--- title: "January 11, 1997 – January 22, 1997" date: 2026-08-10 author: "QuiltAdmin" categories: - name: "Quilt History List Archive" url: "/category/quilt-history-list-archive.md" tags: - name: "Quilt Dating" url: "/tag/quilt-dating.md" - name: "Quilt History Resources" url: "/tag/quilt-history-resources.md" - name: "Restoration & Conservation" url: "/tag/restoration-and-conservation.md" --- # January 11, 1997 – January 22, 1997 These restored messages come from the Quilt History List, an online forum where quilt historians, collectors, researchers, appraisers, and enthusiasts discussed antique quilts and related textiles. The archive dates from 1996 through approximately 2016 and is being restored gradually. Sign up in the form at the bottom of the page if you want to know when a new page is added. Original spelling, opinions, formatting, and inactive links may remain unchanged. **Primary topics of this QHL digest:** 1. **Quilt dating and authentication** — a running debate about whether an unfinished quilt top should be considered “dated” to when it was originally pieced or to when it’s finally quilted, plus practical tips for dating fabrics, tops, and blocks (indigo prints, feedsacks, Indian Head fabric, campaign fabric from the 1872 Grant presidential race). 2. **Red and Green applique quilts** — multiple posts about historic red/green applique exhibits (Seattle, Lexington MA), the chemistry of the aniline dyes and Turkey Red that made the style possible, and how those greens sometimes faded to blue or tan over time. 3. **Restoration vs. conservation ethics** — a long-running, sometimes pointed exchange over whether old quilt tops and damaged antique quilts should be finished/repaired/used, or preserved as-is as historical artifacts. 4. **Book recommendations and sourcing** — heavy traffic around quilt history reference books (Barbara Brackman’s encyclopedias, Camille Cognac’s restoration guide, Jeannette Lasansky’s series, The American Quilt by Roderick Kiracofe), plus where to buy them (Quilting Books Unlimited) and a group bulk-book-buy offer. 5. **Museum exhibits and travel reports** — member accounts of visiting quilt shows and museum exhibits (Newark Museum, Zimmerli Art Museum, Smithsonian’s Calico and Chintz show, Amish quilt exhibits, Shelburne Museum). 6. **Practical technique questions** — batting types (wool, poly-cotton, cotton), waxing thread for applique (beeswax vs. paraffin), sewing with fur/leather, and quilt cleaning/washing methods. 7. **Member introductions and community chatter** — several new subscribers sharing bios, plus lighthearted personal updates from list regulars (this was an active 1997 listserv digest for the Quilt History List, QHL). Date: Sat, 11 Jan 1997 20:54:08 -0700 From: ayjones \[at\] tacoma \[dot\] nwrain \[dot\] net (Yvonne Jones) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Red and Green Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Dear quilt friends, I went to In The Beginning today, it is a quilt store in Seattle. There is a display of the owners Red and Green Applique Quilts, plus a wonderful antique Ocean Waves quilt. I’m not sure how long the quilts will be up, I was told they were part of the Christmas display.I would call them first as I did. I am happy to report how nice they were when I asked if they minded if I took pictures of the quilts. Absolutely was the responce! Wow! I sent DH running back to the car for the camera.Sorry to all of you that live so far away, but I appreciated being told about the display, so just maybe I will inform a Washington State QHL member and make their day. Happy quilting to you! Yvonne QUILT-R ayjones \[at\] tacoma \[dot\] nwrain \[dot\] net The Quilt-R 🙂 --- Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 08:25:02 -0800 From: Chris Smith To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Amish Exhibit in L.A., CA Message-Id: <9701131625.AA11766 \[at\] mail \[dot\] coos \[dot\] or \[dot\] us> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Please someone, let me know what I missed. We went to San Diego, CA for Christmas and left the day after. Weren’t able to go the the Visions Quilt Exhibit there because of their hours (or lack of) so decided to find out where the Amish Exhibit was in Los Angeles and stop there on the way home. However, DH got really paranoid driving in all the LA traffic (can’t blame him a bit – we live in a town of about 4,000 people) so we never did make the exhibit. Can someone please tell me what I missed? I love Amish quilts and would have dearly loved to see them “up close and personal”, so to speak, instead of in books. Chris Smith (csmith \[at\] mail \[dot\] coos \[dot\] or \[dot\] us) Coquille, Oregon =*=**=*****=*=****=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=*=\*\*= --- Date: Sun, 12 Jan 1997 11:54:20 EST From: debatqps \[at\] juno \[dot\] com (Deborah A Welch) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Ami Simms Message-ID: <19970112.115410.12878.1.debatqps \[at\] juno \[dot\] com> You can reach Ami Simms by calling her at 1-800-278-4824. I don’t remember any thimbles on her order form tho . . . Debbie in NJ --- Date: Sun, 12 Jan 1997 11:50:40 -0800 (PST) From: Michele Weise To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: San Diego visit Message-Id: <199701121950.LAA19663 \[at\] acme \[dot\] sb \[dot\] west \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” To Chris Smith–Since this is my neck of the woods I should be informed but I’m sorry to say that I did not make the Amish show at LACMA.in spite of everybody hounding me to. I just couldn’t get away. But I heard it was fantastic. I did spend a lot of time in the Visions show in S.D. My miniatures and antique blocks are in the Gift Shop there. That show closes the end of this month and is a beautiful show of “art quilts” with I think about 80 entries. You can see some of the samples on David Walker’s home page.(kris has his site on her site referrals) Too bad you just didn’t hang around Balboa Park…there is so much to do thereand almost always wonderful exhibits. I checked LACountyMuseumofArt has a home page: \[link removed\] btw your DH is right, that’s the lousiest drive in the world so you didn’t miss anything there. --- Date: Sun, 12 Jan 1997 13:34:43 From: “MARY PERSYN” To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Fabric Identified! and other things Message-ID: <66171253E5 \[at\] wesemann \[dot\] law \[dot\] valpo \[dot\] edu> Last week I posted a question asking for help in identifying some fabric in a honeycomb quilt that a guild member had recently purchased. Well, it’s been identified. The part of the fabric that we could see the most of has HAVEPEACELETU on it. Turns out it is campaign fabric from the 1872 presidential campaign of U.S. Grant and Henry Wilson and it does say LETUSHAVEPEACE over and over. How did I identify it? Following a suggestion, I looked at Julie Powell’s article on campaign fabrics in ON THE CUTTING EDGE: Textile Collectors, Collections, and Traditions, by Jeannette Lasansky, (Lewisburg, PA: Oral Traditions Project of Union County, 1994). On page 29 in Julie’s article is a picture of THE fabric! Talk about serendipity. Of all the campaign fabric, Julie chose to use as illustrations pictures of the fabrics from the Grant campaign of 1872. When I told Jan (the quilt’s owner) that I’d identified the fabric (luckily she also owns the book), she asked how I knew to look there. When I told her from a response on QHL, she said “I’ve been telling my husband we need to get a computer.” Thanks to the lurker who put me onto the answer. Now that I’m able to send e-mail again (we’ve been having some MAJOR computer problems), I also want to comment on the Calicos and Chintz exhibit that is ending today at the Renwick. It was absolutely spectacular. I can’t wait for the book to finally come out (maybe around April 1). Following up on a thread of several weeks back about Grace McCance Snyder and her book, NO TIME ON MY HANDS . . . . When NQA was in Lincoln, Nebraska in 1991, the local arrangement folks talked various organizations around the state into have a “500 mile quilt show.” Museums, etc. mounted shows during the time period of NQA in various cities and towns along I-80 across Nebraska. (I had a Wyoming quilter tell me that it was the first time she’d enjoyed the drive across Nebraska). Anyway, at North Platte, Neb, at the Buffalo Bill Ranch they had an exhibit of Grace McCance Snyder’s quilts. The evening we were there Nellie Snyder Yost was “holding court” on the second floor. We had a wonderful time talking with her about her mother and the quilts. The quilts are just incredible. The Nebraska Museum on the Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln campus owns the quilt with the design that came from the dishes. It was on display the last time I was there. Nellie Snyder Yost has died since that exhibit in 1991. I wonder where all of Grace’s quilts are now? Sorry for all the bandwidth. It’s just so nice to be able to send e- mail again. (I could read it, but not reply. Very frustrating). Mary Mary G. Persyn mpersyn \[at\] wesemann \[dot\] valpo \[dot\] edu Law Librarian (219) 465-7838 School of Law Library FAX: (219) 465-7917 Valparaiso University Valparaiso, IN 46383 --- Date: Sun, 12 Jan 97 16:41:33 PST From: John & Cinda Cawley <cawley \[at\] epix \[dot\] net The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University in New Brunswick is open Tues.-Fri. from 10a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sat-Sun. noon to 5 p.m. It is at the corner of George and Hamiltn Sts. I got very good directions from a human being when I called (908) 932-7237. There is a small parking lot or park on the street. The Newark Museum is open Wed.-Sun. noon to 5 p.m. The Museum is at 49 Washington St. I got very poor directions from a recording when I called (201) 596-6550. I know they were bad directions because we got lost (G). We found the Museum on our own without too much trouble. There is a parking lot adjacent which charges $4.75 per day. Admission to both exhibits is free and let me say again they are wonderful. Hope lots of you can get there; it only takes about half an hour to get from New Brunswick to Newark (this does not count getting lost). ## Cinda in Scranton Name: John & Cinda Cawley E-mail: cawley \[at\] epix \[dot\] net Date: 1/12/97 Time: 4:41:34 PM ## This message was sent by Chameleon --- Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 02:02:59 +0000 From: Rayna Gillman To: John & Cinda Cawley , QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com, quiltart \[at\] quilt \[dot\] net Subject: Re: QHL: Newark & Zimmerli quilt exhibits Message-ID: <19970113020253.AAB28709 \[at\] LOCALNAME> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Linda, I’m delighted to hear that you visited both of these exhibits — aren’t they wonderful?? Too bad you didn’t get to meet Lois Griffin, the artist-in-residence at Newark this month. (Lois, did you hear this?? Nobody there seemed to know about you??!!) She’s working upstairs in the studio and has the most fabulous quilts-in-progress: her Brooklyn Bridge series. Lois also gave a great slide show/lecture (plus “show & tell”) at the museum last Thursday. Anybody else out there — both exhibits are a trip! Rayna Gillman in NJ RG2 \[at\] worldnet \[dot\] att \[dot\] net Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 03:51:05 -0800 From: nomad1 \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL:Bio etc Message-ID: <32DA21A9.656C \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Hi All! o.k ,here goes my Bio-My name is Hiranya Loder and I am 35 year young.I originally came to Australia from Sri Lanka in 1973 when the Socialists were pushing for power. As my family are from the “old” world and were pro-British plus Christians,and my parents didnt care a hoot for running after the favoured political types-our lives were in danger.Hence for the sake of their children-my parents left their tropical paradise with all their luxuries,servants etc and came to yet another paradise. Australia is home to us-a beautiful country of great contrasts in people,landscape,cultures etc.My teenage years were greatly influenced by Australian culture-which kept my parents on their toes!!! At University where I majored in Industrial Relations,Sociology, Anthropology and French I met My DH John(a Scotsman) who is an Electrical Engineer. He is a wonderful man who is usually very patient with my quilting and bookworm habits. We have been married for 12 wonderful years,though it feels much less-even with all the catastrophies that have touched our lives.We have a 9 year old son John Frederick who is going on 90 and a 20 month old daughter Anika who is also known as typhoon for the mayhem she brings to our alrady chaotic household.I have a small buisiness at home named Quilting Treasures of Old,selling antique and old quilts,tops and blocks.Besides reading Sci-Fi,Histories of different cultures,books on nature etc my passion is quilting and all aspects of it.I adore red and green applique,crib quilts and quilts with nature themes.All this makes it very hard to be a good buisiness woman as I want to keep everything I buy!!However my DH can be a BH by putting a stop to this due to a trifle such as the economics!! We live in Parramatta-a city in Sydney which was a frontier town where experimentation with crops and stock saved the feeble new colony from starvation.Here the first wheat was harvested and the wool industry was nurtured. Parramatta-the Aboriginal word meaning “head of the river” greatly influenced Australian history. Quilts that are unique to Australian history,besides the famouse one made on the ship Raj;are Waggas.This name is derived from the country city Wagga,Wagga-where quilts were made from discarded fabric such as cut down clothes and flour bags. I think I have yakked long enough! I’ll tell you guys more about flour sacks here next time. Thank you to all you lovely people for sharing all your knowledge and yourselves-you make my life richer with your presence.Big Hug to Kris for starting this list :> So bye for now- Hiranya Loder Quilting Treasures of Old e-mail nomad1 \[at\] ibm \[dot\] ne phone:(02)9630-5839 --- Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 05:06:58 -0800 From: nomad1 \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL:Saving Online Time Message-ID: <32DA3372.619F \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi all you lovely people, My DH has been complaining loudly of general neglect,the children are running amok,our lovely dog a Labradoodle named Boots is rioting and no wife in bed even by 1a.m-all because she is at the computer reading all what you guys say etc.Hence the huge computer bill etc. So,I have found the perfect solution that I thought might help you guys as well.I print out the lists and I carry them with me wherever I go.At every opportunity I am reading,while my husband drives I read or sew,I read in the garden while keeping an eye on my 20 month old.I manage to stop her drinking from the bird bath and dog bowl most of the time, if I manage to tear myself away from what you guys are saying. Also DH has found a way to cut down on line time-you guys probably are not computer illiterate like me-but just in case I thought this might help you too. We download all mail in the morning then go offline.Compose all letters offline-hence interruptions are not costly;also people can actually get you on the phone.At night download again and then send all mail in one hit-takes about 2-5 minuites!! Bye for now Hiranya from Sydney Australia --- Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 06:35:30 -0500 From: quiltmag \[at\] mindspring \[dot\] com (Jean Ann) To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Fabric Identified! and other things Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Mary, thanks for this valuable information. I am trying to learn about a very unusual fabric in an antique quilt that i discovered recently. I am going to see if i can find this book, or at least something like it. I just wish public libraries carried more of these books. but at least, by living in Atlanta, i can try some university libraries. Jean Ann Eitel Editor, QUILT magazine \[link removed\] Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk \[link removed\] --- Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 12:43:23 -0800 From: nomad1 \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL:Wool Batting Message-ID: <32DA9E6B.2BC \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Dear All, First of all an apology for the weird way my mail printed-I’m still trying to learn all about this wretched machine.I think I’m a closet Amish as I think we are too dependant on instant results brought about by Man’s inventions.Mind you, I would not give up some of these gadgets however,-like e-mail for one! Carol in VA-Thanks for your lovely mail.Yes,many Aussies use wool for batting and for stuffing.Besides being home grown and produced,wool has many qualities to promote it.For example it is a natural,durable fibre that retains it’s shape in the quilt due to it’s natural crimp.A small percentage of Polyester is blended to prevent bearding.The battings are also sanitised and treated for dust mites,easy care due to shrink resistent treatment and is washable in warm