When Menya Ruth Wolfe died in 2001, she left behind many tangible items that were filled with her essence and our memories. There were the beautiful fabrics she loved to wear, stray pieces of jewellery, buttons, bows and trinkets in great variety, some small unfinished art projects and other souvenirs of her life. Rather than have these fragments lost, it was decided to celebrate Menya's life by creating a series of wall hangings or banners for her friends and family. Although they are varied in style and construction, each banner contains not only some aspect of Menya's personality but, also, some real part of her possessions. Additional fabric was used where necessary to complete the banners, but every one contains something (or many things) that had been important to Menya. (There may still be a few stray photos to add here, so remember to refresh your page if you return.).

All the visible work has been done by hand, but I would like to thank Menya's great-aunt, Mary McKague, for the use of her sewing machine. (I also have to thank Aunt Mary for forgiving me. I broke her second-last needle as I was attaching the backing to one of the pieces). Many thanks too to my cousin, Joan Hookings, for her skill in enlarging some of my ideas to fit the fabric. (I can sew, but I cannot draw.) It has been a great pleasure to make these and I hope the recipients enjoy the end results as much as I have enjoyed the process.

This page will take a fairly long time to load, because of the number and size of the pictures. My apologies.

If you have any questions, I can be reached at linda@mckague.com.

Amber_cat.jpg	You can't think of Menya without thinking of cats! This one is black velvet on grey velvet, with embroidered whiskers. The eyes are pieces of Menya's amber. This is for her friend Willow Rygula.	Amber_cat_detail.JPG	detail of amber beads and embroidery
Angel.jpg	The dress is green sari silk from one of Menya's costumes. The wings are damask satin from one of her robes. The jewel at the neck is an earring. This piece was designed for her friend and care-giver, Janet Somerville.	Angel_detail.jpg	detail of attached jewellery
Art_interrupted.jpg	The brushes and pieces of unfinished enamelling here are from Menya's tool box. The round disks look as if they might have been intended for the SCA. The face of each disk depicts a different creature, and there is a common crest on the reverse. This is for Menya's father, Morris Wolfe.	Art_interrupted_detail.jpg	The finished banner is slightly different from the picture here because I added one more item and rearranged the brushes, but did not take another photo.
Band_of_roses.jpg	This is silk batik taken from one of Menya's robes. The background is rose velvet. This is for her friend and caregiver Kate Baggot who tells me it has a place of honour in her home.	Band_of_roses_detail.jpg	detail of a single rose element
Batik_and_silver.jpg	This batik material was in with her tools. The two attachments are odd earrings. This hanging was given to Menya's long-time friends, David and Christopher. (I'm sorry that last names are not included here. I wrote them on a piece of paper I have managed to lose. Perhaps someone could let me know them again.)	Batik_and_silver_detail.jpg	detail of attached jewellery
Beaded_flowers.JPG	This piece is made up of scraps of silk from various garments. Most of the beads are from Menya's jewellery. The vines and stems are embroidered. The flowers are quilted. This is for her close friend and former neighbour, Ian Mahaffy.	Beaded_flowers_detail.JPG	detail of beads and quilting
Beads_and_batik.jpg	This is made from one of Menya's favourite batik garments. It is unlined and can be hung on a wall or in a window. The beads were found among her jewellery. This banner has been spoken for.	Beads_and_batik_detail.jpg	detail of beads and blanket stitching
Bear_claw.jpg	The bear claw at the bottom of this hanging was awarded to Menya for a song she composed within the SCA. The braid is made of moosehide and is mounted on burgundy taffeta. This braid is without beginning or end and appears in several aboriginal cultures as a representation of infinity. This hanging is for Menya's nephew, Noah Wolfe-Parthun.	Bear_claw_detail.JPG	detail of claw and moosehide on taffeta
Belled_taffeta.JPG	This is a combination of Menya's taffeta damask fabric and black velvet. A single element from the taffeta is used in the centre of a burgundy velvet rectangle. Small bells add to the medieval flavour. This is for Brad Richmond, Menya's brother-in-law.	Belled_taffeta_detail.JPG	detail of bells on ribbon
Bird_on_bough.JPG	This piece is made from fabric taken from two of Menya's robes. Elements from the white damask are cut out and applied to the red satin. The damask is also used as a backing. The single bird earring was among her bits of jewellery. Some quilting has been added. This is for Menya's long-time friend, Monica Hultin.	Bird_on_bough_detail.JPG	detail of earring on satin
