December 1996 Page 3
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.
Date: 22 Dec 96 11:39:31 EST
From: Rabbit Goody
Ok now I am really going to get myself in hot water. Textile fabric names
Linsey-woolsey ok what do we really know? Yes cloths coming from Linsey Engalnd
were sometimes called linsey as town names were helpful for distinguishing
regional fabric production traditions Its use in colonial and post revolutionary
America is very confusing. The term was used by deToqueville in his
discriptions of traveling in America to mean a coarse home produced fabric with
either linen or cotton warp and singles wool filling ( weft) in solids and
stripes always in plain weave and without much finishing. The biggest problem I
have is that people weaving in their homes at the same time did not use the
term “linsey-woolsey” as often as those in the 20th century. Often the
referrences to weaving plain cloth of linen and wool were simply called ” mixed
stuff” Stuff usually equaling plain weave cloth as opposed to twills, figures,
spot etc.
The nice thing about using the term linsey-woolsey is that we can know it is
plain weave and that it has cotton or linen warp and singles wool crossing it.
So it is a good place to communicate but usually I try to find a referrence for
a particular decade and its vernacular use, use by those weaving, and
descriptive use by dry goods merchants etc. For example the term Fustian changes
almost every 10 years between 1700 and 1900. Jean which has never changed in
description is a sub set of fustian go figure. The most important thing is that
we have so much surviving plain weave mixed cloth in many colors and weights
Important though none of the surviving pieces are what I would call irregular or
rough textured and when people reproduce it today they often mistake a low count
( warp threads and weft threads per inch) for a lumpy bumpy look for instance in
the pieces I have in my collection the counts are usually in the high 30’s to
low 40’s unless they are horse blankets which we do find so that would look like
a low count sheet not like a lumpy irregular texture usually the yarns are very
well spun and the weaving which can be problematic with linen warps is done
well.
Date: 22 Dec 96 11:39:33 EST
From: Rabbit Goody
Subject: Re: QHL: fabric sheen
I have also heard about egg white glazes on worsted whole cloth quilts and on
what we have come to call cotton Chintz of the 18th century. I cannot however
find any actual receipes or directions for it as a fabric glaze That doesnt mean
it wsnt used – but we do find good information about heat glazing worsteds and
gum arabic and wax glazes. I just spent a few minutes in my library ( textile
technology collection) and still could only come up with Gum Arabic and various
other starch combinations. An introduction to textile finishing, by Marsh.
Posselt’s textile library series and the Cyclopedia of Textile Work but these
are all 19th century not 18th century. I will keep looking because we are very
interested in finding the recipes. The Met has asked us to glaze some worsted
and I have been experimenting with gum arabic and wax but I would love to have
something easy like egg white to work with. I am curious though if egg whites
will need the introduction of a pliable substance to keep the surface from
breaking The glazing problem is just that one of keeping the glaze a pliable
surface as textile move so much and this is semi permanent.
Date: Sun, 22 Dec 1996 15:44:53 -0500
From: QuiltLineaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V96 #19
Hi all,
I haven’t posted in a while, in fact only a few times since the beginning.
I have read intently however all of everyone else’s posts. I am glad to
read today that we are encouraging each other in the sharing of quilt
knowledge, and hope that the debates that continue on this list, (and I am
sure there will be more). One of my favorite things about those who love
quilts, is that most of us, don’t mind the sharing of information. It is
how we are enriched and can also learn how to enrich others. Perhaps this
open forum will encourage those who want to keep all of their knowledge to
themselves, to be more open. From the posts that have been made here since
the beginning of the list, this is certainly not a threatening environment,
and I for one am only here to learn, and appreciative of what has been
shared.
Debbie Roberts
Date: Sun, 22 Dec 1996 19:03:37 -0500 (EST)
From: beral26interlynx.net
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: linsey -woolsey
Hi all, I’ve unlurked to respond to the suggestion that linsey-woolsey is named
after a town in England. I am originally from England and have never heard of
a town called that- that is not to suggest it does’nt exist – just I’ve never
heard of linsey-woolsey in that connection. It is not listed in the Michelin
Motoring Atlas of Great Britain & Ireland. I have studied 19th century costume
and have some museum experience and always understood the name came from
being a
mixture of wool and linen/ or cotton.
I am really enjoying this list and the discussion. I feel that I can learn a
lot from the expertise of you all. I have sewed as long as I can remember,
but
more of a newbie when it comes to quilting. The history of textiles/quilts
fascinates me, as does the history of needlework tools/workboxes. I have been
collecting them for twenty-five years. Looking forward to the continuation of
the discussion. Happy Holidays……Alma in Southern Ontario.
Date: Sun, 22 Dec 1996 20:07:24 -0500
From: SadieRoseaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: shine on fabrics
Bev, and everyone,
I have in “protective custody” a fabulous Victorian Crazy Quilt which
also has a golden brown cotton sateen backing. Wonder if this was common, or
just a coincidence?? The quilt was in my MIL’s godmother’s trunk, and we
didn’t get it til she passed away, so don’t know who made it. Pretty sure it
was made late 1800’s. In very good condition, some fabrics deteriorating.
Has chenille work, Kate Greenaway embroidered children, hand painted patches
with a bird’s nest & eggs, lots of different embroidery stitches, gorgeous
fabrics, etc. Border is a crimson velvet. It has 4 fan blocks in the
center, almost gives it a “sun” appearance, and 4 fan blocks, one in each
corner. The crazy quilt patches are definitely done in blocks. This is a
very organized Crazy Quilt!!
The reason I have it in “protective custody” is that my MIL was “storing”
it in her attic….just threw it up there. I asked to borrow it for a quilt
show, and it had been rained on!! Then, she talked about putting it in a
display window (they all face west) at her jewelry store!! She has no idea
how fragile this textile treasure is. I have it rolled with acid free tissue
paper, then in a cotton sheet, under my bed. Temperature and humidity there
are pretty stable. Much better than her attic!! (After 25 years, she still
calls what I do “knitting” !!)
Can you stand some more book reviews?? I will post them separately.
TTFN, Karan
Date: Sun, 22 Dec 1996 20:07:39 -0500
From: SadieRoseaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Book Review: First Flowerings
I was privileged to attend one of the DAR “hands on” quilt lectures in March.
If you have a chance, they are WONDERFUL!! I, too, was a tiny bit
depressed that I couldn’t take pictures, but getting to handle a real
Baltimore Album quilt, also quilts made by relatives of Edgar Allen Poe,
Francis Scott Keyes, and Martha Washington, made up for it. I was very
careful not to drool on the quilts!! Nancy Tuckhorn, textiles curator, was
our workshop presenter, and I asked every question I could think of. Most of
the rest of the group was very quiet…in awe of these fabulous, historic
textiles. (I figured they could always just ship me back to Iowa!)
The first piece we saw was a quilted petticoat from the 1700’s. Nancy
explained that due to space limitations, they must evaluate any potential new
acquistions, and see how it compares to pieces they already have in the
collection. Because of this, they have kept the best of the best, and have a
marvelous collection.
I found a book in the DAR Museum gift shop, called “FIRST FLOWERING: EARLY
VIRGINIA QUILTS” by Gloria Seaman Allen, Curator, based on an exhibit from
July to Oct. 1987. This book contains both color and b&w photos of quilts
from the exhibit, along with background information. The exhibit, and book,
brought together quilts made in northern and eastern Virginia prior to 1840.
I purchased this book as a souvenir, because some of the quilts we were
shown are included- but there is lots of excellent information included.
Also, the price can’t be beat: $5.00!! This is soft cover, 46 pages. Most
of the quilts are medallion style, and feature the glazed cotton chintz we
have been discussing lately. Sorry to say, I don’t have the DAR Museum phone
number, maybe one of you nearer Washington can share that, if anyone is
interested.
One of the comments that stayed with me from that day, was that the
technique we would call “trapunto” today, was called “stuffed work” at the
time these quilts were being made. It was fascinating for me to see quilts
of this age, when we did the Iowa Quilts Research Project, we saw very few
quilts older than 1850 (Iowa became a state in 1846), and none of those older
quilts were made in Iowa.
This is another reason our discussions are so valuable…although I have
seen quite a few 1850’s- 1950’s quilts in the Midwest….I have little
experience with quilts from the East or South. So fascinating to learn more
about ALL of this!! We can all keep adding little “pieces to the puzzle” as
we shed more light on fabrics, quilts and quiltmakers.
Karan
Date: Sun, 22 Dec 1996 20:07:53 -0500
From: SadieRoseaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Book Review: No Time On My Hands
No Time On My Hands, by Grace Snyder, as told to Nellie Snyder Yost
This is the autobiography of Grace McCance Snyder, told in a style that
will remind you of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s series of Little House books.
Copyright 1963, reprinted in 1986 by the University of Nebraska Press, ISBN
0-8032-9164-7
I don’t know if this book is currently available, but it is well worth
tracking down. Grace tells of her life growing up on the high plains of
Nebraska “where, as a child of seven and up, I wished three wishes and
dreamed three dreams. I wished that I might grow up to make the most
beautiful quilts in the world, to marry a cowboy, and to look down on the top
of a cloud. At the time I dreamed those dreams and wished those wishes, it
seemed impossible that any of them could ever come true” (but they all did).
Grace’s beautiful petit point style “Flower Basket” quilt is shown in
color on the cover of my copy, but the one thing (from a quilter’s point of
view) lacking in the book is color photos of more of Grace’s quilts. There
are family photos, and a few b&w’s with Grace’s quilts in the background.
Grace tells how she pieced the Flower Basket quilt, based on a design on a
china plate, of “triangle shaped pieces so small, that eight of them sewed
together made a “block” no larger than a two-cent postage stamp.” It took
16 months to complete. When the quilt was finished, Grace wrote to the china
company to see if she could find out who had designed the pattern. The owner
of the company was so impressed with the photo of her quilt, he sent her an
entire set of the china! Eventually, she was able to correspond with the
German man who had designed the basket motif.
Grace was born in 1882, and lived to be 100 years old. What amazing
changes occurred over the century she lived. She was one of the quilters
interviewed by Molly Newman prior to the writing of the play QUILTERS! and
you will recognize some of Grace’s anecdotes in the play! Grace was inducted
into the Quilter’s Hall of Fame in 1980.
She started as a child, piecing scraps with leftovers from the family’s
clothing, but used her “last dollar to buy enough yard goods to piece a quilt
top” to take along when she hired out to teach at a prairie school when she
was 18. Later, she married a neighbor, Bert Snyder, the cowboy she dreamed
of, and they moved to a ranch in the sand hills of Nebraska. Her, Grace
filled lonely hours with raising her family and stitching prize-winning
quilts. They owned one of the first autos in the sand hills, bought in 1908.
This is an enjoyable read, filled with the little everyday happenings, as
well as the quilts that Grace “pieced in her spare time”.
Hope you find some “spare time” for some stitching during the holidays!!
Karan
Date: Sun, 22 Dec 1996 21:20:41 -0500
From: Baglady111aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: shine on fabrics
Love the book reviews by SadieRose..I woul dlike to add to the Grace McCance
Snyder one..seveal years ago I hostessed a dicussion table at the AMSG
conference in NE..one of my feedsack club members, Linda Winter, of Holdrege,
NE invited me to spend a some time with her..while at her home, I was reading
the book SadieRose reviewed and Linda told me Mrs. Snyder’s home was not too
far from Holdrege..did I want to explore and find it? ARE YOU SERIOUS?? We
packed a picnic and off we went..Grace’s daughter tells of the cemetary where
immediate family members were buried..WE FOUND IT!! There is one particular
plot where the marker has a “bubble frame” picture of the lady buried
there..sure enough, there it was..I can;t recall but I think it was an aunt
or Grace’s sister..SadieRose would know from the book.also, when Grace’s
daughter flew to an exhibit of Grace’s quilts..the quilts rode in the seat
next to Grace’s daughter..a place of honor..many thanx, SadieRose for the
wonderful review and the memsories it awakened of my visit to ehr home
area..we found the area of ehr homne after she was wed but there was nothing
there to determine exactly WHICH spot it was..where her home had stood at one
time..the lady who was born in a soddy, reared in a soddy, boarded /lived in
a soddy when teaching school, and married and tended top her family in a
soddy..Jane
Date: Mon, 23 Dec 1996 13:38:39 -0600 (CST)
From: celmoreksu.edu
To: qhlcuenet.com
Subject: QHL: Introduction
Hi, Quilt Historians, etc.
I, too, have been lurking on this listserv because I work as a
librarian and have had very little time to be sending messages. Now that
all the university students and hopefully some of the professors are now
at home instead of in the library I can have a few minutes to pursue other
academic interests–quilts.
My name is Carol Elmore and my quilt interests are appraising quilts
(AQS certified) and collecting fabric, quilts featuring dogs. I am also
interested in feed sacks, especially those advertising chicken feed. I
just bought an interesting sack at a sale which was one of the recycled
sacks having advertising from one company on the front and from another
company on the inside. I have several quilts which have fabrics with feed
sacks from chicken feed. I recently contacted Jane S. who gave me a
couple of contacts for feed sack information. Thank you Jane. I will
probably be interested in joining her feed sack club sometime because it
sounds like an interesting group.
I’m not sure how much I will be able to add to your discussions.
It seems like you all do a good job of discussing various topics. It
sure is fun reading all the comments.
Carol Elmore
Manhattan, Kansas
Date: Mon, 23 Dec 1996 20:57:45 -0500
From: Baglady111aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Introduction
Welcome, Carol..the sack you mention, one advertiser on one side, another on
the inside, is VERY unique and adds toit being collectable..several members
are going to be quite interested in learning about it..we will be happy to
have you with the club but you don’t have to join to avail yourself of
help/contacts to gain info/acqurie sacks..and I know all of us will look
forward to more posts from you..Jane
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 09:24:44 -0500
From: SadieRoseaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: January Birthdays
I just learned of another quilter on our list with a January birthday
coming up (mine is too) …. I am amazed at how many quilters I know (several
of them are nationally known) who have January birthdays. If any of you QHL
members have Jan. birthdays, please e-mail me privately (don’t hit the reply
key!). I don’t have to know the year…just the day. “The weather
outside is frightful”…..new snow and wind warnings here. Wishing safe
holiday travel to each of you and your loved ones! Karan
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 00:48:40 PST
From: psierajuno.com (Pam D Siera)
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Re: egg whites
I hate to contradict Michele, and perhaps we are talking abut two
different things, but I learned to paint with egg tempora by mixing the
inner yolk with dry pigment in layers which made the painting
translusent and that added the depth. A lot of fruit still lifes are
painted this way. I’ve never heard of glazing a quilt though using any
medium. Pam in Santa Rosa
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 07:06:24 PST
From: psierajuno.com (Pam D Siera)
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Re: preserving the history
Message-ID: 19961224.072837.3446.7.PSierajuno.com”>19961224.072837.3446.7.PSierajuno.com
In my cedar chest are several quilts made by my family. I caught
my youngest daughter collecting quilts in her closet and realizing how
important they were to her we went through all the quilts and I tried to
remember as much history as I could and we wrote down at least that much
on paper and pinned it to the quilt.
After all the discussion about oral tradition and being the oldest
woman in my family at 45, I was thinking, what do you all think about my
making labels for these quilts. One in particular is the first quilt my
mother made, would be 1930’s with the help of her grandmother, a
Sunbonnet Sue. Another is an unfinished solid yellow and white that my
grandmother told me her aunt had started, she had worked on it and now so
have I and my daughter. It’s hand pieced and my grandmother bought more
material so it isn’t an exact match. You see already my grandmother is
dead and I can’t verify the story but then how will my daughter ever do
better when I make it into a baby quilt if she ever has children?
I don’t want to make a mess of them either. Thanks for your
thoughts. Pam
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 11:03:08 -0500
From: SarahOzaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Feedsack value
Message-ID: 961224110307_35554459@emout07.mail.aol.com”>961224110307_35554459emout07.mail.aol.com
HI All!
Perhaps someone can answer this question that I’ve been thinking about ever
since I picked up a particular feedsack. I’ve been collecting sacks for
about 3-4 years. I have a rather large collection most found in Ohio, but I
have found some here in the Phoenix area also.
My question is, are some sacks worth more than others? While I lived in Ohio
I came across, at an antique show, a sack that has Disney’s Alice In
Wonderland motif/figures on it. There was only one, and I don’t believe the
person selling it saw any worth in it at all considering they only asked a
dollar for it. I’m surprised it wasn’t higher in price just because it was a
disney/animation item. It is in excellent condition and still is stitched
into the bag with the original seams. I haven’t seen since any bags with
Disney things on them.
Thanks for you help and Happy Holidays!
Rose Gray
Tempe AZ
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 11:24:06 -0500
From: QuiltFixeraol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Seasons Greeting From Toni
Message-ID: 961224112405_1289491911@emout19.mail.aol.com”>961224112405_1289491911emout19.mail.aol.com
Have a happy and safe Holiday. Wishes for a wonderful new year. I am so
happy to be on this list with all of you.
Merry Christmas
Toni Baumgard
QuiltFixeraol.com
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 11:24:34 -0500
From: Knutemaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: preserving the history
Message-ID: 961224112428_875846066@emout12.mail.aol.com”>961224112428_875846066emout12.mail.aol.com
Sounds like you have some treasures. I would definitely make some labels with
the information that you know.
Good luck,
Bet
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 11:27:15 -0500
From: Baglady111aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Feedsack value
Message-ID: 961224112715_371098922@emout14.mail.aol.com”>961224112715_371098922emout14.mail.aol.com
Well, you lucky sacker, you!! GOOD FOR YOU!! It is worth anywhere from
$25.00 and UP!! Like anything, the right location, the right person would
pat at least $25.00 and a serious collector? $50.00 and up..I have one that
unless they held a gun to my head..and that fact that it is in excellent
condition, still closed (string still in) make sit VERy COLLECTABLE..These
are the ones you would NEVER want to cut up..Yes, Disney appears on numerous
ones..I have Alice in Wonderland, Cinderella, Davey Crockette, and there is
also a Snow Wshsite..I have PIECES of a Snow White in the petals of a
Dressden Plate..she and her Prince Charming are heading to the castle on his
white steed..I understand there is a Lil Abner out there..and several members
also have Gone with the Wind..Oh, I almost forgot..I have one with Miceky,
Donald, and Goofy on it..they are such fun, so glorious in colors (because
they were made with dyes we are no longer allowed to use because of the
EPA)..so they are sooo colorful..and VERY historical..IF you are going to
sell it I know of buyers..so please let me put you in touch with them IF
that is the case..If you hold on to it..it can only increase in value..KEEP
IT INTACT!! We would love to ahve you with THE FEEDSACK CLUB you would be
among 650+ others who buy/sell/trade/collect/exhibit/researchg them..thanx
fof sharing..Jane
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 11:28:54 -0500
From: Baglady111aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Feedsack value
Message-ID: 961224112853_610987958@emout19.mail.aol.com”>961224112853_610987958emout19.mail.aol.com
For Rose Gray and her fabulous Cinderella feedsack..
oopps! I forgot to ask..what color is yours? Mine is yellow background and
Alice is dressed in green..Jane
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 11:30:27 -0500
From: Knutemaol.com
To: QHLcuenet.com
Subject: QHL: Nice Journal
Message-ID: 961224113026_1155286464@emout02.mail.aol.com”>961224113026_1155286464emout02.mail.aol.com
Someone just posted the idea of keeping a journal.
A friend just gave me a very nice journal for Christmas. It is a very small
one and is called THE QUILTER–a notebook. It has blank pages and also some
interesting writings on some of the pages with illustrations. Publisher is A
Quilter’s Resource publication Museum Quilts.
IT is a terrific gift…now If I can remember to write in it.
Merry Christmas,
Bet in Florida
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 08:36:11 -0800 (PST)
From: Michele Weise michele@peppertreestudios.com”>michelepeppertreestudios.com
To: QHLcuenet.com
Subject: QHL: egg whites
Message-Id: 199612241636.IAA10792@acme.sb.west.net”>199612241636.IAA10792acme.sb.west.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Yes Pam, you are correct–I mixed up my eggs; sorry, that was a dumb
mistake. Yolks in the tempra paints, not whites– but egg whites for
glazing fabric. What I was questioning on the original post was whether
anyone else had ever seen a glaze on an 18th cent. quilt with egg whites?
It is a very different look than the glaze done by pressing. I tend to
believe my source and now too bad I can’t contact her to ask her how she got
her information as she is away. Just for the fun of it, I’d like to try
some egg whites on fabrics that are untreated. I’ll let you know the results.
Michele in Moorpark,CA
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 13:05:05 -0500
From: PAMIAM6aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Glad to be aboard
Message-ID: 961224130207_371109573@emout11.mail.aol.com”>961224130207_371109573emout11.mail.aol.com
I am new to this forum, and am still in shock that there are so many people
as addicted to old fabric as myself. I am sitting here transfixed to all of
your posts. I have been quilting old quilt tops for 20 years, have worn out
my Clues in the Calico, and continually wish that flour and sugar would come
in fabric so that I could have some inspiration to bake for Christmas. Also
wish that my old quilt tops could talk to me and tell me why that one pink
piece was put in that corner. These old tops when quilted add a complete
atmosphere to a room that nothing new can do. I know there is a field of
thought that these old tops should not be “destroyed” from their originality
by quilting, but I know that the makers of those old gems would be glad that
someone is finishing what they were not able to. Hopefully someone will
finish my cupboard full of old tops that I never will get to. Merry
Christmas to you all. Look forward to your messages. Pam Tjelmeland
Springfield Il
Date: Tue, 24 Dec 1996 23:14:56 -0500
From: “Judy Grow” judygrow@blast.net”>judygrowblast.net
To: QHL@cue.com”>QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Re: Pam,s old family quilts
Message-Id: 199612250517.AAA16343@fireball.blast.net”>199612250517.AAA16343fireball.blast.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
I do not have old family quilts as I am the first person in the history of
my family to make quiltsd. I take that back — my mother made two, at my
urging. But I collect old quilts and mostly old quilt tops. The tops are
more affordable, and I like the idea of finally getting some one else’s UFO
finished.
Every time I buy a top or a quilt, I ask the present owner to give me all
the information they have on the item. Even if it is only the general
location in the state, it is more information than I would have if I hadn’t
asked. All the info I can garner, and some conjectures as well, along with
the date I bought it, how much I paid, and from who and where goes on a
card that I pin to the quilt/top. When I complete the quilt, and have the
binding on, I transfer all that information to muslin and sew it to the
back of the quilt — along with my name and address, date bought, and all
the information on what I used to complete the item.
There is a tremendous gap in the beginning history of these quilted items,
but from the time it comes into my possession it has a real written
history.
I think Pam should do the same with her family quilts, and should include
all the info she has, even if some of it is conjecture. The history
starts with you! If you don’t, who will?
Judy in NJ
judygrowblast.net
Subject: QHL: Re: preserving the history
>
In my cedar chest are several quilts made by my family. I caught
my youngest daughter collecting quilts in her closet and realizing how
important they were to her we went through all the quilts and I tried to
remember as much history as I could and we wrote down at least that much
on paper and pinned it to the quilt. I was thinking, what do you all
think about my
making labels for these quilts. One in particular is the first quilt my
mother made, would be 1930’s with the help of her grandmother, a
Sunbonnet Sue. Another is an unfinished solid yellow and white that my
grandmother told me her aunt had started, she had worked on it and now so
have I and my daughter. I can’t verify the story but then how will my
daughter ever do
better when I make it into a baby quilt if she ever has children?
Pam
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 96 00:49:29 PST
From: Sharon Harleman Tandy harleman@micron.net”>harlemanmicron.net
To: Quilt History Listserve QHL@cuenet.com”>QHLcuenet.com
Subject: QHL: Merry Christmas to All!
Message-ID: Chameleon.961225011305.harleman@harleman.micron.net”>Chameleon.961225011305.harlemanharleman.micron.net
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
For everyone on QHL, What a wonderful “gift” we have been given and have
given to ourselves: to belong to this list where we “speak the same
language”, have the same concerns, and where some of us have the answers to
the queries of others. Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy Stitches!
RE: Pam’s old quilts in her cedar chest. You have all the right instincts
to begin preserving what you have, and the information you have. I have
always advised people (especially when they say “But I don’t know anything
about the history of the quilt.”) that when we register a quilt with no
history, “That’s where we must start, ground zero. Any other information
we can get is the frosting on the cake, but every quilt starts out with
nothing (kinda like being born?) and we can build from there. Plus, we must
start somewhere. Quilts I have purchased from auctions, etc. or received as
gifts with no info, at least their history from this point on will be
recorded. The only thing I would caution is that where you include
conjecture, be sure to signify that it is conjecture so that the future
historian will be able to discern where the line is.
The other point I must make is that bare (unfinished) wood is very harmful
to fabrics. Most of us know not to store quilts in plastic (they cannot
breathe) or cardboard boxes (high acidity) but few realize that the
traditional cedar chest storage is even more dangerous to textiles. All
woods are acidic and cedar has one of the highest acid contents. Strange,
that’s where so many textiles have been stored. At the very least, line the
chest with acid-free tissue; even better, cushion the fold with acid-free
tissue, fold with a 100% cotton, white sheet (well-rinsed, over and over, to
get out all the remaining bleach, detergent, etc. and no fabric softener).
Fold the sheet along with the quilt, not just wrap the quilt in it. That
way the sheet can protect parts of the quilt from itself at the same time it
protects it from the outside. I need to ask more questions from my friend,
the chemist, and my expert at the paint store, but I have read that wood
with a good painted su!
!
rface is safe for textiles. I have also heard the same thing about clear
finishes, but I don’t yet trust that info because of the chemicals in Deft,
polyurethane etc. I know when my retired forester DH who is also a good
carpenter and woodworker, finishes a new project I cannot stand the smell of
it for weeks after the last coat of finish is dry. The one finish I would
recommend from my own experience is tung oil. When we first began using
this as a permanent finish for our furniture, I read that tung oil is used
to coat the inside of some soup cans (have you ever noticed that slightly
golden coating inside of them? That’s tung oil; unharmful to us or the
foods, so I believe it wouldn’t harm textiles either.) I hope this isn’t
too long, I have been accused of being wordy, but then I always worry about
leaving out any helpful information. And a Good Night to All, Sharon in
warming, melting, somewhat rainy Boise.
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 1996 03:59:02 -0500
From: MCarey1670aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: preserving the history
Message-ID: 961225035859_1922074146@emout02.mail.aol.com”>961225035859_1922074146emout02.mail.aol.com
Dear Pam,
I think it’s a wonderful idea to preserve the history that you do know (or
even the rumors that you have heard) about your family’s quilts. I think you
might want to make a fabric envelope that would coordinate with the quilt in
question, and hand-stitch that to the back of the quilt and then put your
information about the quilt (and even any unsubstantiated theories about it
if they seem pertinent) into the envelope. That won’t really alter the quilt
itself in any permanent way, but it will let those who come into possession
of it later know what they’ve got.
I think you’re really lucky to have any family quilts; I wish I had some! (I
guess I just have to be the “ancestor” that hands ’em down to others!)
Bye,
Mary Ann in Spokane
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 1996 09:01:12 -0500
From: AJSNGSaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: Pam,s old family quilts
Message-ID: 961225090111_1121837675@emout17.mail.aol.com”>961225090111_1121837675emout17.mail.aol.com
Hi,
I’ve decided to buy some old quilt tops this coming year and maybe finish
them off. I like the fact that they are old, and my quilting will be new!
I’ve seen a number of them that I passed up–all very reasonably priced–and
now wish I’d bought them. But there will be more….
Merry Christmas,
Nancy in Virginia
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 1996 09:02:34 -0500
From: AJSNGSaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Sorry!
Message-ID: 961225090233_1590809580@emout15.mail.aol.com”>961225090233_1590809580emout15.mail.aol.com
I posted my post to the list instead of to the individual. Sorry! I guess
you’ll probably give me a break since it’s Christmas!
Nancy in Virginia
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 1996 09:12:56 -0500
From: AJSNGSaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Merry Christmas
Message-ID: 961225091254_943059446@emout05.mail.aol.com”>961225091254_943059446emout05.mail.aol.com
Hi Everyone,
Just a quick wish to say Merry Christmas! I hope all of you are having a
wonderful holiday! I love hearing about all the wonderful quilting gifts
everyone is getting!
Fondly, Nancy in Virginia
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 1996 11:18:04 -0500
From: SadieRoseaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Post-it Notes and preservation (fwd)
Message-ID: 961225111803_1425870634@emout02.mail.aol.com”>961225111803_1425870634emout02.mail.aol.com
The following message was posted on QuiltNet and I thought it was worth
sharing here. Tomorrow I will be checking my books and magazines, I know I am
guilty of using these to mark areas I want to find easily in the future 🙁
my “Clues in the Calico” has lots of Post-It tabs!! Karan
Add Post-it Notes to your “things to keep away from a book” list along
with paper clips, pencils and pens.
