The Lacis Museum Newsletter

January 27th, 2011
Dear Friends of LMLT,

This Week

The past week was noted by our annual Board meeting, an occurrence where we look ahead with memories of our past. Board members Patrice Krems, Lisa Neidinger and Inez Brooks-Meyers resigned, accepting positions on our Advisory Board. Guests, Maria La Place, Fran Osborne and Larisa Flint Snydal contributed much thought as we work on garnering more community support. Things we will be considering are a guest lecture program utilizing the wealth of resources in the Bay Area in terms of collectors and students; facilitating the use of the Museums extensive library for research and study by establishing “open” days; and investigating textile educational programs which could reach into both public and private institutions.

Donated to the museum via a parcel shipped from Florida was a beautiful beaded dress sent by Kate Walker, a previous visitor,  who received it in 1971 from a high school friend Lisza Bechtold, now a prolific author of children’s books. “I never wore the dress other than trying it on. It ended up in a suitcase in a shed at my mother’s house in Stockton...It will be good to have the dress off my conscience.”  Thank you Kate and Lisza for your thoughts and generosity.



 The LMLT Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/LacisMuseum) is gathering friends, thanks to Karen and we ask our friends to keep us informed of events you would like to share.  Please pass on any comments to facebook@LacisMuseum.org, The Newsletter will now be featured on our Facebook.
 
Events

EMBROIDERY: THE EXTRAORDINARY OF NEEDLE AND SPIRIT

These are the last few days of this well received event which closes after this weekend.  The exhibit departs from the previous Lace themes and presents an overview of Needlework from the Museum’s Embroidery collection. Encompassing virtually every culture and age, the needle would secure the symbols of tradition as well as the freedom and spirituality of the individual, the needle garnering  an emotional appeal unique to embroidery. The 2000 years of embroidery presented is sure to awaken a sensitivity to the human spirit.

The purpose of LMLT and what is exploited through our exhibits is to connect with all who enter, to share our own discoveries and to impart on our visitors the richness of passion in their own lives and awaken this sensitivity. Sharing this with us is the greatest of rewards. As we close, to share what they have shared ..:
“Speechless”, Yolanda;  “Wow”, Linda; “OMG!”,  Andrea; “What a treat, Thank you”, Shirley; “Great exhibit, Thanks”, Jonathan; “So cool”, Lorrain; “Wonderful museum”, Lea; “Read about is in Interweave Knits..had to come”, Margaret; “Live in the area, first time here, Fantastic”, Tina; “Beautiful store”, Esperanza; “Another triumph”, Zoe; “Amazing”, Susan; “Wow!”, Patsy, “Fabulous”, Gail.... 

GUEST  LECTURER
Peter Sinton and the Japanese Fukusa, Tuesday, March 22, 7:00 PM

Visiting this week was Peter Sinton, a collector of Japanese Fukusa gift covers, among other Japanese artifacts. The sharing of his academic research on the subject was much appreciated, paralleling my own thoughts on Japanese embroidery. The skills in creating the Fukasa include many techniques in addition to embroidery, passion the unifying communicating theme. Those who have taken my exhibit tour can understand my own fascination with the extraordinary arts of this culture which gives such credence to the human spirit. An offer was extended to him to give a talk on the Fukasa at LMLT and he has agreed to do so. He has offered to give an evening talk on Tuesday March 22nd, at 7:00 PM pending interest. In keeping with the open policy of LMLT there will be no charge but we would appreciate calling in advance if you will be attending by Email  to Jules@LacisMuseum .org or by phone at 510-843-7290.  A fukasa of fighting ravens can not help but recall the embroidered ravens, the focal piece of the exhibit. 




Some of his collection can be seen at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/108568363147864709465/JapaneseCeremonialGiftCoversFukusa #
http://picasaweb.google.com/108568363147864709465/UchishikiCollection #
http://picasaweb.google.com/108568363147864709465/RavenGiftCover#

With his involvement with Eastern textiles he was quite fascinated by the exquisite embroidery from Thailand of their military protector, of which he brought with him another embroidered interpretation of this god..



Now heading for its final week, with the official closing set for Feb 1, the gallery will soon be transformed to accommodate the April opening of our annual costume exhibit. 

The Exhibit Gallery is open at all times when the Museum is open, Monday thru Saturday 12:00-6:00 PM.  Ask any Staff Member for access. I am available for formal tours most days, at 2:30, weekdays.
Adding dimension to this exhibit and to connect with the hands of the embroiderer, a display of the embroiderer’s tools and materials will be on display as well as a collection Chinese girl’s silver needle cases, their most prized possession as they were taught the magic of their hands. Many of the larger embroideries were embellished with elaborate tassels, often of metallic threads. As an adjunct to this exhibit a collection of these early metal thread tassels are also displayed.
A slide show of some of the exhibit pieces as well as a slide show of the actual exhibit can now be viewed on the LMLT web site http://LacisMuseum.org

2011 EXHIBITS

Looking ahead, the Spring costume exhibit for 2011 will be on undergarments and how they shaped us both physically, emotionally and mentally.  The title of the exhibit FOUNDATIONS: THE MAKING OF THE SILHOUETTE will run April 2, 2011 to July 30, 2011.




