Stories Collected While Living in France

French la Vie

Textile Thoughts

French la Vie, Corey Amaro

 

Love when I see someone's handiwork, handiwork from many years ago going strong.

Who nowadays if they found a hole in something would discard it? Maybe give it to recycling or

a second-hand shop…

When I do that is allows me to feel good about it, giving it away for all the wrong reasons, it is too old, I don't like it, or use it, or it has a hole,

I can afford to buy another one… but really should I do this and feel okay about it?

I am guilty of this and yet here I am admiring antique pieces that have been used, kept and repaired, and kept…

 

Awareness is key.

 

 

French la Vie, Corey Amaro

 

"There is evidence of fabric prints dating as far back as the 4th century BC. The first common method of textile printing originated in China, where examples of woodblock printing from 220 AD have been discovered. Both block printing and screen-printing slowly became popular throughout Asia, India and then Europe…"

 

Textile production in Europe 1600 to the 1800s

 

 

Aubusson fragment

An Aubusson fragment.

When I was at an antique fair in Roundtop Texas several years ago I saw an antique dealer cutting up gorgeous antique Aubussons

after my shock and disgust I asked her why she was cutting them up as they were in flawless condition. Her reply haunts me still,

"Because I can get more money cutting them up and making pillows out of it."

When is making more money not enough?

When is making more money to have more money, not a good reason to cut up history? Or burn down forests? Or developing junk food? The list goes on …

Says the one selling antiques.

 

 

 

French la Vie, Corey Amaro

 

Patchwork perfection

measured

ironed

sewn with even invisible stitches

Created out of necessity with devotion

Safeguarding that which was used and needed.

Respect.

 

 

  French la Vie, Corey Amaro

 

Those beautiful handsewn hems on handwoven textiles

Fields of linen

cotton

hemp…

The massive footprint of throw-away t-shirts! 

 

 

French la Vie, Corey Amaro

 

Layering history –

creating harmony with it.

Embracing the differences

with understanding, forgiveness, and knowledge.

And certainly at times taking it apart and learning from the errors

with a gentle hand.

 

 

French la Vie, Corey Amaro

Different patterns

seeing harmony in the unexpected

Sharing what we love,

walking away

 lighter because of it. 

 

Comments

6 responses to “Textile Thoughts”

  1. NancyO.

    Hello, Corey,
    I have several handmade quilts handed down in my family; some of them are over 150 years old. I knew some of the later quilters in my early childhood and think of these little ladies whenever I refold or use one of the quilts. So much love and attention was given to a common household item meant to provide warmth and now seen as a work of art by an appreciative granddaughter. Thank you for the reminder.
    NancyO.

    Reply
  2. Diane Merrick

    What an incredibly poignant piece. Very thought-provoking. The story of cutting up a beautiful intact Aubusson makes me sad.
    My Belgian mother-in-law grew up in Belgium during the war. She is also a gifted seamstress. She wastes nothing. Worn table cloths become hand towels. Bed linens become pillowcases. All meticulously sewn to maintain a fancy edge or trim.
    My Canadian grandmother of the same era also wasted nothing. The smallest scraps of fabric became beautiful quilts which I cherish. Small pieces of old coat linings became a doll blanket for my mother, and it now hangs on my wall.

    Reply
  3. Jeanne

    We are all bits of tapestries woven together with threads that connect us all.
    Lovely words always.
    Thank you

    Reply
  4. RebeccaNYC

    One of my favorite possessions is an enormous hand woven linen sheet I bought in France during one of my early visits. It has initials in the corner (I assume of the bride to whose trousseau it belonged), a seam down the center and several gorgeous, perfect, repairs. It is the most wonderful object and I wonder what history it was part of… who was conceived on this sheet? Who was born on it and who did it cover in death? A sheet is such a personal thing, and many bodies have been in contact with it. And now mine.

    Reply
  5. Marilyn

    When I started collecting vintage tablecloths I thought I could cut them up and make pillows. I cut one tablecloth and still feel sad that I did it. Now I use my tablecloths even if they have a hole. I am so with you on this one.

    Reply
  6. Penni

    I grew up in a home where every penny was accounted for. On a wall in our home was a very large needle point that read:
    “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.”
    We were taught how to repair, how to make an invisible seam, how to sew, recycle, and refashion something someone else had tossed or out grown. I am currently trying my hand at Sashiko, which can be used to repair or strengthen fabric, and often simply to enhance the beauty. I am trying to purchase less and repair more, not only clothing, but appliances, pottery, and other items.
    The beauty in all of the pieces above are wonderful, and the last piece shows amazing skill in not only repair or refashion, but also in colour pattern mastery -isn’t it glorious!

    Reply

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