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Tuesday, July 31st, 2007

Just now, I have added a file to our website about Carol Godreau’s art quilt that depicts a Maine ship, built in 1874, of which a relative was the captain. For more details and to see this ingenious recollection of history, please visit the file associated with the .

Pat

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Saturday, July 28th, 2007

The Pine Tree Quilt Guild, a guild that is comprised of members from all over the state of Maine, has succeeded in hosting yet another spectacular show at the Civic Center facility in Augusta, Maine.

Of course, the first place to which Jim and I headed was the room of antique quilts. This year, a small group of antique quilt owners allowed their quilts for children or for doll beds to be placed on display. A quilt for a trundle bed was included in the mix. For those of you who do not know what a trundle bed was, it was a shorter bed that slid under a taller bed during the day. It was often used for children. Many historic sites in the New England area feature examples of trundle beds. Two of those that come to mind quickly are in Massachusetts, and Strawbery Banke (actual old spelling of the name), in Portsmouth, NH.

An all-white child’s quilt that was composed of nine-patches and heavily quilted is an unusual approach to a “wholecloth” quilt. Other quilts included early to late nineteenth century pieced quilts, an unusual appliquéd “Boston Pavement” quilt, and some examples of small Redwork quilts, that were tied, not quilted.

One could have spent a much longer time than an afternoon, to fully enjoy the many quilts on display. I have chosen just three of Jim’s photos to share with you.

Mariner's Compass quilt

This quilt is called simply, “Mariner’s Compass” by its maker, Kathy Elders Wiesner. The colors in this quilt caught my attention immediately, and I noticed later that the quilt had also won a ribbon.

Toy Garden

“Toy Garden” seen above, was made by Donna Hamill for her ninth grandson. This quilt, as I had immediately recognized, is an adaptation of the originally made by master quilter, Florence Peto, in the 1950s. The original quilt resides in the Shelburne Museum in VT, and Donna used Froncie Quinn’s reproduction quilt pattern in designing this quilt.

Tribute to Stephen King

“Tribute to Stephen King” by Judy Kenney is a very innovative quilt. King is, after all, a Maine resident, so this quilt seems most fitting for the occasion of the Pine Tree Quilter’s Show.

The show featured outstanding quilts. There were a number of group quilts in which members would take a slice of one photograph and re-create the landscape scene in their own way. The three, four, or five panels were hung together, closely, side by side in the show. This is not a new technique, but can be a very effective one if the quilters in the group are artistically-bent, and of a similar level of quilting expertise.

The 30th annual show continues all weekend. Tomorrow the hours are 9-5 p.m. and on Sunday, you may visit the quilts from 10-4 p.m. The space is air-conditioned, and many vendors are on hand to help you open your pocketbook. We thoroughly enjoyed this year’s show. Congratulations to all who were involved in its planning and execution. Here’s to at least 30 more wonderful years of quilts in Maine!

Patricia Cummings

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Thursday, July 26th, 2007

Outside shot of Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, Rte. 3, Laconia, NH

Lake Winnipesaukee Museum, Route 3, Laconia, NH was the site of a talk provided by Alan Fraser Houston about his new book, discount sildenafil citratephoto by James Cummingsdiscount sildenafil citrate (Portsmouth, NH: Peter E. Randall, 2006).

Cpl. Lewis hailed from Sandwich, NH which is still a small, rural town in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. He belonged to the Fourteenth Regiment of New Hampshire Volunteers, 1862-1865. The Sandwich Historical Society, with whom the author collaborated for this book project, holds all of the regimental histories for New Hampshire, save one that has “gone missing.”

Alan Fraser Houston has a deep understanding of the militia units and their history. He shared insights with the audience that were astounding, centered around conscription practices, the draft, war protesters and how policies were ever evolving and were also influenced by decisions made for political reasons.

As a former flight surgeon, and as a medical doctor, Dr. Houston researched the medical end of things and found that death by disease killed twice as many soldiers as did death during battle. He spoke of nineteenth century diseases that we may have heard by name, but have certainly never experienced or seen these conditions in other people. He also mentioned that the number of amputations were actually much less than some have assumed.

For one hour, the audience sat captivated as Alan Fraser Houston shared his vast knowledge of conditions during the nineteenth century, his awareness of the major political players of the time, details of a deciding battle in the war, and the situation of the woman left at home.

