My Handwork on PERMANENT Display at Teaching Museum South in Fulton County near Atlanta, Georgia

 

Proudly showing my hand knitted silk lace shawl in a peacock pattern... see link below post.

Wool skirt is one of my own sewing creations to match my Chanel bag in taupe.

Shirt is an Outlet find from Escada...

This was the main piece of my handwork that got to be on a PERMANENT display at Teaching Museum South in Fulton County near Atlanta, Georgia. This is part of the Fulton County Schools in Hapeville, a two hour one-way drive for us.

On December 31, 1993 a person from the Georgia State University with a photographer came to our home for the interview and permission to use some of my hand made lace for the above purpose.

We did serve both a warm lunch meal as it is one-way 2 hours driving distance.

You find photo taken by photographer in link below: Today I Turned 17! in regard to my proud United States Citizenship

 It all started with and add in the Holland Times, the publication for all Dutch related people in and around Atlanta.

The above video shows the hand made knitted silk lace shawl being framed WRONG SIDE FACING OUT!

For such a meticulous knitted peacock lace pattern it makes a HUGE difference RIGHT SIDE versus WRONG SIDE...

Deborah A. Duchon, Research Associate for Applied Research in Anthropology at Georgia State University

So I contacted her... that's how the interview came to be and she left with several of my items that I let her take with her for a very small reimbursement as I felt kind of honored to be included in such a PERMANENT Display.

Yes, on Friday, May 27, 1994, I got up at 5:00 AM for being there for the hands-on workshop and demonstration of my crafts

Me at the Teaching Museum with part of my display

CROCHET (THE NETHERLANDS)

The artist studied horticulture with emphasis on mushrooms. 

Her husband's job brought them to Georgia – he is also a

mushroom expert. They both now work as international 

mushroom consultants. The artist learned crochet as a child

 and now uses it to occupy time on long business trips:

'There's not much to do at night in the Indonesian 

countryside,' she says. 'Luckily, I can always crochet.'

~

Sadly, two of my most sentimental hand crocheted lace handkerchiefs got stolen that morning... 

One was my bridal handkerchief. Such sentimental value can never be replaced... 

I could buy again the fine Swiss batiste and the French DMC tatting yarn, adding about 7 hours of patience to make another one.

See link below where I recreated a replica of it.

This got published in the Atlanta Journal Constitution on June 9, 1994...

Deborah did send me this poor copy at the end of the year.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution wrote a huge error:

Youngsters (yep, 150 rude kids that screamed the one insult after another... calling me a racist and on and on) also got to see embroidery of all kind crafted by Vedder, (NOT TRUE it was crocheted lace work and knitted lace!) who lives in 

Dublin, GA, and works as a mushroom 

consultant. She says she has been creating

 things with her hands since she was a child. 

Vedder said she learned to crochet 

as a child because school officials in Holland 

saw it as a way for children to build motor skills.

~ 

On July 16, 1994 upon return from our work in Indonesia, I had to contact Ms. Duchon again as from the other lady at the Teaching Museum South there was no reply in regard to my missing crocheted lace handkerchiefs. 

Also I remarked; Being a teacher myself, I have also to comment on the far too big groups you had that day (twice 75 kids for one hour!). No way that one can handle them. Not the least that they get proper attention to actually learn something!

All I ever got was the above poor copy, neither photos as promised earlier... Never heard about the missing pieces.

Due to the glare of those glass cases in the above video, Pieter wanted to return somewhat later for making professional photos with the right equipment. 

The entire display had vanished – their version of PERMANENT?

Indeed both of us did LEARN A LOT!

Related links:

{My Hand Knitted Silk Lace Shawl in Peacock Pattern} | previous post by me

{Today I turned 17!} | post showing also photo from interview for Teaching Museum

{My Lace Crocheted Handkerchief #1} | showing a replica of my original stolen bridal handkerchief + 5 more crocheted lace handkerchiefs

My First Trip to Prague with Pieter

 On September 22 of 1996, we both went on a 12–day bus tour from the South of The Netherlands to Prague, Budapest and Vienna.

Arrival in Prague, at our Opatov hotel and enjoying the national drink, a Becherovka

Ready for dinner in my Escada outfit from the Outlet.

The Chanel belt bag proved very handy on this trip. Found it at the Jakarta Chanel boutique.

After dinner we went into the city for enjoying Krizikova Fountain.

This musical fountain got built in 1891

That was quite impressive!

Next day we went to view this 14th Century Gothic Cathedral of Our Lady before Týn, with its 80 m (262 ft) tall spires.

