September 12 – 15, 1998
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:
- Male Quilters — History and Resources — Anthony Jones introduces himself as a male quiltmaker seeking lecture material, sparking a wide-ranging exchange citing Florence Peto’s research, children’s books like ‘Sam Johnson and the Blue Ribbon Quilt,’ Hawaiian male quilters, and a 13-year-old boy’s signed Redwork quilt.
- AQSG Seminar Reports from Omaha (Day 2) — Alice Cruz continues reporting from the conference, covering Day 2 panels on studying quilts through different scholarly lenses, and the QHL meetup over lunch.
- House and Property History Research — Members advise Annastina on tracing her property’s history through deeds, tax rolls, and the book ‘House Histories’ by Sally Light, after she discovers bones in her backyard.
- Log Cabin Quilts Exhibition in Oregon — Mary Cross announces she is curating a log cabin quilt exhibition for an Oregon museum and mentions Louise Townsend’s Mt. St. Helens Barn Raising Log Cabin quilt.
- Crib Quilt Completion Dilemma — Members advise on whether to finish quilting a crib quilt top whose intended recipient passed away, encouraging the maker to complete it as a memorial.
- Anchorage Log Cabin Quilters Guild Show — Rachel August reports on the Anchorage guild’s annual quilt show, which awards ribbons by popular vote rather than juried competition.
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 22:26:19 EDT | From: Tom1Glo2 [at] aol [dot] com
I have made about 5 flannel quilts under the tuteledge of Fabric Expression people in Denver. They advised me to use the lightest poly batt available as even the two layers of flannel make them heavy and warm. I also machine quilted them and it is great. The stitches kind of settle right in the ditch and one doesn’t see them. They also advised me to wash the flannel twice in very hot water and toss them into the dryer so the maximum shrinkage will occur.
Question – I have a large square quilt top with the large red and green cockscomb type design appliqued. It is done on a linen background that consist of two pieces sewed together with very fine stitches. I have had it myself for about 20 years. any suggestions on what to do with it – display Quilt it? What?
Gloria in coastal NC
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 23:26:14 EDT | From: Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] com
Annastina,
Go to your local city/town hall — wherever land deeds and tax roles are kept. They should have a Lot and Plot # for your house.
Also ask at the reference section or local history/genealogical section of the local library.
Elisabeth
Ds and I have also found a map showing our neighborhood divided into plots with the names of the landowner/farmer ~ unfortunately, I can’t get a gauge on where our house would be as no roads or landmarks that would help us identify our location existed then. I guess I need to trace back to the building of our house and before. We’re only the third owners since 1922.
How would I do this? I think I got a look at the abstract years ago when we bought the place and was curious then – but it didn’t say anything.
Any suggestions?
— >>
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 22:44:01 -0500 (CDT) | From: akcruz [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com
The 2nd day of the conference began with a panel discussion – Looking At Quilts Through Different Lenses. The panelists and their “lens” were Bobbie Aug (historian), Sharon Newman (appraiser), Robert & Ardis James (collectors), Camille Cogna (restorer), and Deborah Bede (conservator). The members of the panel looked at and discussed three different quilts. One was a Victorian Crazy Quilt, another an African-American wool log cabin quilt, the 3rd a 4th quarter 1800s Puss in the Corner quilt with Centennial fabric backing.
Fascinating to here the differences between how each of these panelist viewed the same quilt, regardless of which of the 3 quilts was being discussed. The conservator sees a quilt that needs very little done to it. Stablization, nothing ir-reversible. The restorer thinks about how a quilt can be repaired to fit the needs/desires of the owner.
The collectors look at design, condition, how much it speaks to them. Whether it is an addition to the collection, will improve the collection. Price of course is a factor, as is the care & repair a quilt needs. Ardis James has a wonderful understated humor. When asked if she would pay $75 for a certain quilt, she thought about it just a moment, then replied “If I *had* to”.
Appraisers learn to set aside their own feelings about a quilt and evaluate it strictly as it stands on its own, with the consideration of the current market.
The historian considers whether repairs to the quilt will alter it’s historical significance.
Exciting differences of opinions! Like yesterday, the allotted timed passed much too quickly.
Camille Cognac’s Keynote Address opened the afternoon session. From her reversible quilt (B&W on one side, a full spectrum on the other) to her Crayola props, she spoke on the importance of including and even welcoming all aspects of quilters & quilting. The entire address will be published in the next issue of the Quilt Restoration Society Newsletter.