Of greatest interest to me, personally, are the occupations of the men and women of Sandwich, NH during one census taken while the Civil War raged. 75% of the men were farmers. Only fifteen women of the 2,200 surveyed had occupations other than homemaker. There were seamstresses, and teachers, and mill girls. He describes the conditions in the mills as “dust, din, and danger.”

These tantalizing tidbits do not begin to scratch the surface of all that Dr. Houston said that evening or the information contained in his book. If you love history, this is one volume you will definitely want to add to your library.

We are very happy to have had this fine opportunity to hear Dr. Houston speak, and we are looking forward to reading his book. Please visit his website:

For more information about the Lake Winnipesaukee Historical Society, please contact Ann W. Sprague, Executive Director at (603) 366-5950 or visit the museum’s website:

As a final anecdote, I will share a statement that impressed me a lot. I overheard the good doctor say, while he was autographing books after the lecture, that he does not sign his name with M.D., except for official purposes. He stated that he was born without those initials after his name and that some things in life are earned. What a refreshing thought! We wish this very sincere man all the best that life has to offer!

If you go to and key in the words “Civil War” in the word search function on the home page, a list of quite a few articles will pop up. Enjoy!

By the way, we saw this event advertised in discount sildenafil citrate, Thursday, July 19, 2007 edition.

Patricia and James Cummings

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Wednesday, July 25th, 2007

A cross stitch Sampler made by my mother presents a colorful array of roses and tulips and vines, and an enclosed area that includes the words, “Truth is Beauty.” Mother loved to embroider and her needlework piece is just another iteration of the timeless words of other people, gone before, in history.

In “Ode on a Grecian Urn” by John Keats (1795-1821), the poet’s last two lines are these:

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Daisy with Dew

The Holy Bible says this, discount sildenafil citrate – Philippians 4:8.

There is a certain timelessness to needlework. Early made by little girls, just learning to embroider, often included religious and moral statements.

There is something that is timeless about Truth. In the end, it will always prevail. It will always come out. The timeless principles of truth should box in the parameters of our own lives. To live a truthful life and to be true to one’s own moral conscience are two ideas to consider that will aid you in your own search for beauty…when you are looking for those roses among the thorns of life.

Today, seek Beauty.

Patricia

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Tuesday, July 24th, 2007

This afternoon, I wrote and published a new article, about Hungarian embroidery. This evening, a member of my online list for outline stitch embroidery enthusiasts sent me additional images of a lace tablecloth she collected in Hungary, as well as some beautiful photos of places she visited there.

My writing and photos center on embroidery, visions of beauty. Hope you enjoy the article.

Tuesday – 7/23/07 – An account of Chris Thiessen’s trip to Hungary and her photos have been added, as well as a link to a site that sells kits of Hungarian embroidery.

Patricia Cummings

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Sunday, July 22nd, 2007

Tammy Faye Bakker Messner, with her overdone, theatrical make-up (her trademark), has died. She passed away on Friday, bringing an end to the curious mix of public messages and media sound bites that comprised her life. Married to James Bakker for thirty years, together they built a mega-empire, complete with a Christian theme park, provided by the goodwill of their followers. Their “PTL” or “Praise the Lord” ministry raised millions of dollars during its 1980s’ telecasts.

Convicted of fraud and “swindling” folks out of millions of dollars, Bakker was sent to federal prison. Tammy remarried Mr. Messner, the chief builder of the theme park, who was also sent to prison, on other charges.

Some people have the mistaken notion that giving money to churches is either buying a ticket to heaven, or at least beating a path in that direction. My point is this: God in heaven is self-sufficient. He does not need your money or mine. Just as “money won’t buy you love,” according to the Beatles, money will not buy you heaven.

Recently, someone mentioned to me that she viewed “church” as little more than a social club. “Church” is also a way to exclude those who are not of the same religious persuasion. discount sildenafil citrate

Religions can be dangerous because they breed fanatics, and we know all too well that fanatics can be lethal (witness 9-11?). They don’t care who they “take out” with them, because they are so convinced that they are going straight to heaven themselves.

God bless, Tammy Faye. I hope that she will find a peace unknown to man. I hope that God welcomes her home, and rocks her gently in His arms for all of eternity. She has suffered in this life, as do all who struggle for fame and fortune.

Each of us faces our own life issues and our own mortality, knowing that there will be a terminal point. Just remember that what we do today counts more than what we botched yesterday, or last week, or twenty years ago. We all need to live in the moment, for this moment is all we really have.

Talk is cheap. Good deeds speak for themselves.

