August 23 - 27, 1997 - QuiltHistory

Quilt Dating, Restoration & Conservation

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:

QHL Pin Design Enthusiasm — Members respond enthusiastically to the proposed QHL membership pin, suggesting a log-cabin-inspired design in civil-war-era colors.
Restoration Ethics: Stitches vs. Integrity — A member asks whether making small restoration stitches or replacing missing applique pieces compromises an antique quilt’s integrity, prompting discussion of restoration philosophy. (see the article on quilt restoration)
Political and Tobacco-Themed Quilts — A thread on quilts with tobacco and political themes connects to Underground Railroad quilt research and regional Southern quilt history.
Quilts of Wartime Internment — A member shares information on “Patchwork of Internment,” documenting quilts made by women interned in Singapore’s Changi prison during WWII.
New Member Introductions — Several new subscribers introduce themselves and share their quilting interests with the list.

Date: Sat, 23 Aug 1997 20:04:30 -0700 | From: The Waites

Sorry there was a typo on the flyer I received about the symposium in

Tucson in January, “Patterns of the Past: Quilting Traditions in the

American West”. If you need more information the e-mail address is:

sfd [at] ccit [dot] arizona [dot] edu

Audrey Waite in Sedona, AZ

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 00:18:08 -0400 (EDT) | From: Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] com

In a message dated 97-08-23 17:32:26 EDT, you write:

Date: Fri, 22 Aug 1997 20:53:00 -0400 (EDT)

From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com

don’t you be sending ME any plain old dowel rod!! anonymous

>

Dear Nony Mouse,

YES, Ma’am!! or should that be, NO, ma’am! ?

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 00:28:24 -0400 (EDT) | From: [from unknown, signed “Elisabeth in south TX”]

Kris,

I would also like a pin. The log cabin is one of my favorite blocks and the

pattern of my first “real” quilt.

Elisabeth in south TX where we had about thirteen sprinkles of rain today

Date: Sat, 23 Aug 1997 21:57:14 -0800 | From: Opalka

Kris, I too would like a pin. Julia( from California) said she would want

one also. Thank you, Susan(in Alaska with 53 degrees and fall in the air!)

Date: Sat, 23 Aug 1997 23:18:27 -0700 | From: “Caroline M. Beetley”

I have just recently subscribed to QHL and have been enjoying the recent =

topics, especially the discussion regarding political quilts. I came =

out of hiding mainly to add my name to the *pin* list. I’m not sure who =

this request goes to, but please count me in on the QHL pin. TIA : )

Caroline (cbeetley [at] fuller [dot] edu)

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 09:25:19 -0400 | From: anniedes [at] juno [dot] com (Annette Desautels)

I’m new and have been just watching from the sidelines. Definitely count

me in on the pin.

Annette in Ga where we are having a really beautiful cool snap!!

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 10:20:25 -0400 (EDT) | From: SAERoy [at] aol [dot] com

In a message dated 97-08-23 22:00:02 EDT, you write:

<< I’ve have also had a lot of comments on the idea of a cloisonne pin – can

get some idea of how many people would want one? The cost will be $5 >>

I’d be interested in getting one of the pins. Just keep me posted on what I

need to do when they become available.

Sharon in Ft. Worth, TX

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 09:14:58 -0700 (PDT) | From: “Patricia Russell :-)”

To all interested in WCTD and trading:

Here are details about the “Worldwide Charm Traders’ Directory”

WCTD is a quarterly publication of quilters worldwide who want to

trade with other quilters. We are listed alphabetically (by last name) and

have 4 sections in WCTD Charms, Blocks, Pen Pals and Potpourri (this is for

everything other than other categories). There is also a new section called

“On-Line Connections” it lists only EMAIL address with quilters names (this

section I will put names in free as space permits).

Some subscribe for a year at a time, others just get single issues.

Many get a single issue to see what it is about and what others list saying

(this is a great way to look before deciding) and then they join in

subscribing for next 4 issues. Single issue in USA = $7, Canada & Mexico =

$7.50, Overseas $8.75. Subscription in USA/Canada & Mexico = $26, Overseas =$33.

It’s totally up to the individual quilter what HE/she says under name

for listing I don’t limit that. Some say charms 6″ any color up to 10 per

trade. Others have a paragraph or two, I do the WCTD not with restrictions

but as a helpful guide to all those wanting different “Quilty” things from

around the world.

There are a few advertisers and rates are very reasonable in comparison

to magazines. Some advertisers are not quilters. Advertising helps promote

the business and also with my postage expenses (which are continually climbing).