Show & Tell! Seeing the jewels others have discovered. Discussions of what will be done (if anything) to a damaged find. Snapping photos. Groaning in jealousy at someone elses $45 pre-Civil War quilt find! Oohs & aahs at quilts that spoke to us. My personal favorite was Jennifer Perkins’ clone of last year’s yellow quilt top. Not only did she find the perfect fabrics, including a fabulous yellow, for her duplication, she used one of my favorite fabrics – a Pilgrim Roy Electric Seaweed in a green/teal blue colorway. Patterns for several of the Dead Quilt Society’s best (worst??) quilts will be available soon. Mary Waller did a wonderful job drafting many of these on the computer. There was a silent auction and an oral auction. The orphan quilts adopted last year were auctioned off by our resident used car saleswoman, Shirley McElderry. She did a great job of pulling bids from the not-always-reluctant bidders. The salvaged/restored/remade pieces, along with several donated items were greeted with enthusiam and spirited bidding. Bill Kirk, who has never been to an auction <G>, was driving up the price of one bright rayon fabric collection even as he held an animated conversation at the back of the room. He wasn’t successful in his attempt to acquire it, as Nancy hustled him from the room before he could scratch his head with the winning bid. That’s the news, Saturday, September 12, 1998.
Good night Chet. Good night David.
Alice Cruz
The Quilted Chile akcruz [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 22:53:51 -0500 (CDT) | From: akcruz [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com
With lots of planning, replanning & finally finding a time when we could get almost all the QHLers together at the same time in a place *not* the bathroom, we gathered for an official Group Photo. Our staff photographer arranged us on the steps, then took a picture or 2 with each of the cameras we had laid on the ground before her. Someone has plans to post our group mug shot on the website for your viewing pleasure.
For you QHLers who couldn’t make it, you have been missed. Hope you will be in next year’s Official Portrait!
Alice Cruz
The Quilted Chile akcruz [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com
Date: Sat, 12 Sep 1998 22:55:36 -0500 (CDT) | From: akcruz [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com
If you have any info on the division of quilts, please post it on QHL. I would post Sharon Tandy’s email address, but that would mean walking upstairs & finding it in my book. I’m tired & a little bit lazy. Besides, I want to hear about it too <G>.
Alice Cruz
The Quilted Chile akcruz [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 06:12:23 -0400 | From: Gwen Shapiro <ghs [at] islc [dot] net>
Good Morning,
Very interesting story about your home.
How do you feel at night knowing the bones are there, could it be a grave yard? Where are you located? Would you be interested in a state Block exchange?
Thanks GWen
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 07:37:44 -0400 | From: Anthony Jones <ajones2 [at] tampabay [dot] rr [dot] com
Hello QHLer, I’m an artist, teacher, and quiltmaker who happens to be a man. As was inevitable, I’ve been asked to do a lecture on the attraction quilting holds for men. Although that’s just as loaded as asking what attraction carpentry holds for a woman, the intention is sincere, genuine and well meaning. I see it as an opportunity to educate and possibly breakdown some stereotypes.
If you know of resources or have information or stories, personal or otherwise, relating to male participation in the history of quilting, I’d appreciate your help. I’d like to make this as comprehensive as possible and concentrate on the historical perspetive rather than the contemporary art quilters.
Thank you. You may either post to the list or reply privately. My eddress is ajones2 [at] tampabay [dot] com.
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 08:09:59 EDT | From: Kittencat3 [at] aol [dot] com
Annastina –
First, if you’re interested in the history of your property, go to the local Registry of Deeds and have the title run. This will give you a complete history of when the land was subdivided, who owned it, and so on. If the old farm was turned into housing plots any time in the last fifty years, the book of plans for the subdivision should still be on file. This won’t cost you anything if you do it yourself, or you could hire a title examiner for a small fee (around $50-100, tops, depending on the complexity of the title run). Many Registries are computerized these days, but it can be just as much fun to read through an old Registry book and see metes and bounds like, “From the King’s Highway fifteen ells to a heap of stones, thence turning and running southeasterly sixteen ells to the butternut tree….”
As for the bones – if you live anywhere near a land grant university, call the local Cooperative Extension (or whatever they call the agricultural service) and set up an appointment with a biologist or anthropologist. If you don’t live near an aggie, find the nearest liberal arts school with a good biology, archaeology or history department. They should be able to tell you what you need to know.
Good luck.