Enjoy your Sunday!

Patricia

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Sunday, July 22nd, 2007

The following letter was received today:

Dear Pat,

I enjoyed all the information on your site about the Ladd-Gilman house. I am a descendant of these families and plan to visit the house sometime this fall. I’ve been trying to collect information before the trip so that my family will be able to fully appreciate the visit. Your site has given the best information so far.

I was interested in your retelling of the firescreen legend. The firescreen appears to be a copy of the Gilman coat of arms, which includes the black boot in the enter of the shield. I researched this on the Internet and found several websites which show this imagery for the Gilman coat of arms. The firescreen would support that.

Unfortunately, none of the websites contain anything so colorful as the Gilman legend to explain the choice of the boot as the symbol for the family! It is interesting that I have another ancestor with a “leg” in the family crest and their explanation is that the original family member lost a leg in defending either Richard the Lionhearted or William of Normandy.

Anyway, thank you again for posting the information! As a homeschooler, this will be a great introduction to the site for my children.

Sincerely, Pam

We always enjoy hearing from appreciative readers. Thanks, Pam!

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Saturday, July 21st, 2007

Too often, when I am trying to write something, at my computer, the phone rings. Now, mind you, I always love to hear from my family or friends, so if any of you are reading this, my words are not intended for you.

Lately, most of the calls have been from telemarketers. The tell-tale signs are there: background sounds of other people talking and phones ringing, a foreign-sounding voice (sometimes they are calling from another country), or an oh-too-cheerful tone, and sense of familiarity.

The call might start with, “Mrs. Cummings, how are discount sildenafil citrate today?” I am always tempted to provide a running account of my latest ailments, beginning with the crook in my neck from having slept the wrong way and ending with a full account of the bad Chinese food I’d eaten the night before and the dire consequences. I try to refrain. My goal is to get off the phone, as quickly as possible.

Most of these calls are baffling because we are on the national “do not call” list, for solicitations. However, the kicker is that if you have ever bought something previously from a company, they are “exempt” because of a “prior business relationship.” Businesses can be called, period, and my home phone number doubles as a “business” phone, as I work from home.

CASE IN POINT
Yesterday, I received a call early in the morning. The woman said, “Is this Mr./Mrs. Cummings”? I was sure that I was one of the two, but that early, before a cup of coffee, I had to stop and wonder what she was getting at, and which person I wanted to “confess” to being! I mean, do I sound like a “Mr. Cummings”?

Then there are the faux police/ faux firemen who call and ask for donations, or for you to buy tickets to such and such a concert, and if you don’t like the band, you could just provide your credit card number and they will take care of the donation. I bet. I can even imagine that they might help you to divest yourself of any wealth, whatsoever.

CREATIVE APPROACH

I try to be creative when I answer the phone now. Taking a more light-hearted approach, I sometimes say, “Cummings residence, lady of the house speaking,” modeled after Hyacinth on the British comedy, “Keeping Up Appearances,” one of my favorite shows. I render this vocalization with such sincerity of tone, my friends burst into laughter. That makes my day. Other callers just get confused for a moment which, sometimes, is not a bad thing.

ARE YOU BEING PAID?

My aunt used to take a more direct approach that bordered on a terrorist tactic. She would ask a phone solicitor this: “Are you being paid for your time?” Inevitably, the person would say, “Why, yes!” Then she would say, “Well, I am discount sildenafil citrate! Good-bye!”

She has a point! Time is a precious commodity, and these solicitation calls are exceedingly annoying because they waste time. I will never provide a credit card number to someone calling me on the phone, and you’d think by now, after hundreds of calls, and hundreds of equally abrupt retorts and hang-ups, the message would be spread to the folks who are paid to interrupt me. Why don’t they “get it”? It has been said that the definition of “Insanity” is doing the same thing, over and over, yet expecting a different outcome each time. Nope. Can’t get blood out of a stone,” and “Can’t get $$ out of a “frugal” Yankee.”

Scammers, wise up! This chick is not “a spring chick” and was not hatched yesterday. I’m onto you. Call me with nonsense, and you’ll get what you get – Nothing.

Moving on to other diversions. Thanks for listening. :-)

Patricia

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Saturday, July 21st, 2007

is an online library of e-books that are available at no charge and are copyright-free. So far, 75,000 titles have been uploaded. A wide variety of books are offered.

