About this Event
Cornell University Mann Library, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
#cornellthreadsofhistoryCoverlets are woven bedcovers that were once a common feature of American home furnishings and are now often treasured family heirlooms. Most 19th century homes had spinning-wheels and looms, and household women wove an array of cloth types, including geometric patterned coverlets, for family use. Professional weavers, who earned some or all of their living practicing their trade, also wove specialty textiles. “Figured & Fancy” coverlets, woven bedcovers that included curvilinear floral and architectural elements rather than only geometric patterns, were one of these specialty items, requiring equipment usually only found in the professional weave shop. In a talk being presented as part of Mann’s spring event series focused on fiber arts and sustainable fashion, former Mann librarian Marty Schlabach and horticulturalist Mary Jean Welser '78 will tell the story of coverlet weaving in the Finger Lakes region of New York State. Following a broad introduction to the coverlet tradition, they will focus on the coverlet weavers of one particular Finger Lakes town, Farmerville, known as Interlaken today. A display of original coverlets from the presenters’ personal collection will be presented as part of this talk.
Mann Library is pleased to present this event as part of the "Threads of History: Textiles Across Cornell" programming occurring on the Cornell campus in 2022/2023. Other exhibits and events taking place at Mann Library as part of this programming include:
- "Threading the Needle: Weaving Tradition Into Contemporary Textile Art," an exhibit in the Mann Library Gallery, March 23 - August 2023. (Opening reception: Thursday, March 23)
- "Sustaining Style: Towards Responsible Fashion," exhibit on display in the Mann Lobby, March 23 - September 15, 2023.
- Fiber Arts Stressbusters - Stamping with natural materials, Friday, May 12, 11:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m. and Stitching & tea, Tuesday, May 16, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- Clothing Exchange, in collaboration with Cornell Thrift: Take what you need, leave what you aren’t using anymore at the exchange station in the Mann lobby every day during Mann’s normal hours of operation through September 15
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To attend this event virtually, please register here: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KYN4HuroQd2NExRvZRRrZA
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