My thoughts on Textile History by Margy Norrish

  • 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…

  • Rainwear History

    Rainwear History “Bus stop, wet day, she’s there, I say Please share my umbrella Bus stop, bus goes, she stays, love grows Under my umbrella” The Hollies Songwriters: Gouldman and Graham Last April I wrote about the history of raincoats, and so, today I share the history of their partner, the umbrella.  The word “umbrella”…

  • Rainwear History

    Rainwear History “Bus stop, wet day, she’s there, I sayPlease share my umbrellaBus stop, bus goes, she stays, love growsUnder my umbrella”The HolliesSongwriters: Gouldman and Graham Last April I wrote about the history of raincoats, and so, today I share the history of their partner, the umbrella.  The word “umbrella” comes from the Italian word…

  • Spring Cleaning

    Spring Cleaning I ran across an article in Home Arts Needlework Magazine, 1936 apropos to this week’s topic.  It came as no surprise to me that their advice was still valid today.  Please take a minute to consider how you store your vintage textiles.  Whatever the type of  fabric and fiber , from carpets to…

  • Spring Cleaning

    Spring Cleaning I ran across an article in Home Arts Needlework Magazine, 1936 apropos to this week’s topic.  It came as no surprise to me that their advice was still valid today.  Please take a minute to consider how you store your vintage textiles.  Whatever the type of  fabric and fiber , from carpets to…

  • Spring Animals- Embroideries from the 1930’s

    Spring Animals – Embroideries from the 1930’s Well, it is spring here, at least in Santa Fe.  Hopefully, soon the nice weather will reach you also, although I can remember, living in New England, snow packs until May.  So to celebrate the season I have selected several children-themed embroideries from the 1930’s. This is a…