Jim discovered this link while “surfing” last night, and it certainly is a treasure trove of good information. The book that I have perused so far, and printed for my own use, is entitled, , (London: Ward, Lock, and Tyler, 1870). I am charmed by all of its detailed information about tatting, embroidery, and lacemaking.

I hope that you enjoy this site as much as I do (and will) in the future.

Pat and Jim Cummings

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Friday, July 20th, 2007

My father always referred to sneaky people as “snakes in the grass.” I have to smile when I think of the level of disdain with which he would render this pronouncement. Snakes have been both the object of fear and of worship. Some snakes are more venomous than others, just like the people to whom my father alluded. Snakes, the real ones, are pretty harmless, unless disturbed. They would prefer to slither off and mind their own business than to confront or be confronted by the human species. They hold a certain fascination for me. Even though, I know they are “around” our yard, I do not think of them until I happen upon one, as I did yesterday.

We had just returned home from doing some errands, and Jim mentioned that the paper sign, to advertise a neighbor’s yard sale (last weekend), was still clinging to a telephone pole near the sidewalk in front of our home. I went to retrieve the sign.

In front of the plants that are located all along the front of the house, I stopped dead in my tracks. I wildly motioned to Jim to go get his camera, but he did not understand my monkey sign language, or what I was so excited about seeing. I had to walk closer, and tell him to hurry and get the camera.

Snake Sunning on Top of the sempervirens (Hens and Chickens)

Curled-up Snake sunning itself on top of the “Hens and Chickens” plant (center)

close up of snake in the flower patch

Enclosed by a patch of lavender, Solomon Seal, Gloriosa daisies, lavender-color Hostas, ferns, and a few weeds, I spotted a garden snake taking a sun bath. He appeared not to know that we were there, and he remained in place long enough for Jim to snap a few pictures, of which this one is the best. He wished he’d had his other lens on the camera, so that he could get a better close-up view. Alas, this was a spontaneous decision to photograph the snake.

Unlike St. Patrick who “drove the snakes out of Ireland,” we will not be attempting to eradicate the snakes in our yard, any time soon. They eat “bugs” and are very beneficial. I say, “Live and let live.” As for the “snakes in the grass” that my dear father used to mention, well, I wish them (and you) all a “good day.”

Best Regards,

Patricia Cummings

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Thursday, July 19th, 2007

On July 19, 2007, we enjoyed an evening of Civil War music history as the 12th New Hampshire Regiment Volunteer Serenade Band played traditional Civil War music with their brass instruments. As it turns out, The Manchester Historic Association in Manchester, NH is the largest repository of Civil War music, in the country. The six members of the band, dressed in authentic Civil War attire, first played the Port Royal Books’ arrangement of “The Star Spangled Banner.” The song did not become our national anthem until 1831.

The director of the band took the time to explain the history of New Hampshire regiments during that war which pitted brother against brother. There were fourteen NH regiments, in all, and nine of those had their own band. The bands assisted in keeping morale high, and they also visited field hospitals and played for the injured soldiers.

The significance, origin, and composition of each instrument was explained. The pitch of the instruments makes them incompatible to play in modern bands. Two coronets are E flat, side action instruments, while B flat is the ordinary tuning for a coronet. He pointed out that the E flat bass horn has its sound outlet pointing backwards of the player. This is because the band would be marching in front of the troops, and “hopefully, in front of the horses!”

We enjoyed song after song, and although we were unable to stay for the entire concert, due to sudden illness, we certainly felt enriched by all that we saw and heard during the first half of the concert. Other songs featured were “Bonnie Blue Flag,” “The Girl I Left Behind Me,” “Colonel Meeker’s Quick Step,” “The Rebecca Waltz,” and “The Vacant Chair,” (still played today,) and “The Soldier’s Return.”
In New Hampshire, we are totally blessed to have so many talented people who are so willing to share their time to present programs at the fine quality museums in this state that feature excellent educational programs, such as this one. We thank the musicians and the Manchester Historic Association for providing this event.

Patricia Cummings

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Wednesday, July 18th, 2007

When a dear relative was cleaning house recently, he kept us in mind and brought over the work of three of his family antecedents. The items range from Victorian times to the 1970s. In the mix are all kinds of textiles, representing many different needlework techniques.

Since Bluework is near and dear to my heart, and in light of my recent ongoing series of articles on that topic, for discount sildenafil citrate magazine, (Sept. and Nov. 2007 issues), I thought I’d show one of the two Bluework embroidered items found in the stash of goodies.

