19th Century Parlorcraft Circle: Sailor’s Valentines and Decorative Knots
Saturday, April 8, 2017
2:00 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.
Jefferson Market Library
Third Floor
425 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10011
Join the New York Nineteenth Century Society Parlorcraft Circle as we explore maritime crafts. Sailors created a wide variety of decorative items when shipboard life was quiet. They embroidered sea-bags, etched scrimshaw, created mementos from exotic shells, and demonstrated their expertise with fancy knot-work. Some crafts had practical application, such as sewing uniforms or knotting slung-shots. But most of the items were meant as gifts for loved ones ashore, the most famous of which is the “sailor’s valentine” shell-work.
We will provide materials, supplies, and instruction to create a sailor’s valentine or knotted bracelet. You may optionally bring your own small item to embellish with shells (such as a box or picture frame), and your own cording if you want to get ambitious with your knotting, but the basics will be provided gratis by the Society.
No need to RSVP; just bring yourselves and if you wish, treats to share. Please leave your laptops and modern sewing/craft projects at home for this event – we’re all about the historic hand work!
Moderated by Rachel Klingberg and Morgana Toglia, we heartily invite you to craft and design to your hearts content!
If you have a special craft or skill from history that you would like to share, please let us know: letters@nyncs.org