Black_and_Blue.jpg	This is a panel of the batik fabric which was in Menya's toolbox with other treasures. It is for Tanya Couch, who was a harp student of Menya's.	Black_and_Blue_detail.jpg	detail of batik pattern
Blue_fish.JPG	This batik fabric was taken from one of Menya's shirts. Individual fish elements have been matched up and attached to the bottom as a tassel. This banner is for Menya's father, Morris Wolfe, who has a fondness for fishes.	Blue_fish_detail.JPG	detail of fish tassel
Blue_velvet.jpg	Flowers from one of Menya's robes have been cut out, applied to her favourite shade of blue velvet, and then quilted. A little accent stitching was added. The tassel is silver and blue. This one is for Pete.	Blue_velvet_detail.jpg	detail of flower and decorative stitching
Bouncing_the_moon.jpg	This single dragon motif came from a larger table scarf. It has been embellished with crystal paint and mounted on velvet. A velvet moon and stars have been added. This is for Ross Goodfellow, who became Menya's personal sound technician, as well as her friend. This banner is a companion piece to Guarding the Moon.	Bouncing_the_moon_detail.jpg	detail of dragon and moon
Bouquet.JPG	This is made of red and green satin flowers and leaves from Menya's fabrics. They are stitched to a piece of her "medieval" robe which already had the ribbon trim attached. There are two embroidered ladybugs with gold bead eyes. This is for Anneke van Nooten, who knew her from her earliest days.	Bouquet_detail.JPG	detail of ladybug
Breakaway.JPG	Menya had several articles of clothing made from this particular batik design. A triangle of fabric and an individual fish element have been applied to velvet. The bubbles are buttons from the batik dress. In true Menya fashion, one fish refuses to be confined and insists on asserting its independence. This banner is for Aedan and Caffa, who met Menya when she joined the SCA as a teenager and watched her grow up to become someone special to them.	Breakaway_detail.JPG	detail of single fish and button bubbles
Buttoned_batik.jpg	This long narrow piece is made from a piece of batik fabric which had been tucked away in Menya's tool box. The fringe was added, as were the buttons from batik dress of hers. This hanging has been chosen by Brenda Roy (Mistress Breanaidh of the SCA).	Buttoned_batik_detail.jpg	detail of fringe and buttons
Chiffon_and_velvet.JPG	This is grey velvet, overlaid with a piece of Menya's chiffon scarf. The velvet has a grey and silver tassel and the chiffon has a pendant of wooden and carved Chinese beads. This piece has been given to Menya's old SCA friend, Tarver the Pole (Tarver Szwejkowski).	Chiffon_and_velvet_detail.JPG	detail of beads and tassel
Comfort_heart.JPG	This is Menya's pewter "comfort heart" , used in the same manner as worry beads. It is on striped silk and navy silk. This is for Marjeiry Robinson, friend, caregiver, dragon boat buddy and comforter.	Comfort_heart_detail.JPG	detail of pewter heart
Cosmic_sampler.JPG	This banner is put together from velvet scraps from Menya's fabric treasure chest. They are embroidered and beaded in a free form style, then stitched to a black velvet background which has been partially crystallized. This banner is for Eleanor Nielson, one of Menya's dragon-boat teammates.	Cosmic_sampler_detail.jpg	detail of embroidered star
Crystal.JPG	The background here is a piece of Menya's taffeta shirt. Gold and green metallic cord was added and the pendant is her quartz crystal set in gold. This was designed for Menya's sister-in-law, Felice Parthun.	Crystal_detail.JPG	detail of crystal and cording
Dark_flowers.jpg	The flowers are from Menya's silk batik robe. The background is burgundy taffeta. This is for her well-loved niece, Emma Wolfe-Parthun.	Dark_flowers_detail.JPG	detail of silk batik quilted onto burgundy taffeta
Dragon_circle.jpg	The centre dragon was taken from a large fringed table scarf and attached with satin and metallic cord to the back of Menya's cream shirt. The small dragon pendant and Chinese bead were found among odd pieces of her jewellery. The dragon is one of the pendants worn by members of her dragon boat team, Dragons Abreast. This is special for too many reasons to list for her mother, Carla McKague.	Dragon_circle_detail.jpg	detail of dragon pendant and Chinese bead
Falling_flowers.jpg	The silk flowers and fan are cut from a wonderful painted scarf of Menya's and applied to the back of a silk shirt. This was an early attempt which was not entirely successful. Menya's cousin Michelle took it to brighten up her room at college.	Fans_and_stars.jpg	Metallic fabric was added to highlight the fans, which are made from Menya's handpainted silk scarf. Everything was applied to purple silk. This was an early attempt which was not entirely successful. Michelle McKague took it to brighten up her room at college.