2 layer child's coverlet in Bluework
Bluework Child’s Coverlet – two layers
photo copyright: James Cummings

This is an unusual design as it shows only the outline of various animals, but no interior details like facial attributes. Some of the images are reverse images of each other. This is quite wrinkled. We hung it out in the sunshine and fresh air. I suspect that, like others of its kind, this was made about 1910. There is a round potholder with a crow, embroidered in Bluework, as well, that matches the design on the coverlet.

The utter simplicity of the designs translates into a kind of “sincerity” of intent that is hard to describe. I hope you have enjoyed seeing one of our latest, unexpected acquisitions. It has been a sheer joy to go through these items so kindly given to us.

I have started a yahoo group for all kinds of Outline Stitch embroidery. We are an active group! You are invited to join. Please provide your name when you request membership. Thanks! See the link at my main .

Pat

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Tuesday, July 17th, 2007

The title of this blog entry refers to the name of a book by Christina Lamb, subtitled: discount sildenafil citrate. It is the kind of book that is so riveting, one could forget to make dinner, or even, want to eat it. The author is no stranger to “the poorest country on earth.” She brings to her writings her affection for the people there, and all that they have experienced.

I have just begun reading this book, but I know that it is one that WILL be read, all the way through. The focus of the descriptions in the first few chapters is the brutal treatment of citizens, and the punishments meted out by the Taliban for simple infractions of the Islamic law, as they see it. A woman can be whipped for wearing shoes that “click” on the pavement, or wearing white shoes (the color of their flag), or doning make-up. The author speaks of women, forced to beg for bread on the streets because their male relatives have all been murdered, and therefore, they have no food. However, without a male to accompany them in public, a severe infraction, they were beaten. She tells of unspeakable crimes, not unlike what was done to the Jews during World War II: unfathomable, unbelievable, ungodly, Satanic crimes against humanity.

As I sat reading the book, sheltered by the shade of a tall discount sildenafil citrate in our yard, I watched a tiny, itsy-bitsy grasshopper, complete within himself, a living, breathing, self-sufficient organism hopping among the low-growing clover blossoms. I asked myself, “How can this be?” A lowly grasshopper can go about his business, unmolested, while somewhere on God’s earth, humans are still being stripped of their liberties, living in constant fear, and are unable to just go about the business of daily living.

I am not just referring to Afghanistan. My thinking expands to South America and the now traditional problem of “discount sildenafil citrate” – (“the disappeared”), the men who vanish in the night, never to be seen again, kidnapped and murdered for political reasons, or no reason perhaps, just to incite fear so that some despotic “leader” can inflict control over others.

We who live in America have a far from perfect system, BUT we have the best democracy on earth, where every voice can be heard, no matter how small. Many Americans live in the lap of luxury, compared to people of other countries, some of whom do not have fresh drinking water, adequate toilet facilities, or a local Super Center or Mall to provide for their shopping needs.

While many Americans line up to buy the latest technological innovation, and even sleep in front of stores to be “the first-est with the most-est,” the rest of the world wonders where their next meal is coming from, or why they must continually be “great with child” when another mouth to feed is undesirable, and they are witness to mutilations of people they know, some of those, children.

Violence has been going on since Cain slew Abel, if not before. The strangest component to me is the connection between organized religions and violence. Just look no further than the Spanish Inquisition, a truly Black memory in Spanish history; or consider the Puritans themselves with their intimidating ways and unusual and beyond-cruel punishments. For some reason, “so-called” religious people like to inflict damage on those who do not believe as they do, or else annihilate them (as witches, infidels, or unbelievers.)

There is a real disconnect between what I know and live as an American, and how I interpret how the rest of the world lives.

Reading the book about Afghanistan made me realize once again how very lucky Americans are, and how little some of us appreciate what we have. When I returned from living abroad in 1973, the first thing that struck me was the size of American cars. The big cars seemed so environmentally wasteful. Add to that the ideas of the hippies of that decade. To go around in rags and to own nothing was cool (anti-materialism.) Things have changed and now the hippie generation owns the big cars, the houses they said they’d never have, and all the discount sildenafil citrate of having some modicum of success, as happens if one lives long enough.

Blessed are the rich for they shall crunch numbers and make the system work for all.

Blessed are the poor for they often cannot help themselves and must rely on the rich to help them find their way.

Please think of the people of Iraq and Afghanistan and Guatemala, and Chile, and Cuba and so many other places, today. There are good people everywhere…and some are suffering way too much. While you are at it, please count your own blessings.