The verdict is in on Post-it Notes and similar adhesive
markers! Though they are easy to use and may be removed
from most paper surfaces, DON’T be tempted to use them in
books. These seemingly harmless “markers” leave behind
their adhesive, even when removed immediately. They were
designed for shortterm application to expendable documents
and have no place being used on permanent records and books.
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)
conducted research which determined that even when removed
immediately, the adhesive residue remained. Even more
dramatic effects result when used on newsprint (some of the
ink is removed) or on brittle, fragile paper where removal
may result in tearing.
The NARA report concluded “these notes will cause increasing
preservation problems when used with permanent records and
should be avoided.” Think before you “Post-it”!
Julie Page
Preservation Librarian
Univ. of Calif., San Diego
jpageucsd.edu
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 1996 14:46:40 -0500
From: Baglady111aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Sorry!
Message-ID: 961225144639_676915168@emout10.mail.aol.com”>961225144639_676915168emout10.mail.aol.com
Shall we forigve her or not? (how can I forgive her, I can’t even spell it)
Public flogging? Penance? ORRRRRR, she buys a top, quilts it, and we
claim it!! Cast your vote..Jane
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 1996 14:48:45 -0500
From: Baglady111aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Merry Christmas
Message-ID: 961225144845_35685348@emout07.mail.aol.com”>961225144845_35685348emout07.mail.aol.com
Merry Christmas to you, Nancy..you make posts a pleasure to read..and a
merry Christmas to our ‘new family forum’..and to Kris who brings us
together..BLESSINGS to all..it’s going to be a wonderful 1997..Jane
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 1996 15:00:32 -0500
From: AJSNGSaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Sorry!
Message-ID: 961225150032_1222526972@emout19.mail.aol.com”>961225150032_1222526972emout19.mail.aol.com
Actually Jane, I think that first quilt (whenever it gets quilted) will
probably be framed and sent to my Mom with a note that says “SEE, I can
SEW!!!!! and not cuss a blue streak while I’m doing it!” My mother would be
so impressed!
BTW, this above message is quilt related so I’m not in trouble right Kris?
Merry Christmas! Nancy in sunny cool Virginia
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 1996 14:18:31 -0700
From: “Mary E Scott” mscott28@cybertrails.com”>mscott28cybertrails.com
To: “quilt bee” QuiltBee@Quilter.com”>QuiltBeeQuilter.com, “Interquilt” interquilt@needles.com”>interquiltneedles.com
Cc: “Antique quilts” QHL@cuenet.com”>QHLcuenet.com
Subject: QHL: RE: My Webb page
Message-Id: <199612250717.OAA19722 cybertrails.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
I have a BIG appoligy to make to all of you on these lists! I have
wondered why no one could see the pictures on my page like I could when I
went there. It seems that the problem is not you folks but with me. Like
a DUH person I updated my page every weekend. I was so carefull to do
everything that my son said to do. Well, almost everything. It seems that
I was NOT uploading my page to the internet. So what was happening was
that I saw what I had said and was very proud of my work. But it seems as
if I was the only one enjoying all of my success.
Please give me another try. I think that now you will find all of the
goodies that I promised you. I am truley sorry. Sometimes I get more
organized than at other times. I guess I had what you might call a “mind
slippage.” I now know that I do suffer from CRS syndrom (Can’t Remember
S..t)
Merry Christmas
Mary
mscott28cybertrails.com
http://inficad.com/~lightsp/suitee/index.html
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 04:55:13 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To: SadieRoseaol.com, QHLcuenet.com
Subject: QHL: DAR Museum
Message-Id:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Sadie….Debby Kratovil has interviewed Nancy Tuckhorn and written an
article about the DAR museum for an upcoming issue of QUILT magazine. The
main focus of the article is their quilt days and to let the public know
about them.
Would you be so kind as to allow me to print your personal experiences as
expressed in your email with the article. Debby has never been to one of
the quilt days so she cannot give a personal testimony. She thinks adding
such a personal testimony would add a lot to the article and thought I
should do it. However, i have not been to one of the quilt days either. I
have only been a special guest at the DAR for an afternoon arranged by the
British Embassy for some of their visitors, one of whom is a personal
friend of mine…i was sort of a shirt-tail tag along, but it was thrilling
because we also went into their vault to see all of the quilts there.
I remember standing amongst the 200 or so quilts in the vault and thinking
if i am destined to drop dead suddenly of a heart attack…this would be
the place!
I know this may be a strange thought to have in the DAR quilt vault, but
several years ago my very best friend dropped dead in K-Mart. She would
have been mortified if she could only have known what she had done…LOL.
She was married to a very wealthy man and they belonged to all the best
private clubs in Palm Beach, but she was a real thrifty person and bought
all her underwear at K-Mart. She would go there 2 to 3 times a year to pull
what she called an underwear raid, but never told any of her rich
friends. Of course, they all found out.
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 06:00:35 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: fabric sheen and eggs
Message-Id:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
hmm…..what about egg tempera painting? My daughter had to make her own
egg tempera paints while studying art at GWU. Could it be the same
forumla,but without the color pigment?
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 06:19:48 -0500
From: Baglady111aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: DAR Museum
Message-ID: 961226061947_811752947@emout14.mail.aol.com”>961226061947_811752947emout14.mail.aol.com
SADIEROSE, I hope you are going to give your permission to add to Debbie’s
article..OH HOW I WISH Jean was going to add your post about the ‘panty
raid’..WHAT A WAY TO START MY DAY!! Who says there’s a let-down the day
after Christmas?? Jean, you sure lifted MINE!! and I can’t wait to read the
article..Jane
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 06:23:43 -0500
From: Baglady111aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: DAR Museum
Message-ID: 961226062342<em>237077537@emout13.mail.aol.com”>961226062342237077537emout13.mail.aol.com
what I meant to say ‘was add YOUR post, Jean” and for Mary, we are still
having trouble contacting your Rip &* Stitch..let us know when it is up and
running..Jane
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 06:32:25 -0500
From: Baglady111aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Mary’s rip & stitch site
Message-ID: 961226063225_1788793509@emout09.mail.aol.com”>961226063225_1788793509emout09.mail.aol.com
It’s there, Mary..and I saw the quilts..which one is feedsack? Jane
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 09:13:26 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To: QHLcuenet.com
Subject: QHL: my bio
Message-Id:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
here is my bio info for the group: I have been posting a few weeks and have
been remiss in sharing it.
Jean Ann Eitel, P. O. Box 3295,
Marietta, GA 30061
I have been quilting for 35 years. 15 of them seriously.
I am a single grandmother living in GA in a cute little cottage that I am
fixing up to suit myself. I love it. I have 7 grandchildren. the oldest is
8 years old. A baby a year has turned me into a baby quiltmaking factory.
I have five children, three of them have produced all these grandchildren.
I am a Deacon in the Episcopal church. When I am not quilting I am working
on ministry.
I am editor of QUILT magazine. I am almost always quilting, writing
articles about quilting, or taking pictures of quilts. I love having a life
centered on quilts. I just wish i had more time to sew!
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 10:53:44 -0500 (EST)
From: Quilting Heritage ListServ QRS@mail.albany.net”>QRSmail.albany.net
To: QHLcuenet.com
Subject: QHL: Re: Nancy and Mary
Message-Id: 2.2.16.19961226105119.24873674@mail.albany.net”>2.2.16.19961226105119.24873674mail.albany.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Now, Jane, Nancy’s note was fine – I am a little confused, though. She is
going to send her mother a quilt to prove she can SEW? Gee, I have a drawer
full of UFO’s I would be happy to loan for that purpose…
I was able to get to Mary’s page without a problem. The problem may be that
y’all need the very latest browser – I just downloaded Netscape 3.0 and
now I can see frames and animation and hear music.
(http://home.netscape.com/comprod/mirror/subscription/download.html) Mary
has picked very appropriate music for Snowflake Arizona. Her son Robert
designed the page – he did a nice job. I am impressed.
Is today boxing day? If so, happy, happy!
Kris
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 11:40:46 -0500
From: SadieRoseaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Simply Quilts- Shelburne
Message-ID: 961226114045_1821525367@emout20.mail.aol.com”>961226114045_1821525367emout20.mail.aol.com
Post Holiday Greetings, everyone!
Hope you have all survived the holidays!! Now take some time for
yourself!!
If you have access to HOME & GARDEN television, via cable or satellite
dish, the program today was about the Shelburne Museum in Vermont. There was
a short tour at the Museum, then back to the studio to stitch a 2 story house
block based on one of the quilts. The final segment featured Demetria
Zahoudanis, from RJR Fabrics, talking about the new “Sarah Johnson”
collection. Very interesting!!
I really enjoy the Simply Quilts show, with hostess Alex Anderson. They
have different guests from the quilt world. The 1/2 hour show airs on
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 am Eastern time, repeated at 2:30 pm Eastern
time. The Tuesday show is repeated on Saturday at 1:00 pm EST, and the
Thursday show is repeated on Sunday at 4:30 pm EST.
One upcoming show I am really looking forward to will be aired Jan. 14 &
- This show is on the Smithsonian quilts, and features Mimi Dietrich,
author of “Quilts From the Smithsonian” and “Quilts, An American Legacy”.
Hope you will get to see these interesting shows!! TTYL….Karan
Date: Fri, 20 Dec 1996 21:21:33 -0600
From: “S. Scruggs” sharon@2access.com”>sharon2access.com
To: SadieRoseaol.com
CC: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: January Birthdays
Message-ID: 32BB57BD.5A67@2access.com”>32BB57BD.5A672access.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Happy Birthday to US…Happy Birthday to US! Happy Birthday..Happy
Birthday..Happy Birthday to US!
Yep, I am in there, too…January 7th is my day. A capricorn going up
the mountains with exuberance I am.
Sharon
—
Jim & Sharon Scruggs
sharon2access.com
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 14:20:22 -0500
From: Baglady111aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: Nancy and Mary
Message-ID: 961226142020_1356724964@emout18.mail.aol.com”>961226142020_1356724964emout18.mail.aol.com
I LOVE MARY’S PAGE!! I LOV ETHE BLUE AND THE PURPLE COMBO..REALLY
IMPRESSIVE!!
YOU’RE RIGHT..NANCY SHOULD GET OUR QUILTS FOR PRACTICE!! YOU tell her..J
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 16:03:19 -0500 (EST)
From: aardvarkime.net (A.A. Harkavy)
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Chinese Coins Quilts
Message-Id: 199612262103.QAA29269@ime.net”>199612262103.QAA29269ime.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Delurking for a few minutes to ask a question:
I know that the Amish made quilts they called Chinese Coins, and that the
horizontally striped motif with strong vertical strips in between
horizontally pieced strips have been made by nonAmish as well. I am,
however, curious as to how the name Chinese Coins came about.
The explanation that comes to my mind is that the horizontally stacked
vertical units could represent “stacked” coins. Since that’s just a notion
that makes sense to me, based on nothing more than the workings of my mind,
I hope someone can shed some light on this.
Anybody have any info?
Addy
aardvarkime.net
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 18:19:59 -0800
From: all all@styx.ios.com”>allstyx.ios.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Quilt Repair
Message-ID: 32C3324F.6C59@styx.ios.com”>32C3324F.6C59styx.ios.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
I would like to ask the members of this list for some advice on repairing
an antique quilt.
I recently acquired an old red and while penny square quilt, age and
source unknown. Each of the embroidered penny squares has a floral
motif. The embroidery is of good but not of outstanding quality. The
pieces are sewn together by machine. The quilting work is carefully
done, but again is not of great quality. The muslin backing is brought
to the front and sewn down by hand to form the binding. It is , overall,
a nice quilt, but by no means a museum piece. It was obviosuly done
carefully by someone of average ability (probably about as good I as can
do).
There is one small round hole about a quarter-inch in diameter in the red
border, and one of the muslin penny square pieces has a section along one
edge where the fabric is “separating”. I don’t know the technical term
of this kind of fabric problem, but it is sort of like a run in a
stocking — the threads in one direction are more or less intact, while
the threads running in the other direction are shredded. The area of
damage here is about one-half inch by 3 inches. Otherwise the fabric is
in excellent condition and seems quite strong — not at all fragile
I would like to repair these two damaged areas and would appreciate your
advise on the best way to do these repairs so as to do the least damage
to the quilt and give it the most protection. My inclination is to patch
both areas with matching fabric, but if there is a better, more
acceptable way to make these repairs I’d like to use it.
One other thing I should mention is that I do intend to use this quilt.
I would not give it any hard use, but I’d like to occasionally put it on
a bed as a coverlet or use it for a nap quilt, so I want to make sure
that the repairs are strong enough to stand up to some use and an
occasional washing.
If you would like to reply to me directly, I’ll summarize the responses
and post them since I think this is a question that might be of interest
to several people.
(If anyone would like to guess at a date for this quilt, I’d appreciate
your input. As I said, all of the penny squares have a floral motif. If
anyone can suggest a book I could hunt down to try to date this quilt,
I’d be most grateful.)
Thank you.
Adelaide (in New York City, where Christmas Day was cold and clear and
beautiful and treated us to a magnificent sunset)
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 19:51:37 -0500
From: SadieRoseaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Re: Rose of Sharon
Message-ID: 961226195137_1222667728@emout10.mail.aol.com”>961226195137_1222667728emout10.mail.aol.com
I am quite sure that I read some where that there was a tradition, or
maybe a superstition, about young girl’s making a Rose of Sharon applique
quilt as a hope chest quilt or wedding quilt. What I am remembering is that
each one was to modify the design somewhat….not just copy another’s
pattern, and this is why there are so many variations of this design. Some
applique designs you see frequently, almost identical. But most Rose of
Sharon types are each slightly different.
Can anyone give me a printed reference with this?? TIA….Karan
Date: Thu, 26 Dec 1996 20:18:41 -0500
From: Baglady111aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: Rose of Sharon
Message-ID: 961226201840_642708017@emout01.mail.aol.com”>961226201840_642708017emout01.mail.aol.com
All I can offer on ROSE of SHARON is that no other rose has had as many
variations and all have the built up rose, stem, leaves, buds..it took on a
political flavor, as did several other desigsn, and became known as the WHIG
ROSE & DEMOCRATIC ROSE. In most cases it was the young brides “best quilt”
as it was a more involved pattern than the 9 Patch, Hole in the Barn Door,
etc..the colors of rose, mauve, reds were most common, pink being the last
color used as it was the last color made. Thru time it became difficult to
account for all the patterns due to so many variations..It is a popular block
in my lectures because all others are pieced and the ROSE of SHARON is a good
example of what would be a quilt made for special occassions..Jane
From: kmccoyglenerin.com (Kay McCoy)
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Quilt Histories
Message-Id:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Because of my presence on this list, I started a family fight on Christmas
Day!!! Taking to heart that I need to construct some histories for the old
quilts I have, I asked my father what year my Mom (who died last year)
started a cathedral window–he said about 1955 which I know to be
absolutely untrue by about 25 yrs! He’s almost 85 and I tried not to fuss
with him too much about it–but his information was not very helpful. Then
I asked my 91 yr old aunt (who actually finished the quilt for Mother) and
she doesn’t even remember doing it, although a younger aunt and Dad
confirmed she did. Then my sister chimed in to say “NO, a lady in our
church finished it.”–which I also know to be untrue! Before I knew it,
everyone was arguing about this quilt! Boy, these histories sure are
difficult!!!!!
Katie in Colorado
“A Quilting Sew & Sew”
kmccoyglenerin.com
Date: Fri, 27 Dec 1996 23:21:38 +0000
From: “The Garretts” bgarrett@po.fast.net”>bgarrettpo.fast.net
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: machine quilter for chintz repro
Message-Id: m0vdqIJ-0003j9C@fast.net”>m0vdqIJ-0003j9Cfast.net
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT
Beth asked about sources for machine quilting a circa 1800 repro Chintz quilt,
which sounds beautiful, by the way.
Several thoughts –
- Chintz quilts were not machine quilted since they predate 1850, the
invention date for the sewing machine.
- At the Renwick exhibit in Washington, some of the chintz quilts were
summer spreads – just a top and back with no quilting. Especially the ones
with intricate piecing and therefore lots of thick seams. Since Beth said this
quilt is already heavy, perhaps this might be a compromise.
These are just my thoughts. I’m not trying to tell Beth what to do, just
providing options to add to the other options she recieves.
Barb in southeastern PA
(bgarrettfast.net)
Date: Fri, 27 Dec 1996 23:52:56 PST
From: psierajuno.com (Pam D Siera)
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Re: Chinese Coins
Message-ID: 19961228.004200.9742.1.PSiera@juno.com”>19961228.004200.9742.1.PSierajuno.com
Could the setting of the chinese coin be I Ching layouts, representing
hexagrams? The idea is to take three coins and toss them six times.
Each time a solid vertical line or a broken in the middle line is
stacked on top of the preceding ones. It would be interesting if they
had extra meaning, even if the Amish quilters didn’t realize it. But I
don’t know what a chinese coin really looks like even though a nice
person tried to draw me a “net” picture. Pam
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 10:57:07 -0500
From: JQuiltaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Help!! the dilemma broadens
Message-ID: 961228105707_1688393269@emout18.mail.aol.com”>961228105707_1688393269emout18.mail.aol.com
As of Christmas I am now the owner of 3 new quilting history books,
“No Time on My Hands” by Grace Snyder, “Legacy, The Story of Talula Gilbert
Bottoms and Her Quilts” by Nancilu B. Burdick and “Stitched from the Soul” by
Gladys-Marie Fry .
I also am the owner of a gift certificate for a purchase of yet another
quilting book at our local bookstore.
I have a difficult time juggling quilting and computer time during the day
and leave reading for bedtime…but
these new books are like the Sirens singing to Ulysses,calling him to the
rocks…
These Siren/books keep sending me haunting, songlike messages from beside my
bed…songs like,
“Slip into bed and read all day, who will know, we won’t tell”…
But I know how long Ulysses got side tracked from returning home…
and I fear I will stay in bed reading and calling out to Dominos for Take
Out Pizza, until it I become a subject for a Talk Show on Morbid Obesity.
I can see me now … on my bed, wrapped in a quilt, clutching my books and
empty pizza boxes,
being wheeled on to the Sally, Ricky, Geraldo, Montel,,and Rolanda Shows….
Then told, that the only hope is to join some 12 step program for BBPO..
Bed, Books,Pizza and Obesity.
I not going to, even mention the Candy Grams that I will be sending myself
for dessert.
Oh, Oh, it’s too late…the songs are too enticing…I am heading for the
bedrooooooo……….m.
Jean Laino
jquiltaol.com
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 10:48:44 -0700
From: “Mary E Scott” mscott28@cybertrails.com”>mscott28cybertrails.com
To: JQuilt@aol.com”>JQuiltaol.com, QHL@cue.com”>QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Re: Help!! the dilemma broadens
Message-Id: <199612280343.KAA13721 cybertrails.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
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STOP STOP!!! We can’t let you fall into such a life a decandence. I’ll
save Your. What about those candy grams? Hmmmmmmmm…. What’s the e-mail
address to order them from? Hmmmmmm…. How do I get in contact with
Geraldo? Do they buy us all the pizza we can eat???????? I hear the
sirens calling…………… Chocolate……………..
Marrrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyy……….
mscott28cybertrails.com
http://inficad.com/~lightsp/suitee/index.html
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 12:07:03 -0800
From: “Mimi Dietrich (quilterumbc.edu)” mdietr1@umbc.edu”>mdietr1umbc.edu
To: QHLcuenet.com
Subject: QHL: Simply Quilts
Message-ID: 32C57DE7.DE0@umbc.edu”>32C57DE7.DE0umbc.edu
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
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Hi! My name is Mimi Dietrich and I LOVE reading all of the wonderful
information on this list.
Thanks to SadieRose for letting everyone know about my upcoming show on
Simply Quilts about my Smithsonian project. I taped the show in early
October. It was great fun and Alex Anderson was so gracious and easy to
work with. After it was over I could not remember a thing I said or did.
Last week I received a preview copy of the show- what a relief! I hope
you all like it!
There is a major “Historical” boo-boo in the show, so I will admit it to
you all now. The Copp Quilt was made in the late 1800’s- not 1700’s. I’m
surprised I could say my name with all the lights, cameras, and action
all focused on us! The “Copp Quilt” I have with me was made by a member,
Helen Johnston, who was so nice to lend it to me for the book- and she’s
the “Cover GirL”. I think you will enjoy the TV close-up shots of the
quilt and it’s fabric! Enjoy!
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 15:58:52 -0800
From: Michele Weise michele@peppertreestudios.com”>michelepeppertreestudios.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: family histories
Message-Id: 3.0.32.19961228155039.0068f370@mail.west.net”>3.0.32.19961228155039.0068f370mail.west.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
To Katie’s post on the family fight on Christmas, I just wanted to say
thank you for sharing that. I laughed a lot. I guesss it’s just a typical
thing for families to fight over small things…and I think quilt histories
are the perfect target. Thanx Katies for letting me know I’m not alone
when it comes to family disputes and irritations. Your post sounds like
the opening scene in a delightful comedy. I think you probably know more
about those quilt histories than anybody–so go for it. Only the next
generation will appreciate your work. Michele in 1/2way sunny Calif.
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 19:10:56 -0500
From: Baglady111aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: Help!! the dilemma broadens
Message-ID: 961228191056_1989589107@emout04.mail.aol.com”>961228191056_1989589107emout04.mail.aol.com
Ok, Mary, I’ll help too..you grab the pizza boxes and candy-grams so she
isn’t embarrassed and I’ll grab the quilt..Jane
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 19:19:17 -0800
From: Lynn and Debbie Cupp lcupp@erols.com”>lcupperols.com
To: QHLcuenet.com
CC: lcupperols.com
Subject: QHL: bio and American Memory Collection
Message-ID: 32C5E335.261C@erols.com”>32C5E335.261Cerols.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
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Hello to my fellow list members:
Although I joined the list a little while back I am de-lurking to give
you a brief bio and share some new stuff I came across.
I am Debbie Cupp, a pushing 40 mom, nurse, and quilter. I have very
little evidence of quilting in my family but have been collecting
antique quilts for a few years. I like traditional patterns but try to be
open-mindedin my own quilting. I am active in my local guild–raffle
quilt is my 97 project.
The history and stories associated with quilting have long been favorites
of mine and I collect the books that have the state research projects.
DH gave me Lone Stars A Legacy of Texas Quilts, 1836-1936 and Shared
Threads, Quilting Together Past and Present for Christmas.
If you are interested in reading quilt stories on the web, there is a
great site at the Library of Congress. The American Memory Collection
has a searchable site. I typed in quilt and there were many stories
that were told to WPA workers in the 30’s by the people who lived them.
I enjoyed many there but don’t have time to read as many as I would like.
If you are interested
http://lcweb2.loc.gov
Thanks for this list, Kris.
Debbie Cupp
Virginia Beach
Lcupperols.com
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 19:25:03 -0500
From: “James M. Welch” hawk@csionline.com”>hawkcsionline.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: what is this?
Message-ID: 32C5BA5F.2702@csionline.com”>32C5BA5F.2702csionline.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
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Hi, While in Massachusetts last weekend I found what seems to be part
of a kit. Its a white background with appliqued red carnations and
green leaves with embroidered stems. It is about 3 feet across and 8
feet long. It has the dotted lines for quilting and it does say bottom
and Quilt No 7099 on one end. Anyone have any ideas on what it could be
besides a kit and any way to tell how old it is? The antique shop that
I bought it from had no idea.
Debbie in NJ
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 19:51:11 -0500
From: SadieRoseaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Stitches In Time
Message-ID: 961228195110_237395209@emout03.mail.aol.com”>961228195110_237395209emout03.mail.aol.com
Here is a different sort of book to add to your reading list:
” Stitches in Time” by Barbara Michaels, a novel with an unusual applique
album quilt woven through the story. This is one of those “I can’t put it
down” type books, the story line is intriguing (if a bit sinister) and the
characters are well developed. The story centers around a shop that sells
vintage clothing and textiles, and there is some discussion of restoration
and repair. The parts of the story which involve quilts and textiles are
well done. There weren’t any glaring errors, which I find annoying (when a
non-quilting author uses “our” medium inaccurately). The story line also
revolves around a voodoo like curse stitched into the quilt, “weaving a
fascinating tale of suspense and the supernatural”. Action takes place in
the Washington, D.C. area, around Christmas to New Year’s time period, which
made my reading it now seem even eerier.
I have not read any of Barbara Michaels’ novels before, but according to
the book jacket, “Stitches In Time” returns to the same characters and
setting of three of her previous books: “Ammie” “Come Home” and “Shattered
Silk”. Will have to check the library for these titles, too.
Makes me want to chant “I will think happy thoughts as I stitch on each
quilt” – just in case!! Happy New Year!! Karan
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 19:51:01 -0500
From: SadieRoseaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Help!! the dilemma broadens
Message-ID: 961228195059_1390564104@emout18.mail.aol.com”>961228195059_1390564104emout18.mail.aol.com
Jean,
Well, there is a way to alleviate all the trial and tribulations you
foresee: just read your quilt books whilst you pedal away on your exercise
bike!! Then, you will have accomplished two things at once: answered the
Book Sirens song….and saved yourself from Richard Simmons at the same time
(no, I don’t have anything against RS) Actually, you can burn off enough
calories to earn that pizza or maybe a hot fudge sundae!!
Or, maybe you can position that exercise bike in front of the
computer….then you could read your mail and exercise at the same time.
(Don’t know how you would work the mouse, though, but maybe those lunges to
move the mouse would be extra exercise). I bet the thigh master would work
while you sit at the computer….. This is going down hill fast….time to
write about another book to add to your list…… = :0 Karan
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 19:54:24 CDT
From: josiemtekstar.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: American Memory URL
Message-Id: <199612290154.TAA27479perham>
<<American Memory consists of primary source
and archival materials relating to
American
culture and history. These historical
collections are the key contribution
of the
Library of Congress to the National
Digital
Library. Most of these offerings are
from the
Library’s unparalleled special
collections>>.
I am afraid I didn’t notice who posted the URL for this fantastic website.
Thank you, whoever it was, this is full of the most wonderful WPA writers
interviewing real people of the ’30s, telling touching life stories. I will be
coming back again and again to read more.
I took the advice of the person who posted, went to
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ and in the search line typed in quilts. This site
really “bears repeating” for those of you who love to read!
And thanks again to the poster,
Jo in Minnesota
Date: 28 Dec 96 20:55:01 EST
From: Rabbit Goody 75444.1037@CompuServe.COM”>75444.1037CompuServe.COM
To: “INTERNET:QHLcue.com” QHL@cue.com”>QHLcue.com
Cc: Beth qltlady10@aol.com”>qltlady10aol.com
Subject: QHL: Re: Storing historic textiles
Message-ID: 961229015501_75444.1037_FHQ30-2@CompuServe.COM”>961229015501_75444.1037_FHQ30-2CompuServe.COM
Just thought I might add some to the storage pot. I have been in preservation
and historic textiles long enough to see people spend a lot of time and money
when common sense would have been a better choice.
First we need to understand what happens to historic textiles then we can
understand how to take better care of them and common sense can rule.
Actually even though environmental damage is high on the list the higher two are
ultraviolet ( exposure to sunlight) and handling.
If the piece is truly a valueable one then handling as little as possible and
storing in as large a format totally supported would be most helpful. No
exposing a textile to sunlight is very important.
The environmental issues are also important but less damaging immediately So
storing a quilt in a natural muslin bag or pillow case with no dyes or bleach
is excellent if it is in your closet of some place in your house where you live
The moisture levels and temperature levels are usually well controled in your
living space. Avoid the attic, or basement for obvious reasons. On a shelf is
better than a cardboard box Cardboard is made using highly acidic paper and
cottons especially dont do well in close proximity but by all means that is
better than without a bag
Textiles are more fragile than any other parts of our material culture and as
such we really need to protect those that we want to keep around but use those
which can safely get used up.
Ultimately we cannot save them becasue in time they disentigrate anyhow . I
personally think putting quilts on a bed fully supported not touching wood in a
room without much light where the light can be control and dogs and cats cannot
stay too long is the absolute best for quilts from the late 19th century on. I
have a little trouble saying that about those which have survived from the 18th
and early 19th century but then I do get to play curator alot.
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 20:56:52 -0500
From: QRestoreaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Debatable Re: Washing Quilts
Message-ID: 961228205651_1654896887@emout13.mail.aol.com”>961228205651_1654896887emout13.mail.aol.com
Well, here I go, I may stir up yet more controversy about washing quilts. .
.I must respectfully disagree with the premise that “all textiles”, including
quilts, “should never be washed”. We’ve (the QHL list) discussed some of the
pros and cons of washing quilts and the proper way in which to do it. I’m
reminded of these words by Camille Dalphond Cognac; “Who owns the quilt?”
