tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76353902920516257882024-02-18T17:57:15.785-08:00Threadwinder - Karen C.K. BallardKaren's blog for textile history, textile (especially crochet) design, beading design, and rocks/fossils topics.Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-12586530724443664922017-03-30T11:42:00.002-07:002017-03-30T16:56:40.683-07:00My Activities for the past few years.It is National Crochet Month (NatCroMo) and it seemed appropriate to create a blog post to celebrate the month and to let folks know what I have been up to for the past few years, and where I stand on future plans.<br />
<br />
I haven't done anything for profit over the past few years. It has been a bittersweet time, having lost an Aunt in summer 2015, having lost my father in November 2015 (Although it was wonderful to spend a little time with family at my father's funeral.). My son, Paul, is still living off of freelance artwork in Europe and I have reached the age my mother was when she passed away. I also lost my dear friend and a mentor, Susan Huxley, to cancer in 2016. On top of that, I started 2015 with no voice after my thyroidectomy; my vocal cords apparently had been stretched during surgery and refused to work for 3 months. With all that going on I lost my initiative to do work. Instead I mostly did self-indulgent art works. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrZkUSATMT-6CTT6lggc7W54wter0tNX1w0je12m1FDpcbqwg_tsA1WDf_X7BrX8CHGwJdYIaBKQc5bFFVy3epb9_75jh_0Dv3keFlVu1EF9TM4lW4OKikSwyW-noY1ghuQB4-oSe0C8/s1600/Heritage+Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBrZkUSATMT-6CTT6lggc7W54wter0tNX1w0je12m1FDpcbqwg_tsA1WDf_X7BrX8CHGwJdYIaBKQc5bFFVy3epb9_75jh_0Dv3keFlVu1EF9TM4lW4OKikSwyW-noY1ghuQB4-oSe0C8/s200/Heritage+Heart.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Here are my earlier creations. The first is my Heritage Heart which I created in 2013 for Prudence Mapstone's Hearts & Flowers freeform knit and crochet show. Although well before 2015, I am showing it because it is the most meaningful piece I have ever made. Its base is a heart, reminiscent of those I saw during my high school years in Germany. The flowers are all symbolic of my heritage, a wild rose for England, an iris for France, a cornflower and an edelweiss for Germany, a double rose for New York, a violet for Wisconsin, and a dogwood flower for Virginia.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipX4VH-RZwOhX-pqSlVc4j7pirc0-ha8yMMZ_sSFxG01nOtN62rcw0m2mFaOiwAy4YpWgSwijOqQ8iUylMes6qurV_DBWAMYiR0Py4-Z_7cZkDPXVWuIzdi8v81LVXmke-9PgQEY9g7nc/s1600/DownUnderTextiles21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipX4VH-RZwOhX-pqSlVc4j7pirc0-ha8yMMZ_sSFxG01nOtN62rcw0m2mFaOiwAy4YpWgSwijOqQ8iUylMes6qurV_DBWAMYiR0Py4-Z_7cZkDPXVWuIzdi8v81LVXmke-9PgQEY9g7nc/s200/DownUnderTextiles21.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My 2015 "Tribute to Peter Max" contribution to Prudence Mapstone's 50 Years of Flower Power collaborative art piece made the cover of Down Under Textiles in 2015.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkT2blZvNr2jufyhhyphenhyphenu3KmifbcqPHOO2dZV70r5pv2hKKMfOpdsOk_jjyJy7WF808eDUd4f22k5JKhyphenhyphenZALxy3W8Sp3qYc3EnapE886yiPuyjhLz9XDcJZ4NXGJEGYmnp1ftgamvWyMFdQ/s1600/MemoryFlowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkT2blZvNr2jufyhhyphenhyphenu3KmifbcqPHOO2dZV70r5pv2hKKMfOpdsOk_jjyJy7WF808eDUd4f22k5JKhyphenhyphenZALxy3W8Sp3qYc3EnapE886yiPuyjhLz9XDcJZ4NXGJEGYmnp1ftgamvWyMFdQ/s200/MemoryFlowers.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In 2015 I made this contribution for an English project called Flowers for the Memories (Alzheimer's research) project. I wanted to provide something related to Virginia, so I made Virginia bluebells.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My 2015 contributions Kathryn Vercillo's Tribute to Wink (depression awareness). I used elements of Wink's designs to create my own mandalas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2d0C1G0jogZSUtpMXctmWNvrF5ORVAeaxmIzwGKMfcCZek9simjEon8qw6u__AQz9wmTTdbCqrKpb0xJz7qSEm1tDNf6YmTR8iLUQ-zo9pm8qEDvuFXvTNco567pgvk_fc731T3-G7s/s1600/WinkTribute.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi2d0C1G0jogZSUtpMXctmWNvrF5ORVAeaxmIzwGKMfcCZek9simjEon8qw6u__AQz9wmTTdbCqrKpb0xJz7qSEm1tDNf6YmTR8iLUQ-zo9pm8qEDvuFXvTNco567pgvk_fc731T3-G7s/s320/WinkTribute.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHixk7TKUywd6WXbUY7Pevq81_9n2yPuweJYcK3IEoCI1sfPPKYBKHkjh2Fsl6ClZtVNytxXIvlk78GpRLC82fhyr9ivRmd-9sV7kDe9YD5j8YK6u91l5Per6XTZLw6bEhdMKpV1LRdXQ/s1600/Hyperbolic+Forest+waterfall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHixk7TKUywd6WXbUY7Pevq81_9n2yPuweJYcK3IEoCI1sfPPKYBKHkjh2Fsl6ClZtVNytxXIvlk78GpRLC82fhyr9ivRmd-9sV7kDe9YD5j8YK6u91l5Per6XTZLw6bEhdMKpV1LRdXQ/s200/Hyperbolic+Forest+waterfall.jpg" width="110" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
n 2016, I contributed a crocheted stream, including waterfall to the UK University of Sheffield's Crocheted Hyperbolic Forest:<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY0PH-RyqzCDwaIaV1uBnH8CHqZlavcpfDzrJ3cXQH3GbU8Y6MWkJxJOWShf-RosHQdRzYr_7BuokJTBxJ2Q3_FaYR4AMmMTFVagnwZ1cX77aTYDsXD969Nl9bEvYkekUGkU8wDK_3vg/s1600/Kunnecke+blanket+square.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNY0PH-RyqzCDwaIaV1uBnH8CHqZlavcpfDzrJ3cXQH3GbU8Y6MWkJxJOWShf-RosHQdRzYr_7BuokJTBxJ2Q3_FaYR4AMmMTFVagnwZ1cX77aTYDsXD969Nl9bEvYkekUGkU8wDK_3vg/s200/Kunnecke+blanket+square.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
I made a hearts and Irish rose square to Kyle Kunnecke's blanket for his sick mom:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvnRkPuZ5iAfYz8L01sfOKnmBRHJWKxQgqTHTSfR9JudQ-TR9XTuVorbuCbNO1X1izEaM5gzmKQx04JeOIvc-9Nb6HVp1nhpvR_XrPk-5DqP0flbSo1lS9fq4qjb8j6bzSyWKVJ5puK4/s1600/Squirrel+in+the+palm+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvnRkPuZ5iAfYz8L01sfOKnmBRHJWKxQgqTHTSfR9JudQ-TR9XTuVorbuCbNO1X1izEaM5gzmKQx04JeOIvc-9Nb6HVp1nhpvR_XrPk-5DqP0flbSo1lS9fq4qjb8j6bzSyWKVJ5puK4/s1600/Squirrel+in+the+palm+tree.jpg" /></a><br />
Prudence Mapstone wanted me to contribute to her Jumpers & Jazz yarn-bombing of Australian trees. I was running out of time and didn't know what to create, but I started out with the bullioned round. Later, when the squirrels, were scolding me for coming out of my back door--for disturbing them in their maple tree, I decided the bullioned round would make a great squirrel thigh. Here my squirrel contribution is sitting on top of many other lovely freeform contributions in an Australian palm tree.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCErHzVUMrDHqcIhiUtOHfnufBneAbFjrBPfW92_ilm2eawpxv1bOLleReq1tXd1tY7K069hOg5mHbNX8OvQFh8RLTVgMy5Da6AuNhX-ItCQc9O4A9414P6sYBYuvy_sDYLuLTWKMBw0U/s1600/Sonoran+Sunrise.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCErHzVUMrDHqcIhiUtOHfnufBneAbFjrBPfW92_ilm2eawpxv1bOLleReq1tXd1tY7K069hOg5mHbNX8OvQFh8RLTVgMy5Da6AuNhX-ItCQc9O4A9414P6sYBYuvy_sDYLuLTWKMBw0U/s200/Sonoran+Sunrise.JPG" width="110" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I made this Sonoran Sunset (named after the stone cabochon) necklace for myself, although I have not added a clasp yet.</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB62Lf-kxTwWurecoWsvZj2jyAmg_pcFcSIj3pAatqr9Duj_t-dyT2ZOJXjREtStaPGzKyKdmFU_EhuhEQHFp69PfiI21fRQAVbd_ICAoPBXcJ59ccQDvnbrGXUIhUzxv5sRvXGEtzQE/s1600/IMAG3464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyB62Lf-kxTwWurecoWsvZj2jyAmg_pcFcSIj3pAatqr9Duj_t-dyT2ZOJXjREtStaPGzKyKdmFU_EhuhEQHFp69PfiI21fRQAVbd_ICAoPBXcJ59ccQDvnbrGXUIhUzxv5sRvXGEtzQE/s200/IMAG3464.jpg" width="119" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I also gave talks to the Prince William Purlers and to the Prince William Crochet Guild on yarn winders and on the World War I Knitting Campaign. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmjLpuIMkJ1hQ1TXBU8CBN22DuI_iLisGfCESdcuJYbQuzifLSrv9Y5UD12lEUCgtU8aPJB-DJXJQzSz-qQ63KE4YTMYfK0z-cddXz2c6rnuxjK_LR7TON-5hS2uzORYcXnT2Cx6RYtA/s1600/03+Tools+ARC-Wear+Relief-Badges+Bag+%2528600+x+337%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNmjLpuIMkJ1hQ1TXBU8CBN22DuI_iLisGfCESdcuJYbQuzifLSrv9Y5UD12lEUCgtU8aPJB-DJXJQzSz-qQ63KE4YTMYfK0z-cddXz2c6rnuxjK_LR7TON-5hS2uzORYcXnT2Cx6RYtA/s200/03+Tools+ARC-Wear+Relief-Badges+Bag+%2528600+x+337%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year I have written my first quarterly article for the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) Chain Link Newsletter and I researched and wrote the Feb 16th blog entry in an effort to confirm the tomato/strawberry pincushion story (see that blog entry). I have participated in Crochetville's NatCroMo, donating 6 lots of vintage crochet books. It was much easier this year, with Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka organizing all the giveaways. I have done research and organization of information for the book I am writing and I have made much progress at releasing my Inner Beast. I have visited Bayfront Park, in Chesapeake, MD, twice, in search of fossils, sea glass, and "mystery beads". I plan to go on future visits, in search of sufficient numbers of beads to make a mystery-bead jewelry piece. I also need to ratchet up my organizing of the collaborative art piece that I plan to sponsor: a Freeform Textile Tribute to the Arts.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back on 4 January I made a prioritized goal list. I will update that post no later than tomorrow evening.</div>
Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-80892622782530551972017-02-16T14:16:00.000-08:002017-02-16T14:16:30.646-08:00Publications Containing Pincushions, looking to confirm tomato/strawberry story<div class="MsoNormal">
On FaceBook I found a story about tomatoes being put on mantels to bring prosperity, with perishable tomatoes eventually being replaced by tomato pincushions with attached strawberry emeries. Kathryn Newell rightfully questioned the story and sent me on a quest to confirm or refute it. I consulted following publications on needlework tools..<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although these pincushions were very common, I found
relatively few examples of tomato/strawberry pincushions/emeries; I suspect the
books focused on the more unusual/desirable.
I have included references to pinballs, because tomatoes may have been
derived from them (as indicated by Zann Carter’s Shaker derivation story), and
I included references to Shaker, Amish, and Mennonite pincushions, in case they
originated tomato pincushions. Zann also
contributed information about a superstition of tomatoes being put on the
hearth for prosperity, a story suspiciously similar to tomatoes being put on
the mantel for prosperity.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Knowing it is nearly impossible to disprove a negative, I
was really looking for confirmation.
Despite some of the publications telling origin stories, none repeated
the questionable story. However, there
is ample evidence that tomato and strawberry pincushions and emeries originated
in the Victorian era (1849-1901), and that tomato pincushions evolved from
earlier pinballs with the Victorian penchant for making pincushions look like fruits, vegetables, and numerous other novelty shapes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
---. <u>Authentic Victoria Pincushions</u> <u>Originally Published 1896!</u> Set #1
(2007) Dakota Prairie Treasures; <i>Instructions
for making many late 19th century pincushions but no tomatoes or strawberries.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
---. <u>Authentic Victoria Pincushions</u> <u>Originally Published 1898</u>! Set #2 (2007)
Dakota Prairie Treasures; <i>depicts a
pincushion with two tomatoes on one stem.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
---. <u>Authentic Victoria Pincushions</u> <u>Originally Published 1901</u>! Set #4 (2007)
Dakota Prairie Treasures; <i>Instructions
for making many late 19th century pincushions but no tomatoes or strawberries.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
---. <u>Bonhams The Sewing Sale</u> catalog (Dec 2001)
Bonhams, London, UK; <i>many high-end
needlework tools including pincushions, but no tomatoes/strawberries</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
---. <u>Christie's Thimbles & Sewing Accessories</u>
catalog (Jun 2000) Christie's, London, UK; <i>only
cover pictures, only descriptions of seemingly exquisite needlework tools
including pincushions, but no tomatoes or strawberries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
---. <u>Phillips Textiles</u> catalog (Sep 1999) Phillips,
London, UK; <i>textiles/laces, needlework
tools, & clothing/accessories, but no pincushions.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
---. <u>Weldon's Practical Pincushions</u> (Originally
published ~1894 by Weldons Pub Co, London; 2009) Iva Rose Vintage
Reproductions, New Bedford, MA; (Set #3, subtitled: <u>Originally Published
c1900!; 2006</u>); republication by Dakota Prairie Treasures; <i>Instructions for making many late 19th
century pincushions but no tomatoes or strawberries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Andere, Mary. <u>Old
Needlework Boxes & Tools</u> <u>Their Story and How to Collect Them</u>
(1971) Drake Publishers Ltd., NY; <i>“Pinballs
dated from the 1720 onwards were popular to mid-nineteenth century. The Victorian era was, perhaps the heyday of
the pincushion. They were made in every
conceivable shape. Fruits were much in
vogue, strawberries in particular, since their pitted surface lent itself to
reproductions by the use of pinheads studded into red velvet or silk.” No tomato pincushions mentioned.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barker, Harold (compiler). <u>A Pictorial Survey of Mostly American
Sewing Tools & Supplies (1835-1950)</u> <u>Volume I (1835-1908)</u> (1998)
Harold Barker, Ada, OH; <i>This book is a
compilation of numerous advertisements and articles organized only by
date. Two strawberry emeries dated 1893
& 1894 depicted.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bowles, Ella Shannon. <u>Homespun Handicrafts</u> (1931)
J.B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia & London<i>; with chapters on spinning, weaving, knitting, embroidery, quilts,
rug-making Netting, &amp lace, includes tools; but no pincushions.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Burgess, Fred. W. <u>Chats on Household Curios</u> (c1914);
Frederick A. Stokes Co., NY; <i>pp 223-250 chapter: "The Old
Workbox" includes spinning wheels and numerous "Little
Accessories" for lace-making, cutting, knitting, pins, & pincushions,
but no tomato/strawberry pincushions/emeries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Burn, Diane Pelham. <u>Sew Precious</u> & <u>Children's
Needlework Tools &amp Dolls' Sewing Tools</u> (2010) Diane Pelham Burn, UK;
<i>Children's & dolls' needlework tools
of all sorts; depicts a couple tomato pincushions & several strawberry
emeries, but not mentioned in text.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Burn, Diane Pelham. <u>Sew Small</u> & <u>Children's
Needlework Tools</u> (1995-Thimble Collectors Intn'l, 2010) Mintsalad Design,
UK; <i>Children's needlework tools of all
sorts, however pincushions are barely mentioned and no tomato/strawberry
pincushions/emeries mentioned.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clement, Joyce. <u>Official
Price Guide to Sewing Collectibles</u> (1987) House of Collectables, NY; <i>all types of needlework tools, including
small chapters on crochet tools, threads, & thread holders; pincushions are
barely mentioned, however no tomato/strawberry pincushions/emeries mentioned.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Colby, Averil. <u>Pincushions</u> (1975) B.T.Batsford Ltd.,
London & Sydney; <i>no tomato/strawberry
pincushions/emeries mentioned.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Franklin, Linda Campbell. <u>300 Years of Housekeeping
Collectibles</u> (1992) Books Americana, Florence, AL; <i>includes sewing/mending tools, auto knitter, &amp laundering tools;
but no pincushions.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gaussen, Elaine. <u>Miller’s
Sewing Accessories</u> & <u>A Collector’s Guide</u> (2001) Octopus Pub.
