History in an envelope
I purchased this Kaumagraph embroidery pattern with designs for trapunto,
but the real jewel is what was inside the envelope.
There was an old letter from the USO, dated 1945 (the date of the transfers also)
I don't know anything about the scrapbooks referred to here--do you know what those were?
But also inside was a drawing of how the lady who owned this pattern was going to use it to decorate a dress:
This fascinates me.
Did she ever complete her big plans, or did this join the pile of unfinished projects?
It's doubtful she completed the dress, because most of these transfers are unused.
Who was she?
Just a few lines on a piece of paper can invite so many questions.
but the real jewel is what was inside the envelope.
There was an old letter from the USO, dated 1945 (the date of the transfers also)
I don't know anything about the scrapbooks referred to here--do you know what those were?
But also inside was a drawing of how the lady who owned this pattern was going to use it to decorate a dress:
This fascinates me.
Did she ever complete her big plans, or did this join the pile of unfinished projects?
It's doubtful she completed the dress, because most of these transfers are unused.
Who was she?
Just a few lines on a piece of paper can invite so many questions.
Labels: embroidery, history
7 Comments:
I love how you got more than you bargained for in that envelope, but not in joshua's comment - ugh.
Cool letter and drawing. I love stuff like that. Unexpected finds. I love these patterns that you are finding. I need to get out more to antique shops and junk stores.
Isn't this the best? I often find little bits of papers and notes from long ago in books that I find thrifting.
I think they are much more interesting than the actual book! It's like sharing in the life of someone you will never meet. What a terrific find.
I did a Google search and there seems to be little on the scrapbook....yet...maybe we will find more?
What a unique find! I'll think I'll do some research on those USO scrapbooks. :)
The drawing is great.
Maybe sixty years ago 'scrapbook' had a different connotation - yearbook, perhaps? Could she be ordering a book to commemorate the USO's year? The letter is from October, late enough in the year to make little difference.
What marvelous things you found. It's lovely when you purchase a momento only to discover you've bought an entire story.
i love the patterns in this picture. and what a find in that letter!
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