Lisa Evans
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 12:34:47 EDT | From: Crowcreek2 [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 9/13/98 4:38:24 AM Pacific Daylight Time, ajones2 [at] tampabay [dot] rr [dot] com writes:
<<
If you know of resources or have information or stories, personal or otherwise, relating to male participation in the history of quilting, I’d appreciate your help >>
Hi Anthony, my son seems to be on the same track as me. He is only 10 and loves to sew, 2 years ago he helped me piece a “delectable mountain”, by putting the triangles together for me and making it go faster for me. He truely believed it was his quilt, being only 8 at the time. He also wanted to do some hand quilting, and of course the stitches are still in the quilt! The quilt was donated to a family in need. But the memories are priceless! He saw me making a bear the other day, and has already picked out the one he wants to make. My husband has a hard time with his eagerness to design and make things in the sewing room. How do I encourage his creativeness without him feeling “girlish”?
thank you for any help…denise in henderson, NV
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 14:36:30 -0400 (EDT) | From: JOCELYNM [at] delphi [dot] com
>husband has a hard time with his eagerness to design and make things in the sewing room. How do I encourage his creativeness without him feeling “girlish”? thank you for any help…denise in henderson, NV
Denise,
Get some history books about the places and times where sewing was a man’s job!
Jocelyn
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 14:19:55 -0500 | From: Merry May <gridgees [at] algorithms [dot] comElisabeth wrote:
> I had planned on using Warm and Natural as the batting for my throw-sized flannel quilt. Now am wondering if that will be ‘too’ warm, and should I use another layer of flannel, or even polyester?
Hi, Elisabeth 🙂
I always use Hobbs’ Thermore when making flannel quilts. It’s very lightweight, so it doesn’t add a lot of “heft” to the quilt (also won’t crush the recipient!).
Afraid I can’t help with the question about knots… I either do utility quilting or machine quilting on my flannel quilts.
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 14:13:37 -0500 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co [at] mail [dot] airmail [dot] net
Elizabeth,
I’m trying to find a good written description of a surgeon’s knot in one of our flyfishing books. I use it when I build leaders for my fly line, but I’m not sure I can really put it into words…check the Orvis store there in Houston and see what they can give you.
At 09:33 AM 9/12/98 EDT, Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] com wrote:
>Would someone please explain how to tie a surgeon’s knot for tying a flannel quilt?
>Also, which is better, the surgeon’s knot or a square knot? One quilt shop says ‘surgeon,’ the other says ‘square.’
🙂
>Thanks.
>Elisabeth
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 16:41:18 EDT | From: BFquilter [at] aol [dot] com
Hi Everyone,
I’ve been watching with curiousity the discussion on saving human hair and using it for various projects. Yesterday I happened to visit a local county museum and they had the little container that hair was saved in and two fabulous pictures that were made from twisted hair. It looked almost as if they had been crocheted. Also, they had a pocket watch chain that was made from braided human hair. Very interesting!
On another note; I would like to ask the group about a quilting frame that my husband brought home from a gargage sale. It is the type that has 4 wooden rods that are held together with vices at the corners & set over chairs for support. The rods are marked every inch but there is a hole drilled through at every inch marking. Can anyone tell me the purpose of the holes?
Love reading this digest,
Barb in MN
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 20:31:53 EDT | From: CABHoney [at] aol [dot] com
How can I get or read a copy of AQSG’s “Oral Tradition Project?” I have the booklet they put out on interviewing, but I get the impression there is a book about a project they’ve done.
Cindy in Norman, Ok, where we’ve had 3 inches of rain in the past 24 hours, (praise the Lord), after 93 days of no rain and mostly temperatures around 100 degrees!
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 20:44:15 EDT | From: Meredit300 [at] aol [dot] com
To Sharon Harleman Tandy:
My mother had an unlined crazy quilt handed down in her family which she said one day she would give to someone other than my sister or me as she did not want us to fight over “things.” We assured her we would not but she persisted in not knowing how to decide. I finally (I am the older sister) said, “Maybe we both can have it.”
Again, Mother said, “I can’t bear for you to fight.” I asked if I might divide it and she said YEs, in a rather plaintive voice. Before she had time to change her mind I took it and tore it in half down the middle. Fortunately it was assembled so it tore easily. I handed them to my sister and said, “Choose”. My mother remained in shock for quite awhile. End of story is that my half is still stored with my quilts from family; my sister on the other hand took her home, made it into a wall hanging for herself and three smaller several block hangings, one for each of her children. They are beautifully done; framed and backed in velvet with the story of where they came from on the back.
