I know I haven’t been keeping up this blog very well this last couple of weeks. But today I went to a meeting in Weaverville called “From Field To Fabric” with Tracy Shapiro, a fiber historian and master weaver, spinner, etc. It was very interesting and very informative. Tracy has been helping the Trinity Historical Society sort and store their vast collection of historical costumes and fabrics. She also was kind enough to look at the two old quilts that Grandmother was throwing out as “those old blankets” and which I snaggled. Both are entirely hand made, one she said from the fabrics used was probably 1930’s and the other older, maybe 1890’s. That is it in the picture, or rather the cornmeal sack that forms the backing. Neither are in great condition and I had intended to use them as drapery in the studio but she advises against it so maybe I’ll just put them on the bunk beds.
The other thing I came away with is a cupful of cotton fiber, even a bole of the brown. With seeds! She says cotton won’t grow here (She’s from Humbolt where it’s much wetter) but I have done it before and even gotten boles so I know better. Not that it would make a commercial crop but it is cotton!
Oh yes, I also won a door prize… a box of English Toffee from a local candy maker. 🙂