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Jessica Nelms

Carole McCullah, with the Pendleton Historic Foundation, shows off a crossstitch sampler that dates back to 1811. The piece is one of the collection that needs to be mounted and framed for conservation.

PENDLETON — Before “Dancing With the Stars” there was needlepoint. In the 19th century, rural women retreated to the parlor after dinner, seeking sanctuary from brandy-and-cigar-smoke-laced male bonding.

The fairer sex kept themselves entertained with handwork. Running needles and thread through cloth, they produced pillow frills, framed folksy sayings and passed-down keepsakes. You may have such an item on your kitchen wall, mantle or guestroom bed right now.

Ashtabula Historic House maintains an extensive linen collection, including handwork from the early-1800s. Three pieces in particular highlight the stash— one work dating back to 1811 and a pair from 1819 — but there are more. The 1811 piece is signed by a Caly Leoser and was first discovered on the floor of a Pendleton-area barn in the 1940s, covered with dirt.

A verse on the fabric reads: “When I am dead and in my grave, this work my friend shall have.” It’s a chilling continuum. But the artifact may not be around for the next generation to appreciate because the pieces are deteriorating.

The edges of the material are turning brown and the fabric and thread have begun to rot. According to Ashtabula gift shop manager Carole McCullah, the ultra-vintage works need to be remounted onto acid-free matting and framing to avoid further damage.

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Photo courtesy Vicki Fletcher

Three miles east of Pendleton, the clock turns back 180 years. That’s where you’ll find Ashtabula, a glorious and historic home originally built in the 1820s. On Oct. 19, Ashtabula will hold a Show and Sell featuring locally made handwork. The event was organized to raise money for conservation of Ashtabula textiles dating back to the 1800s.

However at $2,000, the switch is cost-prohibitive. To raise funds for the conservation of its past, Ashtabula is looking to the present; a Show and Sell featuring donated, locally-made handwork has been set for Oct. 19. (See box for more info.)

So why the big fuss?

“It’s part of our history and part of our heritage,” McCullah said. “If we let these go, how are we going to know what these ladies did in the 1800s? Or how people lived? Or how they had to sew by kerosene lamp? We can’t just let history die. We have to keep it alive.”

McCullah estimates the sale will feature 100 to 150 items, including scarves, Christmas ornaments, potholders and pillowcases. Prices ranges from $1 to $25, a level McCullah said makes the crafts perfect for holiday gift giving. Some of the items, which have arrived from donors in Oconee, Pickens and Anderson counties, date back to the 1970s.

“Some of the vintage pieces people have had in their cedar chest for many years and have dug them out for a better use,” McCullah said.

Anyone wishing to donate handwork to the cause can drop off pieces at Mountain Made Store, located at 102 Exchange St. in Pendleton. Handmade needlepoint, cross-stitch, crocheted, knitted and sewed items are welcome.

Many of Ashtabula’s ancient textiles are samplers, which were made to provide an example of a woman’s handwork skills. Samplers are often adorned with the alphabet, numbers or some basic figures, such as different types of flowers.

According to McCullah, the 19th century samplers are “very valuable,” but she also cautions “you can’t put a price on antiquity.”

In addition to organizing the Show and Sell, McCullah is offering up her own work, including handmade Christmas ornaments, for bidding. Growing up in Ohio, McCullah began sewing as a teenager, learning from her mother Alma Ray and 4-H activities.

Given the age of the Ashtabula fabric— and, for that matter, the age of many existing handwork enthusiasts — it begs the question: Is sewing a dying art? McCullah said to postpone the obituary.

“I don’t think it’s dying. I think people are always going to be interested in doing something with their hands.”

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Show and Sell

Oct.19

Ashtabula Historic House

2725 Old Greenville Hwy.

1- 4 p.m.

(864) 646-3782