Yes, of course I say I will do that one day but when……??? Meredith Rials at Meredit300 [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 22:12:10 EDT | From: Feathrwate [at] aol [dot] com
The holes drilled in the boards of quiltframes are to use in tightening the quilt in the frame. One uses a nail in the appropriate hole to hold the frame in place, thus the quilt is taut.
Linda
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 21:50:48 -0400 | From: “Phyllis Twigg” <ptwigg [at] radix [dot] net>
I teach first grade and I always read the book Sam Johnson and the Blue Ribbon Quilt to show the kids that men quilt,too.
Phyllis
—–Original Message—–
From: Anthony Jones <ajones2 [at] tampabay [dot] rr [dot] com> To: QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com <QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com>
Date: Sunday, September 13, 1998 7:39 AM
Subject: QHL: Re: male quilters
>Hello QHLer, I’m an artist, teacher, and quiltmaker who happens to be a man. As was inevitable, I’ve been asked to do a lecture on the attraction quilting holds for men. Although that’s just as loaded as asking what attraction carpentry holds for a woman, the intention is sincere, genuine and well meaning. I see it as an opportunity to educate and possibly breakdown some stereotypes.
>If you know of resources or have information or stories, personal or otherwise, relating to male participation in the history of quilting, I’d appreciate your help. I’d like to make this as comprehensive as possible and concentrate on the historical perspetive rather than the contemporary art quilters.
>Thank you. You may either post to the list or reply privately. My eddress is ajones2 [at] tampabay [dot] com.
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 98 00:24:00 PDT | From: “Maxine” <MaxQuilts [at] worldnet [dot] att [dot] net
I recently did a road trip down in Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia and Pennsylvania (not necessarily in that order mind you). Since one of the objectives of the trip was to brake for every antique mall, shop, barn, flea Market, within striking distance we saw quite a bit. And bought quite a bit as well. One of the items that found its way back to Massachusetts with me was a small folding table – 36 inches long – I know this because it has the inches marked along one edge. The wood of the top is stained much lighter along the center than either edge and of course the strip that has the measurments is also much lighter. I have seen these tables around Brimfield on occasion but would like to know what the original use was – can anyone help me?
Thanks
Maxine
Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 21:13:05 -0700 | From: “August, Rachel” <papillon [at] alaskalife [dot] net
On Saturday and Sunday, the Anchorage Log Cabin Quilters Guild held its annual quilt show. This is not a juried competition…rather ribbons are awarded based upon ballots cast by folks who attend the show…People’s Choice. Approximately 100 quilts were displayed in the atrium of ARCO’s office building.
1st Place…Blue…was awarded to a lovely watercolor quilt depicting a city scape and rainbow.
2nd Place…Red…was awarded to a red and green scrap quilt comprised of flying geese and squares.
3rd Place…White…was awarded to three (?) quilts which tied with the same number of votes.
Best of Show…Purple…was awarded to Blue Moon, a New York Beauty quilt consisting of 342 blocks and 342 different fabrics made by…ME…ME…ME…ME.
Typing this message has required an inordinate amount of time because I have to stop between words to fondle my ribbon 🙂
In February, Anchorage is the host of the Fur Rendezvous, our winter carnival. The festivities include juried craft exhibits. Blue Moon received a blue ribbon and one of two people’s choice ribbons.
I have never entered anything in a show before, and no one is more surprised than I am at my success. However, this is a stunning, breath-taking quilt. I am honored that it has received such praise from fellow quilters and quilt lovers and had to share my moment of glory with everyone. When I get my web site up and running, I’ll include a picture of it. ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~
Rachel August papillon [at] alaskalife [dot] net
Please remember to smile whenever you think of me.
Y2K Quilt List… http://www.onelist.com/archives.cgi/Y2Kquilts ~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 02:27:34 -0400 | From: Anthony Jones <ajones2 [at] tampabay [dot] rr [dot] com>
A children’s book. What a wonderful idea. This may also address Jocelyn’s post.
