Saturday, June 16, 2007

June's Free Gift

I'm sorry I've not been here for awhile. I've been terribly busy trying to get our church newsletter out. Now I'm back in blogland and can post a few more goodies for you.

It's not too late to sign up for Aunt May's Cottage free June gift. You don't even have to pay for shipping! Visit my website http://auntmayscottage.com/ and just sign my guestbook.

Because this is "brides" month, for the June gift, I've chosen this sweet little pillow cover made from a brand new bride's dress. It's base is in heavier weight white bridal satin. The bodice back with organza ribbon laces is the star feature. There are rows of beaded lace with sequins, and pearls all hand sewn on this beauty. It is edged in white, rice beads and lace. More details on my website under This Month's Gift.

Can't you just picture this on your bed, chair or chaise? Appropriate for Cottage, Romantic, Victorian, Chic or Paris Apt. decorating, this pillow cover will fit a standard 14 X 14 inch pillow insert. Just look at the detail on this cutie!

Decorated pillows were such a necessity in our Victorian decorating. They would traditionally showcase the needlework of the lady of the house. Some were souvenirs of the homeowner's travels and would be a great source of conversation.

Women were taught various kinds of needlework from the time they were little girls of about five or six. In that time of social position awareness, another measure of status would be the needlework skills of wives and daughters. Those skills were not only a measure of status, but a reason for ladies to gather and gossip, a mainstay of the day. Because there were no TVs, radios, movies, computers or other means of entertainment, time was spent learning and perfecting needlework crafts handed down from their ancestors or brought over from Europe.

For people of the middle-classes, needlework was a necessity. Those children, both boys and girls, would be taught by their mother or grandmother the most intricate crafts. Once perfected, they had a trade and a way of making a living. Dressmakers and tailors were much in demand as many of the higher social classes were relying on foreign trade for clothing.

If you ever have questions about the Victorian era, please use the comment section here and I will try to find an answer for you if it's not already somewhere in my limited brain cells.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh Bertie!!!! I LOVE this! I want one :) This is one of the prettiest things I have ever seen! I just love your blog. I love Victorian!!!

Thank you so much for the wonderful compliments on my wedding and my family! You are so sweet :)

Hugs,
Amy

Anonymous said...

Bertie that pillow is beeeeutiful!
I LOVE IT!
You are so darn creative...what a lovely way to reuse a wedding dress!

Hugz, Dolly

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Wowie Zowie, Bertie!! I'm loving this one, too! You have the most gorgeous Victorian items I've EVER seen. I just can't wait to use all your pretties at daughter's wedding!

Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Ele at abitofpinkheaven said...

You know a plethera of Victorian information. I just love it! This pillow is gorgeous.
Ele

Kathleen Grace said...

Bertie, This pillow is fabulous! I just found your blog through Dolly, isn't she the greatest? I will be visiting often. Good luck with your blogging!