August 15 – 17, 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:
- The Feedsack Club Forms — Jane announces the Feedsack Club and seeks contacts at state historical and museum commissions in Pennsylvania and Virginia. (see the article on the feedsack story)
- Elephant Quilt Pattern Search — A member looking to make an elephant quilt for her brother gets a book recommendation, “T.L.C. Tender Loving Covers.”
- Quilt Shop Recommendations Near Ithaca, NY — Members trade recommendations for quilt shops to visit around Ithaca, New York.
- Australian Feedsack Fabric Popularity — A discussion of the popularity and availability of Australian-printed feedsack fabric.
- Quilting Myth-Making in the Moment — Members continue the oral-history thread, discussing how quilting legends and myths get created and spread over time. (see the article on quilt folklore)
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 17:40:24 -0700 | From: nomad1 [at] ibm [dot] net
Hi Jane,
Well you know you are always welcome to Australia any time pal,
accommodation guaranteed. Though cooking is not my thing I promise not
to starve you! I was teasing Xenia that I can give her cheese toast, but
honestly I can do better…add a sheep here…add a sheep there! heh!
heh!
Hiranya Loder from a gloriously Spring like Sydney, Australia :>)
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 04:33:14 -0700 | From: “Mary Ibrahim”
(by way of Quilting Heritage
Once upon a time I had a chance to become an instructor for a needlework
company (creative circle I think) and we did sell kits for a technique
called candlewicking…It is like making a pic out of alot of french
knots…Not appealing to me at all, but to each her own.
Mary
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 11:12:18 -0400 (EDT) | From: LAnder1051 [at] aol [dot] com
My brother loves elephants. I want to make him a quilt with that theme for
his 50 th birthday. He’s the baby!! Does anyone have any resources or
ideas. I have the 501 blocks book, and have found a paper piece pattern
also. I don’t want this to be juvenile in appearance. I thought a center
piece of a standing elephant with his trunk raised would be good. Any
thoughts or references would be greatly appreciated. I have to work fast his
BD is on Oct 31, yes halloween.
Linda in soon to be very hot Northern Illinois.
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 16:50:57 0400 | From: Xenia Cord
Hi, QHLers: If you don’t have anything to do on August 32, and are
within a couple of hours of Indianapolis, I recommend a 1-day show
called the Amish Country Market (emphasis on country and market; there
are only a few Amish families participating). This is the 13th year for
this event, which features crafts, food, antiques, QUILTS, children’s
activities, and more. It is sponsored by the Julian Center, an
Indianapolis-area organization operating counseling and shelters for
abused women and their children (so there is an admission charge).
About 170 booths.
Location: north of Indianapolis 1/4 mile south of the intersection of
Indiana 32 (east-west) and 37 (north-south) on the east edge of
Noblesville. This is actually only 15 miles from 465, the beltway that
circles Indianapolis. Held at the Noblesville-Hamilton County
Fairgrounds in 6 or 7 buildings and on the grounds outdoors. Hours 8:30
am (eastern standard, not daylight time) to 4:30 pm Saturday only.
We (Legacy Quilts) will exhibit and have for sale well over 200 antique
quilts, from prime collector quilts to cutters for crafts. We will also
exhibit and sell a collection of Victorian intimate wear, and a
selection of Singer Featherweights, as well as nice country antiques.
All of this will be in the O.V. Winks Building (white cement block – ask
someone). Also in my building will be Itchin’ to Stitch, that quilt
shop from Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. At this show she sells all her
discontinued models!
It’s always a fun event – y’all come!
Xenia
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 18:11:03 -0500 (CDT) | From: akcruz [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com (Alfonso & Alice Cruz )
I would like to get in contact with Michele Walker, author
of The Complete Book of Quiltmaking, published by Alfred A.
Knopf, New York, in 1986. At the time the book was written,
she lived in Brighton, England & was one of the founders of the
British Quilters’ Guild.
I would like to ask her about one of the quilts pictured in
the book.
If anyone can point her in my direction, I would appreciate
it very much. If she is on-line, give her my email address.
I will provide my address &/or phone number to
anyone who can get it to her. Please e-mail me privately
if you can help.