Flowering_vine.JPG	The flowers on this banner are all fragments of a beautiful painted silk scarf of Menya's. The background is white silk and the leaves come from another scrap of her silks. The flowers, leaves and vine are quilted. This is for Leigh Baetz who not only stood up for Menya at high school, but did the same at her wedding.	Flowering_vine_detail.JPG	detail of flowers and quilting
Fringed_dragon.jpg	This comes from a larger piece of batik fabric, retaining the fringe at the bottom. It is unlined, for use in a window if desired. This is for Jeffrey Forgeng, her old SCA friend.	Fringed_dragon_detail.jpg	detail of fringe at bottom of hanging
Fringed_scarf.JPG	This is made from a corner of a square silk scarf of Menya's and a panel from one of her silk shirts. The decoration at the top was assembled from two pieces of her broken jewellery to make a new brooch. This is for Morris.	Fringed_scarf_detail.JPG	detail of silver and brass jewellery
Goldfish.jpg	This is made from a batik dress of Menya's -- one of three articles of clothing she had that used this fabric.	Goldfish_detail.jpg	detail of fish elements
Goldfish_on_black.JPG	This is another panel of the goldfish fabric.	Goldfish_pair.jpg	These panels may be hung singly or as a pair. They are unlined. The fabric is an Indonesian batik and was a real favourite of Menya's. This set is for Faye Benn, a devoted member of her team of caregivers.
Gold_harp.jpg	This is gold taffeta quilted onto green sari silk from one of Menya's costumes. This is for Iain Phillips. Iain and his harps had a special place in Menya's life and he tells me this banner will have a special place in his home in her memory.	Gold_harp_detail.jpg	detail of embroidery on original sari
Graeme's_dragon.jpg	Here is a taffeta dragon with a gold bead and hematite eye. There is a silver outline of a turreted castle in the background. This was a special request from Menya's special nephew, Graeme Richmond, who wanted his dragon to have a fancy eye and breathe lots of fire.	Graeme's_dragon_detail.jpg	Graeme wanted "lots of fire" and here it is!
Guarding_the_moon.jpg	This single dragon motif was taken from a larger table scarf. It was embellished with crystal paint and mounted on velvet. A velvet moon and stars were also added. This is for Roben Goodfellow, Menya's confidante, caregiver and far too frequent partner-in-crime. This is a companion piece to Bouncing the Moon.	Guarding_the_moon_detail.jpg	detail of dragon and stars
Harlequin_sleeve.jpg	This piece has a slightly "fishy" appearance because the shape of the purple velvet sleeve was not modified. The cuff buttons were also retained. Strips of different colours of the silk scraps were woven together and Menya's pearls and a tassel have been added. This hanging is for Don Weitz, who thought of Menya as "almost family".	Harlequin_sleeve_detail.jpg	detail of basket weave and pearls
Hatchling.JPG	The batik dragon is a single element taken from a larger piece of Menya's fabric. It was made translucent and applied to navy blue wool. The egg is a piece of skirt fabric. The cracks in the eggshell were added with crystal paint. This is for Graeme Richmond, her nephew.	Hatchling_detail.JPG	detail of hatchling and egg
Hat_brim.JPG	The centre circle here is the brim of a hat Menya wore when she lost her hair. The steel hoop is a single earring. The hatband is added as the bottom trim on a crimson velvet background. This is for Helena van Nooten who knew Menya from the time she was a child.	Hat_brim_detail.JPG	detail of steel earring on velvet
Hoop-blue.jpg	Menya loved this particular fabric and it was one of Pete's favourites too. Nothing has been added here except for a cluster of shells attached to the hoop. This one is for Pete.	Hoop-chiffon.JPG	This is a portion of Menya's chiffon scarf, mounted in a hoop.