Not all quilts are of museum quality and ultimately each quilt owner must
make that decision whether to wash a quilt. As a quilt restorer, my goal is
to return a quilt to its owner so that it looks as nearly as it did
originally and ensure it be made strong enough for use. No one is suggesting
that quilts/textiles with historical significance be repaired, they obviously
should not. As Camille mentions in her book “Quilt Restoration A Practical
Guide” “Grouping all quilts together as equally precious is a current
romanticized view of quilts which denies reality” . . . .and to treat them as
if they were of equal quality defies common sense.”
Quilts that are tattered, dirty or damaged also speak to our hearts. Many
quilt owners are torn and don’t know what to do with them. The quilt may be
too damaged to display but our sentimental attachments to them won’t allow us
to throw them away. My own personal opinion is that quilts should be enjoyed
and shared as much as possible and not stored in a box only to be taken out
on special occasions. I see nothing wrong with providing loving care for
quilts in need of cleaning or repair so that we may enjoy them.
Restoration has always existed in the art and antique world. Whether made of
wood, glass, stone or whether a painting, these objects have been restored
for cenuturies, this included cleaning surfaces. I believe common sense
would tell us that to store or display a quilt that is soiled (not stained)
and filthy would only cause more deterioration and damage.
There is a difference between conservation and restoration and the quidelines
are quite clear as to when these techniques ought to be used. To simply
state that “all textiles” should not be washed is not addressing a quilt
owner’s dilema about what to do with their sentimental treasures. All of us
bear some responsibility to present proper methods when it comes to providing
TLC quilts need.
I could go on and on . . . just wanted to point out we can agree to disagree.
Now I will get down off my soapbox (sigh).
Victoria Montgomery
QRestoreaol.com
Boise, ID
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 20:12:27 -0700
From: “Mary E Scott” mscott28@cybertrails.com”>mscott28cybertrails.com
To: SadieRose@aol.com”>SadieRoseaol.com, QHL@cue.com”>QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Help!! the dilemma broadens
Message-Id: <199612281308.UAA19641 cybertrails.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
NOW NOW Sadie Rose: Let’s not get obscene mentioning that awful word
“exercise.”
The next thing you know you will start talking about that ….I can’t even
bring myself to say it…. you know the d.. word. D..t. Oh now I’v really
gotten myself in trouble. I swore in public. Oh Damn.
Mary
mscott28cybertrails.com
http://inficad.com/~lightsp/suitee/index.html
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 22:46:33 -0500
From: QuiltLineaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V96 #26
Message-ID: 961228224633_1524131630@emout15.mail.aol.com”>961228224633_1524131630emout15.mail.aol.com
With regards to washing/cleaning antique quilts. Although I have seen many a
quilt that can use a good bath, and those that have faired (sp) well, I need
to agree that wet washing a quilt can be……a disaster. You have to weigh
the pro’s and con’s. Rabbit hit the nail on the head, you can wash 10 quilts
without a problem, but the 11th……
For instance, I was helping a friend (antique quilt vendor) at a quilt show
recently, a woman who she had sold a quilt top to came in with a complaint.
She had been told by this vendor that she could safely wash this top, once
it had been made into a quilt, with the batting and quilting technique proper
to the time period. She was told to hand wash it in cold water, otherwise
using the directions on the Orvis container.
To make this long story short, the reds in this 1930’s era top ran all over
the place and ruined the quilt.
Taking every precaution when attempting to wash a quilt if you must cannot be
over stated, including testing for color fastness. If possible try to find a
professional quilt cleaner. There are several around, (I know of one in
Upland, CA. if interested), and I think they can pretty much judge how wet
washing will affect an old quilt.
If you can live with it as it is, then live with it as it is.
We are all entitled to our opinions, and I am glad that the discussions on
this group are so stimulating. I wish to appologize to any one else and
again to the person who e-mailed me privately for “shouting” on this list
(using all caps). I do this sometimes when I am having a physical difficulty
with my left hand and it is hard to reach down to the shift key,(this isn’t a
serious anomoly, but painful, it comes and goes). However, apparently using
all capitals was offensive at least to one person, and I had no idea that
this was against proper ‘netiquette’. If anyone else was disturbed by this,
I am truly sorry (would of been all capitalized for expression, but….).
I won’t post when I am having this ailment in the future. 🙁
Debbie
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 23:02:50 -0500 (EST)
From: Quilting Heritage ListServ QRS@mail.albany.net”>QRSmail.albany.net
To: QHLcuenet.com
Subject: QHL: Linsey Woolsey
Message-Id: 2.2.16.19961228230030.51877b46@mail.albany.net”>2.2.16.19961228230030.51877b46mail.albany.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Like Jo, I have spent a few happy hours tonight surfing the web.
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ is really a great site. At the search line type in
quilts.
I also looked through http://ttsw.com/QuiltHistoryPage.html, which has a lot
of very interesting links, including one to Linsey-Woolsey. This is what it
had to say:
“One of the earliest fabric used in American quilts was linsey-woolsey. This
fabric consisted of a linen (or sometimes cotton) warp and a wool weft. The
name of the fabric came from the village of Linsey in sussex, England. Flax
was one of the larger crops in colonial America and linsey-woolsey was a
strong, durable fabric.
Linsey-woolsey bed covers were generally whole cloth quilts. As the quilt
wore out, usable sections were salvaged and were pieced into other quilts.”
Interesting, huh? For those of you who are new to the list, I will
cut-and-paste what Rabbit had to say on the subject.
Ok now I am really going to get myself in hot water. Textile fabric names
Linsey-woolsey ok what do we really know? Yes cloths coming from Linsey Engalnd
were sometimes called linsey as town names were helpful for distinguishing
regional fabric production traditions Its use in colonial and post
revolutionary
America is very confusing. The term was used by deToqueville in his
discriptions of traveling in America to mean a coarse home produced fabric with
either linen or cotton warp and singles wool filling ( weft) in solids and
stripes always in plain weave and without much finishing. The biggest problem I
have is that people weaving in their homes at the same time did not use the
term “linsey-woolsey” as often as those in the 20th century. Often the
referrences to weaving plain cloth of linen and wool were simply called ” mixed
stuff” Stuff usually equaling plain weave cloth as opposed to twills, figures,
spot etc.
The nice thing about using the term linsey-woolsey is that we can know it is
plain weave and that it has cotton or linen warp and singles wool crossing it.
So it is a good place to communicate but usually I try to find a referrence for
a particular decade and its vernacular use, use by those weaving, and
descriptive use by dry goods merchants etc. For example the term Fustian
changes
almost every 10 years between 1700 and 1900. Jean which has never changed in
description is a sub set of fustian go figure. The most important thing is
that
we have so much surviving plain weave mixed cloth in many colors and weights
Important though none of the surviving pieces are what I would call
irregular or
rough textured and when people reproduce it today they often mistake a low
count
( warp threads and weft threads per inch) for a lumpy bumpy look for
instance in
the pieces I have in my collection the counts are usually in the high 30’s to
low 40’s unless they are horse blankets which we do find so that would look
like
a low count sheet not like a lumpy irregular texture usually the yarns are
very
well spun and the weaving which can be problematic with linen warps is done
well.
>
>
Kris
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 22:37:56 CDT
From: josiemtekstar.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: American Memory URL
Message-Id: <199612290437.WAA04130perham>
Hello again: In mentioning this Library of Congress Website and describing
WPA writers who were writing life stories of Florida squatters, and
Oklahomans making their way to California during those terrible dust bowl
days maybe some explanation is in order. For you younger
sisters (and brothers) who may not know what the WPA was, it was one
of the Franklin Roosevelt era New Deal depression recovery programs called
Works Progress Administration. It employed people from all walks of life
who couldn’t find work in countless projects, and writers were
hired to interview people all over the country. John Steinbeck was a
WPA writer, as were many of his compadres of that time. I believe his
book The Grapes of Wrath came of some of these experiences.
Just so you can appreciate this website even more!
Jo in Minnesota
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 17:13:24 +1100 (EST)
From: Li Joo Ng lng@bf.rmit.edu.au”>lngbf.rmit.edu.au
To: Posting QHL@cuenet.com”>QHLcuenet.com
Subject: QHL: moth balls
Message-ID: Pine.OSF.3.95.961229170616.12154B-100000@otto.bf.rmit.edu.au”>Pine.OSF.3.95.961229170616.12154B-100000otto.bf.rmit.edu.au
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Thanks to Peg G for replying to my posting personally and also to Rabbit
Goody for sharing tips on storing antique quilts / textiles.
I have another question. After storing my antique quilts in pillow cases,
is it all right to throw some moth balls around the pillow cases? Or are
there better alternatives? I have had several bad experiences with moths.
They ate up my rather expensive Italian T-shirt, my favourite face towel
and a brand new never-worn pair of shorts. I do not intend to allow any
moth to come within a mile radius of my precious antique quilts.
Help – all tips and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 06:43:43 -0500
From: Baglady111aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Linsey Woolsey
Message-ID: 961229064340_270914131@emout13.mail.aol.com”>961229064340_270914131emout13.mail.aol.com
Thanks so much for the post on Linsey Woolsey..I knew I had seen the town
Linsey on a map somewhere after having been told there was such a place..I
added Woolsey to the name as well..maybe that is why Alma couldn’t find it in
her search. When you meet the many people I com in contact with at lectures,
you begin to wonder if that IS what was said..I seachjed back again in my
mind and realized I posted the town as Linsey- Woolsey.that is probably why
Alma couldn’t find such a place in her home in England..thanks again for the
post..Jane
Date: 29 Dec 96 09:28:20 EST
From: Rabbit Goody 75444.1037@CompuServe.COM”>75444.1037CompuServe.COM
To: “INTERNET:QHLcue.com” QHL@cue.com”>QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Re: soap box
Message-ID: 961229142820_75444.1037_FHQ14-1@CompuServe.COM”>961229142820_75444.1037_FHQ14-1CompuServe.COM
it wasnt a big soap box and you certainly are right in saying who does the quilt
belong to its just that washing always runs the risk of total distruction. You
cannot be sure that when you wash something it will survive so the piece had
better be disposable. That is the problem they dont talk and say i can be washed
safely. As for torn tattered why cant we display things that are not perfect
anymore? why must it look as it did before? If it has age the age should show
not be removed. I know this is a radical thought to some but its like dying your
hair and getting face lifts pretty superficial to the real essence of a quilt.
Wear, stains, tatters are part of what happens to textiles and we can learn more
by not restoring and observing than fixing and pretending. Hows that for
disagreement and controversy obviously I am taking the extreme view here but
someone needs to so think about what the value of maing something look as it
did versus understanding it as it is now and acepting it.
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 10:17:07 -0500 (EST)
From: Quilting Heritage ListServ QRS@mail.albany.net”>QRSmail.albany.net
To: QHLcuenet.com
Subject: QHL: From a dealers perspective
Message-Id: 2.2.16.19961229101442.27af4fc8@mail.albany.net”>2.2.16.19961229101442.27af4fc8mail.albany.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Let me offer a comment on deteriorating quilts from an antique quilt dealers
perspective. I had Rabbit’s point of view when I first became a dealer.
(Still do, actually.) I felt that damage and age spots and so on were part
of the personality of a quilt and I enjoyed the not-so-perfect ones as much
as I enjoyed the perfect ones. They certainly taught me more! A damaged
quilt teaches you a great deal about sewing techniques, threads, batting,
foundation piecing, etc. When I first started out, I tended to prefer this
type of quilt. (Probably because I started as a restorer.) The problem is
that few people buy them. I very quickly learned that people who want a
quilt for it’s monetary value only want something that is perfect. It is
QUILTERS who will take a slightly damaged piece and love it as it is, or
enjoy the restoration process. Since there are far more imperfect quilts
than perfect quilts in the world, my sales focus quickly became “quilters”
as opposed to “antiquers”. I have dropped out of the antique show circuit
almost entirely now. I only do the ones where I am the more likely to
purchase than to sell.
I would be interested in other comments on this.
Kris, who is trying to remember what Yoda said.
“When 600 years old you get, look this good you will not.” (?)
At 09:28 AM 12/29/96 EST, Rabbit Goody wrote:
If it has age the age should show
not be removed. I know this is a radical thought to some but its like dying
your
hair and getting face lifts pretty superficial to the real essence of a quilt.
Wear, stains, tatters are part of what happens to textiles and we can learn
more
by not restoring and observing than fixing and pretending. Hows that for
disagreement and controversy obviously I am taking the extreme view here but
someone needs to so think about what the value of making something look as it
did versus understanding it as it is now and acepting it.
>
>
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 11:23:41 -0500
From: RLHlink3aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: RE: letting old quilts be old quilts
Message-ID: 961229112340_1457729765@emout20.mail.aol.com”>961229112340_1457729765emout20.mail.aol.com
Hello!
I’m new here and thoroughly enjoying the discussions, including the
controversy on what to do with damaged old quilts. My 2 cents worth (and I’m
not an expert!): I rather agree with Rabbit. If it’s old, let it look old.
[Now, it’s true that I do cover my gray –but I still look old 🙂 ] I
inherited a stack of memory quilt blocks done for my Mom upon her marriage to
my Dad in the 1920’s –looking all the worse for having been stored all that
time –mouse stains etc. I washed them gently, but about 50% of the stains
remain. So what? I put them all together, with one additonal block signed by
Mom, quilted it, and now am proud to show it off.
My current project is backing a 98 yr old, –gorgeous– crazy quilt top
from my husband’s side of the family and preparing it for display. It will
mean so much to his 86 yr old mother when she sees it finally finished (a
late Christmas surprise for her). The velveteens are worn (or deteriorated?)
in places. There are a couple of holes (into which I will insert similar
colored fabric), but the holes and shabby places will remain –proudly.
I understand that many people would not want to “buy” a less than “perfect”
piece. Being the perfectionist that I suspect that I am, it took some seious
thinking before I came to the conclusions that I have shared. Also, being a
penny-pincher, I am very careful about how much I spend on a damaged quilt.
Wish I didn’t have to be such a pincher, but my station in life does not
leave me many $$$ to spend on such.
Question:
My next project: I recently found a set of 12 nine-patch blocks –in good
condition, nice colors, very old. The fabrics are much lighter weight than
the cottons we use today. (Much, much lighter than the cottons used in my
Mom’s 1930’s blocks.) What kind of fabric dare I use to set these blocks
into a quilt top for display only? I am thinking of alternating plain blocks
with the old ones perhaps. Any suggestions anyone?
Thanks to you all.
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 11:27:52 -0500
From: gridgeesalgorithms.com (Merry May)
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V96 #26
Message-Id:
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Re: Debbie’s “What is This?”
My best guess is that it’s the bottom border of an applique quilt kit. The
kits were common back in the ’30s, and are still available today (i.e.,
Herrschner’s catalog).
Merry
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 11:31:49 -0500
From: PAMIAM6aol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: From a dealers perspective
Message-ID: 961229113149_1189411139@emout11.mail.aol.com”>961229113149_1189411139emout11.mail.aol.com
I am listening to all of you with your varying ideas on all of this. I have
been quilting old quilt tops for 20 years. Against the advice of our local
quilt shop, I put them into the wash machine on gentle and line dry. If they
should bleed, etc do it now. Some seams come apart, no big deal they can be
fixed. Of couse I am not talking about museum quality tops here, although
many have been early l900. My point is I cant work and hand quilt on these
things because generally THEY SMELL. I have never had a disaster, but I
guess one of these days I may get a surprise. Also quilt tops not being as
expensive as a completed quilt if one does disintergrate I guess it would not
be as terrible, but I still would not be happy. I love this forum, it keeps
me busy reading all your ideas. Pam in Springfield
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 12:21:21 -0500
From: QRestoreaol.com
To: QHLcue.com
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: soap box
Message-ID: 961229122119_1222977698@emout07.mail.aol.com”>961229122119_1222977698emout07.mail.aol.com
While I certainly agree there are many quilts that are too damaged and/or
stained and should be appreciated for their charm, there are just as many
that with a small amount of restoration can reduce the advancement of further
damage. Are we to ignore past generations of quilters who routinely mended,
darned, patched and created their own soloutions to preserving textiles
(vintage clothing, linens, quilts, etc.) in order to pass them on to their
children, grandchildren, etc? There is alot to be learned from those who so
carefully repaired and maintained quilts in centuries past.
Quilts made for special occasions or display were seldom used, and are in
excellant condition today. However, the majority of quilts made were well
used and yes, repaired over and over again, many by the original quiltmaker.
Quilts were made to be functional, with scarcely a thought to having it
displayed in a museum. Quilts were washed using harsh methods and beaten and
we would consider them abused today, but we are smarter today about such
methods.
How would we want our quilts to be treated years from now? To have someone
meticously and carefully repair (not change) a quilt, so that it might be
appreciated and seen, not stored, would bring me great joy. Quilts have
always been repaired, it is part our their history that has been passed down
through generations of families. True restoration does not mean removing age
from a quilt, nor does it mean altering or changing a quilt. Perhaps there
is a lack of understanding, on the part of some, about what true restoration
is.
There is admittedly, a huge gap between those who believe conservation is the
only correct solution in preserving our quilts and those who believe
restoration can be successfully used in maintaining a quilts condition. How
can we forget what our ancestors have taught us about preserving and
maintaining quilts
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 13:34:29 -0500
From: mrbillmagicnet.net (Bill Wohlfart)
To:
Subject: QHL: GFG quilts
Message-Id: <199612291837.NAA13497magicnet.magicnet.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Hi everyone. Jeanann in Orlando, Fl., here. I love to buy old pieced
blocks at antique shows, etc. and finish them as I believe every quilter
would have wanted her quilt to be finished and admired.
I bought 10 GFG blocks about 5 years ago. They obviously went together as
some of the greatly mis-matched fabrics were in other blocks. they were
dirty and still even had the newspaper basted on the back of each little hex.
Finally, I went to my local quilt shop guru and asked her to teach me how to
paper piece so I could make a white on white (antique style) path to connect
all the blocks and finish the top. I washed them by hand and laid them on
my patio. After the birds anointed them, I washed them again and laid them
out covered.
I spent about three months (after cutting lots of brown paper hex patterns
and lots of cloth circles) hand basting and then whip-stitching everything
together.
I made a wall hanging with the ten plates staggered in rows. I hand-quilted
in each row of the “flowers” and hand-quilted “phantom flowers” in the
larger white spaces. It cam out great and it is amazing how good they all
look together, even the plaids and stripes and the orange and green hexes.
I’m glad I learned the old technique and it was very satisfying to complete
the top.
Jeanann in Orlando
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 13:54:43 -0500
From: QRestore
To:
Subject: QHL: Opps!
Message-ID: <961229135442_2053773550emout11.mail.aol.com>
Sorry. . .Forgot to sign this response to Rabbit Goody’s comments, so will
resend it.
While I certainly agree there are many quilts that are too damaged and/or
stained and should be appreciated for their charm, there are just as many
that with a small amount of restoration can reduce the advancement of further
damage. Are we to ignore past generations of quilters who routinely mended,
darned, patched and created their own soloutions to preserving textiles
(vintage clothing, linens, quilts, etc.) in order to pass them on to their
children, grandchildren, etc? There is alot to be learned from those who so
carefully repaired and maintained quilts in centuries past.
Quilts made for special occasions or display were seldom used, and are in
excellant condition today. However, the majority of quilts made were well
used and yes, repaired over and over again, many by the original quiltmaker.
Quilts were made to be functional, with scarcely a thought to having it
displayed in a museum. Quilts were washed using harsh methods and beaten and
we would consider them abused today, but we are smarter today about such
methods.
How would we want our quilts to be treated years from now? To have someone
meticously and carefully repair (not change) a quilt, so that it might be
appreciated and seen, not stored, would bring me great joy. Quilts have
always been repaired, it is part our their history that has been passed down
through generations of families. True restoration does not mean removing age
from a quilt, nor does it mean altering or changing a quilt. Perhaps there
is a lack of understanding, on the part of some, about what true restoration
is.
There is admittedly, a huge gap between those who believe conservation is the
only correct solution in preserving our quilts and those who believe
restoration can be successfully used in maintaining a quilts condition. How
can we forget what our ancestors have taught us about preserving and
maintaining quilts.
Food For Thought . . .
Victoria Montgomery
QRestore
Boise, ID
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 16:23:59 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: soap box
Message-ID: <961229162358_643041328emout09.mail.aol.com>
Rabbitt, I think I lean to agreeing with you..anytime I have seen stains or
soil, any marks, I feel it is part of the charm..it’s there, accept it..I
keep thinking of those tops/quilts that my friend soaked for 2 weeks
(changing the water every 2 days or so..) I recall ME trying it..and now I
wonder..you know how youo flip out the top sheet when you are changing your
bed linens?? I wonder if somewhere, that owner of that top I quilted for my
friend’s customer..was flipped and PRESTO..became cotton confetti!! I guess
it is all what you can live with..it would be most interesting to know HOW
the stains occurred..Jane
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 16:29:46 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: RE: letting old quilts be old quilts
Message-ID: <961229162945_611797335emout10.mail.aol.com>
If you decide you want to use feedsacks..let me know..Jane in “can’t make up
my mind..cold? Hot? snow? Rain..up and down.”.Pgh.
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 16:33:13 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V96 #26
Message-ID: <961229163311_677394248emout06.mail.aol.com>
I’m wondering if the kit is a PARAGON..that company specialized in alot of
the floral kits..there are several members in my Feedsack Club who collect
kits..migh be able to trace it down..Jane
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 17:21:20 +0000
From: “The Garretts” <bgarrettpo.fast.net>
To:
Subject: QHL: Quilting in the WPA
Message-Id: <m0veTd0-0004ONCfast.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT
Since the writers of the WPA – Works Project Administration – of the 1930s have
been mentioned, I wanted to tell you about a quilt project of the WPA. This
will be fairly long, but I hope you will learn about something you never knew
existed.
I am a member of the Variable Star Quilters of Souderton, PA, and in 1988
we began researching a State wide Museum Extension Project of the Works
Projects Administration which took place in District 2 (Philadelphia area) of
PA, involving quilts. We began because I was fortunate to find at auction 25
silk screened plates of quilt patterns. They are really pretty, and we began
investigating them. We learned that there are 30 plates in the entire
collection, and they were done in South Langhorne and Croydon, PA. The project
began in 1938 or 1939, and appears to be very localized. Less than 5 complete
sets are known to be in existance. Funding ended in January 1941, so it was a
very short lived project.
As was mentioned earlier, about 1/4 of WPA employment was in service
projects such as the Federal Writers Project, Index of American Design, and
Museum Extension Project. They were all under the Fine Arts Project which
employed out-of-work writers, artists, musicians and theater people. The
purpose of the FAP was to preserve and celebrate the traditions of American
culture of the past.
Also printed in addition to the 30 silk screened patterns was a manual
entitled “Quilts Pieced and Appliqued: Colonial and Pioneer Patchwork Quilts.”
The title page says – A series of thirty color plates of authentic old pieced
and appliqued quilts showing working drawings including the cutting size and
finished size patches, together with descriptive material necessary for their
making.
Our research has led us to believe that the designs were based on Ruth
Finley’s book, Old Patchwork Quilts and the Women Who Made Them, and
that the numerous errors indicate that the writers and artists were not
quilters. There is a high degree of comparison between the plates in Ruth’s
book and the pictures of completed quilts on the WPA plates.
In 1990, the Variable Star Quilters and the Reading Public Library –
owners of one complete set of plates – reprinted the set of 30 plates and the
manual. The new manual includes history and research about the WPA and this
specific project, as well as corrections to the original manual that would
allow more satisfactory quilt construction. Members of our group made all 30
of the quilts using the patterns given – there are 16 of us so it was a
manageable project – and made the necessary corrections.
Copies of the portfolio reprint are still available – shops find it hard
to display due to its size – and if anyone would like information about this
little known piece of quilt history, please contact me. The Variable Star
Quilters are a non profit group and donate all of our money from book sales,
show prizes and quilt shows to woman and children’s charities. We meet in
members homes so pay no rent, do not have expensive speakers or a newsletter,
and no administrative budget. All proceeds do go to charity.
Hope somebody found this interesting and/or informative. Happy quilting!!
Barb in southeastern PA
<bgarrettfast.net>
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 15:07:36 -0500
From: “jackiem” <jackiemivic.net>
To: < >, “Quilting Heritage ListServ” <QRSmail.albany.net>
Subject: QHL: Re: From a dealers perspective
Message-Id: <199612292322.PAA31235ns.ivic.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
I like this list, because I am interested in restoration and there are
some really good discussions going on here. Thanks to all of you for your
input and taking the time to share your expertise.
I look at quilts from the value to the owner. Several years ago, someone
asked me if I could repair an old quilt that belonged to a woman in her
late eighties, who had lost everything when her house burned down.
A neighbor rescued two quilts from a dumpster, after the insurance
adjusters tossed them out, that miraculously survived with burns & singes
on the folds and edges.
One was a large Hexagon quilt (1″ hexes in a diamond setting with pink
between the diamonds) that was burned on the edges most of the damage ion
the corners, required matching a pink fabric that had faded to different
colors around the edges of the sides of the quilt. the hexagons were easy
to fix, I just made paper pieced new ones, and was able to save the entire
quilt. The backing was another thing. But I learned that if you have to
repair a back on the quilt, I used an appliqu�d patch is this case, and
made sure that all of the appliqu� edges ended at a quilt line, so that it
is not obvious.
The other quilt was a white with blue embroidered nursery rhymes squares
quilt (single size). The fabric used in the embroidered quilt was feedsack
and there was not enough fabric, the square was simply pieced to make it
the correct size. (I found this particular point made it much easier to
repair.) The batting was an old blanket and muslin on the back. This
quilt was badly burned on the folds and especially down the middle. A few
of the blocks were beyond repair,
Basically I removed one row of blocks and used the fabric from these
blocks to repair the rest of the quilt blocks. embroidered where necessary
and retied the quilt. I did not try to remove all of the scorched fabric,
only the fabric that was too fragile and or totally gone. The scorches
that were left simply add to the charm of the quilt. I Always save as
much of the original embroidery work as possible only cut of the burned
part added a piece to the block, then replaced embroidery.
Most of the quilts I work on are some that no one wants to touch as they
are too far gone. The quilts usually come to me with the question is “Can
you do ANYTHING with this?”. I am always up to a challenge, so will
usually try. Usually prefer to mend than cut up into smaller quilts.
The Hexagon quilt was made by her mother and the embroidered quilt was
made by the owner when she was about 8 or ten years old. They are going
to her nieces. Sentimental value far exceeded the monetary value.
I wash quilts ONLY when necessary (TEST fabrics first.) especially if they
have never been washed. Some of the odors that are in an old quilt,
disappear with airing. If necessary to wash, I wash after the repairs
are made. If stain does not come out with a gentle washing, and I can’t
replace the fabric, I leave it, If the quilt is valuable enough to pay
to have it repaired or restored. It will still be valuable even with the
stain.
If I am not sure of a quilts origin or value, I ASK someone before I
start. Some quilts cannot be restored and should only be worked on by an
expert in that particular type of repair and preservation. Most of us
will never come in contact with this type of quilt, but you never know.
I learned a lot from these quilts and these quilts started me on the road
to restoration. I have saved quilts from the cutting table and can’t bear
to see them cut up. I will restore them to the point that they will
survive another generation or two and then will someday pass them on to
someone who feels the same way I do. When I need an old quilt piece for a
project, I will make a piece the size needed then clip, toss it around and
abuse it, rather than cut an old quilt up. I hope who ever inherits my
quilts will feel the same way and that my quilts as plain or as fancy as
they might be, will last for generations.
Just a little humor, One of the quilts I have worked of a couple of times
is a Double wedding ring quilt that was a wedding gift from the
mother-in-law. It has burns on it (cinders from the fireplace?) and they
wanted it repaired because MIL is coming to visit and they don’t want her
to see it. I aired it in the garage for a couple of weeks, each time I had
it, before bringing it in the house to work on it as it smelled like a
cigarette.
—
Jackie Meunier
jackiemivic.net
jmeunierjuno.com
jackiemartlover.com
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 16:10:54 -0500
From: “jackiem” <jackiemivic.net>
To: < >, “Merry May” <gridgeesalgorithms.com>
Subject: QHL: Re:QHL Debbie’s “What is This?
Message-Id: <199612292322.PAA31241ns.ivic.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
About 2 years ago, a local quilter passed away and her husband donated her
stash to the local quilt quild not to be sold.
Members were given access to these things and were asked to donate to
hospice in her name in exchange for anything taken. There were boxes and
boxes of scraps, patterns, books and odds and ends UFO’s and yardage, a
whole garage full.
In one of the boxes I found a piece as you describe that was partially
appliqu�d, including a number as is on your and the word top.
