May 15 – 18, 2007
These restored messages come from the Quilt History List, an online forum where quilt historians, collectors, researchers, appraisers, and enthusiasts discussed antique quilts and related textiles. The archive dates from 1996 through approximately 2016 and is being restored gradually. Sign up in the form at the bottom of the page if you want to know when a new page is added. Original spelling, opinions, formatting, and inactive links may remain unchanged.
Primary topics of this QHL Digest:
- The Ethics of Cutting Up Old Quilts — A big, emotionally charged thread on whether it’s ever okay to cut apart antique quilts for craft projects, covering pattern reuse, condition, and historical precedent.
- Cleaning and Caring for an Heirloom Quilt — A member gets conservator advice on examining and safely cleaning a family quilt before any treatment. (see the article on cleaning antique quilts)
- New England Quilt Museum Seeks a Curator — A job posting for the museum’s curator position, calling it the region’s premier showplace for antique and contemporary quilts. (see the article on quilt museums)
- Closing Out a Personal Quilt Book Collection — A member offers a large personal library of quilt book titles for sale at low prices to get them into new homes.
- “Cutter Quilt” Terminology and the Code Quilt Controversy — A related side discussion on loaded terminology for damaged quilts and the ongoing “code quilt” debate. (see the article on cotton and textile terms)
- Rising Gas Prices and Quilt Guild Attendance — Members compare notes on whether rising gas prices are keeping people away from upcoming state guild meetings.
- Removing Musty Smells from Old Quilts — A folk method for airing out old, smelly quilts using a plastic tub treatment is shared and discussed.
Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 10:47:01 -0500 | From: Ann Wasserman <annwssrmn@>
Hi –
I’m a long-time lurker, with a question. A woman wrote to me for help with a quilt (made by her great-grandmother) that has been stained with pepper spray during a break-in at her home. If any of you have any guidance, or even maybe some experience, with pepper spray on fabric, I’d appreciate it. The owner thinks it’s all cotton, and the spray only hit one corner of the quilt. I haven’t seen the quilt yet, so I can’t offer any more details. So far, my on-
line research into pepper spray says that it is oil-based and not water soluble, making washing at best useless, at worst even more dangerous than usual.
I found this on-line: “We also investigated the effects of washing the fabrics on the detection of capsaicinoids. Fabrics were washed with water, 1% detergent, 1% bleach, or 5% Spray and Wash. Water was the least effective method of removing the capsaicinoids from the fabric and bleach the most effective.” from the Journal of Forensic Sciences at http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele3DafficheN&cpsidt3D13706802
Or this: “For getting the oils off [skin] we recommend using the below antidote. Use a solution of 25% 93Dawn94 (noticed we mentioned a brand name) dishwashing detergent and 75% water. You can probably get
away with using less detergent but we have always used this formula. Use cold water and make up at least a gallon because you are going to
have to wash the effected area at least 7 to 8 times.” http:// www.pepper-spray-store.com/relatedinfo/antitdote.shtml Or another suggestion in several places: tearless baby shampoo.
Any ideas anyone? I’ll be happy to send pictures along (when I get them) to anyone who’d like to get more information and offer some suggestions.
Do any of you do or have leads to someone who does conservation quality dry-cleaning? There used to be someone here, but he went out
of business long ago, and I’ve never found a replacement.
Thanks! And thanks in general for a list I really enjoy.
Ann
Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 11:02:03 -0500 | From: “Susan Wildemuth”
Thanks to all who helped with information about ways to display the 1940s embroidery pieces.
