Always Learning

This lovely little vessel of sorts

was given to me years ago

because, yes I am the one who likes old 'stuff.'

It was handed down through some extended family,

and was at a bit of an end so it came my way.

It is from Estonia.

It appeared to me to be a crochet set

for some very tiny/fine lace.

What I learned after all these years...

It is actually a tambour set.

Tambour was the precursor to crocheting.

What we now call crocheting

was once called tambour in the air.

It is frequently seen on such finery as wedding veils

or beaded pieces.

Fabric was stretched over a drum/hoop

which is in conjunction with the tambourine and snare drum.

The hook actually goes through the fabric where

the thread is wrapped around, hooked, and drawn

back up through the fabric.

It's really like crocheting through fabric.

(There are several good youtube videos if you're interested.)

There are various sized hooks for different threads.

This finest hook is about like a snag in your fingernail.

Even with a dime to reference size,

it is difficult to see just how small it is.

I can't imagine the works this set created.

It was so amazing to learn what it actually was.

I love those little bits of knowledge of history and tradition

that would otherwise be lost to modernization.

I tell friends, "I know lots of useless information, just

don't ask me anything important."

(Example: Did you know the zipper wasn't invented until 1891?)
This is just one more of those little morsels.

Until next time,
Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

For the Love of Lace

They say the first step is to admit it.

Okay, here goes.

I am addicted...to antique lace.

Am I alone in this?

I was at the local bargain counter and found a piece of wool.

I thought, "I will just look really quick at what else

there is."  In the 25 cent bin, 

I found this beautiful antique lace collar.

Oh, but it gets better.

I donate items there relatively frequently.

When I went to pay for the skirt and collar,

she said, "Oh, I'm not going to charge you for 

that little thing."  

Because, 25 cents was too much???

I thanked her immensely.

The pink ribbon ties must have been sewn on later.

I have a stack of vintage linens and laces up-stairs, 

down-stairs, lace here, lace there,  geesh.

Another fun piece - has a couple little spots - haven't tried to remove yet. 

 If you share this same addiction, there is

a wonderful little book you might enjoy.

It discusses the history of lace and the making

of it over the course of time.

Did you know that at one time lace was outlawed? 

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Bathroom Tree

Yes, you read that correctly.  I have a tree in the bathroom.  It is just a small tree, but I look forward to decorating it each year (for the past couple years.) My bathroom is kinda an aged peacock color with black accents, white porcelain, claw-foot tub, a bachelor's mirror over the sink, and an antique dresser. That said, the tree has white accents rather than the standard red and green.  

Whole View

There are also some crocheted snowflakes a family friend made.  Her husband said if she was making old fashioned snowflake ornaments, that she had to starch them with sugar like in the olden days.

Some are regular flat pretty little snowflakes, and some are ice cycles and some are three-dimensional.

I don't O/D on the ornaments for this tree; however, I think a few white feathers tucked in here and there would be beautiful.  Hmmm, might have to do a little more shopping.(Ah shucks)
I love the look of it when the lights are off.

I have had fabric to make a little tree skirt for quite some time, but alas it's still in the form of fabric and not in the form of a tree skirt.  Maybe next year;)

Until next time,

Nimble Fingers and Even Stitches

Vintage Linens: Focus, Edit, Forward

Just wanted to share a little bit with you.  I have been cleaning out the sewing/fun room.  After having the epiphany that just because I like something, doesn't mean I will do something with it. I have decided to part with A BUNCH of vintage linen and lace pieces.  This will allow me to focus my efforts on those things I enjoy most (quilting:)  Nearly everything in our home is a deeper richer color.  I have no pink, blue, or primary colors (with the exception of one small room that is a buttery yellow, if you want to count that.)  I just adore and appreciate those hand tatted and crocheted laces.  And the embroidered pictures on doilies - they're entirely charming.

I was asking myself, "Self, why do you like these?"  Self rambled on for a really long time - won't bore you with that, but the fact that someone put effort into making something pretty - and that something was most likely appreciated by many.  Did you get that?  They made something, didn't buy it, order it, or expect it from someone else - they made it. They put thought and effort into it.  Those are French knots in the photo above.  Beautiful!

I think that's why I like quilting & more specifically, hand quilting.  It reminds me of a time when things weren't expected, they were worked for, they were a rarity.  If you have ever known anybody who has lived through the depression, they can tell you.  They made their own undergarments - wow! how boring.  I am so thankful to have the privilege to work on something pretty and fun.  So, with all that, my collection is going on a major diet(editing.)  I have posted a bunch in my etsy shop, and I am not finished.  I will probably be posting them over the course of about a week.  If you like linens take a peek.  If there are several you are interested in, you might email me before you purchase them - I might be able to help on shipping cost if buying multiple items.  It's crazy that one little item costs almost as much to ship as several in the same size pkg.

So, I am cleaning house and moving forward - need to get busy on that Cathedral Window quilt.  Only need 9 more yards of background - whew!  Heading over to the Walla Walla Quilt show tomorrow.  I bet I'll be able to find a yard or two there.

Until next time Nimble Fingers & Even Stitches