Field Work

Hi everyone,

We are just back from an extensive trip where I managed to do some needlepoint research in the field.  While trekking through ruins in Turkey we happened upon CRUMBLING WALLS...

Guess what I immediately thought of?

Amy's Creche

Then we went to a rug shop - we were in Turkey!  Guess how they make those beautiful rugs?  Turkey work!  Each knot is done with the same knots we use.  The girl watches the pattern, not the loom.  Each knot is done individually around 2 vertical threads and the thread is cut after each knot is done.

At the loom following the pattern 

Working the knot

They even have orts!

Here's the silkworm that produces the beautiful silk...It was discovered that the mulberry trees that produce the leaves that the silkworms LOVE to eat grow as well in northern Turkey as in China...

Silkworm

And here is the beautiful silk which is spun from the cocoon of the silkworm..

Silk used in the Turkish rugs

We left Turkey and moved on to Russia where I SOMEHOW got sick.  I knew I was sick when I didn't have the energy to needlepoint!

Now the editorial comment....
I hung on until Munich where I discovered  Angela Merkelcare.  In our country we have had a big debate about Obamacare and how the world may end if we adopt it.  Well, in Germany everyone pays for health insurance (sound familiar?) which covers everything - including long term care and time off to care for a sick family member.   Have you had a doctor visit you at home in the past 50 years?  Well our doctor came to us, took us to the pharmacy while he ordered our medication and then didn't want to be paid!  It's part of their job and culture.  Now the Germans pay a lot for insurance but it comes with peace of mind and some of the best care in the world.

End of editorial...

Have fun planning your Olympic stitching,

Linda