Mine is a large basket with a small floral in each corner. Rummaging
through some of the other boxes, I found a couple of strips that had
similar motives that were squares, One square was appliqu�d and another
was not and then there were two squares that were not done and were not
cut apart. In another box, I found two yellow strips that had 2 strips on
them. then in another box, I found all of the appliqu� pieces marked and
at this time I noticed that all of these appliqu� designs had flowers with
square centers.
I took all of this home and laid it out and had a full size quilt with a
large white background center piece with a large basket of flowers in
the center and flowers in each corner, with a wide yellow border on each
side of the quilt and a white square with a floral design in each corner.
What a find! All of the pieces of fabric to finish the appliqu� were in
tact as whoever started the quilt only cut out the pieces as she needed
them. There were 3 missing leaves and a stems missing from one corner of
the center block which I was able to get from the scraps.
How easy it would have been to not notice all of the centers being the
same or not looked trough the box of scraps that nobody was interested in.
(I was looking for scraps to save for restoration purposes and I knew
that her collection included her mother’s stash.) As the center was
nearly finished, I might have just added border or borders and used it for
a wall hanging.
I finished this Quilt Kit and hung it at our quilt show 2 years ago.
Later on while leafing through some of my old quilting magazines, I can
never throw one away. I spotted this same quilt, hanging in a booth, in
an advertisement which included an overhead view of the Houston Quilt
show.
I am sure that this would have been from the same company as the markings
you described are similar. I have not been able to find out who made the
kits yet, but am still working on it.
I have another kit that was given to me to finish which is a paragon kit.
The picture of the quilt which probably was on the front of the package
was in the box when I got it. It was passed around by different people
and when anyone saw it they decided they did not want it , so put it away
until they found someone else to give it to. When I received it, the Lady
said I want to give this to someone who will finish it.
The pieces were all cut out and not one missing, but not sorted. The
quilt is made in three strips approximately the size you described. all
of the strips have the border on top and bottom and 2 of the strips also
have the border down the side and are wider than the center strip. There
are four large paisley patterns in each strips The border has two rows of
scallops and the quilting patterns that are stamped on it are beautiful
quilted paisleys.
I would never have bought a quilt like this in the first place, but as I
was given this, I looked at it as a challenge and then fell in love with
it as I worked on it. I am now doing the quilting and hope to have it done
for our quilt show the end of January.
—
Jackie Meunier
jackiemivic.net
jmeunierjuno.com
jackiemartlover.com
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 20:21:30 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To:
Subject: QHL: irc channels
Message-Id: <v01540b05aeecc8df1cb3[168.121.76.43]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
In addition to quiltchat on the internet there are several other chat
channels. I am founder of quilttalk, also on dal.net.
However, i dont think this list is the place to promote the irc chat
channels, and i have not done so as a deliberate decision. Therefore i
found the invite to the quiltchat New Year’s eve party out of place in this
mail group.
i thought this was quilt heritage. what i have liked about this list is, so
far, we have stuck to the topic of the list. Quilt History and Heritage.
Can’t we keep it that way. There are many other ways to promote private
endeavors other than through email to the Quilt Heritage group.
Getting off my soap box and holding up a net to catch the rotten tomatos 🙂
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 19:56:40 -0600
From: Rose Marie Mize <rmizeice.net>
To:
Subject: QHL: URL
Message-Id: <199612300156.TAA21662cube.ice.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
I missed the original URL posting for this WPA thread. Would someone please
post it again?
Rose Marie
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 21:12:54 -0500
From: Ricki Maietta <rmaiettacsrlink.net>
To:
Subject: QHL: counterpane
Message-Id: <199612300208.SAA08779orbital.cue.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Rabbit just mentioned calling her new find a “counterpane” – as opposed to
“quilt”? I really don’t know the difference – please define, as I read this
term often, & the picture just looks like a quilt to me…
Ricki in PA, trying to soak up all this wonderful info!!!
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 21:12:51 -0500
From: Ricki Maietta <rmaiettacsrlink.net>
To:
Subject: QHL: red & green
Message-Id: <199612300208.SAA08775orbital.cue.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Sadie Rose asked about the Rose of Sharon pattern being a bride’s quilt.
Over the years it became obvious to me that an awfully lot of the red &
green on white applique quilts from mid-1800s to early 1900 were made by
brides, or for brides. Maybe this was already known by others, but it was
sort of a “revelation” for me. I tested my theory recently when someone
donated a gorgeous Coxcombe applique to our local museum (they were calling
it a cactus pattern – but I can document coxcombe over & over) – I asked if
they knew the history of the quilt. Yep – made in 1875 by a mother & sister
for the other sister’s upcoming wedding! I’m wondering if, like today,
applique wasn’t just considered a step above piecing, & it has nothing to do
with red & green. What about all those gorgeous blue & white applique
quilts – some were in Albany this October at the conference (some were both
pieced & appliqued). Anyone know if the blue & whites, or other appliques,
were made specifically for brides???? Curious in PA –
Ricki
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 20:34:00 CDT
From: josiemtekstar.com
To:
Subject: QHL: Library of Congress Site & Jean Ann’s letter
Message-Id: <199612300233.UAA10852perham>
The site you are looking for is : http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ and thanks to
whomever the original poster was. I get happy with the delete key sometimes
and don’t keep info that I might like to.
I didn’t get in on the chat line business but I really would like to say this
is by far the most interesting of the quilting listservs and would like to
see it stay as it is. This list being focused on the historical aspects of
quilting provides a most intrigueing spot in the day and has caused me to do
research into the WPA , a few old fabrics I have, and two old quilts as
well. If I understood Jean Ann’s letter, she too hoped we stayed focused
on our quilting heritage. She won’t get any tomatoes from me!
Jo in Minnesota
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 21:42:09 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: red & green
Message-ID: <961229214209_876491333emout04.mail.aol.com>
Pieced quilts were much faster to make and in given areas were usually the
‘utility’ quilts.Time was of the essence and sometimes you will find a quilt
‘in’ a quilt..jsut get a top done, sew it to the other quilt or put the quilt
to be replaced inside the newer one..but the applique was quite often a young
lady’s “best” quilt..a quilt where time and planning was involved..utility
quilts were often scrap quilts..an applique on the other hand might well be
fabrics bought just for this quilt..and the quilt would also be a way to show
your familyand friends the intricate stitching you could do..after all, it
was not polite to brag about your talents..heaven forbid if you would be
asked to participate in a ‘show & tell’..but it would certainly be admired if
it was on your bed or as was oftenthe case. a special guest/vistitor would be
afforded the opportunity to sleep under her ‘best’qujilt. The reds/greens
seemed to be very popular at one time..jsut as we have our ‘craze’ periods
today..Jane
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 21:43:45 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: red & green
Message-ID: <961229214343_1621144906emout04.mail.aol.com>
well, how rude..I got carried away and forgot to answer one of ur
questions..in my area of Va. it was customary to go to your wedding with 12
quilts..11 everyday (utility) quitls and the 12th being our ‘best’ quilt and
in most cases..applique..Jane
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 21:42:33 +0000
From: “The Garretts” <bgarrettpo.fast.net>
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: DAR
Message-Id: <m0veXhl-0004EECfast.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT
Jean wrote –
All I can think of when I hear /read the title DAR is…… Were there any slave
quilts in the exhibition? Jean Laino jquilt
I was privileged to visit the DAR for their quilt workshop in December, and
yes, the docent did talk about the exquisite southern quilts being made by both
the mistress and the very talented slaves. Please keep in mind that the quilts
shown in these workshops are the “best” quilts that have survived from
different time periods – intricate piecing, applique and quilting. If you are
referring in your question to utilitarian type quilts made by slaves, I would
have to say there were none. But there weren’t any utilitarian quilts made by
anyone, since this was not the focus of the workshop. Because the body of work
called Antique Quilts is so broad, a museum must of necessity decide where its
niche will be, and when viewing quilts for only 1 1/2 hours, one cannot expect
to see “all” types of quilts made in the US. I still recommend this workshop
to anyone interested in antique quilts and able to get to Washington, DC.
Barb in southeastern PA
<bgarrettfast.net>
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 01:00:17 -0500
From: Laurajbr
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: red & green
Message-ID: <961230010016_438875042emout14.mail.aol.com>
Hi,
I collect red and green floral appliqued quilts from the 1800’s and have
histories on many of them, and some indeed were made as wedding quilts. But
one of my very favorite quilts, signed and dated March 15, 1850, and
presented to the maker’s niece on her wedding, is predominantly orange. It
has red and green in it too. It has a heavily quilted white background with
orange Baltimore-style Fleur-de-Lis type blocks (see Elly’s books) with red
centers and orange oak leaves coming out of them. The four center blocks are
more intricate and include green stems and leaves and red flower buds and in
the center of two of these blocks are the presentation inscriptions. It is a
fabulous quilt. Every time my dear friend from Black Mountain, NC, comes to
visit–she is an antique quilt dealer–she tells me to name my price and she
will buy it. But I can’t part with it. I found is about 5 years ago in an
antique shop in Dade City, which is just north of Tampa.
Another interesting story about this quilt: When we were visiting my
above-mentioned friend in NC one summer, she took me to meet a friend of hers
who also collected antique quilts. As we went through her huge, varied
collection, we came across another red, green and orange appliqued quilt
signed by the same lady who made mine!!! Her name is Elizabeth Coyle and on
my quilt, she crossed out her middle name. I can’t remember if she did that
on Kay’s quilt or not.
Laura in Tampa
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 22:00:40 PST
From: psierajuno.com (Pam D Siera)
To:
Subject: QHL: Re: Books and labels
Message-ID: <19961229.220331.3710.5.PSierajuno.com>
Just wanted to share that I found a new copy of “Shared Threads” at
the bookstore this weekend for $7.99 20% off. And I bought it because
you’all talk about it and i’m sure I’ll enjoy it. One story already
brought tears to my eyesl.
I had an epiphany about the quilt labels that I’m going to do for my
family quilts. A friend has a scanner and I’d been planning on using the
family photos, old ones, that I’ve got on disk for a pictorial quilt.
Well, the enlightenment was to put photos of the women who made and
influenced the quilts on the labels. I’m still working in b/w and that is
appropriate for these older quilts. Any thoughts about how those heat
bonded transfers onto muslin might not be good for the quilts? Pigma
pens sound just as chancy to me but they don’t have glue on them.
Letters in envelopes would be great but I really like the idea of labels.
TIA Pam in Santa Rosa
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 21:21:16 -0900
From: Opalka <mopalkaalaska.net>
To: QHL-Digestcue.com
Subject: Feed Sack
Message-Id: <3.0.32.19961229212115.00693680alaska.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
I have enjoyed “listening in” to the conversations. My name is Susan, I’ve
lived in Alaska since 1975 and I’m originally from Tulsa. I have several
quilts, tops and blocks from my Mother’s side of the family. How can I tell
which ones are made from feed sacks? I know this probably sounds like a
dumb question but, I really don’t know. I do have one top that my maternal
Grandmother told me was made from feed sacks. Thank you for any input. I
enjoy hearing about the history of quilting and all aspects of quilting. I
was lucky enough to receive “Stitched from the Soul” and “Mennonite
Quilts” for Christmas. Happy Holidays from Alaska where it is 0 degrees
and no new snow this week.
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 01:26:39 -0500
From: RLHlink3
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: RE: letting old quilts be old quilts
Message-ID: <961230012638_812383602emout08.mail.aol.com>
My face is red: I just realized that I did not sign my earlier response (“let
old quilts be old quilts”) to Rabbit’s comments. I am enjoying very much, and
learning a lot from, these discussions. Thanks to you all.
Linda in Redding CA
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 01:42:02 -0500
From: RLHlink3
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: Books and labels
Message-ID: <961230014200_405324312emout13.mail.aol.com>
What a neat idea to put the maker’s photo on the quilt label! I’ll be
listening to hear any comments re: adverse effects from the photo process.
Linda/Redding CA
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 07:57:04 -0500
From: AJSNGS
To:
Subject: QHL: Old quilts
Message-ID: <961230075704_1524289086emout16.mail.aol.com>
Hi,
As some of you already know, I am very new to the world of quilting, and
relatively new to collecting old ones. I have several very “ratty” looking
quilts–in other words they are not perfect and lots of people would not like
them. For instance, I recently bought a lovely 1900 Irish chain. It is
mostly blue and white with a little bit of red in it. I love the colors in
this quilt despite the fact that a good bit of the fabric is plain ol
deteriorating, and the part of the quilt that I don’t have showing has a big
ole hole in it! But when you walk into the room, there it sits lovely and
bright despite it’s imperfections, and obvious age. I hope that I will look
like this when I am in my 90s too! Part of what draws me to older quilts is
the sense of history behind them. I have heard several of you say (and I
agree) “if only they could talk!”. All of these quilts were new once but it
is “the life they’ve led” that has brought them to where they are now. Some
have led a cushy life, and some have led a life of hard work which is exactly
what they were intended to do. I don’t think that we necessarily need to
restore all quilts, but sometimes repairs will help keep them around a little
bit longer for us to enjoy.
Just my 2 cents worth from a newbie. Thanks for listening.
Nancy in balmy Virginia
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 08:01:22 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To:
Subject: QHL: WPA Thread
Message-Id: <v01540b0baeed6d5bc1d4[168.121.76.43]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
I missed the original URL posting for this WPA thread. Would someone please
post it again?
Rose Marie
I mussed the orignal too…i am very interested. wwe spend a week every
summer in an old CCC camp in NC…it has been modernized, but there is so
much up in tha appalachians to do with the wpa and ccc, but not much
accessible history that i can find.
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 08:44:19 -0500
From: AJSNGS
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: WPA Thread
Message-ID: <961230084419_1591393533emout01.mail.aol.com>
Jean Ann,
Where is the old CCC camp? How do you find out about places like that? I
live in Virginia and the CCC built the Skyline Drive in the mountains here.
I’m very interested in all of this too.
Please e-mail me if you can help me out with information. Thanks,
Nancy in Va.
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 08:52:53 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: red & green
Message-ID: <961230085251_2020323907emout20.mail.aol.com>
Laura, that is amazing..where did you find YOUR quilt made by the same lady?
It’s amazing where fabrics and quilts have traveled..and I was surprised
about the mix of red and orange..to heighten how what was poular at the
time..wasn’t there a period where purple was the rage? Mid or late 1800″s??
And the Crazy quilt was oh so popular for awhile as well..I can’t recall who
posted about crazy quilts but I know of a lady in the DC area who is an
expert on them and teaches that style..Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 08:57:18 -0500
From: AJSNGS
To:
Subject: QHL: Sorry again!
Message-ID: <961230085717_1755736337emout10.mail.aol.com>
Well I didn’t mean to post my last note to Jean Ann to the whole list,
although there might be others who are interested. Sorry!
Also, I have misplaced my address for the the WPA online information. Would
you please post it again for those of us who can’t remember it?
Thanks very much,
Nancy in Virginia
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 08:59:44 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Feed Sack
Message-ID: <961230085943_1457848527emout16.mail.aol.com>
SUSAN, feedsacks have a particular look and texture. If you send me your
snail mail address I will be happy to send you some samples of feedsacks for
you to distinguish the materials. The most common feedsacks will have a
slightly coarser feel..altho there are sacks that are as nice as any percale
you would put on your bed today..these held flour, sugar, salt, any product
that could ‘sift’ thru..so the thread count was high givng it a tighter
weave. If they were storing nuts/ apples/ beans/ anything larger..they weave
could be looser. What size squares would you like? Then you’lll have them
to play with..Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 09:22:44 -0500
From: “James M. Welch” <hawkcsionline.com>
To:
Subject: QHL: Paragon kits?????
Message-ID: <32C7D034.6067csionline.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Jackie, Merry and Jane,
Thanks for your insights. I have another question. What are paragon
kits?
I took the appliqued piece to my weekly quilt group, the QE 2 girls
(Quilt and Eat Too!) and they had some ideas on how to finish it into
something usuable. Its really too big for a table topper, and with
three teenagers and one table, there is no way I would put it on there
anyway!, but it is not big enough as is for any size quilt, too long and
skinny. One suggestion was to add patchwork to it on either side in red
and greens, another was to make two other panels the same as the one I
have but I would really like to find out what the whole thing was
supposed to look like before I do anything. What are the chances of
finding out? Pretty good? A million to one?
Debbie in NJ
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 10:24:12 -0500
From: Laurajbr
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: red & green
Message-ID: <961230102411_1722185567emout02.mail.aol.com>
Jane and anyone else interested<
I found my orange, red and green wedding quilt in an antique shop in Dade
City, Florida–a wonderful little town full of antique stores, a quilt shop
and the world’s greatest restaurant, about a 45-minute drive from Tampa. You
feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1950’s when you spend a day up there.
The shopkeepers and townspeople all know each other and after a few visits,
they know us visitors too. The shop I found my quilt is no longer in business
but it was called Lady Anne’s and it was mainly Victorian antiques, beautiful
furniture, flower arrangements, and there, hanging on the back wall, was MY
quilt. It was love at first sight and for me, one of my greatest finds (which
was confirmed by my friend, the antique quilt dealer.)
The other quilt made by the same lady is in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
That is also a wonderul little town and well worth a visit if you are passing
through the NC mountains. It’s just east of Asheville. I find some wonderful
antique quilts there and all over the mountains. Kay does not remember when
she found her quilt or where. If you could see her collection, you’d
understand why. she must have 300 quilts, including a Baltimore album, one
from the late 1700’s, and many, many more.
I would love to know how our two quilts came into being and how they became
separated, but at least I do know when mine was made and who it was for. I
guess I won’t find out why Elizabeth Coyle crossd out her middle name. It
must have had some powerful memories associated with it for her to do that on
this masterpiece.
As for colors in these quilts, red and green appliques were very popular in
the mid 1800’s and they often used yellow or orange as an accent color. In
this quilt, though, the orange is the predominant color and the reds and
greens are the accent colors. I do have one other orange quilt. It is an
appliqued one, of course, and it’s baskets with flowers. The quilting is
spectacular, as it often was during that time, and even though it is not my
usual red and green, I couldn’t resist it. (either…)
Laura in Tampa
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 09:05:00 PST
From: jadavisjuno.com (Julie A Davis)
To: quiltopiastgenesis.org, kaffee-klatschquilter.com
Cc:
Subject: QHL: Re: Hello…….
Message-ID: <19961230.093223.17822.0.jadavisjuno.com>
Hello out there……
We went to my home town to see my Mom and Dad and Mother-in-law etc….
from Christmas Eve. to yesterday afternoon…… when I finally had a
minute last
night to check my mail I had 798 messages! It took me about 2 1/2 hours
to go
through them and I deleted many! wew! It was really kinda funny to read
the
messages from the 24th and compare them to the 26th etc…… everyone on
all of
the lists that I’m on were so frantic and rushed and then were so calm
and already
planning Christmas ’97! Ha!!! 🙂
I did get one sewing/quilting related gift from a friend — a book called
“501 Quilt
Blocks” by Better Homes & Gardens — It’s a beautiful hard back book and
the
pictures etc. are beautiful…. can’t wait to have the time to really dig
into it!
Well…………… I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy
New Year!
Julie Davis
jadavisjuno.com
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 10:54:45 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: WPA Thread
Message-ID: <961230105439_1524305960emout18.mail.aol.com>
Nancy, I THINK she said the camp was in NC..or did I read it wrong??J
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 96 11:10:56 PST
From: John & Cinda Cawley <cawleyepix.net>
To: Ricki Maietta <rmaiettacsrlink.net>,
Subject: RE: QHL: red & green
Message-ID: <Chameleon.961230112643.cawley.epix.net>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=us-ascii
I’m interested in the quilt Ricki mentioned that was donated to the museum.
I have seen quilts in a pattern I would have called coxcomb referred to by
the owner as cactus. Brackman cites cactus as a name for this pattern
(Encyclopedia of Applique, p. 80). Lasansky shows one (Pieced by Mother, p.
53), as does the Berks Co. Quilt Harvest (Historical Review of Berks County,
Winter 92-93, p. 16). I am increasingly reluctant to give names to 19th
century patterns unless we know what the maker called that particular quilt.
We seem compelled to retroactively impose our terminology (which is
necessary for contemporary “quilt people” to understand each other) on a
period of creative chaos.
Cinda in Scranton
————————————-
Name: John & Cinda Cawley
E-mail: cawleyepix.net
Date: 12/30/96
Time: 11:10:56 AM
This message was sent by Chameleon
————————————-
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 12:15:25 -0500
From: RBCochran
To:
Subject: QHL: Two Don’t Miss Experiences
Message-ID: <961230121525_1290204601emout08.mail.aol.com>
First of all, I want to say how delighted I am to find this site. I can
already see more computer hours spent online, esp. the WPA project info.
Thanks to everyone for sharing.
Secondly, I’d like to recommend two quilting-related experiences not to be
missed. If you possibly can, you should see the quilts from the Patricia
Smith collection being exhibited at the Renwick in D.C. They are stunning.
Plus there’s fabric yardage exhibited in cases. I think the show runs
through mid-January, so you’ll have to hurry. If you can’t make it, though,
I understand a book is coming out in March or April 1997. I hope so, because
we couldn’t take photos. (Didn’t think to ask for permission ahead of time.)
The other thing you should do is to take the workshop at the DAR. I, too,
was there in December. To sign up, just call them. I think they run one on
the first Thursday of every month. But plan ahead because they limit the
group to 20 at the most. Cost is $15. You never know which ones they’ll be
showing, but all we saw were interesting. You can photo here, only if you
ask for permission ahead, and I would imagine only non-flash.
Looking forward to more info exchange and wishing all a happy new year.
Rachel in NJ
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 09:28:58 -0800
From: Michele Weise <michelepeppertreestudios.com>
To:
Subject: QHL: making heat-transfer labels
Message-Id: <3.0.32.19961230092739.0069d5d0mail.west.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Hi all, I can’t find who asked about making labels so I’ll address the
group… In regards to heat transfer labels…speaking as a framer, the
basic rule of thumb in conservation framing is: Do not change the original
artwork in any way by adding heat activated substances such as glues, tapes
etc. The idea being that you should be able to easily move the original
artwork from one frame or storage place to another without the artwork
being changed in any way, staying as close to its original condition as
possible.
That is why framers have no hesitation using heat-transfer sheets to
adhere posters to foam core, whereas they would never heat transfer a
limited edition fine art print or any original–on paper, fabric, or any
other material. Adhesion would immediately render the value of an art
print to zero. In our trade, we have something called a T mount which lets
you hold a piece in place without letting any adhesive or acid bearing
material touch the piece. Heat transer paper, (which I use all the time
for many things because I love it) has many uses but not in conservation
matting and mounting. Thin sheets of tissue/type paper are dotted with
very tiny spots of heat-activated adhesives. The adhesives range from lo
tack to hi tack. Basically, you have seen something like these in fabric
stores and it’s called “Heat & Bond” tissue. Most manufactureres give
directions saying that their adhesives can be removed by reheating the
artwork and softening the adhesive and peeling it away from the sheet.
This is very seldom successful and all manufacturers with also give
disclaimers because unless the whole sheet is heated to exactly the same
temperature, and peeled off quickly, some dots of adhesive will
cool–hence, you will be caught stressing the artwork by pulling and
stretching it, and heaven forbit, tearing it.
However, after having said all this about heat transfer processes, I
would personally feel very at ease using a heat transfer label on an
antique quilt IF the label was treated as a separate piece, layered to the
quilt with a small separator of either plain cotton or acid free tissue and
hand stitched to the quilt. These adhesives that are being held between
your photo emulsion and the backing muslin, I believe would not harm the
quilt in any way because they would not be touching the quilt, and would be
in a healthy aired environment–not locked up in plastic or other
detramental atmosphere.
Good luck and I think your idea is really wonderful. Michele
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 18:38:10 -0500 (EST)
From: “Carol L. O’Neill” <coneillCapAccess.org>
To: RBCochran
cc:
Subject: QHL: Renwick Exhibit +++++
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91-FP.961230182544.18356B-100000cap1.capaccess.org>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Saw the Renwick exhibit yesterday and certainly agree with Rachel that it
was stunning! Loved all the quilts, and was intrigued by Baptist Fan
quilting on one of them, dated 1830s. Have never thought about the
origin of actual quilting patterns…somehow assumed crosshatching and
squares and diamonds were used in older times. Know of any book with
info on this?
My favorite in the show was a sunflower quilt in bright yellow and
blues. Center of the flowers was a square with elongated corners, set
sometimes one way and sometimes the other, giving the flowers a carefree
feeling. It was random, but I bet the quilter did it intentionally. She
also had an interesting border treatment, using a fabric with a wide
stripe. She didn’t try to miter the corners to match, but stopped them
6″ or so short of the edge and added a piece of the same fabric cut on
the bias. Definitely an idea to put in my memory bank!
Really enjoy reading on here about the various views from those of you
who are restorers and other experts. I’m especially interested in
salvaging utilitarian quilts. “Time-Span Quilts” (can’t remember the
author) is one of my most favorite of all quilt books. Bought a terribly
cut-up strip-pieced quilt from the 30’s, took it apart in chunks, sewed
it back together and made it the central medallion of a quilt that is now
a joy to me. Have a feeling the original maker would be pleased (and
maybe relieved!).
Happy new year to you-all, and wishes for lots of wonderful finds!
–Carol in VA
(coneillcapaccess.org)
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 96 20:51:55 EST
From: “Bob Mills” <decisiontigger.jvnc.net>
To:
Subject: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V96 #27
Message-Id: <decision.1202384755Atigger.jvnc.net>
Intro, washing qlts, tomatoes
Hi All,
I’ve been reading for a few weeks and would like to introduce myself. I am
Jan Drechsler (not Bob), and have been a quiltmaker for 27 years and have
coordinated community participation quilts, as well as made dozens of
squares for community quilts. I have been a seamstress for longer than
that, and several years ago made 67 cotton dance dresses to sell so I have
tons of scraps of cotton. I am a musician (pianist) for traditional New
England Contra dances which are danced to jigs and reels, and I also call or
teach those dances.
I bought a Bernina 1090 last year and I only wonder why I fought my cheap
1960’s Singer for so long. Until I sat down at my Bernina, I realized that
3/4 of my sewing energy had been directed at my old machine. The Bernina
just did what I asked it too. No more swearing at the machine. I am not
affiliated with Bernina, just a happy owner.
My other interest is old sewing machines. While I was happy when my ’60’s
Singer died, I was recently given my grandmother’s treasured 1913 Singer
model 15 treadle, which my dad electrified in the 40’s. I also found a
Singer 99 at a flea market, bought a great Singer 201 and found two
featherweights at bargain prices. I am just organizing New Jersey’s first
get-together of featherweight fanatics and old sewing machine collectors.
Contact me if you are interested. There is a subscribed group of machine
collectors and sewers and repairers, to join write Suettsw.com. That’s it
for my unlurking info.
I have been reading rec.textiles.quilting and sewing and the Bernina
newsgroup for 1 1/2 years and am quite tired of chit-chat about Christmas
sewing and kitty quilts and ‘What are you making now?’ chat. I don’t learn
much from the groups except occasionally a tip about Berninas. No Tomato
Tossing from me Jean!! Hooray for you for saying ‘Let’s keep this group
focused.’
I have been thinking about the discussions surrounding washing and ‘fixing
up’ old quilts. I don’t think that there is only one right answer. If we
are talking about a museum quality quilt-then I wouldn’t dream of washing it
in my bathtub or anywhere else. And pulling off and replacing worn fabric
is also a sin.
But let’s talk about the kind of quilt that many of us are likely to own.
In fact, let’s talk about my grandmother’s basket pieced quilt, in which
many of the triangle points were sewn into the seams, in which the quilting
stitches were small on the front and huge on the back, in which the front
border was wrapped around to the back instead of a binding, and in which not
one corner was square.
I just finished a fix- up project on this quilt that my grandmother made for
my mom and dad in the 50’s. It was ruined at a cleaner’s- faded the fabrics
and made huge lumps of the cotton batting inside, so one could see thru the
quilt in places and feel the lumps in others. My mom then gave it to me
when we were first married and then there was the leaky waterbed incident.
Yucky waterstains.
I then put it in the attic for 22 years, which didn’t help preserve it. It
took me all those years to decide to destroy part of grandma’s work in order
to enjoy the rest of her work. This fall, I picked out the yards and yards
of hand quilting, pulled off about 300 french knots, and took out all the
batting. I defied all quilting common sense and scrubbed it with Shout and
threw it in the washer with Tide and it came out clean and pretty. The
colors weren’t any more faded after that rough treatment and it has a
charming old soft pastel look. I did the same to the water stained muslin
backing in order to re-use it. I put new Warm and Natural batting in it,
machine quilted the squares and took it to N. Carolina at Christmas to
offer it to my mom. I bet my husband that she would say, ‘Oh, that old
thing-I don’t want it.’ Instead she said ‘I always wondered what had
happened to that quilt. I would love to have it back!’ Fortunately, I
never bet money. It is on mom’s bed now and looks beautiful. After the
winter, I will handquilt some of it and re do the French knots. This quilt
was made to be used.
