels and whether ambition is a virtue. I came across her book, by accident, almost two years ago while planning my Austen themed 'Seven Virtues' casket. I googled Jane Austen and Virtues, hoping for some papers on the subject, and Sara's book and blog popped up. The book is a college text book, as such a bit pricey, so I requested a copy from a local college before actually purchasing it. I was floored and have to admit it did change my original plan. At the time, I was struggling with two virtues and their corresponding heroine. My second time through her book, I realized the real story is a heroines struggle with a particular virtue, anything if taken to an extreme could deceive a persons perspective and deprive them a connection in a personal relationship and true happiness. In reality today, I wonder if behaving in a virtuous lifestyle is not a handicap and cause for ridicule, but perhaps that has always been the case. The time in which you live dictates the values of your society, and you will do your best to compete in what the venue dictates.
Once I followed the struggle concept everything fell into place and my only criticism of Sara's book is that she does not give Jane Bennett enough credit for extreme temperance. Jane is so severely temperate and under control, it has enabled her to be too trusting of others. It prevents Jane to advocate for herself and as such readers and academics do not take Jane Bennet as a serious Austen heroine. Jane's extreme temperate character is unconvincing as a stand alone, her power is her ability to reign Elizabeth in and balance each other, which is the real story. Almost everything we are told about Jane's perfections are from the conversations of others. My proof is that Darcy, who we are told is critical of everyone, can only say, "she smiles to much", I believe he is actually a wit. Mrs. Bennet places Jane into an awkward position with regard to the invitation to Netherfield. The Bingley sisters bully her into the belief that Bingley does not care for her. Even when she visits her Aunt and Uncle in London, when urged by Elizabeth, she does not find an excuse to conveniently 'run' into Bingley (something Lydia would have figured out once she had arrived..... ah Lydia). I could go on and on...
Again the extreme genius of J.A. takes another form from the Greek virtues of Prudence and Fortitude (Marianne and Elinor Dashwood), and Temperance and Justice (Jane and Elizabeth Bennet). I find the coupled virtues, balanced between the sister duos, extremely interesting. Imagine J.A. toying with the concept of sister pairs, then pairing Greek virtues to decide which would make a better story-line/conflict. Next, we have the three Theological virtues from St. Paul, Faith, Hope and Charity. Each with a character who is struggling solo, Fanny Price, Anne Elliot and Emma Woodhouse. Until the Montreal AGM I did not feel that Fanny Price was a good example of Faith but if you consider she is struggling against the Sins of Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy and Pride each symbolized by a character in the novel, she does keep the faith. In fact each sin appears to have a male and female counterpart, they all have a role to play!
Another interesting observation, the earlier novels written in Steventon deal with the strong sister relationship and balance of two Greek virtues, where the later novels written in Chawton are focused on the struggle of theological virtues and the heroines long standing relationship with a man. My Proof, are Fanny and Edmund, Anne and Captain Wentworth and Emma with Mr. Knightley. Each of the men are a symbol of the the virtue the heroine is struggling with. Edmund a theologian and Faith, Captain Wentworth a sailor (an anchor) the symbol of Hope and last Mr. Knightley ('Knight' symbol of chivalry and valor), the gentry and charity to his fellow man. The evolution from the investigation of the close sister relationship of Elizabeth and Jane in Pride and Prejudice and bro-mance between Darcy and Bingley. Gradually evolving into the investigation of the open/friend relationships between Elinor and Colonel Brandon and also Marianne and Edward. In contrast to the relationships between Elinor and Edward and Marianne and Colonel Brandon which are so strained and hopeless due to sexuality. Is she subtly pointing out the gradual change from immaturity where the closest relationship is one of same sex and maturity where it evolves to one with the opposite sex. When you consider how each heroine seriously struggles, eventually to find balance in learning about themselves, they do become more desirable because they have found happiness.
In case you are interested the conclusion of the Emsley talk was.... modest ambition can be considered a virtue....
