Saturdays with Grandma: Needlepoint Sampler

Needlepoint Sampler by Ruth Godfrey Gibson

From The Curator's Corner: Where Art Meets Personal Storytelling

Sisters Godfrey Collection on Instagram

Saturdays with Grandma: Needlepoint Sampler

http://bit.ly/47M3i3q

“Sampler” is one of many artworks by my grandmother that showcases her needlework skills. I like this piece for its shades of purple and blue, and the clock.

Grandma learned to sew in night courses at Central Needle Trades in NYC to make clothes for her three young daughters. After a long career at Macy’s she took up knitting, crocheting, embroidery, and quilting, and also taught others, including me.

When I was 11 years old, I had become a moody kid. I felt frustrated with my changing body, was getting into trouble at school, couldn’t focus, and my grades slipped. My mom had been working part time but returned to full time that year and I felt her absence. It was during this phase that I began spending Saturdays at grandma’s house.

She taught me the fundamentals of knitting, crocheting, and sewing, and it was fun because I was creating something—even if it looked crazy 😄 I even started to like her classical music station.

This piece reminds of all the afternoons spent with grandma. Today, I am curating her work and am so grateful she allowed me into her world when I was having a tough time.

For always being interested, for sharing an incredible craft, and for teaching more than just art—I thank you.

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