November 2 – 5, 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:
- Anne Orr’s Legacy — Members discover and discuss the Tennessee designer Anne Orr, her patterns, and publications, with references to books and magazine articles.
- QHL Pin Design — The new QHL commemorative pin is revealed and members share their enthusiasm for the design.
- Donating Family Quilts to Museums — A member asks for advice on whether to donate an 1850 family heirloom to a museum, sparking detailed responses about museum practices, donor agreements, and alternatives. (see the article on quilt museums)
- Textile Sayings and Colloquialisms — A wide-ranging thread collects proverbs, idioms, and occupational vocabulary rooted in spinning, weaving, and flax processing.
- Starting a Quilt Collection — A new collector asks for guidance on books to read, where to find antique quilts, and what to look for.
- Broderie Perse Origins — Members debate the earliest examples and geographic origins of broderie perse, referencing Barbara Brackman’s dating. (see the article on early American quilts)
Date: Sun, 2 Nov 1997 22:25:21 -0500 (EST) | From: [from unknown, signed “Nancee, Grand Rapids, MI”]
In a message dated 97-11-02 21:57:29 EST, QHL-Digest-request [at] cue [dot] com writes:
<< Question- are there any books of Anne Orr, are there any repro
patterns? I am very curious now that the discussion has come up >>
Connie et al –
I too have perked up my ears regarding Ann Orr. Seems that a friend of mine
has discussed her frequently over the past few years. I will have to call
her and ask. She has been quilting for a lot longer than I have, and may
have some info to add. As soon as I know anything further, I will post what
I find out.
Nancee
Grand Rapids, MI
Date: Mon, 3 Nov 1997 10:18:44 -0500 | From: Jean & Steve Loken
I think the list has gotten much more interesting the last couple weeks. =
But maybe it’s cyclical,
not just Alan’s message. Could be that the summer and conference lag is
over, and it’s “back
to school”.
I like the idea of everyone contributing their little bit, so here’s mine=
,
FWIW. Years ago (pre QHL)
I bought several 1890s era blocks at an antique shop – indigos and
shirtings made in the rolling
stone pattern, maybe some Prussian blues as well. There were just 11 and
how can you set 11,
but I loved them. I later found a badly, and half-made crazy with simila=
r
fabrics. Machine stitched onto sacking(?) pieces, but not stitched
together. I had 4 wholes and several half squares of the crazy.
I photographed it, and took it apart. I washed the fabrics, and made 3
more full blocks and 2 half-
blocks. From repro fabric I made 2 more half-blocks. I set them into a
zig-zag set with a nice
brick red print repro. I quilted it in Baptist fans. It hangs from my
clerestory, under the windows.
I love it, and the fabric was strong enough for the quilting. I didn’t
know better at the time. I’ll add =
this info to the label, now that I know better. I didn’t know I was doi=
ng
restoration, just using what
I loved and trying to get a feel appropriate to the original blocks
BTW, my son found my box of the leftover crazy fabrics, and found a
flannely feeling rich brown =
piece which he used to patch his jeans. The patch held up better than th=
e
other knee. So it”s hard
to make firm rules about old fabrics. In both cases ignorance paid off.
Jean in snowy MN, anticipating my daughter’s wedding Saturday.
Date: Mon, 3 Nov 1997 15:54:15 -0500
From: debatqps [at] juno [dot] com
I have a book, paperback, 14 pages or so, done by Anne Orr that I found
at the Feedsack Club convention last April. Its called Anne Orr Quilt
Patterns done by Lockport Cotton Batting Company copyrighted 1944. There
are applique quilt designs and cross stitch quilt designs in it. I paid
$3 for it and I don’t think the ladies realized what it was till I got so
excited. I also have a Dover Needlework Series book called Quilting with
Anne Orr published in 1990 which is the same book with a different cover.
(I was very disapointed when I figured that out.) I paid $3.50 for it
this summer sometime through mail order.
Has anyone else sent for The Kansas City Star Classic Quilt Patterns
Volumes I – XII? I sent for all and am enjoying them immensely. I don’t
think that some of them are actually usable, the pieces seem to be off
but they are pretty neat to look at and read.