Sue
Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 07:55:50 -0700 | From: “Carol Berry”
I just recently found out that Google has a service whereby you can request email alerts from them on any topic of your choice. I have alerts coming to me daily on quilts and I thought this news item might be of particular interest to QHLers:
http://www.sunherald.com/201/story/53089.html
Carol Berry Merced, CA (Gateway to Yosemite)
Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 11:48:40 -0700 | From: “Margaret Geiss-Mooney”
Good morning, QHLers – It would be the best to have a textile conservator examine the quilt first and then the cleaning suggestions would be the safest for that particular quilt in it’s current circumstances. Any cleaning/washing suggestions must take in to account the quilt’s current physical condition as well. Time is of the essence here – the chances of removing the spray completely diminishes as time passes. The professional organization for art conservators (AIC) offers a free referral service via the Internet to locate conservators throughout the US (paste in web address into your search engine):
http://www.aic-faic.org/guide/form.html
Regards, Margaret (Meg) Geiss-Mooney Textile/Costume Conservator Professional Associate, AIC
… The owner thinks it’s all cotton, and the spray only hit one corner of the quilt. I haven’t seen the quilt yet, so I can’t offer any more details. So far, my on-line research into pepper spray says that it is oil-based and not water soluble, making washing at best useless, at worst even more dangerous than usual. Any ideas anyone? I’ll be happy to send pictures along (when I get them) to anyone who’d like to get more information and offer some suggestions. Do any of you do or have leads to someone who does conservation quality dry-cleaning? …
No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.467 / Virus Database: 269.7.1/805 – Release Date: 5/15/2007 10:47 AM
Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 20:22:21 -0400 | From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>
Teddy might decide to include Maryland and Virginia in the South if she came to visit on the Eastern Shore. The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage came to the Lower Eastern Shore on Sunday. I didn’t see a single quilt, but I did see a collection of fabric scraps from the late 18th through the early 20th century. Harrington is a house which dates from 1750. The man who began its restoration in the early 1970s (de-Victorianization he calls it) had a display of objects he found in the walls. The most interesting were scraps of various sizes found in mouse nests: a blue and white toile, turkey red prints, a fondue stripe, cream silk, a brown and blue check, linen (checks and plain), including an entire linen sleeve, various yarns (cotton, linen and wool). Cinda on the Eastern Shore
Date: Tue, 15 May 2007 21:29:02 -0700 (PDT) | From: ikwlt <ikwlt@>
when i read this remedy <snip> “For getting the oils off [skin] we recommend using the below antidote. Use a solution of 25% 93Dawn94 (noticed we mentioned a brand name) dishwashing detergent and 75% water. You can probably get away with using less detergent but we have always used this formula. Use cold water and make up at least a gallon because you are going to have to wash the effected area at least 7 to 8 times.” <snip> i had two immediate thots. first, this is an antidote for removing from skin, NOT fabric. the second thot is that i have a recipe for removing pencil lines from quilts which includes dishwashing detergent, and it specifically excludes the brand “dawn” because of the blue dye used in the manufacture of dawn. my guess is that it might stain fabric blue if used. the recommended detergent is ivory dishwashing soap. patti
Date: Wed, 16 May 2007 05:31:33 -0400 | From: “Linda Heminway” <ibquiltn@>
Firstly, if a partially completed e-mail from me shows up here in the digest, forgive me! I have these two darling cats that plop themselves up on my desk (under the warm desk lamp to absorb warmth) every time I’m on line and today a certain plump cat leaned across the edge of the keyboard and he made my original post disappear. I fear it was sent with only one sentence or two typed! But, maybe it was just deleted. So, getting back to my post. I get Country Living Magazine and they had a lined basket concept that they were promoting and a cool craft idea, and I have to admit it looked great. But, I was kind of taken aback as they were promoting it as a wonderful way to use an old family quilt and give it new life. Well, I can assure you all that cutting up one of my grandmother’s treasued quilts and lining a basket with it is not my idea of bringing it new life! I’m painstakingly restoring (now up over a year working on the same quilt) a very tattered quilt of my cousin’s that belonged to my grandmother. But, I had to ask opinions here. What do you think of as a “cutter quilt”? Do you think that