Vacation Textiles and Inspiration: post 1

 This will have to be post 1 of 2, because I realized I have lots of pictures and lots to say, so I'll split it up in a couple of posts.

As mentioned previously, our vacation started in Gettysburg, PA.  There is a very large and rather new museum, due to the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War.

 The above is just one example of the many banners and flags that were made for the various companies of fighting men.  The palmetto is still found on South Carolina's license plate.

I've heard lots about a Soldier's Housewife (sewing kit). It was great to see one in good condition and good provenance.

 A little history for you about textiles during the American Civil War.  The war also affected textile availability in the North as well.  Books have been written on it, so I will spare you a lecture.

 The next battlefield we visited was Antietam.  Smaller battlefield and smaller museum, but a gem of a find!

 A Civil War signature quilt! 

 In mint condition!  Isn't it beautiful?  These kinds of quilts were made to raise money.  People would pay to write their names and then the whole quilt would be auctioned off.

 It was pretty obviously never used.  The Reds are still bright, and the signatures very readable.

 And the exquisite stitching!

 I think that's all I've got for textiles.  Tomorrow will be a bit more about inspiration.

Vacation Recap Post #1

It's been ages, hasn't it? Between the end of school, preparing for vacation, going on vacation, and moving things over to a new computer for me, blogging got put on the back burner.

So.  We'll start with a couple posts about our vacation east. 

We started out in Gettysburg, PA. 
Mr. Riley was in heaven.

 We spent the entire day there, and saw most of the battlefield.  It was a four day battle, so lots going on.

 Rock walls and timber walls.

And monuments.  If you've never been to a Civil War Battle site its hard to explain.  If it was a larger battle, or over multiple days, there is usually a driving path to see where all the various units were located and fought.  And at each of those places there are memorials/monuments set up.  Usually by survivors of the battles.  If Mr. Riley had his way, he would read each and every one.

The cannons are then located where the artillery was set up during the battle.  I have learned lots after visiting a number of battle fields over the past few years.



We also visited the battle at Antietam during the drive from Gettysburg to DC.  Fact: the Union named the battles for the nearest town, the Confederates named it for the nearest waterway.


Ah, Washington DC.  It has been 24 years, or so since I went as an 8th Grader.  I appreciate it so much more, now.

The Washington Monument, of course, which thanks to some strangers, we had the privilege of riding the elevator to the top.

The WWII memorial.  I found it to be beautiful and moving.  It was (obviously) not there when I was there last, it seems to have been built into the reflecting pool.

We did, of course hit most of the other memorials: Vietnam, North Korea,Lincoln, walked Capitol Hill and ate lunch during a downpour just across from the capitol building.


 We did visit the National Postal Museum, which was more interesting than it sounds.  A lot of our Nation's history has to do with how information got around.

And they had the coolest floors: Letters

And envelopes!










More tomorrow!