Apologies in advance to those of you who have to read this on
more than one list!
Alice Cruz
The Quilted Chile
akcruz [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 19:10:29 -0400 | From: Diane McGuire
Friends, I need Help!
Found out yesterday that because of a last minute retirement I will be teaching my dream class this
year: Junior Honors English/American Lit. I have started preparations and found a mystery.
Edward Taylor (1642-1729) was a Puritan minister in MA who wrote religious poetry comparing
spiritual images with everyday objects or events. In “God’s Determination” he describes creation
“… Who Laced and Filleted the earth so fine,
With Rivers like green Ribbons *Smaragdine ? [*emerald]
Who made the Seas its Selvedge, and it locks
Like a Quilt Ball within a Silver Box?….”
What is a Quilt Ball? Some sort of pieced puzzle?
I think if anyone on the planet can figure it out or lead me to a source of information, some one of
you can.
Thanks,
Diane in Massachusetts alerady trying to fit quilt history into the curriculum
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 22:02:19 -0400 (EDT) | From: [from unknown, signed “Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB”]
I am looking for the address of the historical and museum commision in
Pa..and does anyone know if VA has one and knows it’s name/address? please
email privately..Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 22:11:56 -0400 | From: Jean & Steve Loken
Recently back from our trip across the Midwest, that so many of you helpe=
d
me plan. Really missed the digest while I was gone. Thanks to Xenia,
Diane, Michelle, and Mary Persyn. The Bertha Stenge quilts were worth a
special trip – wonderful design and workmanship! The drive across
mid-southern Indiana was as scenic as advertised. We loved Gettysburg an=
d
I loved the quilt shop there. Very warm staff, and great repro fabrics,
for which the city puts one in the mood. The feedsack shows in Shenadoah=
were fun, and there’s a fabulous red-green applique quilt in the Woodrow
Wilson home in Staunton, on loan from PA acc. to tour guide (home tour is
quite expensive but the museum appears to be free). Also saw some great
historical stuff in northern NJ (who would have thunk? – and
apologies to all you NJ folks).
My request: I’m consulting with our State History Center on a quilt
exhibit based on our state quilt survey. They would like to sell in the
museum shop, labels for folks who have old family quilts to attach to sam=
e,
and put the historical info onto the quilt. Anyone know of a source for
these? Not just the “Handmade for you by _______” We’re also planning =
to
sell some of the good history books, which they already stock a good
selection of, and a packet of info on the state survey, with brief dating=
and care info.
Jean in sunny MN where the weeds took over the garden while I was gone, b=
ut
the tomatoes are ripe!
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 1997 21:19:30 -0500 | From: “Lisa Erlandson”
Does anyone know if there is a site with a listing of quilt exhibits/shows
(preferably historical with antique quilts). I know these come across QHL
all the time, but I haven’t kept track of all of them!!!! I would have to
be organized to do that now wouldn’t I ???
Thanks if you can help!
Lisa in hot hot hot Texas
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 97 22:47:52 PDT | From: John & Cinda Cawley
Jane posted about her visit to Williamsport which is a charming town, once
the hub of the lumber industry in Central PA. They have a very nice museum
with quilts displayed in historical settings.
Jane asked about Eagles Mere. Well, let me tell you it is one of
the last great places, a sort of Brigadoon. The beautiful village is a
perfectly preserved 19th century mountain resort in Sullivan Co., PA.not too
far from Williamsport. Totally unspoiled; it’s so uncommercial it’s hard to
get anything to eat if you’re not a registered guest at the inn. There is
an icecream parlor that serves sandwiches with the most casual service I’ve
ever encountered. They have an outdoor antique show on the Sat. before Labor
Day that is so nice I hate to even tell you about it; for fear too many
people will come. World’s End is the name of the nearby state park and aptly
describes the area: forests, lakes and mountains.
Cinda in Scranton
Date: Fri, 15 Aug 97 23:40:19 PDT | From: John & Cinda Cawley
Yesterday I finally got to this wonderful quilt shop in McLean, NY.