Having my Burberry umbrella on the ready... Wearing my Burberry blazer and Chanel loafers over Escada trousers and top (Outlet treasures!)

This Gothic Cathedral is right on the Old Town Square in Prague.

To the right in a cozy café is where we went for a coffee...

Our coffee stop was most welcome!

The vest I wear here is my own sewing creation... 

When I discovered those great Outlets here in the USA, I quit creating my own clothes!

Travel companion Enne de Groot from Texel, The Netherlands was so kind to make a picture of the two of us!

Pieter in his still favorite Burberry shirt, a tax-free find while doing our mushroom consulting work.

After our coffee by 12 noon we went to see the Old Town Hall.

That's where the 12 Apostles come by at those two top windows above the Astronomical Clock known as the Orloj, after their shutters open at the hour.

Old Town Hall got establishes in 1338!

See more here for a 3D virtual tour and Video.

We started our guided walking tour here at the River Moldau

The famous Charles Bridge in Prague that crosses the Vltava River.

Its construction began in 1357 and completed in the 15th Century. 

Replacing the previous Judith Bridge, constructed from 1158–1172, that got damaged by a flood in 1342.

On the Charles Bridge, at the copper embossed image of St. John of Nepomuk, the court priest of King Wenceslas IV. 

He got tortured and drowned in the River Vltava.

  By touching it, you could make a pious wish.

Prague even proves to be beautiful on a very cloudy day...

We enjoyed a knowledgeable guide to walk through the city.

She spoke Dutch and she even picked up that I came from the South, from Limburg; impressive!

It took a few hours, this guided walking tour!

Both of us found in an old alley a cozy restaurant... Pieter looking very happy for finally sharing this fabulous city also with me!

Next day on September 24, we go to the other side of Prague to see the St. Vitus Cathedral and Castle.

Exceptional stained glass work in the St. Vitus Cathedral 

This is Art Nouveau style in the Arch Bishop's chapell

Next day we went on our way to Budapest...

Have any of you been to Prague?

Related links:

Czechian Mushroom Scientist Friend Miroslav Staněk | previous post

Czechian Mushroom Scientist Friends Ivan Jablonský and Antonín Srb | previous post

My 2nd Trip with Husband Pieter to Budapest in FREE Hungary | post about the Budapest part

Our Fabulous Vienna Stay with Strauss Concert by Vienna Hofburg Orchestra | next post...

Daring to Alter 7/8 Pants into Knickerbockers

If your legs are very long, certain pants can look rather odd...

So, what do you think?

Looking better as a Knickerbockers or not... 

Too late for reversing my decision at this time!

Done on September 1st, 1985...

Still got the knickerbockers and also these shoes.

Top got stolen in Indonesia, loved its cotton comfort.

Photo from April 23, 1988 showing you both legs being 'knickerbocker' style... 😏

Pieter Made Brick and Wooden Pole Edging

After building the patio and cover Pieter also made a brick edging alongside the driveway and to the front door.

Around the flower beds he used wooden poles that got first impregnated.

Pieter has hand sawn them all on his sawbuck!

Brick edging around front of house and alongside driveway...

All along the driveway is a brick edging as well, and to the left you see the wooden pole edging also.

Here you clearly see the round poles that edge the flower beds.

Showing the impregnated wooden poles from above...

Wooden poles and the brick edging alongside driveway...

All photos are from Sunday, June 23, 1985 and the fan in the veranda got hung the day before.
Our favorite reading place... The British Mushroom Journal is on the table.
Those blue cushions and pillows, I've sewn myself and that Smyrna rug I've also done myself; knotted with a latch hook...
Both of us have always been rather productive.

From Singapore to Jakarta and SURPRISE upon arrival at our Villa

On March 2, 1992 we arrived from Singapore (where we spent one night after our consulting work period in India), in Jakarta.
Remember, that I found the magazine with mention of our boss on the cover...
Bad news!

By taxi we arrived at the Hyatt Aryaduta Hotel.

We now had the kitty room decor in the Regency Club.

We go for a coffee with petit-four in the private lounge, with wonderful view from this height.

On March 3, after a good night sleep, we flew to Yogyakarta, Central Java, where we arrived around 15:00 and the driver was waiting for us.

A lovely drive up into the mountains of a good two hours.

Then awaits us a big surprise.

Things looked suspicious, with so many people at the gate of our villa... and the police was there, with security people from Dieng Djaya, our company.

Turned out that they'd robbed our villa for the 3rd time.

What a sight, what a mess, what an experience to find your home like this. 
Pieter's Royal Gift, purchased at Harrods, London, the Tanner Krolle Attaché was cut to pieces... see previous post below.

