KathyNV it's Thursday

On Thu, 19 Feb 2004 13:10:42 -0500, starlia wrote (in message ):

I was up until 7:30 a.m., trying to finish the thing. Sewing through ten layers of silk satin and interfacing was a lot harder than I anticipated. I got it all together, and then decided it needed a little something more.

Until about three minutes ago, I was sewing some additional trim onto the kokoshnik, and then I need to put a little more edging on it. It's good, but not perfect, if you know what I mean.

Bob took pity on me today and got me some little suede things to put on my fingertips. After last night, I have no skin left and was worried I'd bleed on my creation.

I'm taking a little break to read r.c.b. and have some dinner. Then it's back to the beading. I tend to get a little obsessed when I get this close to the end of huge project.

Kathy N-V

I'm glad to hear it's coming along, but sorry about your fingers. If I had known I would have sent you some of those fingertips myself.

We are all anxiously, but patiently, awaiting your unveiling. After your kimono I anxiously await anything you create. You rock Kathy!

On Thu, 19 Feb 2004 13:10:42 -0500, starlia wrote (in message ):

Following up on my own answer, predictably, my dear husband had to make his feelings known. He asked me "Who on Earth would wear something like that?"

I explained it was a replica of a 15th century Russian headdress for married women. He looked it over and then walked over to the crystal kimono.

"So, I guess no one would buy that thing, either, huh?"

He's so sensitive, I could almost cry. :-)

Kathy N-V

Not one of us would stampede to your home if you offered either for sale, right? I'm first in line and let him know.

That's not a little obsessed, that's "it's time to take it away and lock her up." LOL -- bleeding fingers? Babygirl -- be a little easier on yourself next time (OK I throw up when I clean carpets on my hands and knees and it never stops me either).

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

SHOOT -- I would sell Kaytee's HOUSE to buy that piece (but please don't tell her, she'll kind of freak).

Becki "In between the moon and you, the angels have a better view of the crumbling difference between wrong and right." -- Counting Crows

I have the second mortgage papers ready to sign! LOL

You guys are making me laugh so hard. If I didn't have so many bills....well I would definitely mortgage something. Maybe DH's hunting dogs. (evil grin)

Lol! I think I could sell all hubby's RC planes and parts on ebay!

On Thu, 19 Feb 2004 19:55:00 -0500, BeckiBead wrote (in message ):

DD just stopped me for the night. She pointed out that I was poking myself with the needle on every stitch and saying "shit...shit...shit..." with every bead.

However, it's virtually done. DD tried it on, and we had a good laugh. Then she put it on my head and dared me to leave the house wearing it. I don't think so. It's beautiful as an object, but to wear around - um, I don't think so.

While I was embellishing the fabric, I was thinking about the women who really did wear these things. I had never realized the influence the Ottoman Empire had on the Rus (the old name for the Russian people). That influence is still around today, in the countries where women are required to cover their hair. Heck, it hasn't been that long since women were required to cover their heads during the Catholic Mass.

I'm absolutely sure that the reason these headdresses were so elaborate is that women weren't allowed to show their hair to anyone but their husbands. I can mentally picture a woman making a similar headpiece for herself (or her daughter), and making a beautiful object not just to please herself (and definitely not for men, since such a headpiece means Married Woman - off limits), but to impress other women with her skill and artistry. I can see popular patterns and techniques being passed around and improved upon. (Like we do with beadwork today, maybe?)

I was mentally comparing it to the Burkhas that Afghani women wear, and putting the oppression part aside, admiring the incredible needlework that covers every bit of the burkha. It's like these women are creating beauty even within the chains put upon them by society.

My mind is wandering, and it's making me feel closer to all those women around the world and throughout time, who spent time they probably didn't have using beads to beautify their world.

Kathy N-V

can mentally picture a woman making a similar headpiece for herself (or her daughter), and making a beautiful object not just to please herself (and definitely not for men, since such a headpiece means Married Woman - off limits), but to impress other women with her skill and artistry. I can see popular patterns and techniques being passed around and improved upon. (Like we do with beadwork today, maybe?)>

Kathy - have you ever read the book "Women's Work: The first twenty-thousand years" by Elizabeth Wayland Barber...???? If not - please get a copy and read it... You can get a paperback of it for $8 on Half.com

then get her book "The Mummies of Urumichi" which tells more textile stories.... which are mind boggling. TARTAN PLAIDS in China??? brought from Europe no less... oaoerback 6.75 on Half.com

Cheryl last semester of lawschool! yipee! DRAGON BEADS Flameworked beads and glass

Next time I come across a walrus skin thimble I'll send you one. They are practical and comfortable. They have "holes" from hairs thet keep the needle from slipping.

Tina

Oh no, not the hunting dogs! Mabe the 30.06

Tina

I had totally forgotten about the walrus thimbles. I have several of those and they are great! What a wonderful idea.

anticipated.

Can't shoot anything without the 30.06, but the dogs I can live without. :-)

Don't let my hubby know.... He'd probably help you.... Even if he does think you're crazy. Kaytee "Simplexities" on

ROFL!!!!

Don't let my hubby know.... He'd probably help you.... Even if he does think you're crazy. Kaytee "Simplexities" on