Thursday 19 July 2012

Building stash

I have been hunting things to add to my stash and book collection.

First I found a school textbook for needlework, published 1963, that took me down Nostalgia Lane. Although very thin, it is full of information ranging from subjects such as different kinds of fibres, the washing and care of clothes, the colour wheel, wardrobe planning as well as embroidery stitch instructions and clear illustrations for how to mitre a corner. What a book from the early 60s lacks, is inspiration. Skill and knowledge were more important than creativity. These days the focus is likely to be on encouraging free form, and clear how-to instructions are seen as unimportant. What we actually need is the combination of both.

My next find was this lovely braid/ribbon that I picked up in a charity shop:


I hope you will see it on my WIP sooner or later.

6 comments:

City Krafters said...

Your so good with your blogging to say your on holiday, your finds look fabulous
Happy holiday and good luck charity finds.

Lis Harwood said...

You are right, we have gone too far towards freeform and creativity without the basci skills, we do need both.

Queeniepatch said...

Well, I have to check my email and bus timetables etc so while online why not do a bit of blogging?
Today my first day here without rain!

Queeniepatch said...

I can understand that an impatient teenager want to hit the road on the sewing machine and race ahead of what she/he actually can do. Basic skills might be boring to learn but are worth a lot when later you hit a problem or want to do something well.

J Honda said...

wonderful finds! yes - the foundation is so important to learn; a sure foundation to build upon, and the work will stand up! hooray for a break from the rain! and hooray for your blogging!
thank you always for your comments and encouragement :)

Queeniepatch said...

Thank YOU for your kind comments. It is nice to see and learn from what others have made. Blogging is a great way to share as well as to improve one's own skills.