Archive for the ‘History’ Category

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~New Hooked Pillows & History of its Craft

Friday, March 16th, 2012

In the textile and weaving factories of the early 19th century, there were flickers of creativity that sprouted crafting ideas as a way of using the waste from the mills. The workers of these factories were allowed to take some of the leftover textile materials home. They then would use them to pull the various fibers though a backing; creating what is now called “hooked fabric.” Details of exactly where the technique of hooking fabric truly originated are a little vague but there is also evidence in early Scotland and parts of France. In these countries, instead of cotton materials, rags were actually used and pulled though in the same manner.

From the shores of New England to Newfoundland, there heaved a movement that at first, was only popular amongst peasants and lower class individuals; being a craft associated with poverty. Though eventually the hooking revolution took on a new understanding and transitioned into a craft that created unique, tough and long lasting pieces. Nowadays, we see two forms of hooking styles that typically utilize wool. Fine hooking, which uses a thinner strip of wool, will produce more intricate details. Primitive hooking, using wider strips of wool, accomplishes shading and highlights that are seen in the more visible textures of the wool. Most of the hooking today is done with a solid backing, in order to keep it from pulling or losing its strength in years to come.

An example of this beautiful craft is showcased here to the left in our Goldfinch Pillow. The friendly goldfinch displayed on our Goldfinch Pillow has bold yellow, black and brown feathers. The hand hooking technique used, allows for the details in color to be shown. Surrounded by a spring color palette of sage green with gold and purple swirling vines, this pillow will look great on an accent bench in your entryway or your favorite chair in the living room.

Another new wool hooked pillow for spring is our lovely Flower Vases Pillow, pictured here to the left. Delightfully displayed in shades of green and blue glass bottles, the flowers appear to be blooming out from them. The bright green, thin border around the pillow and presence of a fluttering yellow butterfly makes it known that it’s time for spring. The details and color are achieved by designer Mary Lake Thompson.

Both of these pillows featured here are crafted of 100% hooked wool with a cream cotton-velvet back and zipper closure. They are also on sale for $10 off their original retail price, now during Sturbridge Yankee Workshop’s Annual Spring Sale.

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Posted in Crafting, Decorating, History, Seasonal Decorating, Sewing Techniques | No Comments »

Belsnickle Santas

Friday, November 18th, 2011

Belsnickle Santas are perhaps something you have only heard of before, but maybe weren’t quite exactly sure what they were. At Sturbridge Yankee Workshop, we have one Belsnickle inspired Santa and he’s seen here to the left in our Red Santa Portrait. Santa is handcrafted of appliques of cotton and wool, which adds to his vintage and authentic appeal. Dressed in a long red plaid coat with a hood and fur trim, he carries a sprig of balsam fir. You’ll notice the exposed black stitching and the folk art style snowflakes that surround him on a black background. Completing the look is a beautiful black textured frame, that is almost reminiscent of birch bark. If you prefer, we have our Santa Portrait available with a Green coat and background as well. Or, display them together on a wall for a charming, old-fashioned Christmas feel. But, where did the term Belsnickle come from? Keep reading below as we examine this Santa like figure.

Originating from the South Western region of Germany during the early 18th century, Pelze Nichol, meaning “Nicholas in Furs,” was considered the “evil” version of St. Nicholas; or as we refer to him today, Santa Claus. He was considered to be a scary creature to children, as he was used as a tool by parents to threaten punishment if they misbehaved. Although similar to the idea of Santa bringing you coal if you were “naughty” that year, Belsnickle would be celebrated on December 6th; the feast day of St. Nicholas. A man wearing fur, covering his entire body and sometimes even a mask, would be enough to evoke fear in the local kids. Yet, like our traditional Santa, he might give a sock or shoe full of candy to good girls and boys, he also walked around with a switch or a rod to warn all those who acted out or didn’t listen.

As immigrant populations rose in the United States during this time and continued to do so throughout the beginning of the 20th century, the Belsnickle tradition came a long with them. In Pennsylvania Dutch communities, historians note an English speaking Kris Kringle who would travel the countryside ringing bells for all to hear. Same idea, well behaved children received small gifts, cakes or nuts, while the “bad ” children possibly were given a quick smack, as a warning for next year. Festive traditions progressed in America and the Christmas holiday in general was becoming more widely celebrated, which is when we see the development of Santa as we know it today. The Belsnickle custom did not die yet however. Groups of men dressed in burlap paper bags would travel in groups from home to home. Once they revealed their identity, they were usually allowed into the homes and actually given treats and drinks themselves; much like the western practice of trick-or-treating during Halloween. The name Pelze Nichol was pronounced pels-nickle by English speakers of the US and the name eventually became Belsnickle as we say it today.