Ideally, you would love to turn around and fly home to the USA...
Our books and training material they left untouched!

Not only robbing but vandalizing... On the bed are the cut off sleeves (see text I've added) of my most favorite jeans suit that Miss Yati, my couture seamstress did create for me.

It was so soft and pleasant to wear and you can see it here in this short video:

1991, June 24 - A Touch of Ireland In The Heart Of Georgia ←click link and watch on YouTube

~
We did move into a guest bungalow on the premises of the company.
We decided to quit, even if our contract said we had to come back three more periods of two months!

The company being in financial trouble...
It's not worth all the stress, aside form having to wait for our travel expenses being reimbursed; we were still waiting on quite a sum of money...
On March 9 and 16, Pieter goes with me to the University clinic in Yogyakarta for having several fillings and also his partial repaired. It was not easy, understanding the dentist when he spoke while wearing his mask! But I managed to translate, and communicate while Pieter just 'opened' up his mouth for treatment! I also had my teeth cleaned.
We laughed a lot also.
We got a copy of the police report and had to hand in our Buku Biru (work permit) for our departure visa.
Pieter read in his new book from Scarlet, the sequel of Gone with the Wind.
(We only last week, finally found the time to watch the two video tapes of the movie... catching up on our life after completing our book!)
On March 19, the six perpetrators of the robbery in our villa got caught...
On March 20, we bring our Brabantia ironing board to Yati, my seamstress, so she can use it.
March 22, we visit the boarding school for saying our goodbye to all the girls that frequented our home on Sunday afternoons.

March 27, in Yogyakarta at Malioboro I found some sandals to wear.
Remember that both of us had given our hightops away to the compost people in India, since we had several pairs of shoes in Indonesia. ZERO!
April 2, on our way down from the Dieng Plateau area where the mushroom farms were located, we saw a cow tied to a beam on the bridge to be slaughtered. Not a very exhilarating sight... In these days around Idul Fitri, there is a lot of slaughter going on.
April 3, we went to Solo and the Kraton.
We also bought our final, fresh durian and ate half of it...

April 5, made photos from my LONG hair. Longest hair ever.
April 8, we say our final goodbye at the boarding school, you feel that there is true affection here, especially with Agnes, Wiwik and actually all of them!
We will not soon forget them...
On april 9, together with our driver Praytno and his wife, we depart for Jakarta, by car.
A beautiful route, via Banjarnegara, Purwokerto etc., in the direction of Cirebon (where Pieter's eldest brother was stationed). We arrived timely in Jakarta via the Interstate, for the final stretch it went rather rapid.
April 10, on Friday we go to the ABN/AMRO Bank for guilders, the Hyatt Aryaduta's neighboring Umum Bank Nasional did not have them. We now have a far smaller bundle of money... Those Rupiahs add up into the millions rather quick.
 We check out and went to the airport with our 92 kg of luggage.
We would have to pay at least a fee over 15 excessive kilos, US $ 430. 
Well, I had a feeling and luckily had put the photos in my purse to show that we got robbed and cleaned out, and this was ALL what was left.
The lady disappeared to discuss with her manager and came back with vouchers for the first class lounge and NO FEE. Pieter had to change his shirt, he got hot from all this. But now we could relax in the first class lounge. Pieter told me that I had to go shop and find me something special since I'd earned it!

That's when I bought the hand painted silk batik stole that I converted into a bolero.
Photo shows my sewing creation from that hand painted with gold silk batik stole...
~
Around 19:00  we depart on KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, from Jakarta to Amsterdam in seats 24 A+B... with mixed feelings but rather relieved, now that all the stress is behind us.

To be continued...

Related link:

Adventure in Madras India, now Chennai | previous post by me

{Pieter’s Tanner Krolle Attaché - Royal Gift purchased at Harrods by English Friend} | previous post

72 Years Later... Gevaphone Spoken Letters to Military Brother Employed Overseas | previous post
1948 Gevaphone Record with Young Pieter Playing his Accordion for Brother in Uniform | previous post
{Our arrival in Jakarta, Indonesia} | previous post with view from private lounge in Hyatt Aryaduta, Jakarta
{Angels engraved on lucky calendar coin of 1969} | previous post showing the silk batik bolero in final photo

Pieter in Suspenders Then and Now

Whenever one travels, there is a chance you come upon unique finds.

Thus was the case on our trip to South Africa where husband Pieter lectured at a conference and where both of us traveled all around for visiting numerous mushroom farms. 