water.Last but not least it is also fire resistant,non flammable and self extinguishing;besides having excellent insulating qualities. Other battings like cotton and Polyester are also used-like everywhere else it depends on the quilter. You asked what I was working on at present-well its a memory quilt for myself of the many who have enriched my life.I was sick this year and time on this lovely earth seemed very short.Hence I wanted to honour some of my family and friends ranging from age 20 months to 99.I am doing alot of the work myself from their ideas or memories as some are unable to sew due to many reasons. Phew! I have blabbed too long.Bye for now and keep warm! Hiranya Loder-Parramatta Sydney Australia --- Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 09:56:20 -0500 From: Ricki Maietta To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: NQA in ’91 Message-Id: <199701131446.GAA03219 \[at\] orbital \[dot\] cue \[dot\] com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Mary – thanks for reminding me of the NQA show in Lincoln in 1991, & the 500 miles of quilt shows. We were on our way to California for vacation (a trip we make every couple of years), & I talked DH into stopping for the show in Lincoln. Well, we got there at 4:45 (show closed at 5)!! I begged & pleaded, & they let me in free for 15 minutes – good thing – I had jumped out of the car so fast I didn’t even have my purse with me – DH & DS sitting at curb with bewildered looks on faces. I literally jogged through the ailes – saw approximately 400 quilts in 15 minutes, remember nothing but the guard telling me I HAD TO LEAVE! We did visit 2 other shows across the state the next day, in towns I don’t even remember. At one an ancient lady served DH coffee & called him “sir” – he was so impressed. I will always remember the quilts displayed over folding chairs that were on top of long tables. Also, stopped at one location & the show was closed, even though the literature I had said it was open. I thought the whole thing was a great idea – quilt shows along route 80, just for us travelers. Someone should do that again. . . . Ricki in PA --- Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 10:29:41 -0500 (EST) From: PAMIAM6 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com, QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re:Use of indigos fabrics? Message-ID: <970113102939\_1418750914 \[at\] emout07 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> I have a questions for those of you who know about old fabrics. I just returned from the antique mall where I purchased 30 long blocks which were pieced for the flying geese pattern. It is made up of shirtings and indigos. The indigos are about 25 different patterns. Now the shirtings I can understand are probably scraps, but who would buy 25 different indigos. I find this alot in the midwest where I am always buying old quilt tops. It is almost as if one half yards of indigo was given with a grocery order…..I have seen quilt tops made from fabric sample books where there will be 6 pieces of the same print in different colors, but there is too much of each of these patterns to be something like this. Does anyone know what used to be made from these indigos??????????? Thanks for all the information, I love readings all your posts. It would be nice if this old fabric could talk to me…I would ask so many things. Pam in Springfield Il where the temperature is 2 below zero which is a good excuse to stay inside and quilt. Pam I Am6 --- Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 09:09:22 From: “MARY PERSYN” To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Book Source Message-ID: <79ABE547CB \[at\] wesemann \[dot\] law \[dot\] valpo \[dot\] edu> Karan (SadieRose) asked me if I had a source for the book I mentioned yesterday, ON THE CUTTING EDGE by Jeannette Lasansky. She also suggested that I post my answer to the list because others of you might be interested. I got the book from Quilting Books Unlimited in Batavia, Il. I don’t have their address and phone number with me, but they advertise in most of the quilting magazines. (I’ll post the address and phone number when I can get home and get them). QBU is an excellent source for quilting books. You may have seen them at some of the national shows. They have a great display of books at their store (and some really nice fabrics, too). In case you aren’t familiar with Jeannette Lasansky’s books, I think they are great. Following is a list of the titles that I know. BITS AND PIECES: TEXTILE TRADITIONS (1991). A GOOD START: THE AUSSTEIER OR DOWRY (1990) Not strictly quilting if I remember correctly. IN THE HEART OF PENNSYLVANIA: 19TH & 20TH CENTURY QUILTMAKING TRADITIONS (1985). IN THE HEART OF PENNSYLVANIA: SYMPOSIUM PAPERS. (1986). ON THE CUTTING EDGE: TEXTILE COLLECTORS, COLLECTIONS AND TRADITIONS (1994). PIECED BY MOTHER: OVER 100 YEARS OF QUILTMAKING TRADITIONS (1987). PIECED BY MOTHER: SYMPOSIUM PAPERS (1988). All of the above titles are from the Oral Traditions Project of the Union County Historical Society. I believe I’ve purchased almost all of them from QBU. Mary Mary G. Persyn mpersyn \[at\] wesemann \[dot\] valpo \[dot\] edu Law Librarian (219) 465-7838 School of Law Library FAX: (219) 465-7917 Valparaiso University Valparaiso, IN 46383 --- Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 10:47:52 -0500 (EST) From: RBCochran \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Book Source Message-ID: <970113104751\_1560008287 \[at\] emout20 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> On The Cutting Edge, edited by Jeannette Lasansky is available from the Oral Traditions Project, at the Union County Court House, South Second Street, Lewisburg, PA 17837, phone 717-524-8666, FAX 717-524-8743. Cost is $24.95, plus $2.50 handling and shipping (.75 for each additional title). I have this info because I helped with one of the articles. –Rachel in NJ --- Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 09:18:53 -0700 From: ayjones \[at\] tacoma \[dot\] nwrain \[dot\] net (Yvonne Jones) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Antique quilts Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Dear Quilt Friends, Ooooooops! The quilts that are being shown at “In The Beginning” quilt shop, in Seattle, are ANTIQUE Red and Green quilts! Sorry, Yvonne QUILT-R ayjones \[at\] tacoma \[dot\] nwrain \[dot\] net The Quilt-R 🙂 --- Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 17:04:28 -0500 From: Kathy To: MARY PERSYN CC: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Book Source Message-ID: <32DAB16C.3B79 \[at\] ix \[dot\] netcom \[dot\] com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit When looking for any kind of books try checking the following web site: \[link removed\] I tried checking for the title “On the Cutting Edge” and came up with the book. It had to be special ordered however. I am not affiliated with them just know them to be a good and reliable source. A friend in quilting, Kathy in NH DeSchuit \[at\] ix \[dot\] netcom \[dot\] com --- Date: Sat, 11 Jan 1997 22:18:29 -0700 From: kmccoy \[at\] glenerin \[dot\] com (Kay McCoy) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: stitches/inch Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” On Sat. Jody wrote: > deemed that anything LESS than 10-12″ per inch was NOT acceptable and > heaven forbid any machine piecing, let alone quilting! LOL! Being the > rebel that I am, I didnt get deterred by her opinions, but always > wondered how many potential good/great quilters we were scaring off > when she ponificated about her “standards”. And I presume she was born with a needle in her hand that automatically did 12 stitches per inch. I was told by my aunt that you weren’t a “real quilter” until you did 12-14 stitches/inch but that didn’t stop me either. I guess I should call myself an “unreal quilter” because my usual is about 9/inch and it’s taken me years to get there. Katie in Colorado “A Quilting Sew & Sew” kmccoy \[at\] glenerin \[dot\] com Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 13:23:28 +1000 From: Sven Olsson To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Stitches/inch Message-ID: <32DAFC30.3729 \[at\] pnc \[dot\] com \[dot\] au> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hello All, This is my first note to you all, but I have been reading your comments for a few days now, and watching the U.S. weather with interest, while we in Australia are basking in warmth. My name is Lorraine Olsson and I live about 100 kilometers west of Sydney.N.S.W. in the Beautiful Blue Mountains, 1000 meters above sea level. My home is in Katoomba. My husband is a Veterinarian, and I am in partnership with my daughter and her chef boyfriend in a small restaurant called The Whistle Stop Cafe. In the upstairs of the cafe we have a small quilt gallery showcasing quilts made by local women. I am also an avid quilter and collector of Americam Antique Quilts. Now Back to the original topic. If I had been discouraged by the thought that I had to produce the “perfect” patch or hand quilt in the “perfect” way, I would not be talking to you now. Fortunately for me I have the most wonderful and Best Friend a person could have (Lynne) who told me that my work is to make me happy and no-one else. Good advice hey! Talk to you all later Lorraine --- Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 11:45:54 -0500 From: Betsy Szymanski To: “‘qhl-digest \[at\] cue \[dot\] com'” Subject: Textile Conservation Message-Id: <01BC0210.8048FAD0 \[at\] NTEMS> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In a recent issue of Ladies Circle Patchwork Quilts magazine there’s an article about a collector of crib quilts. The article mentions that the collector has had some of her quilts restored by “The Textile Conservation Workshop” in South Salem, NY (914-763-5805). I have an old (mid 1800’s) needle work sampler that I would like to have cleaned and re-framed. I called the Workshop to talk to them about it. They were very nice, and said that they do that kind of work all of the time. They sent me a brochure that describes some of the conservation techniques they use. They said that I could send them the sampler and they would evaluate its condition and make some recommendations about what they could do to clean or restore it and tell me how much it would cost. The evaluation would cost $75, and any additional work would cost $50 per hour. Has anyone ever sent any textiles to them before? Are there other such workshops? Are any in the midwest (especially in SE Michigan)? Does anyone have any other suggestions on who I should contact about cleaning and framing my sampler? Any comments or help would be very much appreciated. Betsy Szymanski, Ann Arbor, Michigan ems \[at\] fame \[dot\] com --- Date: Mon, 13 Jan 1997 23:27:38 -0500 (EST) From: MamaBear76 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Fwd: QHL: Fabric Identified! and other things Message-ID: <970113162704\_1075746261 \[at\] emout07 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> ## Received this by mistake. Forwarded message: From: quiltmag \[at\] mindspring \[dot\] com (Jean Ann) Resent-from: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Date: 97-01-13 06:33:57 EST Mary, thanks for this valuable information. I am trying to learn about a very unusual fabric in an antique quilt that i discovered recently. I am going to see if i can find this book, or at least something like it. I just wish public libraries carried more of these books. but at least, by living in Atlanta, i can try some university libraries. Jean Ann Eitel Editor, QUILT magazine \[link removed\] Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk \[link removed\] --- Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 13:42:33 -0500 (EST) From: Quiltfix \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: QHL- what makes a quilt/ Books Message-ID: <970114134230\_679885352 \[at\] emout16 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> As to what makes a quilt, well, in my book it only requires that someone puts loving work into it. It doesn’t have to be quilted or even tied (what would you do with some of the untied Crazy Quilts?). A good quilt is just that – good. The seaming, color choices and placement, method to attach the layers together all need to be done well. There doesn’t even have to be 3 layers. I have a tied Postage Stamp, c 1930 kit, and I never considered that it might not be a “quilt” until this came up in the QHL. As for the 10-12 stitches per inch …… bah! The quilting must be regular. Personally I prefer itty bitty stitches (I average 10 – brag, brag), but the quilting must be an integral part of the entire piece. Re: Camille Cognac’s restoration book vs Barbara Brackman’s pattern book, you ought to get both. Camille’s book has more historical information – the pattern book lists patterns in a myriad of ways and gives you lots of differing names for the same pattern (no history on the pattern other than origin – ie: Ruby McKim pattern). If you want some history and help with restoration, get Camille’s book. If you want to I.D. quilt patterns, get the other. You actually should have both, because even if you don’t restore, you’ll have an idea into the processes that restoration professionals use. Alan --- Date: Tue, 14 Jan 97 11:01:00 EST From: “Bayha, Marty” <450002P8 \[at\] smtp-mmail \[dot\] oucom \[dot\] ohiou \[dot\] edu> To: QHL post Subject: QHL: Fabric Message-ID: <32DBB245 \[at\] mail \[dot\] oucom \[dot\] ohiou \[dot\] edu> I was lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time on Sunday. I have purchased a partial bolt – actually 15 yards – of fabric that was manufactured by Indian Head. I was told that this company went out of business before World War II. I was also told that this was 1930s fabric. When I took it off the bolt to see how much fabric I had purchased, it has a date stamped on a small white sticker that says patented 1922. Anyone familiar with this company or what the date might mean? Does it mean when the fabric was manufactured? I also purchased a quilt top (16 patch on point with alternating plain blocks - scrappy) that has the date 1872 embroidered on one of the blocks. It is hand and machine pieced. The thread used to embroider the date is also used some in the hand piecing. It is a thicker thread than used for most of the piecing of the quilt. I’m hoping to be able to identify some of the fabrics in the quilt to authenticate the date but haven’t had luck so far. Any suggestions? Hope you all are having a great day! Marty Bayha mbayha1 \[at\] ohiou \[dot\] edu --- Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 08:39:33 -0500 (EST) From: QuiltAlive \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: qhl \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Red & Green Applique Exhibit in Lexington, MA Message-ID: <970114083932\_912405772 \[at\] emout14 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> I’ve been enjoying this list for weeks now. I’m thrilled to see the excitement about quilt history topics. My name is Merikay Waldvogel, Knoxville, TN. I’ve been deep into quilt history topics since 1980. This type of on-line networking is incredible. Thank you Kris for doing this. My current research interests are about 20th century quilts (especially the 1930s, feedsacks, and the Sears Quilt Contest). I have a collection of mostly 19th century quilts and lots of books and vintage patterns. I want to announce an exhibit of Red and Green Applique quilts that runs January 19 – March 23 at the Museum of Our National Heritage in Lexington, MA. The thirty quilts (1845 – 1895) are from the Collection of Robert and Ardis James. I curated the exhibit. The Jameses and I will be at the museum on Sunday, Jan 19 for opening festivities, informal gallery tours, etc. Please come. We’re also doing a quilt dating workshop ($5.00 fee) from 2-4 pm–bring a quilt. The applique exhibit does not have a catalog, but there is a free color brochure available at the museum. I’m recommending Ricki Clark’s book Quilted Gardens: Floral Quilts of the Nineteenth Century, which is available at the museum shop, bookstores, AQS, and Rutledge Hill Press (800-234-4234). Museum Admission is free. Hours are Mon-Sat 10 am to 5 pm, and Sunday, noon to 5 pm. Museum is located at 2A and Mass. Ave in Lexington, which is right off I-95. Call the Museum at 617-861-6559 for further information. --- Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 08:47:24 From: “MARY PERSYN” To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Quilting Books Unlimited Address Etc. Message-ID: <914EFF4509 \[at\] wesemann \[dot\] law \[dot\] valpo \[dot\] edu> Here’s the information that I promised to post when I located it. Quilting Books Unlimited 1911 W. Wilson St. Batavia, IL 60510 phone orders (800) 347-3261 business (630) 406-0237 FAX (630) 406-0238 (anytime) Hours: M-F 10 am – 5 pm Sat. 10 am – 4 pm Sun. noon – 4 pm Batavia is a far out Chicago suburb so the times are Chicago times. Their area code recently changed to 630 from 708. They publish a catalog on an irregular basis. You might want to ask to be placed on their mailing list. Not affiliated with QBU. It’s just a place where I have left LOTS of money over the years. Mary G. Persyn mpersyn \[at\] wesemann \[dot\] valpo \[dot\] edu