There are a variety of other things in each issue also, contests,

drawings, patterns, methods of doing specific projects; Tips on how to do

differnet things; block challenges; hidden deedle, other swaps by quilters;

a feature recipe; occassionally a quilt crossword puzzle; poem written by a

member quilter ect.

It really is fun meeting those we’d never be able to any other way and

there are many wonderful friends available right in our mailboxes at home.

If you want a sample PAGE….. send me a LSASE and I’ll send a request

for the next issue. If you’d like a sample issue,

please make mo or check payable to:

Patricia Russell

PO Box 7518

Citrus Heights, CA 95621

Bye, Patty:-)

WCTDPAT [at] NS [dot] NET

http://www.was.com/c13136.html

>

>

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 08:38:11 -0400 | From: Diane McGuire

To all who make small wall hangings:

I discovered that if I make the top binding a separate piece of fabric added after the other three

sides are finished, I can use the binding as a mini-sleeve. 18″ wall hangings can easily be

supported by a slim dowel (Sorry, Jane) run through the top binding this way and it is practically

invisible. I hang one on the window of my door with the backing facing out. It shows the quilting

and the pieced part is facing away from the light. Great for showing off an orphan antique square

and still not have it fade too much.

Went to a yard sale thisweek and found a beautiful Singer 99-13 (circa1925) in a bentwood case

that hums along after several oilings. Somehow sewing old fabrics or repros on old machines

seems fitting. Since I bought three times the 30ties repro fabric that I needed for my last quilt

inorder to get the scrapy look, maybe this machine will inspire the second and third in the series of

quilts.

For all you chicken fans, check out the March/April ’96 Quiltmaker for “Chick-tac-toe” and Tender

Loving Covers” by Toni Phillips and Juanita Simonich. I know I have more chicken patterns and will

post them as I find them.

Diane in Massachusettes were the mornings are getting crisper, but are still lovely.

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 14:19:10 -0400 (EDT) | From: JOCELYNM [at] delphi [dot] com

On 23-AUG-1997 22:32:57.6 BONNIEBANKS said to JOCELYNM

don’t know for sure but I would expect that some of them may have

declared their desire for suffrage in their sewing as they did many

of their other political leanings. Also, I have seen some photos in

the past, of suffrage quilts, so I know that there are some out there.

Bonnie,

It occurs to me that crazy quilt embroidery would be a place to look,

where a woman might have expressed her political opinions.

Jocelyn

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 14:59:39 -0400 (EDT) | From: QuiltCat26 [at] aol [dot] com

I, too, like the idea of the log cabin design with the black center for a QHL

pin. Count me in, Kris! I had missed a lot of the information about the

significance regarding the black center, but I caught a little bit of

information regarding the underground railroad which brought my attention to

a book that I received many years ago from a woman in Niles, MI. She had

written a lovely book on Michigan underground railroad, and my interest in

this has now been rekindled. If any of you have some of the articles

regarding these pieces of information that were shared while I was off line,

I would really appreciate receiving copies of the articles. Thanks so much!

You are sharing some very valuable and interesting information.

Nancee

Grand Rapids, MI

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 16:29:34 -0400 (EDT) | From: JOCELYNM [at] delphi [dot] com

On 24-AUG-1997 09:18:45.1 ShirleySpencer said to JOCELYNM

I think the idea of a pin is great and I like the idea of the

black-centered log cabin as kind of an inside joke, but I have to

wonder if we should encourage the story when it has not been

documented in any way. In fact, there might be some who, not knowing

any better, would consider it documentation of some sort. I imagine

myself trying to explain the meaning to others and can see it becoming

rather complicated. No offense meant here, just something I think we

should think about.

Shirley,

OTOH, black-centered log cabin quilts DO exist. To people who don’t

know the story at all, red OR black centers would be equally logical.

AND if someone asks about it, or if we’re telling about it, we can make sure

the legend’s explained.

If we say something like, ‘It’s a reproduction of an antique quilt from

XXXX collection. Our group chose it because we study quilt history, and we

try to track down stories and find out if they’re history or myths. For

example, there’s an interesting story about this quilt….’ etc…. then we

get a great chance to tell about how much of history is really legend.

Jocelyn

Date: Sun, 24 Aug 1997 20:29:01 -0700 | From: Ellene Gravelle

I going to Festival in Houston and think it would be fun to get QHL’ers

and/or FWF’s together for lunch (or some other time)–Tuesday thru

Saturday. Is there anything in the ofting?

I appreciate the responses I received to my request for chicken wire

fabric. There doesn’t seem to be much out there, but, of course, it is two

years old. Still looking for more

Ellene

Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 11:50:33 -0800 | From: Deborah Hopkinson

I would also like a pin and would like to be able to order several.