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
My Double Casket and its finished drawer interiors..............ideas for the drawer fronts...
The past month I achieved some short and long time goals. I finally sent a load of furniture to Ohio to be auctioned. Almost filled an entire truck, very releasing. Most of the pieces I purchased three decades ago, my taste has changed from what it was in my twenties! I am currently focused on keeping only reproduction and antique pieces from J.A.'s time period, English and 'Williamsburg'/Early American, which should keep me happy well into the future. I am only a few short months away from the end of sorting through stacks of things I no longer want or need. I have reached the realization that realistically I will not live long enough to finish all the crafts and junk in my stockpile. I will simply focus my efforts to finish my caskets, some reproduction samplers and historically accurate pieces and call it a lifetime well spent!
I had to move my double casket and finishing supplies twice, due to the loss of staging tables, but it forced me to finish the drawers which completely covered the drying space of one table before it was sent away. Below are pictures of the finished interior drawers and secret compartments, followed by the inset trays and removable storage of my double casket. What fun deciding what areas would be finished in marbled paper, silk fabric or silk velvet.
The drawers with details of the embossed edging and a front view of the casket with drawers inserted.
The finished 'secret' compartments in the two upper portions of the casket and a removable tray. At this point I admit I am in awe of the quality workmanship of the cabinetmakers.
The secret compartments in their 'cubbies' and a view of the removable 'tray' in place.
Below are a few extra views of pieces as I finished them.
The marbled paper I used was purchased from John Bielik at a summer JASNA event in Louisville. The blue and green hues of the paper compliment the blue-green of the silk, the same is true of the ocher with the gold embossing. Over 26 feet of embossed edging strips were required. I found preparing the silk fabric by mounting it to archival paper similar to wallpapering. It occurred to me that this process must be the same in historical homes that boast silk wallpaper in Dining and Boudoir intimate spaces. Which brings me to another favorite past-time, wallpapering! Note the 'Williamsburg' wallpaper used as a background for this blog? I love projects like this, calculating the amount of surface area to cover, applying the adhesive (which as anyone knows....... timing is everything) and matching the pattern so seams are invisible. Finally, smoothing the paper to remove air bubbles and excess adhesive, very focused and relaxing work. Its wonderfully satisfying to see the elegance of a finished room and how much well placed color can change a persons mood.
The casket exterior looks quite different now the wood surface has been sealed and covered in archival paper, the silk embroidery will be mounted to this surface. Gimp edging has been ordered and will probably arrive after the drawer fronts are complete. I am planning to use a historically accurate technique of wrapping silk fibers over card-stock for the drawer fronts. Each drawer will represent one of six major books of J.A's. to be filled with memorabilia from the book. I will be working on more details in the next few weeks and culling my collection of antique needlework tools to equip my casket. I am relieved to have completed this part of the project. The casket is useful and it will help in the motivation aspects of finishing the embroidery!
I probably should end this post with a picture of Dr. Tricia Wilson Nguyen, Richard Oedel and his crew at Fort Point Cabinetmakers in Boston, MA. This was taken during our East Coast Casket Tour last October and it really added to the whole significance of the experience of taking on a project like this. The concept that a threshold of interested people in the 'fine hand embroidery world' was met, to actually get to the point of manufacturing hundreds of these pieces, is in itself historical. I am so happy to be part of it!
I had to move my double casket and finishing supplies twice, due to the loss of staging tables, but it forced me to finish the drawers which completely covered the drying space of one table before it was sent away. Below are pictures of the finished interior drawers and secret compartments, followed by the inset trays and removable storage of my double casket. What fun deciding what areas would be finished in marbled paper, silk fabric or silk velvet.
The drawers with details of the embossed edging and a front view of the casket with drawers inserted.
The finished 'secret' compartments in the two upper portions of the casket and a removable tray. At this point I admit I am in awe of the quality workmanship of the cabinetmakers.
