finding a hidden gem

On my latest business trip, I found myself (once again) in the DC area. I had a morning and an evening to spare and wanted to do something different. This was my fifth time to DC and I'd done all the "normal" stuff like Air & Space Museum, Arlington Cemetery, etc. A friend of mine mentioned the Textile Museum so I hopped the metro (another first), exited at Dupont Circle (where I promptly got turned around and headed the wrong way three times), and walked a short distance in the bitter cold to find this little gem. It was soooo worth it!!

Their current exhibit "The Sultan's Garden" is amazing! I didn't think I would enjoy it as much as I did. I feel in love with the red/white theme. There were a TON of pieces that were just red and white. Here is just one of them.



Don't you just love it? Characteristics of this embroidery. Very floral. The patterns are definite and repeat, a lot. There is also (usually) a definite up. The one above doesn't have a definite direction, neither does this one, which by the way, was my FAVORITE piece in the entire exhibit! I've been inspired to try and replicate this little wonder. I can't wait to get started!!



I know. A bit crazy to think about but I want to do a single panel for my gypsy garb. Think one of the lines in the middle (you can see 3.5 in this picture) and the blue border. It will take me some time but when we go to events, I love to have something to work on. This will be my event project for the year. As soon as I can get it drawn up.

I went to the gift shop and asked about cutwork (yeah, my research project for the year). The lady there told me to email the registrar about pieces they may have. Got her card. Then was directed to their library. An entire library on textiles and embroidery styles? HEAVEN. I only had about two hours to spend in the library but I was giddy the entire time. That will be a must for me next time I'm in DC. I'll plan to spend a lot longer among those musty shelves.

So...that was my morning. For my evening, I met Darrin Hall and his son at the metro and we took a trip to the Pentagon. I had never been to the Pentagon before and it was fun to just wander the halls and look at the exhibits. Yup, there are a ton of exhibits in the hallways there. And a dentist office, dr. office, best buy, and five food courts. When you think of the number of people that work there 20,000, it is not surprising that it is just a mini city inside. Here is a picture of Matthew and me stumping at a press conference...well not really but we had fun with the picture. Sorry, but this is pretty much all I have of the Pentagon. For some silly reason, you can't take very many photos there. :) I wanted to see the 911 Memorial but it was too cold and dark to see it. Another time!