Jean Ann wrote about it on quiltart last summer. DH and I were on our way
home from the 1000 Islands and decided to go to Skaneateles (the most
beautiful lake in the world–ok, I haven’t seen them all, but Wm. Seward who
bought Alaska for us called it that and he saw more lakes than most people)
for lunch at Doug’s Fish Fry. It seemed to make sense to abandon I-81 and
drive the length of the lake to check out Patchwork and Pies. Good
decision! Clara, the owner, is charming; she even gave us some tips about
rentals in the 1000 Islands for next summer. I don’t want to short change
the quilting aspect of the shop, but I had an apple blueberry pie that was
memorable. John sat happily drinking coffee and reading while I shopped.
Food and quilters are a match made in heaven. I don’t know who makes
Calra’s pies but she’s a treasure. If you find yourself in the Finger Lakes
go to Patchwork and Pies; it’s fun.
Cinda in Scranton
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 04:23:30 -0700 | From: Quilting Heritage ListServ
As proof that Great Minds Think Alike, I have been thinking about this for
the QHL page. If anyone wants to send me information on shows and/or
exhibits, I would be glad to add it to the QHL home page or even add another
page.
Kris
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 07:29:18 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
I gather that Australian fabric is quite popular..I was asked recently how it
differs from our fabric and why it is “in”..today..please post openly so
others can read as they have asked..jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 08:06:59 -0400 (EDT) | From: [from unknown, signed “Pat at the NJ shore”]
In a message dated 97-08-16 01:53:35 EDT, you write:
LAnder1051
Hi Linda
There is a cute elephant quilt in a book called. T.L.C. Tender Loving Covers,
by Toni Phillips and Juanita Simonich which is published by Possibilities. It
is a great book with alot of great quilts.
Hope that helps. Have fun!
Pat at the NJ shore
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 07:31:59 0400 | From: Xenia Cord
Well, flying fingers will betray you every time! The date for the Amish
Country Market, posted here yesterday, is August 23rd…
August 23rd…August 23rd! My apologies!
Xenia
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 08:56:55 -0400 (EDT) | From: Meredit300 [at] aol [dot] com
To Jane of Feedsack Club. COuld not figure out address; sorry to send this
through GHL….I worked at Eagles Mere at the Crestmont Inn summers in early
40’s. It was a summer hotel for families, mostly from Philadelphia who stayed
weeks at a time.
Eagles Mere is still neat place to visit; Crestmont is gone but has a bed and
breakfast there …if you want more info I can find out some phone numbers.
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 14:00:31 0100 | From: “Audrey Cameron”
Dear Linda, This would be “childish” but have you ever heard the the
children’s book Elmer the Patchwork Elephant by David McKee. He’s a cartoon
simple elephant in the pictures & covered with huge brightly colored
patches.
There is a pieced elephant in B.Brackman’s Ency. of Pieced Quilt Patterns
(938.6). This one is probably in Block Base as well.
Audrey Cameron in sunny very warm (80 degrees) for England
audrey.cameron [at] virgin [dot] net
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 09:06:58 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
<< The feedsack shows in Shenadoah
were fun, and there’s a fabulous red-green applique quilt in the Woodrow
Wilson home in Staunton, on loan from >>
for Jean: sounds like you had a great vacation..and I am pleased you took in
the feedsack exhibit..some of the items in Harrisonburg belong to THE
FEEDSACK CLUB so if anyone is planning on or have already been .the exhibit
is at 4 different locations..check it out..jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB..
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 09:30:18 -0400 (EDT) | From: JOCELYNM [at] delphi [dot] com
On 15-AUG-1997 11:14:36.6 LAnder1051 said to JOCELYNM
My brother loves elephants. I want to make him a quilt with that
theme for his 50 th birthday. He’s the baby!! Does anyone have any
resources or ideas. I have the 501 blocks book, and have found a
Linda,
Just a guess…but maybe the centennial quilts used an elephant as a
symbol of the Republican party???
Does anyone have any reference books on the centennial quilts, who
could check?
