Textile Arts--for Ellouise

Storyteller and artist Ellouise Schoettler has a passion (and talent) for textile art. I promised her that I would post a photo of my "tie" quilt. I found it about three years ago at an antique store near Pennsboro, WV. According to the attached note, it was made in Florida in the 1950's. The ties and borders are silk. I especially like the crocheted yellow roses. The price of $55 seemed so low for such intricate work.

I was changing sheets on the bed this morning and noticed that these pillowcases with their hand-crocheted edgings echoed the roses on the tie quilt.









I thought I might as well include some other items from around the house. Most are auction and junk shop finds, like this crazy quilt/comfort on my bed. This one is very heavy, made, I believe, with scraps of upholstery material. We use it daily, and it washes beautifully. I had to do a few repairs on the stitching when I bought it, but for $30 I thought it was a bargain.







Details of crewel embroidery on a pillow that was in a $2 box of assorted linens at the auction. Finds like this are why I can't resist box lots. There is so often a treasure hidden in the bottom of the box.











A yard sale find, this embroidered picture reminds me of my mother's love for flowers.



















This sampler came from an antique shop in Lewisburg, WV. I wonder if it was a 4-H or an Extension homemaker's project? The cross-stitched icons represent the various state agricultural products. I thought the frame alone was worth the $8 price tag.








A junk shop find ($10!), this coverlet or perhaps afghan is made with squares of soft red wool crocheted together. I like the detail of the little flowers embroidered in the center of each square.



Not being a needlewoman myself, I am amazed at those who create such art. I learned to knit when I was young, and later to crochet and embroider, but I was not skilled at any of them, and gave up trying about 20 years ago. To all those who use your needles to such lovely effect, you have my deepest respect and gratitude.


(A later post will show the work of my daughter-in-law Jaime, who is quite the needlewoman.)