The late Victorian and early Edwardian period of fashion heralded an unprecedented passion for all things lacey, embroidered and beribboned.  It was not only the upper class that could enjoy luxuries, but the emerging middle class demanded such embellishments for both their clothing and for their home. Huge hats decorated with French ribbon flowers and…

“Gimme head with hair Long beautiful hair Shining, gleaming Streaming, flaxen, waxen” Hair, the musical opened on Broadway in April 1968 and ran for 1,750 performances.  A London production ran for nearly 2,000 performances.  I saw Hair in Washington DC and I must say it was a revelation.  Perhaps it is not so controversial today,…

“Gimme head with hair Long beautiful hair Shining, gleaming Streaming, flaxen, waxen” Hair, the musical opened on Broadway in April 1968 and ran for 1,750 performances.  A London production ran for nearly 2,000 performances.  I saw Hair in Washington DC and I must say it was a revelation.  Perhaps it is not so controversial today,…

“The Praise of the Needle” is one of a series of “praise “poems written by John Taylor in 1693.  Somewhat humorous in tone he emphasizes the importance of needlework as a skill in 17thC England. “To all dispersed sorts of Arts and Trades, I write the Needles praise (that never fades) So long as Children…

“The Praise of the Needle” is one of a series of “praise “poems written by John Taylor in 1693.  Somewhat humorous in tone he emphasizes the importance of needlework as a skill in 17thC England. “To all dispersed sorts of Arts and Trades, I write the Needles praise (that never fades) So long as Children…

What a funny word, antimacassar. The dictionary separates it into anti + Macassar. Macassar is an oil formerly used as a hair dressing. Antimacassar is a small cover on the back of a chair, sofa, etc. to prevent soiling. So, in effect, this textile is against spots made by hair oil. One would have thought…