“I never saw such a big building [Ellis Island] – the size of it. I think the size of it got to me. According to the houses I left in my town, this was like a whole city in one, in one building. It was an enormous thing to see, I tell you. I almost felt smaller than I am to see that beautiful [building], it looked beautiful. My basket, my little basket, that’s all I had with me. There was hardly any things. My mother gave me the sorrah [kind of sandwich], and I had one change of clothes. That’s what I brought from Europe.”
Celia Adler
Russia
Arrived in 1914 – age 12
Objective:
Students will read and listen to excerpts of oral histories of immigrant’s experiences coming to Ellis Island. They will look at images of steamer ships and Ellis Island and make collaged illustrations of these accounts.
Historic Tale Construction Cit is a Flash based site where you can make your own Bayeux Tapestry. You can add castles, forts, beasts, brave warriors, long boats and trees! Finish it off with your own "embroidered" text.
An interview with Anna L. Dallapiccola, former Professor of Indian Art at the South Asia Institute at Heidelberg, Germany about narratives in Indian Textiles. (via Sanskrit Literature)
Homespun House is a relatively new blog that already has some great resources for hand sewn projects with tompics ranging from needle types to rug hooking.
Students will learn about Contemporary African American Artist, Faith Ringgold's story quilts and make their own quilt using acrylic paints, muslin, and recycled fabric scraps. Check out the marvelous outcomes of this lesson!
