July 10 – 14, 1997
These restored messages come from the Quilt History List, an online forum where quilt historians, collectors, researchers, appraisers, and enthusiasts discussed antique quilts and related textiles. The archive dates from 1996 through approximately 2016 and is being restored gradually. Sign up in the form at the bottom of the page if you want to know when a new page is added. Original spelling, opinions, formatting, and inactive links may remain unchanged.
Primary topics of this QHL Digest:
- Antique & Reproduction Quilt Fraud — Members swap warnings about mass-produced quilts and dubious “dating” marks being passed off as genuine antiques at shops and shows. (see the article on Arch quilts)
- The Feedsack Club & Feedsack Uses — Talk of feedsack batting, using diapers as batting, and vendor space tied to Jane’s Feedsack Club and its upcoming convention. (see the article on the feedsack story)
- Elizabethan-Era Quilting & English Paper Piecing — A newcomer’s research question about Elizabethan quiltmaking leads into a detailed history of English paper piecing’s 18th-century origins. (see the article on Grandmother's Flower Garden quilts)
- Museum Exhibits & Trunk Show Programs — Members trade notes on touring quilt exhibits such as the Bertha Stenge collection and on the Kirk Collection’s guild trunk-show offerings. (see the article on quilt museums)
- Quilting in Pop Culture — A running gripe about a TV commercial’s inaccurate depiction of a quilted product as “knitted.”
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 1997 23:43:19 -0400 (EDT) | From: QuiltLine [at] aol [dot] com
Hi all,
It has been such a long time since I have posted, (I do read everyday).
However, I just wanted to make everyone aware of what I discovered on ebay,
not that it is a big deal, but it might be to someone. Because of the
nature of this, I think you will understand why I cannot be specific.
Anyway, be sure to take a good look at the quilts being auctioned, ( if
there is a photo). There was one quilt for sale with a photo recently and in
the back of my mind I kept saying to myself, I have seen that before, but I
went on. Then today, when I was going through some of my files, I pulled out
my notebook of imported quilts (those similar to what Penny’s sells for
$39.95) – and there it was, same photo and all! Now, I am not accusing
anyone of dishonesty, there wasn’t anything that I read in the description
that said it was American Made, but it did say “old” , and I guess that just
depends on what we think is old. I have nothing against the imports, as long
as someone is an educated buyer and knows what they are buying. I hope I
haven’t offended anyone, but I did think it was worth the warning, especially
since the quilt I saw had I high bid on it. If I have been offensive, I
appologize, this was not my intention.
Oh, if anyone is wondering why I would have a notebook of imported quilts, as
an appraiser, it comes in handy when someone brings you a quilt that looks
imported, and they are telling you that Aunt Susie made it. It is hard to
believe, but it does happen. One of the worst situations for appraisers.
Debbie
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 1997 13:22:58 -0700 | From: Sandra Wilcox <sgwilcox [at] worldnet [dot] att [dot] net>
This thread reminds me that I’ve forgotten to post to both QHL and
Quiltnet about a wonderful quilt shop in Amsterdam (included on the
Quiltnet “Shops” list) I visited last summer. Another Quiltnetter has
posted about her misadventures trying to find that same shop…the
infamous “red-light” district is located near-by on a street with a
similar name.
Anyway, this shop produces wonderful reproductions of traditional
Dutch fabrics and stocks both the old batiks which can no longer be
produced for safety reasons and block printed Dutch palampore fabric
printed before WWII (when the original blocks were destroyed). The
palampore fabric they carry is pricey but they also have newer
reproduction panels by the yard. I brought home a panel of the old
fabric and plan to back it with the disinctive deep pink I’ve seen
backing the antique Dutch quilts. Their collection of Dutch plaids is
worth considering as well.
I also bought there two books on Dutch quilt history (one in both
English and Dutch, so it serves as a Rosetta Stone for trying to read
some of the captions in the other). They are really interesting to
read/look at.
The shop has recently put out a mail-order catalog. All my quilt
books are packed (the movers come Monday), but one of their colorful
carrier bags, with a Baltimore-style vase of ruched flowers on the
front, is in front of me. The only information I have available until
the sewing room is set up again is:
Den Haan & Wagenmakers
Nw. Z. Voorburgwal 97-99 Amsterdam
Tel. 020-620.25.25
Fax 020-623.93.74
You can fax in an order they said, and were wonderfully helpful and
hospitable. English spoken, of course. The shop is centrally located
near the RR station, etc. No affiliation other than being a satisfied
customer. But becareful you don’t end up on the wrong street if you
try to go there!
Sandy Levine
sgwilcox [at] worldnet [dot] att [dot] net
Date: Fri, 11 Jul 1997 08:12:06 -0500 | From: gridgees [at] algorithms [dot] com (Merry May)
Our church had a Ladies Aid group, too. It’s now been transformed into the
United Methodist Women.
Merry in “down Jersey”
gridgees [at] algorithms [dot] com
Date: Fri, 11 Jul 1997 11:06:37 -0400 (EDT) | From: RBCochran [at] aol [dot] com
Although the commercial bothered me, I figured knitting needles were
used because they showed up better in action. Even if they correct the
action, it’s the basic premise that bothers me: how these quilted items are
used.
BTW, I haven’t seen the new commercial yet–they’re still airing the old
one on HGTV a lot.
My $.02.
