I made this over 40 years ago, and I’ve never washed it. Which is why it is completely stained. Sure I could wash it, but part of me doesn’t want to. This is all handwork – otherwise known as blackwork, but with green.
Each letter was filled with a different pattern. My eyes were young then, this is a simple white fabric, not even weave- and yet, I was able to count the threads to create the perfect patterns. I’m sure I was using my stitch Bible at the time – an old book from Coats and Clark – back when they still existed and their threads were manufactured in America. I also hand sewed the triangle border.
Signed my work, but not the year. That is ok, these days I’m caring less about signatures.
Old and new, side by side.
From another angle. This past week in Synagogue, during the sermon I leaned two very important things.
Bezalel – was tasked by Moses and God to build the tabernacle in the dessert. He oversaw all of the building and the wonderful crafts used to decorate it – from woodwork, metal work and fiber-work.
I should have known this – just from reading his name but I never paid attention. Bezalel means in the shadow of God. When the Jews created and art school in Jerusalem in the early 20th c. it was named Bezalel – unfortunately – it went woke a long time ago. My son has a wonderful metal plaque – from the old Bezalel showing all the crafts they taught there. I’ll have to get a picture.
The other thing was, that many times in describing Bezalel and his workers the word wisdom is used. Unfortunately that was translated to skill. No, those of us who seriously work with our hands are doing so with wisdom from God. There is a holiness in the creation – unlike modern Art today – which is all garbage. Which is why I love the crafts, that is where God given creativity still exists. Of course, the wokeness had permeated the crafts as well, but that won’t survive, unlike my stained challah cover that has and will. Not saying my kids will treasure it – but clearly I have for over 40 years.
A friend gave me a bunch of her old shawls and scarves that she hasn’t used in years. they were quite musty – so out in the ‘sun’ they went. I’m trying to remember what the sun looks like. Anyway, that wasn’t enough, so I washed them with Soak, a wonderful hand soap for crafters that doesn’t need to be fully washed out. I’ve been wearing these ever since. there were double the number of shawls – they are going to Good will.
Leah