The Fall textile exhibit will focus on KNITTED LACE and its manifestations in the cultures of Estonia, Russia, Shetland and Germany. Nancy Bush, sharing her own affair with Estonia, will be taking a curatorial role and will develop educational programs coordinated with the exhibit. The knitted lace of Marguerite Shimmons will highlight the modern lace movement, as developed in Germany in the early 20th c.  Tentative date: September 16, 2011 to February 4, 2012.
An invitation is extended to lace knitters, who have ventured into the cultural knitted laces of the exhibit and who would like to share their accomplishments, to submit photos of their work for consideration as to inclusion in this exhibit. 




 
Classes

(Note: Class schedules subject to change. Confirm dates prior to registering)

February 4, 11, and 18 (Friday evenings)

VICTORIAN CORSETRY with Carol Wood.
Carol will again offer this popular workshop. In this three-part class you will learn the art and engineering of the Victorian corset, and make one of your own. Using the pattern for “Ladies’ Victorian Underwear” (#100) by Laughing Moon Mercantile, you’ll alter the pattern to make a muslin mock-up fitted to your exact measurements, and then you’ll use your muslin to make a double-layer corset in coutil, with the option of covering it in your choice of fashion fabric. The three class session is designed to allow adequate time between classes to do work on your project on your own time. Depending on your sewing ability and choice of fabrics, the object will be to complete your corset by class end. You can see an example of the corset on display at the museum shop.



February 25 and 26 (Friday and Saturday)

FELT FOLK AND FRIENDS with Ayala Talpai.
Excitement is in the air as Ayala will return, not just to teach felting but to stir the imagination beneath the surface of all of us. You will not just make...you will create. Ayala will provide all materials for her class, sharing her stash of brilliant fibers and embellishment materials.  Friday morning will be devoted to making needle felted 4-legged animal friends built on wire armatures. The remaining sessions will be devoted to creating a Folk friend from a voluptuous babe, to a toddler by Ayala’s unique technique explained in her soon-to-be-released book. Hollow body parts will be wet felted and then stuffed and assembled, all detail work then handled easily with the versatile felting needle, Her classes fill quickly.



March 5, 2011
FINISH THAT CORSET with Carol Wood.
No more procrastinating, get it done with an expert at your side!  Intended for those who’ve already begun construction on a corset of any era, during this one-day workshop you will make headway on a corset project you’ve already begun, plus pick up construction and embellishment tips through instructor demos.

March 12 and 19 (Saturdays)

VICTORIAN BALLGOWN BODICE with Carol Wood.
“Did you see that beauty?!,” “Who is that enchanting creature?,” “Have you ever seen such an amazing gown?!!!” they’ll exclaim as you pass by in your perfectly fitted bodice.  Even more important than color or cloth is the fit of a garment and a successful garment is one that fits like a glove.  Practice the art of custom fitting a Victorian ball bodice to your corseted torso, a skill you can use on more than just this garment.  Not all commercial patterns fit the same and most require a little “tweaking” for optimal fit, especially one as closely fitted as a Victorian bodice over a corset.  The pattern we’re using is suited to 1850-1873, although it can be easily used for other periods as well.



April 7-9 (Thursday thru Saturday)

ESTONIAN KNITTED LACE: A TRADITION with Nancy Bush. In anticipation of the Fall textile exhibit on knitted lace, which Nancy will cohost, she will be offering a 3 day workshop on the Estonian lace traditions.     Students can sign up for the 1 day class, the 2 day class or both classes, all 3 days. Author of several books on this magical lace, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to all knitters.



July 20-23, 2011 (Wednesday thru Saturday)

CLONES IRISH CROCHET LACE with Maire Treanor.
Maire will return for another workshop following the overwhelming success of the one she hosted earlier this year.  This workshop will be a continuation of her earlier offering and will be suited to new as well as prior students. In addition to introducing new motifs of her own designs she will cover edging techniques and jewely.

Maire resides in Ireland and is dedicated to keeping alive Ireland’s rich textile traditions. She is author of  “CLONES LACE, The Story and Patterns of an Irish Crochet” To assure the class schedule, registration should be made no later than June 1.




July 29-30 (Friday & Saturday)

FRENCH FLOWER MAKING with Jan Wutkowski.
Using the hot iron flower tools Jan will teach the age old secrets and techniques for making flowers in the French tradition. Two sessions will focus on roses and orchids but the skills learned  will enable you to make other custom realistic and imaginary flowers that are marketed for hundreds of dollars. To assure the class schedule, registration should be made no later than July 1.