any older quilt qualifies as a “cutter” if it’s in really bad shape? I see quilts on e-bay, often, advertised as “cutters” and this has always bothered me. Yet, I have seen some wonderful things made from them. Do any of you in this group buy “cutters” to “save” them? I worry that really old and historical quilts (and the large majority of people reading Country Living surely won’t be able to tell) that could have been preserved will end up on someone’s craft table now. Though I admired the beautiful lined basket amongst the pages of that magazine, I was so fearful for the quilts in the end. I’d love to have a discussion here about “cutters” and if anyone in this group condones them or not. In some cases, with a very bad damage in certain areas, some might agree that it does give new life to use them. I just don’t know, but you all are the experts and it would be really interesting to read your responses. Linda Heminway Plaistow NH
— I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users. It has removed 402 spam emails to date. Paying users do not have this message in their emails. Get the free SPAMfighter here: http://www.spamfighter.com/len
Date: Wed, 16 May 2007 05:41:10 -0700 (PDT) | From: Jeanne Jabs <jeanne53507@>
I buy them for the pattern, I try not to cut them up but I use them as my template if I can’t find that pattern anywhere else plus I have some wonderful old fabric to pet from time to time. I have a couple of them sitting around now that I just haven’t gotten to yet. Plan on working on them soon. Jeanne
Linda Heminway <ibquiltn@> wrote: Firstly, if a partially completed e-mail from me shows up here in the digest, forgive me! I have these two darling cats that plop themselves up on my desk (under the warm desk lamp to absorb warmth) every time I’m on line and today a certain plump cat leaned across the edge of the keyboard and he made my original post disappear. I fear it was sent with only one sentence or two typed! But, maybe it was just deleted. So, getting back to my post. I get Country Living Magazine and they had a lined basket concept that they were promoting and a cool craft idea, and I have to admit it looked great. But, I was kind of taken aback as they were promoting it as a wonderful way to use an old family quilt and give it new life. Well, I can assure you all that cutting up one of my grandmother’s treasued quilts and lining a basket with it is not my idea of bringing it new life! I’m painstakingly restoring (now up over a year working on the same quilt) a very tattered quilt of my cousin’s that belonged to my grandmother. But, I had to ask opinions here. What do you think of as a “cutter quilt”? Do you think that any older quilt qualifies as a “cutter” if it’s in really bad shape? I see quilts on e-bay, often, advertised as “cutters” and this has always bothered me. Yet, I have seen some wonderful things made from them. Do any of you in this group buy “cutters” to “save” them? I worry that really old and historical quilts (and the large majority of people reading Country Living surely won’t be able to tell) that could have been preserved will end up on someone’s craft table now. Though I admired the beautiful lined basket amongst the pages of that magazine, I was so fearful for the quilts in the end. I’d love to have a discussion here about “cutters” and if anyone in this group condones them or not. In some cases, with a very bad damage in certain areas, some might agree that it does give new life to use them. I just don’t know, but you all are the experts and it would be really interesting to read your responses. Linda Heminway Plaistow NH
Date: Wed, 16 May 2007 09:33:45 -0400 | From: “Sharron K. Evans” <quiltnsharron@>
Last fall one of the ladies came to guild wearing an awesome quilted jacket. She had gone to Garden Ridge and bought one of those “Any Size Just $19.95” quilts. She said she wasn’t about to cut up any of her quilts. So you see there is a purpose for those “handmade” quilts from other countries!
As many quilts as I’ve seen – and I’ve seen some pretty tattered ones – I have yet to see a quilt I’d buy just to cut up. I think it’s an admirable idea to give an old quilt a “new life” but there are better ways that are less drastic………in my opinion.
Best regards, Sharron …in cloudy, rain-soaked Texas north of Houston. Wish we could send you some rain, Teddy.
Date: Wed, 16 May 2007 08:24:16 -0700 (PDT) | From: Jay Perrin <jay.linda@>
Hi I’m a Linda too, don’t you just love cats ? I had one many years ago that chewed my yarn into, no harm done you just tie back an go on .
My granddmother left a few quilts most were made from scraps some were so scrappy it was hard to even see the pattern sometimes, but were made with love and kept you warm . I had one that was so worn that it was really thread bare and had quite a few holes in it . I made heart shaped placemats out of it .I think of my granddmother when I use them and the hard life she lived out on the farm.