Hoop-Pisces.jpg	This hoop is for Morris Wolfe, a Pisces and collector of fishy things. It was a favourite fabric of Menya's. It can hang on the wall or in a window.	Hoop-silk_batik.JPG	This small hoop contains a piece of Menya's silk batik robe. It has been given to Moira and John van Nooten, Menya's long-time friends.
Hope.jpg	This is for Trinity Home Hospice and a dozen banners wouldn't be sufficient thanks. The breast of this bird is decorated with pearls and embroidered pink ribbons. The eye is hematite. The bird is damask satin. A large pink ribbon is outlined on the velvet background. The HOPE poem shown at end of page has special significance for Trinity.	Hope_detail.jpg	detail of pearls and embroidery
Horn_with_dragon.jpg	Red velvet, gold dragon, metallic brocade and lots of Menya's pearls -- all hung from a brass horn. These are a few of Menya's favourite things! This is for her brother, Ben.	Horn_with_dragon_detail.jpg	detail of brocade and pearls
Indonesian_flowers.JPG	These flowers and the pot are made from different pieces of Menya's batiks. Beading and embroidery have been added. This is for Willow Rygula, who first knew Menya as the babysitter who could do really neat hand magic tricks and stayed in touch long after.	Indonesian_flowers_detail.JPG	detail of embroidery and beads
Ivory_harp.jpg	This is a large hoop filled with green velvet. The harp is part of Menya's damask robe and her pearls are the centres of the gold and silver taffeta flowers. Gold and silver embroidery has been added. This is for long-time family friend Rose Marie McCreith Hill.	Ivory_harp_detail.jpg	detail of gold and silver strings and flowers
Ivory_oval.jpg	Some of Menya's lace trim edges the velvet. The pin is faux ivory and it is surrounded by her pearls. This is for her friend Maaja Wentz who provided so much support (and so much good food) to help make things easier for everyone during the difficult days.	Ivory_oval_detail.jpg	details of pin and lace
Knight.jpg	The castle is silk, the knight is satin and the background is velvet. Menya's wolf pendant is worn by the knight. This is for Paul Richmond, her well-loved nephew, appropriate as he also has Wolfe in his name.	Knight_detail.jpg	detail of pewter wolf head
Long_dragon.jpg	The material for this banner was taken from a larger table scarf. It is another of Menya's batiks, a favourite fabric of hers. It was lined and braced across the back and a tassel was added. This one is her brother Ben's and he chose it because it is so typical of the things she loved.	Long_dragon_detail.jpg	detail of tassel
Long_medallions.JPG	These medallions were cut from a piece of Menya's taffeta damask. They are applied to burgundy velvet, with a black and gold cord accent. This is for her dear friend and caregiver Jennifer Mason.	Long_medallions_detail.JPG	detail of taffeta and cording
Long_velvet.jpg	This hanging contains sections taken from a silk scarf and applied to velvet. Cording separates the elements, and wooden beads are attached as a tassel. This is for Linda van Will, who shared Menya's love of art and fabric.	Long_velvet_detail.jpg	detail of bead tassel
Lyrical.JPG	This is velvet, silk batik and metallic thread. For anyone who knew Menya, nothing more needs to be said about this piece. This is for her mother, Carla McKague.	Lyrical_detail.JPG	detail of quilting and gold thread
Malachite_cat.jpg	On a black velvet background, here is a silver cat with malachite eyes made from Menya's necklace. This one is for Hannah Wolfe-Parthun, the niece she loved so well.	Malachite_cat_detail.jpg	detail of eyes
Metallic_and_velvet.JPG	The metallic fabric used here is from a remnant of taffeta damask. The background is burgundy velvet. The pendant at the top with the piece of jade is Menya's Laurel medallion, an SCA award. (This medallion was designed and made by Tamarra James, another banner recipient.) Menya's sister-in-law, Felice Parthun, chose this one because it was "just Menya".	Metallic_and_velvet_detail.JPG	detail of Laurel medallion on burgundy velvet
