This piece of framed cross-stitch
has always fascinated me.
Especially the 1883 date.
My grandfather passed it on to my mother in October 1977
according to the note written on the back of the frame.
[do double click on the photos to supersize
so you can really see the details.]
Ruth Lena was the sister of my grandfather's father.
She was born in 1870 and died in 1891.
(my grandfather was also born in 1891)
Ruth Lena was the younger of the two daughters
shown in the previous post's tintype.
Her stitching was done on perforated paper.
At the time it was framed,
the stitchery was backed by a piece of shiny foil.
I have no idea who framed it,
but it has been this way since
my earliest memories of this piece
at my grandfather's house.
I've always loved the play of light
and the shimmer from the shiny backing,
not to mention the rather exotic looking frame.
* * *
Next month,
custody of this vintage stitchery
(with its provenance)
will be transferred
to my Michigan family ~
who lives less than an hour from
the area where Ruth Lena lived.
Quiltdivajulie
3 comments:
A lovely young lady. A wonderful piece of art. Thank you for sharing this family treasure.
That certainly is a beautiful and unique cross stitch piece! Interesting that it was backed with foil so that it shimmered! She did this when she was 12-13 but died when she was 21. Did she die in childbirth? Ruth Lena Ash was her name? Where in Michigan?
In the photo of the 3 women, Lena is sitting in a rather strange position - perhaps she was an invalid? I had a cousin who had a hump back (early 1900s) so she became a language teacher since she didn't marry. Amazing how many stories are contained in just one framed cross-stitch!
It is a lovely piece and so interesting how it was framed with the shiny silver backing. Also so special that you know a little of the history about the crafter. I am sure your family will treasure it.
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