I found a reference an amish gentleman made in his journal that with the weather so bad all they could do was stay in and help the women with the quilting. (interesting, in such a patriarchal group.) I’ve also found one good source so far. It’s called “20th Century Quilts” by T. Woodward and B. Greenstein. Has info on a Mr. Charles Pratt who apparently became very well known in the quilt world of the thirtys and forties. During the mosaics craze of the thirties, Mr. Albert Small executed a quilt using over 60,000 hexagons. He is reported to have made one containing over 120,000 pieces. There’s also a beautiful applique quilt made by a Mr. and Mrs Normann of Texas also around the 30s. It is a scene of the signing of the Declaration of Independencs surrounded by embroidered portraits of all the presidents up to Hoover, and a melange of patriotic symbols. Truly breathtaking. Three of the local men quilters I know are part of husband and wife teams. It also lists and shows the work several other gentleman. This concentrates on quilts from the 20s to the 40s if you’re interested. There’s a Cranes quilt by Hannah Hayes Headlee that I’ve always admired. I based my Flamingo quilt on what I thought it looked like. This book has a full page reproduction. It is much more beautiful and detailed than the little postage stamp sized pictures I’d seen before. I may have to make a copy. Wish me luck..
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 04:11:21 -0500 | From: Swede <kittyboxers [at] toledolink [dot] com
Many thanks to all who took the time to give me valuable tips on how to research the history of the land my Ohio house sits on! This looks like it’s going to be a fun project and I’ll keep you all updated as my search and bone inquiry unfolds!
Thanks again!
Annastina
—
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 08:36:17 -0400 | From: [from unknown, signed “Debbie in NJ”]
There is a gentleman from NJ who does a humorus lecture called “The rooster in the henhouse” for guilds. Anthony if you email me I will send you his email address.
I use Hobbs Organic cotton batting in my flannel quilts. Its thin and it “breathes” so its not too warm or heavy.
Debbie in NJ
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 09:16:48 EDT | From: RBCochran [at] aol [dot] com
Anthony–
The nationally known quilt figure Florence Peto was always interested in male quilters. For instance, she was a great proponent of Charles “Dad” Pratt who made biblical pictorial quilts from thousands of tiny squares–one example being “Ninety and Nine.” She often included that quilt in her lectures.
Your library might have a copy of her book Historic Quilts in which she has a chapter on male quilters which will give you an historic persepective. Published in 1939, the book is out of print.
–Rachel
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 14:15:08 +0000 | From: Steve and Jean Loken <sandjloken [at] worldnet [dot] att [dot] net
Haven’t written in a while, but my DH and I will be traveling in Utah for most of the second half of Sept. I’m wondering if anyone knows of places to see old quilts there, in local museums, etc. A new quilt show would not be out of the question, either, though he has little patience for shopping. But we love museums of all sorts. Reply privately if not of general interest. TIA
Jean in Minnesota
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 14:35:45 +0000 | From: Steve and Jean Loken <sandjloken [at] worldnet [dot] att [dot] net>
Me again, in one day! There’s a neat book called “House Histories, a guide to tracing the genealogy of your home” by Sally Light pub. by Golden Hill Press of Spencertown, NY in 1989. It may be available through Inter Library Loan, but was probably not widely distributed. It has lots of details in it. I’m a retired librarian, so saw it when it first came out, and got a copy myself.
Good Luck, Annastina
Jean in unusually hot Minnesota
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 13:51:30 -0400 | From: “Kelchner, Alan” <Alan.Kelchner [at] stdreg [dot] com>
Su
Denise,
Having been there myself, I have only one real suggestion about your son the sewer. Do not make a big deal over the “uniqueness” of his interest. I remember it drove my parents nuts for several years that I didn’t want to go out and play ball with the other kids (and they’re good liberals! <G>). So I suggest treating him as if he were a perfectly average, ball-playing kid. Don’t remark on how different he is (trust me, he knows already). And feed his need to create. Who knows what he’ll be. At 10, I wanted to be a veterinarian ……. now I earn money by sewing.
Alan
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 22:27:59 EDT | From: Feathrwate [at] aol [dot] com
About men quilters:
(I hope that I am doing this right, not sending yesterday’s list all over again)
My husband learned to quilt shortly after I did, in the summer of 1976. He said it was the only way he ever got to visit with me anymore. He soon learned to out-quilt me, quilting both toward himself and away from himself. His stitches were the envy of the older ladies who had taught me at the Baptist Church. He didn’t use a thimble until one day, sore and poky, he told me to go to town and get him one. I told him that’s not how it works, he’d have to try one on. He told me he had no time for going to town to try on thimbles, just to get him the biggest one, and to get all the threads off his clothes, as he had to go to the feedstore (A rough bunch hangs around feedstores in West Texas).
I was telling my group at First Baptist about his helping me plan a log cabin quilt for our winter’s project. One lady asked f he was going to piece it or quilt it. I said he’s probably do a little of both, and she said that reminded her of how her husband learned to crochet: one day she was crocheting, he came in and told her that that looked easy, and she went on to say that before she could stop him, he’d made her two dresses, a red one and a white one. Hope I didn’t go on too long, the gentleman just reminded me of these old stories.
