Kansas City, WWI & Princess Diana

I am sure you would have no idea what these three things could possibly have in common, unless you were to visit Kansas City this spring.  We had the opportunity to do that for a few days during hubby's spring break from school.  My dear husband found out there was a Princess Diana exhibit that just opened recently at the Union Station in Kansas City and he was sure I would want to see it.....and I certainly did.

As would be expected you are not allowed to take pictures inside the gallery and unfortunately there is no show book or catalog of the items either, which I thought would have been a nice touch.  Oh, but for someone like me who loves textiles of every shape and form.....it was wonderful to see her wedding dress, tiara, shoes and several designer gowns from Chanel, Valentino and others.  And the jewelry....a crown, several necklaces and pins....were breath-taking.  And probably my favorite thing and the one thing I really wanted to photograph most of all was a diary entry for August 27, 1979, my birthday and she was having tea with Princess Margaret.  Which I though was just lovely.  :)

Then we went to the near by WWI museum, which in all honesty I had very little knowledge about.  That was wonderful and I would highly recommend it to any one who loves American history.  I believe it is only a few years old and was built under the WWI  Monument that was already there.  We spent part of  two days to really see it all.  And we both came away knowing and understanding the climate of that time and sobered again by the sacrifice of so many.  I am always drawn to the textiles that tell the story from a woman's point of view and here are the highlights from that display.

A crazy quilt type piece made from WWI uniforms and shown on the right is a closer view.

A gold star piece that is crocheted, that would have hung in your home's window when your military son/husband had died in service.

A WWI signature quilt....typically these were made from a church, school, family or town, some kind of community that they would have all had in common.  Sometimes they were used as fund raisers....you would pay to have your family members name included.  This piece would make a great history study project.

Gorgeous lace that was used as a bandage roll.

This was a German memorial piece done on perforated paper like we can get today.  The 8-pointed stars are stitched and the rest are paper type shapes that have been cut out & glued.

The US was credited with saving thousands of lives in Belgium from starvation, so in gratitude for the American food Belgians embroidered flour sacks they had received and returned them to the US.



Just a glimpse of some of the items you would enjoy if you get that direction.  Enjoy!!!