Maker: Lindsay McWha

Panel number: 495

Petition sheet number: Did not sign 1893 petition

Person honouring: Jeanie Farries

Relationship to maker: Aunt

The summer holidays of my early teenage years were spent with Auntie Jeanie and during that time she encouraged me to try out different kinds of craftwork that she loved. As one of a family of five children, it was a singular time!

Scottish-born Auntie Jeanie was one of five children and my father’s sister. The Farries were a farming family and Jeanie’s role was as housekeeper to any of the family members who required help. She moved around the family as needed. 

I remember her best after she retired from housekeeping for her sister and husband, who lived in Belfast, Canterbury. Over the years, Jeanie’s leisure time was spent creating lovely embroidery, tatting and netting, and individually designed pieces. She was an accomplished, gentle, caring person, concerned about everyone’s welfare.

Jeanie died in 1969 aged 78 years.

Panel materials: The fabrics were sourced from Vinnies Re-Sew resources made available for this project at Wellington Museum. Threads from my own collection.