The secret compartments in their 'cubbies' and a view of the removable 'tray' in place.
The marbled paper I used was purchased from John Bielik at a summer JASNA event in Louisville. The blue and green hues of the paper compliment the blue-green of the silk, the same is true of the ocher with the gold embossing. Over 26 feet of embossed edging strips were required. I found preparing the silk fabric by mounting it to archival paper similar to wallpapering. It occurred to me that this process must be the same in historical homes that boast silk wallpaper in Dining and Boudoir intimate spaces. Which brings me to another favorite past-time, wallpapering! Note the 'Williamsburg' wallpaper used as a background for this blog? I love projects like this, calculating the amount of surface area to cover, applying the adhesive (which as anyone knows....... timing is everything) and matching the pattern so seams are invisible. Finally, smoothing the paper to remove air bubbles and excess adhesive, very focused and relaxing work. Its wonderfully satisfying to see the elegance of a finished room and how much well placed color can change a persons mood.
The casket exterior looks quite different now the wood surface has been sealed and covered in archival paper, the silk embroidery will be mounted to this surface. Gimp edging has been ordered and will probably arrive after the drawer fronts are complete. I am planning to use a historically accurate technique of wrapping silk fibers over card-stock for the drawer fronts. Each drawer will represent one of six major books of J.A's. to be filled with memorabilia from the book. I will be working on more details in the next few weeks and culling my collection of antique needlework tools to equip my casket. I am relieved to have completed this part of the project. The casket is useful and it will help in the motivation aspects of finishing the embroidery!
I probably should end this post with a picture of Dr. Tricia Wilson Nguyen, Richard Oedel and his crew at Fort Point Cabinetmakers in Boston, MA. This was taken during our East Coast Casket Tour last October and it really added to the whole significance of the experience of taking on a project like this. The concept that a threshold of interested people in the 'fine hand embroidery world' was met, to actually get to the point of manufacturing hundreds of these pieces, is in itself historical. I am so happy to be part of it!
Saturday, January 17, 2015
I begin finishing the interior of my casket(s)...yes, plural...my recent trips...and beaded jewelry from South Africa and Hawaii....
Again, I find myself negligent in keeping up to date with the blogging scene. This does not mean I have not been working on my casket project. In fact, the opposite is true. All I have been focusing on, when home and traveling, for the past three + months, is my casket. I am treading very deep indeed, emotionally, financially, and have an absolutely huge time investment at this point...
Since my last post in October, I attended the 2014 J.A.S.N.A. A.G.M., Winterthur's 'The Diligent Needle, Instrument of Profit, Pleasure and Ornament' Needlework Seminar and the 2014 East Coast Casket Tour. I hosted a J.A. event in my home, finished payments and received my second (flat top) casket carcass, calculated and purchased finishing supplies for both caskets (one huge mess rather than two big ones) and decided I will use the Italian duchesse silk satin background rather than the 1750 linen for my double casket. May not sound like much, but probably a 300 + hour investment... seriously!! Then, spent the holiday's and my 55th birthday in Hawaii which was nearly a month to reconnect with my son and daughter, observation...they are moving on in their lives, and I need to also! Very relaxing atmosphere, some very serious hiking (not to be attempted in regency attire), sea bathing, lots of stitching, reading, shopping and plenty of time to think and reflect on what I want to accomplish while I am still able.
The JASNA AGM was a blast, my college roommate, Marcia and I had lots of fun at the Regency Dance workshop, Banquet/Ball and Eastern Counties/Winery tour. Lectures were very informative, and I did actually purchase a copy of Fordyce's 'Sermons to Young Women' (paperback, I'm not that serious in following his ideology, I mean really....), but I do plan on knowing enough to be dangerous!! Extremely good lectures, which may have a different effect than the presenters had anticipated. I was pleasantly surprised by more cynical commentary than I would have expected. Below is a picture of Marcia and I and the dance itinerary (which we tried to memorize to no avail). The picture makes me feel extremely middle aged, but... I have written so much about my dress, I feel obligated to post me in it. I purchased my wrap in South Africa, wonder if one of Jane's sailor brothers would have done the same! Please excuse my smirk, I have about 4 months left to my orthodontics and I'm in the power chain phase.