Jocelyn
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 11:38:51 -0400 | From: “Miklos B. Lukacs” [email inferred from Miklos B. Lukacs’s other message in this same digest page]
I do not think you need to apologize for info re Eagles Mere. It sounds
like somewhere I would like to go someday. As someone said we do not
want to spoil it, but we could be interested. As a gentleman in Brown
County in Ind. told me- We need the tourists to help us make a living,
but we don’t want to change from what we are that brings the tourists.
It is also a beautiful area to visit. Try staying at the State Park
there. You may rent Lodge rooms, motel type rustic rooms or rustic
looking cabins. A peaceful area, but great shopping in Nashville, IN.
Connie L.
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 11:38:56 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
Lisa, there will be one in JACKSON,TN all of Oct.they will be feedsack
quilts..and it will also feature feedsack fashions and household
memorabilia..do you want a list for a particular time element..or wide
open..by that I mean..shows up til the end of the year..or into ’98/99
also??? Reason being..I get show announcements alot and we put them in THE
FEEDSACK CLUB’S newsletter..I will be happy to share them with you on an
on-going basis..Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
www.his.com/~queenb/feedsack.html
www2.net.com/~leelman/feedsack.html
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 11:51:42 -0400 | From: “Judy Grow” [email inferred from Judy Grow’s other messages in the 97208 digest page]
Off the top of my pointy little head, I would surmise that quilt balls are
balls made out of strips of fabric, wound round and round. We see them in
antique shops and Martha Stewart type “decor” photos getting dusty in
baskets on the floor. They now go along with baskets of pot pourri (sp?) .
I think they were originally a way to store strips for rug hooking.
Quilters didn’t cut strips except probably for log cabins. this is all
guesswork on my part, but is seems reasonable.
Judy in NJ
judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 11:58:39 -0400 (EDT) | From: Kittencat3 [at] aol [dot] com
Oo, that’s a good one. I’m not sure – maybe a piece of needlework equipment?
Or a piece of quilted stumpwork?
Actually, call Historic Deerfield and ask for the textile curator. They have
a large collection of antique needlework tools and may be able to shed some
light on this.
Good luck, and be sure to post the answer – now *I’m* intrigued….
Lisa Evans
Springfield, MA
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 12:37:07 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
The ladies who put out the “little quilts” pattern books for THAT PATCHWORK
PLACE..I met two of them at JONESBOROUGH’S QUILT FEST last week..there is one
that had several patterns in it I really liked..some were miniature rose
wreath patterns..the other one I liked was like a 9 patch with rectangles on
top/bottom/sides and I THINK a little square in each of the 4
corners..anyone know which one that is?? and where I can get those books, or
see a front cover..not sure if I would recognize ior not..but I WANT THAT
BOOK!!! please email me privately..Jane does anyone
know if those ladies are on line or web??
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 21:09:17 -0400 | From: “Miklos B. Lukacs”
Xenia and all, on Aug 23, 1997 My husband is taking me to the Amish
Country Market. I am excited. Made motel reservations for Friday nite
and we are going to leave Monroe, Mi that am and poke our way thru the
Amish area. Bet I can find fabric store. Anything along 69 we should
just not miss? Connie L.
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 97 21:05:17 PDT | From: John & Cinda Cawley [email inferred from this sender’s other messages in this same digest page]
Can somebody tell me the name of the quilt shop in Ithaca, NY? Phone #
and directions would be great too. I’m going to see the quilt exhibit at
the Cornell museum on Tues. Thanks.
Cinda
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 22:58:47 -0400 (EDT)
From: QuiltCat26 [at] aol [dot] com
TO: Sheryl, and anyone else who has inquired or is interested in Dear Jane
regarding a pin from the Dear Jane List.
Our group has a web site, lists of instructions for Dear Jane blocks, and
generally a wonderful support system for anyone working on Jane Stickle’s
Civil War quilt. Anyone can visit the web site at Dear Jane Quilts. The site
tells a little about the Dear Jane book, the author, Brenda Papadakis, and
gives information on how to join our Dear Jane List. We decided that we need
an ID tag so that we can recognize other DJ fanatics at various functions,
such as quilt shows, retreats (like Hastings, MI), fabric stores, classes,
etc. I have made up a pin with a double pink fabric background and D Jane
Friends superimposed over the fabric. The button pins are 3″ circles and are
for sale for $2.75, which only covers the manufacture and cost of mailing the
pins. If you are interested in purchasing a button pin you may contact me at
my snail mail address below. We would also like to invite you to join our
Dear Jane List if you would like to get to know other Dear Jane fanatics. We
are a fun group!
