Netherlands Part Three

Day 6 
We visited the Overloon War Museum.  (HERE)
I didn't really know what to expect, I am glad we went.

With the motto, "War Belongs In A Museum" it is an important reminder of what war is.  Overloon, the picturesque village I admire with it's beautiful homes and people - had been completely destroyed (Fall 1945).
Farmers still find live ammo in their fields.

Not to minimize or skip over all that the HUGE museum holds, I did find a Red Cross layette set, complete with a flannel quilt.

1840 sheet 25 #3 of the Aglaja
44" Long by 27" Wide

Day 7
We met with independent antique textile historian An Moonen in Westervoort. (HERE)
I am honored that An generously shared her time and collections.  It fulfilled a dream!  I only wish I had more time and could attend all of her lectures.

Her books on Dutch Quilts are available on Amazon.
I was able to have An sign a copy of my treasured book, "A History of Dutch Quilts".  I saw the quilts from her collection in the book.  I also saw some new collection additions.

I encourage anyone who has the opportunity to hear An lecture to do so.  An provides the rich cultural heritage the Dutch have in the world of textile history.  Contact information and fees are available on her website.

Detail of Patchwork Crib Quilt
33" x 28"

The vibrancy of this double sided crib quilt is an important illustration of available colorful cotton prints.  Many retain their original finishes.  This crib quilt includes prints that date from 1750 - 1815.

Additional details are in An's book.  The pattern for this double sided quilt is in the book, "Promenade in a Dutch Garden" by Petra Prins and An Moonen - out of print.   Maybe a new book will be available. soon...

This embroidered quilt example dates to circa 1675.  The top is embroidered silk, the filling is two woolen cloths and the backing is plain weave silk.  The back and front of the quilt do not share the same quilting.
The backing silk is quilted through the second layer of wool filling.  The wool layers are bound together by herringbone stitch.  The quilt is blind seamed all around.
Additional details are in An's book and generously shared on her website.





In addition to quilts, An's important textile collection include a diverse collection of Dutch samplers.
She has documented relationships between samplers and trousseau linens.  We saw examples in sheets, pillow covers and samplers.  Including examples dated to the 18th century.
We also saw garments and accessories.

An's website has additional information, grab a cup of coffee and visit all of the site pages.



All too soon we reluctantly had to return to Amsterdam.
When you have the opportunity to attend a workshop/lecture with An - Please do so! So much important textile history! 


Day 8-10

Our last few days we spent back in Amsterdam.
We visited antique shops, the flower market and museums.

In addition to textiles, the Netherlands has a rich heritage in precious metals that includes the genre of needlework tools.

The Museum of Bags and Purses was another fascinating stop.  A global representation of bags from 12th century to present.

Housed in a restored 17th century row house the tea room offers a glimpse of what the original interiors would have looked like.

The museum displays include examples needlework and sewing tools.

The museum originated with one individual collection - an interesting story!

We were unable to visit every place we wanted.  We have already started a list of stops for the next trip.
Fortunately - a very special person helped ease that angst and I have some special keepsakes.
The red floral fabric is called 'dekenbloemd' or 'milk-en-bloed'  The red plaid is a vintage scarf and mourning hat that are still worn today in some regions.  The hat fabric is 'made' (to simulate fabric no longer produced) by dipping the ends of multiple sized wood dowels in paint the dabbing it on the ground fabric to create circles.

The card shows the baby pram with a cover from a red floral print coverlet.


This regional dress illustrates the use of a scarf at the shoulders.

Note the point of the cap on the forehead.

More special gifts and shopping

Velma approves of more gifts and shopping.
Her house sitter did great, but she is happy we are home.

Now, it is back to reality....

The quilts are back in their special acid free storage boxes.  Padded at the folds in acid free tissue they are waiting for their next adventure in a few months.

Before they come out again, a few of the older quilts in another stack are coming out.

We are selective when and where many of them are taken out.
Send me a note if you are interested in a program in 2017 or later.

Thank you very much for your comments!
Dawn

Additional Information:
War Museum Website (HERE)
An Moonen Website  (HERE)
An Moonen Blog   (HERE)
Needlework Tools and Accessories:  A Dutch Tradition - - Made in Holland
        by Kay Sullivan see Amazon