It’s first stop in America, Vermont, I couldn’t believe it! The Red Dress was coming to the Southern Vermont Arts Center in Manchester, Vermont. I remembered reading about it years ago. She did it!
We drove down to Manchester, Vermont the final weekend of the exhibit. We read the women’s stories, we read about Kristie. We took 400 photos of the dress!!!
My personal favorite embroideries on The Red Dress were stitched by The Kenyan Embroiderers Guild in Nairobi. These ladies are styling, bold and beautiful.
Then there were the bees, of which we counted 9. Counting with us was a 10 year old girl. She, we never got her name, found all the bees and some birds too. She helped us find moths, snails and a fox too.
In 2018 The Red Dress went to Russia where Anastasia hand embroidered a mystical creature named the Serene Bird. She brings protection to the project.
The Bodice of The Red Dress
Kristie stitches a web as The Red Dress travels across the globe, from nation to nation I see: the images of common life we all share, the embroidery stitches we all practice, the colors that bring us happiness, the emotions we all feel; the dress, like a web, stitches us all together.
It is stunning, it is beautiful, it is a reflection of what we aspire to be.
The words stitched into The Red Dress mean so much. They are powerful, vibrant and courageous.
The Train on The Red Dress Captures Your Soul
Several sections of the train brought me joy and admiration for the impeccable stitch work and glorious color stories; the satin stitches in wool by Elna from Sweden, gold work done in Saudi Arabia, and a garden of delightful French knot work stitched in Mexico, just to name three.
There are so many more photos to share. Perhaps another evening I can add more. Even the most primitive motifs were just delightful to see. I was touched by of all the talented embroiderers all over the world. This last image was one of my favorite details. I am still not sure who made this or from what country they were from but I just adore this seashell in the netting with the most darling little roses.