Last October, I found a large wool one patch, of 4 inch squares for $12. I
barely even looked at it before grabbing it, believing that any quilt is
worth more than $12. When I got home and looked at it closer, I thought
that maybe I had paid $11.99 too much for it! Many of the squares are moth
eaten, some of the squares are shredded tapistry, none of the squares meet
or match seams, it looks like a 6 year old’s stitching and the backing had
stains suggesting multiple childbirths. Oh, it also smelled and the cotton
batting was in lumps. I decided to pick out the ties and remove the
batting. I removed the backing and tried to wash out the stains, to no
avail. Although the backing was seriously faded in places, it had once been
a lovely rose large flowered print. I washed the top (gasp) in woolite in
my machine on delicate and lay it flat to dry.
One of my future projects will be to replace some of the wool squares and
reback it with an old looking sampler flannel- which cost twice as much as
the whole quilt. It will not be perfect, nor do I want to replace all the
damaged squares. But it will go on a bed and be warm and functional and
charming.
So I think that the quilt itself has to be considered before one says never
wash it or clean it up. Each quilt has it’s own answer and value, whether
it be monitary, historical or sentimental. And the care will depend on that
value.
Oh… this is long, sorry to be so long-winded the first time I write. I
promise I will listen more and write less. And I am very glad to read these
discussions.
Jan in NJ
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 20:12:27 -0700
From: “Mary E Scott” <mscott28cybertrails.com>
To: <SadieRose >, < >
Subject: Re: QHL: Help!! the dilemma broadens
Message-Id: <199612281308.UAA19641 cybertrails.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
NOW NOW Sadie Rose: Let’s not get obscene mentioning that awful word
“exercise.”
The next thing you know you will start talking about that ….I can’t even
bring myself to say it…. you know the d.. word. D..t. Oh now I’v really
gotten myself in trouble. I swore in public. Oh Damn.
Mary
mscott28cybertrails.com
http://inficad.com/~lightsp/suitee/index.html
——————————
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 22:46:33 -0500
From: QuiltLine
To:
Subject: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V96 #26
Message-ID: <961228224633_1524131630emout15.mail.aol.com>
With regards to washing/cleaning antique quilts. Although I have seen many a
quilt that can use a good bath, and those that have faired (sp) well, I need
to agree that wet washing a quilt can be……a disaster. You have to weigh
the pro’s and con’s. Rabbit hit the nail on the head, you can wash 10 quilts
without a problem, but the 11th……
For instance, I was helping a friend (antique quilt vendor) at a quilt show
recently, a woman who she had sold a quilt top to came in with a complaint.
She had been told by this vendor that she could safely wash this top, once
it had been made into a quilt, with the batting and quilting technique proper
to the time period. She was told to hand wash it in cold water, otherwise
using the directions on the Orvis container.
To make this long story short, the reds in this 1930’s era top ran all over
the place and ruined the quilt.
Taking every precaution when attempting to wash a quilt if you must cannot be
over stated, including testing for color fastness. If possible try to find a
professional quilt cleaner. There are several around, (I know of one in
Upland, CA. if interested), and I think they can pretty much judge how wet
washing will affect an old quilt.
If you can live with it as it is, then live with it as it is.
We are all entitled to our opinions, and I am glad that the discussions on
this group are so stimulating. I wish to appologize to any one else and
again to the person who e-mailed me privately for “shouting” on this list
(using all caps). I do this sometimes when I am having a physical difficulty
with my left hand and it is hard to reach down to the shift key,(this isn’t a
serious anomoly, but painful, it comes and goes). However, apparently using
all capitals was offensive at least to one person, and I had no idea that
this was against proper ‘netiquette’. If anyone else was disturbed by this,
I am truly sorry (would of been all capitalized for expression, but….).
I won’t post when I am having this ailment in the future. 🙁
Debbie
——————————
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 23:02:50 -0500 (EST)
From: Quilting Heritage ListServ <QRSmail.albany.net>
To:
Subject: QHL: Linsey Woolsey
Message-Id: <2.2.16.19961228230030.51877b46mail.albany.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Like Jo, I have spent a few happy hours tonight surfing the web.
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ is *really* a great site. At the search line type in
quilts.
I also looked through http://ttsw.com/QuiltHistoryPage.html, which has a lot
of very interesting links, including one to Linsey-Woolsey. This is what it
had to say:
“One of the earliest fabric used in American quilts was linsey-woolsey. This
fabric consisted of a linen (or sometimes cotton) warp and a wool weft. The
name of the fabric came from the village of Linsey in sussex, England. Flax
was one of the larger crops in colonial America and linsey-woolsey was a
strong, durable fabric.
Linsey-woolsey bed covers were generally whole cloth quilts. As the quilt
wore out, usable sections were salvaged and were pieced into other quilts.”
Interesting, huh? For those of you who are new to the list, I will
cut-and-paste what Rabbit had to say on the subject.
>Ok now I am really going to get myself in hot water. Textile fabric names
>Linsey-woolsey ok what do we really know? Yes cloths coming from Linsey Engalnd
>were sometimes called linsey as town names were helpful for distinguishing
>regional fabric production traditions Its use in colonial and post
revolutionary
>America is very confusing. The term was used by deToqueville in his
>discriptions of traveling in America to mean a coarse home produced fabric with
>either linen or cotton warp and singles wool filling ( weft) in solids and
>stripes always in plain weave and without much finishing. The biggest problem I
>have is that people weaving in their homes at the same time did not use the
>term “linsey-woolsey” as often as those in the 20th century. Often the
>referrences to weaving plain cloth of linen and wool were simply called ” mixed
>stuff” Stuff usually equaling plain weave cloth as opposed to twills, figures,
>spot etc.
>The nice thing about using the term linsey-woolsey is that we can know it is
>plain weave and that it has cotton or linen warp and singles wool crossing it.
>So it is a good place to communicate but usually I try to find a referrence for
>a particular decade and its vernacular use, use by those weaving, and
>descriptive use by dry goods merchants etc. For example the term Fustian
changes
>almost every 10 years between 1700 and 1900. Jean which has never changed in
>description is a sub set of fustian go figure. The most important thing is
that
>we have so much surviving plain weave mixed cloth in many colors and weights
>Important though none of the surviving pieces are what I would call
irregular or
>rough textured and when people reproduce it today they often mistake a low
count
>( warp threads and weft threads per inch) for a lumpy bumpy look for
instance in
>the pieces I have in my collection the counts are usually in the high 30’s to
>low 40’s unless they are horse blankets which we do find so that would look
like
>a low count sheet not like a lumpy irregular texture usually the yarns are
very
>well spun and the weaving which can be problematic with linen warps is done
>well.
>
>
Kris
——————————
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 1996 22:37:56 CDT
From: josiemtekstar.com
To:
Subject: QHL: American Memory URL
Message-Id: <199612290437.WAA04130perham>
Hello again: In mentioning this Library of Congress Website and describing
WPA writers who were writing life stories of Florida squatters, and
Oklahomans making their way to California during those terrible dust bowl
days maybe some explanation is in order. For you younger
sisters (and brothers) who may not know what the WPA was, it was one
of the Franklin Roosevelt era New Deal depression recovery programs called
Works Progress Administration. It employed people from all walks of life
who couldn’t find work in countless projects, and writers were
hired to interview people all over the country. John Steinbeck was a
WPA writer, as were many of his compadres of that time. I believe his
book The Grapes of Wrath came of some of these experiences.
Just so you can appreciate this website even more!
Jo in Minnesota
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 17:13:24 +1100 (EST)
From: Li Joo Ng <lngbf.rmit.edu.au>
To: Posting < >
Subject: QHL: moth balls
Message-ID: <Pine.OSF.3.95.961229170616.12154B-100000otto.bf.rmit.edu.au>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Thanks to Peg G for replying to my posting personally and also to Rabbit
Goody for sharing tips on storing antique quilts / textiles.
I have another question. After storing my antique quilts in pillow cases,
is it all right to throw some moth balls around the pillow cases? Or are
there better alternatives? I have had several bad experiences with moths.
They ate up my rather expensive Italian T-shirt, my favourite face towel
and a brand new never-worn pair of shorts. I do not intend to allow any
moth to come within a mile radius of my precious antique quilts.
Help – all tips and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 06:43:43 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Linsey Woolsey
Message-ID: <961229064340_270914131emout13.mail.aol.com>
Thanks so much for the post on Linsey Woolsey..I knew I had seen the town
Linsey on a map somewhere after having been told there was such a place..I
added Woolsey to the name as well..maybe that is why Alma couldn’t find it in
her search. When you meet the many people I com in contact with at lectures,
you begin to wonder if that IS what was said..I seachjed back again in my
mind and realized I posted the town as Linsey- Woolsey.that is probably why
Alma couldn’t find such a place in her home in England..thanks again for the
post..Jane
——————————
Date: 29 Dec 96 09:28:20 EST
From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037CompuServe.COM>
To: “INTERNET: ” < >
Subject: QHL: Re: soap box
Message-ID: <961229142820_75444.1037_FHQ14-1CompuServe.COM>
it wasnt a big soap box and you certainly are right in saying who does the quilt
belong to its just that washing always runs the risk of total distruction. You
cannot be sure that when you wash something it will survive so the piece had
better be disposable. That is the problem they dont talk and say i can be washed
safely. As for torn tattered why cant we display things that are not perfect
anymore? why must it look as it did before? If it has age the age should show
not be removed. I know this is a radical thought to some but its like dying your
hair and getting face lifts pretty superficial to the real essence of a quilt.
Wear, stains, tatters are part of what happens to textiles and we can learn more
by not restoring and observing than fixing and pretending. Hows that for
disagreement and controversy obviously I am taking the extreme view here but
someone needs to so think about what the value of maing something look as it
did versus understanding it as it is now and acepting it.
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 10:17:07 -0500 (EST)
From: Quilting Heritage ListServ <QRSmail.albany.net>
To:
Subject: QHL: From a dealers perspective
Message-Id: <2.2.16.19961229101442.27af4fc8mail.albany.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Let me offer a comment on deteriorating quilts from an antique quilt dealers
perspective. I had Rabbit’s point of view when I first became a dealer.
(Still do, actually.) I felt that damage and age spots and so on were part
of the personality of a quilt and I enjoyed the not-so-perfect ones as much
as I enjoyed the perfect ones. They certainly *taught* me more! A damaged
quilt teaches you a great deal about sewing techniques, threads, batting,
foundation piecing, etc. When I first started out, I tended to prefer this
type of quilt. (Probably because I started as a restorer.) The problem is
that few people buy them. I very quickly learned that people who want a
quilt for it’s monetary value only want something that is perfect. It is
QUILTERS who will take a slightly damaged piece and love it as it is, or
enjoy the restoration process. Since there are far more imperfect quilts
than perfect quilts in the world, my sales focus quickly became “quilters”
as opposed to “antiquers”. I have dropped out of the antique show circuit
almost entirely now. I only do the ones where I am the more likely to
purchase than to sell.
I would be interested in other comments on this.
Kris, who is trying to remember what Yoda said.
“When 600 years old you get, look this good you will not.” (?)
At 09:28 AM 12/29/96 EST, Rabbit Goody wrote:
>If it has age the age should show
>not be removed. I know this is a radical thought to some but its like dying
your
>hair and getting face lifts pretty superficial to the real essence of a quilt.
>Wear, stains, tatters are part of what happens to textiles and we can learn
more
>by not restoring and observing than fixing and pretending. Hows that for
>disagreement and controversy obviously I am taking the extreme view here but
>someone needs to so think about what the value of making something look as it
>did versus understanding it as it is now and acepting it.
>
>
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 11:23:41 -0500
From: RLHlink3
To:
Subject: QHL: RE: letting old quilts be old quilts
Message-ID: <961229112340_1457729765emout20.mail.aol.com>
Hello!
I’m new here and thoroughly enjoying the discussions, including the
controversy on what to do with damaged old quilts. My 2 cents worth (and I’m
not an expert!): I rather agree with Rabbit. If it’s old, let it look old.
[Now, it’s true that I do cover my gray –but I still look old 🙂 ] I
inherited a stack of memory quilt blocks done for my Mom upon her marriage to
my Dad in the 1920’s –looking all the worse for having been stored all that
time –mouse stains etc. I washed them gently, but about 50% of the stains
remain. So what? I put them all together, with one additonal block signed by
Mom, quilted it, and now am proud to show it off.
My current project is backing a 98 yr old, –gorgeous– crazy quilt top
from my husband’s side of the family and preparing it for display. It will
mean so much to his 86 yr old mother when she sees it finally finished (a
late Christmas surprise for her). The velveteens are worn (or deteriorated?)
in places. There are a couple of holes (into which I will insert similar
colored fabric), but the holes and shabby places will remain –proudly.
I understand that many people would not want to “buy” a less than “perfect”
piece. Being the perfectionist that I suspect that I am, it took some seious
thinking before I came to the conclusions that I have shared. Also, being a
penny-pincher, I am very careful about how much I spend on a damaged quilt.
Wish I didn’t have to be such a pincher, but my station in life does not
leave me many $$$ to spend on such.
Question:
My next project: I recently found a set of 12 nine-patch blocks –in good
condition, nice colors, very old. The fabrics are much lighter weight than
the cottons we use today. (Much, much lighter than the cottons used in my
Mom’s 1930’s blocks.) What kind of fabric dare I use to set these blocks
into a quilt top for display only? I am thinking of alternating plain blocks
with the old ones perhaps. Any suggestions anyone?
Thanks to you all.
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 11:27:52 -0500
From: gridgeesalgorithms.com (Merry May)
To:
Subject: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V96 #26
Message-Id: <v01510104aeec4790349e[167.152.156.137]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Re: Debbie’s “What is This?”
My best guess is that it’s the bottom border of an applique quilt kit. The
kits were common back in the ’30s, and are still available today (i.e.,
Herrschner’s catalog).
Merry
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 11:31:49 -0500
From: PAMIAM6
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: From a dealers perspective
Message-ID: <961229113149_1189411139emout11.mail.aol.com>
I am listening to all of you with your varying ideas on all of this. I have
been quilting old quilt tops for 20 years. Against the advice of our local
quilt shop, I put them into the wash machine on gentle and line dry. If they
should bleed, etc do it now. Some seams come apart, no big deal they can be
fixed. Of couse I am not talking about museum quality tops here, although
many have been early l900. My point is I cant work and hand quilt on these
things because generally THEY SMELL. I have never had a disaster, but I
guess one of these days I may get a surprise. Also quilt tops not being as
expensive as a completed quilt if one does disintergrate I guess it would not
be as terrible, but I still would not be happy. I love this forum, it keeps
me busy reading all your ideas. Pam in Springfield
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 12:21:21 -0500
From: QRestore
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: soap box
Message-ID: <961229122119_1222977698emout07.mail.aol.com>
While I certainly agree there are many quilts that are too damaged and/or
stained and should be appreciated for their charm, there are just as many
that with a small amount of restoration can reduce the advancement of further
damage. Are we to ignore past generations of quilters who routinely mended,
darned, patched and created their own soloutions to preserving textiles
(vintage clothing, linens, quilts, etc.) in order to pass them on to their
children, grandchildren, etc? There is alot to be learned from those who so
carefully repaired and maintained quilts in centuries past.
Quilts made for special occasions or display were seldom used, and are in
excellant condition today. However, the majority of quilts made were well
used and yes, repaired over and over again, many by the original quiltmaker.
Quilts were made to be functional, with scarcely a thought to having it
displayed in a museum. Quilts were washed using harsh methods and beaten and
we would consider them abused today, but we are smarter today about such
methods.
How would we want our quilts to be treated years from now? To have someone
meticously and carefully repair (not change) a quilt, so that it might be
appreciated and seen, not stored, would bring me great joy. Quilts have
always been repaired, it is part our their history that has been passed down
through generations of families. True restoration does not mean removing age
from a quilt, nor does it mean altering or changing a quilt. Perhaps there
is a lack of understanding, on the part of some, about what true restoration
is.
There is admittedly, a huge gap between those who believe conservation is the
only correct solution in preserving our quilts and those who believe
restoration can be successfully used in maintaining a quilts condition. How
can we forget what our ancestors have taught us about preserving and
maintaining quilts.
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 13:34:29 -0500
From: mrbillmagicnet.net (Bill Wohlfart)
To:
Subject: QHL: GFG quilts
Message-Id: <199612291837.NAA13497magicnet.magicnet.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Hi everyone. Jeanann in Orlando, Fl., here. I love to buy old pieced
blocks at antique shows, etc. and finish them as I believe every quilter
would have wanted her quilt to be finished and admired.
I bought 10 GFG blocks about 5 years ago. They obviously went together as
some of the greatly mis-matched fabrics were in other blocks. they were
dirty and still even had the newspaper basted on the back of each little hex.
Finally, I went to my local quilt shop guru and asked her to teach me how to
paper piece so I could make a white on white (antique style) path to connect
all the blocks and finish the top. I washed them by hand and laid them on
my patio. After the birds anointed them, I washed them again and laid them
out covered.
I spent about three months (after cutting lots of brown paper hex patterns
and lots of cloth circles) hand basting and then whip-stitching everything
together.
I made a wall hanging with the ten plates staggered in rows. I hand-quilted
in each row of the “flowers” and hand-quilted “phantom flowers” in the
larger white spaces. It cam out great and it is amazing how good they all
look together, even the plaids and stripes and the orange and green hexes.
I’m glad I learned the old technique and it was very satisfying to complete
the top.
Jeanann in Orlando
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 13:54:43 -0500
From: QRestore
To:
Subject: QHL: Opps!
Message-ID: <961229135442_2053773550emout11.mail.aol.com>
Sorry. . .Forgot to sign this response to Rabbit Goody’s comments, so will
resend it.
While I certainly agree there are many quilts that are too damaged and/or
stained and should be appreciated for their charm, there are just as many
that with a small amount of restoration can reduce the advancement of further
damage. Are we to ignore past generations of quilters who routinely mended,
darned, patched and created their own soloutions to preserving textiles
(vintage clothing, linens, quilts, etc.) in order to pass them on to their
children, grandchildren, etc? There is alot to be learned from those who so
carefully repaired and maintained quilts in centuries past.
Quilts made for special occasions or display were seldom used, and are in
excellant condition today. However, the majority of quilts made were well
used and yes, repaired over and over again, many by the original quiltmaker.
Quilts were made to be functional, with scarcely a thought to having it
displayed in a museum. Quilts were washed using harsh methods and beaten and
we would consider them abused today, but we are smarter today about such
methods.
How would we want our quilts to be treated years from now? To have someone
meticously and carefully repair (not change) a quilt, so that it might be
appreciated and seen, not stored, would bring me great joy. Quilts have
always been repaired, it is part our their history that has been passed down
through generations of families. True restoration does not mean removing age
from a quilt, nor does it mean altering or changing a quilt. Perhaps there
is a lack of understanding, on the part of some, about what true restoration
is.
There is admittedly, a huge gap between those who believe conservation is the
only correct solution in preserving our quilts and those who believe
restoration can be successfully used in maintaining a quilts condition. How
can we forget what our ancestors have taught us about preserving and
maintaining quilts.
Food For Thought . . .
Victoria Montgomery
QRestore
Boise, ID
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 16:23:59 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: soap box
Message-ID: <961229162358_643041328emout09.mail.aol.com>
Rabbitt, I think I lean to agreeing with you..anytime I have seen stains or
soil, any marks, I feel it is part of the charm..it’s there, accept it..I
keep thinking of those tops/quilts that my friend soaked for 2 weeks
(changing the water every 2 days or so..) I recall ME trying it..and now I
wonder..you know how youo flip out the top sheet when you are changing your
bed linens?? I wonder if somewhere, that owner of that top I quilted for my
friend’s customer..was flipped and PRESTO..became cotton confetti!! I guess
it is all what you can live with..it would be most interesting to know HOW
the stains occurred..Jane
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 16:29:46 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: RE: letting old quilts be old quilts
Message-ID: <961229162945_611797335emout10.mail.aol.com>
If you decide you want to use feedsacks..let me know..Jane in “can’t make up
my mind..cold? Hot? snow? Rain..up and down.”.Pgh.
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 16:33:13 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V96 #26
Message-ID: <961229163311_677394248emout06.mail.aol.com>
I’m wondering if the kit is a PARAGON..that company specialized in alot of
the floral kits..there are several members in my Feedsack Club who collect
kits..migh be able to trace it down..Jane
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 17:21:20 +0000
From: “The Garretts” <bgarrettpo.fast.net>
To:
Subject: QHL: Quilting in the WPA
Message-Id: <m0veTd0-0004ONCfast.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT
Since the writers of the WPA – Works Project Administration – of the 1930s have
been mentioned, I wanted to tell you about a quilt project of the WPA. This
will be fairly long, but I hope you will learn about something you never knew
existed.
I am a member of the Variable Star Quilters of Souderton, PA, and in 1988
we began researching a State wide Museum Extension Project of the Works
Projects Administration which took place in District 2 (Philadelphia area) of
PA, involving quilts. We began because I was fortunate to find at auction 25
silk screened plates of quilt patterns. They are really pretty, and we began
investigating them. We learned that there are 30 plates in the entire
collection, and they were done in South Langhorne and Croydon, PA. The project
began in 1938 or 1939, and appears to be very localized. Less than 5 complete
sets are known to be in existance. Funding ended in January 1941, so it was a
very short lived project.
As was mentioned earlier, about 1/4 of WPA employment was in service
projects such as the Federal Writers Project, Index of American Design, and
Museum Extension Project. They were all under the Fine Arts Project which
employed out-of-work writers, artists, musicians and theater people. The
purpose of the FAP was to preserve and celebrate the traditions of American
culture of the past.
Also printed in addition to the 30 silk screened patterns was a manual
entitled “Quilts Pieced and Appliqued: Colonial and Pioneer Patchwork Quilts.”
The title page says – A series of thirty color plates of authentic old pieced
and appliqued quilts showing working drawings including the cutting size and
finished size patches, together with descriptive material necessary for their
making.
Our research has led us to believe that the designs were based on Ruth
Finley’s book, Old Patchwork Quilts and the Women Who Made Them, and
that the numerous errors indicate that the writers and artists were not
quilters. There is a high degree of comparison between the plates in Ruth’s
book and the pictures of completed quilts on the WPA plates.
In 1990, the Variable Star Quilters and the Reading Public Library –
owners of one complete set of plates – reprinted the set of 30 plates and the
manual. The new manual includes history and research about the WPA and this
specific project, as well as corrections to the original manual that would
allow more satisfactory quilt construction. Members of our group made all 30
of the quilts using the patterns given – there are 16 of us so it was a
manageable project – and made the necessary corrections.
Copies of the portfolio reprint are still available – shops find it hard
to display due to its size – and if anyone would like information about this
little known piece of quilt history, please contact me. The Variable Star
Quilters are a non profit group and donate all of our money from book sales,
show prizes and quilt shows to woman and children’s charities. We meet in
members homes so pay no rent, do not have expensive speakers or a newsletter,
and no administrative budget. All proceeds do go to charity.
Hope somebody found this interesting and/or informative. Happy quilting!!
Barb in southeastern PA
<bgarrettfast.net>
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 15:07:36 -0500
From: “jackiem” <jackiemivic.net>
To: < >, “Quilting Heritage ListServ” <QRSmail.albany.net>
Subject: QHL: Re: From a dealers perspective
Message-Id: <199612292322.PAA31235ns.ivic.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
I like this list, because I am interested in restoration and there are
some really good discussions going on here. Thanks to all of you for your
input and taking the time to share your expertise.
I look at quilts from the value to the owner. Several years ago, someone
asked me if I could repair an old quilt that belonged to a woman in her
late eighties, who had lost everything when her house burned down.
A neighbor rescued two quilts from a dumpster, after the insurance
adjusters tossed them out, that miraculously survived with burns & singes
on the folds and edges.
One was a large Hexagon quilt (1″ hexes in a diamond setting with pink
between the diamonds) that was burned on the edges most of the damage ion
the corners, required matching a pink fabric that had faded to different
colors around the edges of the sides of the quilt. the hexagons were easy
to fix, I just made paper pieced new ones, and was able to save the entire
quilt. The backing was another thing. But I learned that if you have to
repair a back on the quilt, I used an appliquéd patch is this case, and
made sure that all of the appliqué edges ended at a quilt line, so that it
is not obvious.
The other quilt was a white with blue embroidered nursery rhymes squares
quilt (single size). The fabric used in the embroidered quilt was feedsack
and there was not enough fabric, the square was simply pieced to make it
the correct size. (I found this particular point made it much easier to
repair.) The batting was an old blanket and muslin on the back. This
quilt was badly burned on the folds and especially down the middle. A few
of the blocks were beyond repair,
Basically I removed one row of blocks and used the fabric from these
blocks to repair the rest of the quilt blocks. embroidered where necessary
and retied the quilt. I did not try to remove all of the scorched fabric,
only the fabric that was too fragile and or totally gone. The scorches
that were left simply add to the charm of the quilt. I Always save as
much of the original embroidery work as possible only cut of the burned
part added a piece to the block, then replaced embroidery.
Most of the quilts I work on are some that no one wants to touch as they
are too far gone. The quilts usually come to me with the question is “Can
you do ANYTHING with this?”. I am always up to a challenge, so will
usually try. Usually prefer to mend than cut up into smaller quilts.
The Hexagon quilt was made by her mother and the embroidered quilt was
made by the owner when she was about 8 or ten years old. They are going
to her nieces. Sentimental value far exceeded the monetary value.
I wash quilts ONLY when necessary (TEST fabrics first.) especially if they
have never been washed. Some of the odors that are in an old quilt,
disappear with airing. If necessary to wash, I wash after the repairs
are made. If stain does not come out with a gentle washing, and I can’t
replace the fabric, I leave it, If the quilt is valuable enough to pay
to have it repaired or restored. It will still be valuable even with the
stain.
If I am not sure of a quilts origin or value, I ASK someone before I
start. Some quilts cannot be restored and should only be worked on by an
expert in that particular type of repair and preservation. Most of us
will never come in contact with this type of quilt, but you never know.
I learned a lot from these quilts and these quilts started me on the road
to restoration. I have saved quilts from the cutting table and can’t bear
to see them cut up. I will restore them to the point that they will
survive another generation or two and then will someday pass them on to
someone who feels the same way I do. When I need an old quilt piece for a
project, I will make a piece the size needed then clip, toss it around and
abuse it, rather than cut an old quilt up. I hope who ever inherits my
quilts will feel the same way and that my quilts as plain or as fancy as
they might be, will last for generations.
Just a little humor, One of the quilts I have worked of a couple of times
is a Double wedding ring quilt that was a wedding gift from the
mother-in-law. It has burns on it (cinders from the fireplace?) and they
wanted it repaired because MIL is coming to visit and they don’t want her
to see it. I aired it in the garage for a couple of weeks, each time I had
it, before bringing it in the house to work on it as it smelled like a
cigarette.
—
Jackie Meunier
jackiemivic.net
jmeunierjuno.com
jackiemartlover.com
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 16:10:54 -0500
From: “jackiem” <jackiemivic.net>
To: < >, “Merry May” <gridgeesalgorithms.com>
Subject: QHL: Re:QHL Debbie’s “What is This?
Message-Id: <199612292322.PAA31241ns.ivic.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit
About 2 years ago, a local quilter passed away and her husband donated her
stash to the local quilt quild not to be sold.
Members were given access to these things and were asked to donate to
hospice in her name in exchange for anything taken. There were boxes and
boxes of scraps, patterns, books and odds and ends UFO’s and yardage, a
whole garage full.
In one of the boxes I found a piece as you describe that was partially
appliquéd, including a number as is on your and the word top.
Mine is a large basket with a small floral in each corner. Rummaging
through some of the other boxes, I found a couple of strips that had
similar motives that were squares, One square was appliquéd and another
was not and then there were two squares that were not done and were not
cut apart. In another box, I found two yellow strips that had 2 strips on
them. then in another box, I found all of the appliqué pieces marked and
at this time I noticed that all of these appliqué designs had flowers with
square centers.
I took all of this home and laid it out and had a full size quilt with a
large white background center piece with a large basket of flowers in
the center and flowers in each corner, with a wide yellow border on each
side of the quilt and a white square with a floral design in each corner.
What a find! All of the pieces of fabric to finish the appliqué were in
tact as whoever started the quilt only cut out the pieces as she needed
them. There were 3 missing leaves and a stems missing from one corner of
the center block which I was able to get from the scraps.
How easy it would have been to not notice all of the centers being the
same or not looked trough the box of scraps that nobody was interested in.