I spent most of November getting caught up/reviewing Dr. Nguyen's first casket class (probably 1200 pages) and completed all five sample embroidery projects. Below is the pincushion pillow and scissors case on duchesse satin and the butterfly pin pad in tent stitch on the 1750 linen.
I find I work more efficiently if I hold off working small sample technique projects until I'm ready for the big one. I take very detailed notes in class, in the hope small details will be fresh in my mind when I work both sample and big project together. Sometimes, I work several rather large projects in parallel or series if they primarily contain a specific common stitch/technique, just so the rhythm and focus is continued from project to project. My staging area is set for completion of both casket interiors. They will transport and store my supplies as I focus on the exterior stitching phase of the project in the months ahead. I have recently spent a considerable amount of time packing books and projects which I feel I will have no need for in the next few years. I have also finished over a dozen unrelated/unfinished smalls and clutter no longer pertinent to this empty nester...
Another project Tricia has promoted is a 17th century inspired beaded basket competition. Some caskets and baskets, of this time period, covered in beading could become quite elaborate. What is exciting about this is that beading is still being done in South Africa and Hawaii. Below are examples of jewelry, I purchased in the past year, which I absolutely fell in love with for everyday use. These wonderful pieces were very reasonably priced. I giggle to myself when I see an E.G.A. beaded jewelry class offered which costs the student over an order of magnitude greater than what I have paid, not to mention the addition of your own labor! The beaded bowl and set of necklace, earrings and bangles are from South Africa and the last picture of three varieties of bracelets are all from Hawaii.
Next time, I will show my progress in the caskets interior finishing and hopefully get back to the UK J.A.S.N.A. tour and discuss other wonderful classes and teachers I have been lucky enough to be part of.
Since my last post in October, I attended the 2014 J.A.S.N.A. A.G.M., Winterthur's 'The Diligent Needle, Instrument of Profit, Pleasure and Ornament' Needlework Seminar and the 2014 East Coast Casket Tour. I hosted a J.A. event in my home, finished payments and received my second (flat top) casket carcass, calculated and purchased finishing supplies for both caskets (one huge mess rather than two big ones) and decided I will use the Italian duchesse silk satin background rather than the 1750 linen for my double casket. May not sound like much, but probably a 300 + hour investment... seriously!! Then, spent the holiday's and my 55th birthday in Hawaii which was nearly a month to reconnect with my son and daughter, observation...they are moving on in their lives, and I need to also! Very relaxing atmosphere, some very serious hiking (not to be attempted in regency attire), sea bathing, lots of stitching, reading, shopping and plenty of time to think and reflect on what I want to accomplish while I am still able.
The JASNA AGM was a blast, my college roommate, Marcia and I had lots of fun at the Regency Dance workshop, Banquet/Ball and Eastern Counties/Winery tour. Lectures were very informative, and I did actually purchase a copy of Fordyce's 'Sermons to Young Women' (paperback, I'm not that serious in following his ideology, I mean really....), but I do plan on knowing enough to be dangerous!! Extremely good lectures, which may have a different effect than the presenters had anticipated. I was pleasantly surprised by more cynical commentary than I would have expected. Below is a picture of Marcia and I and the dance itinerary (which we tried to memorize to no avail). The picture makes me feel extremely middle aged, but... I have written so much about my dress, I feel obligated to post me in it. I purchased my wrap in South Africa, wonder if one of Jane's sailor brothers would have done the same! Please excuse my smirk, I have about 4 months left to my orthodontics and I'm in the power chain phase.