I’m sure not everyone will agree with me , but you can’t keep everything, and I love my placemats.
Date: Wed, 16 May 2007 16:42:46 +0000 | From: pollymello@
Linda, I have a large quilt collection and I always stive for quilts in good condition; but, many times I have done what I call “mercy buys”. I will find a quilt that is very worn and faded even with deteriorating fabrics that has a fantastic design that I would hate to see lost to stockings, teddy bears, basket liners so I buy them because you can still see the artistic beauty of the design. I bought one that the seller called an “artichoke” quilt. circa 1850 applique, great swag borders and I have never seen another just like it. It would be sad to loose this great design. I know I have at least a half dozen or more in this catagory. I have bought quilts, literally, out from under dogs and out from under flea market goods. I do think a quilt can pass beyond redemption, but some are so artisticaaly interesting they deserve perservation down to their last breath. It would be great to remake some of them, then the design would live on, but even a photograph would preserve something. I th ink there will always be an arguement between quilts and crafters about what constitutes a “cutter quilt” But in the end, you cannot save everything. Some of these faded treasures will be saved a while longer by people like me but they will face an uncertain future when they leave these little temporary safe havens. Polly Mello –NextPart_Webmail_9m3u9jl4l_7072_1179333766_0–
Date: Wed, 16 May 2007 09:56:02 -0700 (PDT) | From: Stephen Schreurs <schreurs_ss@>
Hmm. I use the principle – try not to make things into other things which they aren’t. This means not cutting into a quilt which still has something to offer – a pattern, joy to someone who loves to “pet” old fabric, historical interest, family history, or life remaining as a quilt, if some careful work is done on it. Turning these into teddy bears, skirts, or what have you doesn’t work for me.
That being said, some quilts really are already in fragments – they just haven’t been separated yet. If the owner of such a quilt is ready to cut, having considered the above, then so be it. But, I hate the idea of people buying beautiful old quilts just to hack them up, because they haven’t considered alternatives.
I had a client with a beautiful prairie star, side panels very, very worn,(but not falling apart) who asked if the center should be make into a crib quilt. But, said I, aren’t your grandchildren all out of cribs? Well, yes. And didn’t you say that your decorating taste did not run to hanging quilts? Well, yes. We talked some more. I showed her the fineness of the quilting, the scondary patterns. It would be possible, if expensive, to cut the quilt which was made by her great gandmother into sections, frame them, and give to her children, who also did not hang quilts, but might hang an “heirloom piece”. However, this alternative is not ideal, and will be costly. Another (better, I think) possibility is to be patient. Keep the quilt in acid – free storage, annoint a family member as keeper, and wait. The urge to quilt often “skips” generations – and one of those grandchildren might be thrilled to have that quilt!
Another client has a crazy, made by her mother. She needs to move it to a different wall in her house, and I am telling you that a) it is too big, as is, for the wall, and b)it is in really, really fragile condition. She asked me if it could be cut and framed. The answer, to me is yes, yes, yes – I was afraid to tell her that her mother’s quilt is basically now fragments which have not yet been separated. It’s been hanging directly on a plaster wall in an old, old house. Mounting and framing sections will allow them to be stabilized, cleaned, and mounted in a wowzer presentation which can be passed on to her one relative who cares, but doesn’t have space.