Linda
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 23:02:12 EDT | From: Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] com
The November 1998 issue of “Quilt World” which arrived in my mailbox today, has a two-page article with color photos, entitled “Yes, Men Quilt!”
Elisabeth
<< Anthony Jones <ajones2 [at] tampabay [dot] rr [dot] com> To: QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com <QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com>
Date: Sunday, September 13, 1998 7:39 AM
Subject: QHL: Re: male quilters
>Hello QHLer, I’m an artist, teacher, and quiltmaker who happens to be a man.
As was inevitable, I’ve been asked to do a lecture on the attraction quilting holds for men. Although that’s just as loaded as asking what attraction carpentry holds for a woman, the intention is sincere, genuine and well meaning. I see it as an opportunity to educate and possibly breakdown some stereotypes.
If you know of resources or have information or stories, personal or otherwise, relating to male participation in the history of quilting, I’d appreciate your help. I’d like to make this as comprehensive as possible and concentrate on the historical perspetive rather than the contemporary art quilters. > >>
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 23:08:10 EDT | From: Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] com
Hi Debbie,
Thanks for the batting input. Cotton is what I have just about decided upon. Am waiting for the 26ths when Warm and Natural drops from $8.99 to $4.99 a yard (96 inch wide) at Cloth World (Joanne’s Fabrics).
Elisabeth
<< debatqps [at] juno [dot] com
To: QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com
Subject: QHL: Re:
I use Hobbs Organic cotton batting in my flannel quilts. Its thin and it “breathes” so its not too warm or heavy. >>
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 20:33:10 -0700 | From: Audrey Waite <awquiltr [at] sedona [dot] net
The Utah Quilt Guild Show is September 23-26 in Ogden. The location is the Eccles Conference Center, 2415 Washington Blvd. and is open W-F from 9-9 and Sat from 9-noon. Free admission. Registration information for classes, etc. is available from Virginia Anderson, e-mail:
va20 [at] juno [dot] com.
Have a fun trip.
Audrey in Sedona, AZ
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 20:41:58 -0700 | From: Audrey Waite <awquiltr [at] sedona [dot] net>
If you have a copy of American Quilt Study Group’s UNCOVERINGS from 1990 you’ll find an interesting research paper by Janet Carruth and Laurene Sinema titled: “Emma Andres and Her Six Grand Old Characters”. Emma was a quilter from Prescott, AZ that corresponded with many famous quilters back in the 30s and kept a record of everything she received from them in scrapbooks.
The 6 characters she corresponded with were: Charles Pratt, Harry D. Kendig, Albert Small, Arendt J. Kuelper, Leopold Aul and Milan H. Johnson. Should be an interesting read for you and others that are interested.
Audrey Waite, Sedona, AZ
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 06:27:09 EDT | From: Kittencat3 [at] aol [dot] com
First, I agree with Alan – do NOT make a big fuss over this. If your son is interested in quilting, treat it exactly as you would any other wholesome interest: encourage him, teach him basic principles, buy him books, and let him explore the world of fabric and color. So many men make fun of supposedly “feminine” interests (and what exactly *is* feminine about sewing, except that sewing done at home is traditionally done by women? The most prestigious and best paid sewing is done by male tailors and designers, and I haven’t noticed Karl Lagerfeld worrying about being in a “feminine” profession while he rakes in the millions) that at the very least you’ll have a son who won’t make fun of quilting.
Second, the first person associated with quilting, patchwork or applique whose name we know is a man. Phillipe de Vignuelles was a tailor in Metz, France in the early 16th century. In 1507 he wrote a letter (quoted in QNM about three years ago) boasting of how he’d designed and executed a 7,000 piece patchwork, all on the bias, and exhibited it in the marketplace as a challenge to the public. De Vignuelles offered 10 gold pieces to anyone who could duplicate his feat, and had no takers.
Third, if your son is getting a hard time over this from his friends, here’s what my mother did when I was eight. I was interested in adventure books, classical music, horse racing, and embroidery, not rock ‘n roll, Barbie dolls, and playing dress-up. When I asked my mother why I didn’t have any friends (or why my friends didn’t understand), she told me that I could either give up what gave me pleasure to go along with everyone else, or I could do what I enjoyed and risk being teased. I was too stubborn (and hated Barbie dolls too much) to go along with the crowd, so I decided to do what I pleased. It wasn’t easy for much of my school days, but once I got to college, I was independent, already knew what I wanted, and fit right in with the other iconoclasts on campus.