The 'Casket Tour' from New York City to Boston was mind blowing. From possibly eight to over a dozen of the finest examples of English 17th century caskets and embroidery at every stop. A very diverse collection of satin stitch, couching, stumpwork, beading and wrapped paper techniques, fabrics, palettes and natural materials, plus silk and metal threads. Unfortunately, I can not share any pictures of the collections with the blog due to copy right issues. I do have a favorite, which certain aspects of couching, satin and stumpwork I will adapt in my J.A. theme. I had a very heart warming moment while waiting in line for the M.E.T. in N.Y. Mary Lynn, a very thoughtful woman, from North Carolina read my blog (she's the one!!...) and brought me, what I believe is an out of print copy of Penelope Byrde's, 'A Frivolous Distinction', 1979, Bath City Council. It is chock full of fashion and needlework pertaining to Jane Austen. She wanted to give it to someone who would appreciate it, and bless her heart, I flipping do! Because 17th Century attire is quite different than Regency, my casket will need to adapt, fashion and scene's to better describe my heroines and their story. Let's see 1979, I was freezing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, my freshman year at Michigan Tech, or later in the year, in summer, busy surveying and laying out a curve in the stamp sands of the Portage, a very naive 19 year old. So far removed from the place I find myself today. I did, however, encounter probably the only English Professor at Tech who observed that I 'clicked' with the English genre, and recommend I read J.A. Sadly, I was too 'busy' at the time, and C.B. was more in vogue....
I spent most of November getting caught up/reviewing Dr. Nguyen's first casket class (probably 1200 pages) and completed all five sample embroidery projects. Below is the pincushion pillow and scissors case on duchesse satin and the butterfly pin pad in tent stitch on the 1750 linen.
I find I work more efficiently if I hold off working small sample technique projects until I'm ready for the big one. I take very detailed notes in class, in the hope small details will be fresh in my mind when I work both sample and big project together. Sometimes, I work several rather large projects in parallel or series if they primarily contain a specific common stitch/technique, just so the rhythm and focus is continued from project to project. My staging area is set for completion of both casket interiors. They will transport and store my supplies as I focus on the exterior stitching phase of the project in the months ahead. I have recently spent a considerable amount of time packing books and projects which I feel I will have no need for in the next few years. I have also finished over a dozen unrelated/unfinished smalls and clutter no longer pertinent to this empty nester...
Another project Tricia has promoted is a 17th century inspired beaded basket competition. Some caskets and baskets, of this time period, covered in beading could become quite elaborate. What is exciting about this is that beading is still being done in South Africa and Hawaii. Below are examples of jewelry, I purchased in the past year, which I absolutely fell in love with for everyday use. These wonderful pieces were very reasonably priced. I giggle to myself when I see an E.G.A. beaded jewelry class offered which costs the student over an order of magnitude greater than what I have paid, not to mention the addition of your own labor! The beaded bowl and set of necklace, earrings and bangles are from South Africa and the last picture of three varieties of bracelets are all from Hawaii.
Next time, I will show my progress in the caskets interior finishing and hopefully get back to the UK J.A.S.N.A. tour and discuss other wonderful classes and teachers I have been lucky enough to be part of.
Tuesday, October 7, 2014
My Casket arrived....What I have been up to for the past few months....