–Rachel
Date: Fri, 11 Jul 1997 14:27:37 -400 | From: “Geneva L Reeves”
First of all I would like to say hello to everyone. I just found this ML while
searching the internet for items relating to the history of quilting. At this time, I’m
doing some research for a quilt that I would like to make for a friend using
patterns and techniques from the Elizabethean era. Any help that anyone can
give me would be greatly appreciated.
Lynn
Date: Fri, 11 Jul 1997 15:03:59 -0700 | From: Quilting Heritage ListServ <qrs [at] mail [dot] albany [dot] net>
Let me second Debbie’s comment. I have seen the “Old Country” quilts all
over the place. These are new quilts (a dead giveaway is the size of the
quilt, the size of the stitches and the lack of a binding) which you can buy
at any auction for $10 to $35. I have seen unscrupulous antique dealers
take these to shows and put price tags on them in the hundreds and, in one
case, thousands. (The thousand dollar one also had a long involved story
about how the maker made it for her son returning from WWI. The only
problem being that I was at the auction where she bought it.) You’ll notice
the seller on ebay usually says “exact age unknown”, so the he isn’t doing
anything illegal. It’s just the name is a little misleading.
Kris
Date: Fri, 11 Jul 1997 20:02:02 -0400 (EDT) | From: JOCELYNM [at] delphi [dot] com
On 9-JUL-1997 21:49:41.3 oldquilt said to JOCELYNM
>there is an “S” >*– a large, open diamond — a roman numeral II —
>and a roman numeral III. >* they are arranged with the S on top (or on
>bottom), the diamond shape >*opposite, and the III on the right, and
>the II on the left (again if the S is >*on top). i thought maybe it
>was some religious symbol. >
Any chances that the II is really an I, and the III is an H?
IHS is a religious symbol…..Latin for In Hoc Signa. Supposedly, the last
pagan emperor of Rome, Constantine, was fighting a battle and losing. He
looked up in the sky and saw a cross, and the words, In this sign,
Conquer….and did. And converted the Empire to Christianity.
But I have no idea why a diamond might be there.
Jocelyn
Date: Fri, 11 Jul 1997 21:31:03 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
Is there more than one guild in CORPUS CHRISTIE ,TX?? I am looking for one
in particular where I lectured several years ago..great group but don’t have
a contact..
also, does anyone have an email address for RITA BARBER OF qhc?? I’ve
emailed her twice and it bounced each time..had been< rbbarber [at] cnmnet [dot] com>..
and lastly..We will hve open space for anyone wanting to vend at THE FEEDSACK
CONVENTION next year..some area has opened up that we can accommodate
more..please email me privately and I will put you in touch with the person
in charge..Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
Date: Sat, 12 Jul 1997 09:19:45 -0400 (EDT) | From: JOCELYNM [at] delphi [dot] com
On 11-JUL-1997 14:29:46.9 GREEVES%UTMCK_PERS said to JOCELYNM
> doing some research for a quilt that I would like to make for a
>friend using patterns and techniques from the Elizabethean era. Any
>help that anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated.
Lynn,
Elizabethans probably didn’t make pieced bedcoverings. They quilted
petticoats, which is what is meant when someone inventories the Queen’s
Wardrobe and reports that she has XXX quilts. They would make quilted
bedhangings…..which obviously means the curtains, and possibly might
include the coverlet (just as we might say, ‘I changed the sheets on my bed’
and mean we changed the pillowcases, too. )
Well into American colonial times, the whole-cloth bedquilt was more
popular than a pieced one…..at least, for people who could afford the
fabric. Piecing tended to be sewing pieces together, to get them big enough,
not to make a pretty pattern.
Check out the Jacobean patterns (which date to the reign right after
Elizabeth) to see motifs. A whole-cloth quilt with blackwork-style quilting
would be very effective!
Jocelyn
Date: Sat, 12 Jul 1997 09:19:34 -0400 (EDT) | From: JOCELYNM [at] delphi [dot] com
On 11-JUL-1997 11:08:39.9 RBCochran said to JOCELYNM
> Although the commercial bothered me, I figured knitting needles were
> used because they showed up better in action. Even if they correct the
> action, it’s the basic premise that bothers me: how these quilted
>items are used.
Rachel,
My theory was that the people who made it just didn’t care. I’ve had
males tell me I was knitting, and when I replied that I was crocheting,
they’d argue with me! And when I explained the difference, they would tell
me I had TOO had two needles, and not one hook!
Ever read A JURY OF HER PEERS? I think that ‘women’s work’ has been
devalued so long, it’s become OK to be ‘illiterate’ about how it’s done….
even women can claim ignorance, because that ‘proves’ they’re above it
all….
Jocelyn
Date: Sat, 12 Jul 1997 11:53:22 -0500 | From: “J. S. Lyle” <jslyle [at] bcl [dot] net>
I recently was called to a home of a friend of mine that had just bought
a quilt while with her husband on a business trip. She was so excited
about her “find”. She wanted me to come over at once to view and to
share with me all of the wonderful fabrics and work.
I got there and went with her to her bedroom to view this “wonderful
quilt”. I could see the quilt from down the hall and was impressed with
the colors. I got into the room and found the quilt had no binding, the
quilting stitches were of the”toe nail” variety, the piecing was fair,
and the layout of the pieces was not bad. I examined the edge of the
quilt for a place that had been opened to remove the tag that is
necessary to bring the quilt into the country. I found it and showed my
friend where it had been restitched with a different thread and that the
stitches and the pieces not well done etc.
