Trim c. 20th century

This strip of woven trim, likely made by the Sisters of the Order of St. Benedict, is all about thoughtful arrangement and simple geometry. The crosses and diamonds march along in a steady rhythm, hemmed in by those gently scalloped borders. Looking closely, you can see the fabric's texture and the weave that gives the piece its structure. There's a visual depth here, achieved through layering color and pattern. The repeated motifs speak to the time and care taken in its making. It's not just about the design, but about the labor of creation itself, each stitch, each pass of the shuttle building up the whole. I'm reminded of Anni Albers, who similarly explored the possibilities of weaving as a means of pictorial expression, where the grid-like structure of the loom becomes a canvas for the artist's ideas. Ultimately this trim invites us to slow down, look closely, and appreciate the beauty in the handmade.