Although nothing is official, I have had verbal good news about a new book.

The story does refer to the “myth” of the black centers so having a pin to

present to my editor would be incredible. Once the final revisions are in

and I get an “official” offer, I’ll share more details. It will probably

include a note indicating that this hasn’t been proven or documented fully.

Deborah

hopkinda [at] whitman [dot] edu

Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 16:00:43 -0700 (PDT) | From: Jackie Joy

On Mon, 18 Aug 1997 LAnder1051 [at] aol [dot] com wrote:

I can’t resist this. Yes we have corn and hogs and cows. I live near O’

Hare and love to take rides into the corn fields.

Dear Linda:

I’m reading my mail after a week’s vacation, but I had to reply to the

above.

One of my lasting memories is of October 15, 1963, when I left my first

husband. I flew from Springfield to O’Hare on Ozark Airlines and as we

were coming in to O’Hare, we flew close over a dark brown field scattered

with orange pumpkins. It’s something that I will probably never forget.

The XDH was something I could forget. (I was a child bride, BTW.)

Jackie Joy

Reno, Nevada

jjoy [at] med [dot] unr [dot] edu

Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 21:48:18 -0400 | From: “Kris Driessen, Hickory Hill Quilts”

Well, I guess the vote is overwhelming! I called a company today and they

are sending me information on a pin. They would like me to send a pattern –

how about a log cabin block with a black center and solid color logs –

maroon, slate blue, double pink, chocolate brown – and the letters QHL

underneath? Or QHL on the side? This would make it a slightly oblong pin.

I could ask for a square pin with QHL overlaid, or we could ditch the

letters altogether. I am open for suggestions, both for the color of the

logs and the letters.

Please E-mail me privately so we don’t overwhelm the list.

Thanks!

Kris

Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 22:33:47 -0700 | From: Linda

Dear Quilters,

I am wondering how the populous feels about making a few loving

restoration stitches in an old quilt and perhaps replacing a few missing

applique pieces, trying to duplicate the original. Are you with the

belief that this would destroy its integrity? Or, are you with the

belief, what can it hurt to improve the condition?

Quilting in Michigan,

Linda

cpk3 [at] juno [dot] com

Date: Mon, 25 Aug 1997 23:51:34 -0500 | From: LAURA SYLER

Linda: Before I say too much, I must warn you that there are many

professional restoration specialicists on this list. IMHO, I think that

we are all in agreement that “repairs and restoration” done properly,

with appropriate materials and techniques enhances not only the

longivity of the piece, but in many cases can also enhance the value of

the quilt. This is not to say that it will add big bucks to the quilt,

but it *if done properly and with “of like and kind”* surely doesn’t

hurt. I, for one, am very careful to practice the “of like and kind”

expressly for the purpose of protecting the integrity of the piece. In

the restoration class that I just taught on Sat. past, I had a student

that brought a postage stamp quilt C.1900 that was “full of cavities” as

she told me on the phone. Making fillings out of vintage or

reproductions will not only protect the batting that is threatning to

fall out, but will increase the life expectancy of the quilt.

Hope this helps. Are you getting ready to start a restoration project?

Let us know.

Laura Hobby Syler

Richardson, Tx

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 08:38:36 -0400 (EDT) | From: Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] com

Deborah,

As the owner of a copy of Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, I’m happy to

hear we can look forward to another book from you!

Elisabeth in south TX where it’s 80 degrees at 7:30 a.m.

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 09:32:10 -0500 (CDT) | From: Phil & Lee Spanner

Hello to everyone!

I have a few questions I was in hopes someone could help me with.

I have a developed a great interest in Amish quilts, and heard somewhere

that the Amish do not use yellow or white in their quilts. Since I have seen

some in magazines that have these colors in them, I wonder if this is a

false statement or, are the quilts I’ve seen in magazines not true Amish

quilts? Can anyone answer this, and give any other information about Amish

quilting that might be interesting?

I am also interested in learning more about the quilts of other

countries, especially Australia (the type of designs and fabrics they use).

Does anyone know of any websites where quilts of Australia can be seen?

Also, are Hawaiian quilts only done in applique’ or do they have pieced

patterns as well?

Thanks to all for your time. I do hope someone out there can shed some light

on these questions for me.