Debbie in NJ
Date: Tue, 04 Nov 1997 07:52:45 -0600 | From: Karen Benson
Alright, I’ll admit it. I haven’t a clue who Anne Orr is. Could someone
please tell me? Thanks.
Karen Benson
University of Minnesota Foundation
benson [at] mailbox [dot] mail [dot] umn [dot] edu
(612) 624-1568
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 1997 09:32:38 -0600 | From: QLTRSTORE [at] harlannet [dot] com (Perkins, Phil)
As I was doing some research on my binding question I looked up Anne Champe
Orr in “The American Quilt” by Rod Kiracofe (beautiful book!). It gives her
dates as 1875-1946 and says…Art needlework editor of Good Housekeeping
from 1919 to 1940, this Nashville native also designed quilts, and had a
successful business in kits and finished quilts, hiring quilters in Kentucky
to execute the patterns she had developed. She designed booklets of quilt
patterns that were marketed under her name for Montgoemry Ward and Lockport
Batting. Hope that helps!
Now about that binding question!! I didn’t get any responses when I asked
before about a starting date for the French double fold binding. Who
knows?? I looked in Clues in the Calico, and all it talks about is straight
vs. bias binding, and binding width. What is the earliest dated quilt on
which you have seen the double binding?
Was shopping in Waldenbooks or another mall chain the other day and ran
across a coffee table sized quilt book filled with huge pictures of antique
quilts! It’s called “America’s Glorious Quilts” by Dennis Duke and Deborah
Harding. Even better- it was on sale from $75 down to $24!! It does have a
small section of contemporary quilts, but mostly wonderful antiques! Maybe
you can watch for it.
Jennifer in weird weather Iowa-when it stayed so warm in Oct. that the
leaves didn’t change color, and now it has snowed twice on green leaves!
alb
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 1997 12:28:08 -0600 (CST) | From: [from unknown, signed “nancy Schott”]
I am in a quandry. I have a quilt that was made in 1850 by my great
great grandmother. I am taking proper care of it but it always bothers
me that it just sits, here, in my house, no one ever sees it, etc. It
is very well done – an applique.
I keep thinking I should give it to a museum where it can be stored in
even better conditions, occasionally exhibited ( it should be seen),
etc. I have talked to Sturbridge Village about it. I trust them.
But then there is that feeling that I’m giving away a piece of my
family. But then there is that feeling that the village could protect
it better. I go back and forth.
What would you do?
nancy Schott
Date: Tue, 04 Nov 1997 16:32:44 -0600 | From: Angie Helman
In an earlier note Jennifer mentioned the book “America’s Glorious
Quilts”. This is indeed a beautiful book – I bought a copy 5 or 6 years
ago and haven’t seen it for sale recently – but I have always seen it at
discount places – so just be warned NOT to buy it for full price!!!!
($25 seems to be the typical “discount” price) I got mine at Sam’s –
strange place to pick up a quilt book!
Angie – enjoying a perfect October day in New Orleans
angel [at] communique [dot] net
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 1997 18:37:28 -0500 (EST) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 97-11-04 06:27:02 EST, you write:
<<
I’m at work and don’t have access to my books, but I know
that there is a chapter on Ann(e) Orr in one of Merikay
Waldvogel’s books, I want to say Soft Covers for Hard
Times, but it could be Quilts of Tennessee that she
>>
BINGO, MARY,,it is indeed SOFT COVERS..AND alot of into to boot..a chapter
from page 24 thru 37..lots of great info..plus reference on pages 1, 14, 41,
42, 46, 47, & 92..
then for an added treat..her daughter ANNE CHAMPE ORR..there is info on pages
35 and 37..and also the HUNTERS.. Anne had married JOHN HUNTER ORR, from a
wealthy TN family..and they had three daughters..MARY HUNTER, VIRGINIA
CLAIBORNE, & ANNE CHAMPE. So the info in this book touches on them as
well..I KNEW in the back of my mind I had seen/read/had this info..and thanx
to you, MARY..it jogged my memory..sitting here right on my bookshelf!!