Law Librarian (219) 465-7838 School of Law Library FAX: (219) 465-7917 Valparaiso University Valparaiso, IN 46383 --- Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 18:49:14 -0500 (EST) From: JQuilt \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: quilt show Message-ID: <970114184512\_2022778299 \[at\] emout16 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Come and celebrate National Quilt Day, March 15, 1997.. Bring yourself and your camera to the Bi-annual quilt show of the HAVQG( Hands Across the Valley Quilt Guild) Quilt Show…Quilts, Vendors, Quilt Appraisals When…the weekend of March 15 &16, 1997 Where…. In the LeFrak Gymnasium of Amherst College,on Pleasant St. in Amherst Massachusetts Hours : Sat & Sun 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission $4.00 Adults… $1.50 for children 12 yrs and under If you would like a small flyer with printed directions to the show…send a SASE to My Favorite Quilt Shop 65 University Dr. Amherst MA 01002 --- Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 18:50:56 -0500 From: Diane McGuire To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: no need to be “perfect” Message-ID: <32DC1BE0.72A3 \[at\] ici \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Lorraine Olsson of Katoomba in the Beautiful Blue Mountains,N.S.W. noted that she was discouraged at the thought that her quilts had to be perfect. I would like to share with all of you my thoughts about making quilts. I have been making patchwork since the early 1970ties, before the revival. No one I knew made quilts, so I had to guess and teach myself. Fortunately, Mom taught me how to sew and I was making my own clothes by the time I was in high school in the early 1960ties. I have made over one hundred quilts in sizes from wall hangings to bed quilts, and I have taught quilting classes so I have met lots of quilters. I feel that quilting is the one area of my life that I can control. No one can tell me what fabrics to use or what colors I should choose. I decide on pattern, making many of them myself. I stopped selling my quilts because I fussed too much about their “perfection.” The ones for me or the few I give away are parts of me. I am not perfect, but I am pretty good. I am warm, loving, colorful, and comfortable to cuddle up with, just like my quilts. One of the best experiences I had was at Lisa’s baby shower. It was held at the home of Maureen, another long-time friend, and I had made a quilt for the expected arrival. Imagine my delight when Maureen’s ten year old daughter, upon seeing the new quilt, raced up to her room to get the quilt that I had made for Maureen’s shower. It was faded and soft, and obviously so much loved! That love is what quilting is all about. They are our personal expressions. Whether they express hope, love, grief, anger, rememberance, or the joy of living, they show who we are, and we should celebrate that expression. Don’t worry about perfection! Have a good time and savor the fabrics and the process. And best of all, wrap yourself in your own warm quilt and enjoy. Diane in cold, snowy Massachusetts, USA ## —————————— Date: Tue, 14 Jan 1997 08:41:48 -0800 From: nomad1 \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: RE:Fur quilts Message-ID: <32DBB74C.1B78 \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Dear All, The other day I came across a bag full of sheepskin scraps that I had put away years ago.They have been dyed a soft grey and years ago I had planned to make a fun quilt out of it;much to the horror of my family. As you all probably know wool is one of Australia’s chief exports.We have quite a few shops that sell “Ugg Boots”,jackets,slippers etc. So I was able to buy a bag of scraps for $5. We have a wonderful Patchwork & Quilting magazine here called “Down Under Quilts”.In the Winter issue there is an article discussing cloaks of animal skin.Basically when the European explorers came to Australia some of the Aborigines (or Koori people as they prefer to be known) here had made cloaks -where squares had been cut from fur,sewn together and decorated with designs. Each design was different and had a meaning identifying the wearer.Some squares were coloured with ochre. The European settlers began to copy these cloaks and also made warm rugs which were used like quilts. So,I am not too far out afterall-though the despair of my Quilting teacher who is cross that I do not conform!! Have any of you seen such a quilt? We have such a cloak in the Museum of Victoria,Melbourne. I would appreciate any advise re how one would sew the furry wool together,bind it ,back it etc. Or is it too weird afterall? Bye for now Hiranya from Parramatta-Sydney-Australia e-mail nomad1 \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net --- Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 09:05:20 -0700 From: kmccoy \[at\] glenerin \[dot\] com (Kay McCoy) To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Thread for applique Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” I’ve just come into possession of what I think is about a 1940-50s??? old quilt top but not really sure how to tell how old it is. A friend of mine found it in the back of a closet in a house she bought and can’t contact the former owner to return it. It’s all basted for applique but not appliqued yet. What thread would be best to do the hand appliques with–machine embroidery thread or 100% cotton (or something else)? TIA Katie in Colorado “A Quilting Sew & Sew” kmccoy \[at\] glenerin \[dot\] com --- Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 13:39:09 -0400 From: tkorpita \[at\] titanic \[dot\] cs \[dot\] umass \[dot\] edu (Terrie Korpita) To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: France/Paris quilting Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Welcome! Years ago I spent a semester studying in Paris. Actually I lived in a town named Marcousis to the south and commuted in every day. I really loved living in France, though I learned that I don’t like commuting. The metro is not too bad for a subway, but I just don’t like being underground all the time. Just last month my boss was traveling to Paris and asked if I wanted anything. I said “Go to the Opera district, then a bit to the west, beneath the Church on the hill, (whats the name? Sacre Coeur?), there should be several fabric stores and other shops with sewing stuff. Bring me cotton or silk.” She couldn’t find anything! I know the city must have changed, but where are the fabric stores now? Even my school was in that neighborhood. I studied dressmaking. I cannot remember the arrondisement number. I will look forward to your input on this list. I was once fascinated by the copper roller printed fabric made in Jouay in, I think, the 19th century. I’ve seen it used on old American bed curtains of that time. Maybe gowns as well. Do you know if it was ever quilted? Either for bed quilts or for petticoats? I was also fascinated by the bobbin laces made in Brittany/Normandy and to the north. You are in a wonderful area – so rich in textile history! I visited your web site, and like your quilts very much. Soon I will have a color monitor and will visit it again 🙂 Terrie in Massachusetts where perhaps there will be snow tomorrow. tkorpita \[at\] cs \[dot\] umass \[dot\] edu on 4 Jan, Inge wrote: > Hello everyone, > > We’re all supposed to introduce ourselves when joining this list, and I > guess that it’s time that I get it done. > > I’m living in France, more precisely in Saint-Germain-en-Laye which is a > suburb 16 km (10 miles) west of the Eiffel tower in the heart of Paris – > so, for short, I usually refer to Paris as my town. > > Living in Paris is, however, not synonymous with being French. Actually, > I’m a Dane and have been living in France for the last 8 – 9 years. > > I’ve joined this list in particular for learning more about old quilts and > the history of quilts, which I find interesting. At this point in time, I > should be considered a greenhorn in these matters;-) > > I am so fortunate to have a small quilt museum in a small village, > Barneville, 1.5 hours drive further to the west. The museum is called > “Musee du Patchwork et de la Courtepointe” and is situated next to a > quilting shop run by one of the finest quilters in France, Nadine Rogeret. --- Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 14:19:28 -0600 From: R D To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Book Thank you! Message-ID: <32DD3BD0.3C91 \[at\] mail \[dot\] execpc \[dot\] com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Many thanks to all of you who responded to my questions about Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns, and Camille Cognac’s book – Quilt Restoration A Practical Guide. I ordered the Quilt Restoration book today — and now I have to wait patiently for it to be delivered. Thank you so much for helping me spend money — wisely! 😛 Donna in Wisconsin --- Date: Wed, 15 Jan 97 14:50:18 PST From: Sharon Harleman Tandy To: Quilt History Listserve Subject: QHL: Quilt History Bibliography Message-ID: Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Fellow QHLers, At last I’m ready to follow through on my promise to list my almost 100 QH books. Planned to do it last week, but I forgot how much work it is to have a 6 yr old boy and a 13 yr old girl for nine days. Not much on *my* schedule got done! In the interest of saving my hook-up time and your downloading time, I have divided them into 13 categories. Smaller ones may get ganged together, but the largest and, IMHO more significant, will be alone. The categories will be on the subject line so that you can choose which lists to copy/save. I will not be recommending nor dis-recommending since everyone has diff. interests and tastes. Information will be standardized on all lists except the state books, which will be alphabetized by state. That’s it for now, I hope; do e- me with queries, I will disconnect between categories. Signing off now but 1st category coming right up. Appreciate your interest, Sharon. --- Date: Wed, 15 Jan 97 14:57:18 PST From: Sharon Harleman Tandy To: Quilt History Listserve , Betty on QHL has Q Hy bk list on web Subject: QHL: QHBx.list: pattern and textile ID Message-ID: Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Brackman, Barbara. *Clues in the Calico.* McLean, Virginia: EPM Publications, 1989. Brackman, Barbara. *Encyclopedia of Applique: An Illustrated, Numerical Index to Traditional and Modern Patterns.* McLean, Virginia: EPM Publications, 1993. Brackman, Barbara. *Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns.* Paducah: American Quilter’s Society, 1993. Khin, Yvonne M. *The Collector’s Dictionary of Quilt Names & Patterns.* (orig.) Washington, D.C.: Acropolis Books, 1980. (an incidental) no author/editor. *Photographs of Fabrics in 19th & 20th Century Quilts: 26 Accurate Color Plates Identified by quarter century.* Paducah: American Quilter’s Society, n.d. End/list --- Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 17:03:34 +0000 From: “The Garretts” To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Book Thank you! Message-Id: Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Donna wrote Many thanks to all of you who responded to my questions about Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns, and Camille Cognac’s book – Quilt Restoration A Practical Guide. I ordered the Quilt Restoration book today — and now I have to wait patiently for it to be delivered. Thank you so much for helping me spend money — wisely! 😛 Donna in Wisconsin My comments – I am personally very frustrated when someone asks a good quilt history question and then ends the post with “please respond privately.” I feel this is very inconsiderate and not the purpose of this list. I would like to have quilt history questions answered to the list so that we all could have profited from the MANY people who responded to Donna’s question. If this trend continues, this list will dwindle to a list of questions followed by a list of thank yous, with no information in between. I can’t speak for everyone, but I think many of us joined so we could learn about quilt history and things relating to that. While I own Barbara’s book, I am not at all familiar with Camille’s book, and was looking forward to information about it. Please consider posting quilting history answers to the list in the future. I was a math teacher and I always told my students that if one of them had a question, at least 5 others wanted to hear the answer. I think the same analogy holds true here, except if one person asks a question there are probably 200 people who want to hear the answer because of the type list. Thank you for reading my opinion. Barb in southeastern PA --- Date: Wed, 15 Jan 1997 19:22:08 -0500 From: Kathy To: Quilting Heritage List Subject: QHL: Off the Subject but on Time Message-ID: <32DD74B0.7954 \[at\] ix \[dot\] netcom \[dot\] com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I know this isn’t quilt related but sometimes we have conversations about the time we posted and the time it shows up and I thought that this web site was helpful. \[link removed\] — Kathy in NH DeSchuit \[at\] ix \[dot\] netcom \[dot\] com Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 10:26:09 -0800 From: nomad1 \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL:Red and Green Quilts Message-ID: <32DE72C1.3EF \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit KENNETH K REGAN wrote: > > Dear Hiranya, > I enjoyed reading your bio. Can you please tell me what Red and > Green quilts are? Thanks, Tiffany -a native Texan living in Oklahoma. Hi Tiffany, Thanks for your mail-its always lovely receiving mail.I wasn’t sure whether to post this to you or the list,but as you asked -here goes.I am no expert but from what I have researched Applique from the mid-1800’s were predominantly stitched using red and green fabric on a white or off white background and there was only one or two accent colours such as yellow,pink and at times blue. Different areas had different trends of different backgrounds.The reason for the red and green theme is not fully known.Possible reasons are that in about 1850 a new aniline dye was discovered which produced a more colourfast green and red.Though the green did change colour in time it was an acceptable change. Turkey Red(referring to the Mediterranean area of the world)was far superior in colourfastness than other red fabric of that time.It was also very expensive and sold for as much as three times the price of ordinary calico.Another possible reason is that roses were favoured for applique at that time,hence they used the natural colours.Also the fads of that time for interior decorating were green and crimson colour themes. Tiffany,there is heaps more information on this theme.If you are interested I can hunt up my list of books o.k? I do not want to bore your eyes off too much!! Bye for now’Hiranya --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 06:38:26 +0000 From: “The Garretts” To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Terrific History Book Message-Id: Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Hi all – I wanted to let people know about a book that may not be familiar to them because of the regional nature of its distribution. If you have not gotten to PA recently or don’t order books from Dover Booksellers – which was sold and I don’t know what is happening – you might not have seen this really fantastic book on PA quilt history. “Lest I Shall Be Forgotten – Anecdotes and traditions of quilts” by Nancy and Donald Roan is the result of the Quilt Documentation done by the Goshenhoppen Historians in 1990 to 1992. A large exhibit was held in June 1993 and this book was in conjuction with the exhibit. The book is paper bound, has 96 full-color pages, and is full of color pictures of quilts typical of this watershed area of southeastern PA. Quilts are pre-1940 and the area is primarily, but not exclusively, Pennsylvania Dutch. The PA Dutch include Mennonites, Brethren, Schwenkfelders, and Reformed, but do not include the Amish as they did not live in this area, but further to the southwest. The author, Nancy, is a wonderful quilt historian and has spoken at several symposiums, including one held at the Smithsonian 2 years ago. She is a stickler for detail and accuracy and likes to have first hand documentation for her statements, as in journals, diaries, etc. These are quoted in the book. The book was published by the Historians, and they get all proceeds. My only connection is that I helped alot with the documentation and the exhibit, so my name does appear in a list in the book, but I just believe it is a wonderful book. Books can be ordered by sending a check for $15 plus $3 postage and handling to – Goshenhoppen Historians, Inc. P. O. Box 476 Green Lane, PA 18054 Thanks for your time, and I hope you enjoy the book Barb in southeastern PA --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 08:35:26 -0500 (EST) From: QuiltAlive \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: 1940s-50s Applique Top Message-ID: <970116083521\_1691238643 \[at\] emout09 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Katie in Colorado, you wondered how to date an applique a quilt top (c. 1940s-40s) your her friend found. You said the top was basted for applique, but not sewn down. Would