Many of us are textile junkies. We travel, we see, we buy and we bring home interesting materials. Others among us have inherited family textile treasures. And then some of us find ‘finds’ at antique stores, rummage sales and moving sales. These are all wonderful pieces but what do you do with them after they come home with you?
Living with ‘interesting‘ textiles can be a challenge, but it would be a shame to rebury theses finds. As editor of this magazine, I’ve run across some interesting ways of displaying, reusing and enjoying textiles from another era.
for example:
A set of six chair seat covers needlepointed by a favorite aunt- to coordinate with the bride’s china. Suyin Stein
Handkerchiefs fashioned into baby bonnets by Janice Caspery
Family Heirlooms. A crocheted panel finding new purpose on a tray under glass. Julie Barbic
Carryalls crafted from Mexican weaving. Vera Van Schaick
Family keepsake doily suspended in an embroidery hoop. Tena Frazier
Barbie doll outfit fashioned from a vintage handkerchief. Cheryl Debejare
loom harnesses from Africa
Turkoman saddle bags used as extra seating
West African Kente cloth as drapes
Several but not all of the above items are in my stash of interesting textiles. Previously used but now in storage are a Mexican hammock, enough Tongan tapa cloth to cover a wall and clothing I’ve had made but no longer can wear, Afghan tribal jewelry and lots of baskets.
I also have items of my collection waiting for inspiration. Saris, Bhutanese wraps ( the women’s national dress), a Nepali robe with blouse and many pieces of embroidery made to adorn blouses. Clothing with that same embroidery. Tie dyed clothing from India. Bobbin lace from Sri Lanka. Batiks from Africa and Asia. Oh–and then there is my daughter’s collection of African textiles that are embellished with political slogans, beer ads and health tips.
I’m guessing my heirs will be trying to figure out what to do with those treasures.
The handkerchief baby bonnets and doll clothes as wells the repurposed Mexican weavings are for sale at the Artisans’Co-op in Bodega ,CA