I can hardly believe I have not posted for several months.... I will return to the UK trip soon, but I have been very busy organizing for two important trips I will be embarking on in October. The first, is the Jane Austen Society AGM in Montreal, where I will meet a college room mate, fellow intramural hockey team mate, and .....the rest is not open to public comment....so excited! This AGM will be focusing on 'Mansfield Park', published in 1814, and Fanny Price, the heroine. What was my least favorite of Jane Austen's novels (and I very much hate to admit this) has been growing on me, since reading papers on the subject from the volumes of 'Persuasions' publications. Still a very dark story, in which I really can not get past what I consider the incestuous relationship of the main characters. All I can say is, Fanny really needs to get out more, you must be extremely desperate if your cousin starts looking that interesting! A week after returning from the AGM, I will be traveling to Winterthur for the 'Diligent Needle' Symposium and then on to New York for Dr. Tricia Wilson Nguyen's 'East Coast Embroidered Casket Tour'. I viewed a traveling British collection of embroidery in 2002/2003 at the Detroit Institute of Arts while attending an 'Art Appreciation' training session for my children's elementary school. Included were several caskets in stump-work which would knock your socks off. That day I decided, I do not know how, but I need to have my own...period... I remember a discussion about interest in caskets, while attending one of Tricia's embroidery classes. She, of course, was very interested in teaching one, if there was enough interest to support the venture. A few years later she was working out the details, finding cabinet makers, hardware and locksmiths, negotiating contracts and surveying her students interested to sign on to a new class...the rest is history.
Excitement of all excitements my first casket arrived. I could not have just one, both designs have their own character, and this opportunity may never be repeated. The pictured double casket below is the skeleton for my future cabinet which I have designed with a theme of J A's heroine's and the seven virtues. I am a very happy woman! The plan, two heroine's each for the front and back and one each for the two sides and top. Just to follow my train of thought the sides and top are themed Faith, Hope and Charity, the back, Prudence and Fortitude, and last.. the front will be Temperance and Justice. I am also considering 'two ideal men' for inside the doors, just considering at this point, I'm a bit off men......Can you guess the Heroines for each Virtue? Below are pictures..
My secured casket with it's individually packaged historically accurate brass hardware...
The drawers removed and a 'secret compartment' shown!
Tomorrow I leave for Montreal and below are a few of the items I completed for the occasion....My Cassandra Austen sampler which I mounted to a silk bag of my own design. The sampler really is very drab, I think the duponi silk with matching embroidered band make it a bit more interesting!
Next, I made several hand embroidered 'pockets' to hold the current Persuasions and a few small books. Mine has a vintage brass button. We will talk button collections at a much later date but, others have vintage pressed glass or Mother of Pearl. I enjoyed making them and I hope I may find a good home to some of them at the AGM.
But what I am very excited to show is my second Regency style dress of which most is hand sewn. I embroidered the ribbon on the cuff and as time allows I will add ribbon to the bottom hem. This is it for now, also note I have my 'Edinburgh Reticule' a class I took in Williamsburg last December with Betsy Morgan. Very enjoyable and the back matches the blue of my dress quite well.
Well time to get some rest! I hope to post again before November...
Excitement of all excitements my first casket arrived. I could not have just one, both designs have their own character, and this opportunity may never be repeated. The pictured double casket below is the skeleton for my future cabinet which I have designed with a theme of J A's heroine's and the seven virtues. I am a very happy woman! The plan, two heroine's each for the front and back and one each for the two sides and top. Just to follow my train of thought the sides and top are themed Faith, Hope and Charity, the back, Prudence and Fortitude, and last.. the front will be Temperance and Justice. I am also considering 'two ideal men' for inside the doors, just considering at this point, I'm a bit off men......Can you guess the Heroines for each Virtue? Below are pictures..
My secured casket with it's individually packaged historically accurate brass hardware...
The top lid and front doors removed to show compartments which students traditionally finish in paper, silk fabric and velvet.
The drawers removed and a 'secret compartment' shown!
Tomorrow I leave for Montreal and below are a few of the items I completed for the occasion....My Cassandra Austen sampler which I mounted to a silk bag of my own design. The sampler really is very drab, I think the duponi silk with matching embroidered band make it a bit more interesting!
Next, I made several hand embroidered 'pockets' to hold the current Persuasions and a few small books. Mine has a vintage brass button. We will talk button collections at a much later date but, others have vintage pressed glass or Mother of Pearl. I enjoyed making them and I hope I may find a good home to some of them at the AGM.
Well time to get some rest! I hope to post again before November...
Monday, July 28, 2014
Chawton House Museum and Library...Sampler and Lace...Rose Ceremony....8 College then back for the AGM and tea!
