This kind of needlework is almost a lost art. This beautiful wall banner hangs in my foyer and was lovingly created years and years ago by my husband's grandmother, Patriel May Jones Lanier who was born in 1905. She married in 1921 when she was but 16... her husband was 36. It hung in her home for decades, and when she left this earth at the age of 95, my mother-in-law hung it in her home. Back in 2003, when we moved her here to be closer to us before she eventually left us in 2005, it became mine. I look at it and marvel at the intricate detail and color and wonder how many evenings she sat in front of a fire and worked on it. Click on the collage to enlarge it and see more detail. How long did it take her to create this beautiful work of art? What pride must she have felt when it was all done and then stitched into this banner for her home? Hopefully as much special pride as I feel each time I look at it here in a special place in my own heart and home.
15 comments:
What a beautiful piece of art. I am so glad that you appreciate it so. I hope the story of this piece is written down so that the next person that is priveledged to hang it in their home will know the depth and love that this piece holds.
These are beautiful - such intricate work!
Jane
What exquisite needlework, and a priceless family treasure. I think of similar work my own mother did—quilts, crocheted pieces, beadwork—and know that between attention spans and available time, such creations are becoming scarcer by the year. Can you imagine anyone anymore being willing to spend hundreds of hours over many months fashioning such lovely things?
That is some true workmanship!
Beautiful : )
The history is as beautiful as the artwork itself. I'm glad you treasure it. Years ago when my kids were babies I found a Christmas tree skirt at a garage sale. It was all hand worked, felt, buttons, bells and lovely embroidery. I asked the seller about it and she said that it was in a box of her grandmother's things. She had passed away and this woman didn't want it! I bought it for 50 cents and have treasured it ever since.
This is gorgeous!
I used to do counted cross stitch (even people who are totally inept with a needle can do that as long as they can see - & count!) & sometimes the pattern would call for a small amount of embroidery. Boy, the only stitch I was really comfortable with was the satin stitch. And I had to do a lot of french knots - not very well done french knots. Embroidery takes artistry & skill & patience! I'm very impressed with this piece!
I have to agree with The Bug, this is, indeed, artistry. Those dang French knots always caused me trouble!
I'm sure it was hours of wonderful meditation with a needle, one of my favorite forms of solitude and thought.
I don't think she knew it but she made it for YOU. It's you all over. The bird and berries and beautiful butterflies just say Jayne. Diane
I have done a fair amount of counted cross stitching so I know that something like this must have taken a LONG time.It is gorgeous.
Blessings,Ruth
Truly beautiful artwork and such a wonderful and treasured piece of family history!
How wonderful. And the hours beyond count. I watched my mom make church banners, quilts, christmas skirts, my stocking caps etc. etc. as a boy. And I have one of her banners hanging in our living room...ah the memories. :)
Thanks Jayne! You know, now that you've planted the idea I think I'll take a picture of its and post it soon on Troutbirder II.
nice piece of work. i love needlework and i have great respect for people who do needlework. i don't have the patience for such masterpiece. too bad... but i know how to appreciate.
There was a time when every young girl learned such needlework. And often was not considered ready to marry until she could master such.
Wow!! What amazing work! It is amazing how that kind of work does seem to be almost a lost art. A few people still do that kind of work and detail, but not many. What a VERY special piece to have in your home, with such beautiful family history.
Oh my ..... what a treasure!
Post a Comment