Nancee S. Marchinowski
1338 Myrtle St., N.W.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504-2941
Date: Sat, 16 Aug 1997 23:33:10 -0700 | From: Kathy D
Nancee,
You mentioned that your group has a website for the Dear Jane Quilt. I
used a couple of search tools and could not locate it. Would you post
the address for the webpage.
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 1997 07:45:55 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
THE FEEDSACK CLUB would like to come under an umbrella for non-profit..saves
a mass of paper work..when the guild in my home in VA began, they met in a
bldg that was the local art gallery..since they were non-profit..we just came
in under them..this is what I am looking for for the club..it has been
suggested that I contact the state historical and museum commission in
Pa..does anyone know what that same type of place would be called in VA?? Or
anyother suggestions are welcome..please email me privately, unless others
are interested inthis type of info also..Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 1997 09:36:02 -0700 | From: suzanna [at] kos [dot] net (Suzanna Keller)
In Nancy Cameron Armstrong’s review of Instant Expert she mentioned that
the author claimed quilts had, in the past, been used to cover “beds,
windows and doors.” (Can you tell I’m behind in reading my digests?)
I’ve long wondered if quilts were used as insullation on walls — the way
tapestries had been — in the years before central heating. Tapestries were
used over 400 years ago and if made of wool yarn would likely have been
warmer and cheaper than quilted textiles.
Has anyone found reference to quilts functioning that way? I have been
looking for an answer for awhile, but without luck.
Thank-you for any help or advice.
Suzanna Keller
Kingston, Ont.
suzanna [at] kos [dot] net
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 1997 11:51:58 -0400 (EDT) | From: QuiltCat26 [at] aol [dot] com
To all Dear Jane fans:
I have had several requests for the website address for the Dear Jane quilt.
I hope you don’t mind me posting this to the entire QHL list, but I thought
it might be easier this way so that any interested Dear Jane enthusiasts out
there could also visit the site. The address is:
Herstory
There are instructions as to how to join the Dear Jane List for fanatics who
are crazy enough to be making this gorgeous quilt. We welcome anyone with an
interest in Jane Stickle’s Civil War quilt. Enjoy!
Nancee-Jane
Grand Rapids, MI
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 1997 13:11:42 -0400 (EDT) | From: WLEDU [at] aol [dot] com
kris,
The Village Quilters of Catonsville, Md 15th Anniversary Quilt Show is:
When:
Friday October 3, 1997 12:00 – 8:00
Saturday October 4, 1997 10:00 – 5:00
Where:
Catonsville United Methodist Church
6 Melvin Avenue
Catonsvile, Maryland 21228
Baltimore Bouquet Raffle Quilt
hand-appliqued and hand-quilted
Merchants Mall
Viewer’s Choice
Handmade Crafts
Introduction to Quilting
1/2 hr. class for 8-12 year olds
(Continuous from 10:00 – 2:00 Sat)
American Girl Kirsten Doll and Accessories Raffle
Omni Grid/Fabric Raffle Basket
Admission $3.00 – over 12
Directions: 1 mile West of 695, Exit 13 – Frederick Road at Melvin
This is probably more than you need but you can edit.
This is a great idea,
Winnie
Date: Sun, 17 Aug 1997 14:23:31 -0400 (EDT) | From: HPQuilting [at] aol [dot] com
I need some help. A few weeks ago, I posted a request for information
regarding appraisals in the Birmingham, AL area. I am increasingly asked to
restore/appraise quilts, due to my passionate interest in them. A lady has
asked me to look at some quilt squares purchased at an estate sale. They are
examples of string piecing and believed to be circa 1929-1933 (indicated by
the paper inside). I would like to at least be able to refer this dear woman
to someone, or perhaps give her some info. She is bringing them by for me to
see on Labor Day. Any suggestions?
Penny(HPQuilting [at] aol [dot] com)