If I want double faced quilted fabric for a project, I will sometimes price quilted spreads (I don’t call them quilts) at the outlet….it’s often cheaper by the yard than at the fabric store, more interestingly quilted, and wider. I will occasionally buy real quilt pieces if someone else already cut them up – someone who cares might as well try to enjoy/use them. But, some old quilts are like the old folks sitting on the porch…they might look old and not good for much, these days – but the stories they tell!!! Susan
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 09:07:26 -0400 | From: Judy Knorr
When I was helping my mother clean out the family home before she moved I saved lots of raggedy quilts from my grandmother and great grandmother! Many had been used to pack furniture and other items to store in the barn (which we also had to clean out). Those quilts had been chewed and clawed by animals and were not in the best shape. I saved one,over my mother’s protests, that was in such bad condition that I only managed to find 5 4-inch blocks that were intact out of the whole quilt. I took it home and washed it, removed the 5 blocks and made 5 folk art angels using one block for each. I used little pieces of the backing for the wings. I wrote the history of the quilt and quilter (my great grandmother) on the back of each angel and gave one to each of my three sisters, my mother and kept one for myself. They have become treasured items in our family. You will probably laugh when I tell you that I still have all the other remaining pieces in a bag and probably none are bigger than 4″!! Just can’t seem to bring myself to throw those scraps away! Judy Knorr
–Boundary_(ID_SSZJEWdAcO4rdURBqvYDgQ)–
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 06:39:33 -0700 | From: “Alan”
Judy wrote: You will probably laugh when I tell you that I still have all the other remaining pieces in a bag and probably none are bigger than 4″!!
Nothing to laugh at. I have a bag tucked away somewhere that holds a similar treasure. Some years back I had a c.1780 broderie perse that needed restoration. The appliqué was coming up and a few of the squares required patching. Nancy Kirk got in same vintage chintz when the quilt arrived. Half of the edges were worn badly and required surgery. I was instructed to just cut the offending edges off. I can’t throw them away, so they sit quietly knowing they’re protected.
Personally, I have an interesting reaction to cutting. If the quilt should never have been cut, I get sick to my stomach. If the quilt had been in very bad condition I’m ok. I recall having purchased quilt pieces and making a teddy bear from them (whatever happened to him, I wonder). Now, I buy sad little tops, dismantle them, and make a thoroughly modern quilt from the blocks.
Alan
Date: Wed, 16 May 2007 19:39:16 -0500 | From: “lonnie” <lonnie4houston.@>
Linda, I thought the very same thing about the article in this months Country Living and intend to write them a nasty letter to say so!! (you have to write and mail it, no email)
That quilt was NOT that bad!! Being a quilt restorer it broke my heart. I have restored much worse quilts to useable condition. It breaks my heart to see one cut up for ‘crafts’ that will be thrown away or given to Goodwill when the cuteness wears off.
People need to realize that once these beautiful old girls are gone, they are gone forever.
Lonnie Schlough Forget Me Not Quilt Restoration lonnie4houston.@
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 07:32:24 -0500 | From: “Force Majeure Quilt Restoration” <fmquilts@>
I’m not a fan of cutting up quilts for craft projects, but I think the decision to do so largely rests with the individual quilt. If it is an unremarkable quilt (in the sense of the fabrics, patterns, lack of provenance) then I suppose that any future as a craft project is better than being thrown on the trash heap. If there’s any family history to it at all, then I would seek solutions that would help to preserve the textile — not something like using it as a basket liner, which will only accelerate deterioration.
Sometimes, a non-quilting owner simply does not see the possibilities, nor do they see how much a quilt can tell them about its creator. I have a 1920’s quilt on my work table right now that, at first look, consists more of holes and tatters than actual quilt. It is also the ONLY thing that the family has that belonged to their grandmother. I’ve been able to identify individual sections of blocks that can be separated and framed — enough to give five siblings and their mother each a fragment that reflects color and pattern choices, and stitching quality. Two weeks ago, this quilt was a rag. Now, it has the potential to be an important piece of family history and pride.
Kim Nettles
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 09:00:44 -0400 | From: “Linda Eaton”
Sadly, it is nothing new to cut quilts up for other uses, and some interior designers continue the practice today. It was very fashionable in the 1920s and 1930s to cut up quilts for upholstering furniture – many collectors did this, including Electra Havemeyer Webb at Shelburne, the Flynts at Deerfield,and Henry Francis du Pont at Winterthur. Wanamaker’s department store in New York imported French quilted petticoats specifically to upholstery easy chairs. Not all quilted furniture covers were made from antique or older quilts – printed patchwork also became fashionable as this practice became widespread. I discuss this issue in the last chapter of my book – Quilts in a Material World: Selections from the Winterthur Museum.