On Monday, November 18 of 1985, we found this couture shirt of Lanvin for only $ 32.00 due to the fluctuation of the South African Rand.

Here on June 22, 1986 husband Pieter is wearing it with his white cotton pique pants and leather suspenders.

Fast forward, 24 years later, same husband, same cotton pique pants and new leather suspenders.

Now paired with an Outlet find from Last Call by Neiman Marcus at the Colonnade Outlets at Sawgrass, FL.

This is a Brioni shirt, that we found for a steal!

Husband Pieter never gained any weight, just like me; same size all the time.

The Brioni shirt needs to be worn with cuff links but Pieter got several pair.

You can also see the detail of the pique pants where I stitched the crease, so it always stays in impeccable and thus avoiding a double crease.

See previous post below.

Do you like suspenders?

Related link:

Part II - Pretoria and Sandton City, South Africa | previous post by me, where we purchased Pieter's Lanvin shirt in Sandton, S.A.

{TIP on how to avoid a Double Crease in Pants} | previous post by me 

Netherlands Open Air Museum with Mom & Dad and American Colleague's Wife

For a business trip to The Netherlands, with several of Pieter's colleagues from Campbell Soup, I also took care of the wife of his colleague.

We all went to the Dutch Mushroom Days on the day before and sealed it off with a dinner at the famous Turfhoeve, in Sevenum, The Netherlands.

Pieter's American 'boss' could not end the day and thus we landed in bed by 2:35 AM!

Again, rising early after a few hours and I dropped Pieter off at the Experimental Station where the excursion started (his boss remained in bed...).

Then, I continued with Mom & Dad and Mary-Jo, the wife of his Campbell Soup colleague from the USA.

We were going to visit the Open Air Museum in Arnhem, The Netherlands on May 30 of 1986...

Well, I'd been here before and this photo shows me in October of 1971, when we went with all colleagues from the Practical Training College for Mushroom Growing together as a day's outing!

On one of the old bridges, with a windmill in the back.

Wearing my own sewing creation, dress made from a Burda pattern in a rayon fabric.
Standing on a Double Drawbridge, you will see later in more detail.

Two of my colleagues and me on the right...
Beautiful home and windmill from the Zaan region, North Holland in the back behind the canal.

Husband Pieter made this photo for his photo club, before we immigrated.
Open Air Museum Arnhem had homes from centuries old from most Provinces.

Some of the very special Dutch gavel homes from the Zaan region, North Holland...

Don't really know what this is...
Probably Willy from De tante van Tjorven would know!

And this... It might have to do something with Suriname, Curaçao or other Dutch Caribbean Island or any of the former Indonesian colonial buildings.

Typical Dutch Double Drawbridge from the Zaan region as we have so many over the canals...

Thatched roof homes and a water well in front.

This Open Air Museum is so realistic, all the way! This is a typical Dutch landscape with its black and white cows.

One could stroll around for hours... and probably for days!

Yes, complete with authentic gardens!

Interior with tiled walls...

The following are from slides by G. J. Derksen who also published books about Open Air Museum Arnhem.
It is the Living Room Farmhouse from Budel, North Brabant.

Interior Farmhouse from Staphorst, Overijssel

Interior Farmhouse from Zeijen, Drenthe

Parlor from Hindeloopen in Friesland
Notice the steps to the 'Bedstee' (cabinet bed)?
Also called Box-Bed or Closet-Bed (cupboard bed) and in French Lit-Clos...

Kitchen Farmhouse from Midlum in Friesland

Parlor Farmhouse from Midlum in Friesland

Two Mills from Huizen and Delft in North Holland, picture by F. van Heetkamp

Drainage Mill from Noordlaren in Groningen by F. van de Heetkamp

Sheepcote from Daarle, Overijsel by F. van de Heetkamp

Veluwse Farmhouse from Vierhouten, Gelderland by F. van de Heetkamp
Husband Pieter is born in such a 17th Century home!
Sadly it got destroyed during WWII...
Above photo is also from the Province where Pieter is born!
Interior Fisherman's Cottage from Marken, North Holland by G. J. Derksen

Fisherman's Cottage from Marken, North Holland by F. van de Heetkamp
With Mom & Dad and our American guest we drove back via a bakery in Wanssum for some typical Limburgse 'vlaai' a special pie.
Back home at Mom & Dad's place also Pieter joined us for a farewell coffee with pie...
Mom & Dad enjoyed the American lady and they had so much in common, same size family and same religion.
It was a special day for ALL!

Thank you for your visit and comment

Related link:
{My Teacher, Mentor, BOSS & Husband over 44+ Years} | previous post by me where you can see my 1st photo...