Born in 1880, Ethel Steadman lived in Dubbo, New South Wales, Australia, where she owned a popular fruit shop. But not only did she sell fruit from her shop, she was also a fortune-teller who did readings in her back room (something she did until she was 97!).
To help with her divination, Ethel created a large tapestry of sorts with over 300 different symbols on it, all of which she embroidered herself.
She called her oracular needlework ‘Jacky’ and used it to peer into the future of both her clients, as well as the history of Dubbo.
Take a look at the video below from ABC Open Western Plains NSW to see Ethel and her beautiful work. I just love it. It’s making me want to embroider too.