I also know that Kris has the book for sale..for anyone interested in reading
or if any one is doing research…or let me know how much I can post from
the book without a problem..Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB
Date: Tue, 04 Nov 1997 21:58:02 +0400 | From: Xenia Cord Hi, all – as a part of an ongoing research project, I am interested in
purchasing uncut applique kits from the 1920s-30s, or pieced kits from
the same time period. I would of course prefer them in the original
wrappings/boxes, so that I could see what company offered them or where
they were mailed from, but I am also interested in partially done tops,
if all/most of the unfinished work is there.If anyone has one of these UFOs lying around, please e-mail me at the
address above. TIAXenia, in Indiana
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 1997 23:16:58 -0500 (EST) | From: BBMorris [at] aol [dot] comJust got a copy of the new book from Barbara Brackman on Civil War quilts.
Haven’t finished reading it yet but sure will. It is one of those that I
find hard to put down.Barbara in GADate: Sun, 2 Nov 1997 23:58:53 -0800 | From: nikdeb [at] juno [dot] com (Debra L Hofland)Hello, quilting fans:Someone noted earlier…..If airing outside is not an option, lay the quilt out on the floor,
cover it
>with old newspapers (the ink is good and dry on them), fold the quilt
>loosely and place in a large, clean box. Change the newspapers every few
days
>until the odor disappears. Something about newsprint absorbs musty
odors.This has nothing to do with Quilting, but I couldn’t resist. Before my
real life began (that would be the stage I’m in right now), I was a
Tupperware Consultant, andDID YOU KNOW…..?Newspaper, loosely cruncheled (yes! I’m SURE that is really a word…at
my house) will ALSO take out smells from your old Tupperware! Amazing,
hey?That was one thing we told our customers to do to get out icky smells (or
setting the piece out in the sunlight for a day or two).I’d love to know if it really works on musty quilts. Do you suppose it
would work on old books, too?Deb in Spokane
Date: Tue, 4 Nov 1997 20:57:06 -0800 | From: ayjones [at] tacoma [dot] nwrain [dot] net (Yvonne Jones)After Allen took his big spoon and stirred up the group it occurred to me
that I am looking for information but may not have a lot to add to the
group.I love reading about quilt history and have even participated in
quilt documentation in Washington State.But again I can not tell you
anything new about quilt history other than what I read and it seem that
most of the QHL members read the same books. As a collector of antique
quilts I can share about my quilts and today I start off telling you about
a quilt that has a pattern that I feel is interesting.I’m not sure why I’m
drawn to this pattern, it’s a 30’s quilt and everyone that knows me very
well knows that I have a passion for the 1800’s applique quilts done in red
and green with lots of hand quilting.My quilt or I should say quilts because I have two with this pattern is
Steps to the Alter.One quilt history book says the pattern was first
published in 1934 by Capper’s Weekly in Topeka, Kansas under the name “The
Rainbow Around the World”. Another book on quilt history says it is Postage
Stamp from a Capper’s Weekly pattern, 1932.This pattern had almost as many
names as it had pieces. The two rows on the inside of the squares are done
in solids.Capper’s Weekly suggested that they be done in blue and green “to
give it unity of design”.Barbara Brackman observes that the yellow and
black combination is a popular choice in Iowa: other quilts have used red
and black.Nancy Martins book MAKE ROOM FOR QUILTS has a picture of two
matching quilts that are this pattern using solids in green and black.This quilt has many names they are: Steps to the Alter, Irish Chain,
Rainbow ‘Round the World,Stepping Stones to Grandmas Garden, Crosshatch,
Quilt of a Thousand Prints, Postage Stamp, Sunshine and Shadow, One Patch,
& Steps in the Flower Garden.
My first Steps to the Alter quilt is scrap 30’s prints, the solids are
purple and black in two rows inside square . The backing is purple.The
1-1/4″ pieces are all hand pieced.The quilt has not been washed, pencil
marks, no wear, one small stain.
