Within the last two years, we have been documenting, cleaning, photographing, writing about, and publishing items from the Lewis family collection that represents at least four generations of needleworker/quilters who also worked in other media such as rug hooking, filet crochet, and the latest techniques of their day. Represented are the three most recent quilt revivals: the 1880s, the 1930s, and the 1970s.

I recently re-discovered a number of cartons/baskets/containers that contain textiles that I had not yet documented. I am not finished cleaning all of them yet but I found some interesting discoveries. At the moment, I have no way to share photos as we had to order a newer, compatible version of Photoshop, but at least I can tell you about some of the special “finds.”

1) A rayon, fringed square, probably a souvenir of World War II, with a U.S. Marines insignia on one corner. The father of the man who presented this collection to me was a Marine, as was he, himself.

2) A quilted potholder square, (4 patch), bound with a separate, muslin-color binding. I wondered if this was meant to be a potholder, as the batting is thin or non-existent, or if the item was the start of a potholder quilt.

3) A calico pocket, similar to those that drape over an armchair to hold sewing utensils. There is a “pocket” on each end. Inside the pocket is a card that says in old-fashioned Victorian print: “Merry, merry Christmas and a happy New Year too.” – (written as printed). The reverse side of the card has a hand-written message: “Eleanor – To add to your hopeless chest. – Mother” Somebody had a good sense of humor! A “hope chest” is the name given to collected textiles and household goods that would help a young lady set up housekeeping after marriage. We don’t hear the term very often, these days.

4) There is a 3-D Dahlia pillow made of a “fancy fiber” in a light orange color.

5) Pillowcases, woven in the round, are present in sets of two, each set embroidered with one of the family names, monogrammed, or embroidered. Round pillowcases are no longer sold. The bottom edges often sport crocheted edges, often in variegated thread colors.

6) There are bureau scarves, bridge sets, and piles of handkerchiefs. One that has yellow, scalloped edges was never used and had a small tag that said, “35 cents, Woolworth’s.”

I am left to wonder about some of the other items. I don’t know their potential use. One is a long, rectangular unit, folded in half, that has silk ribbon work on the top edge when it is folded in half, and ribbon ties. It is well-used, but for what purpose?

We have published aprons, potholders, (other) handkerchiefs, and quilts from this collection. It might have all gone to the dump had a family member not been so kind enough as to pass it all on to us, where it has found a broad audience of interested people.

Have a wonderful New Year’s Eve! We will leave the roads to the drunks and instead, we’ll be happily at home with our books, our projects, and our own company.

Happy New Year!

Patricia and James Cummings