Keren’s Korner – February 2013

Kerens KornerFor the holiday season I do enjoy the festive atmosphere created when decorating the house. Setting up the tree with family ornaments, and using colorful holiday tablecloths and linens from friends abroad. This year however, once the new year began and the holiday decorations were packed away I found my “back to normal” house looking rather boring, and having about 2 weeks of grey, rainy days didn’t help. I decided that short of a whole new set of furniture (not going to happen) I would freshen it up with textiles. I am going through my collection of items, seeing what I have that I can display on the walls and furniture. I’m reminded of how much I enjoy seeing my textiles from my travels or places I’d like to go to, how nice it is to make use of the linens and crocheted items from family members and reflect on the memories that they bring. Plus the added benefit that when strategically placed they help to hide my worn out furniture.

My newest piece is the Christmas gift my husband and I bought for each other—a Turkish(?) saddlebag found in downtown Fredericksburg no less. It is a nomadic piece, worn but in good shape. For a very utilitarian piece someone spent an enormous amount of time laboring on its design and weaving. I would love to know the stories this piece could tell. It will speak to me from my dining room wall now. Maybe inspire me for future projects as well.

In every culture worldwide fiber techniques have developed for use in clothing and everyday items. Fabric and cloth connect every one of us on this planet. It’s nice to know we all are doing our part to keep the traditions alive and thriving!

See you at our next meeting,

Keren

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