Night_sky.jpg	This banner combines white satin damask from a robe of Menya's and a piece of one of her silk scarves. They are applied to navy wool and accented in silver thread This is for Erica van Will Moran, who followed and copied and admired her older cousin's every move without ever being made to feel that she was a nuisance.	Night_sky_detail.jpg	detail of silver outline stitching on silk and satin
One_crimson_flower.jpg	This flower is made from the sections of Menya's velvet cap. Her gold beads and her gold haircomb are in the centre. The comb may be removed and worn. There is a small pink stone scarab on the leaf. The flower petals are stitched around a bamboo hoop that was among her things. This is for her sister, Jen. This piece was inspired by a poem read at Menya's burial. (See FLOWER poem at end of page.)	One_crimson_flower_detail.jpg	detail of beads and gold haircomb
Orange_collar.JPG	Originally, this collar had been attached to a purple shirt. A piece of the purple fabric became the central flower. The embroidered stem and some of Menya's beads were added. The leaves are from another piece of her material. This is for Mim van Nooten who knew her long before she started school .	Orange_collar_detail.JPG	detail of beaded flower inside collar
Out_of_school.JPG	This piece is left unlined so that it may be hung in a window. The fabric is from one of Menya's favourite skirts and individual elements from it have been matched up and applied as a fringe. In homage to Menya, one of the fish is being staunchly non-conformist. Menya's niece, Emma Wolfe-Parthun, chose this one because it is how she remembers her -- both the fabric and the attitude.	Out_of_school_detail.JPG	detail of fish fringe
Painted_tulips.JPG	These tulips are made from one of Menya's painting shirts and quilted to purple velvet. The stems are satin ribbon. The pink ribbon and pearls are from Menya's box of miscellaneous goodies. This is for Willow Resource Centre, whose work Menya admired so much.	Painted_tulips_detail.JPG	detail of pearls and breast cancer ribbon
Paisley_and_pearls.JPG	This was a large square scarf of Menya's. It has been lined, beaded, quilted and fringed. This hanging has been given to Dame TSivia bas Tamara v'Amberview (Shelley Rabinovitch), one of Menya's oldest SCA friends, because she feels it typifies such a large part of who Menya was. She has a place of honour where it will hang by her computer and she can see it daily.	Paisley_and_pearls_detail.JPG	detail of pearls and malachite beads
Pale_batik.JPG	This is made from a batik shirt. Some of the design elements have quilting around them. Ben incorporated one of these Celtic elements into the design of Morris's book about her. This banner is for Beverly Matson, an old family friend and one of Menya's mentors.	Pale_batik_detail.JPG	detail of Celtic element on fabric
Pastel_fan.jpg	The fabric for the fan came from a painter's smock or shirt of Menya's. The background is the back panel from another of her shirts. All the gold and pearl pieces attached to the ribbons were among her jewellery bits, as was the enamelled breast cancer pin. This one is for Jen, Menya's sister, who says she has the "perfect place" for it, where she will see it every day.	Pastel_fan_detail.jpg	detail of enamel breast cancer pin
Patchwork.JPG	This was a velvet shirt. The front panel of it was removed and hemmed. Nothing else has been added. The colours, textures and designs are all evocative of Menya. Carla chose this one.	Patchwork_detail.JPG	detail of machine embroidery on velvet
Paul's_tiger.jpg	Menya would very much approve of her malachite becoming the eyes of a cat-- her personal animal. This was a special order from her nephew Paul Richmond, who loves tigers so asked if he could have an orange cat.	Paul's_tiger_detail.jpg	detail of malachite eyes
Pink_ribbon.JPG	These are silk flowers made from scraps of Menya's various garments, on a yellow silk background. Decorative stitching and the pink satin ribbon are additions. This one is for "Dr John" Blondal, who quickly became friend as well as physician.	Pink_ribbon_detail.JPG	detail of pink ribbon bow on flowers