Group, Ltd., London; <i>sewing accessories
of all types, including a small number of crochet hooks, spool knaves and
pincushions, but no tomato/strawberry pincushions/emeries mentioned.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gengelbach, Darlene J. <u>Encyclopedia of Children's Sewing
Collectibles</u> <u>Identification & Values Sewing Sets Dolls Books
Patterns</u> (2007) Collector Books, Paducah, KY; <i>mostly sewing, but also knitting, crochet, weaving, books &
patterns; depicts “a small hinged sewing stand, like many used in the 1930s”
with tomato pincushion; and a “1957 Junior Miss Embroidery Case” with mini
tomato/strawberry pincushion & emery.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gower, Jolynn (Acquisitions Editor). <u>Notions</u> & <u>Over
50 Great Gadgets You Can't Live Without</u> (2000) Taunton Press, Inc, Newtown,
CT; <i>no tomato/strawberry
pincushions/emeries mentioned.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Groves, Sylvia<u>. The
History of Needlework Tools &amp Accessories</u> 2nd impr. (1968) Country
Life Books, Feltham, Middlesex, UK; <i>all
types of needlework including tambour, crochet & knitting tools; regarding
pincushions/emeries: “Nothing was too fanciful for these engaging trifles…”
“The Victorian age abounded with pincushions.” Two tomato-style pincushions are
depicted.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gullers, Barbara D. <u>Antique
Sewing Tools & Tales</u> (1992) Gullers Pictorial Partnership, Phoenix, AZ;
<i>stories about textile tools and</i> <i>beautiful photos of exquisite needlework
tools including a small selection of crochet & tambour hooks and yarn &
thread holders but no tomato/strawberry pincushions or emeries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Houart, Victor. <u>Sewing Accessories</u> & <u>An
Illustrated History</u> (1984) Souvenir Press Ltd., London; <i>Miscellaneous tools including pincushions and
emeries: “Most of the fanciful pincushion containers were made in the shape of
fruit (mainly strawberries), flowers, … “
“[emery cushions] went out of fashion in the early 1920s when needles
and pins were made in stainless steel.”
[Although I bought at least one tomato pincushion with attached
strawberry in the early 1960s.—Karen Ballard]</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jeffords, Mignon S. <u>Sharing Sewing Sets</u> (1984) B.F.
Long Printing Co., Spartanburg, SC; <i>etuis,
necessaires, chatelaines, etc.; two strawberry emeries, one on a chatelaine,
pictured.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Johnson, Eleanor. <u>Needlework & Embroidery Tools</u>
(1999) Shire Pubs Ltd., Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, UK; <i>“Another type of cushion…is the emery
cushion”… “One type often met is a small fabric or knitted strawberry decorated
with small yellow beads to add realism.” Two tomato pincushions are pictured.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Johnson, Eleanor. <u>Needlework
Tools</u> Shire 38 (1978-83) Shire Pubs., Ltd., Aylesbury, Bucks, UK; <i>includes numerous needlework tools,
including a strawberry emery and a tomato-like pincushion; no text about them.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Longman, E.D. &amp Loch, S. <u>Pins & Pincushions</u>
(1911) Longmans. Green & Co., London, NY, Bombay & Calcutta; <i>about pins of all types including hairpins,
pincushions, & related superstitions/customs/charms; includes a large section on late eighteenth
century pinballs, but no mention of tomato/strawberry pincushions/emeries in
the 35 page chapter on pincushions.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
McConnel, Bridget. <u>The
Story of Antique Needlework Tools</u> (1999) Shiffer Pub. Co., PA; <i>all types of needlework tools including a
small number of crochet/tambour hooks, thread holders, pincushions, &
emeries. “Pin-balls are a very typical
eighteenth century item.” Pictured: two leather tomato-shaped pincushions &
one strawberry emery.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Proctor, Molly<u>.
Needlework Tools & Accessories</u> & <u>A Collector’s Guide</u>
(1990) B.T. Batsford, London; <i>covers all
types of needlework tools including pincushions: “…there are so many variations [of
pincushions] this [categorizing] is almost impossible.” “From 1880-1910 pincushions were made into
realistic shapes using patterns printed in journals.” However no tomatoes or strawberries mentioned
or depicted.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rogers, Gay Ann. <u>An Illustrated History of Needlework
Tools</u> (1983, 4th printing 1991) John Murray, London; <i>includes sewing & threadwork tools including pincushions; “By the
eighteenth century the small pincushion worn suspended from the waist had
evolved into two major types associated with nineteenth century pincushions:
the pinball and the disc.” … “In the nineteenth century needlewomen made
pincushions in every shape from stars, flowers, vegetables, and animals of
every type.” “Emeries usually came in small sizes, often in fanciful imitation
of berries or of miniature fruit.”
Pictured: 2 tomato-style pincushions, a strawberry emery with silver
cap, and a small tomato emery.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rogers, Gay Ann. <u>Price Guide to An Illustrated History of
Needlework Tools</u> (1989) Needlework Unlimited, Claremont, CA; <i>includes prices for the pictured pincushions
and emeries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sommer, Elyse. <u>Textile
Collector’s Guide</u> & <u>Valuables… Usables… Reusables</u> (1978)
Monarch, NY; <i>includes a small section on
textile tools of all sorts including pincushions, but no tomato/strawberry
pincushions/emeries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Souder, Mattie. <u>Notions</u> (1922) The Ronald Press Co.,
NY; <i>includes contemporary sewing tools
& notions, but no pincushions or emeries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Taunton, Nerylla. <u>Antique
Needlework Tools & Embroideries</u> (1997) Antiques Collectors’ Club Ltd.,
Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK; <i>needlework
tools, including some crochet/tambour hooks, thread holders, & pincushions;
but no tomato/strawberry pincushions/emeries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thompson, Helen Lester <u>Sewing Tools & Trinkets</u>
Vol 1 (1997) Collector Books, Paducah, KY; <i>numerous
needlework tools including pincushions.
Doesn’t have any text about tomato/strawberry pincushions or emeries, but
depicts several of each from the 1900s-1930s, including 3 Mennonite “make-do”
large strawberry pincushions with multiple smaller hanging strawberries hanging
from each, on wine glass & compote cup bases.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thompson, Helen Lester <u>Sewing Tools & Trinkets</u>
Vol 2 (2002) Collector Books, Paducah, KY; <i>numerous
needlework tools including pincushions.
Doesn’t have any text about tomato/strawberry pincushions or emeries,
but depicts several of each from the 1900s-1930s.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whiting, Gertrude. <u>Tools
& Toys of Stitchery</u> (1928) Columbia University Press, NY; reprinted
as: <u>Old-Time Tools & Toys of
Needlework</u> (1971) Dover Pubs., Inc., NY; <i>Book contains information & photos of many types of needlework
implements including pincushions. “Most
of us are familiar with red felt tomato shaped pincushions.” Whiting goes on to
describe one purchased at “a neighborhood fair” owned by a friend of hers.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zalkin, Estelle. <u>Thimbles & Sewing Implements</u>
(1988) Wallace-Homestead, Radnor, PA; <i>Needlework
tools of all types, including pincushions and emeries; “Ball-shaped pin
cushions featuring an attached cord or ribbon were fashionable as early as the
seventeenth century.” … “Shaker pincushions usually are made…in the shape of a
heart or triangle…a pattern and instructions for a pin ball appears in Godey’s
Lady’s Book in 1885.” … “Pin cushions took many new shapes as the nineteenth
century ended. The tomato shape is the
most common, often with a strawberry shaped emery attached.” … “The most common
shape for an emery is a strawberry, often covered with bright red fabric,
usually silk…”; Pictured: a tomato pincushion with strawberry emery fitted into
an oversized pewter thimble, 1 tomato and numerous strawberry emeries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Magazine
Articles on Needlework Tools:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barry, Elizabeth. "Sew Collectible" <u>Sew News</u>
(Mar 1999); <i>includes sewing machines, toy
sewing machines, buttons, & sewing notions. Including pincushions — very
general information on sewing tools; with no mention of tomato/strawberry
pincushions/emeries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Beetler, Dianne L. "'Sew-Sew' Collection" <u>Antiques
& Auction News</u> (Sept 18, 1987); <i>no
mention of tomato/strawberry pincushions/emeries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bishop, Lisa Mullins. "Gifts for Girls" <u>Early
American Life</u> Vol.XXVI, No.1 (Feb 1995); <i>mostly needlework tools but no pincushions.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Carlisle, Lillian Baker "Beadwork Whimsies" <u>Spinning
Wheel</u> (Sept. 1964); <i>no pictures but
text mentions pincushions: “What of the bead pen-wipes, needle-books,
strawberry emery cushions and pincushions with a known history of having been
made in the home by a member of one’s family?
Where did the ladies find their patters for their work? They located them in the ladies’ magazines –
in Godey’s, Peterson’s, Graham’s Illustrated, and in the Lady’s Friend. During the 1850s and 1860s, many patterns for
these items were given as suggestions for ornamental and useful sale articles
for Fancy Fairs. They were made in all
shapes…from silk, satin, cashmere, velvet; they were stuffed with tow, cotton
wadding, wool, or bran.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hubbard, Clarence T. "Hair Wreaths &amp Samplers of
Yore" <u>Antiques Journal</u> (Oct 1970); <i>Includes needlework tools; pictured: a large strawberry emery c1870.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hurt, Zuelia Ann. "Craft Tools -- Then &amp
Now" <u>Decorating &amp Craft Ideas</u> --<u>Pincushions</u> (Mar 1980);
<i>“The pinball style remained popular
longer than any other. The ever-present
tomato pincushion of today can trace its root back to this shape. The remainder of its heritage comes from the
Victorian era when fruits, vegetables, … and a multitude of novelty subjects
turned into pincushions.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Litz, Joyce. "Sewing is Ancient Art / Pins &amp
Needles Intrigue Collectors" <u>The Antique Journal</u> (June 1974); <i>Pictured: c1900 strawberry emery. “Other Victorian pincushions have taken the
form of a jockey cap, a basket, velvet strawberries…”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthiesen, Agnes. "Treasures From Grandmother's Sewing
Basket" <u>Spinning Wheel</u> (May/June 1983); <i>no pincushions, emeries barely mentioned, mostly crochet hooks.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mebane, John. "Pincushions for Collectors" <u>Antiques
Journal</u> (Dec 1968); <i>“There were
scores of inexpensive nineteenth century pincushions…many in the shape of such
things as tomatoes and strawberries.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Murphy, Catherine (editor). "Price Guide to Antiques<u>"
Antiques Trader</u> "Sewing Adjuncts" (Dec/Jan 1993); <i>Shows values for a few tomato/strawberry
pincushions/emeries. I also consulted: "Sewing
Adjuncts" Vol.9, No.4, Issue 30 (Winter 1978); "Sewing Adjuncts"
(Dec/Jan 1994); "Sewing Adjuncts (n.d.), but no tomato/strawberry
pincushions/emeries found in them.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nazzaro, Joe. "Pinning Down the Past" <u>Country
Victorian Decorating & Lifestyle</u></div>
(Feb/Mar 1994); <i>About pincushions with mottos, no
tomato/strawberry pincushions/emeries.</i><o:p></o:p><div class="MsoNormal">
Reed, Robert. "Stitches in Time" <u>American
Country Collectibles</u> (Nov 1992) <i>Pincushions
barely mentioned; no tomato/strawberry pincushions or emeries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ryan, Amy H. "Pincushions" <u>McCall's Needlework</u>
(Dec 1994); <i>Pincushions sometimes had
their own accessories – emeries...The most common shape was a strawberry made
from bright red fabric one can still see strawberry emeries attached to the
tomato pincushions that are so popular at the present time.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Schiffer, Margaret. "Needlework Accessories" <u>Antiques</u>
(Sept 1962); <i>pincushions mentioned, but
no tomato/strawberry pincushions or emeries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shaffer, Sandra C. "Sewing Tools in the Collection of
Colonial Williamsburg" <u>Antiques</u> (Aug 1973); <i>depicts one "18th century or 19th century" tomato-style pincushion on a silver base.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swan, Susan Burrows. "Collecting Sewing
Implements" <u>Early American Life</u> (June 1979); <i>Pincushions included, but no tomatoes/strawberries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thompson, Frances. "Old Needlework Sought" <u>Antique
Monthly</u> (Aug 1979); <i>Doesn’t include
pincushions.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whittenmore, Edwin C. "Pins & Pincushions" <u>Spinning
Wheel</u> (March 1966); <i>Depicts various
vegetable & fruit pincushions, but no pictures or text of tomatoes or
strawberries.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Zalkin, Estelle. "1800s Seamstress Wielded Waxers,
Emeries" <u>Antique Week</u> (Jan 15, 1990); <i>“Emeries were made in a variety of shapes, the most common is the 1 ½
inch strawberry. Others include the carrot, acorn, and heart. Sometimes the strawberry-, acorn-, or
tomato-shaped emeries were capped with silver.”</i><o:p></o:p></div>
Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-75292007513078924072017-01-04T08:25:00.000-08:002017-01-21T06:05:51.397-08:00<div style="text-align: center;">
MY 2017 PRIORITIZED GOAL LIST</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FeVZnxZ-doIbaduYLahzsSpokJ_gvmAbHAIvZWC2R6txzzckIYniuURfUSYanOqG-YXhs5fOS4F5PEN2OsKD67x1EwzP17BLRfJjERp13RkYyxubpFA6LwLjd8EG-JSVU5WzDPJ4G-A/s1600/wrappedup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FeVZnxZ-doIbaduYLahzsSpokJ_gvmAbHAIvZWC2R6txzzckIYniuURfUSYanOqG-YXhs5fOS4F5PEN2OsKD67x1EwzP17BLRfJjERp13RkYyxubpFA6LwLjd8EG-JSVU5WzDPJ4G-A/s400/wrappedup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last year was the first year I published my prioritized goal list. I was not as successful in accomplishing all my goals as I had hoped, but I did accomplish most my goals, as well as, made good headway on others. The primary value is it helped me to remain aware of the status of each goal and to understand the impact whenever I added a new goal. So, I am trying this again for 2017, to at least maintain awareness and, in the hope that it will help me accomplish my most important goals.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ol>
<li>Writing quarterly articles for the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) Chain Link Newsletter remains my first priority because of a long-term commitment to CGOA. Articles are due around the 20th of January (soon), April, July, and October. <span style="color: red;">January's article written.</span></li>
<li>I also have a long-term commitment to participate in Crochetville's annual National Crochet Month (NatCroMo) Blog Tour, by providing a lottery-style give-away of duplicate crochet publications from my collection. My day is 31 March.</li>
<li>I am committed to give a presentation and display of WWI (and possibly WWII) war-time crochet to the Prince William Crochet Guild on 17 April.</li>
<li>I am also committed to give a presentation & display of WWII Knitting Campaign to the Prince William Purlers on 5 June.</li>
<li>Accelerate my activity on the Freeform Textile Tribute to the Arts Collaboration Project (https://www.facebook.com/TextileTributetoArt/ ) that I started organizing last year and published a bibliograph of freeform books -- http://threadwinder.info/pubs/freeform.htm . I need to firm-up instructions, advertise the project, create some scrumbles, post them, and post any submissions from contributors. I might extend the date on this project, now asking for submissions to start in September 2017.</li>
<li><span style="color: red;">Release (create) my inner beast. Already generally designed her, named her, and started gathering threads/yarns.</span></li>
<li>A long-term project of writing a crochet history/pattern book-- I still can't release any more details, but the project was started last year and much research and some crocheting has been done.</li>
<li>Create a submission for CGOA's Annual Design Contest, probably must be done by May or June 2017. This project has been designed and is well on its way to being completed.</li>
<li>Create a mid-19th century crochet instructress impression. I have gotten some accessories and supplies, and I have only just started making clothing.</li>
<li>By 1 May create my contribution to Cyra Lewis' 2017 International Free Form Fiberarts Guild book. This year's theme: Patterns in Nature. My general design is planned.</li>
<li>I have almost completed my Sonoran Sunrise Necklace that I started last year. I need to finish it and perhaps offer the pattern to a magazine.</li>
<li>Get materials for and crochet a sample of Irish scarf (design conceptualized) for submission to a magazine.</li>
<li>Look into creating a webpage to generate advertising income.</li>
<li>Make Outer Space Necklace (design conceptualized) using Ian Escaro's fabulous outer space cabochon and consider offering to a magazine.</li>
<li>Possibly participate in Brian Horrigan's MN Historical Society WWI Homefront Exhibition. His responses to my inquiries about what he wants have not been adequate and the ball is in his court.</li>
<li>Larisa Chilton's Irish Crochet colorful Butterflies and white Flowers World Map collaborative project. I need to determine if this project got off the ground and whether I still can participate. <span style="color: purple;">I "spoke" with Larisa and this project has been at least temporarily shelved. I asked her to keep me apprised if the project is resurrected.</span></li>
</ol>
Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-39603699567239066802016-09-10T18:28:00.000-07:002016-09-10T18:28:49.962-07:00Sewing Machine Stitchery Advertising Premiums<div class="MsoNormal">
Sewing Machine Stitchery Advertising Premiums.......Wow, that’s a mouthful, but what else could one call them?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
************************************************<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Author’s note: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
I haven’t been able to find anything written about sewing </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
machine <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">stitchery sample advertising.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I
corresponded with</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">existing sewing </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">machine companies asking about stitchery </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">samples and only Singer </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">responded; telling me there was </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">nothing in their archives however, </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">the Singer representative</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">added they were “probably made by </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">independent dealers.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
************************************************<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first practical sewing machines were sold to the public
in the 1850’s. They were only the second
machine (the first being firearms) to use standardized parts, making manufacture
and repairs significantly easier than for non-standardized machines. In the early to mid-19<sup>th</sup> century many
people believed women would be unable to operate machinery. Marketing sewing machines required that
belief be countered. Showrooms were setup
in cities and exhibition halls with pretty, young women demonstrating the
machines, disproving the above fallacy about women and machines. Sewing machines were sold on installment
plans, the first household items to be sold that way; and trade-ins were
offered for older and competitor machines.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trade cards became a popular advertising media during the 19<sup>th</sup>
century. This was fueled by a
scrapbooking craze of the era.