Sincerely,

Lee :^)

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 15:04:53 0100 | From: Audrey Cameron

Yes, there is a 2-page shorten version of “Patchwork of Internment” ( the

account of 3 quilts made by women interred in Changi prison in Singapore

during WWII). It is by Bernice Archer who also wrote the one in History

Today & is part of her PhD thesis. Her address is Thorn Barton, College

Road, Landsdown, Bath, BA1 5RU, England. I don’t know her but her address

was included with the article. This article is Quilters’ Review

incorporated in The Quilter (of The Quilters Guild in the UK) # 67 Summer

1996.

Now for those of you who could not get the History Today issue I can

provide a photocopy of this one (2 Pages). I am visiting my Dad in NJ from

Sept. 10 -30. If you send me a stamped addressed envelope there, I will

photocopy the 2-page one & send it back to you. His address is Audrey

Cameron c/o Deane, 2 Kentucky Way, Whiting, NJ 08759

I have seen the British quilt (the 2 others are in Australia) & in fact

have a small poster of it on my studio wall which I got from the British

Red Cross. It is a very moving story.

Audrey Cameron in sunny England

audrey.cameron [at] virgin [dot] net

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 15:57:07 0100 | From: “Audrey Cameron”

Hi (here I am again)

Since there seems to be a minor thread going on women & political banners I

thought a WORD about England was in order. There has been a long tradition

of using textiles to give a political message. The textile banner is

fairly recent with slogans incorporated on banners carried by the Chartists

in the 1830’s & continued in use later as the Trade Movement developed &

British suffragettes made them as well during the beginning of the 20th

century. The use of very beautifully made banners was a concerted effort on

their part to identify the gender of the campaigners. Many of these banners

are now in British museums.

In more recent times women were the prime movers in the protests against

American airbases (protesting planes which were alleged to carry nuclear

weapons) in English particularly Greenham Common & advertised their stand

with banners.

An article in Quilters’ Review (incorporated in The Quilter ( #65 Winter

1995) tells of

the work of Thalia Cambell, a British textile artist whose work is

primarily in the making of banners of protest. An illustrated exhibition

catalogue “100 Years of Womens Banners” is availabe from her Thalia

Campbell, Glangors, Ynyslas, Borth, Dyed, UK, SY24 SJU

Last year our area (The Quilters’ Guild, a national organization divided

into many regions for more intimate quilting activities & days,) held an

exhibition at the Royal Armouries in Leeds called “Blazing Banners”.

Quilters made banners based on armour designs, battle flags, heraldic

motifs, etc. At this exhibition we had some borrowed quilts including

several of these political patchwork banners.

Audrey Cameron in sunny England

audrey.cameron [at] virgin [dot] net

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 13:14:12 -0400 | From: Ricki Maietta

Please forgive me for this post, which is not related to quilt HISTORY, but

to a special exhibit that a friend & I will be curating for Lancaster in

’98. Please copy this off & spread the word, as internet & word of mouth is

our way of getting this info out. Thanks. Could be alot of fun & exciting

to see these wild quilts!

Rock & Roll Icons

A Special Quilt Exhibit

curated by Ricki Maietta – rmaietta [at] csrlink [dot] net

& Lois Griffin – LadyOfIS [at] aol [dot] com

What: a special exhibit of art quilts depicting the energy and attitude of

rock & roll music.

What does “rock & roll” mean to you? Elvis, The Beatles, Nine Inch Nails?

The lights, guitars & drums, or skinny long-haired guys in tight pants?

Quilters & fiber artists are invited to submit slides for consideration for

a special juried exhibit. Because of space limitations, approximately 50

quilts will be chosen. Jurors will chose quilts that best exude the energy

& attitude of rock & roll.

When: To be exhibited at Quilters’ Heritage Celebration in Lancaster, PA in

April of

Note: No quilts allowed that have been shown in any previous

Quilters’ Heritage Celebration.

Who: Any quilter in the Universe.

Details:

Deadline for entry: January 25, 1998. Other dates/times will be

provided to those that enter.

Entry: Submit entry form, entry fee & 2 slides of quilt, overall shot &

close-up.

For entry info, contact:

Ricki Maietta 123 Clearview Lane Cogan Station, PA

17728, rmaietta [at] csrlink [dot] net or Lois Griffin 517 Olive Place

Woodbridge, NJ 07095, LadyOfIS [at] aol [dot] com

Size requirements: None, BUT – if your quilt is an irregular shape, you

must provide all special hanging devices.

Entry fee: $5 to enter, plus those juried in will be required to submit

an additional $15 for shipping & handling of quilts for show.

Insurance: quilts will be insured by Quilters’ Heritage Celebration while

at the show site. Quilters must carry their own insurance in transit to show

site, including time in jurors possession. Entry is at your own risk.

Jurors accept no liability for lost or damaged quilts.

Other venues: None at this time.

