My thoughts on Textile History by Margy Norrish

  • May baskets and Flowers – Crochet novelties

     May Baskets and Flowers – Crochet Novelties The history of giving May Baskets goes back times of celebrating the coming of spring.  Baskets were hand made paper cones filled with small flowers such as lily-of-the-valley or violets and given to adults and children, neighbors and loved ones.  Today I share with you some crochet baskets…

  • All That Glitters

    All That Glitters Remember that game ”Twenty Questions” that always began with the question animal, vegetable or mineral?  We sometimes forget that textile fibers are not only of animal or vegetable origin, but may be in the mineral category.  The use of metals in fabric can be traced far into history.  Metallic threads indicated wealth…

  • All That Glitters

    All That Glitters Remember that game ”Twenty Questions” that always began with the question animal, vegetable or mineral?  We sometimes forget that textile fibers are not only of animal or vegetable origin, but may be in the mineral category.  The use of metals in fabric can be traced far into history.  Metallic threads indicated wealth…

  • Bed Ticking

    Bed Ticking Have you noticed lately there are lots of ads for mattresses?  Some have foam tops with “memory”.  Some have your personal number.  The sizes range from baby cot mattresses to the huge California King size.  I would have thought Texas should have claimed that honor.  The history of bedding is an interesting look…

  • Bed Ticking

    Bed Ticking Have you noticed lately there are lots of ads for mattresses?  Some have foam tops with “memory”.  Some have your personal number.  The sizes range from baby cot mattresses to the huge California King size.  I would have thought Texas should have claimed that honor.  The history of bedding is an interesting look…

  • The Rug from Hell

    The Rug from Hell Two weeks ago I wrote about maintaining your vintage textile collection; here is Part 2 – Restoration. I am often asked about restoring a textile.  Can it be done?  My reply is always 3 words: Sometimes and It Depends.  There are fabulous, trained professional restorers that produce amazing results with a…