(I was looking for scraps to save for restoration purposes and I knew
that her collection included her mother’s stash.) As the center was
nearly finished, I might have just added border or borders and used it for
a wall hanging.
I finished this Quilt Kit and hung it at our quilt show 2 years ago.
Later on while leafing through some of my old quilting magazines, I can
never throw one away. I spotted this same quilt, hanging in a booth, in
an advertisement which included an overhead view of the Houston Quilt
show.
I am sure that this would have been from the same company as the markings
you described are similar. I have not been able to find out who made the
kits yet, but am still working on it.
I have another kit that was given to me to finish which is a paragon kit.
The picture of the quilt which probably was on the front of the package
was in the box when I got it. It was passed around by different people
and when anyone saw it they decided they did not want it , so put it away
until they found someone else to give it to. When I received it, the Lady
said I want to give this to someone who will finish it.
The pieces were all cut out and not one missing, but not sorted. The
quilt is made in three strips approximately the size you described. all
of the strips have the border on top and bottom and 2 of the strips also
have the border down the side and are wider than the center strip. There
are four large paisley patterns in each strips The border has two rows of
scallops and the quilting patterns that are stamped on it are beautiful
quilted paisleys.
I would never have bought a quilt like this in the first place, but as I
was given this, I looked at it as a challenge and then fell in love with
it as I worked on it. I am now doing the quilting and hope to have it done
for our quilt show the end of January.
—
Jackie Meunier
jackiemivic.net
jmeunierjuno.com
jackiemartlover.com
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 20:21:30 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To:
Subject: QHL: irc channels
Message-Id: <v01540b05aeecc8df1cb3[168.121.76.43]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
In addition to quiltchat on the internet there are several other chat
channels. I am founder of quilttalk, also on dal.net.
However, i dont think this list is the place to promote the irc chat
channels, and i have not done so as a deliberate decision. Therefore i
found the invite to the quiltchat New Year’s eve party out of place in this
mail group.
i thought this was quilt heritage. what i have liked about this list is, so
far, we have stuck to the topic of the list. Quilt History and Heritage.
Can’t we keep it that way. There are many other ways to promote private
endeavors other than through email to the Quilt Heritage group.
Getting off my soap box and holding up a net to catch the rotten tomatos 🙂
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 19:56:40 -0600
From: Rose Marie Mize <rmizeice.net>
To:
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 21:12:51 -0500
From: Ricki Maietta <rmaiettacsrlink.net>
To:
Subject: QHL: red & green
Message-Id: <199612300208.SAA08775orbital.cue.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Sadie Rose asked about the Rose of Sharon pattern being a bride’s quilt.
Over the years it became obvious to me that an awfully lot of the red &
green on white applique quilts from mid-1800s to early 1900 were made by
brides, or for brides. Maybe this was already known by others, but it was
sort of a “revelation” for me. I tested my theory recently when someone
donated a gorgeous Coxcombe applique to our local museum (they were calling
it a cactus pattern – but I can document coxcombe over & over) – I asked if
they knew the history of the quilt. Yep – made in 1875 by a mother & sister
for the other sister’s upcoming wedding! I’m wondering if, like today,
applique wasn’t just considered a step above piecing, & it has nothing to do
with red & green. What about all those gorgeous blue & white applique
quilts – some were in Albany this October at the conference (some were both
pieced & appliqued). Anyone know if the blue & whites, or other appliques,
were made specifically for brides???? Curious in PA –
Ricki
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 20:34:00 CDT
From: josiemtekstar.com
To:
Subject: QHL: Library of Congress Site & Jean Ann’s letter
Message-Id: <199612300233.UAA10852perham>
The site you are looking for is : http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ and thanks to
whomever the original poster was. I get happy with the delete key sometimes
and don’t keep info that I might like to.
I didn’t get in on the chat line business but I really would like to say this
is by far the most interesting of the quilting listservs and would like to
see it stay as it is. This list being focused on the historical aspects of
quilting provides a most intrigueing spot in the day and has caused me to do
research into the WPA , a few old fabrics I have, and two old quilts as
well. If I understood Jean Ann’s letter, she too hoped we stayed focused
on our quilting heritage. She won’t get any tomatoes from me!
Jo in Minnesota
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 21:42:09 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: red & green
Message-ID: <961229214209_876491333emout04.mail.aol.com>
Pieced quilts were much faster to make and in given areas were usually the
‘utility’ quilts.Time was of the essence and sometimes you will find a quilt
‘in’ a quilt..jsut get a top done, sew it to the other quilt or put the quilt
to be replaced inside the newer one..but the applique was quite often a young
lady’s “best” quilt..a quilt where time and planning was involved..utility
quilts were often scrap quilts..an applique on the other hand might well be
fabrics bought just for this quilt..and the quilt would also be a way to show
your familyand friends the intricate stitching you could do..after all, it
was not polite to brag about your talents..heaven forbid if you would be
asked to participate in a ‘show & tell’..but it would certainly be admired if
it was on your bed or as was oftenthe case. a special guest/vistitor would be
afforded the opportunity to sleep under her ‘best’qujilt. The reds/greens
seemed to be very popular at one time..jsut as we have our ‘craze’ periods
today..Jane
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 21:43:45 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: red & green
Message-ID: <961229214343_1621144906emout04.mail.aol.com>
well, how rude..I got carried away and forgot to answer one of ur
questions..in my area of Va. it was customary to go to your wedding with 12
quilts..11 everyday (utility) quitls and the 12th being our ‘best’ quilt and
in most cases..applique..Jane
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 21:42:33 +0000
From: “The Garretts” <bgarrettpo.fast.net>
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: DAR
Message-Id: <m0veXhl-0004EECfast.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT
Jean wrote –
All I can think of when I hear /read the title DAR is…… Were there any slave
quilts in the exhibition? Jean Laino jquilt
I was privileged to visit the DAR for their quilt workshop in December, and
yes, the docent did talk about the exquisite southern quilts being made by both
the mistress and the very talented slaves. Please keep in mind that the quilts
shown in these workshops are the “best” quilts that have survived from
different time periods – intricate piecing, applique and quilting. If you are
referring in your question to utilitarian type quilts made by slaves, I would
have to say there were none. But there weren’t any utilitarian quilts made by
anyone, since this was not the focus of the workshop. Because the body of work
called Antique Quilts is so broad, a museum must of necessity decide where its
niche will be, and when viewing quilts for only 1 1/2 hours, one cannot expect
to see “all” types of quilts made in the US. I still recommend this workshop
to anyone interested in antique quilts and able to get to Washington, DC.
Barb in southeastern PA
<bgarrettfast.net>
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 01:00:17 -0500
From: Laurajbr
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: red & green
Message-ID: <961230010016_438875042emout14.mail.aol.com>
Hi,
I collect red and green floral appliqued quilts from the 1800’s and have
histories on many of them, and some indeed were made as wedding quilts. But
one of my very favorite quilts, signed and dated March 15, 1850, and
presented to the maker’s niece on her wedding, is predominantly orange. It
has red and green in it too. It has a heavily quilted white background with
orange Baltimore-style Fleur-de-Lis type blocks (see Elly’s books) with red
centers and orange oak leaves coming out of them. The four center blocks are
more intricate and include green stems and leaves and red flower buds and in
the center of two of these blocks are the presentation inscriptions. It is a
fabulous quilt. Every time my dear friend from Black Mountain, NC, comes to
visit–she is an antique quilt dealer–she tells me to name my price and she
will buy it. But I can’t part with it. I found is about 5 years ago in an
antique shop in Dade City, which is just north of Tampa.
Another interesting story about this quilt: When we were visiting my
above-mentioned friend in NC one summer, she took me to meet a friend of hers
who also collected antique quilts. As we went through her huge, varied
collection, we came across another red, green and orange appliqued quilt
signed by the same lady who made mine!!! Her name is Elizabeth Coyle and on
my quilt, she crossed out her middle name. I can’t remember if she did that
on Kay’s quilt or not.
Laura in Tampa
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 22:00:40 PST
From: psierajuno.com (Pam D Siera)
To:
Subject: QHL: Re: Books and labels
Message-ID: <19961229.220331.3710.5.PSierajuno.com>
Just wanted to share that I found a new copy of “Shared Threads” at
the bookstore this weekend for $7.99 20% off. And I bought it because
you’all talk about it and i’m sure I’ll enjoy it. One story already
brought tears to my eyesl.
I had an epiphany about the quilt labels that I’m going to do for my
family quilts. A friend has a scanner and I’d been planning on using the
family photos, old ones, that I’ve got on disk for a pictorial quilt.
Well, the enlightenment was to put photos of the women who made and
influenced the quilts on the labels. I’m still working in b/w and that is
appropriate for these older quilts. Any thoughts about how those heat
bonded transfers onto muslin might not be good for the quilts? Pigma
pens sound just as chancy to me but they don’t have glue on them.
Letters in envelopes would be great but I really like the idea of labels.
TIA Pam in Santa Rosa
——————————
Date: Sun, 29 Dec 1996 21:21:16 -0900
From: Opalka <mopalkaalaska.net>
To: QHL-Digestcue.com
Subject: Feed Sack
Message-Id: <3.0.32.19961229212115.00693680alaska.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
I have enjoyed “listening in” to the conversations. My name is Susan, I’ve
lived in Alaska since 1975 and I’m originally from Tulsa. I have several
quilts, tops and blocks from my Mother’s side of the family. How can I tell
which ones are made from feed sacks? I know this probably sounds like a
dumb question but, I really don’t know. I do have one top that my maternal
Grandmother told me was made from feed sacks. Thank you for any input. I
enjoy hearing about the history of quilting and all aspects of quilting. I
was lucky enough to receive “Stitched from the Soul” and “Mennonite
Quilts” for Christmas. Happy Holidays from Alaska where it is 0 degrees
and no new snow this week.
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 01:26:39 -0500
From: RLHlink3
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: RE: letting old quilts be old quilts
Message-ID: <961230012638_812383602emout08.mail.aol.com>
My face is red: I just realized that I did not sign my earlier response (“let
old quilts be old quilts”) to Rabbit’s comments. I am enjoying very much, and
learning a lot from, these discussions. Thanks to you all.
Linda in Redding CA
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 01:42:02 -0500
From: RLHlink3
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: Books and labels
Message-ID: <961230014200_405324312emout13.mail.aol.com>
What a neat idea to put the maker’s photo on the quilt label! I’ll be
listening to hear any comments re: adverse effects from the photo process.
Linda/Redding CA
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 07:57:04 -0500
From: AJSNGS
To:
Subject: QHL: Old quilts
Message-ID: <961230075704_1524289086emout16.mail.aol.com>
Hi,
As some of you already know, I am very new to the world of quilting, and
relatively new to collecting old ones. I have several very “ratty” looking
quilts–in other words they are not perfect and lots of people would not like
them. For instance, I recently bought a lovely 1900 Irish chain. It is
mostly blue and white with a little bit of red in it. I love the colors in
this quilt despite the fact that a good bit of the fabric is plain ol
deteriorating, and the part of the quilt that I don’t have showing has a big
ole hole in it! But when you walk into the room, there it sits lovely and
bright despite it’s imperfections, and obvious age. I hope that I will look
like this when I am in my 90s too! Part of what draws me to older quilts is
the sense of history behind them. I have heard several of you say (and I
agree) “if only they could talk!”. All of these quilts were new once but it
is “the life they’ve led” that has brought them to where they are now. Some
have led a cushy life, and some have led a life of hard work which is exactly
what they were intended to do. I don’t think that we necessarily need to
restore all quilts, but sometimes repairs will help keep them around a little
bit longer for us to enjoy.
Just my 2 cents worth from a newbie. Thanks for listening.
Nancy in balmy Virginia
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 08:01:22 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To:
Subject: QHL: WPA Thread
Message-Id: <v01540b0baeed6d5bc1d4[168.121.76.43]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
I missed the original URL posting for this WPA thread. Would someone please
post it again?
Rose Marie
I mussed the orignal too…i am very interested. wwe spend a week every
summer in an old CCC camp in NC…it has been modernized, but there is so
much up in tha appalachians to do with the wpa and ccc, but not much
accessible history that i can find.
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 08:44:19 -0500
From: AJSNGS
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: WPA Thread
Message-ID: <961230084419_1591393533emout01.mail.aol.com>
Jean Ann,
Where is the old CCC camp? How do you find out about places like that? I
live in Virginia and the CCC built the Skyline Drive in the mountains here.
I’m very interested in all of this too.
Please e-mail me if you can help me out with information. Thanks,
Nancy in Va.
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 08:52:53 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: red & green
Message-ID: <961230085251_2020323907emout20.mail.aol.com>
Laura, that is amazing..where did you find YOUR quilt made by the same lady?
It’s amazing where fabrics and quilts have traveled..and I was surprised
about the mix of red and orange..to heighten how what was poular at the
time..wasn’t there a period where purple was the rage? Mid or late 1800″s??
And the Crazy quilt was oh so popular for awhile as well..I can’t recall who
posted about crazy quilts but I know of a lady in the DC area who is an
expert on them and teaches that style..Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 08:57:18 -0500
From: AJSNGS
To:
Subject: QHL: Sorry again!
Message-ID: <961230085717_1755736337emout10.mail.aol.com>
Well I didn’t mean to post my last note to Jean Ann to the whole list,
although there might be others who are interested. Sorry!
Also, I have misplaced my address for the the WPA online information. Would
you please post it again for those of us who can’t remember it?
Thanks very much,
Nancy in Virginia
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 08:59:44 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Feed Sack
Message-ID: <961230085943_1457848527emout16.mail.aol.com>
SUSAN, feedsacks have a particular look and texture. If you send me your
snail mail address I will be happy to send you some samples of feedsacks for
you to distinguish the materials. The most common feedsacks will have a
slightly coarser feel..altho there are sacks that are as nice as any percale
you would put on your bed today..these held flour, sugar, salt, any product
that could ‘sift’ thru..so the thread count was high givng it a tighter
weave. If they were storing nuts/ apples/ beans/ anything larger..they weave
could be looser. What size squares would you like? Then you’lll have them
to play with..Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 09:22:44 -0500
From: “James M. Welch” <hawkcsionline.com>
To:
Subject: QHL: Paragon kits?????
Message-ID: <32C7D034.6067csionline.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Jackie, Merry and Jane,
Thanks for your insights. I have another question. What are paragon
kits?
I took the appliqued piece to my weekly quilt group, the QE 2 girls
(Quilt and Eat Too!) and they had some ideas on how to finish it into
something usuable. Its really too big for a table topper, and with
three teenagers and one table, there is no way I would put it on there
anyway!, but it is not big enough as is for any size quilt, too long and
skinny. One suggestion was to add patchwork to it on either side in red
and greens, another was to make two other panels the same as the one I
have but I would really like to find out what the whole thing was
supposed to look like before I do anything. What are the chances of
finding out? Pretty good? A million to one?
Debbie in NJ
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 10:24:12 -0500
From: Laurajbr
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: red & green
Message-ID: <961230102411_1722185567emout02.mail.aol.com>
Jane and anyone else interested<
I found my orange, red and green wedding quilt in an antique shop in Dade
City, Florida–a wonderful little town full of antique stores, a quilt shop
and the world’s greatest restaurant, about a 45-minute drive from Tampa. You
feel like you’ve stepped back into the 1950’s when you spend a day up there.
The shopkeepers and townspeople all know each other and after a few visits,
they know us visitors too. The shop I found my quilt is no longer in business
but it was called Lady Anne’s and it was mainly Victorian antiques, beautiful
furniture, flower arrangements, and there, hanging on the back wall, was MY
quilt. It was love at first sight and for me, one of my greatest finds (which
was confirmed by my friend, the antique quilt dealer.)
The other quilt made by the same lady is in Black Mountain, North Carolina.
That is also a wonderul little town and well worth a visit if you are passing
through the NC mountains. It’s just east of Asheville. I find some wonderful
antique quilts there and all over the mountains. Kay does not remember when
she found her quilt or where. If you could see her collection, you’d
understand why. she must have 300 quilts, including a Baltimore album, one
from the late 1700’s, and many, many more.
I would love to know how our two quilts came into being and how they became
separated, but at least I do know when mine was made and who it was for. I
guess I won’t find out why Elizabeth Coyle crossd out her middle name. It
must have had some powerful memories associated with it for her to do that on
this masterpiece.
As for colors in these quilts, red and green appliques were very popular in
the mid 1800’s and they often used yellow or orange as an accent color. In
this quilt, though, the orange is the predominant color and the reds and
greens are the accent colors. I do have one other orange quilt. It is an
appliqued one, of course, and it’s baskets with flowers. The quilting is
spectacular, as it often was during that time, and even though it is not my
usual red and green, I couldn’t resist it. (either…)
Laura in Tampa
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 09:05:00 PST
From: jadavisjuno.com (Julie A Davis)
To: quiltopiastgenesis.org, kaffee-klatschquilter.com
Cc:
Subject: QHL: Re: Hello…….
Message-ID: <19961230.093223.17822.0.jadavisjuno.com>
Hello out there……
We went to my home town to see my Mom and Dad and Mother-in-law etc….
from Christmas Eve. to yesterday afternoon…… when I finally had a
minute last
night to check my mail I had 798 messages! It took me about 2 1/2 hours
to go
through them and I deleted many! wew! It was really kinda funny to read
the
messages from the 24th and compare them to the 26th etc…… everyone on
all of
the lists that I’m on were so frantic and rushed and then were so calm
and already
planning Christmas ’97! Ha!!! 🙂
I did get one sewing/quilting related gift from a friend — a book called
“501 Quilt
Blocks” by Better Homes & Gardens — It’s a beautiful hard back book and
the
pictures etc. are beautiful…. can’t wait to have the time to really dig
into it!
Well…………… I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and have a Happy
New Year!
Julie Davis
jadavisjuno.com
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 10:54:45 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: WPA Thread
Message-ID: <961230105439_1524305960emout18.mail.aol.com>
Nancy, I THINK she said the camp was in NC..or did I read it wrong??J
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 96 11:10:56 PST
From: John & Cinda Cawley <cawleyepix.net>
To: Ricki Maietta <rmaiettacsrlink.net>,
Subject: RE: QHL: red & green
Message-ID: <Chameleon.961230112643.cawley.epix.net>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=us-ascii
I’m interested in the quilt Ricki mentioned that was donated to the museum.
I have seen quilts in a pattern I would have called coxcomb referred to by
the owner as cactus. Brackman cites cactus as a name for this pattern
(Encyclopedia of Applique, p. 80). Lasansky shows one (Pieced by Mother, p.
53), as does the Berks Co. Quilt Harvest (Historical Review of Berks County,
Winter 92-93, p. 16). I am increasingly reluctant to give names to 19th
century patterns unless we know what the maker called that particular quilt.
We seem compelled to retroactively impose our terminology (which is
necessary for contemporary “quilt people” to understand each other) on a
period of creative chaos.
Cinda in Scranton
————————————-
Name: John & Cinda Cawley
E-mail: cawleyepix.net
Date: 12/30/96
Time: 11:10:56 AM
This message was sent by Chameleon
————————————-
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 12:15:25 -0500
From: RBCochran
To:
Subject: QHL: Two Don’t Miss Experiences
Message-ID: <961230121525_1290204601emout08.mail.aol.com>
First of all, I want to say how delighted I am to find this site. I can
already see more computer hours spent online, esp. the WPA project info.
Thanks to everyone for sharing.
Secondly, I’d like to recommend two quilting-related experiences not to be
missed. If you possibly can, you should see the quilts from the Patricia
Smith collection being exhibited at the Renwick in D.C. They are stunning.
Plus there’s fabric yardage exhibited in cases. I think the show runs
through mid-January, so you’ll have to hurry. If you can’t make it, though,
I understand a book is coming out in March or April 1997. I hope so, because
we couldn’t take photos. (Didn’t think to ask for permission ahead of time.)
The other thing you should do is to take the workshop at the DAR. I, too,
was there in December. To sign up, just call them. I think they run one on
the first Thursday of every month. But plan ahead because they limit the
group to 20 at the most. Cost is $15. You never know which ones they’ll be
showing, but all we saw were interesting. You can photo here, only if you
ask for permission ahead, and I would imagine only non-flash.
Looking forward to more info exchange and wishing all a happy new year.
Rachel in NJ
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 09:28:58 -0800
From: Michele Weise <michelepeppertreestudios.com>
To:
Subject: QHL: making heat-transfer labels
Message-Id: <3.0.32.19961230092739.0069d5d0mail.west.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Hi all, I can’t find who asked about making labels so I’ll address the
group… In regards to heat transfer labels…speaking as a framer, the
basic rule of thumb in conservation framing is: Do not change the original
artwork in any way by adding heat activated substances such as glues, tapes
etc. The idea being that you should be able to easily move the original
artwork from one frame or storage place to another without the artwork
being changed in any way, staying as close to its original condition as
possible.
That is why framers have no hesitation using heat-transfer sheets to
adhere posters to foam core, whereas they would never heat transfer a
limited edition fine art print or any original–on paper, fabric, or any
other material. Adhesion would immediately render the value of an art
print to zero. In our trade, we have something called a T mount which lets
you hold a piece in place without letting any adhesive or acid bearing
material touch the piece. Heat transer paper, (which I use all the time
for many things because I love it) has many uses but not in conservation
matting and mounting. Thin sheets of tissue/type paper are dotted with
very tiny spots of heat-activated adhesives. The adhesives range from lo
tack to hi tack. Basically, you have seen something like these in fabric
stores and it’s called “Heat & Bond” tissue. Most manufactureres give
directions saying that their adhesives can be removed by reheating the
artwork and softening the adhesive and peeling it away from the sheet.
This is very seldom successful and all manufacturers with also give
disclaimers because unless the whole sheet is heated to exactly the same
temperature, and peeled off quickly, some dots of adhesive will
cool–hence, you will be caught stressing the artwork by pulling and
stretching it, and heaven forbit, tearing it.
However, after having said all this about heat transfer processes, I
would personally feel very at ease using a heat transfer label on an
antique quilt IF the label was treated as a separate piece, layered to the
quilt with a small separator of either plain cotton or acid free tissue and
hand stitched to the quilt. These adhesives that are being held between
your photo emulsion and the backing muslin, I believe would not harm the
quilt in any way because they would not be touching the quilt, and would be
in a healthy aired environment–not locked up in plastic or other
detramental atmosphere.
Good luck and I think your idea is really wonderful. Michele
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 18:38:10 -0500 (EST)
From: “Carol L. O’Neill” <coneillCapAccess.org>
To: RBCochran
cc:
Subject: QHL: Renwick Exhibit +++++
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91-FP.961230182544.18356B-100000cap1.capaccess.org>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Saw the Renwick exhibit yesterday and certainly agree with Rachel that it
was stunning! Loved all the quilts, and was intrigued by Baptist Fan
quilting on one of them, dated 1830s. Have never thought about the
origin of actual quilting patterns…somehow assumed crosshatching and
squares and diamonds were used in older times. Know of any book with
info on this?
My favorite in the show was a sunflower quilt in bright yellow and
blues. Center of the flowers was a square with elongated corners, set
sometimes one way and sometimes the other, giving the flowers a carefree
feeling. It was random, but I bet the quilter did it intentionally. She
also had an interesting border treatment, using a fabric with a wide
stripe. She didn’t try to miter the corners to match, but stopped them
6″ or so short of the edge and added a piece of the same fabric cut on
the bias. Definitely an idea to put in my memory bank!
Really enjoy reading on here about the various views from those of you
who are restorers and other experts. I’m especially interested in
salvaging utilitarian quilts. “Time-Span Quilts” (can’t remember the
author) is one of my most favorite of all quilt books. Bought a terribly
cut-up strip-pieced quilt from the 30’s, took it apart in chunks, sewed
it back together and made it the central medallion of a quilt that is now
a joy to me. Have a feeling the original maker would be pleased (and
maybe relieved!).
Happy new year to you-all, and wishes for lots of wonderful finds!
–Carol in VA
(coneillcapaccess.org)
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 96 20:51:55 EST
From: “Bob Mills” <decisiontigger.jvnc.net>
To:
Subject: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V96 #27
Message-Id: <decision.1202384755Atigger.jvnc.net>
Intro, washing qlts, tomatoes
Hi All,
I’ve been reading for a few weeks and would like to introduce myself. I am
Jan Drechsler (not Bob), and have been a quiltmaker for 27 years and have
coordinated community participation quilts, as well as made dozens of
squares for community quilts. I have been a seamstress for longer than
that, and several years ago made 67 cotton dance dresses to sell so I have
tons of scraps of cotton. I am a musician (pianist) for traditional New
England Contra dances which are danced to jigs and reels, and I also call or
teach those dances.
I bought a Bernina 1090 last year and I only wonder why I fought my cheap
1960’s Singer for so long. Until I sat down at my Bernina, I realized that
3/4 of my sewing energy had been directed at my old machine. The Bernina
just did what I asked it too. No more swearing at the machine. I am not
affiliated with Bernina, just a happy owner.
My other interest is old sewing machines. While I was happy when my ’60’s
Singer died, I was recently given my grandmother’s treasured 1913 Singer
model 15 treadle, which my dad electrified in the 40’s. I also found a
Singer 99 at a flea market, bought a great Singer 201 and found two
featherweights at bargain prices. I am just organizing New Jersey’s first
get-together of featherweight fanatics and old sewing machine collectors.
Contact me if you are interested. There is a subscribed group of machine
collectors and sewers and repairers, to join write Suettsw.com. That’s it
for my unlurking info.
I have been reading rec.textiles.quilting and sewing and the Bernina
newsgroup for 1 1/2 years and am quite tired of chit-chat about Christmas
sewing and kitty quilts and ‘What are you making now?’ chat. I don’t learn
much from the groups except occasionally a tip about Berninas. No Tomato
Tossing from me Jean!! Hooray for you for saying ‘Let’s keep this group
focused.’
I have been thinking about the discussions surrounding washing and ‘fixing
up’ old quilts. I don’t think that there is only one right answer. If we
are talking about a museum quality quilt-then I wouldn’t dream of washing it
in my bathtub or anywhere else. And pulling off and replacing worn fabric
is also a sin.
But let’s talk about the kind of quilt that many of us are likely to own.
In fact, let’s talk about my grandmother’s basket pieced quilt, in which
many of the triangle points were sewn into the seams, in which the quilting
stitches were small on the front and huge on the back, in which the front
border was wrapped around to the back instead of a binding, and in which not
one corner was square.
I just finished a fix- up project on this quilt that my grandmother made for
my mom and dad in the 50’s. It was ruined at a cleaner’s- faded the fabrics
and made huge lumps of the cotton batting inside, so one could see thru the
quilt in places and feel the lumps in others. My mom then gave it to me
when we were first married and then there was the leaky waterbed incident.
Yucky waterstains.
I then put it in the attic for 22 years, which didn’t help preserve it. It
took me all those years to decide to destroy part of grandma’s work in order
to enjoy the rest of her work. This fall, I picked out the yards and yards
of hand quilting, pulled off about 300 french knots, and took out all the
batting. I defied all quilting common sense and scrubbed it with Shout and
threw it in the washer with Tide and it came out clean and pretty. The
colors weren’t any more faded after that rough treatment and it has a
charming old soft pastel look. I did the same to the water stained muslin
backing in order to re-use it. I put new Warm and Natural batting in it,
machine quilted the squares and took it to N. Carolina at Christmas to
offer it to my mom. I bet my husband that she would say, ‘Oh, that old
thing-I don’t want it.’ Instead she said ‘I always wondered what had
happened to that quilt. I would love to have it back!’ Fortunately, I
never bet money. It is on mom’s bed now and looks beautiful. After the
winter, I will handquilt some of it and re do the French knots. This quilt
was made to be used.
Last October, I found a large wool one patch, of 4 inch squares for $12. I
barely even looked at it before grabbing it, believing that any quilt is
worth more than $12. When I got home and looked at it closer, I thought
that maybe I had paid $11.99 too much for it! Many of the squares are moth
eaten, some of the squares are shredded tapistry, none of the squares meet
or match seams, it looks like a 6 year old’s stitching and the backing had
stains suggesting multiple childbirths. Oh, it also smelled and the cotton
batting was in lumps. I decided to pick out the ties and remove the
batting. I removed the backing and tried to wash out the stains, to no
avail. Although the backing was seriously faded in places, it had once been
a lovely rose large flowered print. I washed the top (gasp) in woolite in
my machine on delicate and lay it flat to dry.
One of my future projects will be to replace some of the wool squares and
reback it with an old looking sampler flannel- which cost twice as much as
the whole quilt. It will not be perfect, nor do I want to replace all the
damaged squares. But it will go on a bed and be warm and functional and
charming.
So I think that the quilt itself has to be considered before one says never
wash it or clean it up. Each quilt has it’s own answer and value, whether
it be monitary, historical or sentimental. And the care will depend on that
value.