Potted_sunflowers.JPG	This bouquet is made from five of the sun elements from one of Menya's shirts. The vase and leaves are made from other articles of clothing. They are all batiks. Her friend and cohort Randi Helmers chose this one, probably because it looks a little crazy.	Potted_sunflowers_detail.JPG	detail of two of the suns
Purple_cosmos.jpg	Here are silk, velvet, cotton and leather - with Menya's silver Virgo charm attached. This is for her cousin Deborah Wolfe Wilson, for all sorts of special reasons!	Purple_cosmos_detail.jpg	detail of Virgo charm
Purple_sky.jpg	The fabric comes from a wonderful purple shirt of Menya's. The leather stars are from her hat and the beads are from one of her necklaces. It is unlined and can be hung in a window. The colour is more intense than shown in this photo. This was one of her niece Hannah Wolfe-Parthun's choices--just because it reminded her of Menya.	Purple_sky_detail.jpg	detail of beading and leather stars on batik
Red-blue_batik.jpg	This panel is from a piece of batik found in Menya's tool box with her enamelling equipment.	Red-blue_batik_detail.jpg	detai of one design element
Red_dragon.jpg	Dragons were favourites of Menya's and the red satin is from her robe. There is a castle outlined in the background and the banner is also backed in red satin. This is for her uncle, Rick McKague, who says he has exactly the right place to hang it.	Red_dragon_detail.jpg	detail of dragon's head and castle outline
Red_M.jpg	The starting point here was a very long red sash which probably belonged to one of Menya's costumes. The ends are padded and decorated with pearls and red stones. It is fastened to grey velvet and the bells and tassel are additions. This hanging has been chosen by Menya's SCA friends Mortraeth and Hamlet of Wareham (Vandy Simpson and Darryl Markewitz).	Red_M_detail.jpg	detail of tassel and bells
Rose_batik.jpg	This fabric is from one of Menya's batik shirts. The only thing done to the simple rectangle of the material is the addition of three buttons covered in the same fabric across the top. It is unlined. Ben incorporated one of these Celtic elements into the design of Morris's book about her. Menya's aunt, Zelda Kaplan, has been given this hanging in her memory.	Rose_batik_detail.jpg	detail of one of the design elements on fabric
Rose_batik-2.JPG	This banner is made from one of Menya's favourite batik fabrics. The Celtic designs are sufficient decoration and nothing else has been added. Ben incorporated one of these Celtic elements into the design of Morris's book about her. This piece is for her aunt, Rae Wasser, to remember her by.	Rose_batik-2_detail.JPG	detail of one of the design elements on fabric
Sash_and_quills.jpg	Among Menya's bits and pieces of jewellery were the remains of one broken porcupine quill earring I had made her many years ago. New quills and some of her beads were added to the broken earring. Her woven sash was stitched to a piece of fabric from one of her costumes to frame the quill work. The new quills, as well as the old ones, were collected on a piece of family property near Castleton, Ontario, where Menya is buried. This goes to Randi Helmers (aka Njala gon Berserker), one of Menya's rocks, who was there through everything.	Sash_and_quills_detail.JPG	detail of quills with original earring in centre back
Scent_and_silver.jpg	The open circle and the pocket are the brim and bow from Menya's green velvet hat. The multi-coloured centre circle is the crown of another of her velvet hats. It is topped with a silver decoration from her Thai trinket box. Menya's silver and malachite scent bottle (scent included) is attached to the chain and may be removed for use. It can hang free or drop into the velvet pocket. Noah Wolfe-Parthun, Menya's dear "senior nephew", says that everything about this reminds him of Menya--and that is why he chose it.	Scent_and_silver_detail.jpg	details of the scent bottle and the Thai hammered silver box ornamentation
Silver_and_silk.JPG	These flowers are made from Menya's silk scraps and quilted onto a background from a silk skirt. Detail stitching and accents are metallic silver. This one is for Margaret van Nooten who stuck with Menya from pre-kindergarten days to the very end, and who spoke so eloquently at her memorial service.	Silver_and_silk_detail.JPG	detail of silver treatment on silk