At this point of the tour I could see a necessity of returning, with a minimum of three stops per day, I felt a bit too rushed. This was the best part of the tour so far, although the 'great houses' were wonderful, with the exception of Stoneleigh Abby, there could be some question as to Jane Austen actually spending time there. The visit to Chawton House Museum and Library were very informative. We had a private tour of the library which was one of the estates Jane's brother Edward inherited due to his adoption by the Knights. Below is a late Victorian stained glass window showing the heraldry of the Knights. Edwards arms are displayed at top far right.
I have an interest in heraldry, as I suppose we all do. My son recently graduated from Kenyon College which was founded in 1824 and funded by Lord Kenyon. Lord Kenyon's arms are used in the lower portion of the College's arms, displayed all over campus and on t-shirts, mugs, etc. I stitched the fob/ornament below as a remembrance of Ben's time at Kenyon. I did everything, except weave the linen. It is hand embroidered on a 36 count linen with needlepoint silk, I hand twisted the cord and wound the tassel. The gold chevron and white crosses are queen stitch, the black background is tent and the open book and purple ground are all stem stitch. A lot of hours, but well worth it! It is finished with a purple silk fabric and glass beading along the edge. I have taken many finishing classes over the years and can not wait to add finishing touches to my own Regency wear!
The following pictures are of windows where we were told Jane enjoyed sitting to enjoy the view.
I found the door below, which is from an early part of the original house, very interesting, both the size, shape and detail of the wrought iron hinge. The huge folk art painting of the estate, probably not unlike what Jane knew, caught my eye. I have a collection of over a dozen folk art reproduction boxes painted by Elsie Di Cassio. I finished the interiors to store my stitching supplies, mostly silk threads. I will not get into the details of how much silk and goldwork threads I have, we'll just say it maybe considered extreme!
Our next stop was the Chawton House Museum or Chawton Cottage as Jane probably would have known it. This is where Mansfield Park, Emma and Persuasion would have been completed. The Museum shop is a must see, I found wrapping paper and bookmarks from a copy of the cottage wallpaper. I love wallpaper, what a find! We had a short talk, followed by tea which was refreshing. Below are exterior pictures of the cottage, back yard, side and road frontage, followed by the interior of the front door trimmings.
The following pictures are of a built in linen closet with drawers and and another interior door. Followed by, the fireplace where Jane would have made the household tea and a window looking out to the backyard. A very charming cottage!
I'll end this days tour with a picture of the sampler completed by Cassandra Austen, Jane's sister, and a lace ruffle of Jane's handwork. I have completed the sampler reproduction kit in a class with Susan Blomley of Pilgrim Stitchers. Not an extremely difficult sampler, mostly various patterns of simple cross stitch which an intermediate embroiderer could easily figure out. The lace has the tie/cording removed, which from the overall picture would have tied around the neck. Note, on the two detail photos the lace is actually appliqued to a tulle ground, the channel where the cording would have been inserted is easier to see in the last picture.
If this wasn't enough, after we returned back to the Hotel we were met with local JAS members of Hampshire, and were visited by Deirdre La Faye in person, a very sharp lady! Next morning we attended a Rose Ceremony in Winchester, pictures below. The stone with inscription where we prayed, our finished spray (someone was on hand to tidy it up a bit) and Jane's beautiful wall plaque!
The doors to Winchester are usually open all day, it's only in the early morning or evening where you can get this beautiful shot of the red doors....
After the Rose Ceremony we walked to 8 College Avenue to see the home Jane stayed to be near her doctor and later died. We were extremely blessed to be invited to see the home, which is occupied by a family. Pictures below are as follows: Looking out the bedroom window Jane and Cassandra shared until Jane's death. The hallway between the bedroom and living areas which Jane found difficult to navigate towards the end of her illness. The corner of the living area where Jane died. The window of the same living area where she would have looked outside. The back of 8 College, finished with a close-up of the back entry.
