AUNT JENNIE"S TREASURES

Treasures of Old

An unplanned visit to Marshall's Antiques last week led me to unexpected treasures. I became mesmerized by a small, framed crazy work quilt. When I commented on it John said it came from a small box of needlework he had found.  He still had the original box and the other contents.

It was a cushion top stitched in a patchwork fashion.

The fabrics were in good condition and the needlework wonderful. Aunt Jennie must have been a real sewer because look at the variety of prints and textures in the crazy work. There were many treasures in the box.

The cardboard box showed it's age but was dated 1913 as when Aunt Jennie passed away. It just occurred to me when I was typing that she died 100 years ago and therefore her work had to be older. There was a darning egg with a silk case for storing, a thin "book" pincushion and what must have been a sewing box . The box could be folded down to lay flat.

As well as the sewing bits there were other cushion tops.

This embroidered top was on linen. On first glance it looked like the die had run from the thread but closer inspection revealed the the fabric must have been dyed on the diagonal to create the background to match the threads. Again exquisite needlework.

Another cushion embroidered on silk. My fault for the poor quality picture as this is really a pale blue/green color.

So if you ever wonder how long the "treasures" you stitch will last it may be a long, long time. Would this box have been considered part of her stash ?  I wonder what Aunt Jennie would think if she could see her stitching today ....

Have a great stitching day,

Frances