Footstool ala Familia

Footstools are wonderfully useful little things - especially if you are short (ahem). So, when this gem was passed down from my mom's side of the family, I grabbed it. I have to be honest, though. It was in better shape when I got it than it is now (but what do you expect when it is useful and I am of a lower stature).

Not that the family has pack-rat tendencies, mind you, but...


...this little thing is about 80-100 years old. It belonged to my great-grandmother, who was married in 1898. She did the same type of stitching and design on 3 chairs and a settee, which my brother has in his home. Aunt Godie (an aunt/cousin-ish sort of relative) did the stitching on this footstool.

Now, the problem with old things is that they wear out, but (depending on when they were made) they still have 'good bones.' This beauty was not designed for disposability.

And from a fiberish perspective, its other advantage is that it can be a Little Project (umm - short-term). It can be a fiber artist's canvas, just waiting to be stepped upon. Thus bringing form and function together.


Don't worry - I am well aware of the importance of history and all things related, especially home textiles. History of Textiles was one of my favorite classes in Home Ec. during the college years. So I have taken many pictures and I'm keeping whatever documentation came with the stool...

...which is this tag. It has just about everything except the date it was made. It is 60% cotton felt and 40% Excelsior (such a New Material that I don't really know what it is, but probably the black backing fabric). It was made by the Heagle Co. in Wisconsin, has a New York registry number, and the tag was attached as required by the State of Washington. This footstool has been around, is old, and used.

So face it, the poor little thing needs a face-lift...