Warning: Beware of copyright infringement if your quilt includes

photographs or lyrics of songs. Be sure to get permission for use from the

appropriate parties. Jurors assume no liability for content or subject

matter of quilts.

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 97 14:35:16 PDT | From: John & Cinda Cawley

Lee asks about the use of yellow and white by Amish quiltmakers. The most

important thing to remember about quilts (IMHO) is that there are exceptions

to every rule and that all generalizations are false including this one.

With that caveat, I offer a few “flawed” generalizations.

The Amish of Lancaster Co., PA traditionally used only those colors which

were acceptable for their clothing. This did not include white and yellow.

If you look at the color wheel, the Lancaster Co. Amish would be most likely

to use the half of the wheel from blue green to red. The Ohio and Indiana

Amish were allowed much more freedom in use of color. Many of their quilts

included yellow and some used white. The quilts made by the Amish today

differ very little from quilts made by anybody else.

I grabbed a few books off the shelf to give you some suggestions for

learning more:

The World of Amish Quilts by Racheal and Kenneth Pellman, ISBN:0-934672-22-9

Sunshine & Shadow by Phyllis Haders, ISBN: 0-915509-43-3

Quilts from the Indiana Amish by David Pottinger, ISBN: 0-525-48043-9

A Gallery of Amish Quilts by Bishop and Safanda, ISBN:0-525-47444-7

A Quiet Spirit by Kraybill, Herr and Holstein, ISBN:0-930741-53-6

A Treasury of Amish Quilts by Pellman and Pellman. ISBN:1-56148-000-2

The Amish Quilt by Eve Wheatcroft Granick, ISBN:0-934672-74-1

This list is in no particular order. Some of the books are mostly

pictures (we just have to keep looking at quilts and we begin to form mental

file drawers). Granick and the essays in A Quiet Spirit are wonderfully

informative about Amish life and customs.

Cinda in Scranton

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 17:42:35 -0700 | From: Sue (by way of Quilting

Heritage ListServ )

BOOK REVIEW: Instant Expert by Anne Gilbert

Size- 4 inches wide by 8 3/8 inches long 116 pages, definately will fit

in your purse or a large pocket. Price – $14 US/$19 Canada

This quote from the Introduction says it all:

“Though seasoned collectors and quilt makers have “read it all before”

in the many books written on the subject, a new generation has not. This

book is an attempt to help their interest grow by simplifying quilt

collecting. After all, in the beginning there was nothing complicated

about the concept of quilts and quilt making, despite the present-day

attempts to give it snob-appeal.”

(Which one of you “seasoned quilter” told her you couldn’t “learn it all

from one book”?)

Misinformation abounds, the infamous “only God could create perfection”

is a direct quote from collector Amy Goodhart, who supplied quilts from

her collecton for illustrations in the book.

The “Instant Expert Quiz” of 20 questions and answers is well…..:)

Q: #8. Why are some quilts referred to as “Log Cabins”?

A: Their blocks resemble log cabin logs.

Q: #20 What is the difference between “pieced” and “patchwork”?

A: Patchwork is the putting together of many pieces of fabric, cut in

patches, blocks or other designs. Piecing is the end result when they

are stitched to form a total patten, and a finished quilt.

(No, I didn’t type it wrong)

Slightly used book for sale, good passages hi-lighted, a must read (to

believe).

Sue in NW Ohio, where it feels like FALL.

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 22:04:30 -0400 | From: suewho [at] juno [dot] com (Susanne Ellenberger)

Does someone have the particular issue of Traditional Quilter with the

article on the Dear Jane quilts. Could someone please let me know.

Thanks

Susanne Ellenberger

One Stitch At A Time :>)

In Ohio, where it is cool today

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 22:30:28 -0400 | From: “Kris Driessen, Hickory Hill Quilts”

I am overwhelmed with the responses from the list! And, frankly, thrilled.

Several people suggested places to have the pin made, and I am looking into

it. Yes, I am planning on a light and dark set using traditional civil war

colors like double pink, mahogony, slate blue – with a black center, of

course. Most of the votes have been for some sort of letter, either

overlaid or on the side. Merry May suggested that the final row on each

side be “Quilters” “Heritage” “List” and “On-line”, which I think is a

really clever idea. Does anyone have the pin from Mr. B’s Preview Pack

Club? I think it might come out like that. Any other suggestions? Please

send them to me at “oldquilt [at] albany [dot] net.”

Two more privately published books have come in that I think y’all might be

interested in. One is “Lest I Shall be Forgotten; Anecdotes and traditions

of Quilts” about the quilters in the Goschenhoppen area of Pennsyvlania.

