Saturday, January 02, 2010
Bugs and Whatzits
As I scrambled to keep them out of drink cups and food I was reminded of the very useful little thingies I saw on a visit to Australia. Those folks are blessed (?) with an abundant supply of critters who want their food and drinks. They developed a handy answer by using a crocheted doily sort of lace weighted at the edges by decorative beads and bobs to hold the fabric close to the container.
Now what a good use this would be for all those doilies you've not been able to discard 'cause grandma made them. Just add some beads and/or heavy charms and put them to good use. If you are plagued by teeny, tiny gnats or midges why not get out the vintage hankies, add some weights to their edges and show them off.
Now I'm off to see if I have some ladybug charms or buttons to use. Maybe BIG ladybugs will frighten away the little ones.
Labels: Vintage needlework
Friday, November 13, 2009
Paying it Forward Big Time
When the staff at 3North at the Nashville VA found out that I was facing another hospital day or a very expensive cab ride they arranged to cover for one of the nurses to drive me home during her break time. So Stephanie, thank you and all your colleagues for going the extra mile and delivering me at my front door with an added treat of a little fast food in my hand so I didn't have to worry about dinner.
Yes, we hear about the difficulties the VA has in providing care for us vets and they are struggling with budget and with determining the needs of all sorts of vets. There are successes however. We have a great new Women's Health Center here in Nashville that addresses the concerns and needs of women vets and recently I have received medical care that would have cost hundreds of thousands of dollars in the private sector.
One thing you can do for any vet you know who does not receive care from the VA is urge them to apply for health care benefits whether or not they have a service connected disability. Many more vets can now qualify for care if they find themselves unemployed or underemployed and with marginal or no health care insurance coverage.
Labels: Life the Universe and Everything
Still waiting to hear on VA paperwork I filed 13 months ago...
the clinic here is also very very good, but very very overbooked...
Saturday, November 07, 2009
I Wonder
We are in the ladybug invasion season and I detest the miserable little beasts. I vacuum them up daily, swat them, blow them out of my keyboard and off my lamps and generally curse them soundly. I think I could easily gather enough to make a trial of the thought. Anybody used ladybugs as a colorant? If so would you share your experience?
Celeste
I do have an answer for you, it worked to get rid of the crickets for me, get some duct tape, tear off several pieces the width of your door frames (and anywhere else you think they are getting in, and lay it sticky side UP in the places they are getting in. They get stuck on it and die, without poisons, and you are rid of a pest. BarbM
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Back Again - With a Beautiful Catalog
The Ringstrasse Era was Vienna's Belle Epoque - that unreal, royalty ridden, mauvey twilight sort of period from the 1860's to 1910 or thereabouts. Consumer society was found in abundance and haute couture was covered in lace, embroidery, beads and composed of beautifully manipulated fabrics fitted to a hair's span.
The photographs are outstanding and offer heaps of detail. Yes, it is in German and required my dictionary readily at hand but it is well worth costumers and embroiderers owning a copy or at least having their local library obtain it for inter-library loan.
Thank you MJ for this delicious book.
Meanwhile, I think many of us are sentimentally drawn to this era of embroidery (and even quilting). See Sharon B's plans for a heap of lace if you want to get into the mood as well.
http://www.pintangle.com/journal/2009/11/2/just-look-at-this-lace.html
Labels: Costume embroidery, Costume history, European history
The exhibit was very worth seeing. It is still on until November 22. Poor me had to go through it a second time because of getting your copy of the catalogue.
Did you find the dress I would really have loved to wear for Edward and Angie's wedding? Black with a wide lace collar worked in a combination of different types of lace. OK, it was a mother of the BRIDE dress, but I am sure it would also do for the mother of the Groom.
BTW if you have any problems, I am also quite useful at translating if the dictionary fails. MJ
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Interesting Images
Of course I drifted over to the shop and saw several books assembled for an exhibit on Henry VIII. Rats!!! I don't own any of them and I covet all of them!!! The British Library, both in person and online, has one of the best bookstores around if you are interested in history, art, bookarts, just about anything and everything.
Labels: British Library, Henry VIII
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Textile Images - Oh My
The images are undoubtedly provided by the holding museums and vary in quality but are generally good and enlarged views are provided. Unfortunately sometimes no image is provided, only tantalizing indications of the item.
A woman's jacket employing an unusual vermiform design in gilt and spangles including a back view for those interested in construction.
A Stuart casket unusually accompanied by a carrying case covered with 18th century wallpaper made to protect it. It seems to have protected it well as the colors of the embroidery are bright and vibrant although the mounting board and braid are a bit disheveled.
Lest we forget the gentlemen - try a look at Sir Thomas Kirkpatrick's coat, waistcoat and amazingly stockings included. Undecorated clothing is less often preserved for us to see.
For some delicate Jacobean embroidery
As usual, don't blame me if you are caught up surfing and surfing and surfing for embroidery.
Labels: Costume history, History of Needlework, Needlework, Textile Collections
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Game Time
Labels: Fun and Games
The Embroideress