The second quilt is in very good condition with no wear at all, but it has
been washed.This quilt turns heads because the 3/4″ pieces are all hand
pieced with a total of thousands of pieces from 20’s & 30’s prints.The
inside pieces are solids of red and green and the out side has a border of
3, 3/4″ strips of white, red and green .If you recall I love red and green
quilts so I feel thankful to it’s maker for using this color combination.
After researching this patter as you saw above many of the quilts used in
the inside of the squares solids are done in blue and green, or yellow and
black or like Nancy Martins twin quilts done in green and black….my two
quilts are neither of the color combinations.
Yvonne
QUILT-Rayjones [at] tacoma [dot] nwrain [dot] net
The QUILT-R 🙂
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 03:09:20 -0500 (EST) | From: SadieRose [at] aol [dot] comI just found the perfect holiday gift for the quilters & chocolate lovers
on your list!! Our local grocery store has the 1997 Milky Way Limited
Edition Holiday Tin, approximately 8″x 8″x 3″, with a 9 block Baltimore Album
quilt done in a “watercolor” style (not a photo of a real BA quilt) complete
with a swag & bow border, on the lid. The sides have a single row of BA
blocks. Colors are red & green with a touch of yellow gold, on a cream
colored background. Inside the tin is a 13 oz. bag of Milky Way Miniatures.
The tins were $4.50 here. Thought I would alert you, this tin would make a
beautiful keepsake, but it’s also big enough to hold your stitching supplies!Happy Stitching & Munching!! Karan from Iowa
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 08:48:41 +0400 | From: Xenia Cord Hi, Nancy: IMHO, we are all just the current custodians of the antique
quilts in our possession. But while we have them we should enjoy what
we have, take them out and share them with interested friends, exhibit
them in appropriate quilt shows, lend them to exhibits. And prepare a
thorough documentation on the history of each. Then – at will-writing
time, or when you are downsizing your life – if no one in the family
shows an interest in assuming the responsibility, make plans to donate
to a museum.Xenia
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 08:54:46 -0500 (EST) | From: Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] comI recently began reading The joy of spinnning, by Marilyn Kluger of Newburgh,
IN. Her husband runs (or did back in 1971) the Newburgh Country Store.She begins by telling how she became interested in spinning (grandmother’s
influence), and her search for a spinning wheel, and then for lessons. Very
well written and interesting.As I was reading the spinning book, I began to think of the various sayings
that we have due to textiles . . . “thread your way through,'” “to be
fleeced,” “pull the wool over someone’s eyes,” “spin a yarn (story), “
“black sheep of the family, “distaff side of the family,” and on and on.When I was doing some earlier research, I remember reading that the word
“spinster” came from the girl/woman who spun thread/yarn at the large wool
wheel/spinning wheel — they would often walk as much as twenty miles a day
while spinning.I am interested in any additional sayings and their origins that others of
you might think of.Thanks.Elisabeth
Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1997 06:33:55 -0800 | From: Biz Storms & Alan Hibben Good morning all. Have a great story to tell. My Mom is an avid fan of
auctions, and have given her a fairly specific list of things to watch
for. Boy, did she ever deliver this last weekend. She managed to find a
smelly, ratty, nine-patch from the 1880’s / 1890’s that had been patched
with the most bilious of feedsack fabrics. Truly nauseating. All the
other folks barely wanted to touch this quilt, but for some reason it
just spoke to her. It measures about 6′ by 6′ and is really scrappy.
Each nine-patch has a pink or red centre with those wonderful old, faded
browns and blues acting as corners to lots of muslins and small prints.
The nine-patches are set on point with brown and black alternating
squares. Since it reeked of must, dust and a variety of possible
barnyard smells, we held our breath and carefully washed it up. The
result? The blessed thing, while badly/desperately/hopelessly in need of
repairs, is just sitting there grinning at me. The best part? It only
cost FIVE DOLLARS since no one else would bid on it. What I had thought
might be a useful source to harvest spare fabric for other quilts (only
20 to 25 percent of the fabric is truly workable) has now stolen my
heart. Just when the world outside gets into the November drearies –
something really neat happens. Any other good “Quilt finding” stories
out there. Would love to hear them. Cheers, Biz in Toronto.