She indicated that she had paid a good sum of money for the quilt. She
purchased it from an antique dealer in the city. She wanted to know
what I thought the quilt should be valued at – I told her that I could
find one very similar for under $40.00. She almost fainted. She had
the name and phone number of the dealer and called him while I was
there. Her refused to take the quilt back and would not give her any
allowance for her “purchase”. He told her that he did not tell her it
was not made in this country nor that it was of any quality. He put a
price on it and she bought it without any warranity or promises.
President Lincoln was said, “It is not the use of a bad thing that is
bad, it is abuse of a good thing”. Jean Lyle in Illinois
Date: Sat, 12 Jul 97 16:08:33 PDT | From: John & Cinda Cawley <cawley [at] epix [dot] net>
Spent two wonderful days in the Shenandoah Valley (I don’t know how a day in
the Valley could be anthing else as long as the sun is shining and the
humidity is low). We went to all four of the exhibit sites. I have to say
that I think that almost all feedsack quilts look alike. Let me emphasize
that I am a lover of scrap quilts, but in this case the diversity which I
find most intriguing about scrap quilts was largely lacking.
. Only the Virginia Quilt Museum and the Shenandoah Valley Folk Art Center
actually had quilts. The quilts were exactly what we expected to see:
Double Wedding Ring, Dresden Plate, Grandmother’s Flower Garden,
Grandmother’s Fan. Generally the quilts in these patterns were well made and
nicely quilted. There were also lots of utility quilts, very roughly made.
There was one unlined and unquilted spread made from plain sacks and
embroidered with what appeared to be a child’s drawings (I liked it a lot).
The exhibit at the Folk Art Center was charming. It was set up to evoke
being in a c. 1930 home. We decided that the other items made from
feedsacks, not the quilts were more interesting: dresses, a set of matching
rompers for triplets, aprons, tablecloths, napkins, beautiful pillowcases,
bedspreads crocheted from the bag strings. The information about the mills,
the personal photos and remembrances were very interesting.
The Woodrow Wilson House had bags which were lavishly decorated with
embroidery. The house itself is beautiful and well worth a visit as is the
neighboring museum.
The Museum of American Frontier Culture had bags, items made from
them and sewing tools. I’m not sure why this site was thought to have any
relevance to feedsacks other than just providing another venue. The museum
consists of four farm operations which trace the evolution of the American
frontier farm to 1860. The feedsack exhibit was in the visitors center and
was not related to anything else on the site.
We also toured Belle Grove. That was delightful. The three of us
had our own tour guide who was very knowlegeable and the day was perfect
with a lovely breeze blowing through the house. It was fun to pick out the
Jeffersonian influences (the builder of the house was married to James
Madison’s sister and TJ advised the architect). It has the tiniest
imaginable staircase and only one–no space wasted there.
Cinda
Date: Sat, 12 Jul 1997 16:48:05 -0400 (EDT) | From: KirkColl [at] aol [dot] com
Jane Stapel wrote an asked if I’d add my two cents worth on curating shows.
This is not something I do, but I’ve hired lots of free-lance curators over
the years for various exhibits when I worked with state and local arts
councils.
Free-lance curating is different from the work of full-time museum curators
but some of the basics are the same.
In general, I expect a curator to bring their judegment to bear on the
available artifacts (or select or find the artifacts) for an exhibit and
decide what is included and what is excluded — you could think of this a
writing the mission statement for an exhibit.
The curator then either designs or works with the designer for the show to
determine how the public will interact with the exhibit in a way that will
allow the public to best understand the purpose of the show.
The curator usually writes, or in a staff situation, edits, the signage for
the exhibit, any printed program or notes and possibly writes docent training
materials. They may or may not be responsible for training docents or other
volunteers to answer questions from the public.
The curator gathers or supervises the gathering of the artifacts and, at
least supervises the installation. Usually the curator would be available
just prior to the opening and at the opening to assist with media contacts
and to “schmooze” with the public and any VIPS at the opening of the exhibit.
Independent curators might do all of this on their own to develop a traveling
exhibit and then rent it out, in which case they also have to deal with how
to make it portable and shippable, and then handle the marketing and
logistics.
In terms of pay, the basic rule is, it’s never enough to compensate for the
true cost in time and energy. Most free-lance curators work on a flat fee
because the sponsors know there is not enough money in the world to really
pay for what they are being asked to do.
If you are the proposed curator, I would recommend a written agreement
between the sponsor or host for the show and you, specifying who will do
what. If you don’t like the proposal, make a counter proposal (although it’s
more likely that part of your job will be making up the agreement). Specify
if the fee includes expenses — if not, do a budget and end up with a signed
agreement.
Most curatorial fees for small exhibits of the type that would go in a quilt
show or small shopping center seem to be in the $150-$500 range. A major
museum exhibit could be considerably more, especially if they get outside
funding. If you think about the hours just to hang a quilt show at minimum
wage, you can tell the compensation rate is not high.
For those considering curatorial jobs — if you do it for love, not money,
it’s a great thing to put on your resume, and a delight to go to the opening
and look around and say “I helped make this happen.” Otherwise, consider
helping your group find a curator instead of you.
Hope this helps.