Advertisers competed to offer the most beautiful and interesting cards,
hoping their cards would attract attention and would be retained. Singer Sewing Machine, Davis, Howe, New Home,
Wheeler & Wilson, Domestic, and other major sewing machine companies all
created traditional attractive and novelty cards, but unlike trade cards for
non-sewing machine goods, some of the sewing machine cards depicted
“fac-simile” printed pictures of beautiful embroideries and costumes made on
their machines. A small number of cards
were even engraved with pictures of embroidery stitches that could be done on the
advertised sewing machine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRjQYaE9zT1occUzeB5BdvR90f4qNz9i26TJk1TdWTeVo8MtQPnCg4tliKDTH-ua1tnq8xUg2FQ_Zvgunf21dwt5ByhYXGAnxvWNqjbGCbZsexZMgAq1fRJli7m20RCPeCLrRagd4cik/s1600/Fac-simile+Stitch+Sample+Cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjRjQYaE9zT1occUzeB5BdvR90f4qNz9i26TJk1TdWTeVo8MtQPnCg4tliKDTH-ua1tnq8xUg2FQ_Zvgunf21dwt5ByhYXGAnxvWNqjbGCbZsexZMgAq1fRJli7m20RCPeCLrRagd4cik/s320/Fac-simile+Stitch+Sample+Cards.jpg" width="216" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next step was to put an example of the stitching
directly on the card, some with fancy embroidery stitches and others with trim
or ruffles sewn onto the card. This led
to cards being published with blank sections for embroidery (usually flowers or
hats) to be added. However, unless these
cards found their way into a collection (either an album or an emptied cigar
box), most likely these cards would be trashed. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1JAGzX2AZHCM3Epvu-4nl28PnJCeSlqW5IaaRXryyxzFGlcxeMnYv1P5BWYSwE9FkYLuIWQ3Ja8yjA17nMFDiOF3TgvlemPesZtaxS-goD2t05f_UdFRWsDfCFYIZh77MStQn1fcksc/s1600/Stitch+Sample+Cards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1JAGzX2AZHCM3Epvu-4nl28PnJCeSlqW5IaaRXryyxzFGlcxeMnYv1P5BWYSwE9FkYLuIWQ3Ja8yjA17nMFDiOF3TgvlemPesZtaxS-goD2t05f_UdFRWsDfCFYIZh77MStQn1fcksc/s320/Stitch+Sample+Cards.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
During the late 1800s someone decided
that sewing machine advertising might be more effective if premiums were offered
that would be retained and perhaps used, serving as constant reminders of the
quality of their sewing machines.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe the first premiums were late
1800s doll bonnets. Each bonnet was shaped
and had attached ruffles, requiring much machine-work. I have two of these: a 7
X 3.75-inch one, stamped on the inside with “From the Standard Sewing Machine
Agency, 326 No. Wash. AVE., Scranton, PA” and a 6.4 X 4.3-inch one stamped
“Stitched on ‘No. 9’ Wheeler & Wilson”.
Standard was in operation from
1884 until 1929. Wheeler & Wilson
produced the No.9 Sewing Machine between 1887 and 1905. I haven’t seen any other sewing machine
advertising bonnets---perhaps because all stampings are on the inside or
because multiple washings may have obliterated those stampings; but I also
suspect that because so much work went into making each of these bonnets, their
original distribution was minimal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM3YhOlJBuG0r4h5LeS8UpL8FnV_MAbLLy_4-l8GKHCH5Jf0Q7q9vispA9qrmYKhXZ72VnCruk02fUaFK-K7AD2Gd_nm-xcJdcGxp2Ys1rA74icf5yEi4slM7JsyMppqsfcMMLBYnlVw/s1600/Stitch+Sample+Bonnets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilM3YhOlJBuG0r4h5LeS8UpL8FnV_MAbLLy_4-l8GKHCH5Jf0Q7q9vispA9qrmYKhXZ72VnCruk02fUaFK-K7AD2Gd_nm-xcJdcGxp2Ys1rA74icf5yEi4slM7JsyMppqsfcMMLBYnlVw/s320/Stitch+Sample+Bonnets.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another popular premium, offered by
advertisers of many products, and especially popular before the advent of
electric fans, were cardboard hand-fans.
However, some of those advertising sewing machines had added sewn-on
embellishments. The two in my
collection: one made by “White Sewing Machine Company” of Cleveland, Ohio
(White moved to Cleveland in 1866.) and another by “Standard” have ruffled
ribbon edgings and bows. Due to frequent
use and weakened cardboard where embellishments were sewn-on, few of these fans
appear to have survived, although I suspect they were fairly common during the
turn of the century.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_gHwn2arNtnLH84E-Q_G30vezlohOwcExr3C2BMZgyxv8zRvocNMioQb3Ey3V7ZvmWAj-gmqKkT7uo_GK6d4ypYoNsi9xmVocrp5a9uABqOwR9WXFpDhV1vfhv5ESgbG3PDdmh82xic/s1600/Stitch+Sample+Fans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn_gHwn2arNtnLH84E-Q_G30vezlohOwcExr3C2BMZgyxv8zRvocNMioQb3Ey3V7ZvmWAj-gmqKkT7uo_GK6d4ypYoNsi9xmVocrp5a9uABqOwR9WXFpDhV1vfhv5ESgbG3PDdmh82xic/s320/Stitch+Sample+Fans.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The most common (or perhaps, the most
saved) sewing machine sample stitchery advertising premiums seem to be
miniature (doll-sized: 2.7-inches to 6-inches long) aprons. These were made from at least the early 1890s
until about 1940. Davis, Domestic, New
Home. Singer, Shryock, Wheeler & Wilson, White, and perhaps other sewing
machine manufacturers, all offered these premiums. I have seen 16 of these, 13 of which are in
my collection. Most of these simple
little aprons are stamped or printed with Sewing Machine Company information,
although a small number are made with special Singer Sewing Machine logo fabric
and/or have business cards sewn into the waist or into one of the ties.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK12llo7abhxbbVH4oSt42llDJmbMKCD_WymPXf7Tefqhf-aAKvgfArMBpGHHWHdmngR-_SfHRI9-rqnhbQ9_qDN0DeQ_exdnCUa87pGJZ5w_HQHXs6c81NacaTT4x-K2LxOcBHwj0QIM/s1600/Stitch+Sample+Aprons+oldest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK12llo7abhxbbVH4oSt42llDJmbMKCD_WymPXf7Tefqhf-aAKvgfArMBpGHHWHdmngR-_SfHRI9-rqnhbQ9_qDN0DeQ_exdnCUa87pGJZ5w_HQHXs6c81NacaTT4x-K2LxOcBHwj0QIM/s320/Stitch+Sample+Aprons+oldest.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_S07r1K9YfiXVI4_Z0hk18UMAuKWrbZ0scoaKZ_kdzlVYQ8M989RAQ_nZwdo5Ch9kMXBKop8X_Pc3JY5AAzfAkkJX4AsruG5HoCduhDiv65zKyvVH3IC1xjohLtF18os3kkEAJkRZeIg/s1600/Stitch+Sample+Aprons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_S07r1K9YfiXVI4_Z0hk18UMAuKWrbZ0scoaKZ_kdzlVYQ8M989RAQ_nZwdo5Ch9kMXBKop8X_Pc3JY5AAzfAkkJX4AsruG5HoCduhDiv65zKyvVH3IC1xjohLtF18os3kkEAJkRZeIg/s320/Stitch+Sample+Aprons.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The last type of premium I have found
is an embroidered silk or rayon book mark of unknown date still attached to a
paper imprinted with “Made on the ‘White’ Sewing Machine with Shaded Corticelli
Sewing Silk” and “White Sewing Machine Co., Cleveland, Ohio”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh078sUtAr8q0nUk20CqS75I5vWPqYiqEvSNFH3vpbx71bNMCBNFBAvzx1Ezh_VNlXHS4fz1zG8g32dX0CpjDt9lMcaOtdELEmQcGpcFBSULmLNrXDKUsQ_dCbK1D-__PUNDXw9f7R-IRU/s1600/Stitch+Sample+Bookmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh078sUtAr8q0nUk20CqS75I5vWPqYiqEvSNFH3vpbx71bNMCBNFBAvzx1Ezh_VNlXHS4fz1zG8g32dX0CpjDt9lMcaOtdELEmQcGpcFBSULmLNrXDKUsQ_dCbK1D-__PUNDXw9f7R-IRU/s320/Stitch+Sample+Bookmark.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have any additional information on Sewing Machine Stitchery Advertising Premiums or examples to show I would love to hear from you!</div>
<o:p></o:p>Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-80177533940307795172016-03-31T03:58:00.000-07:002016-04-07T00:33:24.577-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWsDw2N8-Ks4uWiGYt37Jk5WTYJOWa7fTjFKu-0qtq9xFRChIiHfIekVqVUxvnJvRaqL4BJ7VnXg2XwALfuWZoS1l4bG-JRMiySyV0oaj1kP15l4V_CHIk9ZqDfFOQxhviQL9-cwBMUI/s1600/NatCroMo+2016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMWsDw2N8-Ks4uWiGYt37Jk5WTYJOWa7fTjFKu-0qtq9xFRChIiHfIekVqVUxvnJvRaqL4BJ7VnXg2XwALfuWZoS1l4bG-JRMiySyV0oaj1kP15l4V_CHIk9ZqDfFOQxhviQL9-cwBMUI/s320/NatCroMo+2016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I hope you have enjoyed National Crochet Month and Crochetville's designer blog tour. Join me in thanking Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka in putting this all together!<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #f6f7f8; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px;">All the winners have been notified, they have selected their winnings, which have been packed/mailed, and all tracking numbers sent out to winners. Congratulations Sharon, Regina, Jessica, Julie, Maria, Amanda, & Dana!!!</span><br />
<br />
As a textile/crochet historian and designer, I collect crochet books and often end up with duplicates. I have tried selling on eBay, but that was unsatisfactory and have learned that I prefer to give my duplicates to go to those who would appreciate them most. I have seven lots of books for give-away (free to anyone in the US, and for the cost of postage for anyone outside of the US). To be eligible to be randomly selected, leave a "NatCroMo" note to me on this blog or Facebook private message, by midnight April 1, 2016. If you receive a "good luck" note from me, you will know that you have been entered. The seven lots are below and the randomly selected winners will get their choice in order of their selection.<br />
<br />
1) Raffino, Jonelle & Mapstone, Prudence. <u>Freeform Style</u> (2009)<br />
North Light Books, Cincinnati, OH.<br />
2) Wiseman, Nancie M. <u>Crochet with Wire</u> (2005) Interweave Press,<br />
Loveland, CO.<br />
3) Fisch, Arline. <u>Crocheted Wire Jewelry</u> (2009) Lark Books, Asheville,<br />
NC.<br />
4) Dowde, Jenny. <u>Freeform Knitting & Crochet</u> (2004) Sally Milner<br />
Publishing Pty Ltd, Bowral, Australia.<br />
5) Six crochet booklets in varying condition: <br />
Spool Cotton Co. <u>Pot holders to the Rescue</u> #164<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nun's <u>Crochet Twist Instruction Book</u> #852<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Clark's <u>Ruffled Doilies</u> #253<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Spool Cotton Co. <u>Doilies</u> #184<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Clark's <u>Pineapples on Parade</u> #241<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>J&P Coats & Clark's <u>The Pick of the Pineapples</u> #287<br />
6) Six crochet booklets in varying condition: <br />
<u>Laura Bed Dolls & Sweet Dreams</u><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lily <u>Smart Crochet</u><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>J&P Coats & Clark's <u>Quick Crochet</u> #300<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Weldon's <u>Crochet Accessories</u><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lily <u>Crochet Book</u> 1300<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nat'l Crochet Bureau <u>Prize Winning Crochet Designs</u><br />
7) Six crochet booklets in varying condition: <br />
Fuchs' <u>Dress & Suit Fashions in Wool</u> Vol. 108<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fuch's <u>Fun Fashions in Wool</u> Vol. 121<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>J&P Coats & Clark's <u>Priscilla Filet Crochet</u> #317<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nat'l Crochet Bureau <u>Prize Winning Crochet Designs</u><br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>J&P Coats & Clark's <u>Prize Winners</u> #257<br />
<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ely's <u>Pointers for Crocheting & Knitting</u><br />
<u><br /></u>
By the way, I had intended to provide a free pattern, but life got in the way. I am sorry. Check out my website: <a href="http://threadwinder.info/">http://threadwinder.info/</a> for more information about my designs and publications. Nothing for sale at this time.Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com79tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-23131898358116425642016-03-25T07:04:00.003-07:002016-03-25T11:22:05.075-07:00Volume 26, Number 2 of the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) Chain Link newsleter, dated Summer 2016 contains my article on The National Crochet Contest 1937 - 1958. In that article I promised more pictures to be published here.<br />
<br />
First are five pictures from the crochet booklet: <u>Prize Winning Crochet Designs</u> <u>National Crochet Contest - 1937</u>, from the very first annual contest. (For those of you following the National Crochet Month {NatCroMo} blog tour and who plan to participate in my giveaway on 31 March, I will be offering a couple of these booklets.) You see here the cover with an inset of the "National Queen of Crochet," Mrs. Frank E. Hayward. That is followed by a picture of Mrs. Hayward holding her winning blanket.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4gC1HXJb8k1KYtker8k3cBaA7yNcp0HN5OrCGsNv26pY6NprRrnP0hZ0157ItgYbugRw3Q2gAqngTNrQm1ZbrFed-if844_IoQUCDNpP7pEnK_FmvRzHi5l57v2WXtXKlmBWTfeLabI/s1600/1+NatCContest+Booklet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4gC1HXJb8k1KYtker8k3cBaA7yNcp0HN5OrCGsNv26pY6NprRrnP0hZ0157ItgYbugRw3Q2gAqngTNrQm1ZbrFed-if844_IoQUCDNpP7pEnK_FmvRzHi5l57v2WXtXKlmBWTfeLabI/s320/1+NatCContest+Booklet.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZL1oHfQmexhMGImsOID0HqhNeINIOYUyMB6nuQeW4mON9bo4dkZ5rgbsrQmYMs0TlwRITr4hmVpcZTvku0uXmmibkKnFXCV-i_9FcbefEkrLsAGva1CTMwH-t8rS4iP2jKxhh20WuTjA/s1600/2+NatCContest+booklet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZL1oHfQmexhMGImsOID0HqhNeINIOYUyMB6nuQeW4mON9bo4dkZ5rgbsrQmYMs0TlwRITr4hmVpcZTvku0uXmmibkKnFXCV-i_9FcbefEkrLsAGva1CTMwH-t8rS4iP2jKxhh20WuTjA/s200/2+NatCContest+booklet.jpg" width="140" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next you see a page with details of the first contest & depicting the showroom with the contest entries, followed by a page listing all the winners and depicting Mrs. Hayward demonstrating crochet tips.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4d_Oe4skqXAvaopu1ejVYnhb5coZ5JzsT5NLnpQKGcvGjpHc_tE7XdQr3fsHpaCmGfR_YUK2dRL38Ge2sFb-fYhwbN4SSvhyaNy6TV238U27uGrGCXWC-mIA5SuWV9sf1_pbgvoQ3So/s1600/3+NatCContest+booklet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4d_Oe4skqXAvaopu1ejVYnhb5coZ5JzsT5NLnpQKGcvGjpHc_tE7XdQr3fsHpaCmGfR_YUK2dRL38Ge2sFb-fYhwbN4SSvhyaNy6TV238U27uGrGCXWC-mIA5SuWV9sf1_pbgvoQ3So/s200/3+NatCContest+booklet.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrW1UPvIYZ-b8-v2U5w0D14fiG9XMCrL28ex8BdmjFTtBx6CNhxS9m1ze3DwEarpp92qS27gTsc7-y_sOm_E5Uj6K_WkyHraEkHlCb2j_HzY1xUh45NcBRuSIGfAMG57p9wRA5WS0YcTQ/s1600/4+NatCContest+booklet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrW1UPvIYZ-b8-v2U5w0D14fiG9XMCrL28ex8BdmjFTtBx6CNhxS9m1ze3DwEarpp92qS27gTsc7-y_sOm_E5Uj6K_WkyHraEkHlCb2j_HzY1xUh45NcBRuSIGfAMG57p9wRA5WS0YcTQ/s320/4+NatCContest+booklet.jpg" width="225" /></a><br />