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 08:15:29 -0600 | From: “Lisa Erlandson” Nancy Schott:
Before giving your quilt to any museum, I would want to know the following:
How many quilts do they currently have? How often is each quilt exhibited?
How are they stored?> (I have seen museums with too many quilts, not
enough room and storage problems that would make keeping them in your attic
or garage look better!) Can you put it on a loan to them, so that you could
enjoy it at home part of the time and let the public enjoy it part of the
time?
Just a few thoughts (IMHO) – Lisa in cool, clear TexasDate: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 07:29:21 -0800 | From: lrobins [at] cclink [dot] fhcrc [dot] org (laurarm)Nancy asked for comments on whether or not she should contribute an
old family applique quilt to Sturbridge Village. That’s certainly an
tough question.One factor might be “will the next generation in the family value it
and care for it as much as you do?” As difficult as it is to fathom,
there are some who don’t really value or appreciate an old quilt, no
matter how beautiful. If you don’t have someone who loves it dearly
and will take care of it, that might be your answer.Another thought – can it be given “On Loan” (like indefinite loan) so
that you can get it back later if you want to? (I love to avoid
irrevocable decisions!)It would be interesting if you’d share your thoughts with us when you
finally decide.Laura in Seattle
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 15:21:26 +0400 | From: Xenia Cord Here are some more phrases or sayings connected with home textile
production:tow-headed or flaxen-haired
true-blue
shuttle (as in: to carry from one place to another)
to raise his hackles
a deep-dyed villain
dyed in the wool
a hank of hair
shoddy or chintzy (referring to coarse or inexpensive fabric; cheap)
linen closet (any linens in yours, or are they all polyester/cottons?)
heirloomXeniaDate: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 15:11:02 -0500 | From: Merry May Cindy (and others, of course!)-
I, too, had problems with fresh leaves that didn’t hold up well under a
crayon, so I painted them with acrylic paints and rolled them onto my
muslin (putting a sheet of paper between the leaf and my roller to protect
it from the paint). It worked very well. After it cured for 24 hours, I
ironed it.
See ya!Merry May (a.k.a. Inspector Cluesew and/or Jessica Four-Patch) 🙂
Schoolhouse Enterprises
gridgees [at] algorithms [dot] com
http://quilt.com/GG
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 12:51:30 -0500 | From: Alan Okay, I admit it. I don’t like using Snowy Bleach, ’cause it doesn’t
dissolve well at all. I’m worried that crystal will get caught in the
fibers and not come out, causing chemical damage from continuous
contact.I have used Clorox II LIQUID – no dissolving problems and small
perfumes. Use it with LOTS of rinsing.Then, last week, I bought the store brand equivalent. Read both
packages, and the active ingredient is good ol’ hydrogen peroxide! The
store brand has some colorant, but none of the things that make it thick
like the Clorox II liquid. And no scent whatsoever.Does anyone have any experience using PLAIN hydrogen peroxide? What
strength do you buy. What amount per wash?This stuff takes longer, but I’ve had excellent results, and no fabric
damage (other than minor stress would incur). I would rather not pay
for all the packaging and stuff if I didn’t have to!Alan
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 16:44:04 -0500 | From: The Lesters Nancy,I know how you feel. I also have a family quilt, although not made by any
one in my family. It was a presentation quilt from a church to my
grandfather (the Pastor). It has signatures of the families that were part
of the church, at that time. It is a very orange quilt–blocks and
signatures are in orange. I’m giving it to the North Platte (NE) Church or
museum. My uncle will make that choice. I just feel that it will mean
more to a lot of people, in that kind of place.Jean
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 13:02:14 -0500 | From: Alan I love (no – live for) double pinks. Don’t ask me why, cause I don’t
like predominantly pink quilts.Then, 1.5 years ago, I came across a double light-blue. Learned that it
wasn’t an anomaly.This past weekend, I started re-restoring a tyed quilt. Probably one of
my first restorations (very good, but very amateur) – a top that I
repaired with new fabric that looked appropriate, sewed the new patches
with bright green thread and a small whip stitch – can you believe it?
Well, my roomie claims it as his, so he washed it and the batting shrunk
so badly, it has to be taken apart and retyed. Don’t use felt unless
you wash it first. Great drape, but it’s wool – need I say more?
