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The
Lacis
Museum Newsletter
November 18th, 2010
Dear
Friends of LMLT,
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This Week |
EILEEN CROSS, master embroiderer and sampler guru came by last week to
show the result of her study of the 1819 LMLT Mexican Sampler,
currently on view as part of the Embroidery exhibit. The sampler will
be the subject of her workshop at LMLT Dec. 3 - Dec. 5. Worked on a
canvas of a count smaller than the original, which enlarges the work,
the vivid colors are as close as can be determined from the
original faded sample and overwhelmingly dramatic. This beautiful and
varied sampler, typical of the genre, incorporates 17 different
stitches, including the rarely taught Aztec stitch and a pulled thread
stitch that may have never been documented. If you want to be
part of this ground breaking experience, there are still openings in
her workshop. See class section of this newsletter. Congratulations
Eileen!
THE MUSIC BOX
In time for the special season ahead, a magical 1880’s Swiss,
orchestral music box has reappeared in the museum. A mammoth cylinder
controls 6 brass bells, a drum and castanets to generate a
collection of 8 songs with both visual and musical entertainment. This
fine example is housed in an elaborate wood inlaid case. Certainly
entertainment for the wealthy upper class, this might only be
understood as equivalent to the wall size flat screen panels that
entertain us today. The bells ring not just by little hammers hitting
them but by charming little brass bees with endless energy.
Truly an assembly of mechanical genius, the epitome of our drive to
perfection...an experience not requiring batteries.
CHINA NOW
The embroidery of China is much a part of the current exhibition,
representing the earliest and perhaps the most skillful, in terms of
technique. Remnants of this tradition remains as a state supported
tradition today. Martha Sherick Shen, one of the Museum’s founders, on
return from a recent trip to Suzhou, China, writes:
“China, the marriage of old and new, the new: extremely
modern--ostentatious, grandiose...the ‘man’.the old: the
quiet Chinese wife. I have never seen so many
enormously high buildings, so many people, such chaotic traffic!
The little back alleys were my favorite, the way the people really
live...much like they did hundreds of years ago...
China definitely wants to present an eloquent and progressive “face”.
Both the people and the tourists are encouraged to see China through
the eyes of the government.
However, I was sadly disappointed when we went to the
embroidery “factory” and were not allowed to take ANY pictures...not
even without a flash. Actually, we were not allowed to see
the actual factory....only the tourist building. It held the finest
pieces, by the best masters. I held my breath in awe!
An embroidery of the Mona Lisa finer than the painting...much more
magnificent as the silk threads reflect the light differently every
time you move. She really did appear to watch you, her eyes gleaming in
quiet hidden pleasure, from whatever angle you looked at her!
One silk thread at a time creating magnificence. Embroidery after
embroidery more wonderful than I knew was being produced in modern
times. They had 5 women working in beautiful conditions, natural
lighting, near a garden where they could go to contemplate during their
brakes (they would work an hour, have 1/2 hour off to save
their eyes). Many of the works would take them 2--2 1/2 years to
complete, their price tag $20,000--$60,000 American dollars.
The girls were taught to embroider by their mothers, then after middle
school the best were selected as students. They studied for 5 years
learning to draw and copy old masterpieces exactly, by hand so they
could transfer the outline to silk fabric, learning how to select the
right colors to achieve the right effect; learning how to make the
stitches so fine the mind blends them together into a “painting in
thread”.
However....originality was NOT allowed...only copies of great paintings
and scrolls.so sad so sad as their talent indicated that had these
women been left to their own imagination they world would have been
enlightened by their works....creating new masterpieces.”
Of the exhibit
Treasuring the comments, the visitors write:
“Unforgettable!” Netty, Macomb, IL
“Incredible! Came w/friends-didn’t want to leave!” Robin,
Sacramento
“Inspiring” Loretta, Carmichael
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,
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Events
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EMBROIDERY: THE EXTRAORDINARY OF NEEDLE AND SPIRIT
The Fall textile 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 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
and 3:00 on Saturday. If you call ahead requesting a tour I will try
and work with your schedule.
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. 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 will be
presented.
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
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. Tentative date: 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.
ANNUAL MEETING
Our Annual Board Meeting is scheduled for January 19, 2011. This is a
time when we review our accomplishments of the year, evaluate the
successes of our dreams and set goals for beyond.
This is also when we consider the makeup of the Board for our sixth
year. The Board is selected on the basis of their commitment to the
purpose of LMLT in both time and spirit as here outlined.
• to provide a place of support, knowledge and
encouragement for all involved in any aspect of the textile arts
• to preserve and maintain the extensive lace and textile
collection, library and related textile tools
• to educate and disseminate knowledge of lace and textiles
The commitment as a Board member:
• to offer ideas and take the responsibility of implementing of these
ideas.
• to volunteer the time to support and encourage museum activities,
including but not limited to exhibit planning and execution of
exhibits, cataloging of the collection and research.
• to physically attend a once-a-year Annual Meeting held in January and
other meetings as called.
For those not in the immediate area who have a passion for our efforts
we exend an invitation to participate as an Advisory Board Member. With
the exception of voting rights, all input is welcomed.