He’ll be fine. Just don’t make him feel like he’s “weird.” Weirdness is relative, after all…
Lisa Evans
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 11:47:46 +0100 | From: “Sally Ward” <sward [at] t-ward [dot] demon [dot] co [dot] uk>
Hi Anthony
I suggest you check out ‘Quilt Treasures’ – the book documenting results of the heritage search of the Quilters Guild of the British Isles, also ‘Quilts of the British Isles‘ by Janet Rae. You will find information on military quilts, often made from heavy dress uniform fabric using very small squares with marquetry-type precision. They were sometimes made by soldiers convalescing in hospital or serving a sentence in a military prison, or even as prisoners of war. The Royal College of Surgeons of England has a painting showing a Pte Walker sewing a quilt in a hospital bed whilst recovering from a fractured skull suffered in the Crimea. I have seen a quilt of 1″ uniform fabric squares in the York Castle Museum which if I recall correctly was made by a prisoner of war. 20
Also, there is reference to a legendary figure in British Quilting – ‘Joe the Quilter’ who was a professional quilter in Northumberland and was murdered in 1826 at the age of 76 allegedly because he was reputed to have made so much money from his profession.
BTW – Someone told me Robert Redford quilts…Is that an urban myth?
Sally in UK
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 09:40:17 -0400 | From: “Kelchner, Alan” <Alan.Kelchner [at] stdreg [dot] com
I remember Marta Adair had a quilttop from the last century that was made by a boy while he recuperated from an illness or injury. This was used as a way to keep a boy entertained while bedridden.
Also, I recall seeing a quilt made by sailors, from their discarded clothing, that was used to settle their bill at a tavern. And what about the professional quilting pattern drafters that traveled from town to town? (or was that embroidery patterns – rats, my books are at home).
Myself? We’ll deal with that later.
Alan
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 11:29:35 EDT | From: QuiltFixer [at] aol [dot] com
For my research of Redwork Quilts, I was able to purchase a quilt signed and dated by a boy who was 13 years old and lived in Blandon, Pa. There is a lot of references to boys and girls making Penny Squares and it was a form of entertainment for them. Does anyone out there live near Blandon, Pa? Blandon is sited on State Rt. 73, between Reading and Allentown, closer to Reading. I would like to research as much history as I can about the family, Robert and the town he lived in. Any help would be appreciated. Please E-mail to my address, QuiltFixer [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 11:34:58 EDT | From: QuiltFixer [at] aol [dot] com
Can you help me with a color copy of an article in Traditional Quiltworks #32 1994?
I have been unable to purchase this and I would be glad to pay copy cost and mailing. The article is entitled “Redwork Quilts”. I just need a copy of article, not the magazine. Thanks, Toni.
Please respond to
QuiltFixer [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 07:39:03 -1000 | From: Laurie Woodard <lwoodard [at] hawaii [dot] edu>
The Mission Houses Museum featured male quilters in their annual Hawaiian quilt exhibit in 1997. “Na Kuiki Hawaii Na Lima Kane, Hawaiian Quilts by Men’s Hands,” is a feature article available online from the Star Bulletin newspaper at
http://starbulletin.com/97/06/02/features/story1.html. You can also get there via the Museum’s web site at http://www.lava.net/`mhm/quilt.htm (which also features a Hawaiian redwork quilt from the 1998 “Na Kapa Apana Hawaii I Humulau Ia, Embroidered Hawaiian Quilts show”). Stan Yates’ Hawaiian quilts are featured in Robert Shaw’s “Hawaiian Quilt Masterpieces” which should be available at your local book store. Stan likes to play with positive and negative space in an Escheresque manner. Dean Jamieson, retired entymologist, from Kauai is known for the insects hidden on his Hawaiian quilts. His quilts have been featured in quilting magazines; unfortunately, I don’t have any references to hand. There is an interesting article by Janene Ford in The American Quilt Study Groups’ newsletter “Blanket Statements,”(Issue 48 Spring 1997) called “John Tam’s Peculiar Passions: Needlework and the Theater.” John Tam (1860-1896) or “Mr. Ravella”, a professional fire-eater, did elaborate crazy quilting, constructing “a pieced, embroidered, and ‘spangled’ stage set.” There is a photo of him against his hand painted, embroidered and spangled backdrop. It’s beautiful. He took up crazy quilting out of boredom, sitting in the dressing room between acts. He describes his needlwork in considerable detail for newspaper writers of the day. Mr. Ravella at one time visited and performed in Hawaii.