Anyhow, last weekend, I was removing the patches to be replaced, taking
out the ties, and started to undo the binding.I noticed, next to a double-pink, a double-purple! Dark purple in a
seaweed print. It’s great, but I’ve not consciously noticed it before.Also, while re-doing this quilt, I realized what an old top it is. It
was purchased intitially because it’s neat (axehead pattern), but I now
know that it’s much older than I thought when I bought it (c. 1890).
Great scraps of different fabrics. Interesting stuff, these quilts.Alan
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 09:57:32 -0500 | From: Alan I was remarking to someone last month that, in terms of quilts, this has
been a remarkable year for me. I had the pleasure and honor of seeing
not one, but three (count ’em, three!) broderie perse quilts from very
early last century. Until that conversation, it hadn’t really occurred
to me, but wow……This thought came up because I did hear from the lady researching her
ancestress’ will (1735). The ancestress, Suzanna, dies in 1735/6. The
lady researching is really disappointed that the broderie wasn’t really
done then (evidently I’m not the only one to have told her this). Now
she’s headed toward researching French needlework (the family came from
the Languedoc region of France). Any ideas where she can start looking
for this?I’ve also suggested she might want to have someone familiar with wills
and the needlework listed in them look at her will.Boy, now I’m really curious!Alan
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 16:59:50 -0500 | From: Alan They’re not old, but the local Quiltfest 1997 is this coming weekend,
November 7-9. Its at the Morrocco Shrine Auditorium, 4800 South St.
Johns Bluff Road, Jacksonville, FL. 12-7 Fri, 9-5 Sat, 12-5 Sun.I’ll be there a lot, since I’m on the board. If you go, look for a guy
with a blondish ponytail and a ‘stache. I may also have a half-crazed
look by Friday afternoon – I’m doing set-up that a.m.Alan
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 17:41:32 +0000 | From: “The Garretts” I just found some old Quilt World magazines and several have a continuing
series titled Quilts in History by Mary Louise Kitsen. In the January/February
1981 issue there are two paragraphs about 2 types of quilts I am not aat all
familiar with. I would be very grateful for any comments you knowledgeable
historians could make on the information. Thank you.I quote —
As the country started to grow, things became somewhat easier and ladies became
involved with making quilts which were decorative as well as useful. In the
long years of the Revolution, starting in 1776, Liberty quilts became very
popular. Most had a central eagle and a large percentage had a wreath of stars
which formed a circle about the eagle. Very often the number of stars
coincided with the number of states in the Union and if you have such a quilt,
this may help you put a more accurate date on it.
In the 1820’s and 1830’s stenciled quilts were in vogue. During this fad, the
attractive designs were dye-painted onto the top of the quilt with the
quilt-maker using stencils.All of the eagle quilts I have seen in this area were dated second half of the
1800s. Am I missing knowledge of a whole group of quilts — 1700s eagles?
Also, I am not at all familiar with stenciled quilts — when, where made,
designs, whatever. Thank you for your help.Also, in the March/April 1980 issue she had a nice definition of a legend,
which reminded me of our Underground Railroad Quilts. “Let’s remember just
what a legend is. It is a bit of folk history which may or may not be true.
It may be based on truth but changed somewhat in telling through long years.
Sometimes we do not know just how true a legend is. Usually, we want to
believe them because they are charming and happy tales.” I thought it
described the situation well.Barb in southeastern PA
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 18:30:57 -0500 (EST) | From: JZgliniec [at] aol [dot] comSubj:Re: QHL: Textile sayings, proverbs, & colloquialismsDear Elisabeth,There are many words that come from the preparation of flax and weaving also.