you please describe the design, colors, etc.? You might have a top from the 1930s when companies would sell applique quilts in various stages–as a kit with fabric stamped, as a basted applique top, and as a completed quilt. Anne Orr, Mary McElwaine, and even Ruby McKim sold such products. I have catalogs from these designers, and we might be able to establish a date for the quilt top if you describe it to me. –Merikay Waldvogel --- Date: 16 Jan 97 09:04:38 EST From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037 \[at\] CompuServe \[dot\] COM> To: “INTERNET:QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com” Subject: Re: QHL: Quilting Books Unlimited Address Etc. Message-ID: <970116140437\_75444.1037\_FHQ51-2 \[at\] CompuServe \[dot\] COM> unsubscribe --- Date: 16 Jan 97 09:04:37 EST From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037 \[at\] CompuServe \[dot\] COM> To: “INTERNET:QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com” Subject: Re: QHL: Quilting Books Unlimited Address Etc. Message-ID: <970116140436\_75444.1037\_FHQ51-1 \[at\] CompuServe \[dot\] COM> subscribe digest --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 09:33:21 -0500 (EST) From: HKnight453 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Thread for applique Message-ID: <970116093300\_1758354132 \[at\] emout15 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> I like all-cotton general purpose thread for applique which is available from Coats and Clark in a reasonable range of colors. It is strong, especially when waxed. I use ordinary paraffin sold for sealing jelly jars; its much cleaper and better than beeswax. As I thread the needles, I run the thread across the wax. I know people who dip whole spools in melted wax, but have not tried this yet. --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 09:39:06 -0500 (EST) From: HKnight453 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Thread for applique Message-ID: <970116093901\_172886149 \[at\] emout11 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> I like to use all cotton general purpose thread from Coats and Clark for allpique. It comes in a reasonable range of colors, and would be fairly authentic. As a child of the 70s, I fear synthetics. I wax all thread for hand work by running it across a cake of parrafin as sold for sealing jelly jars. Then again, I also use #9 or 10 embroider neddles or sharps for hand piecing, so I tend to go against THE RULES. Also, can anyone help me in finding a book with patterns for doing a penny square quilt. My DB saw one in an antique shop in Brimfield MA for several hundred beyond our price range, and I would like to make a replica, and include some squares with sketches of places significant to our relationship. This would include the MBTA station at Riverside, where we met. Bust wishes from Rhode Island where it is (thankfully) only raining. Heather (AKA HKNIght453 \[at\] AOL \[dot\] com) --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 10:08:43 +0000 From: “The Garretts” To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Penny Square Applique Message-Id: Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Heather wrote – Also, can anyone help me in finding a book with patterns for doing a penny square quilt. Willa Bee Studio has a wonderful selection of patterns for 1900s Penny Square redwork embroidery. I have spoken with Willa (I hope that’s her name) at the Lancaster Quilt Show and she is delightful, has scrapbooks of quilts she has photographed and is really specialized in this area. She has drafted patterns for full size and wall hanging size quilts. Her pattern says, for more information send a LSASE to – Willa Bee Studio 269 Woodland Drive Orchard Park, NY 14127 I have no connection to her, just found her very knowledgeable, willing to share, and delightful to talk to. She is located at the “extras” merchant mall across route 30 from the Heritage Quilt Show. I think she does a lot of shows, so may have a schedule that puts here near you. Barb in southeastern PA --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 10:51:55 -0500 (EST) From: KirkColl \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: Indian Head Message-ID: <970116105154\_2023016040 \[at\] emout02 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Somewhere in our archives is a brochured from the manufacturer abotu Indian Head fabrics, They are (were) made in Nashua, NH and were definitely available through the 50’s because my mother’s uniforms were made from indian Head. The name is always printed in the selvage in the later years. Their logo is an Indian Chief whose image appears on the bolts and labels. They made both plain and printed fabrics. I’m not sure if they are still manufacturing. Maybe someone near Nashua can check it out. Nancy Kirk The Kirk Collection Antique Fabrics & Antique Quilts High Quality Reproduction Fabrics Conservation & Restoration Supplies 1513 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68111 1-800-398-2542 (U.S. and Canada) (402) 551-0386 Email: KirkColl \[at\] aol \[dot\] com FAX (402) 551-0971 Web site: \[link removed\] --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 08:04:47 -0800 (PST) From: Michele Weise To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: yo yos Message-Id: <199701161604.IAA28467 \[at\] acme \[dot\] sb \[dot\] west \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Can anyone give me information on yo yo’s? What time frame were they made in and what was the height of their popularity. How were yo yo quilts used? I wonder about that because they are a little fragile because they catch on things and obviously it wouldn’t be a quilt for warmth. Were they designed for use in any special way? Who “invented” the design? anonymous maybe? Any and all info would be greatly appreciated. Michele in MoorparkCA --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 09:49:01 -0700 From: kmccoy \[at\] glenerin \[dot\] com (Katie McCoy) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: Old quilt top Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” The response regarding the old quilt top given to me and what thread to applique with has been wonderful. At the suggestion of Kris, I will be taking photos and several people have offered to help me date the top. I will examine it more closely this weekend while taking the photos and will post a description next week. This group is fantastic–caring, giving, and helpful. My gratitude to you all……. Katie in Colorado “A Quilting Sew & Sew” kmccoy \[at\] glenerin \[dot\] com --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 97 16:52:27 GMT From: osborne \[at\] iinet \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: QHL-Dating quilts Message-ID: Hi, This is my first time writing to this list. I have a question I hope you can help me with. I was told by a quilt appraiser that if you buy, say a quilt top made in 1920 and you finish the quilt, the quilt is than dated by the time you finished it, 1997. What are you ideas about this? Is it better to leave the top a top? The same was said about just repairing a quilt, say replacing the tattered binding. Thanks for any info you can share. — Karen Osborne Quiltabeast in Murrieta, CA osborne \[at\] iinet \[dot\] com --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 13:39:32 -0500 (EST) From: Quiltfix \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: Intro and question Message-ID: <970116133705\_273135596 \[at\] emout04 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> I was thinking that I’ve put my two cents in several times in the last two weeks and not given y’all an idea of who I am. My name is Alan. 35 yo male living in sunny Florida (don’t get jealous, it’s supposed to go down to the low 20’s this weekend!). Even though I have a real job to pay the bills, I am a quilt restoration professional by choice. I have a family history of quilting – we come from the Lancaster Co., PA, area, but are not Amish. Rather, my family is PA Dutch. I hold a BA in Painting, which I don’t do any more, in lieu of needlework. I am very entranced by quilts, but also tat, am learning bobbin lace, and do the standard needle arts that are out there. I also collect antiques and am fascinated with history in general. Oh, I’m not married and have one cat and eleven fish. My question is this – I’m working on a hanging that has the poly-bonded cotton batting (20/80). I’m having the devil of a time getting the needle through the stuff, and I know it’s not extra layers of fabric. Is this normal? I noticed the poly seems to be in layers on the outside of the batting. Thanks. Alan --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 97 16:46:22 PST From: Sharon Harleman Tandy To: Quilt History Listserve , Betty on QHL has Q Hy bk list on web Subject: QHL: Glitch gone, OK now? Message-ID: Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII While sending third book list a monster glitch cut me off, both incoming and outgoing. Would someone let me know what got throuh (and if this goes also)? First: there was a note explaining how I’d do the list; second was 1st list, pattern/textile ID; third was 2nd list, general American QH; and last was all 22 state books. Just tell me the last to make it completely. Thnx, Sharon in sunny, blue skyed Boise. --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 18:48:32 -0500 From: Kathy To: KirkColl \[at\] aol \[dot\] com CC: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Re: Indian Head Message-ID: <32DEBE50.670F \[at\] ix \[dot\] netcom \[dot\] com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I live in Manchester, NH and we used to have an Indian Head factory outlet in the 1960’s maybe into the 70’s but it is not around anymore. I don’t believe they are in Nashua but I will see if I can check it out tomorrow. — Kathy in NH DeSchuit \[at\] ix \[dot\] netcom \[dot\] com --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 20:09:27 -0500 (EST) From: RLHlink3 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: Sharon’s book list Message-ID: <970116200831\_101756706 \[at\] emout18 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Hi Sharon! Am I glad (I guess) to hear there was a glitch. –I thought it was just my faulty understanding of what was intended. whew 🙂 I got one list which ended with “Photographs of Fabrics in 19th & 20th Century Quilts:” …..Paducah: Hope all glitches are cleared up. (Boy have we had a lot on our end!) I really enjoy this group. Good evening to everyone. Linda in Redding CA --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 20:28:24 +0000 From: gilsons \[at\] voicenet \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Quilt Restoration Book Message-Id: <199701170131.UAA04816 \[at\] mail3 \[dot\] voicenet \[dot\] com> Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Barb in Southeastern asked about Camille Cognac’s book “Quilt Restoration, A Practical Guide”. Here’s what I think after using for over a year. It’s the best book I’ve found on the subject. Topics covered are the difference between restoration and conservation, major kinds of damage, holes, flaking, and applique. She also discusses things to do with unfinished quilt tops and squares, borders, and bindings. What I like best are the pictures which illustrate the text. The advice is straightforward and practical. There is also a section on TLC for old quilts. Camille’s second book will be devoted to Crazy Quilts and is due out sometime this year. I’ve seen her lecture on repairing Crazies; she has developed or refined a number of techniques specific to that style of quilt. Quilt restoration is how she supports her family, so the techniques need to be well researched and executed. Peg G. from cooooold South Jersey Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 00:03:17 -0500 (EST) From: RLHlink3 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Quilt Restoration Book Message-ID: <970117000317\_979947071 \[at\] emout17 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Hello, Peg! This is Linda, responding to your note re: Camille Cognac’s book and next book. I like what I am “hearing” in your book report. I wasn’t in the market for such, but now I think I would like to look for it. Would you be so kind as to mention the publisher for me? –I am one of those people who likes to go “armed for bear” when I shop. 🙂 Thank you so much. Linda/Redding CA --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 02:27:01 +0000 From: Rayna Gillman To: gilsons \[at\] voicenet \[dot\] com, QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Quilt Restoration Book Message-ID: <19970117022652.AAC22068 \[at\] LOCALNAME> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” I have Camille’s book but I also have — and *love* Becky Herdle’s book, “Time Span Quilts.” Rayna Rayna Gillman in NJ RG2 \[at\] worldnet \[dot\] att \[dot\] net --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 00:52:33 -0500 From: SadieRose \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Re: Intro and question Message-ID: <970117005233\_302054575 \[at\] emout02 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> In a message dated 97-01-16 Alan writes: << My question is this – I’m working on a hanging that has the poly-bonded cotton batting (20/80). I’m having the devil of a time getting the needle through the stuff, and I know it’s not extra layers of fabric. Is this normal? I noticed the poly seems to be in layers on the outside of the batting. >> You might try either changing to a new needle, the finish can wear on a needle making it pull or snag more. Or running the needle along your hairline. (The latter is a trick my Mom taught me for making diaper pins penetrate more easily…the oil at your hairline ‘lubricates’ the needle). Same with running the needle through a thin bar of soap. You might also try a smaller needle- although these sometimes will break if the batting is dense. I used a #8 Sharp needle the one time I hand quilted the “old” version of Warm & Natural, about 5 years ago. (The product is different now, a less dense version that is easier to hand stitch, note that I said easier….not as easy as poly batting, though). My stitches were not as small with the larger needle…but it didn’t break and I could take a couple at a time. If you are not happy with this batting, try one of the new all cotton batts for your next project. Addy at Pinetree Quiltworks could share info from her testing on the various new batts on the market. (pinetree \[at\] quiltworks \[dot\] com) (No afilliation, just a happy customer). Good Luck!! Karan (SadieRose \[at\] aol \[dot\] com) --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 23:37:16 -0700 From: lv2quilt \[at\] frii \[dot\] com (Heidi Hoff Wurst) To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: waxing thread Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Heather talked about using paraffin for waxing thread. When I first started quilting I tried the same thing and mentioned my ‘discovery’ to a friend, who owns a quilt shop in town. She cautioned me that paraffin was petroleum based and may not good for quilts in the long run, but the beeswax was fine. I figured that she knew more about quilting than I did, but neglected to get any specific information. Anyone have any FACTS about paraffin vs. beeswax? Heidi in Colorado --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 06:52:54 -0600 From: R D To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: Book Review Message-ID: <32DF7626.77AE \[at\] mail \[dot\] execpc \[dot\] com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Dear Barb and all, I apologize for not sharing the description of the two books that I had asked about. I didn’t feel that I asked a quilt history question. I simply wanted a brief description of the two books so that I could pick (somewhat quickly and sight unseen) to use a up a store credit from another state. As these books have been lightly mentioned before on our board, I didn’t want to waste other people’s time with my question. Only one person privately emailed me to ask what people had responded with. Both of these books are available from the lending library. I just didn’t have time to borrow them and look them over. This is another reason that I didn’t feel I should use the QHL time this way. A description of the Restoration book has since been posted to the board by Peg G. I do understand what you are saying, Barb, and you do have a good point — however I WAS trying to be considerate! Donna in Wisconsin > > RE: I am personally very frustrated when someone asks a good quilt history > > question and then ends the post with “please respond privately.” I feel this > > is very inconsiderate and not the purpose of this list. I would like to have > > quilt history questions answered to the list so that we all could have > > profited from the MANY people who responded to Donna’s question. If this > > trend continues, this list will dwindle to a list of questions followed by a > > list of thank yous, with no information in between. I can’t speak for > > everyone, but I think many of us joined so we could learn about quilt > > history and things relating to that. While I own Barbara’s book, I am not at > > all familiar with Camille’s book, and was looking forward to information > > about it. Please consider posting