Besides the usual pictures of and stories about antique quilts, this book

includes information on construction techniques, redwork, petticoats, etc.

It is seriously underpriced at $12.50 ($10 for QHL members.)

Another one, which is actually still in pre-release, is Craig Ambrose’s ” A

Picture Book and Price Guide to Antique American Quilts.” Craig is on the

board of advisors for the Quilt Restoration Society and has published in a

number of venues, most recently in last months issue of Quilt World. His

book is written for the beginner with the most commonly asked questions,

pattern names, descriptions and general price ranges. It has over 300

pictures in 205 pages, which is set in large type for those of us too vain

to wear bi-focals. What I find the most interesting (and what is

actually causing the publication delay) are the 3D pictures of quilts. I

have never seen this technique in a book before, and I hope he can include

it in the finished product. He has tentatively priced it at $24.95, and I

will let you know when it is actually available for purchase.

Kris, wishing she could go to Omaha….

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 22:26:05 -0400 (EDT) | From: JOCELYNM [at] delphi [dot] com

On 26-AUG-1997 10:35:38.1 philspan said to JOCELYNM

I have a developed a great interest in Amish quilts, and heard

somewhere that the Amish do not use yellow or white in their quilts.

Since I have seen some in magazines that have these colors in them, I

wonder if this is a false statement or, are the quilts I’ve seen in

magazines not true Amish quilts? Can anyone answer this, and give any

other information about Amish quilting that might be interesting?

Lee,

I believe that statement to be erroneous. For one thing, there are many

different enclaves of Amish across America, each of which is isolated enough

to have their own rules. I think the original rule about colors was the the

Amish used scraps from clothes-making, therefore the colors in quilts were

the colors of their clothes. However, I knew an Amish woman, who wore

pastels, including orange and yellow, so apparently there ARE Amish

communities that allow the use of pale and bright colors for clothing (and

presumably, using the scraps in quilts). Secondly, I know of an Amish

community where the quilters would study Home Beautiful-type magazines, so

that they would choose color combinations that would sell well to the

‘English’. When Southwestern colors were in, they made quilts in terracotta

and teal; when Victorian was in, it was dark green and burgundy. What they

made for quilts in their own homes, I have no idea, but the quilts that were

made for sale, used colors that were popular for home decorating at the

time.

I suspect that a more accurate statement would be that the most

traditional Amish quilters use colors that were traditionally allowed for

clothing, typically dark colors. But a modern quilt, made by an Amish woman

for sale to the ‘English’ could certainly have bright colors in it, if she

thought it would sell better that way. OTOH, I’d be VERY suspicious of an

‘antique Amish quilt’ that used non-traditional colors…either that it was

old but not Amish, or Amish but not old.

Jocelyn

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 23:13:54 -0400 | From: Denise

Hi,

I am new to this list, and I have been lurking a few days to test the

water before jumping in 😉 I have recently become the new owner of 3

old quilts which are in pretty bad.. or I should say very worn shape.

I would like to restore them for my own personal use. I do not care so

much about the value of them. I just love old things and am intrigued

by the mystery behind the stories they must hold.

One is an album quilt which I believe is made from mostly feedsacks.

This one is probably in the worst shape and not repairable. That is a

shame because it is so beautiful.

One is an x pattern block that has only a few bad blocks, But it is

very thin.

My favorite is Old maid’s puzzle, which is set on point. The pieced

blocks are not too bad. I would leave them alone. It is the alternating

plain blocks that have completly disappeared! The pieced blocks are done

in lots of gingham and plaids. Mostly blues and a few pinks and greens.

They all have a blue calico in the middle that is like an indigo print.

The part that is gone was a pale yellow. I am just not sure how to go

about replacing them. They are 9″ squares. Should I applique them on?

Then quilt them? It is quilted in a hanging diamond design. Any ideas or

a book recomondation would be greatly appreciated!

I am really enjoying the information and stories on this list.

Thanks!

Denise

Long Island, NY

Date: Tue, 26 Aug 1997 23:13:51 -0700 | From: “Bob and Karen Osborne”

Kris,

Count me in for a pin! This sounds like a great conversation piece!

Karen O Quiltabeast

osborne [at] iinet [dot] com

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 06:44:29 -0400 | From: suewho [at] juno [dot] com (Susanne Ellenberger)

Rosemary,

How wonderful of you to write back and let me know how the Buttermilk

recipe worked on your antique quilt. I am sure that the red now has its

vibrancy back. You might want to try soaking it again in the Buttermilk

recipe to get the one stain in the center out. Because all the elements

are natural, your quilt will only come cleaner the next time. It is

truly amazing how this recipe works.