Silver_dragon.JPG	The background is dark green velvet. The silver taffeta dragon has one of Menya's gold beads as an eye. The moon is satin damask from her robe and is overlaid with silver mesh and hematite stars. The flowers are from her Chinese beads. This is for Scott Caple, an old SCA friend.	Silver_dragon_detail.jpg	details of moon and flowers
Singer.JPG	Silk, satin, velvet and homespun - all evocative of one fascinating person. The singer's jewel is one of her earrings and the theme is pure Menya. This is for Linda van Will.	Singer_detail.JPG	detail of singer
Slim_black.jpg	This is another of Menya's batiks and has had nothing added. The white shades to a pale lavender in places. It is unlined so may be hung in a window. This is for Joy Cohnstaedt, whose support and encouragement never flagged -- for Menya and the rest of the family too.	Slim_black_detail.jpg	detail of design element
Snood_flower.JPG	In a small box of "Menyabilia", there was a dark red tatted snood which was probably used when participating in costumed SCA events. Her small work hook was in the same box. There's no way of knowing whether or not Menya tatted the snood herself, but the two items seem to belong together. Some of her pearls were added to the centre of the flower made from the snood and leaves and stem were embroidered. The background is a piece of her satin robe. (See FLOWER poem at bottom of page.)	Snood_flower_detail.JPG	detail of snood, pearls and hook
Standing_stones.jpg	The stones are silver satin and the background is silk. A small silver Celtic "hunter" charm found among Menya's things is attached to one of the standing stones. This is Menya's scene -- and one she shared with her dear long-time SCA friend Gunnar, who was always there for her and for Pete. This banner is for David "Gunnar" Wentz, the best man at their wedding.	Standing_stones_detail.JPG	detail of Celtic charm
Starflower_vine.JPG	Velvet scraps, beads and metallic embroidery are stitched to light green velvet as a wandering vine. Janet Gadeski, a harpist and devoted member of the care team chose this banner.	Starflower_vine_detail.JPG	detail of metallic embroidery on velvets
Suns_on_red.jpg	This batik is unlined and from one of Menya's shirts. There is a row of cross-stitch embroidery across the top to form the hanging pocket. This banner has been spoken for.	Suns_on_red_detail.jpg	detail of sun element on fabric, and cross-stitch
Swimmers.JPG	The colour blue, batiks and fish were all favourites of Menya's. Her small silver fish charm is attached near the top and some detail quilting has been added. This is for Pete, who says the blue "fish fabric" has more good memories for him than any other..	Swimmers_detail.JPG	detail of fish charm
Taffeta_and_velvet.JPG	This is a piece of Menya's taffeta damask. One separate element has been cut out from it and inserted into a brooch finding found with her jewellery bits. The background fabric is velvet. This one is for Pete.	Taffeta_and_velvet_detail.JPG	detail of taffeta element in brooch finding
Turquoise_batik.jpg	This was one of Menya's batik shirts. It is unlined and can be hung in a window. It is in tones of turquoise and navy blue. Ben incorporated one of these Celtic elements into the design of Morris's book about her. This banner is for Mary Bevin, Menya's favourite mother-in-law.	Turquoise_batik_detail.jpg	detail of Celtic knot
Upward.jpg	The attached pewter brooch was the inspiration for this piece. The brooch design was repeated in taffeta from a shirt, the silk rays were added and the whole was quilted. The brooch is pinned on and may be moved to any position on the banner or removed and worn. Brad Richmond, Menya's brother-in-law, chose this hanginng for a lot of personal reasons.	Upward_detail.jpg	detail of brooch which was inspiration of banner design
Velvet_plus.jpg	This piece contains the centre section of a silk scarf, as well as pearls and malachite beads from Menya's jewellery box. An odd earring set in silver is also attached. The whole is mounted on a piece of royal blue velvet. This is the "real" one for Michelle McKague, Menya's cousin.	Velvet_plus_detail.jpg	detail of jewellery and shaped bottom of banner