Nancy Kirk
The Kirk Collection
KirkColl [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Sat, 12 Jul 1997 18:37:03 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
Awhile back a member posted that she found diapers to be perfect for batt in
baby doll quilts..Since feedsacks were used for diapers many years ago..among
hundred’s of other uses as well, I took one that is of a very loose
weave..never knowing quite what to do with ones of this kind..I was doing a
small wallhanging and used it for the batt. WONDERFUL!!! It is soft and
pliable..easy to quilt, and a great way to use these sacks unusable for most
other projects..I can’t remember who posted the usage of diapers (by the way,
they are hard to come by and expensive) but I SINCERELY APPRECIATE IT..Jane
of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
http:www.his.com/~queenb/feedsack.html
www2.netcom.com/~leelman/feedsack.html
Date: Sat, 12 Jul 1997 20:23:33 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
Well, Nancy, you came thru again..anytime I need an answer, I can count on
NANCY..thank you so very much..and since you were so kind to fill us in on
how a curator works..please let me add to this post..Nancy, does THE KIRK
COLLECTION still have a program whereas you send selections of fabrics to a
person’s guild meeting where we can shop..and what we do not purchase..we
ship back?? I am often asked when I am lecturing “do you know of teachers in
our area or INTERESTING PROGRAMS..and I hesitate to offer your info..incase I
am wrong and would have to then hide forever..Jane
Date: Sat, 12 Jul 1997 20:31:25 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
Cinda, that was a wonderful critique on the feedsack exhibits..and I
especially noted that you enjoyed the items made from feedsacks more so than
the quilts..that is why I fill my trunk how with all such as you saw..and
very unique ones at that..rather than quilts. And some of what you saw
belongs to THE FEEDSACK CLUB.did you enjoy the little blue playsuit with the
fisherman?? And the white dress that helped win the maker a sewing machine
from the NATIONAL COTTON COUNCILS’s contest??
I do show feedsack quilts in my slide presentation so that they can see what
we are doing with them today..but most everyone enjoys seeing the clothing,
household items, etc..and especially that I pass them thru the audience..it’s
a very ‘hands on’ program..thanx for our thoughts on the exhibits..I will be
seeing it later this summer..Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 97 07:18:09 -0500 | From: princess [at] mdn [dot] net
I am going to teach a class on English paper piecing. While I know HOW to do
it, I don’t know its history. I’d like to share its age and some other
interesting tidbits at the start of the class, but I need some research
sources. An I-net search brought up nothing.
First, English paper piecing is not the paper foundation that is so popular
today (which I also love). Instead, I start out with paper SHAPES, such as
paper hexagons and the “petals” to a Dresden plate…even paper baby blocks. By
basting the fabric onto the paper (over the edges), you have perfect shapes.
The shapes can be whip stitched together and then appliqued down (in the case
of the Dresden plate). It leads to very perfect work (just like the paper
foundations that so many of us use).
Does anyone have any ideas about researching the history? Or does anyone know
off hand? THANKS in advance.
Anne Sturtevant
Midland, MI
princess [at] mdn [dot] net
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 1997 10:20:02 -0400 (EDT) | From: QltHMT [at] aol [dot] com
When you want to copy text from a letter or digest…..First take your
pointer (using your mouse), and drag the pointer across the text that you
want to copy. This will highlight the text in black. Then go to the top of
your monitor where it says Edit and click on it, dragging your mouse pointer
down to “copy”. This will copy your text to a notepad (invisible, magical
computers) and will keep it there until you are ready to “paste” it to your
outgoing letter. Then you go to your compose mail. When you are ready to
put the text in your outgoing mail, you go back to edit and drag the pointer
down to “paste”. This will put your text in your letter where ever your
little slash mark is when you paste it. Sometimes I have forgotten to tab
down past the subject and end up pasting a long letter in the subject. Then
I have to cancel that letter and do it again. Then the jokes on me.
Maybe this is too long winded , but it works on AOL. Okay all you computer
wizards, give it a try.
Helen (Heirlooms by Helen) MN
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 1997 11:38:03 -0400 (EDT) | From: QuiltFixer [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 97-07-11 04:23:57 EDT, you write:
<< Oddly enough, some friends of mine and I are visiting the Homer Laughlin
factory in East Liverpool, OH, where they manufacture fiesta ware. >>
Hi, I’m married to an “old Ohio River Boy” born in East Liverpool, OH. Have
visited the potteries many times. Fiesta Ware is made by Homer Laughlin, but
the pottery is located across the Ohio River in Newell, West Virginia. The
pottery you are referring to is probably Hall China. (Of Autumn Leaf fame)
Both are worth visiting and you can order the modern Fiesta Ware by mail.
If any one is interested, contact me by private E-mail and I will get the
telephone numbers out.
Interstingly enough, I just purchased a “coffee pot” made by Fiesta in their
new color Persimmon just this last week. Couldn’t wait to order from
factory, just had to have it. Bought this in Fulsom, CA, in old town. I
keep saying that I am going to make a quilt of these colors one of these
days. They are so beautiful. Someone in an earlier post mentioned that
place mats were made to match the old Fiesta Ware. Does any one know where I
might find them? Not likely in Calif.
Just another little unrelated note, my Husband found a Feather Weight Singer
for me yesterday and it’s coming by UPS. If only it could come as fast as
my posts from QHL, I am so excited. 🙂 Please share my happiness with me!
Toni Baumgard
QuiltFixer [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 1997 11:37:54 -0400 (EDT) | From: Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 97-07-13 06:16:09 EDT, you write:
<<
BTW, I went to Brimfield today. Was anyone else there? Didn’t buy much,
but
I had a great time….