I am not sure about the quilting templates history. Maybe, someone on

the list might know.

Have fun quilting your treasure. I would love to see a picture of it

when you are completed.

Have a good day.

Susanne Ellenberger

One Stitch At A Time :>)

In Ohio, where it is somewhat cool and a pleasant break from the heat and

humidity.

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 08:30:53 -0400 (EDT) | From: Tubeywooby [at] aol [dot] com

In a message dated 08/26/97 10:53:17 PM, you wrote:

<<2. I am also interested in learning more about the quilts of other

countries, especially Australia (the type of designs and fabrics they use).

Does anyone know of any websites where quilts of Australia can be seen?

>

Down Under Quilts has a website, DUQuilts, not sure of the server… maybe

someone else knows?

Melissa now in cooler than blistering Kingwood (did you see our quilt on the

IQA cover?)

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 22:44:19 1100 | From: Sven Olsson

Sven Olsson wrote:

Hello fom Australia,

Try this site.

www.duquilts.com.au/

You may find some new things.

Lorraine in OZ

Tubeywooby [at] aol [dot] com wrote:

>

In a message dated 08/26/97 10:53:17 PM, you wrote:

>

<<2. I am also interested in learning more about the quilts of other

countries, especially Australia (the type of designs and fabrics they use).

Does anyone know of any websites where quilts of Australia can be seen?

>

>

Down Under Quilts has a website, DUQuilts, not sure of the server… maybe

someone else knows?

Melissa now in cooler than blistering Kingwood (did you see our quilt on the

IQA cover?)

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 09:53:39 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com

Someone is drafting a STORM at SEA FOR ME..a 12 and a half ” block..teh

fabric I wanted to use is spoken for..but if I can keep a portion there of,

how much would I need for the border??these are the blocks of lighthouses I

bought from New England..Jane..email me privately..

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 11:59:52 -0400 (EDT) | From: KirkColl [at] aol [dot] com

For everyone coming to Omaha for the Quilt Restoration Conference — we’re

putting the final touches on everything, getting the tote bags stuffed, and

making those last minute roommate adjustments. We can’t wait for you all to

get here.

Ellen Lessman, a member of this list who lives in Omaha has made special

stickers for all the QHLer’s to put on our nametags. Be sure to ask for one

at the registration desk.

If you have any changes in plans, let me know right away because all your

rooms are guaranteed.

Have a safe trip — come prepared for a lot of great information and a lot of

fun!

If you can’t make it this year, put it on your calendar for next year. The

conference will be in Omaha from now on. It’s a central location and the

costs are so much less than New York was. We hope to have some regional

events over the years in addition to the annual gathering of the clan.

See you in September.

Nancy Kirk

Quilt Restoration Conference

1-800-398-2542

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 09:39:31 -0700 | From: lrobins (laurarm)

Lee — there are and were pieced quilts made in Hawaii, but usually

the ones called Hawaiian quilts (or Hawaiian-stlye) are appliqued. I

don’t know of any pieced blocks that are typically Hawaiian. The

earliest Hawaiian quilts were pieced quilts because the native

Hawaiians first learned quilting from the New England missionaries.

Their special style evolved a little later and though no one knows

precisely when or how there are some educated theories. The applique

style might have been influenced by the symetrical “paper-cut” style

blocks that you see in old album quilts (“paperschnitzen??” — I can’t

remember the correct Pennsylvania/German name). But gradually it

became their own unique style. The other traditional Hawaiian quilt

is the flag quilt and those are pieced in the flag part and sometimes

have appliqued centers.

(If you want any books or references for more details, email me and I

could suggest a few.)

Laura in Seattle

(not “the” Laura!)

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 12:35:37 0100 | From: “Audrey Cameron”

To continue an ever-continuing thread I found the following quote in Nancy

Martin’s Pieces of the Past:

“During the Civil War, red dye was not available, so black was used in the

hearth block (centers of the Log Cabin blocks). These Log Cabin quilts with

black hearth blocks were hung on the line to indicate an Underground

Railroad stop.”

The footnote attributed the comment: Geraldine P. Morse to Ester White,

n.d.

Looking forward to ou pin. A

Audrey Cameron in warm & wet England

audrey.cameron [at] virgin [dot] net

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 13:09:42 -0500 (EST) | From: Diane Krall

To those following the political quilts topic, you might want to look for

a book titled THREADS OF HISTORY: AMERICANA RECORDED ON CLOTH 1775 TO THE

PRESENT, by Herbert Ridgeway Collins (smithsonian, 1979). I found it very

interesting study of patriotic textiles.

