I have been showing a lot of pictures of late, so I thought that, with a nod to the time of year when we think more about traditions, I could discuss a few of the symbols associated with the boutis. The wonderful thing to me about this work is that, in addition to the fine needlework and exquisite finishing that we admire, the pieces had real meaning to their makers. Sometimes we talk about our needlework being cheaper than a therapist, or helping keep us sane, but I think with the boutis a lot of hope was stitched into the work, at least that is my interpretation.
Designs used for marriage "jupons" and "vanes", for example hearts, all kinds of flowers for example cornflowers symbolizing the enchantment of love, fruit like pomegranates, vases and jars, shells meaning hospitality (especially the scallop shells marking the pilgrim trail of St Joseph of Compostela), fans, keys (for power and prosperity) and lyres (divine power, poetry music and harmony). There were often geometric forms such as squares and lozenges, and stars, all of which could be stuffed with smaller geometric shapes. When you look at a boutis, the types of flowers chosen and their individual meanings, as well as other designs (such as ears of wheat signifying wealth) will reveal a lot about the hopes and dreams of the "boutisseuse".
Some flowers and leaves were reserved for the petassons (petassoun), the small presentation boutis for the newborn, which were decorated with acanthus or oak leaves (meaning strength) and acorns, marguerites, dainty daisies (purity) and hydrangeas, sometimes birds. The central motif of the petassons could be a stylized star, with the channels usually running diagonally across the piece, and a scalloped edge richly stuffed. The symbolic designs used in the vanes and jupons will not appear on the petasson.
The examples mentioned are by no means exhaustive, there are many wonderful pieces to study and many more symbols to unlock. Even today, those ladies practising this art in its original home consider that a boutis design has to be considered, mulled over and carefully designed, as it is not a work to be undertaken lightly if one is to truly respect the tradition.
If you get the chance, please go to this wonderful show in Pierrefeu of boutis exhibited by the ladies of Lei Roucas dou Barri - I wish I could go, but I am participating by sending a heart for the mur d'amour du boutis exchange. These ladies do very beautiful work, and I am sure you will not be disappointed if you can go. If you have questions, contact Henriette at mame83@free.fr.
I have redrawn the leaves and I like them better. Now it looks like something is missing at the bottom of the heart. I will have to think about that !
I have procrastinated long enough about drawing a heart for this exchange (for details visit Henriette's blog - see the link boutis de mame 83 at right) and I was quite happy with this attempt until I took the picture ! I don't mean about it facing the wrong way (I am a bit edit challenged) but the whole balance does not seem right to me now I have seen it. Those leaves stick out too much and look stiff, I think they should curve downwards, possibly upwards, and I will try that next.
I am really glad I took the picture, because I was going to start stitching tonight - but have to fix the leaves first !
I love small needlework tools in silver, and I do wish I could have a large and varied collection. However, these things are hard to find, and of course are expensive. This first picture shows everything together, I do have two contemporary thimbles and their cage in this picture, as well as a reproduction silver needlecase, the rest are antique. The front needlecase is Dutch silver, which I have had for many years and was my very first purchase of this kind,
These are the new thimbles, thimble case and needle case I added to my collection for Christmas. I was delighted to be able to find them, and just love them for what they are - I do not have a system of types or manufacturers, just what appeals to me at the time - most of all, I love those that have been used - paradoxically, these are not as valuable generally as the pristine examples, but, as my friend Sharon says, they already know how to sew, and that is why I love them.
Here are some close ups - the needlecase on the left is from Birmingham, England, hallmark dates to 1899. The thimble in the middle, also Birmingham hallmark 1891, is my favorite, as it is the most worn along one side, just the way I stitch myself.
Aren't they beautiful ?
I hope you are enjoying the start of 2010, I went shopping yesterday with my friend and am now set for the New Year ! As with most people, I have a vague list of resolutions, but have purchased calendars, to-do-lists, and notebooks because I am determined to be better organized this year. Of course, I have a long list of works in progress and UFOs, at the very TOP of this list is finishing my large boutis, which has had no attention for some months now. Hope you all get some sewing time today !
Happy New Year 2010 to everyone, wishing you health and success the whole year, and plenty of stitching time !
Nicole www.boutis-et-cie.blogspot.com and I went shopping in St Remy - and the first thing we saw, literally the first thing when we got out of the car (my husband was very patient with our shopping and always let us out before having to look for parking), was this wholecloth quilt. It is old, the fabrics are sturdy but not very inspiring, but the pattern of the stitching is very nice. It is made in the traditional French way with edges folded in not bound, and I really like the unusual pattern. I have washed it several times (it was very dirty) and there is one small spot, but otherwise it is in good condition. I am going to trace a quarter of the pattern, it is so nice it is worth making again !
I am absolutely delighted that this small boutis won first place in the miniatures category at the Jacksonville show www.quiltfestjax.com The basket of flowers is the original class piece designed by Nicole for the classes she taught here in March at West Pasco, and she offered me the piece as a gift. I thought that I might surprise her and entered it in the show (together with my large piece that I wasn't able to finish), and I was very happy to find out, when I got home from vacation, that it had won ! And even nicer (if that's possible), there was a money prize too !
These hearts were made by Lou
