Maitland nurses who worked under horrific conditions taking care of injured soldiers during World War I used their off-duty time to embroider.
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A sample of their fancy work, as it was called, is on display at East Maitland Library as part of Maitland Embroiderers Anzac challenge.
Members were invited to create pieces to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Anzac Day and the Anzac spirit.
Dorothy Feneley, Minnie Mears, Minna Solling and Louisa Stobo (nee Scobie) are Maitland World War I nurses remembered in the display, which tells their story:
“Their care of badly injured servicemen was exceptional. Many nurses embroidered when off duty because this creative diversion provided a welcome break from their grim, horrific working conditions.”
Maitland Embroiderers member Kaye Smith embroidered a framed sample in memory of her great uncle Donald Newton, who served in World War I.
“He survived, but with the loss of his left forearm,” Ms Smith wrote.
The sample includes flanders poppies worked in single-thread in stump work.
East Maitland Library display is a sample of the work to go on exhibition at Tocal Homestead in September.
“The exhibition reflects the diversity of styles – quilts, felting, collage, thread painting, stump work (a difficult three-dimensional skill), counter cross-stitch and thread work,” Maitland Embroiderers president Josephine Thelander said.
“It also shows how important the Anzacs are to the people of Maitland.”
The group holds an exhibition once every three years.
The Tocal exhibition will be held on September 11, 12 and 13 from 10am until 3pm.