>>
Lisa, was this to the large flea market there or a quilt show? I’ve read
about the flea market in Yankee magazine, but never been there – yet.
Elisabeth, from RI, now living in TX
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 1997 11:51:48 -0400 (EDT) | From: Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 97-07-13 06:16:09 EDT, you write:
<<
Awhile back a member posted that she found diapers to be perfect for batt in
baby doll quilts..Since feedsacks were used for diapers many years
ago..among
hundred’s of other uses as well, I took one that is of a very loose
weave..never knowing quite what to do with ones of this kind..I was doing a
small wallhanging and used it for the batt. WONDERFUL!!! It is soft and
pliable..easy to quilt, and a great way to use these sacks unusable for most
other projects..I can’t remember who posted the usage of diapers (by the
way,
they are hard to come by and expensive) but I SINCERELY APPRECIATE IT..Jane
of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
>>
And should be listed on the label as such for posterity? Feedsack/Batting.
Elisabeth
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 1997 11:47:08 -0400 (EDT) | From: Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 97-07-13 06:16:09 EDT, you write:
<< . . .She wanted me to come over at once to view and to share with me all
of the wonderful fabrics and work. . . . I got into the room and found the
quilt had no binding, the quilting stitches were of the”toe nail” variety,
the piecing was fair, and the layout of the pieces was not bad. I examined
the edge of the quilt for a place that had been opened to remove the tag
that is necessary to bring the quilt into the country. I found it and
showed my friend where it had been restitched with a different thread and
that the stitches and the pieces not well done etc.
She indicated that she had paid a good sum of money for the quilt. She
purchased it from an antique dealer in the city. She wanted to know what I
thought the quilt should be valued at – I told her that I could find one very
similar for under $40.00. She almost fainted. She had the name and phone
number of the dealer and called him while I was there. Her refused to take
the quilt back and would not give her any
allowance for her “purchase”. He told her that he did not tell her it was
not made in this country nor that it was of any quality. He put a price on
it and she bought it without any warranity or promises.
President Lincoln was said, “It is not the use of a bad thing that is bad,
it is abuse of a good thing”. Jean Lyle in Illinois >>
This sounds to me like something that needs to be advertised and written up
in the newspaper and areas that would reach non-quilters, i.e., people
unaware of this problem. The word needs to be gotten to the public —
Jane, how about Cindy, the lady who interviewed you re Feedsacks? I will
contact a lady at our local newspaper who covers the “Home” section features.
Elisabeth
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 1997 13:16:51 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
I don’t know..I can sure throw it her way and see..do you think non-quilters
have the same interest as we do?? I was horrified to see one on a bed at my
mil’s..but she said being in Fl, no kids, no dirt and for $30.00 if it falls
apart several yrs from now when she washes it..IT WAS ONLY $30.00!!!! This
is such a toss away society..makes me shudder. put in on th net and get an
idea if others think the public WANTS TO KNOW..
Laura Syler who posts alot on QHL..wants to join up with us..has worked with
Kathleen and will get me her address/number..THIS IS GOING TO BE GREAT FUN!!
HOW ARE YOU FEELING?? jANE
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 1997 13:30:57 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 97-07-13 11:57:58 EDT, QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com writes:
<<
In a message dated 97-07-13 06:16:09 EDT, you write:
<< . . .She wanted me to come over at once to view and to share with me all
of the wonderful fabrics and work. . . . I got into the room and found the
quilt had no binding, the quilting stitches were of the”toe nail” variety,
the piecing was fair, and the layout of the pieces was not bad. I examined
the edge of the quilt for a place that had been opened to remove the tag
that is necessary to bring the quilt into the country. I found it and
showed my friend where it had been restitched with a different thread and
that the stitches and the pieces not well done etc.
She indicated that she had paid a good sum of money for the quilt. She
purchased it from an antique dealer in the city. She wanted to know what I
thought the quilt should be valued at – I told her that I could find one
very
similar for under $40.00. She almost fainted. She had the name and phone
number of the dealer and called him while I was there. Her refused to take
the quilt back and would not give her any
allowance for her “purchase”. He told her that he did not tell her it was
not made in this country nor that it was of any quality. He put a price on
it and she bought it without any warranity or promises.
President Lincoln was said, “It is not the use of a bad thing that is bad,
it is abuse of a good thing”. Jean Lyle in Illinois >>
This sounds to me like something that needs to be advertised and written up
in the newspaper and areas that would reach non-quilters, i.e., people
unaware of this problem. The word needs to be gotten to the public —
Jane, how about Cindy, the lady who interviewed you re Feedsacks? I will
contact a lady at our local newspaper who covers the “Home” section
features.
Elisabeth
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 1997 13:16:51 -0400 (EDT)
From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
To:
I don’t know..I can sure throw it her way and see..do you think non-quilters have the same interest as we do?? I was horrified to see one on a bed at my mil’s..but she said being in Fl, no kids, no dirt and for $30.00 if it falls apart several yrs from now when she washes it..IT WAS ONLY $30.00!!!! This is such a toss away society..makes me shudder. put in on th net and get an idea if others think the public WANTS TO KNOW..
Laura Syler who posts alot on QHL..wants to join up with us..has worked with Kathleen and will get me her address/number..THIS IS GOING TO BE GREAT FUN!!