Throughout the early to mid 20th century, Belsnickle Santa figurines became a popular decorative item; combining the two mythical beings. Typically these collectibles were made from paper mache material and portrayed Santa in a more humble, less “jolly” light, with variations on the standard red coat and no expression; as we can see above in our Red Santa Portrait, his beard covers his face and his arms are tucked in. Belsnickle Santas like ours will add a bit of old world nostalgia to your home this Christmas. Our Santa Portrait could perhaps stir up an opportunity to share the tale of the old frightening Belsnickle with your friends and family.

An excerpt from Facts and Folklore of York County, Pennsylvania, by Georg Sheets

“He looked scary and carried a sack of presents, mostly nuts and hard candy, and a stick or a cane. He came when it was dark, before the children went to bed, and would rap on the window or the door with his stick,” Reigart said. “He would ask to see the children, and ask them if they had been good. He tossed nuts and candy on the floor, and when the children scrambled to get them he would switch them a little with his stick, admonishing them to be good.”

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All About Wreaths

Monday, November 7th, 2011

This time of year as we near the holidays, we begin to think about hanging our wreaths. Perhaps you will buy a real one as the festivities quickly approach, but you may also have a faux or permanent wreath that you choose to use each year. If you prefer the ease and pine needle-free cleanup this type of wreath offers, then look no further. At Sturbridge Yankee Workshop, we have a wonderful assortment of permanent wreaths that will look lovely in your home for all seasons. While most of our wreaths contain faux greenery, many of them include naturally dried flowers or fruit and/or have a natural twig base.

Pictured here to the left, is our Frosted Wreath, new for the Holiday 2011 Catalog. Our Frosted Wreath contains faux berries, twigs, various greens and pinecones atop a natural twig base. Even if you live where it doesn’t snow you will appreciate the faux snowflakes glistening throughout the wreath’s surface. Other great holiday wreaths include our Mini Wreath and our Frosted Pine & Berry Wreath (shown below). Both offer similarities to the Christmas Wreath, while featuring their own unique details.

The symbolism of wreaths stems from a couple of different sources. Though most notably, the wreath is associated with the Advent season or the “coming of Christ” in the Christian religion. Dating back hundreds of years, we see the first signs of what is now thought to be a traditional evergreen wreath; Evergreens were and are used today because Evergreen trees can withstand the harshest of winters, making it an additional symbol of strength. What is known as the Advent Wreath, signifies the four weeks of Advent. It is decorated with either four or five candles that are lit individually each week, leading up to the Sunday before Christmas day. This is where the circle shape of the wreath became synonymous with the eternal cycle of the seasons. The Advent Wreath tradition has over time, become a part of many Christian cultures around the world; such as: Lutherans in Germany, Protestants and Roman Catholics in Europe and in North America.

In many parts of the world, an Advent wreath or an evergreen wreath has been used during notable ceremonies, both religious and cultural, as a headdress. The wreath atop ones head could represent status, rank, occupation or various achievements. In Greek Mythology, the small wreath that the Gods and Goddesses wore is referred to as a Laural Wreath. The story goes that Apollo, God of Light, fell in love with Daphne. Daphne who didn’t want the pursuit of Apollo, asked for the help of Peneus, the River God. Peneus turned her into a Laural tree and as a motion for victory, Apollo wore a wreath of Laural on his head for all to see. The symbol of Apollo’s victory worked its way into the ancient Olympic Games, to be worn after a great achievement or win. We can still see a nod to Greek history on the medals of the Olympic winners today, as they stand on the 1st, 2nd and third place podiums; each medal has a sprig of Laurel engraved into the design. Julius Cesar later proclaimed that the Laural Wreath is, “to be a symbol of the supreme ruler.” Hence why the modern day understanding of a royal crown is shaped as such.

Interestingly, the name wreath actually is derived from a middle English word, wrethe, meaning a twisted band or ring of leaves or flowers in a garland. All that is placed in wreaths to decorate, once had specific meaning too. Holly berries were believed to have magical powers because they were a shiny berry that kept its red color and bright green leaves throughout the winter. Dried fruit or flowers were originally placed in a wreath to symbolize the promise of spring. Today, we use many of the same decor pieces to spruce up a plain Evergreen or Pine base. Pinecones, ribbon and faux gifts and ornaments have also been added to further the festive look. Although most popular at Christmas, wreaths have become a wall decor item that can be used year round. For these wreaths, different seasonal themes are presented. For example right now for the harvest season, our Pumpkin Wreath, features faux miniature pumpkins, vines, berries, leaves and real pinecones.

Whenever you hang your wreath and wherever you choose to hang it, know that there is a deep history behind that circle of green. The wreath has become a piece of holiday decor, that we treasure having on our doors or as the focal point on any wall in our home. Greet your family and guests this holiday season with a gorgeous wreath from Sturbridge Yankee Workshop and enjoy it for years to come.

~For a complete look at all of our Christmas Wreaths and holiday greenery, click here today!

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