We welcome professional and organizational skills as well an
interest in any sector of the textile arts.
If you would like to support and join us in this venture please submit
a resume of your skills and interests and include any thoughts as
to why you would like to be part of LMLT..
Submittals should be received no later that December 20, 2010
If you would like to attend this meeting, please submit your name to me
no later than December 20 at jules@lacismuseum.org.
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Classes |
(Note:
Class schedules subject to change. Confirm dates prior to registering)
December 3 (Friday thru December 5, Sunday
A MEXICAN SAMPLER WORKSHOP with Eilene Cross.
A three day workshop for serious needle workers, based on Eilene’s
discoveries from examination of a Mexican Sampler from 1819 in the LMLT
collection. The workshop has been scheduled to coincide with the
Embroidery Exhibit where the sampler is displayed. Eilene is a member
of the Bay Area Sampler Guild, an authority on Western textiles, an
instructor, lecturer and appraiser. Class fee is $115.00 which includes
a chart pack prepared by Eilene. There will be an additional required
material fee which will include necessary threads and canvas for
approximately $145.00.
December 17 and 17, 2010 (Wednesday and Friday Evenings)
BEGINNING TATTING with Kevin Baum.
No longer be intimidated by tatting.
This class, intended for beginners, will get you on track for shuttle
tatting, learning the basic hand motions, the double stitch, ring,
chain and picots. By working a basic project, reading a
graphic pattern will be taught.
January 12 and 14, 2011\
TATTING A HEART with Kevin Baum.
Reading a pattern to make a
Valentine’s Day Heart and then finishing, blocking and starching to
create your own heirloom. Students should have basic knowledge of
shuttle tatting.
February 25 and 26 2011 (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.
July 21-24, 2011 (Wednesday thru Saturday) tentative
CLONES IRISH CROCHET LACE with Maire Treanor. Plans are currently
underway for another workshop by Maire. The overwhelming success of her
workshop earlier this year has inspired a new workshop as a
continuation of her earlier offering. Maire resides in Ireland and is
truly dedicated to keeping alive Ireland’s rich textile traditions. She
is author of “CLONES LACE, The Story and Patterns of an Irish
Crochet”/
Details on all classes and workshops are available on our web site at
http://lacismuseum.org/classes.html.
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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. The October get together was
packed, enticing participation from Exhibit
visitors. If curiosity persists, we would encourage
participation in the more formal bobbin lace classes offered by Maria
at LMLT. The group will meet this Saturday, November 20th
from 1 - 3.
KNITTING GROUP
Welcoming knitters of all persuasions to gather, learn, share and
explore all the facets of this 1-thread-2-needle 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, December 11th 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.
Details are available on our web site at http://lacismuseum.org/classes.html.
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New in the Shop |
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MIO TRICOT 2, Mani di Fata (TI08). Some extraordinary excursions
into hairpin crochet and knitting from Italy.
 BLACK,
Paul Huvenne, Emanuelle Dirix & Bruno Blonde (AN75) Masters of
black in fashion and costume from the 16th c. to the present by magical
photography and text.
 MILLINERY:
STUDIO SECRETS, E. Ramousse & F. Gambrelle (UO99). From a Paris
workshop, the secrets divulged on this age-old trade by step-by-step
instructions for a variety of styles.
 UNDERWEAR:
FASHION IN DETAIL, Eleri Lynn:(AD63). From camisoles to corsets,
basques to boudoir caps, the evolution of underwear by detailed photos
and line drawings from 16th c. to Calvin Klein. In perfect time for our
spring Undergarment Exhibit..
 WRAPPED
IN LACE, Margaret Stove (IT86). Knitted lace as a personal expression
remains the theme in this, Margaret’s second book on creating knitted
lace from scratch. The techniques for patterns inspired by the
traditions of the classic laces of Shetland, Orenburg, Estonia and
modern Europe offer a marvelous working palette.
 WILD
TEA COSIES, Loani Prior (UO98). Wild, wacky and adventurous to motivate
knitters through 24 sculptural projects. The perfect holiday gift...the
cosy not the book.
 THE
AMERICAN LEGACY FLOOR FRAME (FA25) A rare classic,
this full size hardwood traditional frame has an adjustable width up to
90” and incorporates adjustable height and tilt control while allowing
the rods to be easily removed, so work can be rolled up when not being
worked on. A perfect frame for textile restoration, quilting, and rug
making.
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Closing
Thoughts |
As the days get shorter, the joys of the holidays bring us closer
together. Next week we celebrate the bounty of our efforts with themes
of family, friends and sharing, not just our food but the
spirit of this Earth our protectorate.. By the next newsletter we will
be celebrating an early Hanukkah, a festival of lights when
we reignite the spirit of man and trust in the powers that
are too easily denied.
And tying it all together is the Great Dickens Fair in San Francisco
where the celebration is of Merry times when we can dress up and step
through the glass into Victorian England. Check out the bonnets in the
LMLT shop, add some ribbon, and go in style.http://www.dickensfair.com
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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 |
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