Tools
Shuttle – carries the weft back and forth across the loom, Shuttle bus etc.Heckle – (hetchel) at ool with sharp points that is used to prepare the
fibers of the flax plant after they have been retted.Tenterhooks – a machime used to stretch finished goods out to the proper
width.Run of the mill – mass produced clothFiber PreparationTow the Line – Tow is the short fiber that falls away from the line or long
fiber, tow headed boy and flaxen haired girls have the same color hair
althought of different lengths.Dyed in the Wool – the fleece was dyed before spinning and the color is in
all the fiber ot through and through.Wool gathering – people would go out to the fields and gather wool that had
been shed from the animals .I am sure there are more but these came to mind. Be really really careful
if you start spinning. I started in 1990 and there is just not enough time
to do everything, It is just as addicting as quilting. It will however
enrich your understanding of textile production and history. Also, You may
find yourself brushing the dog more frequently !Regards,
Julia Zgliniec…..inPoway, CA where it has been HOT, HOT….to hot for the
sweaters that I make from the fleece of my friend’ s sheep and goats.
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 18:42:36 +0400 | From: Xenia Cord To Alan and Qhlers, and indirectly to the woman researching her 1735
ancestor:I don’t know where Langedoc is, in France, but 2 excellent books on
French quilts-embroidery-costume are Biehn, Michel, EN JUPON PIQUE ET
ROBE D’INDIENNE (in French, 1987), and Berenson, Kathryn, QUILTS OF
PROVENCE (1996). Both are centered on Provencal needlework. Berenson
is working on volume 2, by the way.XeniaDate: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 18:37:11 -0500 | From: “Rebecca Q. Elder” Does anyone by chance have a copy of an old magazine…Dec 1974/Jan
1975…Olde Time Needlework. I would like to make a baby quilt with the
Kate Greenaway Village Scenes. I am working on a Baby’s Day Quilt in
redwork from the November 76 issue and have fallen in love with redwork
quilts. I have also made the Noah’s Ark quilt in Quilts for all
Seasons. I like being able to carry the small squares around with me as
I do the outline work. Just leave them in the car and work as I go.Any help finding the Kate Greenaway patterns will be appreciated.Becky Elder
Disputanta, VA
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 19:23:01 -0500 (EST) | From: JZgliniec [at] aol [dot] comDear Elisabeth,There are many words that come from the preparation of flax and weaving also.
Tools
Shuttle – carries the weft back and forth across the loom, Shuttle bus etc.Heckle – (hetchel) at ool with sharp points that is used to prepare the
fibers of the flax plant after they have been retted.Tenterhooks – a machime used to stretch finished goods out to the proper
width.Run of the mill – mass produced clothFiber PreparationTow the Line – Tow is the short fiber that falls away from the line or long
fiber, tow headed boy and flaxen haired girls have the same color hair
althought of different lengths.Dyed in the Wool – the fleece was dyed before spinning and the color is in
all the fiber ot through and through.Wool gathering – people would go out to the fields and gather wool that had
been shed from the animals .I am sure there are more but these came to mind. Be really really careful
if you start spinning. I started in 1990 and there is just not enough time
to do everything, It is just as addicting as quilting. It will however
enrich your understanding of textile production and history. Also, You may
find yourself brushing the dog more frequently !Regards,
Julia Zgliniec…..inPoway, CA where it has been HOT, HOT….to hot for the
sweaters that I make from the fleece of my friend’ s sheep and goats.
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 1997 16:05:28 -0900 | From: “john or leah bush” Hi.
After admiring old quilts for some time, I’ve decided I’d like to start
collecting them. Only thing is I have no idea where to begin. Can anyone
offer any suggestions? I’m looking for books that would be good to read,
the best places to find antique quilts and any thing else that would be
helpful to a total beginning collector. I look forward to hearing your
suggestions. Thanks alot. Leah in Kodiak.
