Machine-Made Tablecloth Restoration & Summer Studio Highlights
My June was fairly calm compared to the previous month and I enjoyed a little more personal time since restoration work had slowed down after I finished restoring a beautiful estate-size, machine-made tablecloth of most likely French origin. As usual in machine-made pieces, the solid sections were in beautiful shape, but the connectors—subject to heavy handling and washing—were frayed and broken in large areas. Machine stitches are very hard to duplicate, but with a small needle and heavy yet fine quilting thread, I was able to recreate the tiny blanket stitches and return the cloth to its original beauty.
Community & Culinary Inspirations
I did have time to explore our new farmers market in Fletcher, purchasing strawberries, peaches, and lovely sourdough bread. The abundance of fruit reminded me of my grandmother’s trifle creations, so upon returning home, I hunted down her tall glass trifle bowl nestled in its brass container with a fancy lid and handles.
For my monthly card party, I executed a patriotic trifle: cubes of pound cake kissed with orange liqueur, layers of raspberries, blackberries, coconut-kissed custard, blueberries, more custard, strawberries, whipped cream, and toasted pecans—a perfect summer finale.
Website & Shop Updates
Jeffery (my computer and social media guru) and I continue refining this site. We’ve merged the Boutique into the main menu under “Shop,” so you can browse high-end collection pieces, email me to order, and pay via PayPal with shipping included—one-click convenience!
New Thread Lace Scarf
I also created a thread lace scarf worked in my spiderweb pattern from six strands of silk. Holding multiple thin silk threads together yields soft, luminous pieces perfect for my next demo.
July Demonstrations & Summer Fair
I will demonstrate at the Folk Art Center July 10th–13th in the lobby, just inside the front doors—slightly larger than my usual corner by the restrooms. Follow parkway signs (don’t trust GPS) and know we appreciate every visitor who finds us.
Our annual Southern Highland Guild Summer Fair runs July 17–20 at the Cherokee Center in Asheville. I volunteer as lunch relief for fellow artists—always a treat to see old friends and dine together on Saturday night before helping with breakdown on Sunday.
Gallery Relocation & Upcoming Restorations
Our beloved Biltmore Gallery has moved from its flood-damaged Biltmore Village location into the Grove Arcade downtown. This Art Deco gem on the historic register will take years to restore properly, but progress is steady.
I’m also finalizing the four-paddle Dutch Windmill squares (see June Musings) and a lovely vintage wedding hankie needing lace-border attention. Restoring heirlooms brings me so much joy, adding life to treasures passed down for generations.
“I do what I love and I love what I do.”
Studio Snapshots
Machine made ca.1920 French banquet size lace tablecloth
Silk Spiderweb Scarf
The Patriotic Trifle