quilting history answers to the list in > > the future. I was a math teacher and I always told my students that if one > > of them had a question, at least 5 others wanted to hear the answer. I > > think the same analogy holds true here, except if one person asks a question > > there are probably 200 people who want to hear the answer because of the > > type list. Thank you for reading my opinion. Barb in southeastern PA --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 08:25:56 -0500 (EST) From: AJSNGS \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Book List Message-ID: <970117082555\_1657847501 \[at\] emout14 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Hi All, Maybe I’m missing something….but I never received a copy of Sharon’s list of books. She mentioned that there was a major glitch, but that it had been worked out. I never received ANY of her list! Help! Any suggestions? Nancy in VA --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 08:31:50 -0500 From: RBCochran \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Book List Message-ID: <970117083149\_1419373685 \[at\] emout02 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Yes, I’d like to know where to find the list, too. Thanks. Rachel in NJ --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 10:48:32 -0500 (EST) From: JQuilt \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Quilt Restoration Message-ID: <970117104830\_815968115 \[at\] emout15 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> This month’s issue(Spring 97) of American Quilter has a short article about quilt restoration and an address for…. The Quilt Restroation Society P.O. Box 337 Hillsdale, NY 12529 518-325-4502 On the following page is another short piece on storing quilts. Jean Laino jquilt \[at\] aol \[dot\] com --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 11:15:51 -0500 From: Ricki Maietta To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: medevial quilts & new project Message-Id: <199701171606.IAA14678 \[at\] orbital \[dot\] cue \[dot\] com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Hi everyone. Was very interested in Lisa from Springfield, MA who said she made replicas of medevial (sp?) quilts. I’d like to know more about that time period of quilts. I have seen pictures of the 14th C. Italian quilts, one in Italy & one in Britain (Quilter’s Newsletter, don’t ask me when), but have no knowledge of what was in vogue then in quilting, & where do you find sources for what they looked like?? Lisa, you out there. . .? On another subject – I just took in another restoration job yesterday, & it should be fun. It’s a Sunbonnet Sue quilt, with a small amount of many different kinds of damage. I will get lots of practice with this one, but not so much of one thing to get bored. The border is flapping off on one corner, there is some embroidery missing here & there, there are two very small holes, a little quilting needs replaced, the binding is shot, & it needs a bath! (It has been laundered many times before according to the owner, so I think this one won’t fade!) My only concern is that the woman wants to give this to a 3-year-old who was named after her. My concern is that this quilt will not be treated properly after it’s repaired. I am gently trying to get the message across that, on the bed for every day use would not be a good idea, & gave her one of my “care of old quilts” sheets. Ricki, making headway in PA --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 08:09:33 -0800 From: lrobins \[at\] cclink \[dot\] fhcrc \[dot\] org (laurarm) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com, lrobins \[at\] cclink \[dot\] fhcrc \[dot\] org (laurarm) Subject: QHL: unfinished quilt tops/dating quilts Message-ID: <2dfa5a30 \[at\] cclink \[dot\] fhcrc \[dot\] org> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Description: cc:Mail note part Someone posted a message about using old quilt tops and how their age and value change when quilted later (e.g. if a 30s top is quilted in the 90s, it is considered to be a 90s quilt). I think this brings up an interesting point about whether old tops *should* be finished in a quilt. I personally advocate that many times they should be preserved in their original state. We have to get away from the notion of “unfinished” quilt and think of these as “completed” quilt tops. Many times they have intrinisic and historical value just as a top, especially when you can see the workmanship or methods used which might not be as apparent in a completed quilt. I really cringe when I hear of someone finding an old English-paper-pieced top with the papers still inside and then they want to remove the papers and make a quilt. Such a piece is valauble “as is”, because it shows the technique, and even the old newspaper pieces are interesting. When we find a 1930 top, it frequently is a family piece and we think we’re just completing what grandma started. And the piece has family value. But we should start thinking of those as historical artifacts. If you had a lady’s gown from 1730, would you alter it to fit and wear it?? If you had some textile from 1530 would you make a quilt with it? If we found an incomplete Rembrandt, would we “finish” it?? I know these are extreme examples and not exactly the same as finding a 1930 quilt top, but the older these quilt tops become, the more they are like the 1730 gown or the 1530 textile. And I think some of this also applies to repairing quilts — there’s a difference between preserving an old piece and actually replacing parts of it. And perhaps we should think twice or three times before doing anything (including washing). Maybe we should think how we would approach a quilt from 1800, and use some of that same reverence for a 1930’s quilt, because if cared for, that 1930s quilt will someday also be 200 years old, and the original parts might be much more valuable (historically and monetarily) than a 30s quilt with 90s replacement parts. I’m not criticizing people who want to create a family heirloom by quilting grandma’s top or repairing Great Aunt Hortense’s quilt (yes I had a Great Aunt Hortense!). And certain old tops are very simple, run-of-the-mill patterns and don’t seem to be worth much alone. I’m just suggesting that we start seeing the intrinsic value in old tops and blocks, and maybe sometimes they should be preserved as they are. Sometimes we should see ourselves as stewards of these pieces of history and preserve them rather than using them up. My 2 cents worth. Laura Robins-Morris, Seattle, whose only family heirloom is a double pink Drunkards Path quilt made by Great Aunt Flo (Hortense’s sister!) --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 11:22:42 -0500 (EST) From: QuiltAlive \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V96 #14 Message-ID: <970117112125\_2090295222 \[at\] emout12 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Re: Cotton carding of batts From: Merikay Waldvogel While doing research for my book on Depression Era quilting, I interviewed 80-year old women (from E. Tennessee) who quilted during the 1930s. Several women mentioned hand carding batts for their quilts. Large scale cotton growing was not prevalent this far north, but these women planted a few cotton plants in their vegetable gardens especially for their quiltmaking. They had childhood memories of picking the seeds from cotton bolls during the long winters. Their mothers would hand card the cotton and pile up the cotton batts (about six inches square). When the quilt was ready for the frame, the quilter would stretch the backing on the frame, and then distribute the cotton batts over the surface overlapping them slightly. Next, the top was put on, etc. etc. --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 12:52:01 -0500 (EST) From: HKnight453 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: medevial quilts & new project Message-ID: <970117125200\_713913235 \[at\] emout05 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> I have to agree with Ricki that using old quilts for everyday use is probably not a good idea, especially around children and pets. That’s one of the advantages of making ‘replica quilts”. With the reproduction fabric and Warm & Natural batting around, one can make a quilt hat feels ‘old’, but can better bear everyday use. I have a 40’s Crazy Quilt does in scraps from the Fuit of the Loom men’s underwear and pyjama factory in Cranston RI by my grandmother’s Aunt Ree. I used it for several years, and it is too worn now to be used. I keepy it fold over a chair, changing the folds frequently about 1/2 rthe year (fal and winter) and store it in the cedar closet in a white all-cotton pillowcase in the summer. Heather (H knight453 \[at\] AOL \[dot\] com) --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 13:23:18 -0500 (EST) From: RLHlink3 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: research by Marikay Message-ID: <970117132143\_1143448149 \[at\] emout09 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Your conversations with the older women re: their quilting during the depression years sounds fascinating. Is your book finished? Is it available? Thank you for sharing the anecdote about growing your own cotton batting. As a gardener and quilter in VA, that is something that had never entered my mind. However, now that I am transplanted to rocky Redding CA, I don’t think I will try it. 🙂 Linda --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 13:22:58 -0500 (EST) From: Laurajbr \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Quilt Restoration Book Message-ID: <970117132258\_1624005829 \[at\] emout19 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Hi After reading the description of this book, I realize I definitely need to add it to my collection. Can any of you tell me where I might find it? Borders? Barnes and Noble? Thanks, Laura --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 17:37:18 -0500 (EST) From: Quiltfix \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: QHL-Red and Green Quits Message-ID: <970117173716\_1959075027 \[at\] emout04 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> A couple of thoughts on red/green appliques…… First, about the analine dyes. If memory serves me, lavender was the first color produced in the mid 1850’s. When the other colors came along, well, I don’t know for certain. No one really ever seems to address anything but the fact that the first dye was lavender. Red and green quilts are neet, but don’t ignore other color combinations from that period, because they may actually be a former red/green quilt! Because so many dyes were not really color fast, you get some strange color combinations in 1997. I own a quilt dated 1880 that is made of 9 blocks with no setting. Each block is made of a cross in tan with blue leaves on each branch. What I beleive happened here was that this was formerly a red /green quilt. The red appears to have faded to tan. Greens were often hard to make and were often created by dying the fabric blue then green. I think that the green fabric originally used lost it’s yellow over the past century, which ended up leaving me with a blue/tan quilt. It’s still pretty and quite a steal, so I was lucky to get it. --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 17:45:01 -0500 (EST) From: QRestore \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re:Unfinished Quilt Tops/Dating Message-ID: <970117174417\_1657925648 \[at\] emout10 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> In response to Laura Robins-Morris, first let me say, I do appreciate and respect your point of view, just thought I’d provide another. Not all quilts or quilt tops are Dior quality and to lump them all together as equally of great value is to deny reality. True restoration considers the historical value and importance, the date the quilt/top was made, what if anything should be done with the quilt/top and the “as is” value of the quilt/top. Not many of us on this ListServ and certainly no self respecting restorer would treat a “30’s quilt with 90’s replacement parts,” as described in your post. Research is a key factor in any restoration project. My we quilters seem to have alot of “shoulds” and “shouldn’ts” in our vocabulary. I hate to sound like a broken record on this subject, but “Who owns the quilt/top?” We all have the same goal in sight and that is to preserve, protect and in some cases rescue quilts, tops, and textiles from the landfill, etc. There is room for both the conservator and restorer and plenty of quilts, tops and textiles to be saved. Those items of historical importance have their place in a museum setting but the majority are not of museum quality and can be enjoyed and protected by those who love and/or own them. One of the very reasons for this QHL is to share and educate others about the proper methods of preserving, restoring, cleaning and storing quilts, tops and textiles. There is no one answer which can satisfy every quilt/top dilemma, only after careful research and consideration can one determine the best choice for their particular situation. Value can be a very subjective thing, what you or I value as important may not be the same as someone else’s. No one is suggesting you cannot enjoy the “intrinsic value” of quilts/tops/blocks in their “as is” condition, however, who are we to flatly tell others what to do with their family heirlooms and/or found treasures? Lets provide good choices and let them decide without the “shoulds and shouldn’ts.” Victoria Montgomery QRestore \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Boise, ID --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 17:49:33 -0500 (EST) From: QRestore \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Sharon’s Book List Message-ID: <970117174933\_302151970 \[at\] emout14 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> To the Group; Sharon Harleman Tandy is still having computer problems (gremlins) and is unable to receive or send e-mail at the moment. She’s trying to correct the problem and will be back online with the book list ASAP. She sends her apologies . . . --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 21:27:27 -0500 (EST) From: Quilting Heritage ListServ To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Book Order Message-Id: <2.2.16.19970117212524.2e5f28ec \[at\] mail \[dot\] albany \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” I spent some time on the phone today and made arrangements for a bulk buy on several of the more popular books on the list. I arranged to buy Textile Designs for $55 a book (this is an $85 book in the store), Clues in the Calico for $25 (this is a $40 book in the stores), Textile Bags by Anna Lue Cook for $10 (this is $13 book, not available in stores.) I am going over to Camille Cognac’s house on Monday, I’ll ask her for some books, too, (Quilt Restoration: a Practical Guide) although the last time I talked to her she couldn’t offer too much of a discount because she herself doesn’t get one. I can get her to sign them, though:-)) I can accept credit cards through Hickory Hill Antique Quilts, so if anyone would like one of the above books, please let me know at oldquilt \[at\] albany \[dot\] net. You could also fax me at 518-875-9141. I would like to point out that we have several other authors on the list. I don’t want to volunteer anybody, but if anyone wants to offer their books for sale (with or without a discount), please let me know and I will add it to the list. Are there any other books you would like me to look into getting? Kris --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 22:14:29 -0500 (EST) From: QuiltLine \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Fwd: QHL-Digest Digest V97 #15 Message-ID: <970117221428\_680434980 \[at\] emout06 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=unknown-8bit Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit In a message dated 97-01-16 22:27:56 EST, QHL-Digest-request \[at\] cue \[dot\] com writes: << Hi, This is my first time writing to this list. I have a question I hope you can help me with. I was told by a quilt appraiser that if you buy, say a quilt top made in 1920 and you finish the quilt, the quilt is than dated by the time you finished it, 1997. What are you ideas about this? Is it better to leave the top a top? The same was said about just repairing a quilt, say replacing the tattered binding. Thanks for any info you can share. — >> Dear Karen, The appraiser was right. The quilt cannot be dated any earlier than it was completed. After all, it is not a quilt until it has a top and a bottom. What is normally done in this situation, is on an appraisal form the appraiser would make a note that the quilt is a c. 1920 top, recently completed – 1997. Then it would be noted if it were completed as traditional to 1920 (vintage fabrics, repro fabrics, etc.) or if the back were a 1997 print. In most instances if the top is made into a quilt, and the workmanship is excellent, and the style of finishing does not detract from the top, this will increase the value. The same is pretty much said for restoration or repair. Does the restoration or repair detract from the quilt? Was the restoration done in such a way as to enhance the quilt? Is the restoration noted on the quilt? Was the restoration done as traditional