The Yarn Carrier- Wyomissing Industries

I found these newsletter style publications from 1934, 1925, 1947, and 1948 at an old and antique book shop last weekend. The title drew me in immediately, though when I opened up them I was a wee bit surprised to find that they weren’t so much a yarn magazine as much as a newsletter for a former industry.  It is exciting reading the articles and finding out what was new and thrilling to those who were working for the company at this time. From the article Twenty Thousand Guests in the July 1934 edition, I found this quote:

“One of the most outstanding attractions at the exhibition was the ‘Reading’ full fashioned knitting machine which operated before capacity crowds.  This 24-section, 45 gauge “Reading” legger, entirely assembled by apprentices, afforded many of the visitors their first glimpse of how full fashioned stockings are made.”

In the following year, they have listed a series on how to work these full fashioning machines discussing loose course and regulating motion.

As I read through them, I get a sense of nostalgia, but also a sense of desire to work for such a company where there are all sorts of picnics, several after work groups that meet for various outings and generally the ability with the newsletter to discuss different factors in their business to every department.

Two Highlights from the pages for me were on page two of 1935 July issue they honor those with Twenty five years of service by calling them “Textilians.” The second thing I find humorous is an article called “How to Tell Good Stockings” in the same issue where there is certainly some humor in the listing. One such listing to tell good stockings states the following:

“Twist of the thread must be right for dullness, strength, and elasticity.  Loose thread and loose weaving make sleazy-looking hosiery.  Beware of cheap ‘sheers’ that are merely loose.’

I laughed when I read that considering that lousy stockings relate to being loose and how those terms could also be the terms used for someone who is prone to sleeping around or a prostitute. It is better, after all, to NOT be loose in your personal life, but don't forget to keep your stockings from being sleazy and loose as well. J

Ulster- Linen Towel Birdcage

“Spirituality is not just about the ability to grasp something from the outside and bring it in, true spirituality and creative spirituality is creating something from the inside and expressing it on the outside. You express what is inside and it becomes an outward manifestation.”

John Paul Jackson in The Creative Spirit- CD 4

In view of this perspective by one of my personal favorite teachers (who I have lots of honor for), I pondered this as I viewed this linen towel that has been in my archive for many years. I have recently sold it and it is being sent out to another state. The linen towel states at the bottom “All Pure Linen made in Ireland… Birdcage by Ulster” I wonder what was going in inwardly in the mind and soul of Ulster when he was creating this linen artwork. The Birdcage is very reminiscent to me of the classic tree of life story that appears through out centuries in art and décor.  But this tree of life surrounded by vibrant flowers cascading around is a cage. I cage where birds are seemingly ‘trapped’ or closed in and yet this boundary of the cage does not deter the beauty that is reflective in these birds. Also noting that the birds on the lower half seem to have some sort of irritable anger power fuming in their eyes, yet those who are much larger and towards the top of the tree canopied cage appear to be more grandiose and contentment. I wonder if Ulster was reflecting outwardly an inward frustration of the powers that be, and how that relates to life, albeit the tree of life typifies freedom, it may also express the nature of both good and evil happening simultaneously in this large birdcage of life. Unless this artist is still alive and connections are made to discuss his or her thoughts, we will never know what was going on inwardly to create such a glorious outward manifestation of creativity. Regardless, I am very thankful for its beauty, and even more thankful that in parting with this piece of my archive, another soul will be brought much joy through its display.

Genesis Beginnings

Here so begins my first blog for textile related delights. After much ado from many a friend and readings on other formats insisting that I need to 'write!! write!! write!!' I have taken to writing a blog and this is the beginning. May it prove another tool in expanding the circle of friends and of those with similar interests.