Diane Krall,

Indy

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 14:25:26 0000 | From: “The Garretts”

To Lee and others –

There are many different styles of traditional (pre 1940) Amish quilts,

depending on where the community is located.

The only place Lancaster Amish used yellow was in the embroidery on their crazy

quilt blocks. Their quilts were made of wool as that is what their clothing

was made from, although they probably didn’t use scraps from their sewing for

the quilts — think about how large the pieces are in a center diamond quilt.

This requires purchasing yardage, or buying a bolt of fabric and dressing the

entire family in the same color and using the leftover for quilting. It is not

uncommon to see an entire family dressed in shirts and dresses of the same

fabric. Of course they no longer use wool, but polyester because it doesn’t

need ironing. Mens and boys shirts and girls and ladies dresses all the same.

The quilts from the Nebraska Amish in Mifflin County, PA, are variations of a

nine patch or 4 patch. They used small pieces, and rayon fabrics because of

all the clothing factories in their area and they could get factory cutaways.

Their predominant color is brown (not found in Lancaster quilts usually). They

used solid colors.

Midwest Amish quilts use a larger variety of both patterns and colors.

Especially during the 1930s, these Amish used all the wonderful solid fabrics

that were available. Yellow was definitely used, along with lavender, light

blue, pink, green — not the “famous” Amish colors which are dark. Often these

women — from Ohio, Indiana, Kansas, etc — would use a dark background where

we would use a light one on things like fans or double wedding ring. But they

would use white. It all depends on what the Bishop of their group says is ok.

And this varies from district to district.

Currently, Amish quilters will use all the fabrics available, whatever will

sell. And their quilts look the same no matter where you look because they are

for the tourists. One difference is the Mifflin County group. They are much

more conservative and don’t rely on tourists for their livelihood, so they are

still making the same kind of quilts they used to with some updating. But they

are not likely to use Hoffmans and Mumms like the others who sell.

If you see Amish quilts pictured some where, see if it says where they were

made. Holmes County, Ohio, is the largest Amish community, and quilts from

there are often pictured but can be confusing if you are expecting a Lancaster

County style quilt. Holmes ones are often cotton, pastel colors, and made in

blocks. My guess is the ones you saw pictured where from Ohio or Indiana, and

therefore could include yellow and white.

Barb in southeastern PA

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 14:54:55 -0400 (EDT) | From: AJSNGS [at] aol [dot] com

Hi,

I’m curious. Do the Amish have different “rules” for making quilts that they

plan to sell commercially? Do the color rules apply only to the quilts they

will use themselves, or would these rules apply to all quilts that they make?

I have an Amish quilt which I purchased in an Amish shop (somewhere on Rt.

340) in Lancaster County several years ago. It is done all in solid fabrics,

but definitely uses white. I think someone on QHL had brought up this

thought before (maybe SadieRose???).

Another question. What is barkcloth? I see this term quite often but don’t

know what it is.

Thanks,

Nancy in Virginia

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 14:16:17 -0500 | From: “J. S. Lyle”

I am seeking information on Eleanor Beard of Hardinsburg, Ky. I have

some from AQSG’s “Undercovering” 1986 but would like more, if possible.

Thanks, Jean

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 18:33:11 -0400 (EDT) | From: Bert3M [at] aol [dot] com

I agree, there is a lot of misinformation in the book. I originally told

Anne Gilbert that a “nobody but God is perfect block” is part of quilt folk

lore and probably most mistakes were mistakes – not intentional. This was

said in conversation to her and I did not say what she quoted in the book.

Amy Goodhart

Date: Wed, 27 Aug 1997 20:05:25 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com

In a message dated 97-08-27 11:11:15 EDT, you write:

<< Subj: Re: wondering

Date: 97-08-27 11:11:15 EDT

From: robertsn [at] norwich [dot] net (Nancy Roberts)

To: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com

Hi Jane- Here is the e-mail list I received from the office about the

quilts for Quilting Today 64 and patterns for upcoming issues. We will

include your address for readers in a box with the show & tell feature.

It’s a fun one! Thanks for your help. Enjoy the final week of summer.

Though it’s not officially over yet, Labor Day weekend always seems like

the real finish to me. Nancy

The following quilts will be shown in the Feed Sack Show & Tell –

QT64,

Jeannette Fennen Knauff – Straight Furrows

Paula Hammer – Ohio Star

Lynette Crawford – Snails Trail

Glenda Henry – 2 quilts – Railroad & Dresden Plate

Ellie Hudacsek – also on cover – My Sunshine Quilt