Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection
Photographed by George A. Leinonen
Center for Knit and Crochet
centerforknitandcrochet.org
How large is the Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection?
Ms. Vallejo’s collection (digital.centerforknitandcrochet.org/mcvcollection) includes over 500 handmade accessories, clothing items, and textiles for the home made during the late nineteenth to the middle twentieth centuries. Center for Knit and Crochet will feature more than 350 of these textiles online in its free digital collections starting in November 2024.
Who made the textiles in the Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection?
The textiles were made by and collected by Maria C. Vallejo, her family, and her friends. Many of the makers of these textiles, and their personal histories of use, are unknown.
Why is CKC hosting the Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection?
CKC believes offering public access to Ms. Vallejo’s personal collection of handwork will bring more attention to the vastly underappreciated art and craft of knitting, crochet, and related needle arts.
First, CKC hopes seeing Ms. Vallejo’s collection online will inspire more private collectors and collecting institutions to use CKC’s free digital collections to preserve and share their collections with makers and the public, increasing opportunities for preservation, education, scholarship, and enjoyment of these crafts.
Second, CKC is centering the needs and interests of makers in developing its online collections. CKC invites makers and their families to use CKC’s Community Collection, and related tools and resources, to preserve their own photos, stories, and personal achievements in these crafts, before it is too late.
Upload your own photos and stories to CKC’s free digital collections today, or contact [email protected] for more information and help to get started. Whether you add one item or many to CKC’s digital collections, you are helping to preserve and share a fuller and more inclusive history of these crafts.
How is the Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection cataloged?
CKC cataloged the collection using basic visual descriptions of each item along with technical details regarding the techniques used. Ms. Vallejo’s personal observations and recollections about many of the textiles are also included.
By providing digital access to this collection, CKC hopes to engage all types of visitors in viewing and adding to what we know about these textiles. Online visitors are invited to provide additional details about the items in the digital collection. Email us: [email protected].
What textile techniques are featured in the Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection, how do I identify them, and how do I learn more about them?
The Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection includes knitting, crochet, tatting, bobbin lace, pulled thread lace, embroidery, quilting, and more.
CKC created a companion gallery of techniques to help visitors to learn to recognize the many different needlework techniques featured in the collection.
CKC also created a resource list that will be updated as we have new information to encourage visitors to explore additional sources of information about these textiles on their own.
CKC will provide programs and events in 2025 to expand public appreciation for this collection and for the different types of needlework it includes. Please join CKC, or subscribe to our general email list to learn about future events related to this collection, and to support future collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.
Who took the photographs of the Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection?
Maria C. Vallejo personally prepared and staged each textile, and Mr. George A. Leinonen photographed them, using AI-assisted technology to improve the clarity and detail of the photos. Their artistic collaboration enables CKC to offer unprecedented access to Ms. Vallejo’s collection, facilitating public enjoyment of these textiles, and increasing opportunities for scholarship for generations to come. Mr. Lenionen retains the copyright to his photos. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Will more textiles be added to the Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection?
CKC will continue to add more items from Ms. Vallejo’s collection if and as the collector and photographer have the time and interest to photograph them. CKC also plans to add more private and special collections to its free digital resources.
How can I use the Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection?
The Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection will be online and exclusive to the Center for Knit and Crochet indefinitely. Copyright for the images remains with the photographer, George A. Leinonen. Contact [email protected] for more information.
How do I add my own items to CKC’s digital collections?
You can add your own items to CKC’s Community Collection, or contact us at [email protected] if you have lots of items or need assistance.
Join us for opening events!
To view the Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection, Photographed by George A. Leinonen, visit CKC’s digital museum. To view additional images and resources about the Maria C. Vallejo Lace Collection, and to register for the opening event on Sunday, February 16, 2025, visit CKC’s website.