Details on all classes and workshops are available on our web site at http://lacismuseum.org/classes.
 
Lace Groups at LMLT
Participation is free and if attending, do bring some of your accomplishments, complete or incomplete, and find a community of friends.

BOBBIN LACE GROUP
This steadily growing group meets on the third Saturday of each month from 1 - 3. Hosted by Maria Jose Munoz and Beth Lysten, all are welcome to learn, share and encourage.  If curiosity persists, we would encourage participation in the more formal bobbin lace classes offered by Maria at LMLT.  The group will nest meet on Saturday, February 19th from 1 - 3.



KNITTING and CROCHET GROUP
Welcoming knitters and now, crocheters, of all persuasions to gather, learn, share and explore all the facets of this 1-thread-2-needle textile technique, and the 1-thread-1-hook textile technique,  this group will meet at the Museum on the second Saturday of each month from 1:00-3:00 PM. All are invited, to knit or just meet Amy.   Amy, a creative knitter and natural instructor, can make any garment fit and find a way to restore the intended glory of discards. She helped put an all men’s knitting club in the spotlight in lower Manhattan while instructing children, adults, seniors and celebrities how to tame yarn with a pair of pointed sticks. The group will next meet Saturday, February 12th from 1 - 3.



TEXTILE CLINIC.
LMLT offers a free clinic on the third Monday of each month from 2 - 4:00,  offering guidance as to identification, restoration, conservation, repair, storage and value as related to lace, costume, rugs, quilts and virtually any other textile. Our own “Road Show,” bring and share what may or may not be those treasures. Next clinic will be February 21st.
 
 
Details are available on our web site at http://lacismuseum.org/classes

New in the Shop

DOUBLE ENDED 2-SIZE CROCHET HOOKS  TM34. When working with different size hooks these combination hooks can be a real convenience. With cushioned grip and standard length, these hooks have a different size hook on each end. They Come with cap to coven the end not being used. 8 different hooks are available in steel from .75-1.75mm and in aluminum from 2.0-6.0mm The Triangular cushion grip is of different colors for easy identification.


MEDIEVAL GARMENTS RECONSTRUCTED, Lilli Fransen, Anna Norgaard, Else Ostergard (WM15). A study of 800 year old Norse garments found at Herjolfsnes in Southern Greenland, through dissection, technique and reconstruction with sized graphed patterns and cutting layouts. .

HATS! Sarah Cant (SN48). Traditional techniques used to create professional hats. Classic shapes such as the cloche is using it as the basis  for creating a wide rage of designs by manipulation and by embellishing with trims, flowers, feathers, beading, etc

THE VICTORIAN TAILOR, Jason Maclochlainn (SN47). An in depth introduction to men’s costume with contemporary ephemera and period tailoring techniques with the how-to for creating authentic Victorian menswear from morning coats to waistcoats to trousers.

100 DRESSES, Harold Koda (YA20). The best from the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art from the 17th to 20th c.

HIGH STYLE, Jan Glier Reeder(YA26). Masterworks from the Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art dating from  the 1760s. This is the extraordinary catalog accompanying the exhibitions American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity and High Style.

FASHION AT THE EDGE, Caroline Evans (YA27). A defense of decadence in fashion in the latter part of the 20th c. by establishing and rationalizing a theory for acceptance.

FASHION AND FICTION, Aileen Ribeiro (YA28). Dress in art and literature in Stuart England from the early 17th c to the early 18th c.. a period rich in variety, exclaiming the wealth of the wealthier classes offering a view of society through a mirror of fashion. and how it was recorded in the magnificent contemporary portraits of this period. Extraordinary images of lace in costume.

JAPAN FASHION NOW, Valerie Steele, Patricia Mears, Yuniya Kawamure, Hiroshi Narumi (YA24). The compelling work of Japanese designers breaking the boundaries between East and West striving to become the leaders in an outrageous field merging art and fashion.

PLUMES, OSTRICH FEATHERS, JEWS, AND A LOST WORLD OF GLOBAL COMMERCE, Sarah Abrevaya Stein (YA29). One of the few titles with few pictures, this is a fascinating chronicle of an early 20th c. millinery craze incorporating the glorious ostrich feather, and its impact on three continents.  An engrossing read of this amazing bubble which finally burst, in this little known folly of  our times.


Closing Thoughts

As global warming insists on being relegated to one of man’s great follies, we struggle to keep warm, clear the snow from  our paths and look for a return to a norm that made us comfortable in both body, spirit and society. We will soon reflect again on costume of  past generations and wonder how they accepted the norm that they were born into and then ponder where we really are today.


Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles
2982 Adeline Street
Berkeley, CA  94703

http://lacismuseum.org/

at Ashby & Adeline St., adjacent to the "Ashby" BART Station
Hours: Monday thru Saturday 12:00 - 6:00 pm
tel: 510-843-7290