Topics

1

Alexandra Feodorovna / Alexandra's embroidery techniques

« on: July 19, 2011, 09:50:34 PM »

In every photo that I have seen of Alexandra (or her daughters) embroidering, I notice that it does not look like she used an embroidery hoop.  Was this the way everyone embroidered back then?  It seems like it would be difficult to maintain the proper tension of the stitches without using a hoop.  Then I thought maybe she just used a small hoop which you would not necessarily see in the photos......does anyone know about the embroidery techniques of her day and whether or not she used a hoop when she embroidered.  Also, I know that she was an avid knitter......I wonder if she ever crocheted?  I am curious about these things because I, too, am a person who loves to do needlework.  Thanks for any info anyone may have.

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Forum Announcements / Greetings

« on: November 27, 2008, 05:17:42 AM »

Happy Thanksgiving to all Americans.........and also to all who would like to share in the spirit of this holiday!  God has blessed us in many ways and I am thankful.

3

Imperial Russian History / Nicholas on the Balcony - Declaration of War

« on: October 21, 2008, 01:43:17 AM »

In the movie, Nicholas and Alexandra, when Nicholas gives his speech from the balcony of the palace to the troops being sent off to the war, it shows that the whole family was on the balcony with him.  But in most pictures, I see only him with Alexandra in the background behind him.  Exactly who all were present on that balcony when he gave the speech?  Did the others come out to join him after he spoke.....or was it just him?

4

Imperial Transportation / railroad construction

« on: September 28, 2008, 08:39:46 PM »

I guess this is the right topic for this question.....and, if it has been asked and explained before, forgive me but I did not see it.   My question is about the specifications for the construction of the Russian railway.  Why did they not make the size of the rails compatible with the rails in the rest of Europe......such as Germany.  The fact that the two countries had different size rails was an enormous drawback in war time as well as peace time.  If the Russsian army had been successful in penetrating deeply into Germany or any other part of the war areas.......it would have been difficult to transport soldiers as well as supplies beyond their own borders.  What were they thinking?

5

Having Fun! / How well they would have aged.......

« on: July 07, 2008, 07:28:10 PM »

Has anyone here ever wondered what the Olga, Tatiana, Marie, Anastasia, and Alexei would have looked like as old people?  I find the thought fascinating.  Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

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Their World and Culture / Resteth With the Saints - the Hymn Sung at Ipatiev House

« on: February 18, 2008, 02:20:06 AM »

In several of the accounts of the last church services that the imperial family attended before their execution, it is mentioned that when the prayer or song entitled Resteth With the Saints was said that they fell to their knees and one of the grand duchesses began to cry.  Are the words and/or music to this ancient psalm available anywhere?  It sounds like it would be beautiful.

7

Their World and Culture / patronyms

« on: April 05, 2007, 07:31:49 PM »

is there a rule as to whether a russian female's patronym ends in "ovna" or "evna"?  this always confuses me.  thanks for any help. 

8

The Final Chapter / asylum for the imperial family

« on: September 17, 2006, 12:36:49 PM »

I am curious as to why France did not offer the imperial family assylum after England backed down from their offer.  In his second letter to the Russian provisional government, King George suggested that maybe they could go to France since he could not help them.  Why was this never followed up on?  Or was it followed up on with France also refusing  to extend their hand?  Since Russia and France always had such a close working relationship and political ties, i find this puzzling.

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Forum Announcements / cathedral fire in st. petersburg

« on: August 26, 2006, 07:29:25 PM »

many of you may already know, but for those of you who do not know.....trinity cathedral in st. petersburg caught fire today and two donmes were completely destroyed.  i saw this on aol.  now i am going to go turn the news on to see if they are talking about it. 

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Alexandra Feodorovna / Alexandra's nervous habits

« on: August 21, 2006, 08:07:59 PM »

Alexandra had many nervous habits,  but one really stands out to me when i watch documentaries on the Romanov's.  it is her excessive and exaggerated head bobbing (bowing) to the people whenever the family would appear in public.  i know that when someone marries into royalty today, they are very carefully coached on protocol and proper behavior....but i don't think Alexandra was given enough of it.  it is almost comical to watch.  makes me all the more sympathetic to her though.  has anyone else noticed  major nervous habits of the empress?