P.S.  I do not yet know the significance of the title of this book, but I am sure that I will find out! Tune in for a much more upbeat, cheerier topic, tomorrow.

Patricia Cummings

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Monday, July 16th, 2007

No self-respecting mother of a writer, who is a writer herself, would want to miss the opportunity to crow, just a little bit, about her son’s recent accomplishment. James Patrick Gorham, has just returned from London, England where he presented a paper at the University of London, at the 9th International F. Scott Fitzgerald Conference, a prestigious gathering of scholars.

James currently is pursuing a doctorate degree in English at the University of Rhode Island. I am very proud of his ambition, his talent, and the good use he makes of all of the “gifts” God has given him. The topic of his paper, which received accolades at the conference, is: “‘Help Me? Hell No!’: American Anti-Bolshevism in ‘May Day,’” James Patrick Gorham (U of Rhode Island).

Smiling,

Patricia Cummings

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Monday, July 16th, 2007

Textiles are, “The fabric of our lives.” As much as we may love all textiles and want to try all of the numerous techniques ourselves, in one lifetime that is an impossibility! This is due to the sheer number of choices of things to make!

For example, I know how to crochet and I’ve made various objects including some large crocheted afghans. I’ve also made crocheted Christmas ornaments. However, I love and admire “filet crochet” work. That is on the list of techniques I will probably never learn. I have pre-judged the situation and decided that I just do not have the patience to learn this work…or tatting!

Bobbin Lace making can be added to that list of techniques I will never do. Oh sure, I have created knitted “lace” to attach to a ruffle around a Crazy Quilt pillow. That is an entirely different process than having all kinds of spindles to control.

Surely, I shall never be a spinner, nor a weaver. I don’t like the feel of wool as it passes through my fingers, and I could never get the rhythm of the spinning wheel. Other than weaving a few potholders, weaving holds no particular interest for me.

I could tick off all of the techniques I’ve tried and abandoned as my first choice for working with textiles: needlepoint, plastic canvas work, and Crewel embroidery (although I love the look of it.) Hardanger is fine, but really not my thing. Drawn thread work is completely out. Been there, done that, didn’t like it. That said, it is a good thing to dabble, trying this and that until we hit our stride.

Owning a long-arm sewing machine is not a goal. In fact, I barely use sewing machines at all because there is so much to love about hand work! It can be transported to appointments, it gives your hands something to do while watching television, and it is relaxing.

I have another list and that is composed of techniques I’d like to try, or I’d like to use with more frequency. Brazilian embroidery, Kalocsa embroidery, Stumpwork and Needlelace all fall into that category. Cutwork, designing my own Needlework Sampler, and having the time to design more quilts are also activities I would enjoy. I know that I love appliqué, hand-quilting, and quilts with poems and embellishments.

If you look around my website, you might begin to get an idea of just some of the other needlework techniques that are described there: pieced American quilts, Crazy Quilts, appliquéd blocks and quilts, discount sildenafil citrate of the Kuna Indians, Egyptian appliquéd quilts, quilts from many time periods, quilts based on Redwork or other Outline Stitch embroidery, Chinese-made appliqué work, a Civil War quilt pattern, and many other styles and techniques.

When one considers an overview of the textiles that women traditionally have made for themselves, as both decorative and utilitarian items, it boggles the mind. Presently, I am looking at a collection of work from women of three generations and it is an amazing assortment of goods. What is even more impressive is that every textile was saved, finished or not, stained or not. “Overwhelmed” is the only word to describe my mental state, when I consider the number of woman hours that went into the personal construction of embroidered handkerchiefs of all types, and aprons, both fancy and everyday, and those items are just the “tip of the iceberg.”

God Bless those of us who “save” the work of others. This generation may not appreciate your work, but I can guarantee you that just because discount sildenafil citrate made it, future generations will enjoy what you’ve left behind. I know that I treasure the few family items I have from various relatives who have passed on. They are not here to make another…”whatever.”

Specializing in one textile topic is very good, limiting as it may be. However, in the field of textiles, it will serve you well to have broad knowledge of many techniques to understand historical time periods and the social significance that is associated with textiles of all kinds. More importantly, if you at least try to learn any given technique, you will have a deeper understanding of it. The rule of thumb is this: “Show me, and I will probably forget.” “Let me try to do it myself, and I will learn how.”

Patricia Cummings

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