Oh… this is long, sorry to be so long-winded the first time I write. I
promise I will listen more and write less. And I am very glad to read these
discussions.
Jan in NJ
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 21:43:51 -0500
From: Knutem
To:
Subject: QHL: Antique quilts in DC?
Message-ID: <961230214350_438999578emout04.mail.aol.com>
I will be in Washington, DC for a weekend in February and was wondering where
to go to see some of the antique quilts? Also, which area of the Smithsonian
has them?
Thanks,
Bet in Florida
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 23:10:02 -0500
From: RLHlink3
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V96 #27
Message-ID: <961230231002_1457958142emout05.mail.aol.com>
Dear Jan in NJ
Thank you for your long msg. I enjoyed every bit of it and I’m sure others
have too. It is very stormy here in my newly adopted N. CA home –a great
night to be curled up with the QHL, chatting with new friends about these
“old dears” (quilts).
Linda
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 17:52:24 +1100 (EST)
From: Li Joo Ng <lngbf.rmit.edu.au>
To: Posting < >
Subject: QHL: cleaning antique quilts
Message-ID: <Pine.OSF.3.95.961231174535.30570A-100000otto.bf.rmit.edu.au>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
All this discussions about cleaning and washing antique quilts has kept me
glued to my computer for the past few days. I am very interested in seeing
what everyone has to say, and I feel that in their own way, everyone has a
point and no one is wrong. Since we have so many experts here, I would
like to ask when, if ever, is it all right to dry clean an antique quilt?
Most quilts are made of cotton, so how would they react to dry cleaning?
And what about crazy quilts that have silks and velvets in them?
Thanks, everyone, for sharing your tips and opinions. Have a Happy and
Healthy New Year!
LiJoo – in sunny Australia
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 16:27:41 +0800
From: Bev McGrath <bevmcgraiinet.net.au>
To:
Subject: QHL: Antique Quilts in Western Australia
Message-Id: <199612310827.QAA28988grunge.iinet.net.au>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Hi to all, This is my second letter to the forum, I enjoy it very much and
love hearing all the hints about caring for antique quilts.
I am Bev McGrath, writing to you all from Perth in Western Australia, where
tomorrow (Tuesday) the temperature is going to be 35C (about 92F) and
Wednesday and Thursday 40C (about 104F). I include this as I have just seen
on the TV reports about the terrible storms that are occuring in the North
West of the US.
We don’t have a large number of antique quilts here is Australia owing to
the weather (which is suitable for light quilts only) and a history of
poverty and deprivation the early settlers and convicts faced. Australia
was first settled in 1788 as a penal colony, so the majority of the very
small population (male & female) were convicts. Even so, all (free
settlers, soldiers, prison staff and convicts) faced the same problems of
starvation and poverty.
Tasmania has the worst record for brutality and cruelty as a penal colony,
but even there the convicts had a better diet than the settlers. They grew
the food and were able to pick and eat it before the other people were even
aware it was ripe.
Quilting in Australia is a modern art, able to be taken up when the standard
of living rose post WW11 to the state where people had the time and money to
indulge in these past-times.
My mother was a great knitter but quilting is something I had not heard of
until the last 10 or so years. Even feed sacks (as produced in America) are
unknown here, only calico bags with stamped labels. Mum grew up on a farm
and was too busy working to do anything else. She left home the moment she
could and came to the city to work as a servant until she got married. This
was in the 1930’s Grandma didn’t sew either, as she was too busy being a
farmers wife and mother of four.
It is VERY interesting learning about the culture of a foreigh country
(USA). I find it intreging how many antique quilts are available. Surely
the farmers wives etc worked just as hard as ours? The only thing I can
think of is that America was settled about 100 years before Australia (West
Australia was the last state in 1829) and therefore there were more
generations of people to raise the standard of living.
WA started out as a free state (no convicts) but had to accept them in 1840
as the colony was in deep depression. The population were starving and many
were fleeing to other states in desparation. Convicts were needed for
labour, both by the Government (the first Public Servants) and the farmers.
People were too busy trying to stay alive to have time or the implements to
make quilts.
Conditions improved by 1860 and transportation stopped. Now we have a
legacy of many fine buildings built with convict labout, but FEW QUILTS.
I will add any other interesting things as I come across them.
Best wishes all our friends and fellow quilters.
Bev McGrath in sunny Perth, Western Australia
Bev McGrath in sunny Perth, Western Australia
bevmcgraiinet.net.au
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 07:45:41 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To:
Subject: QHL: Unidentified subject!
Message-Id: <v01540b11aeeeb1718592[168.121.76.43]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Textiles are not like turkeys they do not have a pop up timer to tell you when
they simply will disintegrate.
This is the best statement made so far on the QHL list. I laughed and
laughed, but it is too true. Everytime someone says, i just popped that old
quilt in the washing machine, or i took it to the cleaners….i groan!
at one conservation day i attended the expert advice was to go to Home
Depot, purchase some very fine fiberglas screening. Lay the quilt on the
floor. GENTLY place the screen over it and then lightly vacuum it with your
Dustbuster, NOT your garage power vac.
Dust motes and dirt are enemies of your textiles, and this will remove a
lot of them.
Waiting to hear Rabbit’s comments on this! is it okay or not? I have never
tried it, but it made sense. My worry would be to make sure the screening
was laid down in such a way, very carefully, so it did not cause abrasion
on the surface of the quilt.
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 07:45:38 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To:
Subject: QHL: DAR…has changed
Message-Id: <v01540b10aeeeaea1dc44[168.121.76.43]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Yes that did happen, and it was a very shameful moment in the DAR when they
refused to let Marian Anderson. It was in the 1930’s and unfortunately that
kind of terrible discrimination was common then, all over the USA. Black
Americans couldnt go to *white* colleges then either (and neither could
women, DAR or not!)….elitist schools like Harvard and Yale now accept
both blacks and women students into their hallowed halls. So while this
type of discrimination is very wrong and I admire Eleanor Roosevelt highly
for what she did…..there are a LOT of organizations that have had to open
their hallowed halls, not just the DAR.
Yes, The DAR has changed its policy. And yes they do allow African
Americans who are descended from Revolutionaly War veterans into their
organization. How do I know this? I am a descendant, and one branch of our
very large, very early to America family (Hawley is surname) seems to have
married a black woman (before the revolutionary war), had children, and so
our family tree has many black members, some of whom also fought for the
Federals in that “recent unpleasantness” (what we call the War Between The
States here in Georgia). Now I say *seems* to have married a black woman
because the church records are incomplete, but we do know a Hawley male
child was baptised for the records that do exist and that the son was
black, and there are documented descendants of this branch of the family.
One of them lives in Washington DC, and is retired military.
As fr slave quilts in the exhibition. the DAR has about 250 quilts in their
collection. At these quilt days they show about 30, and rotate them. It
would be difficult to say if there were any quilts made by slaves shown on
any one day. All slave quilts are not primitive you know. Many southern
quilts that are exquisitely beautiful were made by slaves to be used on the
beds of their masters. I have seen incredible needlework in broderie perse
quilts, stitched by slaves.
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 07:50:26 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Renwick Exhibit +++++
Message-ID: <961231075024_1290329713emout12.mail.aol.com>
Carol in VA..if you find a source for the TIME SPAN book, I’m interested as
well. infact, sources for all books mentioned, if they pretain to
history/stories of the quilters/etc are of interest apparently to all of
us..seems everytime I mention one or we see someone post a title..we want to
know..possibly, periodically we can find a way to form a list that would be
available to those of us that are interested..without taking up space from
our forum..thanx, Carol..jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:18:39 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To:
Subject: QHL: florida squatters
Message-Id: <v01540b27aeeec29c8e2a[168.121.76.43]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
josie…i am related to one of those Florida Squatters from the WPA, or
probably from before the WPA. yes, it was before. My great-aunt came to
Florida down the missippi on a flat bottom boat in the early 1900’s. They
settled near ft myers where they had one of the first vegetable farms. The
ranchers in the area hated the squatters (just like the old west) and ran
their cattle over their gardens.
She used quilts to make walls in the house they built out in the swamp
until they could get real walls. I have a wonderful account of all this
that she wrote herself before she died.
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:34:11 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: cleaning antique quilts
Message-ID: <961231083410_876689703emout06.mail.aol.com>
this is an excellent question..I have the crazy quilt top my husband’s
g.parents made back in the 1800’s when they were courting..Yep, back in those
days they did such a thing while the man was wooing the lady..(this was
before drive-in movies)..there were some stains onthe back of the top and I
could’nt find a cleaner who would touch it..and this also before quilting had
surfaced once more..and I hae also been told that dry cleaning is more harsh
than water..the chemicals are extremely strong..Jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:34:58 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: cleaning antique quilts
Message-ID: <961231083457_1822154536emout12.mail.aol.com>
Sorry, my post was in reply to Li-Joo in Australia’s post..Jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:43:37 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Antique Quilts in Western Australia
Message-ID: <961231084336_778457147emout04.mail.aol.com>
I am so pleased that Bev ent her post..she had emailed me with this info and
I felt you would enjoy readign it and it would give us pause for thought
about other countries in comparison to quilting history in our country. THE
FEEDSACK club is gaining more and more members from Australia and we are
delighted to be able to share OUR vintage feedsack fabric with them as they
inturn send us THEIRS..thanx Bev for insight into your history..Jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 09:00:55 EST
From: woodnsplrma.edu
To: Bev McGrath <bevmcgraiinet.net.au>,
Subject: Re: QHL: Antique Quilts in Western Australia
Message-Id: <199612311400.3272700rma.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Bev,
Yes, there was plenty of poverty in this country. The farmers wives did
work hard and it will always amaze me that they did find time to quilt but them
some of that but certainly not all was of a sense of necessity. My maternal
born in 1891 couldn’t have been poorer and raised 8 children. Her quilts are
pretty much utilitarian. But she had a eye for what was attractive. No matter
how bad things were she always had some kind of curtain in the windows and
potted plants. My Mother says they were never hungry but at time especially at
the end of winter the quality of their food wasn’t so great. I do have one
tied
quilt she made and it isn’t bad at all.
On the other hand my paternal Grandmother born in 1864, while poor, had
a higher standard of living. She did not marry so early and only had 3
children
spread out over 11 years. She also worked hard but they did have more. She
absolutely loved quilting and her quilts are just wonderful. Even her utility
are well quilted though much plainer.
I don’t believe there is any way to really connect the two countries.
The social system was so different. I don’t know but suspect that families
lived closed to each other so were more able to help each other out and pass on
ideas, trade fabrics, patterns etc.
Ann in VA
woodnsplrma.edu
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:58:17 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To: AJSNGS ,
Subject: QHL: whereis the old CCC camp?
Message-Id: <v01540b2eaeeecbf4c021[168.121.76.43]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
>Jean Ann,
>
>Where is the old CCC camp? H
nancy the old CCC Camp is in Hendersonville. it is called Kanuga and has
become an Episcopal retreat center. It is near the end of the Skyline
Drive. There are other church camps in the area that were old CCC Camps.
After the program shut down a lot of the camps were given to churches.
Kanuga is near Georgia Bonesteel’s quilt shop. Also lots of factory outlet
fabric shopping.
Good thing we didnt have such rigid separation of church and state back then!
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 06:16:18 -0800 (PST)
From: Michele Weise <michelepeppertreestudios.com>
To:
Subject: QHL: Australian beginnings
Message-Id: <199612311416.GAA17011acme.sb.west.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
To Bev in Australia, Your history is very fascinating. Tell us more if you
can about the calico sacks and their labels. It makes me more aware of the
heritage of quilting that we have in our country. I’ve often thought about
how many old quilts are really out there and if there still are any unfound
treasures that might make their way to my door. Listening to Bev, I realize
what a cultural phenomenon quilting is and how lucky we are to have it. I
think this group is fascinating and always, always, interesting. Happy New
Year everybody!
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 07:47:24 -0700
From: “Mary E Scott” <mscott28cybertrails.com>
To: < >, “Bev McGrath” <bevmcgraiinet.net.au>
Subject: QHL: Re: Antique Quilts in Western Australia
Message-Id: <199612310041.HAA20230 cybertrails.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Bev:
How interesting. I knew that Australia was started as a penal colony but I
didn’t realize what a struggle it was to make a go of it. I enjoyed your
story. Thanks and Happy New Year .
Mary
mscott28cybertrails.com
http://inficad.com/~lightsp/suitee/index.html
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:05:12 -0700
From: “Mary E Scott” <mscott28cybertrails.com>
To: < >, “Jean Ann” <quiltmagmindspring.com>
Subject: QHL: Re: florida squatters
Message-Id: <199612310102.IAA20470 cybertrails.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Hi Jean Ann:
You said that you had an account of your grandmother from early Florida.
Could you perhaps share it with us piece by piece. Like a continuing
serial. It would be so interesting to read. Is it a diary or what? I am
really curious.
Mary
mscott28cybertrails.com
http://inficad.com/~lightsp/suitee/index.html
——————————
Date: 31 Dec 96 11:02:27 EST
From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037CompuServe.COM>
To: “INTERNET: ” < >
Subject: Re: QHL: moth balls
Message-ID: <961231160226_75444.1037_FHQ44-2CompuServe.COM>
There are better things than moth balls but moth balls are ok if you put them
into a storage sack and not have them loose. They off gas some pretty bad stuff
but they are effective. A good thing to do is to hang the moth balls up in a
bag not touching anything and stay away from yourself .
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 11:06:56 -0500
From: MHerron4
To:
Subject: QHL: Keep sending digest
Message-ID: <961231110529_1410908008emout16.mail.aol.com>
Hi,
As much as I treasure the knowledge gained here. I think I should just
recieve your wonderful digest as I’m finding the quantity of mail somewhat
overwhelming. Your digest appears to be a wonderful encapsulation of the
best of the list. Thanks for all your trouble. MHerron4
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:11:11 -0800
From: lrobinscclink.fhcrc.org (laurarm)
To: , lrobinscclink.fhcrc.org (laurarm)
Subject: QHL: More on linsey-woolsey
Message-ID: <2c93d970cclink.fhcrc.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Content-Description: cc:Mail note part
On Christmas day I was reading Roderick Kiracofe’s book “The American
Quilt” and ran across a passage on linsey woolsey. It differs
slightly from some info that has already been posted, but I guess you
can always expect different interpretations of history. That’s what
makes it interesting!
The bottom line was that linsey-woolsey (linen warp and woolen weft)
was first made in Lindsey, Suffolk, England (different spelling and
different county than a previous posting). He also said that in the
20th century, that term has been used erroneously and that true
linsey-woolsey (American) is rather rare. Some linsey woolsey fabric
was made in the 17th century in the American colonies but was soon
replaced by cloth using cotton yarn instead of linen for the warp and
so it wasn’t true linsey-woolsey.
He said that most solid color cloth that some people now call
linsey-woolsey was actually “worsted” fabric (named after the English
village Worsted in Norwich). Worsted fabric was a light weight cloth
of long staple combed wool yarn.
(I didn’t check out his sources, but I imagine his references are
listed if anyone wants to read further. He might be right about
linsey woolsey but the name has been used such a lot that it might be
impossible to correct the mistake.)
Laura Robins-Morris, Seattle
lrobinscclink.fhcrc.org
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 10:19:54 CDT
From: josiemtekstar.com
To: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
CC:
Subject: RE: QHL: Unidentified subject!
Message-Id: <199612311619.KAA27785perham>
Its not Rabbit responding, but Jo from Minnesota who would say No, no, no!
to using fibreglas anything near an old quilt. Having worked with
fibreglas drapery of years ago, I know no matter how it was handled, you
wound up with scratches and minute cuts on your hands. I think if
you wished to use screening, carefully used metal hardware cloth would be
the better choice of the two. But not sure I would use either!
Jo in Minnesota
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:17:26 -0800
From: lrobinscclink.fhcrc.org (laurarm)
To: , lrobinscclink.fhcrc.org (laurarm)
Subject: QHL: quilts and moth balls
Message-ID: <2c93edc0cclink.fhcrc.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Content-Description: cc:Mail note part
Someone mentioned using moth balls to protect her quilts. I’ve never
known that moths were a problem with anything other than wools, so I
wouldn’t have thought it necessary to use them with stored quilts.
Other opinions??
Also, the mothball smell is so difficult to remove. We had a
discussion of this on Quiltnet a while back. Some folks were able to
remove the smell by repeated washing and/or airing out; others
couldn’t get rid of it no matter what they did.
Suggested alternatives (less smelly) to moth balls were bay leaves or
cedar chips (but don’t let the raw wood chips touch the fabrics–use a
sock or bag).
Laura Robins-Morris, Seattle
lrobinscclink.fhcrc.org
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:28:36 -0800
From: jhavermother.com (JoAn Haverstock)
To:
Subject: QHL: Dresden Plate
Message-Id: <199612311628.IAA13149pa.mother.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Dear All,
I am new to this list, but enjoying the exchange very much. Little did I
know that I would have a question so soon.
This weekend I was working as a hospice nurse and when I was in the
patient’s home I asked about an antique quilt that was on the bed in the
spare bedroom. It was made by the patient’s (in her 70’s) husband’s aunt.
It was a scrappy fan pattern.
I visited the house four different times that day and when I left the
daughter gave me a bag and said you might find a use for these. What a
*treasure*. In the bag were 11 scrappy dresden plates. They measure 14
inches across. Their are 20 sections and each fifth piece is the same
fabric and comes to a point instead of being rounded as are all of the other
pieces.
I would like suggestions on how to put these together to make a bed quilt.
Should I buy some 30’s fabric for sashing or borders, or would that just
detract? I was thinking of using unbleached muslin. Is that the best
selection?
Thanks for being there.
:^)
JoAn in Davis, CA
jhavermother.com
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 11:55:36 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: florida squatters
Message-ID: <961231114230_1989943757emout14.mail.aol.com>
Jean Ann, Mary’s suggestion is an excellent one..I’m sure we would all enjoy
it. I know textile history HAS to be in there as well. And as to Bev’s post
abut Australia..I am in hopes that our American members of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
will take advantage of the opportunity to exchange feedsacks/other fabs my
members are involved with with our Australian members..we had a member
teaching English in Japan..Lorraine was from New England and had been over
there quite awhile teaching..I don’t think many members took advantage of
trading feedsack for Japanese fabs..I SURE DID..we have a tendency to think
our world is our town, our county, our state, our country..NOT THE WORLD..and
because of this..dont’ we miss alot. Lorraine is back here now, Japanese
fabric (as well as Australian) is HOT!! AND IT’S TOO LATE for trading..as I
look at my Japanese fabrics/quitls/items I acquired I say to myself..i got
mine!!..and now, it is info we are trading..WONDERFUL!! Jane
——————————
Date: 31 Dec 96 12:13:46 EST
From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037CompuServe.COM>
To: “INTERNET: ” < >
Subject: Re: QHL: cleaning antique quilts
Message-ID: <961231171345_75444.1037_FHQ50-2CompuServe.COM>
the crazy quilt often uses textiles which would never have been wet cleaned in
their normal use so washing the quilt is totally out of the question Besides
the addition of metalic salts to many of silks cause what we cal lINHERENT VICE
( almost as good as the pop up turkey right) which means that the metalic salts
used to weight and dye silks cause them to become brittle and fall apart. There
isnt anything we can do about that really so they are doomed to die but washing
is the worst thing for them and dry cleaning is also not a good idea. Living
with it vvacumming is about the best
——————————
Date: 31 Dec 96 12:13:47 EST
From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037CompuServe.COM>
To: “INTERNET: ” < >
Subject: Re: QHL: Unidentified subject!
Message-ID: <961231171347_75444.1037_FHQ50-3CompuServe.COM>
Yes vacumming is the best thing for removing particulate dirst which is the real
enemy The firberglass sreening is wonderful and I actually use a regular vac
because the dust buster may not be enough but I dont use a shop vac. I dont look
for cahnges that i can see to the textile though it still will look dirty but
thats ok as far as I am concerned except for dealers selling modern quilts and
I do understand that You need to be able to resell quilts but then you are
talking about quilts which are mostly 20th century. Everyone knows my interest
just about stops at 1900 right.?
——————————
Date: 31 Dec 96 13:05:19 EST
From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037CompuServe.COM>
To: “INTERNET: ” < >
Subject: RE: QHL: Unidentified subject!
Message-ID: <961231180519_75444.1037_FHQ52-2CompuServe.COM>
Actually I have never had any trouble with fiberglass screening from the
hardware store it is flexible and non abrasive. Metasl can be sharp and is less
flexible. Let’s be clear about why we use a screen for vacumming. The screen in
a fine mess keeps the fibers of the textile secure against the pulling power of
the vacumn and allows the dirt to leave. One person holds the screen down
tightly on the fabric the other person vacums by placing the vacum and lifting
it up to move it from spot to spot do not run the vacum across the textile lift
it and move it it takes time but is good for the textile I cover the edges of my
screen with duct tape so that it is smooth. I vacumm the dirtiest side first.
Rabbit
——————————
Date: 31 Dec 96 13:05:17 EST
From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037CompuServe.COM>
To: “INTERNET: ” < >
Subject: Re: QHL: More on linsey-woolsey
Message-ID: <961231180517_75444.1037_FHQ52-1CompuServe.COM>
His material seems accurrate as far as it goes. Certainly dont confuse
“linsey-woolsey quilts” with the fabric linsey woolsey. THe quilts are qorsted
and have nothing to do with linen and wool. The production of both cloths was
well established both in Europe and the colonies from the 17th century on. But
that is why we need to carry a portable microscope available from radio shack
for 12.95 with 100 power magnification and check out what people tell us the
only way to identify what a fiber is is under the microscope no one can do it
without that and it takes less than 15 seconds and it doesnt harm the textile so
if you want to know what something is you find out its simple fast and fun and
makes you look really really good.
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 13:00:51 CDT
From: josiemtekstar.com
To: 75444.1037CompuServe.COM
CC:
Subject: RE: QHL: Unidentified subject!
Message-Id: <199612311900.NAA04572perham>
Hi there Rabbit Goody:
After working for a number of years around fibreglas drapery and winding up
with minute( unseeable) cuts on my hands (the only way I would know they
were there was by hand washing or rubbing my hands together) I would never
use any type of fibreglas cloth around fragile old fabric. I just wouldn’t
do it.
I am no expert at all, just speaking from some experience, if it works for
you, great, its just that I wouldn’t use it at all (Got to really hate the
stuff after a while!)
Jo in Minnesota
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 14:01:35 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: quilts and moth balls
Message-ID: <961231134123_1390931203emout02.mail.aol.com>
In response to mothballs..msot people confuse eaten fabrics with moths..when
in actuallity it is often silverfish..these little buggers can eat up a quilt
in less than a months time..I had a friend who had one draped over th arm of
her couch and before you knew it..BADLY DAMAGED..being an herbalist, she made
up a batch of herbs and GONE!! Ever notice a towel or a washcloth alll of a
sudden has a hole it in and you think something in your washer ‘tore’ or
‘ripped’ it? Ever think that NOTHING else was torn/ripped?? In thinking
back it was something wet/or in contact with ‘wet’..moths, to my knowledge,
do not attack cotton. Jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 14:14:19 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: More on linsey-woolsey
Message-ID: <961231133556_643306479emout07.mail.aol.com>
That is very probable, Laura..I am not sure of the correct spelling of the
town in England. I’m guessing the person who gave me the info figured it was
spelled the same way we have been spelling linsey wollesy..the piece that I
have is wool and linen..the red is the wool and the ecru or off white is the
linen. I can recall a lady in one of the audiences at my lecture said she
thought linsey-woolsey was wool and cotton, as you mention..when I took that
comment back to the lady who gave it to me she said, “well, I know it to be
wool and linen because I helped to weave it. My mother and g.mother made my
petticoats from it” Imagine sitting on something that rough (it’s like a
horse blanket) all day in school and to boot her seat was DIERECTLY by the
pot belly stove..her legs must have been rubbed raw by the end of the day.
Thanks for adding to the discussion, Laura..this becomes more and more
intriguing..Jane
——————————
Date: 31 Dec 96 18:19:24 EST
From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037CompuServe.COM>
To: “INTERNET: ” < >
Subject: Re: QHL: More on linsey-woolsey
Message-ID: <961231231923_75444.1037_FHQ48-1CompuServe.COM>
good linsey-woolsey is not rough at least the 18th century and early 19th
century pieces I have examined they are extremely fine with end and pick counts
in the high 40’s compared to silk of course that is a different story but the
wool quality is usually very soft sometimes worsteds were used especially for
garments. That is another reason why when we are examining textiles we need to
check under the microscope and then take out our linen testers 9 pick glasses )
and count warp and filling so that we have some way of comparing textiles to
each other it is not enough to say it is linsey-woolsey we have to be able to
say whether it is fine or coarse and what that means and whether it is linen,
cotton, woolen, worsted, or silk
Rabbit
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 22:53:06 +0000
From: “Kathleen Duvall” <nanwkshplc.gulfnet.com>
To:
Subject: QHL: Quilt Find
Message-Id: <03555390616319kong.gulfnet.com>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT
DH came home from a moving sale with a quilt for me and it’s unlike
any I’ve ever seen before! Can anyone tell me anything about it?
It’s obviously very old, but I have no idea how old. It’s all hand
pieced and hand quilted with very little batting. There are some
holes in a couple places. The pattern of this quilt is 6 large
donkies pieced with squares. The background is a “tea-dye” color,
the donkey is tan with hooves, saddle, tip of tail in red, an eye in
white. I’ve never seen a donkey quilt before, but I love it!
TIA
Kathleen in Florida
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 23:35:28 -0500
From: QuiltLine
To:
Subject: QHL: cleaning quilts
Message-ID: <961231233528_1189788129emout14.mail.aol.com>
This thread seems to be endless, but I need to stick my two cents in here
with regards to vacuuming (wacuuming to some, but really, who cares!??)
quilts. Rather than use a screen, which I used to do, I now cover the end of
the vacuum hose with the foot from a nylon stocking, and secure it onto the
hose with a rubber band. Works well for me!
If a quilt must absolutely be cleaned, please, the best thing to do is
contact your local museum, one that handles textiles and ask them what
professional textile cleaner they use.
There is a great deal of difference between cleaning a quilt and restoring,
repairing a quilt, and unless I missed something somewhere, it seems that
this thread started when someone asked about cleaning a quilt, then it got
off on a discussion on restoration/preservation/conservation. I don’t
disagree that good and appropriate restoration can benefit a quilt, but then
again, I don’t think that every quilt warrants restoration, I agree with the
person who made the comment about it depends upon the owners preference.
I have seen restoration increase the value on quilts and I have seen
restoration ruin the value of a quilt, and it wasn’t done poorly. Like
people, quilts are individual, each with their own personality so to speak.
They should never be put into a single category of do’s and don’ts.
—————————————————————————–
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 21:43:51 -0500
From: Knutem
To:
I will be in Washington, DC for a weekend in February and was wondering where
to go to see some of the antique quilts? Also, which area of the Smithsonian
has them?
Thanks,
Bet in Florida
——————————
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 1996 23:10:02 -0500
From: RLHlink3
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: QHL-Digest Digest V96 #27
Message-ID: <961230231002_1457958142emout05.mail.aol.com>
Dear Jan in NJ
Thank you for your long msg. I enjoyed every bit of it and I’m sure others
have too. It is very stormy here in my newly adopted N. CA home –a great
night to be curled up with the QHL, chatting with new friends about these
“old dears” (quilts).
Linda
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 17:52:24 +1100 (EST)
From: Li Joo Ng <lngbf.rmit.edu.au>
To: Posting < >
Subject: QHL: cleaning antique quilts
Message-ID: <Pine.OSF.3.95.961231174535.30570A-100000otto.bf.rmit.edu.au>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
All this discussions about cleaning and washing antique quilts has kept me
glued to my computer for the past few days. I am very interested in seeing
what everyone has to say, and I feel that in their own way, everyone has a
point and no one is wrong. Since we have so many experts here, I would
like to ask when, if ever, is it all right to dry clean an antique quilt?
Most quilts are made of cotton, so how would they react to dry cleaning?
And what about crazy quilts that have silks and velvets in them?
Thanks, everyone, for sharing your tips and opinions. Have a Happy and
Healthy New Year!
LiJoo – in sunny Australia
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 16:27:41 +0800
From: Bev McGrath <bevmcgraiinet.net.au>
To:
Subject: QHL: Antique Quilts in Western Australia
Message-Id: <199612310827.QAA28988grunge.iinet.net.au>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Hi to all, This is my second letter to the forum, I enjoy it very much and
love hearing all the hints about caring for antique quilts.
I am Bev McGrath, writing to you all from Perth in Western Australia, where
tomorrow (Tuesday) the temperature is going to be 35C (about 92F) and
Wednesday and Thursday 40C (about 104F). I include this as I have just seen
on the TV reports about the terrible storms that are occuring in the North
West of the US.