Waterdrop.JPG	This banner represents Menya's concept of death and rejoining the universe. It contains fabric from a shirt, two earring fragments which have been combined and another earring. The pearls are also from her necklaces. Shells and coral have been added and the fabric has been quilted in places to represent waves and motion. This is for Mary Bevin, who gained a daughter for a little while.	Waterdrop_detail.jpg	details of "crystal" waterdrop, shells with pearls
White_bird.jpg	Here is a damask bird with garnet eye on a velvet background. The one crimson flower has a hematite centre. Menya's freshwater pearls are added to the bird's breast. This is for Joy Cohnstaedt, who helped to hold things together through a difficult time. (See both poems at end of page).	White_bird_detail.jpg	detail of crimson flower
Woodland_harp.jpg	This piece is silk batik and green velvet. "Woodland Harp" was also the name of a favourite CD Menya listened to frequently when she was ill, so it has a special significance. This is for her friend Suzannah Rygula, who knew her for a quarter-century and thought it seemed like no time at all.	Woodland_harp_detail.jpg
Woven_pearls.JPG	This is made from red velvet with lots and lots of Menya's pearls on the velvet and added to the tassel. This is for Tanya Meyers, who would always come and play the harp when Menya needed the comfort of it.	Woven_pearls_detail.JPG	detail of tassel with pearls
Woven_taffeta.JPG	The background of this hanging is black silk. It is trimmed with narrow strips of a remnant of taffeta damask found with Menya's fabric. The tassel was added to her material to complete the banner. This one is for Tamarra James, a dear friend through a lot of years and close enough to give the blessing at her marriage to Pete.	Woven_taffeta_detail.JPG	detail of taffeta weaving and tassel
Poem-FLOWER.jpg	This poem was read at Menya's burial in Castleton. And, yes, she DID have both her dancer and her flower that day.	Poem-HOPE.jpg	Trinity Home Hospice used this poem in a recent publication and it seems appropriate to go with the banner designed for them.
Menya_book.jpg	This is the cover of Morris's book about Menya. It was introduced at a book launch on February 18th, 2003. Many of these banners were also displayed at the launch and then distributed to Menya's friends and family. More details about grubstreet books and pictures of Menya can be found at the URLs at the end of this page.	Stone-Castleton.JPG	Menya is buried in a family plot at Castleton, Ontario, next to a beloved great uncle, Clarence McKague. The quotation is one she began using as an e-mail signature after her diagnosis. Jennifer and her boys planted the small honeysuckle bush in her memory and, very appropriately, a little weed known familiarly as "pussy toes" grows near the grave.
Colborne_Chronicle-1.jpg	This article appeared in the Colborne Chronicle on December 19, 2002. It also appeared soon afterwards in the Cobourg Daily Star. Colborne and Cobourg are both communities near Castleton, Ontario, where Menya is buried.	Colborne_Chronicle-2.jpg
Colborne_Chronicle-3.jpg		TorStar.jpg	review by Jim Coyle, February 15, 2003
GlobeMail.jpg	review by David MacFarlane, March 17, 2003	NatPost.jpg	review by John Fraser, April 5, 2003
HospNews.jpg	article by Jeanette Brown, April 2003	CathReg.jpg	review by Tawny Sinasac, week of May 25, 2003

Pictures of Menya may also be found as part of our family album. Menya's pictures are the same in both places but other relatives vary. Just find the name(s) you want in the index and click to view the pictures.

Richards Family Album and/or McKague Family Album

Pictures taken at the book launch (with more to follow as available) may be found at: Toronto book launch

Menya's life is outlined at: Menya's home page.

Details about the book may be found at Menya: an end of life story and information about grubstreet books may be found at grubstreetbooks .

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