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 1997 13:20:39 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
in re: to using the less favorable feedsacks for batting as I posted
about..for any members on here..I have numerous ones if you are
interested.email me privately for cost..Jane <baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com>
Date: Sun, 13 Jul 1997 21:20:51 -0400 | From: Ricki Maietta <rmaietta [at] csrlink [dot] net>
Hi everyone. I’m leaving for a short visit to family in Ohio, but thought I
would put in a request before I leave town (so you won’t get an answer for
awhile).
I’m looking for about a foot square of 1930’s soft powder blue fabric –
plain, not print. The final section of a quilt I’m repairing. I have light
blue solid (not vintage) that could work, but it’s a little “lavendar” in
comparison, & no amount of bleach or laying in the sun has faded this
fabric!! Honestly – when you want them to fade . . . .
So, if anyone has any powder blue, let me know. I’d be happy to buy, trade,
etc.
See ya’ll in about a week.
Ricki
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 08:23:21 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
DEBBY KRATOVIL designed my first web page for THE FEEDSACK CLUB and msot
recently has added links and photos..WHAT A GREAT JOB she does..please stop
by and check it out..you’ll enjoy seeing the fantastic feedsack quilts done
by my members..see what they are doing with feedsacks today..and a big THANK
YOU, DEBBY..what a talented lady..and check out our 2nd site done by my
publisher of our bi-monthly newsletter SWITCHES ‘n SWATCHES..JANE of THE
FEEDSACK CLUB
http://www.hius.com/~queenb/feedsack.html
http://www2.netcom.com/~leelman/feedsack.html
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 07:32:03 -0500 | From: LAURA SYLER <texas_quilt.co [at] airmail [dot] net>
Jane: What nice additions to your web site. Lookin’ good girl!!
Laura
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 07:52:59 -0500 (CDT) | From: Lisa Erlandson <erland [at] cooke [dot] net>
Jane, I have been trying to send an email to you and it keeps bouncing back.
OR – it is telling me it is bouncing back and you’ve really gotten three
copies of the same message from me!! If it bounces again, I guess I’ll post
it here on QHL. Hate to do that when it’s a personal note. Let me know if
you’ve gotten anything from me!! Lisa in Texas
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 9:03:57 -400 | From: “Geneva L Reeves”
Reading the posts regarding the poor quality imported quilts being sold as
antiques, reminded me of a quilt shop in east Tennessee. The shop is located
in a nice shopping center and decorated extremely well. It draws people from
all over the country in for shopping. My sister and I stopped in once while our
Mother was down visiting. All three of us gasped at what they were actually
selling there. Most of the store was filled with poorly stitched and pieced quilts
that had no batting and were imports and all machine sewn. The prices of the
quilts were anywhere from $29.95 up to the hundreds of dollars. At the time we
were there, they only had three or four actual hand-made quilts. This store
makes a lot of money selling these quilts, when people can easily purchase
some of the best quilts ever made from just about anyplace down here.
People who were born and raised in east Tennessee will often hang their quilts
out on the line and will gladly sell them to anyone who stops and wants one.
Some of the women will only ask for $30 to $40 so they can get more material.
It is truly a shame for people to take advantage of others.
Lynn
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 09:39:14 -0400 | From: Pat <patmc [at] zola [dot] trend1 [dot] com>
I recently attended a very pricey antique show sponsored by a
“Conservancy” here in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and also saw an import
going as an antique. It was a badly done applique, toe-catcher
stitching, etc. The dealer “only” had it marked at about $135 and told
me this long,involved story about how he got it from an older woman in
New Jersey who said her mother made it back in the 30’s. When I told
him I was a quilter and knew it was imported, he couldn’t move away
quick enough.
I think that some newspaper publicity about these quilts being passed
off as antique would be a great idea since the problem seems to be
getting more widespread. Our newspapers gave quite a bit of coverage to
the Smithsonian debate when quilters banded together before.
Pat
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 10:15:23 -0400 (EDT) | From: KirkColl [at] aol [dot] com
Jane asked if we still offer trunk shows and programs for guilds. The
answer is yes.
A guild or shop can offer a trunk show — usually one to three days — of our
antique fabrics, feedsacks, 19th century, 20th century and crazy quilt stuff.
We pay the shipping and the host gets 10% of the gross sales. The host does
local publicity to get people there, but we will provide a press release and
slides for the papers.
We also offer lectures and workshops. I’ll be happy to send a program packet
or trunk show packet to anyone who asks.
Regards,
Nancy Kirk
The Kirk Collection
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 10:31:38 -0400 (EDT) | From: CToczek [at] aol [dot] com
Hi everyone!
I returned this weekend from a visit with my parents in Arkansas. Had a
wonderful time…my boys spent all their time in a dirt pile reserved for
them in the garden and I scouted out all the flea markets in the area.
DH forwarded the Digests to me throughout the week, so I was able to follow
the conversations regarding fiesta dishes…and the lead glaze thread. Now
I’m wondering about one of my own collections. Anyone else collect the
*Safeway* dishes? I’ve got pieces of the *brownware* *Marcrest* dishes and
a large collection of the green and white *Colonial Homestead* dishes. These
were purchased by my grandmother, given to my mom when she married and then
given to me recently when I reminded my mom how much I liked them. <G>
Both of these can still be found at reasonable prices around the flea
markets; although I’m seeing them more and more at antique shops.
