|
Where exceptional
Previous Miniature |
Miniature of the MonthPrincess Diana Black Sheep Sweater Princess Diana black sheep sweater. PHOTO: Julie Steiner
One of our newest acquisitions has been created by a miniaturist who is as immersed in celebrating art, education and history as we are. Julie Steiner, the artisan who micro knitted the famous Princess Diana black sheep sweater in 1/12th scale also works at the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which houses one of the most prestigious impressionist and post-impressionist art collections in the world. The sweater, as many of you may know, has a history all its own. The original was first worn by Diana Spencer in 1981 just months before she would become the Princess of Wales. It made the pages of the British press again in 1983, but for different reasons as some believed the princess may have been sending out a message. True or not, the full-size sweater became a fashion sensation and is still manufactured today. Its recent popularity may be in part due to the fact that Diana’s original sweater (there were actually two, but’s that’s another story) sold last fall for more than a million dollars at auction. Kaye purchased our fine-scale sweater at the IGMA Guild School auction last summer and interest in it was quite high. In fact, Qatari collector Ahmed Al-Thani told Kaye if she had stopped bidding he would have purchased it for her as it belongs with Spencer House. He has visited the collection in Maysville and understands her connection to our premier exhibit depicting Princess Di’s ancestral home in miniature. Kaye was quite touched by his thoughtful gesture.  Julie creating the black sheep sweater. PHOTO: Julie Steiner
Julie, who some of you may know as @ridiculoustinythings on Instagram, is a delightful individual. She creates a variety of items, including teddy bears less than one inch tall and adorable granny square crocheted afghans. In addition to the black sheep sweater, she has knitted several other iconic 1/12th scale fashion pieces—many with a story. There’s the Taylor Swift cardigan, a Frank Klee version and Schiaparelli bow knot sweater all created with fine silk thread using steel knitting needles less than 1/32th of an inch in diameter and five inches long. Like many miniaturists, Julie had an affinity for tiny things that blossomed during the pandemic when she was able to devote her attention to it. But, unlike many miniaturists, she does not sell her art commercially, only to museums or collectors, saying, “I like the idea of each item standing on its own as an original work of art.” Now, as her black sheep sweater is making its debut in a museum, Julie couldn’t be more gratified. “Because I’m a lifelong museum person and a professional in the field, to me it’s the highest honor. For the public to see something I’ve made and react to it, and thinking of people experiencing the nostalgia of their own personal feelings about Lady Diana, back in the day, or to remember how they felt when they saw her wearing that sweater—I feel connected to all of those people. That’s the magic of both craft and miniatures.”  Julie Steiner when she saw her sweater displayed in Spencer House. PHOTO: Kathy McNeely Look for the Princess Diana’s black sheep sweater in Spencer House by Mulvany & Rogers and read the full story on the sweater and Julie’s Iconic Knits Series in Dollhouse Miniatures issue 101.
|
 |
 |
KSB Miniatures Collection at The Kentucky Gateway Museum Center |
 |