Have fun with your talk.
Laurie Woodard
Hawaiian Quilt Research Project
http://openstudio.hawaii.edu/hqrp/hqrp_index.html
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 11:47:57 -0700 | From: “Mary Cross” <mbcquilt [at] web-ster [dot] com>
I tried to send this message to the person who requested information about quilts in Utah. Unfortunately, it came back to me because of the wrong address. So I will try it this way in hopes others might be interested. Having done the major research project on migration quilts of Utah pioneer women, I do know the collections fairly well.
It depends on where you are going in Utah. Salt Lake City has the largest collection in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Pioneer Musem at 300 N Main. All their quilts are on display, except they are folded in bundles on glass shelves. Some are displayed on beds on the 3rd floor but not many. The staff are volunteers. They are dear and dedicated. If you go there, please inquire if Edith Menna is available. Tell her I referred you to see their quilts upon your request.
Another place in SLC for contemporary quilts is Mormon Handicraft. They have been downtown in the Deseret shopping center. They may have moved to a new location.
SLC is currently a mess with construction of new light-rail and highways in anticipation of the upcoming Olympics.
If you are north of Salt Lake, go to Brigham City, stop at the local museum there. They often have contemporary quilt exhibits as well as some historic ones. Odgen also has a DUP museum that is a treasure. If you are south, stop at the Territorial Musem in Filmore where they display many pioneer quilts. Springville has the most wonderful little museum, south of SLC. The building is a treasure in itself. Often, they have a quilt show but it is in the summer. St. George in the “Dixie” area of southern Utah has a wonderful
Daughters of Utah Pioneers museum. They have quilts on display. Remember though, they treasure their heritage and believe everything should be out where all visitors can see the artifacts. Also, they are all volunteers giving lovingly of their time and effort.
If you wish to see the quilts in full, pick up a copy of Quilts and Women of the Mormon Migrations. It will add greatly to your understanding of your Utah experience.
Let me know if this helps.
Mary Bywater Cross
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 18:25:25 EDT | From: Crowcreek2 [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 9/15/98 11:48:33 AM Pacific Daylight Time, mbcquilt@web- ster.com writes:
<< If you wish to see the quilts in full, pick up a copy of Quilts and Women of the Mormon Migrations. It will add greatly to your understanding of your Utah experience. >>
Hi Quilters, I have the book mentioned above, my DH happened to buy it for me, what a sweetheart! I spend many hours reading it and looking at all of the beautiful quilts. It gives a chronological history of the quilt, and where it came from…..very well worth the read!
“when you sleep under a quilt you are comforted by LOVE” Denise in Henderson, NV
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 18:31:29 EDT | From: Crowcreek2 [at] aol [dot] com
<< Boy am I glad I wasn’t at the only JoAnns that was crazy! I >> Well, I avoided the madness sale, was I “mad”? I was in joanns yesterday, and asked how it went, and she said “mad”, but that they were the only ones who had an Elvis impersonater at their store. She was very proud of that, I’m sure it helped with those waiting in the lines for so long…to be sung to at the same time……dream dream dream
Now I wish I was rational and went to the sale. Denise in Las Vegas, NV
Date: Tue, 15 Sep 1998 19:08:06 -0500 | From: Swede <kittyboxers [at] toledolink [dot] com>
Just a note to you all who were so kind to respond to my request of how to research the age of my house and bones in my backyard. DH and I were reroofing our garage today and when the roofing was torn away I inspected the wood underneath everything (I’ve never been on my garage roof in the 20 years I’ve lived here). Getting down very close, I saw micro fragments of dark red paint on it (weird for a roof that has always been shingled!). I asked DH why he thought someone would paint the structural wood before roofing it. He suddenly remembered that the couple who sold us this property (they bought it during the Depression ~ and we had the pleasure to know this kind couple until the late 80’s and early 90’s when they passed away in their 80’s) told him that the roof was barn wood (the base is brick). How odd! But I think I’ve put one more piece of the puzzle in (albeit a tiny one!). There had to be an old barn in the area that was being torn down. Hard to imagine in this busy urban, business district!
My Magical Fabric Art book arrived today and I’ve only had time to flip thru it (I’ve been on a roof all day, remember? ;~)
But as soon as I have a chance to seriously get into it, I let you all know what I think.
Hugs,
Annastina