As for my shopping excursions while away, I found a 30’s double wedding ring
quilt done in scraps, pink and sea blue, dirty but great condition backed in
feedsacks and a wooden ironing board covered in a cut piece of another torn
d. wedding ring. The dealer wasn’t very interested in the items and gave
both to me at half what I would expect to pay. <VBG>
Best to you all,
Carla in can’t escape the heat Texas
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 11:33:43 -0400 | From: Jean & Steve Loken <sjloken [at] compuserve [dot] com>
My DH and I will be travelling from MN to the East the last week of July
and 1st week of August. I’ve been rereading all I’ve saved from the dige=
st
about museums, including the Shenandoah Valley stuff, and the Indianapoli=
s
Museum, but would appreciate alerts of anything else that’s a “Must see”
along the route. Also, Xenia, I noted your submission about the Marie
Webster house. Can anything be seen there now? My DH does not care for
quilts much, but loves history esp. of the Presidential and scientific
kind. We’ll be hitting New Salem IL, also Gettysburg. I realize the rou=
te
is vague, but the destinations are Mom in NJ and brother in the Shenandoa=
h,
so mostly Mid-Atlantic states. My ignorance is great about IN and WV,
which we’ll pass through. Scenic route advice is good, too. Respond
privately if not of general interest. Also if you want to hear what I
learn, e-mail me and I’ll copy you my responses. Thanks in advance.
Jean in way too stormy MN
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 09:08:44 -0700 | From: lrobins [at] cclink [dot] fhcrc [dot] org (laurarm)
Kris and Debbie used the word “ebay” in their “buyer beware” posts.
What is that? (It’s not in my dictionary.) Thanks.
(And another example of “buyer beware” is a Grandmother’s Flower
Garden quilt I saw in an antique shop — labeled as “C. 1920” but it
seemed obvious to me that it was made of ’70s/’80s calicoes and a
cotton/poly blend background and polyester batting. )
Laura in Seattle
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 12:45:15 -0400 (EDT) | From: HKnight453 [at] aol [dot] com
Hello all-
One can buy table linens to coordinate with Fiestaware from General
Mills’s Betty Crocker catalog, as well as Fiestaware at deeply discounted
prices using POP’s from General Mills products. The catalog address is
available on all cereal boxes, etc with the points needed toi get the lowest
prices. I have a large set of pink which I bought for the “hopeless
chest.”:)
Heather in hot RI
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 16:50:37 +0100 | From: “Audrey Cameron” <audrey.cameron [at] virgin [dot] net>
The question asked about how English paper-piecing began is probably lost
in the obvious development of it in the 18th century in England as a means
to handle the new fairly complicated new designs such as the hexagon &
diamond. Patchwork developed about this time with the introduction of the
new “calicoes” & “chintzs” from India that gave a vast range of new
brightly colored cotton fabrics – that were very expensive. Therefore
patchwork at this time was a craft of the upper class ladies who could
afford both the fabrics & the papers.
This is about the time that templates
– or shapes cut out of metal or any material that could not be cut by
scissors developed to keep the true shape of the hexagon or diamond. It was
logical to extend this precision to paper over which the fabric could be
basted & then oversewn together at the edges. Thus English paper piecing
was born. But again it was only the upper classes that had the paper –
mostly old letters to use. Poor people did not write letters or had too few
to cut up for patchwork.
The earliest paper patchwork found is 1770.
This technique is a treasure for social historians because so many
unfinished bits of work have been found with the papers still in. A
patchwork coverlet has been found in Lincolnshire, England made with pieces
from letters written by the poet Tennyson to members of his family.
The obvious next question is why did the block method developed by
Americans come about. Paper piecing was brought to the colonies & used
there for a long time again by the upper classes who could afford the
fabric (even more expensive in the colonies because of the monopoly the
British had of the shipping & manufacturing of textiles) and paper.
But it is true that the re-introduction & development of the block in
American created a flood of creativity & the profusion of thousands of
designs making the American patchworker the
creator of the graphic classics of today.
Sorry to be so long –
Audrey in sunny England
Audrey.cameron [at] virgin [dot] net
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 15:52:42 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
I have no connection with Nancy’s operation..met her one time in Paducah..but
the report back on this most unique program has been tremendous..what a great
way to shop..anyplace I have lectured and programs are mentioned..if they
have had Nancy’s shipped fabric program..IT’S BEEN A WINNER!! jane
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 16:55:33 -0400 (EDT) | From: Quiltfix [at] aol [dot] com
Since no one said anything, especially that I’d flipped, about my idea for
the diamond-with-an-S mark on that quilt, I’m going to repeat myself. I want
to know what you think about my idea.
Porcelain/china in the latter part of the 1800 had a mark that sound similar
to the quilt’s mark. There is a letter at the top of the diamond, and there
are numbers (letters) within it. This system tells you when, to the day, the
porcelain was made. This can be looked up in pricing guides for porcelain.
Am I crazy?
Alan
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 16:54:51 -0400 (EDT) | From: Quiltfix [at] aol [dot] com
Hey y’all, next time the Northern commercial is on, check out the middle
lady’s hair – they stuck her knitting needles in her Marge Simpson-style
hairdo!
Alan
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 16:54:28 -0400 (EDT) | From: Quiltfix [at] aol [dot] com
Alright everyone, I’ve had a couple people ask me what I DID pay for my
treasure. I was trying to avoid bragging, but in this case, I’ll “fess up”.
