I just heard that we've lost one of the giants in needlework. Jane Zimmerman died earlier this week.
She was an incredible designer and stitcher. Her work was meticulous, not only in execution but in the research behind every stitch. She retired from active teaching over ten years ago, but maintained a phenomenal website for several years afterward.
I was honored to stitch some of her models for her last few teaching engagements, but my first encounter with her was my first class at an EGA National Seminar. I walked into class knowing nothing about her or her reputation. I just liked the class project; it appealed to my love of historic needlework and looked challenging. And I'm always drawn to history and challenges.
The classroom was small, we were crammed in tighter than sardines, and apparently it was near one of the hotel's prep kitchens because it was not only overly warm but also steamy (and one afternoon, I swear they were cooking cabbage all day--it was not only steamy but also stinky).
Jane wasn't fazed by any of it. She held court despite the conditions--if there is such a thing as reincarnation, I think Elizabeth I was back. She led us through the challenges of the design, cracked jokes, told stories. She was magnificent!
And here's the piece:
There will never be another one like her, and I miss knowing she's in the world.
So sorry Ann to hear about the loss of Jane and the wonderful talent she had.
ReplyDeleteI have lost 3 friends this year .
Two were my stitching friends so sad.
Your work again is beautiful.
Enjoy your day.
Without doubt, doubt, Janewas extremely skilled and you learned a great deal our of her classes. She was not a impossibly difficult taskmaster but expected her students to read her instruction sheets and listen to her comments and be courteous to everyone in class.Remember as an intermediate needle-pointer learned a great deal from her pattern instructions and her helpful comments, Am currently finishing up (just less than 1 day to totally complete her Florentine Canvas Embroidery project after discovering it in my 'Will finish it someday..."stash. Am pleased how gorgeous it looks. Jane's comments that I take 2-3 intermediate needlepoint classes from other teachers in the Skein Lane needlework store was an excellent suggestion. Miss you Jane. Also have many of your printed instructions and booklets. As a retired teacher, I pretty much know the importance of a skilled and knowledgeable teacher. You indeed was one! Back to finishing my Florentine Needlepoint project and then turning it over to a seamstress to stitch on the color coordinating velveteen backing. Again, Jane was not rude or difficult but expected her students to listen, carefully read her project instructions and treat others with courtesy, Miss you Jane. but you were unbelievably patient and expected your students to be so.
ReplyDeleteMarlene, age 83,