<br />
The back cover lists the details for the upcoming 1938 Second Annual National Crochet Contest. And here is a press-release photograph of Mrs. Hayward receiving her winning citation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nLhQI_QmmozDc-yXFTV1w_ReYmQ9VzZUlM-y0fmbrYfmm3yG5ZOO6AAz5NhQR5F9qGugnPcDSpSx3z17kdKnBqrcTjVRoCNVUBb7Rv0PK8mQGciGq-l7Hm9pSGZDyhg85qu-dj6uunc/s1600/5+NatCContest+booklet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1nLhQI_QmmozDc-yXFTV1w_ReYmQ9VzZUlM-y0fmbrYfmm3yG5ZOO6AAz5NhQR5F9qGugnPcDSpSx3z17kdKnBqrcTjVRoCNVUBb7Rv0PK8mQGciGq-l7Hm9pSGZDyhg85qu-dj6uunc/s200/5+NatCContest+booklet.jpg" width="141" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9SaknbTOsLpaluB-YLQR9aCNWChJLG2NGP2wqiyWbT-USDf_YjIJuRSA5UDNg2dC0Lm0Vzgu-cItR1dMJBXkwgfuD1IHD8wBaahfEEzeI0PFiHjViQVSniwa2qjf9e8vnPwyoooKLME/s1600/6+NatCContest+1st+winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj9SaknbTOsLpaluB-YLQR9aCNWChJLG2NGP2wqiyWbT-USDf_YjIJuRSA5UDNg2dC0Lm0Vzgu-cItR1dMJBXkwgfuD1IHD8wBaahfEEzeI0PFiHjViQVSniwa2qjf9e8vnPwyoooKLME/s200/6+NatCContest+1st+winner.jpg" width="154" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next are both sides of a postcard given to a state or county fair blue-ribbon-winner, authorizing the recipient to enter the National contest. Apparently, the blue-ribbon-winner who got this card decided not to enter the National contest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9xto84HLIAKPpZTCwrYt0xlKf5lBjdkDJolDKFZyGWPpo7gylA6efhyu5cjDXZ8KMNIyYdtPBsWxAMi6h8TiJa-va8GBqmcDIiBMn3t50pHVuA-CVtQwO5buGUqpZflsezWmzgbQdto/s1600/7+NatCContest+postcard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9xto84HLIAKPpZTCwrYt0xlKf5lBjdkDJolDKFZyGWPpo7gylA6efhyu5cjDXZ8KMNIyYdtPBsWxAMi6h8TiJa-va8GBqmcDIiBMn3t50pHVuA-CVtQwO5buGUqpZflsezWmzgbQdto/s320/7+NatCContest+postcard.jpg" width="269" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a press release picture of John Miller, identified as a California lumberjack (what could be more manly?), the winner of the Men's Division of the 3rd National Crochet Contest, being congratulated by Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, Jr., a contest patroness. Despite having competed in a much smaller field of 15 male contestants, out of a total of over 2,300 entries, newspaper articles gave more attention to Mr. Miller and his lovely bedspread than they did to the National Champion, Mrs. E. N. Noble of Minneapolis. However, I did find a comment that Mrs. Roosevelt declared Mrs Noble's banquet cloth to be "the most remarkable piece of crochet she had ever seen." Unfortunately I have yet to find a photo of that banquet cloth.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofjkL1gT7QJQS-DscAooGNRN6wLGmUtLikdIwEI_TgDLBrz4tUJ2HLPum2wWAt8y9yivPoT_QRENXAsssyn6FCDw5zpEhN5AhRh2OTCYhEOADXkY_SPllHvzOlp0eqJZy3UlhYloxAdI/s1600/8+NatCContest+1939+winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjofjkL1gT7QJQS-DscAooGNRN6wLGmUtLikdIwEI_TgDLBrz4tUJ2HLPum2wWAt8y9yivPoT_QRENXAsssyn6FCDw5zpEhN5AhRh2OTCYhEOADXkY_SPllHvzOlp0eqJZy3UlhYloxAdI/s320/8+NatCContest+1939+winner.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Mrs. Adolph E. Burkhardt of Poland, OH, fared better. Here is a press release photo of her with her entry (hard to see but looks like it might be Irish Crochet in the center). She was the Grand Champion in the 1940 4th Annual National Crochet Contest of 350,000 contestants, then sponsored by the National Needlecraft Bureau. Harry Troxell of Cleveland, OH, won the Men's Division. His 23rd Psalm bedspread was prominently displayed in back of Mrs. Burkhardt and Mr. Troxell in a newspaper article I found.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhussuoKtPrFQJErwIwa32hSdV5Kh5hTAEz7XW9Jx31O2ebMtuNNFt76e09vo3Tc0t2KN4qDL239RYV5HBaQN63efrqKAe-dVRnGZBZhn-d0oEM0bYzYAADhRP63ac4o5Q3mbh_IjNCw/s1600/9+NatCContest+1940+winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuhussuoKtPrFQJErwIwa32hSdV5Kh5hTAEz7XW9Jx31O2ebMtuNNFt76e09vo3Tc0t2KN4qDL239RYV5HBaQN63efrqKAe-dVRnGZBZhn-d0oEM0bYzYAADhRP63ac4o5Q3mbh_IjNCw/s200/9+NatCContest+1940+winner.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-2Yrzqkb4GHRlYDPFVRKlZPucOOBBtirZmwfeW01r1lCARxKcF2TYVAgKTlPVlNiWyFyVewDVn8Ztro74gvTTbP8GYydSu8Ut8pqY6oPYFHRSzQbEneMVzzlPNbJQf-3RK8FDmmihgQ/s1600/9a+NatCContest+1940+winners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI-2Yrzqkb4GHRlYDPFVRKlZPucOOBBtirZmwfeW01r1lCARxKcF2TYVAgKTlPVlNiWyFyVewDVn8Ztro74gvTTbP8GYydSu8Ut8pqY6oPYFHRSzQbEneMVzzlPNbJQf-3RK8FDmmihgQ/s200/9a+NatCContest+1940+winners.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
In 1949, Mrs. Thomas L. Nightingale of Sacramento, CA, won the Crocheting Championship for the third time, previously having won the title in 1938 & 1942 with relatively little press recognition. Mrs. Thomas won her rewards with size 150 thread filet crochet creations. After this win, contest rules were changed so that prior year's winners were no longer eligible for future entries. I wonder how many more contests the 71-year-old, Mrs. Nightingale would have won had the rules not been changed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayKr8qcw4Fth2_ULUgOofUSNCCdwlZt0S3jDXbQIMW6SGT6pmVQ7UONr22z4-orO9UoDsbfGFOy90AoHexqfQTqfM_vjGnFqD4adkkjI3g5Es91bC3PI0Ob9eLtbqzek-_-prVNgcD9I/s1600/10+NatCContest+1949+winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiayKr8qcw4Fth2_ULUgOofUSNCCdwlZt0S3jDXbQIMW6SGT6pmVQ7UONr22z4-orO9UoDsbfGFOy90AoHexqfQTqfM_vjGnFqD4adkkjI3g5Es91bC3PI0Ob9eLtbqzek-_-prVNgcD9I/s320/10+NatCContest+1949+winner.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Industrial Foreman, George Link of Bunker Hill, IL, won the 1951 Men's Division of the National Crochet Contest. The press reported simply that "The Grand Championship reward at the contest went to a woman."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht98QUaE2MFe_RJsa409H0lWHzTsip7HaXCmknRXlf1VyGqHBq9cb8dN8lFi3MTGtsd_HTObC4EMFyT4QYnuknYvnGQzIf6OLE3nOWiOKD7h6Px1lT3QbZ9ogACU3y0Cip6amBUvroUhM/s1600/11+NatCContest+1951+winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht98QUaE2MFe_RJsa409H0lWHzTsip7HaXCmknRXlf1VyGqHBq9cb8dN8lFi3MTGtsd_HTObC4EMFyT4QYnuknYvnGQzIf6OLE3nOWiOKD7h6Px1lT3QbZ9ogACU3y0Cip6amBUvroUhM/s320/11+NatCContest+1951+winner.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In 1952 the title of the contest was changed to the Nationwide Crochet Contest. Here is a poster advertising the 1953 contest.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2-A43ZDO3cQxU3HoBYRm083kzcxaA6NJQ7k6uKTK7XC6Qb-jJkKy6eP-Q_o28V21xrH-NSxViB3hWD7BGeeX8JPS0Byh_aZjnGBGZXjoa4Clly43HCf1rAihrD0qxfUN1sFb-Ly0SiM/s1600/12+NatCContest+1953+poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil2-A43ZDO3cQxU3HoBYRm083kzcxaA6NJQ7k6uKTK7XC6Qb-jJkKy6eP-Q_o28V21xrH-NSxViB3hWD7BGeeX8JPS0Byh_aZjnGBGZXjoa4Clly43HCf1rAihrD0qxfUN1sFb-Ly0SiM/s400/12+NatCContest+1953+poster.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a press release photograph of Mail Carrier Anthony White of Portland, OR, winner of the Men's Division of the 1954 Nationwide Crochet Contest. The trend of highlighting interesting Men's Division winners more than the Champions continued through the last contest in 1957.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF32XLpFUYuPauILyNga3xVxtUauvZsEeQv8q2tAVtSlQllfpssGYhcIj2RznOYCKA5chHCnq7IPdBEmTpPKuYfmQ4PEEmeuqoSo549NWsVB_XWGoYLw9afC2WaMStTlPwf8Gq1wecuI/s1600/13+NatCContest+1954+winner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYF32XLpFUYuPauILyNga3xVxtUauvZsEeQv8q2tAVtSlQllfpssGYhcIj2RznOYCKA5chHCnq7IPdBEmTpPKuYfmQ4PEEmeuqoSo549NWsVB_XWGoYLw9afC2WaMStTlPwf8Gq1wecuI/s320/13+NatCContest+1954+winner.jpg" width="253" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-12251442245241854432016-03-24T16:09:00.000-07:002016-03-24T16:09:01.493-07:00Oooops! The latest issue of Crochet! Magazine with its CGOA Chain Link newsletter (for members only) just arrived on my doorstep. I didn't expect it to be distributed until after the first weekend of April. And the article I wrote for the newsletter on the National Crochet Contests promises more pictures of the National Crochet Contest Here.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpLgisL4HyAP-4K8UeYkMrVCloDkOHPf6Fkk_BP9A89q7ySw8QJ_YIyEYYHWyCu0QIdd2Kxw-lkQyLVQ05U7HA2bbKML3sAOvau1cfiHZQCtnQEF0XJACi1u4aAdrRA6Tb408AtbiEDA/s1600/NatCContest+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFpLgisL4HyAP-4K8UeYkMrVCloDkOHPf6Fkk_BP9A89q7ySw8QJ_YIyEYYHWyCu0QIdd2Kxw-lkQyLVQ05U7HA2bbKML3sAOvau1cfiHZQCtnQEF0XJACi1u4aAdrRA6Tb408AtbiEDA/s320/NatCContest+004.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is one picture. I will post more with explanations tomorrow.</div>
Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-10275189475637580822016-01-10T12:26:00.000-08:002017-01-04T07:32:12.727-08:00My Goals, prioritized<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nEq1zctgFRKODYn5eRNFfVAlAiYsB8mbkAupCVxvJsSfVWVoVCLSUB_YOJi3sU7pVDfHQs_VdmHof4W4fTSGSwCardSeHhnVpFJGg5TW9KzutFLfcZ44m3HK0xhoinNZ7YRaQM47fPA/s1600/wrappedup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_nEq1zctgFRKODYn5eRNFfVAlAiYsB8mbkAupCVxvJsSfVWVoVCLSUB_YOJi3sU7pVDfHQs_VdmHof4W4fTSGSwCardSeHhnVpFJGg5TW9KzutFLfcZ44m3HK0xhoinNZ7YRaQM47fPA/s320/wrappedup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
2016 is shaping up to be an extremely busy year! Every year I have goals, but I tend to take on too many, adding more throughout the year, resulting in my not accomplishing as much as I desire. This year I decided to publish those goals in prioritized order, to help me to focus, knowing at anytime anyone of my Face Book and blog followers could query me on their status. If I add any new goals I need to determine where they fit in priority. I think this will help me to avoid straying from my 2016 Goals: <span style="color: #990000;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">OK, I did it, I am talking with someone about adding another goal---#11! But it is too cool to pass up! </span><span style="color: magenta;">In 2016 I succeeded on many of these and others were not so successful, but this goal list did make me aware of what I was doing, what I was accomplishing and what I needed to work on, so I plan to do it again in 2017.</span><br />
<br />
1) This probably has to be my first priority, since I <span style="color: blue;">have been</span> committed to writing quarterly articles for the Crochet Guild of America's (CGOA) Chain Link Newsletter <span style="color: blue;">for a long time</span>. Deadlines around the 20th of January, April, July, and October. I have many ideas for topics. <span style="color: #990000;"> Need to post National Crochet Contest pics to this blog in early April to support the article I wrote in January. </span> <span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;">April's submission is due during mid-April.</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: magenta;"> All quarterly articles were written and published during 2016. This is an on-going commitment and will be resurrected in my 2017 goals,</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">2) National Crochet Month (NatCroMo): I have promised to provide a free pattern and a vintage crochet book give-away for my day: 31 March. I plan to make the pattern overlap with my number 7 and possibly my number 11 goals. I have advertised this on my Facebook page.</span><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: #990000;">Gathered books for the give-away, some really great ones! </span><span style="color: magenta;">I did not provide a free pattern, but did do the book give-away. This is a yearly commitment and I plan to participate again in 2017,</span><br />
<br />
3) Committed to giving a short discussion and display of vintage yarn winding tools to the Prince William Purlers on June 7. This is a high priority goal, because of a firm commitment, but it will not require much work.<span style="color: magenta;"> Gave a very successful discussion/display of yarn winders for the Prince William Purlers and later for the Prince William Crochet Guild. Additionally gave a talk to the Prince William Purlers on the WWI Knitting Campaign. Both the Prince William Crochet Guild and thePrince William Purlers have invited me to give 2017 presentations.</span><br />
<br />
4) Writing a crochet book, can't release details yet, but related to my <span style="color: #990000;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">fifth</span> goal. For me this is a very big goal and I am stretching to do something new, so probably a 5-year goal. However, I expect to have it well on its way (with a publisher lined-up) by August 2016. I have done much research, and started some projects--<span style="color: #990000;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">Started a handful of projects, 2 are finished, and done more research. </span><span style="color: magenta;">I acquired many publications and done much research and some crocheting. Much more work remains.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">5</span>) Get together a mid-19th century Crochet Instructress impression by August 2016. I have started some projects. gotten some accessories, and identified other accessories still needed. <span style="color: magenta;">I have gotten most supplies and accessories. Much sewing and other crafting to be done.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">6</span>) Gear-up on my freeform Textile Tribute to the Arts collaborative project. The only reason it is this far down on my priority list is because of the far-off submission date: September 2017. I have created a Face Book page(<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TextileTributetoArt/?ref=hl">https://www.facebook.com/TextileTributetoArt/?ref=hl</a>), but have not advertised it yet---that must be done by roughly September 2016. <span style="color: blue;"> Created a bibliography of freeform books, available on my webpage: </span><a href="http://threadwinder.info/pubs/freeform.htm">http://threadwinder.info/pubs/freeform.htm</a> . <span style="color: magenta;">Much work to be done, </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">7</span>) By 1 May, create my contribution to the Cyra Lewis' 2016 International Free Form Fiberarts Guild book, theme: Flora/Fauna of my Country/Region. My general design is planned, and started. <span style="color: blue;">This project can be related to my number 2 & 11 goals. </span><span style="color: magenta;">I was not able to accomplish this goal, perhaps I can participate in 2017.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">8</span>) Create a submission for CGOA's Annual Design Contest, probably must be done by May or June 2016. Design started<span style="color: blue;"> and all supplies accumulated. </span><span style="color: magenta;">I was not able to complete this in time, but much work has been done and hope to submit it in 2017.</span><br />