The afternoon of our second very full day in Winchester was spent back on the beautiful grounds of the Chawton Library for the AGM. The guest speaker was Peter Sabor of McGill University, in Montreal, Canada. Tea was served for several hundred people which must be daunting, I was a trouble maker, I did not take cream with my tea, which messed up the assembly line. We were invited to attend Evensong on the grounds. The last pictures are of the graves of Cassandra, Jane's sister (on right), and Jane's Mother, also Cassandra, (on left), and a beautiful rose bush climbing up the wall of Chawton Library!
Next time Wilton House, Wiltshire, Lacock and then on to Bath!!
The following pictures are of windows where we were told Jane enjoyed sitting to enjoy the view.
I found the door below, which is from an early part of the original house, very interesting, both the size, shape and detail of the wrought iron hinge. The huge folk art painting of the estate, probably not unlike what Jane knew, caught my eye. I have a collection of over a dozen folk art reproduction boxes painted by Elsie Di Cassio. I finished the interiors to store my stitching supplies, mostly silk threads. I will not get into the details of how much silk and goldwork threads I have, we'll just say it maybe considered extreme!
Our next stop was the Chawton House Museum or Chawton Cottage as Jane probably would have known it. This is where Mansfield Park, Emma and Persuasion would have been completed. The Museum shop is a must see, I found wrapping paper and bookmarks from a copy of the cottage wallpaper. I love wallpaper, what a find! We had a short talk, followed by tea which was refreshing. Below are exterior pictures of the cottage, back yard, side and road frontage, followed by the interior of the front door trimmings.
The following pictures are of a built in linen closet with drawers and and another interior door. Followed by, the fireplace where Jane would have made the household tea and a window looking out to the backyard. A very charming cottage!
I'll end this days tour with a picture of the sampler completed by Cassandra Austen, Jane's sister, and a lace ruffle of Jane's handwork. I have completed the sampler reproduction kit in a class with Susan Blomley of Pilgrim Stitchers. Not an extremely difficult sampler, mostly various patterns of simple cross stitch which an intermediate embroiderer could easily figure out. The lace has the tie/cording removed, which from the overall picture would have tied around the neck. Note, on the two detail photos the lace is actually appliqued to a tulle ground, the channel where the cording would have been inserted is easier to see in the last picture.
If this wasn't enough, after we returned back to the Hotel we were met with local JAS members of Hampshire, and were visited by Deirdre La Faye in person, a very sharp lady! Next morning we attended a Rose Ceremony in Winchester, pictures below. The stone with inscription where we prayed, our finished spray (someone was on hand to tidy it up a bit) and Jane's beautiful wall plaque!
The doors to Winchester are usually open all day, it's only in the early morning or evening where you can get this beautiful shot of the red doors....
After the Rose Ceremony we walked to 8 College Avenue to see the home Jane stayed to be near her doctor and later died. We were extremely blessed to be invited to see the home, which is occupied by a family. Pictures below are as follows: Looking out the bedroom window Jane and Cassandra shared until Jane's death. The hallway between the bedroom and living areas which Jane found difficult to navigate towards the end of her illness. The corner of the living area where Jane died. The window of the same living area where she would have looked outside. The back of 8 College, finished with a close-up of the back entry.
The afternoon of our second very full day in Winchester was spent back on the beautiful grounds of the Chawton Library for the AGM. The guest speaker was Peter Sabor of McGill University, in Montreal, Canada. Tea was served for several hundred people which must be daunting, I was a trouble maker, I did not take cream with my tea, which messed up the assembly line. We were invited to attend Evensong on the grounds. The last pictures are of the graves of Cassandra, Jane's sister (on right), and Jane's Mother, also Cassandra, (on left), and a beautiful rose bush climbing up the wall of Chawton Library!
Next time Wilton House, Wiltshire, Lacock and then on to Bath!!
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