Wednesday, June 17, 2009

ROMANTIC
The most recent stage of our 'Stitching Together' Round Robin involved interpreting the theme "Romantic" for Jane in Havelock North.
I chose to use my favoured medium of Crazy Patchwork, and called my piece "Crazy for Romance".
I have used lots of old and sentimental bits and pieces. For instance, some of the threads came from an Antique shop, and proved to be wrapped around a letter and news clippings dated back to January 1944.
The lace with the crowns was produced for the Coronation of Edward the VIII. As we know, this event never took place, because of his romance with Wallis Simpson!

The centrepiece is an old cigarette silk I was lucky to acquire a few years back. My mother had a collection of these, but by the time I had plucked up courage to ask her for them, she could not find them, so I was delighted to be offered some at a good price.
Most of the fabrics are vintage or exotic silks, and I have included part of an old doiley from my collection.
Some of the other laces were given to me by Margaret, whose mother used to sew lingewrie for private clients in the 30's and 40's.
There are some vintage Mother of Pearl buttons included, and some old pearls. I have also used some crystal beads from a necklace I used to wear as a teenager.
The tatted rose is my own work, but brings back lovely memories of being taught this skill by an old island lady back in the late 1960's.
You cannot have romance without hearts, and I have included a charm, a lace motif and a button in this shape.
I am rather sorry to tell you that the back of this page is silk from as wedding dress I bought from an Op shop - perhaps a sign of a broken romance??

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's a wonderful page Mary and I am very much looking forward to admiring it in person. Knowing the provenance of the pieces you've used makes it even more special. Thank you so much for sharing your treasures with me in such a beautifully creative way. Quilty hugs
Jane

marilyn said...

Oh my goodness, Mary! Your "Crazy for Romance" is exquisite. How I wish I could see it in person. Thanks for sharing the photo.
Warmest regards,
Marilyn Lynch
Lincoln, RI

Karen said...

How marvellous all that history in one piece.

FredaB said...

Mary you live in paradise. All the family events are something to be envied. I have been to New Zealand, Tasmania and Australia but missed Norfolk Island. To be truthful I believe it was your blog that made me aware of Norfolk Island.

Your block Is just beautiful. You have not lost the touch. I was intrigued by the lace with the crowns. I have never seen any like that before. Gorgeous.

Keep on blogging and I will keep on reading.

Hugs

FredaB
Chicago, IL
www.sewwhatsnew-fredab.blogspot.com

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