<br />
9) Committed to give a presentation/display at Prince William Purlers meeting on WWI & WWII knitting items, during fall 2016. <span style="color: magenta;">Completed presentation on WWI knitting and have been asked to return in June 2017 to give presentation on WWII knitting.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">10) I have not committed to this, but Prudence Mapstone has put out a call for submission for a Jumpers & Jazz festival and is soliciting brightly-coloured freeform knit & crochet Jumpers (sweaters) by April 2016 (soon!). Because of my relationship with Prudence, I would really love to participate, but I am reluctant to do so because I have so many other commitments. </span><span style="color: magenta;">I gave in on this one and created a squirrel scrumble which made it to the top of one of Prudence's trees,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">11) Another goal, not yet a commitment, but talking with Brian Horrigan of the MN Historical Society about possibly providing WWI Workbasket Campaign items for the Home-front portion of his April 2017 planned exhibition of WWI America.</span><span style="color: magenta;"> I wrote to Brian a couple of times and he promised more information about what he requires. The ball is in his court as to whether this comes to fruition.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000;">12) </span><span style="color: blue;">A goal, not a commitment: Larisa Chilton is sponsoring an Irish crochet butterflies and flowers world map, with brightly colored butterflies and white flowers. I love Larisa's art, want to take a class from her some day, and this project sounds fabulously beautiful. Additionally, there is no deadline on the submissions, making it hard for me to put this on my priority list. However, I can combine this effort with my number 7 goal and possibly my number 2 goal. </span><span style="color: magenta;">I need to follow up on this, I don't know if it ever got off the ground.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">13</span>) <span style="color: blue;">Not a commitment, but want to c</span>reate at least one contribution for the <span style="color: magenta;">UK</span> Hyperbolic <span style="color: magenta;">Crochet</span> Forest Project. The deadline on this is unclear, but I believe their plan is to start exhibition in September 2017. <span style="color: blue;">I am stoked by my idea for this project, but can't commit to it. </span><span style="color: magenta;">I created a 12-foot stream for the project, with the coolest ever mini-waterfall.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">14</span>) No commitment or deadline, but I need to do some beading for me. I have some fabulous cabochons (one a Sonoran Sunrise and another an Ian Escaro outer-space inlay) that are "screaming" at me for attention. Their necklaces have been designed, just need the time to sit down and bead. <span style="color: #990000;">Took a beading class on 27 February to quell the screaming a bit. </span><span style="color: magenta;">I almost completed my Sonoran Sunrise Necklace (just needs the clasp) and I will finish it in 2017. Maybe I will do the Outer-Space Necklace in 2017 too!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-70302970798363475672016-01-09T06:49:00.001-08:002016-01-10T13:20:46.519-08:00Remiss --- Catching upI have been so remiss in posting to my blog, so here is my attempt to catch up. Within the next couple of days I will post my planned activities for 2016, but for now here is a quick rundown of my most significant activities during 2015:<br />
<br />
Early in the year my son, Paul Allan Ballard, and Corinna Herden eloped. I was honored that she wore the necklace I beaded for her, it is my variation of Maggie Meister's Victorian Grand Tour Necklace.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDtzvqmMfk68QRqxPmuw3w4pEQ9CBLRAWM-ByEgr0xRUYGI9BkVVpfXrjYduC3glag3xf8g7Xx9JwSjfGq11WMxzX0m6x_XjQCOYTeSbZV1OMpfM87mTKhV-Vr1iSuM6lC3Hi-N1PH9c/s1600/2014-12-15+05.03.55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDtzvqmMfk68QRqxPmuw3w4pEQ9CBLRAWM-ByEgr0xRUYGI9BkVVpfXrjYduC3glag3xf8g7Xx9JwSjfGq11WMxzX0m6x_XjQCOYTeSbZV1OMpfM87mTKhV-Vr1iSuM6lC3Hi-N1PH9c/s320/2014-12-15+05.03.55.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In March I participated in Prudence Mapstone's Fifty Years of Flower Power project with two submissions: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v6qpffdBCLE3zAU1CDiNuoKF0UhsByR8_x-rzrsCqy4Iy6DIs4-0sWxCLfWAoCScIMup0EWPbv9riVAQ5WYv5ADtP4tVMa_uXNCq1X5uAWGpM5Di29Rn4BJ1UibWk1cxiNmrr1vsnec/s1600/KarenBallard7155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9v6qpffdBCLE3zAU1CDiNuoKF0UhsByR8_x-rzrsCqy4Iy6DIs4-0sWxCLfWAoCScIMup0EWPbv9riVAQ5WYv5ADtP4tVMa_uXNCq1X5uAWGpM5Di29Rn4BJ1UibWk1cxiNmrr1vsnec/s320/KarenBallard7155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilObDBLr5Tld7vC14ER8ao298hkDEnt81-ImYp1pMXCS97bE0yYK6STOEtavh-rhK8nuR_t1hJ7Kg_AHQyCf3Ib7Ajf8CxTig0ZtAPDIpo675nRieMQb9m3lRg2OQHI3f11wFpyLybBIk/s1600/KarenBallard---7152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilObDBLr5Tld7vC14ER8ao298hkDEnt81-ImYp1pMXCS97bE0yYK6STOEtavh-rhK8nuR_t1hJ7Kg_AHQyCf3Ib7Ajf8CxTig0ZtAPDIpo675nRieMQb9m3lRg2OQHI3f11wFpyLybBIk/s320/KarenBallard---7152.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Later in the year, Prudence assembled all the contributions into a magnificent art piece, started its tour, and it was featured in Down Under Textiles, with my contributions centered on the cover of that magazine!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQquLWPee7aiGhSn0vAN6ZCFjCfUW8AC5m2EMpEdAaYBqCzSOip9GZqIinwl1b06yIWB90jM5GYfpoxG4ZHiZZ5ObMaJE7WkiwgEyGdNlmH0WrA50bDXfgRr3fSXv-XOQmLq7lnglS6s/s1600/DownUnderTextiles21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQquLWPee7aiGhSn0vAN6ZCFjCfUW8AC5m2EMpEdAaYBqCzSOip9GZqIinwl1b06yIWB90jM5GYfpoxG4ZHiZZ5ObMaJE7WkiwgEyGdNlmH0WrA50bDXfgRr3fSXv-XOQmLq7lnglS6s/s320/DownUnderTextiles21.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I also contributed to Kathryn Vercillo's Mandalas for Marinke, a project to raise depression awareness. I also posted a pattern for the middle mandella (earlier in this blog).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo0CXbdFfxdKhzlHYtSAoA-KcR6urbkmgMvZiX7tw_VZFF1Oy8rKkefq-yQPl5rcxbPH0PCa8iOlPm-ZUZ6jLTBPVc3ir-UT_BzuAgx8rOp2aB2ZRV5IUP4noWEXPrXlQOdw4SwwyM7M/s1600/WinkTribute.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilo0CXbdFfxdKhzlHYtSAoA-KcR6urbkmgMvZiX7tw_VZFF1Oy8rKkefq-yQPl5rcxbPH0PCa8iOlPm-ZUZ6jLTBPVc3ir-UT_BzuAgx8rOp2aB2ZRV5IUP4noWEXPrXlQOdw4SwwyM7M/s320/WinkTribute.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and to Yarndale.co.uk 's "Flowers for Memories" Alzheimer's research project. I wish I had written a pattern for this.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMbqvUs-dLYL8C-hgu1SQc5AHuMtjvfJooIlNbP4X5fTUzHUATgdqnMZlWmLfaNmZ8q16Qfkvq1vjdsqCionF2prHDaVzS9sUwjyTWs1xulaZa5HrBrfA88aL85Mtvul-qtO_QJFTA4g/s1600/MemoryFlowers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMbqvUs-dLYL8C-hgu1SQc5AHuMtjvfJooIlNbP4X5fTUzHUATgdqnMZlWmLfaNmZ8q16Qfkvq1vjdsqCionF2prHDaVzS9sUwjyTWs1xulaZa5HrBrfA88aL85Mtvul-qtO_QJFTA4g/s320/MemoryFlowers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
2015 was my first year in participating in the International Free Form Fiberarts Guild annual challenge. Last year's theme was Ocean - The Color of Water, and my submission was included in the book. I call my submission "On Golden Sands":</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfe_twNHz9EwDEQOptsRd0w4q0TWBwjJNpllKXT7yoPqz2zX7iFSkPctOjiwonB8T9qNxTMNICpq9vPeU-c1ApaabHkUkS_1mJ2s_SoZCC195PvwBCkIax9N-TPw6ioN80sCf-CWbM8o/s1600/KarenFreeForm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdfe_twNHz9EwDEQOptsRd0w4q0TWBwjJNpllKXT7yoPqz2zX7iFSkPctOjiwonB8T9qNxTMNICpq9vPeU-c1ApaabHkUkS_1mJ2s_SoZCC195PvwBCkIax9N-TPw6ioN80sCf-CWbM8o/s320/KarenFreeForm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The year ended with my father's passing and with me feeling sad and very mortal.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kClFDpUvc0YtC-Kx6MQy4XZx1W3eB5tGvhckx1tsbTqnOksRBSK7tNmoWRYtk4AjI0FoLJ5vSGALAhHazEpDPi3lddsU-W_SsC9OCc1mLoaJ785xqDlYLxh_77XKb7nSQ_8odJ_C0U0/s1600/Memorium.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kClFDpUvc0YtC-Kx6MQy4XZx1W3eB5tGvhckx1tsbTqnOksRBSK7tNmoWRYtk4AjI0FoLJ5vSGALAhHazEpDPi3lddsU-W_SsC9OCc1mLoaJ785xqDlYLxh_77XKb7nSQ_8odJ_C0U0/s320/Memorium.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-3508602594054444922015-07-27T10:33:00.000-07:002015-07-27T10:33:59.478-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLRuacLsO50PlN_zKvRIHQqR8WfvrUP6FYPK64h4s80KOakHIkN9peQ_t-RQtD6hhVp0tFlcHXXB89OzWgPoOazU5njDjabWYK3YziU6_0HO8yyQMo56X5OtYaJ23WmSEcf1oWGNnb-c/s1600/Wink2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTLRuacLsO50PlN_zKvRIHQqR8WfvrUP6FYPK64h4s80KOakHIkN9peQ_t-RQtD6hhVp0tFlcHXXB89OzWgPoOazU5njDjabWYK3YziU6_0HO8yyQMo56X5OtYaJ23WmSEcf1oWGNnb-c/s320/Wink2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here is my pattern for Wink2 Tribute. It is a mandala I designed, using Marinke's design elements into my own original design. I made it to be part of Kathryn Vercillo's Mandalas for Marinke Project to honor Marinke's life and to raise awareness about depression. See: <a href="http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/2015/06/mandalasformarinke-crochet-project-in-memory-of-wink-from-a-creative-being/">http://www.crochetconcupiscence.com/2015/06/mandalasformarinke-crochet-project-in-memory-of-wink-from-a-creative-being/</a> for more details. I am offering this free pattern especially for those of you who may like to use it for Kathryn's project. Feel free to contact e if you have any difficulties with it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Crochet Hook: I used a U.S G-6/4mm because I like tight
work. However, the yarn I used
recommended a 5mm (U.S. 8) and it might be easier to use a larger hook than the
one I used. This should not matter for
the Mandalas for Marinke Project since a mandala size was not specified.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yarn: I used
Paris Drops, a loosely plied 100% cotton that was Wink’s favorite yarn.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Colors Used:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Color A = strong yellow #14 (for center of
center flower and sun rays)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Color B = vanilla (light yellow) #35 (for
cluster-petals of center flower)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Color C = opal green #11 (for stems and
leaves)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Color D = white #16 (for fence)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Color E = hot pink #06 (for blossom
clusters)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Color F = dark turquoise #10 (for sky
edging)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Color G = red #12 (for heart)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sewing thread in color G, Darning needle, Sewing needle, and
Scissors <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rnd 1: Using color A,
ch 2, 8 dc in 1<sup>st</sup> ch, sl st in 1<sup>st</sup> dc; finish off.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rnd 2: Using color B,
(dc 4, sl st in back of 1<sup>st</sup> dc, [cluster made], ch 3) around, sl st
in top of 1<sup>st</sup> cluster; finish off (8 clusters).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rnd 3: Using color C,
(sc 4 in ch-3 sp {between clusters}) around, sl st in 1<sup>st</sup> sc; finish
off (32 sc’s).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rnd 4: Using color D, attach yarn above one cluster, (sc 2,
long sc into space below 3<sup>rd</sup>-Rnd {between next two clusters}, sc in
next2 sts) around, sl st in 1<sup>st</sup> sc; finish off (40 sc’s).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rnd 5: Using color C,
working in back: (trc in 3<sup>rd</sup>-Rnd before a cluster, ch 2, trc after
the cluster, ch 5) around, sl st in 1<sup>st</sup> trc; finish off (16 trc’s).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rnd 6: Using color E, (4 dc in ch-2-sp, sl st in back of 1<sup>st</sup>
dc [cluster made], ch 8) around, sl st in top of 1<sup>st</sup> cluster; finish
off (8 clusters).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rnd 7: Using color D,
(sc 5 in ch-8-sp; ch 2, sl st in 1<sup>st</sup>
ch [picot made]; dtrc in 4<sup>th</sup>-Rnd-long-sc
[spoke made], sc 5 in same ch-8-sp) around, sl st in 1<sup>st</sup> sc; finish
off (8 spokes topped with picots).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rnd 8: Using color A,
working in back loops only: dc on one side of a picot, (ch, dc on the other
side of picot, ch, sk 1, dc, ch, sk 1, dc over closest side of cluster, ch, dc,
ch, sk 1, dc, ch, sk1,dc on closest side of picot) around, sl st in 1<sup>st</sup>
dc; finish off (48 dc’s).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rnd 9: Using color
F, starting between 2-dcs-above-spoke
(dc 2 in next ch-1-sp, dc 3 in next ch-1-sp) around, sl st in 1<sup>st</sup>
dc; DON’T FINISH OFF (120 dc’s).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
RND 10: Continuing
with color F, sc in same st as sl-st, (sk 3, dc 6 in next st, sk <b>2</b>, sc {directly above 6<sup>th</sup>-</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rnd-cluster}
[1<sup>st</sup> fan made]; sk 3, dc 6 in next st, sk <b>3</b>, sc {directly above 7<sup>th</sup>-Rnd-picot}
[2<sup>nd</sup> fan made]) around—ending with sl st in first sc; finish off (16
fans).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
HEART: Using color G,
ch 6, dc in 3<sup>rd</sup> ch, sl st in same ch, ch 2, trc in same ch, ch 2 ,
sl st in 2<sup>nd </sup>ch of foundation-ch, finish off. Weave tail through 1<sup>st </sup>ch of foundation-ch
and up one side of heart and down the back-middle, weave other tail up other
side of heart and down back-middle. Using sewing thread, tack heart to center