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 18:35:24 -0800 | From: The Waites For Nancy:Is Sturbridge Village interested in having your quilt is my first
question? Frequently museums are not interested unless it is something
they need for their collection or is of specific historical
significance.If they are interested, perhaps they could suggest another option than
an outright gift. You could loan it to them until your death and then
bequeath it to them. Or you might have other relatives that would like
to have it once you are gone.It’s an interesting subject and I hope we can discuss it further becaue
I’m sure there are others with the same quandry.Audrey in Sedona, AZ
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 21:26:15 +0400 | From: Xenia Cord Hi, Leah –
You asked how a beginning collector gets started, what to read, and
where to look for antique quilts. I think you would enjoy reading Rod
Kiracofe, The American Quilt, Sandi Fox, For Purpose and Pleasure, and
Elizabeth Warren and Sharon Eisenstadt, Glorious American Quilts. These
will all give you a look at quilts from the past, and perhaps give an
ideal view of what kinds of quilts have been made. By that I mean, what
is available on the open market is often not as spectacular, nor as
diverse, as the collections in these books.In my opinion, major quilt shows are often the best place to see antique
quilts in the aggregate. The Houston International Quilt Festival, just
past, had literally hundreds of antique quilts, from probably $200 and
up (and up, and up!). As one of the vendors of antique quilts there at
the show, I can tell you that the quality and quantity are maintained
from year to year. Most of these vendors also have shops at home.There are also antique quilts available for viewing and purchase on the
internet. While most dealers who have websites have seen the internet
as an international showcase for their wares, this sort of marketing can
be tricky for both the seller and the buyer, so caution may be a good
idea. Generally, we say that if you don’t know much about what you are
buying, then you should know (or have confidence in) your dealer.There is no substitute for educating yourself as a means of assuring
that you understand what you are buying. I guess, having seen buyers
from the seller’s point of view, that if you aren’t sure about a piece,
don’t buy it; another opportunity will present itself. Buy the best you
can get for the money you have to spend, and don’t buy purely as an
investment; buy it because you like it. Decide what flaws you will
accept, and learn to live with the occasional mistake!I envy you just starting out – there is a lot of wonderful stuff out
there, just waiting for you to discover it!Xenia, in Indiana (who sells antique quilts, too)
Date: Thu, 06 Nov 1997 08:33:12 -0600 | From: Laura Hobby Syler john or leah bush wrote:
>
> Hi.
> After admiring old quilts for some time, I’ve decided I’d like to start
> collecting them. Only thing is I have no idea where to begin. Can anyone
> offer any suggestions? I’m looking for books that would be good to read,
> the best places to find antique quilts and any thing else that would be
> helpful to a total beginning collector. I look forward to hearing your
> suggestions. Thanks alot. Leah in Kodiak.Leah: Congratulations!!! You’ve just been bitten by the bug like the
rest of us! First, get a copy of Clues in the Calico, Brackman. I’ts a
great place to start learning about antique quilts. Then there is the
Meller and Elffers book: Textile Designs (that wonderful coffeetable
book $85 or so, but IMHO for beginners, a wonderful way to learn fabric
dating.) Next go for any of the state project books. and then from
there….Kris has a book list on the web page…check those out.Welcome! You are in for a wonderful treat!
Laura
Date: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 22:01:54 -0500 | From: Ricki Maietta Jocelyn said: >so unless I could find the EXACT same fabric, I can’t
>replace anything.I don’t know who much fabric you’re talking about, & a large amount wouldn’t
probably work, but don’t forget – we can now color photocopy fabric &
transfer it to cotton & use THAT to restore! Ah – technology. . .RickiDate: Wed, 05 Nov 1997 22:01:57 -0500 | From: Ricki Maietta Alan said: >Barbara Brackman’s “Clues” said the
>earliest dated broderie was around 1775 (can’t remember exactly ). All
>the photographs were between 1800 and 1845. The districts I found were
>from about Virginia through Massachussets.There is a local woman her in northcentral PA who has a family heirloom
broderie perse quilt. She has the COMPLETE history on it, including the
names, etc., of the 2 sisters who made it. They were from the Kennett
Square area of PA, near Philadelphia, & the quilt was made in the 1820s.IT IS GORGEOUS! I had it as the “star” of my antique exhibit at our museum
last year. In PERFECT condition, never washed, the most fabulous tiny, tiny
buttonhole stitches around the cutouts – & it’s mostly green on white (I’ve
seen so many blue or brown ones).I often wonder, in a case such as these elaborate broderie perse quilts –
what quilt technique or tradition lead up to them? It seems to me that
something this “full-blown” as a genre didn’t just appear out of no where –
and being a new country, our answer probably lies in Europe. Any European
quilters on the list?Ricki
