Well, Session Two is in the books, and by all accounts was a resounding success. The whole story’ll unfold over a couple of days, especially because I have lots of pictures, but for starters:

 

An unexpected delight of the first session was getting to see and admire treasures brought in by the volunteer embroiderers. This time, I asked everyone to bring their needlework all on the same day. Also on that day, a spectacular treat was brought by Joanna Hill, a textile conservator from the greater Boston area: a late 17^th-century stumpwork picture. We were all allowed to examine it up close – no glass in between, no anxious museum guard asking us to step back, please, ma’am (right, who HASN’T had that happen?) – and even take pictures!

 

The first picture is of some of the participants viewing the stumpwork piece.

 

 Here’s one small detail of what they’re looking at……

 

 

 

Then there were the goodies brought by the volunteers. This collection of crocheted samples was worked by Margaret’s great-grandmother. This is only one layer of the samples, and the whole thing is only one of several beautiful items Margaret shared with us. How lucky, and precious to still have them. 

 

 

Also Lucinda’s beautiful embroidered and beaded pieces. Lucinda gave us one of my favorite quotes from this session. Before she came, a friend had expressed concern that she was traveling alone and didn’t know anyone else who was participating. Lucinda wasn’t worried, though, she replied that she’d get along just fine “because, you know, embroiderers mesh.” And, she’s right. Like last time, some of the embroiderers knew each other, some knew Tricia, others knew no one, but everyone meshed. Chatting, laughing, making new friendships and renewing old ones; I’ve said it before and I’ll probably say it again, that’s the real gift of this project.

 

Samples arrived from Melanie L and Kimberly S (Melanie’s arrived late the week before last, and was safely tucked into The Book, but I neglected to mention it in all the bustle).

 

Even if you’re not planning to come embroider, please do finish and send in your sample. We have a big binder (The Book) of all of the samples in clear plastic sleeves. These bits of embroidery speak volumes about this project, how the idea of recreating this spectacular artifact has caught the imagination of so many all over the world. The samples, without the names and addresses (I’m thinking now just first names and city/state, like Jill, Middleborough, MA how would that be?) will be part of the record of this project, and also part of the display associated with the finished piece. They’ll not only demonstrate how many people helped make the jacket a reality but they can be viewed up close and even handled, so people can see the back, can feel the texture, can appreciate the skilled work more immediately than would be possible by the finished piece in a case. Please send yours back.