of mandala.<o:p></o:p></div>
Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-49470178742947752762015-06-28T07:12:00.000-07:002015-06-28T07:12:50.427-07:00<h2>
</h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date! </h3>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Spiraled/Twisted Crochet Hooks</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
I promised a blog posting on May 31, 2015, and I am sorry that I am almost a month late. This blog was to accompany the article in the Autumn 2015 Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) Chain Link Newsletter.<br />
<br />
In that article I referred to a favorite antique hook...and although it is not spiraled, but rather has cross-hatched markings, here it is:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24NOv1UrnVjLAAD8M3c-u4EbNKpVNafGm9tpsth8rs4y9lpk_5d4B9JnWgNmtDHU4q8FPoYJzx9pDOkzEaQ9yG2Cga7SLgA47yxU2xQT7Th-JK_kEMxBBEtBFYwaAdnn9_BvnONUXBKk/s1600/copperhook.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="33" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg24NOv1UrnVjLAAD8M3c-u4EbNKpVNafGm9tpsth8rs4y9lpk_5d4B9JnWgNmtDHU4q8FPoYJzx9pDOkzEaQ9yG2Cga7SLgA47yxU2xQT7Th-JK_kEMxBBEtBFYwaAdnn9_BvnONUXBKk/s320/copperhook.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
It is bright copper, with an elongated in-line size 13 hook head. Other than liking in-line style heads, I can't really say why I like it so much, but I find it to be a great hook for working fine threads. Finding a hook like this is one of the advantages of collecting many types of crochet hooks.<br />
<br />
But my article was about spiraled or twisted crochet hooks. Here is a picture of those in my collection:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUkeS3IZQyd8Q_NaRvibzNgIaJi6PQaZ3j4DJ9VskWbYYUXBElqlmxcu1LdYwq9oKu4DkqFmgL5j5WPrFMq4NFYPI8LqM5KbDTiEbRBfeuMVIMZhjYAGQAt9uvZD_j7ZuZ5JtWNuStPc/s1600/Twisted+Hooks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaUkeS3IZQyd8Q_NaRvibzNgIaJi6PQaZ3j4DJ9VskWbYYUXBElqlmxcu1LdYwq9oKu4DkqFmgL5j5WPrFMq4NFYPI8LqM5KbDTiEbRBfeuMVIMZhjYAGQAt9uvZD_j7ZuZ5JtWNuStPc/s320/Twisted+Hooks.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Most of these hooks are vintage. On the top is a very long spiraled celluloid plastic one. Celluloid is an early plastic. The two hooks on the left in the line-up are bone with simple spirals incised in the base of the handle. The third is also bone, but has more deeply carved spirals. The fourth is ivory, with a lacey spiral-carved handle, with a clamp on top for the missing hook. The fifth is bone,with incised spiraled vines. The sixth (the one with the carved hand) is ivory and also incised with spiraled designs. It is followed by one with a spiraled mother-of-pearl handle. The eighth is the 2012 CGOA annual hook. It was made by Knitting Glass Guy and is glass with spiraled latticino within the handle. It is followed by a Celtic Swan forged brass hook. I probably bought this about 15 years ago, when they still made brass ones. I would love to get one of Celtic Swan's silver or gold ones in which they now specialize. That is followed by three vintage forged steel hooks. The second to the last hook in the line-up is a metal hook with incised spirals. I think it was a nut pick, that was repurposed into a crochet hook. The last in the line-up is one with spiraled wire, spiraled again around the handle. On the bottom is a relatively new hook with a spiral-carved olive-wood handle. This hook was found on eBay.<br />
<br />
I mentioned one other kind of spiraled hook, one that is made of naturally twisted wood. I don't have any like that in my collection, so I started a search for one. I did not have any luck. I found a vendor on Etsy who carves hooks, some which look almost like they are naturally twisted in the photographs. I asked her if they were and she told me that wood like that usually has been damaged by insects or rot. Anyway, I still want one. We had a pawpaw tree fall in our yard, with many years' growth of vines. Below is a photo of some of the twisted branches/vines I salvaged. Maybe someday I will attempt to make one (or more) of my own.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UgsjNMEs9IjyKm37ZlhMffK8uHG2IHIwHva5NhUkpzb1_Mo05wURKa5XRurzNDitbQYVf_RHGb-isq-A0bkm1kojaPrZ4-flrCyMZVv0d8ZziuqWJBEWPT3_GCvv_FaTeuAIooAa8MI/s1600/twisted+wood.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8UgsjNMEs9IjyKm37ZlhMffK8uHG2IHIwHva5NhUkpzb1_Mo05wURKa5XRurzNDitbQYVf_RHGb-isq-A0bkm1kojaPrZ4-flrCyMZVv0d8ZziuqWJBEWPT3_GCvv_FaTeuAIooAa8MI/s320/twisted+wood.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-41720316073224116682015-05-23T13:18:00.004-07:002015-05-23T14:43:07.883-07:00Current Activities, Freeform Crochet, Beading, WWI Knitting, and MiningUpdate on my activities. About two months ago I finished my freeform crochet contributions to Prudence Mapstone's latest crochet/knitting collaboration: 50 Years of Flower Power. My paisley<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://50yearsofflowerpower.blogspot.com.au/2015_05_01_archive.html"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMD75995QFMvGLn9D5rGM1VgUHTqBfmRMig-5icDM_eSprEDL4cT-J5SQDGFzaOv-XIx-I3Qh7xnhiKCQSEAcCGSyA2-6ebdrS_1W1yTS2Hdt9huykqB1-U7uGO1bE9TvGIhyTNk_8-HM/s1600/KarenBallard7155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMD75995QFMvGLn9D5rGM1VgUHTqBfmRMig-5icDM_eSprEDL4cT-J5SQDGFzaOv-XIx-I3Qh7xnhiKCQSEAcCGSyA2-6ebdrS_1W1yTS2Hdt9huykqB1-U7uGO1bE9TvGIhyTNk_8-HM/s320/KarenBallard7155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"> is typical of many of the other contributions , but then I decided to create a tribute to Peter Max.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sjSIeeZ3Ow1NgEtOhZxEgBdDssHdLCfWX0jBoxB1137flGDVKlhY0UjzsGkWWqtnsiZ2K-u5KiztEa5URapVI-18HdRUZl8-ozDVaI6jNM8B7ss5hFqVi1DkfqrBy3PYqMvdye-4QkE/s1600/KarenBallard---7152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4sjSIeeZ3Ow1NgEtOhZxEgBdDssHdLCfWX0jBoxB1137flGDVKlhY0UjzsGkWWqtnsiZ2K-u5KiztEa5URapVI-18HdRUZl8-ozDVaI6jNM8B7ss5hFqVi1DkfqrBy3PYqMvdye-4QkE/s320/KarenBallard---7152.jpg" width="259" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't wait to see how Prudence will assemble her collage of many hundreds of freeform contributions! She is such a busy lady, teaching freeform knitting and crochet worldwide. So I don't know when it will be completed, but occasionally she posts teasers of small sections that have been assembled. See her blog (You may have to sign-up to access it): <a href="http://50yearsofflowerpower.blogspot.com.au/2015_05_01_archive.html">http://50yearsofflowerpower.blogspot.com.au/2015_05_01_archive.html</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A couple of weeks ago I completed my submission to this year's International Free Form Fiberarts (IFFF) Guild. This year's theme is: The Ocean/the Color of Water. I was inspired by Bobby Vinton's song "somewhere Beyond the Sea...on golden sands" <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bRAtV-jgoQ">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bRAtV-jgoQ</a> , by shells naturally "freeformed" by sea worms and surf (which I found at Carolina Beach, NC), and by my love of beachcombing. Mine is done in thread and bead crochet and various beading techniques, including freeform peyote beading. I can't release my pictures yet, not until approximately late June, but in the mean-time check out past year's IFFF challenges on </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.blurb.com/b/5466596-one-colour">http://www.blurb.com/b/5466596-one-colour</a> and <a href="http://www.intfff.com/">http://www.intfff.com/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Currently I am writing an article on WWI Knitting Propaganda for the Center for Knit and Crochet--due in about a week. Their earlier articles (many of which are really interesting) can be found on: <a href="http://centerforknitandcrochet.org/ckc-blog/">http://centerforknitandcrochet.org/ckc-blog/</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeOlCh2nicWOgSx-D5YY0z0_bOU1ZzwiiN64Hl8nJZpWpTDCJ2nULlDHRpmPwUo6ij4FvWJanCYbNsH0iic8zl6D7V_88KgXteC-Zu8p12syoiiKdHEaGP2X9XbgB4ACnwfj6mU3ZTBg/s1600/WWI+Covers.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeOlCh2nicWOgSx-D5YY0z0_bOU1ZzwiiN64Hl8nJZpWpTDCJ2nULlDHRpmPwUo6ij4FvWJanCYbNsH0iic8zl6D7V_88KgXteC-Zu8p12syoiiKdHEaGP2X9XbgB4ACnwfj6mU3ZTBg/s320/WWI+Covers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few months ago I bought a beautifully-made and unusually-colored Sonoran Sunrise Jasper cabochon from Laura Lyle Wing (who sells her cabochons on Facebook). It is blue turquoise and copper color rather than the more usual blue-green and red. This cabochon has been calling me while I have been working on all my commitments above. It really wants to be made into a necklace. Despite deadlines, I have bezeled it and have started its design. I plan to submit my design to one of the many beading magazines.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Lastly, I am so excited about (and am starting to prepare for) my upcoming (July 10-12) Mining Women Beading Retreat with Amy Katz <a href="http://www.beadjourney.com/about.html">http://www.beadjourney.com/about.html</a> and Paulette Baron <a href="http://paulettebaron.com/">http://paulettebaron.com/</a> . We will be mining at Poland (Maine) Mining Camp for quartz, tourmaline and other gem stones and will have beading classes in the evenings from Amy and Paulette. All food and bedding supplied by the Camp. What could be more fun? One of our little party has had to drop out due to family issues, so if you are interested in purchasing her slot contact Amy or Paulette.</div>
Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-26617712972103107052015-04-21T15:08:00.000-07:002015-04-21T15:08:16.347-07:00I recently published an article in the Crochet Guild of America's (CGOA's) Chain Link Newsletter on the "Miss Nimble Fingers" Speed Crochet Contest which took place on the grounds of the 1940 New York City World's Fair. I promised close-up pictures on my website, but I am having problems with updating my website. So I am posting them here. Here's the program announcing the contest:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMonSvPJnT1ladoYIw6Hr6MhgmptZdQcnei36bXGkpcme_wmrDukI1LsLBDFmuGXlrI_eYcF7IGyt4QljYoAvdC-QXoIsPlIrO7jWTOH1pwofKfEeCeArnQbH51wIitQQLFs5WMLDd4I/s1600/WF+1940+Program.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuMonSvPJnT1ladoYIw6Hr6MhgmptZdQcnei36bXGkpcme_wmrDukI1LsLBDFmuGXlrI_eYcF7IGyt4QljYoAvdC-QXoIsPlIrO7jWTOH1pwofKfEeCeArnQbH51wIitQQLFs5WMLDd4I/s1600/WF+1940+Program.jpg" height="307" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here are the contestants:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDn5WvETQnzdC-tCZJ9E-sgghxicftKJ1URw8hRv0KtQlvdE9tz14o7rT0DilEjoTy7MkBXECNM04YZC1BrfBxopZrqmocr1nOmkyr7W-R_8cRP1pKp9fvj0wiKQUOOUh9bQ_CsUeeb2w/s1600/WF+Crochet+Contest+Contestants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDn5WvETQnzdC-tCZJ9E-sgghxicftKJ1URw8hRv0KtQlvdE9tz14o7rT0DilEjoTy7MkBXECNM04YZC1BrfBxopZrqmocr1nOmkyr7W-R_8cRP1pKp9fvj0wiKQUOOUh9bQ_CsUeeb2w/s1600/WF+Crochet+Contest+Contestants.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Out of a field of 300-500 contestants, there was one man, Mr. Clifford Anthony of Union, NJ. Here he is receiving a $5,000 accident policy "against the perils of flying crochet hooks":</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4i-hs1oH8kYUIotwrRUlBbr0_L7Xd8yvUj3QsofeXzg-uMxLRwjJdpN-avaavYK0bUPMCsALBb-Vp-gqCClVz1ANeXIaHNi94mcxWAYjOXFfJUEsZ3WDmQNoHBVDKCABHVLcWeR7rK3E/s1600/WF+Crochet+Contest+Insurance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4i-hs1oH8kYUIotwrRUlBbr0_L7Xd8yvUj3QsofeXzg-uMxLRwjJdpN-avaavYK0bUPMCsALBb-Vp-gqCClVz1ANeXIaHNi94mcxWAYjOXFfJUEsZ3WDmQNoHBVDKCABHVLcWeR7rK3E/s1600/WF+Crochet+Contest+Insurance.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here he is demonstrating crocheting "hazards":</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNknu7Blv0jLIbvI22VGGgOLnQbpe-HvHDQIe7J7sBuF2zln3-4AJYbla1auf_MnKaLLGKmNkNtMR3WAg20yfl2T3Uv7euf8Y5D2guWUAQ0Ucpz5GeCCrYbb58wjARCdWfYuMgvYihtqo/s1600/WF+Crochet+Contest+Hazards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNknu7Blv0jLIbvI22VGGgOLnQbpe-HvHDQIe7J7sBuF2zln3-4AJYbla1auf_MnKaLLGKmNkNtMR3WAg20yfl2T3Uv7euf8Y5D2guWUAQ0Ucpz5GeCCrYbb58wjARCdWfYuMgvYihtqo/s1600/WF+Crochet+Contest+Hazards.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And here getting a demonstration of nurse's medical attention, should it be needed:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghROVAupwHD1bWbWRXIZ9i2M2q2f27KfYdBDTAVMbLsQVrWxSxeuLf22B4AXSTxn61SyLuadRE2WwB_xnBoTqYl-Om28Qj9l0c5HIMTJEJjl3HG8m0jLi4gtyE_EbI6DbmaQCcTU9BmZ0/s1600/WF+crochet+contest+Med+Bandage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghROVAupwHD1bWbWRXIZ9i2M2q2f27KfYdBDTAVMbLsQVrWxSxeuLf22B4AXSTxn61SyLuadRE2WwB_xnBoTqYl-Om28Qj9l0c5HIMTJEJjl3HG8m0jLi4gtyE_EbI6DbmaQCcTU9BmZ0/s1600/WF+crochet+contest+Med+Bandage.jpg" height="260" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And because "the women made it quite hot for the lone male," here he is receiving water and shade:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGoncGliNhFPZ3yVubdYt_mBxAahsycwsmvxElw7Wik0qxt9LhqrgYyE7v00Ndh0wsJJCnFVNW7pyqFHj93ivmjX8WOrrEOcIxtU2aqgFT-AhmSW_gjDCEzuY314F9ihFHrcjTBCIg7M/s1600/WF+crochet+contest+Med+Water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFGoncGliNhFPZ3yVubdYt_mBxAahsycwsmvxElw7Wik0qxt9LhqrgYyE7v00Ndh0wsJJCnFVNW7pyqFHj93ivmjX8WOrrEOcIxtU2aqgFT-AhmSW_gjDCEzuY314F9ihFHrcjTBCIg7M/s1600/WF+crochet+contest+Med+Water.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And despite all the attention paid to Mr. Anthony, here is the winners' circle (with no Mr. Anthony). Mrs. Jennie Verbeak (or Verbeck, depending upon the source) won with 118 scallops, Mrs. Elizabeth Steffanelli (or Stafanelli) won the second prize.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ81kML1sQ2h0XJ5TvrBtB22UZGm1hJLYesmBR9l7xSd5019H0zfZpvXKUFDTrhkX5gWK1kcf_IAhjmKXdfTxdNMj73j63qTYUMbAxcaxkDCwbdRceYC4PUHFQd1f-Pq7sCsSiN9hZI4k/s1600/WF+Crochet+Contest+Winners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ81kML1sQ2h0XJ5TvrBtB22UZGm1hJLYesmBR9l7xSd5019H0zfZpvXKUFDTrhkX5gWK1kcf_IAhjmKXdfTxdNMj73j63qTYUMbAxcaxkDCwbdRceYC4PUHFQd1f-Pq7sCsSiN9hZI4k/s1600/WF+Crochet+Contest+Winners.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></div>
Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-39872311820902427262015-04-18T19:19:00.000-07:002015-04-21T13:56:17.561-07:00There were 20 contenders for my NatCroMo give-away for the two ca.1913 Stitchery Quarterlies. Anyway, I hated to disappoint so many, so I dug out 5 additional duplicates of vintage crochet publications that I have, to offer as "consolation" gifts to 5 additional people. They are:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Mary Card's 1920 Original Designs in Various Styles of Crochet Book No.1 published in NY, in good condition, but with a bad tear across the cover. It contains many of her fabulous designs. But it is not in modern American notation, however the first page offers descriptions of each stitch. It also has fabulous vintage advertisements. </li>
<li>- 5. are 4 issues of Needlecraft Magazines, all missing covers, but all patterns intact. All patterns appear to be in old notation similar to British crochet notation, so you will have to do some additional work to reproduce these patterns. The first of these is November 1913, including crocheted finger purses, coronation braid crochet, some really neat crocheted ties for neck bows, and a few crocheted needlework tools. </li>
<li>Needlecraft Magazine, January 1918 containing some nice filet crochet edges, crocheted baskets, WWI knitted comforts for soldiers, sailors and airmen. </li>
<li>Needlecraft Magazine, March 1918 containing a handful of lovely filet crochet designs including a Mary Card "Great Seal of the United States in Filet Crochet".</li>
<li>Needlecraft Magazine, December 1918 (some pages torn in half, but not affecting readability of patterns) containing Mary Card Crocheted Gifts designs, daffodil filet crochet design, camels in filet crochet for a child's bedspread, and knitted items for soldiers, sailors and airmen. </li>
</ol>
<div>
I blindly drew 7 names, all winners have selected their publications and all publications were all mailed on April 21, 2015.</div>
Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-66520280503576974752015-03-29T12:10:00.000-07:002015-03-29T12:26:53.550-07:002015 NatCroMo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNC6REXsf2D1REGI9WTRVvg282wLe2TuRORL08N2lqcGcKZRbLGqObRRIQOiJCX8P2Ozg7tU2BMA1ObMoD0qiC_t7w7NWVcBze2Ttpzo8IcSjdxec5I1OzRK7wFyKhNO1C0lLENnAWvg/s1600/WWII+Knitting+Hat+(600%2Bx%2B450).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtNC6REXsf2D1REGI9WTRVvg282wLe2TuRORL08N2lqcGcKZRbLGqObRRIQOiJCX8P2Ozg7tU2BMA1ObMoD0qiC_t7w7NWVcBze2Ttpzo8IcSjdxec5I1OzRK7wFyKhNO1C0lLENnAWvg/s1600/WWII+Knitting+Hat+(600%2Bx%2B450).jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
As we near the end of March, I hope everyone has been enjoying National Crochet Month (NatCroMo) and I am delighted to participate in Crochetville's 2015 NatCroMo Blog Tour again this year. I thank Amy Shelton and Donna Hulka for including me in it.<br />
<br />
Let me get to my fabulous give-away first. Since I consider myself a textile historian (specializing in handwork, particularly crochet and knitting), I approach things a little differently than my fellow designers. (Actually, I feel a little presumptuous referring to myself as a designer; I consider myself a fledgling designer.) So, rather than a free design or yarn, I am offering two (one each) c1913 <u>Stitchery Quarterlies</u> to two randomly-chosen people who send me a Facebook message stating "NatCroMo" between March 31 and April 15, 2015. (If you are not already my friend, you may have to befriend me first to send me the message.) I will put your names on slips of paper and blindly select the lucky winners no later than April 30th. Good luck to all entrants!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDDi41Qtfo7VgN1LSjQpbooQJKhjo67CL80EbKOiYZQmrqmizDuJBxHi05AKRtDLk_9VPT-C4czSsPKgM45J7v0pEaMTlTJB-Tiu4WnNUqTi6-vDFyoNXNfVQKuDsQRvCiBfmVbtpTg8/s1600/StitcheryQuarterlyNos1n4+(282%2Bx%2B212).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijDDi41Qtfo7VgN1LSjQpbooQJKhjo67CL80EbKOiYZQmrqmizDuJBxHi05AKRtDLk_9VPT-C4czSsPKgM45J7v0pEaMTlTJB-Tiu4WnNUqTi6-vDFyoNXNfVQKuDsQRvCiBfmVbtpTg8/s1600/StitcheryQuarterlyNos1n4+(282%2Bx%2B212).jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, you might ask "What are <u>Stitchery Quarterlies</u>?" They are publications edited by Flora Klickmann during the early 20th century to supplement her <u>Girl's Own Paper and Woman's Magazine</u> (<u>GOP</u>), which she also edited. <u>GOP</u> was a British equivalent to the 19th century U.S. <u>Godey</u>'s and <u>Peterson</u>'s Magazines, covering all topics deemed of interest to women. As <u>Stitchery</u>'s title reveals, these supplements were devoted to textile handwork. For more information see my May/June 2011 <u>PieceWork</u> magazine article "Flora Klickmann: Author, Editor, Needleworker." I am proud that my adaptation of her butterfly is on that magazine's cover. As you see I also have made these butterflies with finer, size 80, tatting thread.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSC_YQOVyFDH7kQAuDAu4PW8RwN7UfwSY9OtGshfdsckboKs9MUi9Ytfpri6lQOkc3dmdB5YvRgybEKEt4MDMbz399g-NfdAIueom1zrEwIB3cPE8I2O6EbC0jj_4S3Ttl-DDOrZRDs54/s1600/FKButterflies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSC_YQOVyFDH7kQAuDAu4PW8RwN7UfwSY9OtGshfdsckboKs9MUi9Ytfpri6lQOkc3dmdB5YvRgybEKEt4MDMbz399g-NfdAIueom1zrEwIB3cPE8I2O6EbC0jj_4S3Ttl-DDOrZRDs54/s1600/FKButterflies.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbafU5VkwaTorHSvrXk3nDGVBUd9H8mZHQeT-y31hVMhyphenhyphenCwkq1EuU0gbAR5-DuJeQj739YWn4VGW2DkhHQyHqrPiL8gyAXJ4xtmNuJyZYGk-ZcEsjPdxWCBT6bkD2Ho6WtK6xrvx9Bdo/s1600/pwkMJ2011_240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVbafU5VkwaTorHSvrXk3nDGVBUd9H8mZHQeT-y31hVMhyphenhyphenCwkq1EuU0gbAR5-DuJeQj739YWn4VGW2DkhHQyHqrPiL8gyAXJ4xtmNuJyZYGk-ZcEsjPdxWCBT6bkD2Ho6WtK6xrvx9Bdo/s1600/pwkMJ2011_240.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<u>Stitchery</u> No.1 starts out with Flora's editorial "How Needlework Reveals Our Aims," and features Irish crochet patterns including the original instructions for the above butterfly (all patterns are in antiquated {pre-standardization} British notation), plain crochet (both thread and wool), Tunisian (Afghan stitch) crochet, articles on: Flora Klickmann's needlework tools collection, lace (bobbin and needle), beadwork, and other techniques. It is a delightful little magazine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
No.4 starts our with Mary Frances Billington's editorial "Needlework and Commonsense." It includes many plain thread and wool crochet and Irish crochet, knitting, macrame and embroidery patterns. It includes a fabulous thread Daisy Design Baby's Cap made largely out of bullions (roll stitch). It, too, is a delightful little magazine. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Additionally, I am reintroducing my free Flower Bangle Pattern, in case you missed it last year. See <a href="http://threadwinder.info/designs/crochetptns/FlowerBangle/default.htm">http://threadwinder.info/designs/crochetptns/FlowerBangle/default.htm</a> for pattern instructions.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEF7IKBtNQf6dRgJVVUKhdIZ91EB0Us2gfJJYZlX6dgccCSfu1Qzw-qvPQXIb6itYNLDgul53l7iwxntewEhLO2YylebVeulN7Pew3_6rJy3tUp6kabS7Qk-MkDB0e1xm5HsNrXbHiLA/s1600/FlowerBangle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEF7IKBtNQf6dRgJVVUKhdIZ91EB0Us2gfJJYZlX6dgccCSfu1Qzw-qvPQXIb6itYNLDgul53l7iwxntewEhLO2YylebVeulN7Pew3_6rJy3tUp6kabS7Qk-MkDB0e1xm5HsNrXbHiLA/s1600/FlowerBangle.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This blog is supposed to introduce me to you. I am a retired government official, having specialized in large, main-frame computer systems. While working at that high-stress job, I relaxed by studying textile history, learning many textile and beadwork techniques, occasionally teaching others to crochet, and collecting textile handwork tools and publications. While I still relax in the same way, that was my "other" life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since retiring from my computer career in 2005, I have devoted much of my time to becoming a Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) professional member and earning CGOA's Master of Crochet Stitches and Techniques. My CGOA mentor, Randy Berne Cavalier, (a talented designer of classic crochet patterns) encouraged me to follow my passions and helped me recognize that I could fill a unique niche due to my years of studying textile history. So I began writing about textile history and adapting antique patterns for modern use. You can find my articles in <u>PieceWork</u>, <u>Crochet Traditions</u>, CGOA <u>Chainlink Newsletter</u>, and <u>Paper & Advertising Collectibles Marketplace</u> magazines and Gwen Blakely-Kinsler's <u>Royal Ramblings</u> Blog. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, why am I wearing a vintage WWII-era hat with knitting needles on top for a crochet event? Although my favorite techniques are crochet and beadwork, I study all needlework techniques and two of my specialty areas are the "WWI and WWII Workbasket Campaigns," which I define as the campaigns during the World Wars to knit (mostly), sew, quilt, and even crochet, items for warriors, wounded, refugees, and the patriotic homeland. In addition to: displaying portions of my collections at various museums, the blogs I wrote for Gwen (<a href="http://crochetqueen-royalramblings.blogspot.com/2013/10/wartime-crochet-with-attitude-part-i.html">http://crochetqueen-royalramblings.blogspot.com/2013/10/wartime-crochet-with-attitude-part-i.html</a> and <a href="http://crochetqueen-royalramblings.blogspot.com/2013/12/guest-blogge-part-2karen-ballard-world.html">http://crochetqueen-royalramblings.blogspot.com/2013/12/guest-blogge-part-2karen-ballard-world.html</a>), and writing the March/April 2012 <u>PieceWork</u> "Patriotic Knitting Tools" article; I have provided consulting services to Melanie Gall for her CDs of WWI <u>Knitting all the Day</u> (<a href="https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/melaniegall2">https://www.cdbaby.com/cd/melaniegall2</a>) and WWII <u>Sweeter in a Sweater</u> (<a href="http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/melaniegall1">http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/melaniegall1</a>) knitting songs.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In 2011, at Greensboro, NC, I took freeform crochet classes from Prudence Mapstone. (This is also where I first met Gwen.) Prior to Prudence's freeform jewelry class I went to the nearby Emerald Hollow Mine in Hiddenite, NC and gathered semi-precious gemstones with the aim to use them in Prudence's class. During her class I began making my NC Necklace. I was honored with CGOA's first place award in their Small Wonders category the following year.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEQkpPXB_a2haA_w9oY33tXmVe56FTIpTD1rY57PWhiCx3QKCWnYCkC2XVuHw4ndSdw3hROcl4wOS8UlZ3E3oGfjWrG-rutBii1wixSAiLZTTQElRswSHm2mPn5tRh9Af726PO5gLd5U/s1600/2012CGOANCNecklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuEQkpPXB_a2haA_w9oY33tXmVe56FTIpTD1rY57PWhiCx3QKCWnYCkC2XVuHw4ndSdw3hROcl4wOS8UlZ3E3oGfjWrG-rutBii1wixSAiLZTTQElRswSHm2mPn5tRh9Af726PO5gLd5U/s1600/2012CGOANCNecklace.jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In 2013 Prudence Mapstone invited me to participate in her 2013 <u>Hearts & Flowers Freeform Knit and Crochet Tour</u> of Australia and New Zealand. Here is my contribution:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMjV6H9namAPy_925s5NTWKjotDiDsc0uLiLD_eZ_IcWYngl6Psin28df2fyfqchSmtcgyVKhmtm67r8cXkMuQpmSaz0e1yTDaEtaaA6-bxJjHoHOKrvtHvaoolhdZrDjFVxp9xuaus4/s1600/Heritage+Heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYMjV6H9namAPy_925s5NTWKjotDiDsc0uLiLD_eZ_IcWYngl6Psin28df2fyfqchSmtcgyVKhmtm67r8cXkMuQpmSaz0e1yTDaEtaaA6-bxJjHoHOKrvtHvaoolhdZrDjFVxp9xuaus4/s1600/Heritage+Heart.jpg" height="253" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wanted to make something to serve as a U.S. ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, and what could be more American than to highlight the international nature of our heritage. I lived in Berlin, Germany during my high school years, where I saw many symmetrical interwoven hearts, so I designed a distorted version of the German heart as the 'ground' of my design, I filled it with flowers symbolic of my heritage: the wild rose for British, the edelweiss and cornflowers for German, the Iris for French, the double rose for my mother's birthplace in New York (and where my parents met during WWII), the violet for my and my father's birthplace in Wisconsin, and the dogwood for my husband's and son's birthplace in Virginia and my home (excluding those years in Germany) since 1951.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year Prudence Mapstone invited me to participate in a <u>50 Years of Flower Power Collaboration</u> piece. Here is my Peter Max Tribute contribution (using his motifs and palette, but all made in crochet and put together in my own composition). I also made the paisley motif, which is more similar to those contributed by other participants. I can't wait to see them incorporated in the completed Project. Prudence has a fabulous eye and it will be exciting to see all the contributions put together.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE26-tpK6vPsmw-jtGBrKf8a7b3TZpjFRhuR1cW-8c9LRxFkgRuaghSdxtN6qwrJ4lE9eQRs1i6LPWmtp34eB-GCmW-TGF9YrwoxbSZsq8BvIv9TT418hWfrBddEl6cyPj0mB7roWikPI/s1600/Paisley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE26-tpK6vPsmw-jtGBrKf8a7b3TZpjFRhuR1cW-8c9LRxFkgRuaghSdxtN6qwrJ4lE9eQRs1i6LPWmtp34eB-GCmW-TGF9YrwoxbSZsq8BvIv9TT418hWfrBddEl6cyPj0mB7roWikPI/s1600/Paisley.jpg" height="200" width="126" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuPovv7xUZibyXMD5ktafCGroIv2GkUKoO6Ec1RR93fVWB5mR50xEHkso0pX5Fj0aLS_7GtVEFV84LwbKeoMZRlMT0PsxEzvNcrx8Su8Y35dnH2arNPUJWGDtI0gGDjRF6RgCRTRDfrM/s1600/PeterMax+(527%2Bx%2B600).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuPovv7xUZibyXMD5ktafCGroIv2GkUKoO6Ec1RR93fVWB5mR50xEHkso0pX5Fj0aLS_7GtVEFV84LwbKeoMZRlMT0PsxEzvNcrx8Su8Y35dnH2arNPUJWGDtI0gGDjRF6RgCRTRDfrM/s1600/PeterMax+(527%2Bx%2B600).jpg" height="200" width="175" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Future plans: In addition to writing my regular column in the CGOA Chainlink Newsletter, I am working on a beadwork and crochet ocean-themed project for this year's International FreeForm Fiberarts Guild Challenge---I can't divulge more details on that yet. I hope to make some headway into some of the books I am planning. And I want to do more beadwork---I have so many designs in mind and many fabulous cabochons to incorporate... Also thinking of posting vintage postcards (and other cards) depicting cats with textiles and/or textile tools. Is there any interest in seeing those cards? </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-31922574759489934612014-08-11T04:56:00.005-07:002014-08-11T04:57:43.812-07:00This blog has been inactive far too long. I am contemplating blogging about postcards and other cards depicting cats with textiles or textile tools. Any interest?Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-10525230933577048912010-05-02T07:20:00.000-07:002010-05-02T08:01:26.500-07:00Went to the MD Sheep & Wool Festival<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO29myqcfkkVAPcYMP4Lk5U_kOFiToE1aYG3NC-x0a_0dmOQOZ5jmBicdDNCFu3Id46vzPJyHEqgfmaF1vvVhCMKYbxxzrIuGRfEcA2QiXaMwQEb-cwG8OOXnDDzSrPetJrBYMdhm5P_4/s1600/MD+Woolfest+2010+sign+-+closeup.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO29myqcfkkVAPcYMP4Lk5U_kOFiToE1aYG3NC-x0a_0dmOQOZ5jmBicdDNCFu3Id46vzPJyHEqgfmaF1vvVhCMKYbxxzrIuGRfEcA2QiXaMwQEb-cwG8OOXnDDzSrPetJrBYMdhm5P_4/s200/MD+Woolfest+2010+sign+-+closeup.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466679274000018114" /></a><br />I had fun at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival yesterday. I missed it last year so I was in withdrawal and finally got my "fix" for this year. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeDlZrq3ecULO9j9HUC8VyHpCEfp6oGoQuabbt_EZ5LDop4bY3ZJbjP9L1oGK8lUcsyF2smubDIvxh6QL4claye74UxhDt4rY2pR1eozPksO8fIMKOr9C223w5Aj_Hw9j4lScZKbV6_o/s1600/alpacas1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeDlZrq3ecULO9j9HUC8VyHpCEfp6oGoQuabbt_EZ5LDop4bY3ZJbjP9L1oGK8lUcsyF2smubDIvxh6QL4claye74UxhDt4rY2pR1eozPksO8fIMKOr9C223w5Aj_Hw9j4lScZKbV6_o/s200/alpacas1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466686969629410786" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Love those alpacas! If I come back in another life, want to be an alpaca farmer.<br /><br /><br />And some indulgences I purchased this year. I did not go too overboard, especially since I was making up for missing last year. Pictured are Solmate Socks from Delly's Delights Farm, a MD Sheep & Wool Festival bag, a small yarn bowl from Jennie the Potter of Minneapolis, Silk yarn from Oak Grove of Summit Hill PA, and Eastern European spindle and Tree-of-Life distaff from Willow Brook Farm of Ft.Washington PA. The crochet hook bag is a former, Etsy- Solveig's shop (Solveeeig), purchase, which I carried to the Festival. The redwork runner, a former eBay purchase.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAwFWBDXXyZalGtA26XuMqNhyphenhyphenK68hTrWFYO8Z78-JpvQMl1Fh4ACCdgamMEA8V1drmHZQdDL5jJFVmGEmkG01EVSyHI2ErHoNPfdkendFcP3olA5sFXHuSHmwYE3lfHf_nmdRzKEeDn8/s1600/Woolfest+goodies1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAwFWBDXXyZalGtA26XuMqNhyphenhyphenK68hTrWFYO8Z78-JpvQMl1Fh4ACCdgamMEA8V1drmHZQdDL5jJFVmGEmkG01EVSyHI2ErHoNPfdkendFcP3olA5sFXHuSHmwYE3lfHf_nmdRzKEeDn8/s400/Woolfest+goodies1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466681336351531650" /></a>Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-36595275865486434572010-04-19T18:20:00.000-07:002010-04-19T18:51:24.936-07:00Rock Sluicing<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXj8gdz0BVq5hVmQC1fdb0GPIm7d_p3qYr05nNEW4kEGPdjie-lq2wew2UwR9ozErd42xRHvjXKxEtu3Fpw-xRXC28S9_p-NlnbvEO6c2HKeZsXD8ItuHE0R8aMcpN42MR7kbhkrOVs4M/s1600/Rocks2+4-11-10.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXj8gdz0BVq5hVmQC1fdb0GPIm7d_p3qYr05nNEW4kEGPdjie-lq2wew2UwR9ozErd42xRHvjXKxEtu3Fpw-xRXC28S9_p-NlnbvEO6c2HKeZsXD8ItuHE0R8aMcpN42MR7kbhkrOVs4M/s320/Rocks2+4-11-10.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462030911259985714" /></a><br />On 10 & 11 April I went to Emerald Hollow Mine in Hiddenite, NC. I admit to having cheated. I did not dig in the dirt or in the creek but instead just sluiced. After sluicing a couple native buckets and finding nothing, I really cheated sluicing their Super, Killer Beryl, and Star Ruby/Sapphire buckets. I gave some of my finds to the lapadarist to be made into cabochons, but will have to wait at least 6 weeks to see the finished product. Here are some of my other finds in their raw form. I hope to make some of these into jewelry some time in the future. Shown here are agate, amethyst, apatite, aquamarine, bloodstone, emerald, flourite, moonstone, quartz crystal, rose quartz, ruby, rutile quartz, sapphire, serpentine, smoky quartz, topaz, and black tourmaline.Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-71705969142522353532010-04-19T14:00:00.000-07:002010-04-19T18:56:00.810-07:00Vienna Remembers -- again<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgGoDau9_JJ1sYYNhdBlOBC08bsAsE48QBIuXjl1M-G6ltYFlOVgtNsJ8Tn4uDCmZNJjOO4BsIj17qx0_nhb8w005M82Cw4O241qgHmBxIYD2RQytclJPPZ6J4nUsZqiIN8ksZe7FxmY/s1600/Freeman+Store+2.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXgGoDau9_JJ1sYYNhdBlOBC08bsAsE48QBIuXjl1M-G6ltYFlOVgtNsJ8Tn4uDCmZNJjOO4BsIj17qx0_nhb8w005M82Cw4O241qgHmBxIYD2RQytclJPPZ6J4nUsZqiIN8ksZe7FxmY/s200/Freeman+Store+2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461962966647370850" /></a><br />More Pictures related to the Vienna WWII exhibit mentioned in my last post:<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt5uGx8-fSov2jvnOvJMDopEa3bpmkX_AkQPUAOW1wTqyETYooaEbLb4zaQkbU2XF6XVj43t8IY6lvlndt1eoJWNvoYbYEJDpUx6McLCejFd3aZQ8kN3U9my3fNmF6UTUyF3nCwFTBOE/s1600/Freeman+Store+1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 155px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQt5uGx8-fSov2jvnOvJMDopEa3bpmkX_AkQPUAOW1wTqyETYooaEbLb4zaQkbU2XF6XVj43t8IY6lvlndt1eoJWNvoYbYEJDpUx6McLCejFd3aZQ8kN3U9my3fNmF6UTUyF3nCwFTBOE/s200/Freeman+Store+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461957491726489458" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMqPHrSblBXidDyNxxepMvAuhuRhwkCRmy8ygJnSBb1eE3sKfs_Y8JsgFcQy4hiSJ2hhffzjHBpYxlGF8sCUYnPcU6wqTngSlpE3yF3RkZ85LEOR_Dx21BFhVQIL4b_6PL1KETqoZufE/s1600/VictoryBag2.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 162px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMqPHrSblBXidDyNxxepMvAuhuRhwkCRmy8ygJnSBb1eE3sKfs_Y8JsgFcQy4hiSJ2hhffzjHBpYxlGF8sCUYnPcU6wqTngSlpE3yF3RkZ85LEOR_Dx21BFhVQIL4b_6PL1KETqoZufE/s200/VictoryBag2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461964077076301154" /></a>Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-55189399568769427622010-04-04T14:47:00.000-07:002010-04-19T13:30:46.116-07:00Historic Vienna VA WWII Homefront ExhibitEaster/Passover Greetings, <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMw17GDhEYg4wccfBXbIWAMQipCVUdGd1j1ZlvQsGSMouQ6OHkjebtJ5idUJvoJjCJw19QEq1xxosYccRwY23JQFgfPpVvVpxUTDZU8JD0d8AjF1eL6vJ9rb4zRBncizYUUroEk0nT7k/s1600/Freeman+Store+display+-+Karen+closeup.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 205px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMw17GDhEYg4wccfBXbIWAMQipCVUdGd1j1ZlvQsGSMouQ6OHkjebtJ5idUJvoJjCJw19QEq1xxosYccRwY23JQFgfPpVvVpxUTDZU8JD0d8AjF1eL6vJ9rb4zRBncizYUUroEk0nT7k/s400/Freeman+Store+display+-+Karen+closeup.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456404604527704514" /></a>Yesterday I visited the Historic Freeman Store, Vienna VA to take pictures of my homefront items on display there. Here I am next to a box of my homefront (mostly workbasket-related) items. Vienna Remembers WWII will be on display until the end of April. See <a href="http://www.historicviennainc.org/"> Historic Vienna</a> for more details about the exhibit.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLFH1nDRp4Rv-GDzKDvCSGncQRzBJPmWjnlOumj39twxZrwcmgIPBIvKq2Er78wUNkLRp2AOn1eQ9WvrcKafjHBc12GRbls74Ra8R_lL3w4biT8FVcOXI38m3hi-L0E4tDYsPkly-AX4/s1600/Freeman+Store+display+case+1.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 224px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSLFH1nDRp4Rv-GDzKDvCSGncQRzBJPmWjnlOumj39twxZrwcmgIPBIvKq2Er78wUNkLRp2AOn1eQ9WvrcKafjHBc12GRbls74Ra8R_lL3w4biT8FVcOXI38m3hi-L0E4tDYsPkly-AX4/s400/Freeman+Store+display+case+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5461948434589848146" /></a><br />Here is a closer picture of the contents of the box containing: sheet music, a Life magazine with knitter on cover, Hitler statuette with pincushion rump, a victory hanky, Bundles for Britain knitting bag, Bundles for America knitting patterns "for Fighting Forces", bracelet of military & victory charms, r/w/b knitting tools, comic post card, sweater knit for American Red Cross to distribute to a soldier, and scattered "war pack" hand sewing needles.Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-85660232425735295572010-03-26T14:42:00.000-07:002010-03-26T14:51:28.243-07:00It has been a long time since my last posting. I have been working on my new website:   <a href="http://threadwinder.info/"> http://threadwinder.info/ </a>. The website is currently very skeletal and not very athetically pleasing, but you can get an idea of what will be out there by checking it out.Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-21586487102371288452010-02-17T05:29:00.000-08:002010-03-26T14:42:05.422-07:00Avery Butterfly Needlebook Holder Anniversary GiftValentines' Day was my husband's and my 40th wedding anniversary. Look what he got me! An Avery Butterfly Needlepack Holder 1880s, photographed with a quarter in Northern Virginia's recent record-breaking snow:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rkBm7dym3Krx-ECEOFG3VvXk1QArrR-mLXcUo0K9ywVpBT-bpQbCJ5UCDB8sLvHMSS3fCbRfrq1YJ7Z3XyueWeGQHIXXdgxXwME8ciTU9AixUqvcWoxaWu-MGYlteP7YqN9lMZmxJ4w/s1600-h/Avery+Butterfly+Needle+pack+holder.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rkBm7dym3Krx-ECEOFG3VvXk1QArrR-mLXcUo0K9ywVpBT-bpQbCJ5UCDB8sLvHMSS3fCbRfrq1YJ7Z3XyueWeGQHIXXdgxXwME8ciTU9AixUqvcWoxaWu-MGYlteP7YqN9lMZmxJ4w/s320/Avery+Butterfly+Needle+pack+holder.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439232160036464066" /></a>Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-81485440799514447902010-02-13T11:52:00.000-08:002010-02-17T09:02:44.336-08:00Sewing Machine Stitchery Samples --- Actual & Facsimile<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8SkwmmNgRcDtT3er0MPcdXETIfHLXwv8Wm-ZYMxSN4b55LcMyN-A4Axvh8xF6s5dDJhNUhy_5s9L2phyoSQaE764koc3-p_9KYMOzBLzDN8wiNL0dI46VdQyVSFFWSEWi3qlenWEnQ8/s1600-h/SMSampleDavislessdpi.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL8SkwmmNgRcDtT3er0MPcdXETIfHLXwv8Wm-ZYMxSN4b55LcMyN-A4Axvh8xF6s5dDJhNUhy_5s9L2phyoSQaE764koc3-p_9KYMOzBLzDN8wiNL0dI46VdQyVSFFWSEWi3qlenWEnQ8/s320/SMSampleDavislessdpi.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438207784737182274" /></a><br />I am searching for sewing machine stitchery samples, actual or facsimile, and information on them. So far I have found actual stitch samples on miniature (2.5" - almost 5") aprons (which are marked that they were made on the advertised sewing machine), trade cards with actual embroidery on the card done on the advertised sewing machine, and trade cards and advertising flyers with copies/facsimiles of the sewing machine's stitchery. for some examples see <a href="http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/photo/albums/sewing-machine-stitchery"> Iantiqueonline Sewing Machine Stitchery Samples</a> <br />If you know anything about these or have any to sell I would be very interested in hearing from you.Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-46193111178309762462010-02-04T18:10:00.001-08:002010-02-17T09:05:26.337-08:00Aprons Worn While Sewing, Mending, Darning, & KnittingHere is a link to pictures of another favorite collectible of mine:<br /><a href="http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/photo/albums/sewing-knitting-mending"> Sewing, Knitting, & Mending Aprons</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5C0a4yHF0YATD61lhyphenhyphencrvUQwxMmNwaCL3iQ3XuQ-7aCPsfPdUWuD5G_ioc7D_Lk1zyn21eVF0IC7Nr88WIyHwpVDC0Lw7GKmTGcRWLDZ0WG3rTZLZ6qO15ZxMFDVEGI7EihIY64EeEU0/s1600-h/Dutch+Lady-1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5C0a4yHF0YATD61lhyphenhyphencrvUQwxMmNwaCL3iQ3XuQ-7aCPsfPdUWuD5G_ioc7D_Lk1zyn21eVF0IC7Nr88WIyHwpVDC0Lw7GKmTGcRWLDZ0WG3rTZLZ6qO15ZxMFDVEGI7EihIY64EeEU0/s320/Dutch+Lady-1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438210407828663538" /></a>Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7635390292051625788.post-21950886699021584372010-02-03T08:17:00.000-08:002010-02-17T08:57:25.555-08:00Bundles For BritainMore goodies on desplay. Bundles for Britain was an American campaign started when Winston Churchill petitioned the American people to provide warm cloths for the British Military. Eleanore Roosevelt supported it and contributed her own knitting to the cause. Mrs. Natalie Wales Latham of New York organized Bundles for Britain which grew to provide clothing and other articles to British military, wounded, and displaced people. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVG1sgrImXlJB2BuvU4IWDFnjUH191lC5Fs5z13EAdPX-ruPA862FgjgK7qDNAt8TIqY6bp-ccrFSqzqgXUcrMRLjoj2R8cENQqiIXxbglhb7CEc5BuoU4O4svWZ2JCLkLd7tNI3UMwbM/s1600-h/PickUpYourKnitting1.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVG1sgrImXlJB2BuvU4IWDFnjUH191lC5Fs5z13EAdPX-ruPA862FgjgK7qDNAt8TIqY6bp-ccrFSqzqgXUcrMRLjoj2R8cENQqiIXxbglhb7CEc5BuoU4O4svWZ2JCLkLd7tNI3UMwbM/s320/PickUpYourKnitting1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438211833599333026" /></a><br />Pictured here is the cover of the sheet music, "Pick Up Your Knitting." Bundles for Britain continued as a popular charity until the US entered the war when most knitting/sewing was diverted to our own military. See the following pictures of additional Bundles for Britain knitting campaign items:<br /><a href="http://iantiqueonline.ning.com/photo/albums/bundles-for-britian"> iAntiqueOnline Bundles For Britain </a><br /><br />On the IAntiqueOnline site are shown Pick Up Your Knitting, The Bundles for Britain Song sheet music, next the address by Winston Churchill within the front cover of the sheet music. Then Vivien Leigh knitting for Britain on the front cover of December 17, 1940 Look magazine, followed by a Bundles for Britain knitting bag with relief agency pins. Lastly are 2 images for the Dionne Quints knitting for Britain, 1 on the October 4, 1941 Liberty magazine and another on a postcard depicting a photo taken in 1938.Karen C.K. Ballardhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11416193558662833101noreply@blogger.com0