Needlework Curiosities At Vanderbilt

Of course I was hoping to see needlework items at the William Vanderbilt Museum and House. I really wanted to take a photograph of the sewing room on the house tour, but photos were not allowed. The sewing room was in the servants quarters off of the kitchen. There was an old Singer sewing machine and some other items. But in the cultural artifact collections there were two interesting things. First, this collection of native handwork....look at the beaded necklaces!  Totally handmade and very interesting!

Then I saw this bone thimble in the center of the photo. Hand carved. Beautiful!

Another interesting detail I noticed on the grounds outside the house were the meticulously designed gravel and rock walkways, sidewalks and entryways. 

 Just for sheer pleasure and enjoyment of the coloration, here are some iridescent butterfly specimens that would be inspiration for embroideries. Hmmm......