to the period and style of the quilt? These are just a few questions we consider when appraising a quilt. When dating a repaired or restored quilt, the circa date remains as it was when the quilt was first made, However, an ethical restorer will label the back as to when repair was done, and what was done. To be very honest, I must say that I have seen quilt tops that were made into quilts that went down in value because of poor quality of workmanship and poor selection of fabrics, etc (c.1910 top with c.1970 edge and back), but have seen beautiful and valuable quilts recently made from an antique top. Be very careful however, when making the top into a quilt, that the top’s fabric is not too fragile to handle the abuse of the needle and thread. I hope this answers your question. Deborah Roberts – certified quilt appraiser --- Date: Fri, 17 Jan 1997 23:47:30 -0800 From: Jody Bordner To: Quilting Heritage ListServ CC: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Book Order Message-ID: <32E08012.1CBC \[at\] gte \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Kris, Yes! I just discovered this one in Barnes and Noble yesterday! It is lovely, and I would be interested in knowing if anyone has it/and their opinion of it…. Title: The American Quilt by Roderick Kiracofe. I forgot to get the publishers name, but it is a large size book, lots of beautiful pictures and history (my first impression, briefly went thru it in the store) The list price was $60. Thanks! Jody --- Date: Sat, 18 Jan 1997 00:45:38 -0500 (EST) From: QRestore \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re:Roderick Kiracofe Book Message-ID: <970118004537\_781905411 \[at\] emout20 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Jody; The American Quilt by Roderick Kiracofe is excellent. It’s definately one of those “must have” books, full of history and beautiful colored photos. If your budget wont allow it, try the local library or your local quilt quild library. Maybe someone on the QHL (book list) has a copy they’d be willing to lend. (?) Just borrowed it from a friend of mine to preview and have decided to order my own. Highly recommend it! Victoria QRestore \[at\] aol \[dot\] com --- Date: Sat, 18 Jan 1997 06:44:00 -0500 (EST) From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Book Order Message-ID: <970118064359\_72481729 \[at\] emout09 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Kris, I’ll be interested in Camille’s book..let me know when available. Am I correct that it gives the history of the patterns? Tells why they are called “Variable Star? Log Cabin? etc??” Jane --- Date: Sat, 18 Jan 97 19:06:00 GMT From: l.evans5 \[at\] genie \[dot\] com To: qhl \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Medieval quilts Message-Id: <199701181916.TAA19442 \[at\] relay1 \[dot\] geis \[dot\] com> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Diane & Ricki – Sorry it took so long for me to write back – I hurt my left arm and have been trying not to strain it (it’s much better, thank goodness). Good places to look for medieval and Renaissance quilts are Averil Colby’s book =Quilting=, which is pretty much the standard work on the subject to date. She has a good picture of a 1390’s bedquilt in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, a couple of German quilts from about a hundred years later, and much information on the early quilt trade from India. There are also pictures of early quilted objects in Jill Liddell & Yuko Watanabe’s book =Japanese Quilts=, including a quilted shoe from the ninth century, an elaborately quilted war jerkin from the 15th century, and a patchwork kimono from the 16th century. Liddell co-authored a book on ecclesiastical patchwork, =The Patchwork Pilgrimage=, that includes two photos of very early European patchwork (a 13th century cope in Toledo cathedral and a 16th century English chasuble owned by a descendant of the maker). Beyond these, good places to look are old books on heraldry (patchwork and applique herald’s tabards), and as many books of contemporary paintings as you can find. There’s a very fine representation of a trapunto coverlet in a 1450 painting by Bartolomeo Bermejo, =The Death of the Virgin=, showing the Virgin lying on a cream trapunto coverlet. I’ve also recently found several Slavic frescoes and icons showing saints (especially Saint Sava) in patchwork vestments, including one where the seam lines between the patches are very clearly painted. Most of these are in the former Yugoslavia and I have no idea if they survived the Bosnian civil war, but they were intact and photographed within the last ten years. The problem with researching early quilting is that very, very few people have done so. Right now I’m aware of another amateur out in New Mexico, and a professional named Janine Janniere in Toulouse. She tracked down a boasting letter by a French tailor in the early 16th century about how he had made a patchwork banner of 8,000 pieces and exhibited it in Metz on St. Martin’s day. But to my knowledge there is no comprehensive guide to pre-colonial quilts available in English. I’m working on writing something along those lines myself, but most of the research has to be done from scratch. It’s fascinating stuff, though; I started doing it because someone told me that quilts weren’t made in the Middle Ages, and I was determined to prove him wrong. Amazing, how something can start from a trivial remark! Two more things: the first aniline dye was Prussian blue, I believe, and was synthesized from coal tar. The early ones were harsh and ugly, but very fashionable because they were largely shades you can’t get from natural dyes. And yes, you *can* get lavender from natural dyes. I did it myself, completely by accident, by preparing an indigo dyebath in a pot with a tiny bit of cochineal residue left around the rim. The cochineal seeped into the indigo bath and dyed the thread a lovely light purple. I made it about six months ago and it shows no signs of fading, so it seems to be reasonably colorfast. Finally, when it comes to beeswax v. parafin, I’d stick to beeswax. It’s basically the same reason why I mark my quilt tops with pencil instead of those high tech fading pens – I *know* the pencil marks will wash or fade out without damaging the fabric, but I have no idea of what the long term effects of the ink will be. Beeswax won’t hurt the thread or cloth in the long run, so I’d go with that. Hope this helps – Lisa Evans --- Date: Sat, 18 Jan 1997 16:14:08 -0500 (EST) From: BBMorris \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: carding cotton batts Message-ID: <970118161408\_240305734 \[at\] emout09 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Just this past week I was talking to a friend at church and the subject of quilts came up. She said that she had never been interested in making a quilt as she remembered them as being “work”. She is in her mid 50’s in the area about 30 – 40 miles north of Atlanta. She helped her mother card cotton for quilt batting when she was about 9 or 10 years old. She didn’t remember where the cotton came from as her parents had quit farming by then and moved into town. She was a “late in life” baby so her parents were older than her friends parents. So, cotton was still being carded for batting in parts of the south as late as 1950. As to washing old quiltls, sometimes it is necessary in order to even take them in the house for them to be washed. I inheirited one of my Grandmother’s quilts that had been stored in an old wooden refrigerator crate in the upper floor of an old unheated farm house for years. The lower rooms had fireplaces. The upper rooms didn’t. It is in an area that is very humid. The quilt even felt damp to touch and smelled awful. It had never been used. I aired it on my deck for two weeks and still could not stand to be in the same room with it. So washing it was my only choice. Unfortunately, one of the fabrics had been home dyed a dark green. Now the entire quilt has a green glow. But, at least, I now have my grandmother’s quilt and the baby grandchildren love to lay on it and look at all of the different prints and colors in it. It is not a museum piece, but it is special to me. Barbara in GA --- Date: Sat, 18 Jan 1997 17:30:40 -0500 (EST) From: Susieh \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: cleaning quilts Message-ID: <970118173038\_1177163272 \[at\] emout15 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> I am trying to find out how to clean an antique name quilt. All of the quilters signed their names on the quilt. I don’t know if the ink is permanent. The quilt is red and white. It is over a hundred years old. There is a little mildew on it, too. Any info will be greatly appreciated :o) --- Date: Sat, 18 Jan 97 23:34:00 GMT From: l.evans5 \[at\] genie \[dot\] com To: qhl \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Cleaning quilts Message-Id: <199701182347.XAA14491 \[at\] relay1 \[dot\] geis \[dot\] com> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” If I had an antique quilt, I’d first take it to the nearest museum with a textile conservation department and have them take a look at it. It might be too fragile to clean, or it might be best cleaned by being gently vacuumed through a scrim. With something old, it’s best to make sure. If it *can* be washed, test whatever soap you’re planning to use on a small section on the back, to make sure there won’t be a chemical reaction that dissolves the fabric. Also, test every fabric for color fastness by wetting a cotton swab and gently rubbing to see if any of the color comes off. If it does, even if only one fabric, don’t wash the quilt. If the quilt is strong enough and color fast enough, soak it in cold water in either a laundry tub or your bathtub. Use the mildest soap possible (I’ve had good luck with Dr. Bronner’s sal suds – the guy who makes this soap is a lunatic in California whose wrappers spout a mixture of what he claims is Essene Judaism and some very odd political theories, but the soap is great) and let the quilt soak for a while. When it comes to rinsing, squeeze the suds out as gently as possible and rinse until the water is clear. When the water runs clear, spread the quilt out flat to dry – do NOT put it in the dryer! I’ve had good luck spreading a wet quilt out in my backyard on a clean sheet, with another clean sheet over it to protect it from bird droppings and squirrels. Let it dry on a clear, sunny day. This has worked well for me; I know there are booklets out there on caring for old quilts. Any suggestions? --- Date: Sat, 18 Jan 1997 20:49:42 -0500 (EST) From: QuiltFixer \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: 1930’s baby quilt kits? Message-ID: <970118204941\_879547844 \[at\] emout15 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> I recently went through some things that were my mothers that she had saved for a long time. In the box were two quilt tops. They were baby quilt tops with embroderie and applique. The material is obviously 1930’s and the base if very rough muslin. much like the “flour sack” dishtowels my grandmother used to have. When I asked Mom about them she was a little hazzy about their history, only that “Aunt May” had made them for me, but they had never been tyed. Were these kits? Did they come with the design stamped on and perhaps the material included? Would the muslin soften up if I washed them and then used softner? I was born in 1934 so the time would be right. Anyone know more about the history? Would like to do something with them. They are in very good condition. Toni Baumgard QuiltFixer \[at\] aol \[dot\] com --- Date: Sat, 18 Jan 1997 21:31:24 -0500 (EST) From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: 1930’s baby quilt kits? Message-ID: <970118213123\_1277828167 \[at\] emout16 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> In re” to the baby quilt kit, it is possible the fabric IS feedsack. I was surprised to find various items polular today that were made back then also..the dolls/animals that come in a panel with a front and back..cutting lines..sew them together leaving a small hole..stuff the doll/dog, then sew small hole closed..well, they had them back in teh 40’s and 50’s as well..also, a would have a pattern on the back with full details as tohow to embroider/sew it, and wash out the directions..mine is a pinafore..some of my members have small tot’s dresses, blouses, etc..so it is very possible you have feedsack fabric..and one thing for sure..the more it is washed the softer it gets..If you would like a few sqs of feedsacks to try to identifly yur fabric, I would be happy to send them,,is it a white or off white in color? Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB --- Date: Thu, 16 Jan 1997 09:49:25 -0700 From: kmccoy \[at\] glenerin \[dot\] com (Katie McCoy) To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Old quilt top Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Hi Merikay (love your name), Thanks so much for your response and offer to help. I’ve just posted to the list that I will be taking photos this weekend. Will have an extra set made to send you if you send me your snail mail address. This quilt top is doing something strange to me! (I’m new to this idea of preservation of *all* quilts.) When my friend first showed it to me, I said I wasn’t interested in finishing someone else’s work (barely have time to do the ones I want to create as it is), but just before she was going to ditch it, a quilt teacher helped me realize the error of my thoughts and I quickly contacted my friend. Now it’s calling me and I’m getting excited about it. Could it be haunted? Again, I sincerely appreciate yours and everyone’s interest, Katie in Colorado “A Quilting Sew & Sew” kmccoy \[at\] glenerin \[dot\] com > Katie–I read your message on the quilt history list. I’ve posted a message > to you on the board because I, too, agree we ought to be responding to each > other’s questions on the board so others can hear (and learn). But . . . I > wanted to also ak you directly to tr to describe the quilttop you mentioned. > If you take a photo and send it to me, it would be even easier to date and > identify. I have lots of 1930s-1950s catalogs for quilt patterns and kits. > I might be able to identify the top–the date, patern name, and company. > Please e-mail me and answer on the list. Thanks. Merikay Waldvogel > quiltalive \[at\] aol \[dot\] com --- Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 07:43:43 -0500 (EST) From: Quilting Heritage ListServ To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Off to Lexington Message-Id: <2.2.16.19970119074134.2e37451c \[at\] mail \[dot\] albany \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Dear Gang, I talked DH into letting me take him on a romantic weekend – visiting the Red and Green Antique Quilts in Lexington MA:-)) He just loves it when I take him on these educational excusions. Don’t worry, I’ll take lots of pictures! But I will be away until Monday night as we are sight seeing and visiting on the way back. Be good, now! (Gee, do you think I have too many kids?) Kris +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a request to: QHL-request \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com with only the word subscribe in the body of the note. To subscribe or unsubscribe from the digest version, send the request to: QHL-Digest-request \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com. To post to the list, you should send your note to QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com. Visit our members web page at \[link removed\] This is YOUR page, we can put anything on it that you like. