By Hand: Textiles from the Collection

Tatting, crochet, quilting, and embroidery once adorned the simplest of everyday items to be found in in the common American household - a baby blanket, a handkerchief, or a monogrammed collar would add a unique and inimitable touch of imagination to these items, taking them well beyond the realm of the ordinary.

Today these extra embellishments are often forsaken with mass produced goods stitched upon an assembly line,  but the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History  is exploring these lost arts of textiles in a fascinating new exhibit titled By Hand: Textiles from the Collection, featuring items cultivated from the Museum’s archival inventory not usually on display.

Highlights of the exhibition, which runs through July 31, include a crocheted wedding dress made by Marguerite Bainbridge and Gossard Artemis, a banner made by the Saginaw chapter of the Women’s National Farm and Garden Association for their centennial, along with several remarkably intricate quilts.  

According to Chief Curator of the Castle Museum, Sandy Schwan, “This exhibit features art for everyday objects. It was all very customized for the individual, which we just don’t see anymore. Each piece tells a unique story about the maker and owner.”   

According to volunteer Kathleen Diebel, who worked extensively on curating this exhibit, “It’s sad that this is a lost art. We don’t take the time and care to appreciate the things we buy today in the same way. These textiles included immense efforts by the people who made them, often gathering with friends and family to produce them, and unfotunately these  connections are lost today,” she reflects.

Having studied these forgotten arts of textile creation, Kathleen started a clothing business and carries a profound love for both fashion and history, studying the evolution of fashion by watching videos from the past, and making historical replicas. “Sandy knew how much I love sewing and every type of crafting you can possibly think of, so asked if I would like to work in the museum’s textile collection and help curate this exhibition, which is the best place ever for me to be,” she explains. 

“Most of this collection was handpicked and cultivated from the Museum’s archive, which has well over 2000 pieces,” she continues. “Currently they have two huge rooms filled with textiles and are starting on their third, so it was challenging to curate this exhibit, although many items were produced by different brands which helps when it comes to distinguishing hand-made items.”

When asked why she thinks so much of the artistry of hand-made embroidery and bead-work has gone by the wayside over the years, Kathleen references the Faustian bargain of trading value in exchange for convenience.  “In my opinion, we’ve placed too much value on the technology we’ve created that can do these for us faster, so most people think why waste time sewing a garment by hand.  I think we’ve lost the touch for this beautiful art of personalization, which is sad.”

“What distinguishes each of the objects featured in this exhibit is how the designs are so personal and focused, with each one carrying a story behind it,” she reflects. ”Whether it’s a wedding dress that was handmade for someone, or an embroidered quilt that helps reflect a family story, this attention to craft and detail gives them more value than a mass produced item because it carries a cherished memory, or a story behind it that makes it unique.  This can be seen in even simple items like pot holders that someone crocheted and ended up winning a prize at the fair for creating.”

Museum guests can find By Hand: Textiles from the Collection occupying the West Gallery in conjunction with the main Souvenir of Saginaw exhibit in Centennial Hall.

The Castle Museum is open seven days a week. For further questions or information, please contact the Museum at 989-752-2861.  Castle Museum Hours are Sunday from 1-4:30; Monday-Wednesday10 am-4:30 pm; Thursday 10 am-7 pm, and  Friday-Saturday 10 am-4:30 pm.