We don’t have a large number of antique quilts here is Australia owing to
the weather (which is suitable for light quilts only) and a history of
poverty and deprivation the early settlers and convicts faced. Australia
was first settled in 1788 as a penal colony, so the majority of the very
small population (male & female) were convicts. Even so, all (free
settlers, soldiers, prison staff and convicts) faced the same problems of
starvation and poverty.
Tasmania has the worst record for brutality and cruelty as a penal colony,
but even there the convicts had a better diet than the settlers. They grew
the food and were able to pick and eat it before the other people were even
aware it was ripe.
Quilting in Australia is a modern art, able to be taken up when the standard
of living rose post WW11 to the state where people had the time and money to
indulge in these past-times.
My mother was a great knitter but quilting is something I had not heard of
until the last 10 or so years. Even feed sacks (as produced in America) are
unknown here, only calico bags with stamped labels. Mum grew up on a farm
and was too busy working to do anything else. She left home the moment she
could and came to the city to work as a servant until she got married. This
was in the 1930’s Grandma didn’t sew either, as she was too busy being a
farmers wife and mother of four.
It is VERY interesting learning about the culture of a foreigh country
(USA). I find it intreging how many antique quilts are available. Surely
the farmers wives etc worked just as hard as ours? The only thing I can
think of is that America was settled about 100 years before Australia (West
Australia was the last state in 1829) and therefore there were more
generations of people to raise the standard of living.
WA started out as a free state (no convicts) but had to accept them in 1840
as the colony was in deep depression. The population were starving and many
were fleeing to other states in desparation. Convicts were needed for
labour, both by the Government (the first Public Servants) and the farmers.
People were too busy trying to stay alive to have time or the implements to
make quilts.
Conditions improved by 1860 and transportation stopped. Now we have a
legacy of many fine buildings built with convict labout, but FEW QUILTS.
I will add any other interesting things as I come across them.
Best wishes all our friends and fellow quilters.
Bev McGrath in sunny Perth, Western Australia
Bev McGrath in sunny Perth, Western Australia
bevmcgraiinet.net.au
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 07:45:41 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To:
Subject: QHL: Unidentified subject!
Message-Id: <v01540b11aeeeb1718592[168.121.76.43]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Textiles are not like turkeys they do not have a pop up timer to tell you when
they simply will disintegrate.
This is the best statement made so far on the QHL list. I laughed and
laughed, but it is too true. Everytime someone says, i just popped that old
quilt in the washing machine, or i took it to the cleaners….i groan!
at one conservation day i attended the expert advice was to go to Home
Depot, purchase some very fine fiberglas screening. Lay the quilt on the
floor. GENTLY place the screen over it and then lightly vacuum it with your
Dustbuster, NOT your garage power vac.
Dust motes and dirt are enemies of your textiles, and this will remove a
lot of them.
Waiting to hear Rabbit’s comments on this! is it okay or not? I have never
tried it, but it made sense. My worry would be to make sure the screening
was laid down in such a way, very carefully, so it did not cause abrasion
on the surface of the quilt.
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 07:45:38 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To:
Subject: QHL: DAR…has changed
Message-Id: <v01540b10aeeeaea1dc44[168.121.76.43]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Yes that did happen, and it was a very shameful moment in the DAR when they
refused to let Marian Anderson. It was in the 1930’s and unfortunately that
kind of terrible discrimination was common then, all over the USA. Black
Americans couldnt go to *white* colleges then either (and neither could
women, DAR or not!)….elitist schools like Harvard and Yale now accept
both blacks and women students into their hallowed halls. So while this
type of discrimination is very wrong and I admire Eleanor Roosevelt highly
for what she did…..there are a LOT of organizations that have had to open
their hallowed halls, not just the DAR.
Yes, The DAR has changed its policy. And yes they do allow African
Americans who are descended from Revolutionaly War veterans into their
organization. How do I know this? I am a descendant, and one branch of our
very large, very early to America family (Hawley is surname) seems to have
married a black woman (before the revolutionary war), had children, and so
our family tree has many black members, some of whom also fought for the
Federals in that “recent unpleasantness” (what we call the War Between The
States here in Georgia). Now I say *seems* to have married a black woman
because the church records are incomplete, but we do know a Hawley male
child was baptised for the records that do exist and that the son was
black, and there are documented descendants of this branch of the family.
One of them lives in Washington DC, and is retired military.
As fr slave quilts in the exhibition. the DAR has about 250 quilts in their
collection. At these quilt days they show about 30, and rotate them. It
would be difficult to say if there were any quilts made by slaves shown on
any one day. All slave quilts are not primitive you know. Many southern
quilts that are exquisitely beautiful were made by slaves to be used on the
beds of their masters. I have seen incredible needlework in broderie perse
quilts, stitched by slaves.
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 07:50:26 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Renwick Exhibit +++++
Message-ID: <961231075024_1290329713emout12.mail.aol.com>
Carol in VA..if you find a source for the TIME SPAN book, I’m interested as
well. infact, sources for all books mentioned, if they pretain to
history/stories of the quilters/etc are of interest apparently to all of
us..seems everytime I mention one or we see someone post a title..we want to
know..possibly, periodically we can find a way to form a list that would be
available to those of us that are interested..without taking up space from
our forum..thanx, Carol..jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:18:39 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To:
Subject: QHL: florida squatters
Message-Id: <v01540b27aeeec29c8e2a[168.121.76.43]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
josie…i am related to one of those Florida Squatters from the WPA, or
probably from before the WPA. yes, it was before. My great-aunt came to
Florida down the missippi on a flat bottom boat in the early 1900’s. They
settled near ft myers where they had one of the first vegetable farms. The
ranchers in the area hated the squatters (just like the old west) and ran
their cattle over their gardens.
She used quilts to make walls in the house they built out in the swamp
until they could get real walls. I have a wonderful account of all this
that she wrote herself before she died.
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:34:11 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: cleaning antique quilts
Message-ID: <961231083410_876689703emout06.mail.aol.com>
this is an excellent question..I have the crazy quilt top my husband’s
g.parents made back in the 1800’s when they were courting..Yep, back in those
days they did such a thing while the man was wooing the lady..(this was
before drive-in movies)..there were some stains onthe back of the top and I
could’nt find a cleaner who would touch it..and this also before quilting had
surfaced once more..and I hae also been told that dry cleaning is more harsh
than water..the chemicals are extremely strong..Jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:43:37 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Antique Quilts in Western Australia
Message-ID: <961231084336_778457147emout04.mail.aol.com>
I am so pleased that Bev ent her post..she had emailed me with this info and
I felt you would enjoy readign it and it would give us pause for thought
about other countries in comparison to quilting history in our country. THE
FEEDSACK club is gaining more and more members from Australia and we are
delighted to be able to share OUR vintage feedsack fabric with them as they
inturn send us THEIRS..thanx Bev for insight into your history..Jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 09:00:55 EST
From: woodnsplrma.edu
To: Bev McGrath <bevmcgraiinet.net.au>,
Subject: Re: QHL: Antique Quilts in Western Australia
Message-Id: <199612311400.3272700rma.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Bev,
Yes, there was plenty of poverty in this country. The farmers wives did
work hard and it will always amaze me that they did find time to quilt but them
some of that but certainly not all was of a sense of necessity. My maternal
born in 1891 couldn’t have been poorer and raised 8 children. Her quilts are
pretty much utilitarian. But she had a eye for what was attractive. No matter
how bad things were she always had some kind of curtain in the windows and
potted plants. My Mother says they were never hungry but at time especially at
the end of winter the quality of their food wasn’t so great. I do have one
tied
quilt she made and it isn’t bad at all.
On the other hand my paternal Grandmother born in 1864, while poor, had
a higher standard of living. She did not marry so early and only had 3
children
spread out over 11 years. She also worked hard but they did have more. She
absolutely loved quilting and her quilts are just wonderful. Even her utility
are well quilted though much plainer.
I don’t believe there is any way to really connect the two countries.
The social system was so different. I don’t know but suspect that families
lived closed to each other so were more able to help each other out and pass on
ideas, trade fabrics, patterns etc.
Ann in VA
woodnsplrma.edu
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:58:17 -0500
From: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
To: AJSNGS ,
Subject: QHL: whereis the old CCC camp?
Message-Id: <v01540b2eaeeecbf4c021[168.121.76.43]>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
>Jean Ann,
>
>Where is the old CCC camp? H
nancy the old CCC Camp is in Hendersonville. it is called Kanuga and has
become an Episcopal retreat center. It is near the end of the Skyline
Drive. There are other church camps in the area that were old CCC Camps.
After the program shut down a lot of the camps were given to churches.
Kanuga is near Georgia Bonesteel’s quilt shop. Also lots of factory outlet
fabric shopping.
Good thing we didnt have such rigid separation of church and state back then!
Jean Ann Eitel
America’s Favorite Quilter
http://www.quiltmag.com
Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk
http://www.quiltmag.com/QuiltTalk/
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 06:16:18 -0800 (PST)
From: Michele Weise <michelepeppertreestudios.com>
To:
Subject: QHL: Australian beginnings
Message-Id: <199612311416.GAA17011acme.sb.west.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
To Bev in Australia, Your history is very fascinating. Tell us more if you
can about the calico sacks and their labels. It makes me more aware of the
heritage of quilting that we have in our country. I’ve often thought about
how many old quilts are really out there and if there still are any unfound
treasures that might make their way to my door. Listening to Bev, I realize
what a cultural phenomenon quilting is and how lucky we are to have it. I
think this group is fascinating and always, always, interesting. Happy New
Year everybody!
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 07:47:24 -0700
From: “Mary E Scott” <mscott28cybertrails.com>
To: < >, “Bev McGrath” <bevmcgraiinet.net.au>
Subject: QHL: Re: Antique Quilts in Western Australia
Message-Id: <199612310041.HAA20230 cybertrails.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Bev:
How interesting. I knew that Australia was started as a penal colony but I
didn’t realize what a struggle it was to make a go of it. I enjoyed your
story. Thanks and Happy New Year .
Mary
mscott28cybertrails.com
http://inficad.com/~lightsp/suitee/index.html
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:05:12 -0700
From: “Mary E Scott” <mscott28cybertrails.com>
To: < >, “Jean Ann” <quiltmagmindspring.com>
Subject: QHL: Re: florida squatters
Message-Id: <199612310102.IAA20470 cybertrails.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Hi Jean Ann:
You said that you had an account of your grandmother from early Florida.
Could you perhaps share it with us piece by piece. Like a continuing
serial. It would be so interesting to read. Is it a diary or what? I am
really curious.
Mary
mscott28cybertrails.com
http://inficad.com/~lightsp/suitee/index.html
——————————
Date: 31 Dec 96 11:02:27 EST
From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037CompuServe.COM>
To: “INTERNET: ” < >
Subject: Re: QHL: moth balls
Message-ID: <961231160226_75444.1037_FHQ44-2CompuServe.COM>
There are better things than moth balls but moth balls are ok if you put them
into a storage sack and not have them loose. They off gas some pretty bad stuff
but they are effective. A good thing to do is to hang the moth balls up in a
bag not touching anything and stay away from yourself .
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 11:06:56 -0500
From: MHerron4
To:
Subject: QHL: Keep sending digest
Message-ID: <961231110529_1410908008emout16.mail.aol.com>
Hi,
As much as I treasure the knowledge gained here. I think I should just
recieve your wonderful digest as I’m finding the quantity of mail somewhat
overwhelming. Your digest appears to be a wonderful encapsulation of the
best of the list. Thanks for all your trouble. MHerron4
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:11:11 -0800
From: lrobinscclink.fhcrc.org (laurarm)
To: , lrobinscclink.fhcrc.org (laurarm)
Subject: QHL: More on linsey-woolsey
Message-ID: <2c93d970cclink.fhcrc.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Content-Description: cc:Mail note part
On Christmas day I was reading Roderick Kiracofe’s book “The American
Quilt” and ran across a passage on linsey woolsey. It differs
slightly from some info that has already been posted, but I guess you
can always expect different interpretations of history. That’s what
makes it interesting!
The bottom line was that linsey-woolsey (linen warp and woolen weft)
was first made in Lindsey, Suffolk, England (different spelling and
different county than a previous posting). He also said that in the
20th century, that term has been used erroneously and that true
linsey-woolsey (American) is rather rare. Some linsey woolsey fabric
was made in the 17th century in the American colonies but was soon
replaced by cloth using cotton yarn instead of linen for the warp and
so it wasn’t true linsey-woolsey.
He said that most solid color cloth that some people now call
linsey-woolsey was actually “worsted” fabric (named after the English
village Worsted in Norwich). Worsted fabric was a light weight cloth
of long staple combed wool yarn.
(I didn’t check out his sources, but I imagine his references are
listed if anyone wants to read further. He might be right about
linsey woolsey but the name has been used such a lot that it might be
impossible to correct the mistake.)
Laura Robins-Morris, Seattle
lrobinscclink.fhcrc.org
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 10:19:54 CDT
From: josiemtekstar.com
To: quiltmagmindspring.com (Jean Ann)
CC:
Subject: RE: QHL: Unidentified subject!
Message-Id: <199612311619.KAA27785perham>
Its not Rabbit responding, but Jo from Minnesota who would say No, no, no!
to using fibreglas anything near an old quilt. Having worked with
fibreglas drapery of years ago, I know no matter how it was handled, you
wound up with scratches and minute cuts on your hands. I think if
you wished to use screening, carefully used metal hardware cloth would be
the better choice of the two. But not sure I would use either!
Jo in Minnesota
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:17:26 -0800
From: lrobinscclink.fhcrc.org (laurarm)
To: , lrobinscclink.fhcrc.org (laurarm)
Subject: QHL: quilts and moth balls
Message-ID: <2c93edc0cclink.fhcrc.org>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII
Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit
Content-Description: cc:Mail note part
Someone mentioned using moth balls to protect her quilts. I’ve never
known that moths were a problem with anything other than wools, so I
wouldn’t have thought it necessary to use them with stored quilts.
Other opinions??
Also, the mothball smell is so difficult to remove. We had a
discussion of this on Quiltnet a while back. Some folks were able to
remove the smell by repeated washing and/or airing out; others
couldn’t get rid of it no matter what they did.
Suggested alternatives (less smelly) to moth balls were bay leaves or
cedar chips (but don’t let the raw wood chips touch the fabrics–use a
sock or bag).
Laura Robins-Morris, Seattle
lrobinscclink.fhcrc.org
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 08:28:36 -0800
From: jhavermother.com (JoAn Haverstock)
To:
Subject: QHL: Dresden Plate
Message-Id: <199612311628.IAA13149pa.mother.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=”us-ascii”
Dear All,
I am new to this list, but enjoying the exchange very much. Little did I
know that I would have a question so soon.
This weekend I was working as a hospice nurse and when I was in the
patient’s home I asked about an antique quilt that was on the bed in the
spare bedroom. It was made by the patient’s (in her 70’s) husband’s aunt.
It was a scrappy fan pattern.
I visited the house four different times that day and when I left the
daughter gave me a bag and said you might find a use for these. What a
*treasure*. In the bag were 11 scrappy dresden plates. They measure 14
inches across. Their are 20 sections and each fifth piece is the same
fabric and comes to a point instead of being rounded as are all of the other
pieces.
I would like suggestions on how to put these together to make a bed quilt.
Should I buy some 30’s fabric for sashing or borders, or would that just
detract? I was thinking of using unbleached muslin. Is that the best
selection?
Thanks for being there.
:^)
JoAn in Davis, CA
jhavermother.com
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 11:55:36 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Re: florida squatters
Message-ID: <961231114230_1989943757emout14.mail.aol.com>
Jean Ann, Mary’s suggestion is an excellent one..I’m sure we would all enjoy
it. I know textile history HAS to be in there as well. And as to Bev’s post
abut Australia..I am in hopes that our American members of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
will take advantage of the opportunity to exchange feedsacks/other fabs my
members are involved with with our Australian members..we had a member
teaching English in Japan..Lorraine was from New England and had been over
there quite awhile teaching..I don’t think many members took advantage of
trading feedsack for Japanese fabs..I SURE DID..we have a tendency to think
our world is our town, our county, our state, our country..NOT THE WORLD..and
because of this..dont’ we miss alot. Lorraine is back here now, Japanese
fabric (as well as Australian) is HOT!! AND IT’S TOO LATE for trading..as I
look at my Japanese fabrics/quitls/items I acquired I say to myself..i got
mine!!..and now, it is info we are trading..WONDERFUL!! Jane
——————————
Date: 31 Dec 96 12:13:46 EST
From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037CompuServe.COM>
To: “INTERNET: ” < >
Subject: Re: QHL: cleaning antique quilts
Message-ID: <961231171345_75444.1037_FHQ50-2CompuServe.COM>
the crazy quilt often uses textiles which would never have been wet cleaned in
their normal use so washing the quilt is totally out of the question Besides
the addition of metalic salts to many of silks cause what we cal lINHERENT VICE
( almost as good as the pop up turkey right) which means that the metalic salts
used to weight and dye silks cause them to become brittle and fall apart. There
isnt anything we can do about that really so they are doomed to die but washing
is the worst thing for them and dry cleaning is also not a good idea. Living
with it vvacumming is about the best
——————————
Date: 31 Dec 96 12:13:47 EST
From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037CompuServe.COM>
To: “INTERNET: ” < >
Subject: Re: QHL: Unidentified subject!
Message-ID: <961231171347_75444.1037_FHQ50-3CompuServe.COM>
Yes vacumming is the best thing for removing particulate dirst which is the real
enemy The firberglass sreening is wonderful and I actually use a regular vac
because the dust buster may not be enough but I dont use a shop vac. I dont look
for cahnges that i can see to the textile though it still will look dirty but
thats ok as far as I am concerned except for dealers selling modern quilts and
I do understand that You need to be able to resell quilts but then you are
talking about quilts which are mostly 20th century. Everyone knows my interest
just about stops at 1900 right.?
——————————
Date: 31 Dec 96 13:05:19 EST
From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037CompuServe.COM>
To: “INTERNET: ” < >
Subject: RE: QHL: Unidentified subject!
Message-ID: <961231180519_75444.1037_FHQ52-2CompuServe.COM>
Actually I have never had any trouble with fiberglass screening from the
hardware store it is flexible and non abrasive. Metasl can be sharp and is less
flexible. Let’s be clear about why we use a screen for vacumming. The screen in
a fine mess keeps the fibers of the textile secure against the pulling power of
the vacumn and allows the dirt to leave. One person holds the screen down
tightly on the fabric the other person vacums by placing the vacum and lifting
it up to move it from spot to spot do not run the vacum across the textile lift
it and move it it takes time but is good for the textile I cover the edges of my
screen with duct tape so that it is smooth. I vacumm the dirtiest side first.
Rabbit
——————————
Date: 31 Dec 96 13:05:17 EST
From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037CompuServe.COM>
To: “INTERNET: ” < >
Subject: Re: QHL: More on linsey-woolsey
Message-ID: <961231180517_75444.1037_FHQ52-1CompuServe.COM>
His material seems accurrate as far as it goes. Certainly dont confuse
“linsey-woolsey quilts” with the fabric linsey woolsey. THe quilts are qorsted
and have nothing to do with linen and wool. The production of both cloths was
well established both in Europe and the colonies from the 17th century on. But
that is why we need to carry a portable microscope available from radio shack
for 12.95 with 100 power magnification and check out what people tell us the
only way to identify what a fiber is is under the microscope no one can do it
without that and it takes less than 15 seconds and it doesnt harm the textile so
if you want to know what something is you find out its simple fast and fun and
makes you look really really good.
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 13:45:27 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: cleaning antique quilts
Message-ID: <961231134413_1591583546emout19.mail.aol.com>
OK, I’ll be the first to ask..what is ‘wacumming??”
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 13:51:53 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Dresden Plate
Message-ID: <961231134242_1122613127emout04.mail.aol.com>
well, here I go again..let me know if you decide on feedsacks..Jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 13:00:51 CDT
From: josiemtekstar.com
To: 75444.1037CompuServe.COM
CC:
Subject: RE: QHL: Unidentified subject!
Message-Id: <199612311900.NAA04572perham>
Hi there Rabbit Goody:
After working for a number of years around fibreglas drapery and winding up
with minute( unseeable) cuts on my hands (the only way I would know they
were there was by hand washing or rubbing my hands together) I would never
use any type of fibreglas cloth around fragile old fabric. I just wouldn’t
do it.
I am no expert at all, just speaking from some experience, if it works for
you, great, its just that I wouldn’t use it at all (Got to really hate the
stuff after a while!)
Jo in Minnesota
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 14:01:35 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: quilts and moth balls
Message-ID: <961231134123_1390931203emout02.mail.aol.com>
In response to mothballs..msot people confuse eaten fabrics with moths..when
in actuallity it is often silverfish..these little buggers can eat up a quilt
in less than a months time..I had a friend who had one draped over th arm of
her couch and before you knew it..BADLY DAMAGED..being an herbalist, she made
up a batch of herbs and GONE!! Ever notice a towel or a washcloth alll of a
sudden has a hole it in and you think something in your washer ‘tore’ or
‘ripped’ it? Ever think that NOTHING else was torn/ripped?? In thinking
back it was something wet/or in contact with ‘wet’..moths, to my knowledge,
do not attack cotton. Jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 14:14:19 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: More on linsey-woolsey
Message-ID: <961231133556_643306479emout07.mail.aol.com>
That is very probable, Laura..I am not sure of the correct spelling of the
town in England. I’m guessing the person who gave me the info figured it was
spelled the same way we have been spelling linsey wollesy..the piece that I
have is wool and linen..the red is the wool and the ecru or off white is the
linen. I can recall a lady in one of the audiences at my lecture said she
thought linsey-woolsey was wool and cotton, as you mention..when I took that
comment back to the lady who gave it to me she said, “well, I know it to be
wool and linen because I helped to weave it. My mother and g.mother made my
petticoats from it” Imagine sitting on something that rough (it’s like a
horse blanket) all day in school and to boot her seat was DIERECTLY by the
pot belly stove..her legs must have been rubbed raw by the end of the day.
Thanks for adding to the discussion, Laura..this becomes more and more
intriguing..Jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 14:36:26 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: More on linsey-woolsey
Message-ID: <961231142506_1855753363emout05.mail.aol.com>
Ok, I’ll be the first to ask..what is ‘qorsted?’ Jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 14:37:18 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: QHL: lost portion of a post
Message-ID: <961231141727_1922856518emout15.mail.aol.com>
Does anyone have teh entire post of Rabbit Goody’s post on 12/17..all I have
is “carding is teh second step in preparation of short fibers such as cotton
and wool for spinning or making batts” etc..I had been off the net for
awhile, was trying to catch up and somehow did’nt get the entire post..also,
Rabbit, did I miss you bio? Had you posted one? On your last post you ended
by saying “everyone knows my interest jsut about stops at 1900 right?” I
didn’t so thought it might have been in your bio..greatly appreciated..jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 13:51:37 CDT
From: josiemtekstar.com
To:
CC: Baglady111
Subject: QHL: Typos?
Message-Id: <199612311951.NAA06743perham>
Hello:
<<hat is ‘qorsted?’>> <<wacumming>> Am I the only one out here
who assumes typos when I see these kinds of words? I wouldn’t occur to me
to ask what they mean since I look at them and see “typo”.
Now perhaps I am wrong in this assumption and if so, ignorance IS
bliss!
Jo in Minnesota
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 15:41:24 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: More on linsey-woolsey
Message-ID: <961231154119_1156180918emout15.mail.aol.com>
Hi Laura, in reading over my post I realized it doesn’t read right..when I
posted that the lady in the audience said she thought it to be wool and
cotton..she was not referring to MY piece being shown..she was stating that
she had heard that linsey woolsey was wool/cotton..when I inturn went back to
Effie and told her about the comment, she said “well I know THIS piece to be
wool and linen because I helped to weave it along with my mother and
g.mother” and actually, she did not comment, to my knowledge, about the
lady’s comment. I didn’t want you to think I was disputing your statement..I
often wonder how many times myself and others write something and it sure
doesn’t come out the way we are thinking..anyway, I thank you for adding to
the subject and look forward more you can offer or from others as well..Jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 15:42:57 -0500
From: Baglady111
I would like to ask more about the cotton carding post of several weeks
ago..does anyone have th eoriginal posts aobut cotton carding..Sadierose and
several others sent me some of what I missed..but would like the entire posts
if possible..Jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 17:12:52 -0500 (EST)
From: Quilting Heritage ListServ <QRSmail.albany.net>
I am forwarding this note from Jane Clark Staple AKA baglady111 .
She sent it to me to make sure it was a viable topic for discussion, and I
certainly think it is! I am not sure what we can do about it, but perhaps
someone else does.
Kris
>I rec’d a box of acid free tissue paper
>for storing quilts…It is from the HOLLINGER CO in VA…it is for
>our prizes at convention..I called to thank them because it was such a nice
>donation..spoke to Ann Russell..she tells me they are NOT a new company but
>that they are also eliminating HER job because there isn’t any need for
>paper/boxes/for storing textiles..everybody already knows it is available..I
>COULDN’T BELIEVE what I was hearing..another assuming job..in fact, I am
>guilty too..when I opened it, I tossed the tissue aside..NEVER THINKING..til
>I read her letter..anyway, besides HER company’s attitude..she tells me MANY
>of our museums aren’t concerned about protecting fabrics either..and yet,
>they deal with a lot of museums..SMITHSONIAN being one of them..she in fact had
>batch of 40×60 boxes that had been custom ordered. there was a mistake in
>them, so they had them their hands..she contacted about 25 museums and
>offered them at $15.00 (worth 65.00 to 70.00) NO ONE WANTED THEM..finally a
>Civil War Museum took them..she was telling me various war stories..one
>curator of a museum told someone to cut the buttons off the military
>uniforms..and use in another way..it didn’t matter if you folded or
>rolled..you can roll on cardboard, there is not any difference between
>buffered and unbuffered tissue/boxes/etc..Kris, you would have been
>amazed..,Ann is not computer literate..I told her ‘neither was I”..do you
>think I should bring this up on the forum? Do you think we should share this
>nightmare with others? Do you think quilters would be interested in writing
>the company to tell them how important her job/info is? I had suggested she
>do programs for guilds/quilt shows and she said the company didn’t feel there
>was any interest out there..THEY weren’t interested..Jane
>
>
——————————
Date: 31 Dec 96 18:19:24 EST
From: Rabbit Goody <75444.1037CompuServe.COM>
good linsey-woolsey is not rough at least the 18th century and early 19th
century pieces I have examined they are extremely fine with end and pick counts
in the high 40’s compared to silk of course that is a different story but the
wool quality is usually very soft sometimes worsteds were used especially for
garments. That is another reason why when we are examining textiles we need to
check under the microscope and then take out our linen testers 9 pick glasses )
and count warp and filling so that we have some way of comparing textiles to
each other it is not enough to say it is linsey-woolsey we have to be able to
say whether it is fine or coarse and what that means and whether it is linen,
cotton, woolen, worsted, or silk
Rabbit
——————————
Date: 31 Dec 96 18:19:26 EST
I cannot spell or write so they certainly are my typos sorry I dont proof read
either
Rabbit
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 19:35:38 -0500
Rabbit, I would consider mailing you my piece for you to examine so I will
know if I have linsey woolsey..it is irreplaceable but do you think if I
insure/register/use overnight..it would be safe? I am so darn curious
now..I’m guessing it was early 1900’s when this was done..Effie is in her
80’s and she wore petticoats..well, I’m repeating myself..the piece I have IS
NOT of what she speaks..it is ‘LIKE’ what she wore..
Now, I would like to add another subject while I am replying to your post,
Rabbit..folding to a quilt or rolling..opinions, please..and if you roll..ON
WHAT?? open for discussion..jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 19:39:00 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Typos?
Message-ID: <961231193900_2054115362emout20.mail.aol.com>
with the wealth of knowledge you offer us, you don’t have to spell..I took
the psot to a friend and she came up with worster and vacumming..then I saw
it and it jumped out at me..talk about feeling foolish..righ now tho I am
waiting for screaming after you read the post Kris did for me..jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 19:42:50 -0500
From: Baglady111
To:
Subject: Re: QHL: Typos?
Message-ID: <961231194250_812731771emout14.mail.aol.com>
by the way, Rabbit..Kris and I figure the screaming will be coming from
you..did I make mention of that?? Jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 19:44:50 -0500
From: Baglady111
Rabbit, what does “end and pick counts ” mean? I’m not familar with that
term..jane
——————————
Date: Tue, 31 Dec 1996 20:25:55 -0500
From: QuiltLine
Hi all,
RJR fabrics has a new website, where you can view all of their repro’s on
line. I think it is at http://rjrfabrics.com It takes a while to open the
whole site, but there are some nice designs on the ‘new designs’ page.
Have fun!
Debbie