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ --- Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 14:08:12 -0500 (EST) From: MHerron4 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Subject: QHL: Penny Square Applique Message-ID: <970119140810\_1419692190 \[at\] emout03 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Dear Heather et al. January 18, 1997 I just recieved the new Spring Keepsake catalog and they sell a book in it with penny square patterns. You can request a catalog be sent to you at their web site which is \[link removed\] I love their catalogs as they always give me lots of ideas. Their website is new and under construction so at this point about all you can do there is request a catalog. Good luck with your quilt, hope this has been useful. Mary H. --- Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 14:59:32 +0000 From: “The Garretts” To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: NJ Museum Shows Message-Id: Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT A thank you to QHL, with special thanks to Rayna and Cinda, for posting about the wonderful quilt shows in Newark and New Brunswick, NJ. Were it not for this list, I would not have known about these shows, which I was fortunate to see on Saturday. Please continue to post about local museum shows in your area. Neither of these were advertised in my papers, and I was only 2 hours away from each. Museums have low budgets, and we need to network so many can enjoy the quilts. An additional note about the Newark Museum. They have in their gift shop a book of postcards published by Dover Books which pictures most of the quilts on exhibit. Also, if you ask at the information desk and sign a waiver saying you will not publish nor profit in any way, you can take pictures, nonflash. I was glad to find both of these benefits. The Lancaster County Amish Quilts at Rudgers in New Brunswick were not able to be photographed, and there were no flyers or anything about the show. But intense viewing of 30+ quilts is an overwhelming experience. Some observations for those unable to attend — I knew that Lancaster Amish quilts were machine pieced. I have seen bindings that were applied by machine also. But there was a quilt in the exhibit with machine quilting — a double nine patch on point with spacer blocks. The blocks and spacer blocks were machine quilted around the edge, and the inside edge of the inner border was machine quilted. Everything else was hand quilted. Has anyone else seen quilts with machine quilting? Is this unusual, or more typical than we have been led to believe? This is the first I have seen, but I have not studied traditional Amish quilts first hand. The date on this quilt was 1900, and had initials embroidered on the back. There also was a double Irish chain, with the corner squares in the spacer blocks appliqued on by machine. Since wool is thicker than cotton, these squares really laid on top of the quilt surface, instead of what we usually see in cotton Irish chains were those corners tend to lie flat. This quilt was dated 1920. Two wonderful exhibits that I was able to attend because of QHL. Thanks for the information. Barb in southeastern PA --- Date: Sun, 19 Jan 1997 20:22:08 -0500 (EST) From: SadieRose \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: 1930’s baby quilt kits? Message-ID: <970119202207\_615793038 \[at\] emout18 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Toni, I would suggest you contact Shirley McElderry about your quilt kits. She has been researching patterns from this era for childrens’s quilts….maybe she can help. If you have photos of them, you might mail those to her for more definite info. Here is her address: Shirley McElderry 3655-91st Ave. Ottumwa, IA 52501-9136 ph 515-684-7483 Shirley does quilt restoration – doesn’t have a modem yet, though. Good luck!! Karan Date: Mon, 20 Jan 1997 10:33:56 -0700 From: kmccoy \[at\] glenerin \[dot\] com (Katie McCoy) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Old quilt top Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” On 1-1697 Merikay said: > > you wondered how to date an applique a quilt top (c. > > 1940s-40s) your friend found. You said the top was basted for applique, > > but not sewn down. Would you please describe the design, colors, etc.? The top is lavender background blocks, but interestingly enough, some of the blocks are pieced as though they were not cut large enough the first time. Basted onto background blocks are calico sunflowers, flowers are all different fabrics & colors, centers all yellow, stems “poison green” and in flowerpots of varing colors. Blocks are machine sewn together, applique has edge turned with basting and then whole flower & pot basted onto block. Top is twin size, blocks don’t all meet well in the corners but the edges seem to be even which makes me think that if I measured each block I would find all different sizes! A few of the yellow centers have already been appliqued already in a fairly visible fashion but the edge turned basting hasn’t been removed. Some of the centers look completely round and well turned, others look poorly rounded and turned. The flowers seem a bit stiff, not sure if it’s starch or age. Blocks seem softer though. I’m quite certain all fabrics are cotton. Some of the basting threads are coming out and I have re-basted things down to keep them in place. Would hate to lose a leaf or flower pot. I plan to finish the quilt. I’m not concerned that it be an heirloom, but would like to keep it from deteriorating further. What would you suggest as a backing and quilting pattern to remain at least as true to it’s times as possible? Thanks for your help, Katie in Colorado “A Quilting Sew & Sew” kmccoy \[at\] glenerin \[dot\] com --- Date: Mon, 20 Jan 1997 13:47:33 -0800 From: harleman \[at\] micron \[dot\] net To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Glitch gone, I’m baaaack! Message-ID: <32E3E7F5.76FF \[at\] micron \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit QHListserve, Thnx for your patience. Maybe the problems are over; then again, maybe not. In the meantime, I have a full day today (in addition to reading 71! messages) so will have to wait til Tue or Wed to resume list. So many are saying they did not receive any of them, so I guess I’ll have to start over. ? Any more input on what was recived? By the way, I had better plans for today than hanging on a tech line for over two hours in three calls; it just happens to be my and DH’s 34 anniversary. Sharon in gray, gray (and it just stopped snowing HUGE flakes, but it only snowed for about 15 minutes) Boise. PS The last time it snowed like that we ended up with over 1 1/2 ft of snow and I was in John Flynn’s workshop on Arabic Lattice. Fun day. --- Date: Mon, 20 Jan 1997 16:59:41, -0500 From: LWKB50A \[at\] prodigy \[dot\] com ( KENNETH K REGAN) To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: bio and old blocks Message-Id: <199701202159.QAA37304 \[at\] mime3 \[dot\] prodigy \[dot\] com> Hi to all. I’ve been enjoying QHL for a week or so, and just found out how to post a note. I became interested in the history of quilts after 2 separate sets of quilt blocks were given to me. One set of blocks was done by my great-grandmother, the other set by my DH’s gr. grand-m. I like the book reviews and have ordered several that were reccomended on QHL. I’m anxious to learn more about dating quilts. I’ll describe the blocks that I have. The first set is 9 blocks about 18″ on a rough off white muslin. Each block has 4 butterflies hand-appliqued on. They are all different fabrics. In the center of the blocks are embroidered flowers. They were made in the 30’s. I made it into a quilt for my mom. If anyone has heard of a pattern like that, I would like to hear any info. you can offer. The second set of blocks (20 of them) are in the pattern Mosaic. The colors are blue, gold-yellow, and white. I’m guessing these were done in the 40’s. The blue almost looks like a polished cotton, since it’s rather shiny. I washed them in ORVUS, and are piecing them together by hand. Again, any info would be great! Thanks! Tiffany --- Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 06:40:24 -0500 From: quiltmag \[at\] mindspring \[dot\] com (Jean Ann) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Brackman Book Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” I am not familiar with Camille’s book on quilt restoration. I use Barbara Brackman’s book every day. It is simply block illustrations of over 4,000 pieced blocks. Each one has every source that Barbara has researched and found for the block…that is every place that it was printed. Newspapers, magazines, books. etc. They illustrations of the blocks are in categories (four patch, nine patch, etc) and numbered. The index at the back of the book has an alphabetical list of every block in the book. Many of the blocks have several names. There are often more than one block design for a single name. I use the book to identify blocks, by looking at all the pictures in a certain category. I use the book when i want to make a new quilt and want to find a block to use. It is a great reference book. No text to speak of….just 4,000 plus illustrations and sources. Jean Ann Eitel Editor, QUILT magazine \[link removed\] Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk \[link removed\] --- Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 07:59:21 -0500 From: quiltmag \[at\] mindspring \[dot\] com (Jean Ann) To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: missing QHL emails Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” well…i did wonder about the silence of this group…..everyone was so vocal! I only got the occasional message from the list in the past ten days. I am glad the glitches are worked out. I love this list. Jean Ann Eitel Editor, QUILT magazine \[link removed\] Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk \[link removed\] --- Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 08:06:48 -0500 (EST) From: Tubeywooby \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL-Digest \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Donkey quilts Message-ID: <970121080647\_441782096 \[at\] emout17 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Dear Quilters, I have been listening in for about a month, thoroughly enjoying all the quilt chat. I meant to respond earlier to a requset for any info on a donkey quilt that someone had found. I have a GREAT book called Great Little Quilts by Eleanor Levie (published 1990 by H.N. Abrams, Inc.,N.Y.). There is a whole section describing elephant and donkey quilts which were campaign related, pattern originally published (June 6, 1931 for elephant and July 22, 1931 for donkey) in the Kansas City Star. They are mosaic pictorial small quilts. Thanks for letting me eaves drop for the last month. I’m glad I could get my two cents worth in! Quilting in warm Houston,TX., Melissa --- Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 08:15:37 -0500 (EST) From: Tubeywooby \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Donkey quilts Message-ID: <970121081535\_1110440924 \[at\] emout15 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Dear Quilters, I have been listening in for about a month, thoroughly enjoying all the quilt chat. I meant to respond earlier to a requset for any info on a donkey quilt that someone had found. I have a GREAT book called Great Little Quilts by Eleanor Levie (published 1990 by H.N. Abrams, Inc.,N.Y.). There is a whole section describing elephant and donkey quilts which were campaign related, pattern originally published (June 6, 1931 for elephant and July 22, 1931 for donkey - named Giddap) in the Kansas City Star. They are mosaic pictorial small quilts. Thanks for letting me eavesdrop for the last month. I’m glad I could get my two cents worth in! Quilting in warm Houston,TX., Melissa --- Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 09:08:42 From: “MARY PERSYN” To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: New Books (to me) Message-ID: <139AE8837F2 \[at\] wesemann \[dot\] law \[dot\] valpo \[dot\] edu> I paid another visit to Quilting Books Unlimited in Batavia, IL last Saturday and dropped another bundle of money. (They like to see me coming ). I thought some of you might be interested in my latest purchases. I’ll give a short description based just on a scanning of the books. Haven’t had time to read them all yet. Oliver, Celia Y. ed., 55 FAMOUS QUILTS FROM THE SHELBURNE MUSEUM IN FULL COLOR. New York: Dover, 1990. ISBN 0-486-26474-2 This is a Dover book that I had not seen before. Unusual for a Dover publication, it has color pictures of 55 absolutely gorgeous quilts from the Shelburne. Makes me want to take a trip to Vermont. (Pat Lyons, how far is it from Syracuse to Shelburne, VT?) Kraybill, Donald B., Herr, Patricia T., Holstein, Jonathan, A QUIET SPIRIT: AMISH QUILTS FROM THE COLLECTION OF CINDY TIETZE & STUART HODOSH. Los Angeles: UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History, 1996. ISBN 0-930741-53-6 This is the catalog from the show that was at the Fowler Museum at UCLA. I can’t remember whether the show was discussed here or on Quiltnet. The book has three essays as well as pictures of the quilts in the exhibit. The essays are: Quiltwork of Amish Culture by Kraybill; Quilts within the Amish Culture by Herr; and In Plain Sight: The Aesthetics of Amish Quilts by Holstein. I can’t wait to read this one. von Gwinner, Schnuppe, THE HISTORY OF THE PATCHWORK QUILT: ORIGINS, TRADITIONS AND SYMBOLS OF A TEXTILE ART. West Chester, PA: Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 1988. (Translated from German. Original title Die Geschichte des Patchworkquilts). ISBN 0-88740-136-8 I was reminded of this book when reading yesterday’s message about “really old” quilts. (I don’t have access to my legacy mail’ at the moment so can’t look up who sent the message). Anyway, this books has pictures, some black and white, some in color, of quilted items from many different time periods. For example, it contains pictures of a Sicilian wall hanging c. 1395; a quilted linen blanket from Germany from the 16th century; and a saddle blanket from the Altai Mountains, 5th century BC. It looks really interesting. Freeman, Roland L., A COMMUNION OF THE SPIRITS: AFRICAN-AMERICAN QUILTERS, PRESERVERS, AND THEIR STORIES. Nashville, TN: Rutledge Hill Press, 1996. ISBN 1-55853-425-3 The author traveled around the United States interviewing and taking pictures of African-American quilters. Many of the pictures are of the quilters with their quilts. The following book didn’t come from QBU. I got it at the museum shop at the Museum of American History (part of the Smithsonian) in Washington DC. It has wonderful closeups of the Harriet Powers’ Bible Quilt. Perry, Regina A., HARRIET POWERS’S BIBLE QUILT. Rizzoli Art Series. New York: Rizzoli International Publications, 1994. (Distributed by St. Martin’s Press). ISBN 0-8478-1653-2 Sorry for the bandwidth, but I thought some of you would be intrested in these titles. I don’t work for either QBU or the Smithsonian, but I support them with my purchases. BTW, Rob Roberts from QBU told me Saturday that CLUES IN THE CALIO is not out of print, but that some distributors find it difficult to get ahold of. He doesn’t know why. Mary from finally warming, and now slushy, Valparaiso, IN Mary G. Persyn mpersyn \[at\] wesemann \[dot\] valpo \[dot\] edu Law Librarian (219) 465-7838 School of Law Library FAX: (219) 465-7917 Valparaiso University Valparaiso, IN 46383 --- Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 10:19:51 -0500 From: Ricki Maietta To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Irish Chain Message-Id: <199701211509.HAA04882 \[at\] orbital \[dot\] cue \[dot\] com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Barb mentioned the corner squares of an Irish Chain being appliqued on top (by machine?). My grandmother did hers that way – but she wasn’t Amish. She made a beautiful Irish Chain in blues & grays on white – one of her better quilts. I actually liked the appliqued corner squares, as it eliminates the seam necessary if you would piece those squares in. I go to great lengths to eliminate seams. Hate quilting over them. BTW, my grandmother did her by hand. Ricki in PA, granddaughter of the wild & crazy quiltin’ Jessie Mae Watson Cremer of Mt. Orab, Ohio, who mixed colors with abandon & wore way too much jewelry (is that where I get it?) --- Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 15:04:01 +0000 From: “Kathleen Duvall” To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Old Fabric Message-Id: <20064697620312 \[at\] kong \[dot\] gulfnet \[dot\] com> Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT DH is miraculous at finding me old quilts. He brought home two last weekend ($5 each!). One is an intricately pieced and quilted star that I put on display, and the other is definitely a utility quilt. It consists entirely of sewn-together squares forming no pattern and is not quilted very expertly, but I fell in love with it! I threw it on the back of the couch and have already taken a nap under it. Beautiful weather today and I took the opportunity to wash all the bedding, including this quilt. It fared very well except that one patch has disintigrated. I was very fortunate to have a stash of 30’s fabric and patched it with a piece of that and you couldn’t tell now which one it was. Which brings me to my question. I was very lucky to come across this fabric at a garage sale recently. There are yards and yards of it!! Some of the fabric still has the tag attached (5 yards for 59 cents!!!). There are some solid colors like green and blues and a lot of prints. I was thinking of making a quilt from this fabric — maybe just a simple 9-patch — but was wondering if I should preserve the fabric as is. There are so many knowledgable people on this list, perhaps you can advise me. Would it be heresy to cut up this fabric? If I do, should I wash it first, and how should I wash it? Should I seek out some particular pattern to do it justice? Thanks in advance for your help! Kathleen in Florida --- Date: Tue, 21 Jan 97 22:44:00 GMT From: l.evans5 \[at\] genie \[dot\] com To: qhl \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Old Quilts Message-Id: <199701212305.XAA02443 \[at\] relay1 \[dot\] geis \[dot\] com> Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Mary – thanks a million for the tip on the von Gwinner book. I think I know all three pieces you mentioned (the 1395 one is actually a wedding quilt, done in trapunto), but I don’t have good pictures of most of them. Is it still in print? And was it terribly expensive? (gulp) Thanks! Lisa EVANS L.EVANS5 \[at\] GENIE \[dot\] GEIS \[dot\] COM --- Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 23:15:15 -0500 From: mrbill \[at\] magicnet \[dot\] net (Bill Wohlfart) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Vermont Message-Id: <199701220414.XAA08534 \[at\] magicnet \[dot\] magicnet \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” I was lucky enough to get to Vermont last year and really enjoyed the quilts at the Shelbourne Museum. Well worth the trip. Also loved the Renwick Show. I Think it closes next week. Really nice to see the really old fabrics and the tiny hand work that was done. Waiting for the book to come out! Jeanann in Orlando --- Date: Tue, 21 Jan 1997 22:53:43 -0500 From: Ricki Maietta To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: “black” cotton? Message-Id: <199701220343.TAA23064 \[at\] orbital \[dot\] cue \[dot\] com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Hi everyone. Big question here. Have any of you ever heard of “black cotton”? Reason for the question – there is an interesting old, old quilt in our local history museum, The Lycoming County Historical Museum in Williamsport, PA. This quilt, at some point in history, had it’s back removed! Yep – all the quilting stitches were clipped, some still hanging in the fabric, but the back is gone. What’s even more interesting is that the batting is still stuck to the back of the quilt top! The batting is not completely white. There is a large portion of the batting that is very dark, but still appears to be cotton – very long fibers. I was puzzled by this, but while reading Sandi Fox’s “Small Endearments” last night, saw a reference to “black cotton” in a diary quote. Anyone else familiar with this? Also, wondered if I should put a layer of netting on the back of this quilt so that is doesn’t come apart with time. BTW, this quilt is probably 1840s & in extremely fragile condition. Any comments? Ricki in PA --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 06:00:19 -0800 From: nomad1 \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL:Fur Quilts Message-ID: <32E61D73.5E98 \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi, Hiranya, I think your idea sounds really neat! I tried making rabbit fur mittens many years ago. What I learned from sewing those and sewing fake-fur material is that you should try to stitch through the backing/skin and keep the fur out of the way. Then the fur covers up the seamline on the front. You may even have to trim a little of the fur away in the seam allowance area. I had to purchase a special needle used for sewing leather and I had to sew by hand because my machine was not powerful enough to sew through the leather. I do believe, however, that you can purchase machine needles specifically made for stitching leather. As for backing, thinking back to when I was a youngster and my mom had a mink-stole — I think just backing with a nice satin fabric would be lovely. You wouldn’t have to “quilt” it necessarily and you definitely wouldn’t need any batting! The satiny feel would be a delightful contrast in texture/feel to the fur on the other side. Maybe you could start out small and just make a pillow or something. My stepmom bought a mink-stole at a yard sale once for only $25 and carefully took it apart and made a teddy bear out of the fur. It’s gorgeous! Have fun! Good luck! Susan Crown Springfield, Ohio where the temps are dropping to 10 farenheit and the wind chill is -25!! scrown \[at\] wittenberg \[dot\] edu --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 06:24:07 -0500 (EST) From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: “black” cotton? Message-ID: <970122062406\_135037148 \[at\] emout12 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Ricki, I have a friend and member of THE FEEDSACK CLUB who is an expert on cotton. She does on-going research and is going to be very interested in your post. I would like to send it to her and have her contact you with input. Her name is Anna Lue Cook and wrote the bible on feedsacks..she herself picked cotton as a child. Jane --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 07:00:50 -0500 From: quiltmag \[at\] mindspring \[dot\] com (Jean Ann) To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Use of indigos fabrics? Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” Pam…i can give an explanation from my family who were early Michigan Pioneers. My aunt, who was not a pioneer…, but who was born in 1906 on a dairy farm in Michigan says that the blue indigo fabrics were used to make the work shirts for the men and the work aprons for the women. It was as common as muslin and being a darker color suited to the hard work. They were purchased in abundance and by the bolt. remember that fabric on the bolt was narrower and there were not as many yards per bolt as we use today. So a large farm and large family would use a lot of blue indigo. The little strawberry pink prints were also purchased by the bolt to make pinafores for little girls. They wore the pinafores over all their dresses as it was easier to sew and wash a pinafore than it was to sew and wash a long dress. I have a quilt made by my great grandmother out of lots of pink and blue fabrics that were leftovers from sewing the shirts and the pinafores. She had 15 children, 6 boys, 9 girls. Jean Ann Eitel Editor, QUILT magazine \[link removed\] Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk \[link removed\] --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 23:09:52 +1000 From: Sven Olsson To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re Use of indigo fabrics Message-ID: <32E611A0.3304 \[at\] pnc \[dot\] com \[dot\] au> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Jean Ann I am trying to gather information pre 1900 fabrics so your note really interested me. The little strawberry prints that you mentioned, are they also known as double pinks? --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 07:40:15 -0500 From: quiltmag \[at\] mindspring \[dot\] com (Jean Ann) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: another point of view Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” i purchase old tops and blocks and i do finish them. I feel very comfortable doing this. they are everyday quilts blocks/tops as my budget wont allow me to buy anything that is of museum quality. or even close to. however, i do recognize and respect museum quality quilts and if one ever fell into my hands i would treat it with the utmost respect, as a curator would want. i like to think that the women who started the quilts would be happy that they are finished. they are just every day quilts. i am finishing one very nice 1930 Rose Wreath quilt now and i will be using it as my summer quilt on my own bed. i vote for choices….at 55 i have had too many oughts and shoulds in my life. Jean Ann Eitel Editor, QUILT magazine \[link removed\] Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk \[link removed\] --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 08:25:53 EST From: debatqps \[at\] juno \[dot\] com (debra a welch) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V97 #19 Message-ID: <19970122.082017.6470.2.debatqps \[at\] juno \[dot\] com> Hi everyone, I went a little crazy when I placed my last book order for the shop and ordered some of the books on the list and a few others I came across. I sold two already that I didn’t get a chance to look at before they went : ( but I did snag one that I haven’t seen posted yet. PIONEER QUILTMAKER, THE STORY OF DORINDA MOODY SLADE 1808-1895 by Carolyn O’Bagy Davis. One of the ones that sold was QUILTS FROM THE THIRTIES by Sara Nephew. That one I did peek at, it had copies of old newspaper ads for sewing machines, fabric and copies of the old quilt pattern columns that appeared in the papers in the 30s. There was also an anthology of short quilt stories that looked really neat but I didn’t get to do more than page through it before it sold. I have the name of that one at the shop and will look it up if anyone is interested. I can still get Clues in Calico, one came in yesterday, so I know its still available. Debbie in NJ --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 08:50:28 From: “MARY PERSYN” To: L.EVANS5 \[at\] GENIE \[dot\] GEIS \[dot\] COM, QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: von Gwinner Book Message-ID: <151611D7E5F \[at\] wesemann \[dot\] law \[dot\] valpo \[dot\] edu> I don’t know whether the book is still in print, but it IS listed in QBU’s latest catalog and I just bought a copy of it there on Saturday. The amazing thing is that it costs $16.95! You might want to give Quilting Books Unlimited a call at 800-347-3261. Yes, the Sicilian piece is a trapunto wedding quilt. Some of the pictures in the book are black and white, others are color. I think the Sicilian one is a b & w. Glad to be of help. Mary Mary G. Persyn mpersyn \[at\] wesemann \[dot\] valpo \[dot\] edu Law Librarian (219) 465-7838 School of Law Library FAX: (219) 465-7917 Valparaiso University Valparaiso, IN 46383 --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 12:19:59 -0500 (EST) From: DReyno3650 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Re Use of indigo fabrics Message-ID: <970122121204\_980743967 \[at\] emout07 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Hi: Just curious, but were the double pink fabrics for pinafores made of dimity? Dimity was a thinner fabric than percale that had thick and thin weft(? the lengthwise of the fabric threads) that made it almost transparent in the thin parts. a lurker: Willa Dean Reynolds, Soquel CA --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 12:23:54, -0500 From: LWKB50A \[at\] prodigy \[dot\] com ( KENNETH K REGAN) To: qhl \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: new book Message-Id: <199701221723.MAA49458 \[at\] mime3 \[dot\] prodigy \[dot\] com> Hi to all! I just got a notice from Amazon books that a new book is available: Above & Beyond Basics: A Medley of Quilted Memories by Karen Buckley, pub. by Collector Books, $17.06. Has anyone heard of this one or read it? I’m trying to be very selective on books that I purchase for “budget” reasons, so I would appreciate some feedback. Thanks! Tiffany --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 13:54:55 -0500 (EST) From: Quiltfix \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Old Quilts Message-ID: <970122124513\_173800756 \[at\] emout12 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Well, I finally caught up reading all the QHL from the weekend. Whew! I read today (Wed) that Kathleen in Florida found 30’s yardage. First off, I’m so thouroughly green with envy it isn’t funny! It is hard to find yardage here where I am in Florida. I always seem to have to go out of state. But regarding using it, well, it depends on whether you have quilts that need rescuing or if you want to start a fabric collection. While others will agree with me regarding this, there is no rule stating you can’t cut up yardage. You did, however, describe tags and such still attached, which indicates that the fabric has never been washed. That means a buildup of 60 years’ dirt. Dirt is abrasive and the fabric should be washed very gently if your going to use it (I’m ambivalent about washing it and removing tags if it is for a collection – collectibles are usually more valuable if the item is as intact as possible as it was at the original point of sale). When I wash an old quilt, I am ALWAYS amazed at the dirt that comes out of seemingly clean pieces. But if you want to use it, I’d say go for it. As for restoration in general, I’ve come through a long evolution in my opinion of it. There is always a time and a place for everything. Not every piece should be restored. But then not every piece should be conserved. About 10% of my collection (45+) is truly a piece that I will donate to a museum eventually (probably over my – literally – dead body!). The rest are lovely and worthy of being kept, but you can’t treat them all alike. My silk baby-block quilt, if not restored, will someday get thrown away because of its condition. That’s not to say it isn’t stunning now, but the main black silk is disintegrating and won’t be around a long time. It must be restored so that it will continue to be loved. But then, I have another 1871 star quilt in nearly perfect condition but for one block where the black stripes are going. I won’t touch this, because I know this will be donated eventually and is important to the history of qulting. We have to go beyond over-sentimentalizing the quilts and understand that not all are important. The 1930’s quilts I’ve restored all are lovely, but many seem to have the same problems of poor fabrics and hard use/washing. The better ones need to be restored. There is also another problem with saving the quilts as they are. In my business, I often come across people who love the quilts, but for whom it doesn’t matter if the quilts are intact. They want to fix them and use whatever fabric is most cost effective (of course, some want vintage). They want to be able to put them on the bed and sleep under them. I am always truthful in my opinions on the use the quilts should experience (I turn away business if the proposed restoration is not appropriate). I’ve gotta stop. I’m beginning to lose the train of thoughts. Thanks for the pointers on the poly/cotton batts. I changed the needle (how obvious can you get) and it has helped, but I am going back to cotton – I rarely use man-made materials). Alan --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 15:16:08 -0500 From: quiltmag \[at\] mindspring \[dot\] com (Jean Ann) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: not dimity Message-Id: Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii” the pinafores are definitely not dimity. they are cotton, they were used for everyday wear so sturdy fabrics were needed. it was definitely cotton 🙂 Jean Ann Eitel Editor, QUILT magazine \[link removed\] Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk \[link removed\] --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 12:12:02 PST From: psiera \[at\] juno \[dot\] com (Pam D Siera) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: American Quilter Message-ID: <19970122.124719.9566.23.PSiera \[at\] juno \[dot\] com> When you’all talk about American Quilter you aren’t refering to American Quilting and Patchwork are you? I picked up a copy of that and while I enjoyed all the quilt recipes I don’t think it’s what you are referring to. Could you enlighten me and share a way of obtaining a copy? TIA Pam --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 12:21:47 PST From: psiera \[at\] juno \[dot\] com (Pam D Siera) To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V97 #16 Message-ID: <19970122.124719.9566.24.PSiera \[at\] juno \[dot\] com> Thanks Victoria for you comments on the shoulds and should-nots, I don’t know why my mother’s cedar chest hasn’t stained her Sunbonnet Sue quilt but it hasn’t, perhaps it’s the fact that the chest is only 10 years younger than the 60 year old quilt. After my daughter put in about 10 hours fixing the appliques I sent it off to college with her. I did tell her not to have all her friends sitting on it on her bed and to keep it out of direct sunlight so that she wouldn’t have more hours of repair work to do. This DD is the one who treasures all the dumb quilts I’ve made over her lifetime including the replica I made her to go off to college with. She took her Strawberry shortcake comforter with her too! I used this quilt myself as a young child on my bed and it’s sat in the cedar chest ever since. It’s not a work of art by any means while I hope DD passes it on I want her to enjoy it because I know she will more than the cedar chest. Pam in Santa Rosa --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 16:43:02 -0800 From: harleman \[at\] micron \[dot\] net To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: cedar chests and dimity Message-ID: <32E6B415.3C4A \[at\] micron \[dot\] net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Regarding the reasons for taking stored and valued textiles out of cedar chests, they are: it’s not the stains (never saw any caused by cedar) it’s the resins in cedar. Cedar has far more acidic resins than most other woods which cause deterioration of textiles (including laces, etc.) I think it is ironic that so many of our treasures from the past were kept safe for us in cedar chests, but perhaps they would have lasted much longer had they *not* been in cedar. As to dimity vs cotton: “apples to oranges”? : dimity is a type of weave, cotton is a fiber. Sharon in half gray/half blue-skyed Boise. --- Date: Wed, 22 Jan 1997 18:29:02 -0500 (EST) From: HKnight453 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cue \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL:Fur Quilts Message-ID: <970122173158\_681128006 \[at\] emout11 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> One can buy special needle made for leather from a German concern whose name I can’t recall, but the quality is excellent. Also, the Vogue Sewing Book has some useful tips on sewing with fur. In my experience, sew by machine and use a large darning needle to pick the plush out from the seams. However, this was with faux fur. Also, cut from the back. Heather from warm and drizzling RI P>S> If other members of the Quilt Heritage Usenet Group are planning to attend the Hands Across the Valley Show 15-16 March, would others be interested in meeting for dinner Saturday night? If so, contact me HKNight453 \[at\] AOL \[dot\] com.