The quilt was priced at $145.00, but after a 10 % discount and tax added, it
came to $138 and assorted change. Nyah! Nyah! <VBG>
With AOL, highlight the text you want to forward using the mouse. The, when
you hit “forward to”, only that part of the text will go. Also, be sure to
read the text that goes into the body of the new outgoing mail. You may get
junk in there that you didn’t intend on sending.
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 18:36:48 +0400 | From: Xenia Cord <xecord [at] netusa1 [dot] net>
Hi, Jean: I’m posting this to the entire group, thinking it might be of
interest to travelers in this area:
The Bertha Stenge quilts are on exhibit at the Illinois State Museum in
Springfield until Sept 7 – these are not to be missed for the sheer
glory of their workmanship.
The Indiana State Museum, downtown Indianapolis, is having an exhibit of
Amish toys, clothing, quilts (from the former Pottinger collection)
through October.
The Minnetrista Cultural Center in Muncie, Indiana, is having an exhibit
of some of the Ardis and Robert James collection of quilts, set around a
“star” theme, through early August; the quilts will then be permanently
housed in Nebraska, in a university museum setting. Call Muncie for
directions (765-282-4848, closed Mondays).
For museum buffs, the 1836 outdoor museum called Conner Prairie, on the
site of the John Conner home northeast of Indianapolis (Fishers, IN, a
suburb of Indianapolis), offers guided and self-conducted tours of a
working 1836 Indiana village, complete with costumed interpreters and
activities. It’s fun for adults and children, and a great place to take
foreign visitors.
The Marie Webster house is still under massive reconstruction, so
nothing yet to see. Anticipated opening 1999. Enjoy your trip!!
Xenia, in Indiana and operating as a temp. tour guide and chamber of
commerce booster (VBG)
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 20:09:04 -0400 (EDT) | From: QuiltCat26 [at] aol [dot] com
Jane of the Feedsack Club:
Pat Boucher from Grand Rapids does quilt appraisals, and I believe that she
would be willing to drive to Hastings. She is a member of West Michigan
Quilters Guild, and has been doing appraisals for many years. If you would
like to get in touch with her E-mail me directly and I will forward her
address and phone for you. The Flint Crossroads guilt show is going on that
weekend also, which is quite a good-sized quilt show, about 700 quilts total,
some Mary Schafer, Gwen Marston, Marty Lawrence, Nancy Johnson-Srebro,
Bernice Stone, Sue Nickels and Pat Holly (sisters from the Ann Arbor area),
etc., etc., ……….. Oops, just saw that Pat Boucher is doing appraisals
at Crossroads for the weekend. The 1997 OnLine Quilters are exhibiting a
challenge issued world wide. It looks from their brochure that there is a
lot to do there that weekend. For information, etc., call 1-888-GO-KWILT and
they will answer any questions and send info.
Nancee/Grand Rapids, MI
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 13:03:12 -0700 | From: BLF [at] fwpa [dot] com (BLF)
I recently purchased a book at a used book store entitled
American Patchwork Quilts, by Lenice Ingram Bacon, published in 1973.
While thumbing through it this weekend on page 174 I came across a
picture of a quilt with the following description:
“Plate 47. Pineapple Quilt. This charming quilt, made in China for
an America bride of 1791, has an unusual background and is also an
outstanding example of trapunto work. Now in the Concord Antiquarian
Museum in Concord, MA, the Museum notes read: ‘This Chinese spread
was a wedding present to Deacon William Parkman’s daughter, Sophia,
from her Uncle Parkman who got it from China for her. She was married
to Samuel Dakin in 1791, and was the mother of Mrs. Sarah Richardson.’
The traditional story is that the quilt was laid away for 150 years
(reason unknown), which would account for its pristine appearance. We
wonder about the art of quiltmaking in China, but we can only surmise.
Was the art taken there by the American wives of sea captains dealing
in the China trade, who often accompanied their husbands on their long
voyages? Or did it stem from the indigenous knowledge of quilting,
employed by the Chinese themselves, evident for many centuries in
their padded and quilted clothing? Courtesy of present owner, Miss
Eileen E. Borland, The Concord Antiquarian Museum.”
It appears to be a beautiful well-made quilt; appliqued, not a log
cabin-type pineapple design. I suppose it’s good to know that fine
quilts were made in China at one time and certainly adds a new
dimension to recent discussion of Chinese quilts. Anyone out there
know any more about this quilt? this museum? quilts made in China in
the 18th century?
Bobbi Finley in California
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 20:06:41 -0500 | From: LAURA SYLER <texas_quilt.co [at] airmail [dot] net>
Quiltfix [at] aol [dot] com wrote:
>
> Hey y’all, next time the Northern commercial is on, check out the middle
> lady’s hair – they stuck her knitting needles in her Marge Simpson-style
> hairdo!
>
> Alan
Hey Bud!!!( Excuse me, Mr Authority) Show’s how good YOUR powers of
observation are! They’ve been there all along!!
Laura
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 21:25:04 -0400 | From: sparky221 [at] juno [dot] com (michele k mannell)
Hi I am a new member and heard that some of you specialize in quilt
repair/restoration. I would love to learn more about it.
Please e-mail me if you are in the business or have any info..
Michele Mannella
Sparky221 [at] juno [dot] com
Date: Mon, 14 Jul 1997 21:30:48 -0400 (EDT) | From: HPQuilting [at] aol [dot] com
Audrey:
I loved your history of English paper piecing! Thanks so much for sharing it.
Penny (HPQuilting [at] aol [dot] com) in Birmingham, Alabama where it is hot and humid
as Hades.
