Sunday, 13 January 2013

Sacred Songs and Solos

Last weekend my flea market purchase was a tattered and torn copy of Sacred Songs & Solos by Ira D. Sankey.  It was developed by Ira D. as a resource for his concerts and revival meetings in the late 19th century. This collection is still popular today, with a wide selection of hymns and songs on many different themes.

beautiful time worn cover...

The pages are very loose and many have disintegrated and browned with age.  It is the fragments that drew me to the book.  Many little pencil notes have been made inside the book and on the back inside page a few favourites have been noted.....

tiny pieces of the back page remain



an ideal backdrop for photographs


some of the songs titles made me smile!


 my particular favourite!

I have been visiting the market for a number of years and some of the stall holders' do keep things for me.     I have mentioned Margaret before, she wears a giant purple hat with a huge ostrich feather in it.  She had what she thoughts was a Victorian bodice - again very tattered and disintegrated.......


the front view

the back view

a label sewn inside

The label looks fairly modern so maybe the garment was a reproduction of a Victorian bodice.  I researched the name, the address and came up with no information.  However, the garment is so damaged that I will use all the lace, findings, silk, net and adornments in my work.


I just love it when you manage to find a little treasure or two on your travels don't you? ...............
Until next time......Jayne x






Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

19 comments:

  1. Annabel13 January 2013 at 15:40

    really interesting to find things that are so ephemeral and have an essence of the time they were made. I love working with materials like this. Looking forward to see what you do next x cherry tree handmades

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jayne13 January 2013 at 15:47

      I know Annabel, I love to think of these fragments being incorporated into pieces thereby they are no longer disgarded. I will probably use them making some corsages I have been commissioned to make. The book will probably be used in pictures. Thanks for your lovely comment. x

      Delete
  2. suziqu's thread works13 January 2013 at 20:03

    Hi Jayne
    I really loved this post because you are sharing the same things here that I so love to collect. I know the bodice is so very tattered but I would find it hard to dive into with the scissors. I have two beautiful black blouses from the same era perhaps in better nick so I guess I am a bit luckier. However, it is so gorgeous and I know you will preserve the fragments so creatively and beautifully.
    The antique song book is also a treasure and would make the perfect accompaniment with any old photos too!
    Enjoy your finds and treasure that woman in the purple hat too!
    She is a real asset to you too!
    Sending big hugs,
    Suzy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jayne14 January 2013 at 13:13

      Thank you Suzy it is so lovely to find such rare treasures. I do find it difficult to cut into garments, it looks a lot better in the photograph than it is. I have a rule that I will not use anything in pristine condition as I really couldn't cut into them. I am looking forward to using the fragments of both the fabric and papers. Jayne x

      Delete
  3. humphreycumfycushion14 January 2013 at 00:56

    Two gorgeous finds and both so obviously loved by their original owners. The very decadent corset with all its frills and fancy bits and the hand written notes inside the song book, both perhaps giving just a tiny insight into the personality of their owners - both opposite ends of the pole!.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jayne14 January 2013 at 13:16

      That is what I find so fascinating about these discarded treasures, as you say an insight into their owners - that is why I love to use such fragments I feel as if they are reused and not forgotten. jayne x

      Delete
  4. lettice leaf14 January 2013 at 01:42

    Good homes found for both seen-better-days pieces. Watch this space... they WILL return...

    Show and tell soonest.

    LLX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jayne14 January 2013 at 13:19

      Will do Linda, have to stop buying though, I just can't resist a tattered, torn discarded treasure. I have been asked to make some pictures, so may use some of the pages of the book. Show and tell a.s.a.p!!!! jayne x

      Delete
  5. Dorthe14 January 2013 at 10:56

    Hi dear Jayne,
    your book is a fabolous find. So filled with memmories we will never know of, but only can dream about! I love it`s tattered look, and beautiful music pages.
    The bodice is so beautiful too, and you, I KNOW- will create most wonderful things ,with little bits and pieces from it.
    Yes ,so wonderful with such amazing finds !
    Hugs,Dorthe

    ReplyDelete
  6. Jayne14 January 2013 at 13:21

    I know Dorthe, sometimes you just find such treasures and they have to come home with you! I will be using every last scrap of the bodice, it really is in a bad way so I do not feel guilty for cutting it up. Jayne x

    ReplyDelete
  7. nilly14 January 2013 at 15:10

    I love your taste Jayne and the way you show us beauty where we might not notice it. I think you are brave too - I'm sure I know Margaret and she scares me a bit! (A heart of gold, no doubt.)
    By the way, I'm sure that label is original & antique - a treasure in itself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jayne15 January 2013 at 02:13

      Thank you so much Nilly. I didn't realise that you knew Margaret. She has always kept little treasures for me. Thank you for your expert opinion on the label, it looks too modern to me, so do you think it is a Victorian piece? It looks a lot better photographed which is why I will use the fragments, it has been cut off a dress and is falling apart. jayne x

      Delete
    2. nilly15 January 2013 at 09:58

      I'm emailing you with a bit of info about Miss Gailey! It helps to date the bodice.

      Delete
  8. sharon young15 January 2013 at 00:10

    What beautiful finds, this is an area I rarely stray into, but I love how you put your pieces together they always look so romantic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jayne15 January 2013 at 02:15

      Thank you so much for taking the time to read and comment Sharon and for your compliment. jayne x

      Delete
  9. jackie15 January 2013 at 11:51

    Lovely tattered book, full of history. You make some great finds.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jayne15 January 2013 at 14:31

      I am lucky to have a weekly flea market so close to where I live. Sometimes a treasure, sometimes nothing. I really must stop buying though, I have a large collection of linens. Jayne x

      Delete
  10. Gabriela27 January 2013 at 12:42

    So nice to find your blog! I am your newest follower!I live East of Cleveland!Your artwork is fabulous!Look forward to reading your blog daily!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jayne27 January 2013 at 14:50

      thank you Gabriela for your lovely comments. nice to meet you Jayne x

      Delete

Thank you for your lovely comments, I really do appreciate them.

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)