While following Vince around in a flea market recently, I found a Better Homes and Gardens book, “The Pleasures of Cross Stitch”.
I wasn’t looking for anything in the flea market but the book caught my attention so I picked it up. It has a 1984 copyright and was in perfect condition and was $3.00. I thumbed through it thinking I’d see what was around in 1984, because that is about the time when I had just stopped cross stitching the first time around.
Not far into the book, I found this:
It’s stitched on perforated paper! Lately Kim Goldman of The Contented Stitcher, has been talking about stitching on perforated paper. There are quite a few flosstube stitchers who are stitching on perforated paper so I’m sure it’s a big thing in the cross stitch world. Most are using 18 count perforated paper, which is only available in white as far as I know, and they are using various methods of “antiquing” the paper, some before the piece is stitched and some after the stitching is done.
After finding that piece done on perforated paper, I decided to purchase this book.
I got home and again began looking at the book. The design is called Nelly Custis’ Woodlawn Rose. I thought maybe I could learn more about it so I googled it and found that Nelly was either George Washington’s adopted daughter, his step-daughter or his step grand-daughter. I found the relationship to be described all three ways in different articles so I have no idea.
Nelly’s married name was Nelly Custis Lewis and she was quite a needleworker and this design is said to be one of her original designs.
I do plan to stitch Nelly’s Woodlawn Rose on perforated paper but it will be after the first of the year.
Nancy H says
I have that book-still. I bought it new.
You sent me down a rabbit hole with Nellie (Eleanor Parke Curtis). She was Washington step-granddaughter, she and her brother lived with them part of the time after he became president. She married Lawerence Lewis who was the son of Fielding Lewis. Fielding was Washington’s brother-in-law. I visited the Lewis home on a trip to Virginia. Fielding was a wealthy man at the beginning of the revolution he had an arms factory. He basically built and gave arms to the continental army and died broke as he never received any compensation. Such personal sacrifice for the idea of a new nation. I find the lives of our founding fathers to be fascinating. And of course none of this in taught in school.
All this from the person who never liked history in school and discovered how fascinating it was in my 30’s and began reading everything. My one trip to the East coast cemented my interest in knowing more about my country’s beginnings.
Laura Haywood says
Perforated paper is fun! I stitched quite a few Mill Hill ornaments on it back when I cross-stitched daily. (I’ve been stitching a bit more lately.)
justquiltin says
I had that book long ago when it first came out and stitched the table topper on the cover for my Mom for either Mother’s Day or her birthday. 🙂
Denise Fischer says
Here’s some accurate information about Eleanor “Nelly” Custis Lewis: https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/digital-encyclopedia/article/eleanor-nelly-parke-custis/
danielle says
Ok – this is the 3d time I am trying to write this and post it. Either I give up or it will eventually come through 3 times! If you are interested in perforated paper stitching you need to check out Claudia Dutcher at http://www.dutchtreat.com. She collects antique perforated paper pieces and charts many of them. She also use to teach and lecture about the history of perforated paper – not sure if she is still doing that or not. And the paper comes in more colors than just white – browns are very popular – I have even seen silver and gold!
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Comments with links are held for moderation because of porn and other things that rude people try to post.
Thanks! I’ll check the Dutch Treat link.
I think the 14 count paper comes in other colors but last I heard, the 18 count was only available in white.
Rebecca says
-What is the attraction of stitching on paper? It seems like it would be flimsy, and less “archival” than fabric.
Sue in Virginia says
There is a needlework exhibit each spring at Woodlawn Plantations near Mt Vernon. The show is put on by “Nellie’s Needlers” a group of stitchers who have been in existence for many years perhaps since Nellie’s time.
Stephani in N. TX says
Thanks for the re-introduction to Dutch Treat Designs. Haven’t cross stitched much lately but years ago I fell in love with her table toppers. I have several completed and 1-2 in progress deep in my desk drawers. Will get re-acquainted, they were fun to work on.
Pat Anderson says
You needed another project to do in your spare time! It sure is pretty and the history is so interesting! Sounds like fun going through the flea market!