ARIADNE’S NAAIKUSSEN: Historische Handarbeits- und Nähutensilien
Draiflessen Collection, Mettingen, DE
15.10.2023 – 28.04.2024

An unique collection of historical needlework and sewing utensils
The Draiflessen Collection has had the "Stichting (collection) Ariadne's Naaikussen (sewing cushions)" since 2018. This extraordinary collection was put together over several decades by collector Clementine Kuttschrütter (née Brenninkmeijer). It comprises around 2,000 historical needlework and sewing utensils, a collection of textile patterns and a specialised library. Most of the precious treasures date from the 18th and 19th centuries and are skilfully made from valuable materials. They include not only widely used needlework utensils such as needles, scissors, thimbles and elaborate sewing boxes, but also less common items such as yarn balls, sewing clamps and shuttles for frivolous work.

Creative expressiveness and cultural richness
The presentation allows visitors to rediscover the practical significance and aesthetic beauty of these rare and fascinating objects. It will be accompanied by a series of events and workshops that offer visitors the opportunity to delve deeper into the fascinating world of historical needlework and sewing utensils and discover that some techniques that have fallen into oblivion could once again be of particular craftsmanship and aesthetic appeal today.
"We are thrilled to be able to present this extraordinary collection to the public," says curator Dr Maria Spitz. "ARIADNE'S NAAIKUSSEN gives us a fascinating insight into the world of craftsmanship and art, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries. The collection not only demonstrates the technical skills of the time, but also the creative expressiveness and cultural richness expressed in these skilfully designed objects."

First presentation of collection highlights
ARIADNE'S NAAIKUSSEN in THE Forum of the Draiflessen Collection presents highlights from this unique collection and marks the beginning of the scientific processing of this outstanding treasure. The exhibition also serves as a tribute to Clementine Kuttschrütter, who would have turned 90 in 2023. Image credit: Miniature sewing cushion, undated, © Draiflessen Collection, Ariadne's Naaikussen Collection, photo: Henning Rogge

Also from 04.01.2024:

For the second time, students from the Department of Textile Design at Osnabrück University have collaborated with the Draiflessen Collection in an exhibition context to explore the diversity of fashion and its origins in needlework.
Based on the collection of historical sewing and needlework utensils "Stichting Ariadne's Naaikussen", students revived an almost forgotten technique of lace making: Occhi.
Occhi (also known as shuttle or frivolity work) is a needlework technique in which lace is formed using a thread wound on a shuttle. But how was occhi originally made? What historical sources can we draw on if we want to relearn Occhi? And how can Occhi lace be interpreted in a contemporary way? The students asked themselves these and other questions while researching this topic and, not least, while making their handicrafts.
The delicate results of these theoretical and practical discussions will be on display at the Draiflessen Collection from 4 January to 28 April 2024 in the context of the first presentation of "Ariadne's Naaikussen".

Contributors
Daria Ivanov, Anja Leshoff, Christine Löbbers, Jessica Kirschmann, Celine Krumland, Kathrin Meese, Tamara Olmer, Elisa Prigge.

More information: https://www.draiflessen.com/articles/1124?locale=de