Linda Eaton Curator of Textiles Winterthur Museum
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 07:23:32 -0700 (PDT) | From: Jeanne Jabs <jeanne53507@>
Someone gave me an old smelly tattered but beautiful hand stitched and hand quilted log cabin quilt, way past repairing and or cleaning, so I kept it around for a long time hating to cut it up or do anything with it, I laid it outside on cloudy days trying to get the smell out of it, didn’t work. Finally I got up enough nerve to cut it, I cut the bad pieces up (Don’t know where they are now) kept all the good blocks (I think there were 6 or 7) and I still have them, some are 1/2 blocks, the other 1/2 wasn’t worth saving, I framed a few of them and have them hanging in my sewing room under glass so I can’t smell them. 🙂 They look awesome tho. Glad I saved what I did and I am glad they gave me the quilt instead of throwing it away (The other option). Jeanne
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 15:01:47 -0700 (PDT) | From: Anita Loscalzo <aloscalz@>
The New England Quilt Museum, the region’s premier showplace for antique and contemporary quilts, seeks a curator to have primary responsibility for three major areas within the museum: 1) planning and implementation of the museum’s exhibition program, including planning exhibition opening events and associated lectures; 2) oversight of the collections, including collections care, loan practices, and planned growth of the collection; 3) supervision of collections and exhibitions-related staff, volunteers, and interns. An integral part of the museum’s management team, the curator participates in strategic decision making, is a vital spokesperson for the museum, and represents the museum at scholarly, public, and social events. A Master’s Degree in Museum Studies, Art History, or History, and museum experience is required; knowledge of and experience with textiles desirable. This position is part-time. Send letter of interest and resume by July 1 to the Executive Director, New England Quilt Museum, 18 Shattuck Street, Lowell, MA 01852.
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 17:00:15 -0400 | From: rgnixonoct.net
Hi All, I’m closing out my quilt book titles and would like to offer them here with very low prices to get them into the hands of those who will use and treasure them. Kris says it’s ok! They are all new and unread. If anything interests you, just email me. We have pictures on file plus I will be happy to send more detailed info on any. Here they are:
‘Grapefruit Juice and Sugar’ Bold Quilts Inspired by Grandmother’s Legacy by Jenifer Dick. Published by Kansas City Star Books.
“When a lifelong collection of 500 quilt patterns is discovered by a granddaughter a quarter of a century after her grandmother’s death, Jenifer Dick rediscovers the grandmother, Dena Bockelman, she knew only through childhood memories. Their shared delight for quilting is explored in this book, as well as modern adaptations of traditional Kansas City Star quilt patterns. You’ll find detailed, easy-to-follow instructions for 14 pieced quilts, plus tips for taking your quilting skills to the next level.” –from back cover
Book measures 9 x 11 inches, 144 pages, Softcover.
6 new copies. Each: $10 + $3 Media Mail (Retail price is $24.95.)
**************************
Quilting in the Morning Calm: Floral Delights from Ancient Korea by Shirley MacGregor and Sheila Steers. Still in publisher shrink wrap.
A bit of research shows the Republic of Korea was known as the Land of Morning Calm for many decades. The people were famous for their gardens and had a special fondness for water gardens. This book has applique projects designed around the plants, insects, and such that adorned the peaceful Oriental landscape. The patterns are attached to the back of the book. You’ll love the Frog, Two Mice and Watermelon, Loofa, Two Pumpkins, and other projects. Copyright 2002.
96 page Softcover with nice French flaps and attached patterns. In publisher shrink wrap.
1 new copy $6 + $3 Media Mail (Retail price is $26.95.)
************************
Material Pleasures: Quilts from the Kansas Museum of History
Material Pleasures: Quilts from the Kansas Museum of History by Barbara Brackman, Mary Madden, Rebecca Martin, and Blair Tarr is a 45-page exhibition catalogue of the special exhibit held from July 1, 1995, through February 4, 1996. Quilts range from 1793 to 1988 with most dating in the 1800s. The Holyoke quilt, acquired as spoils of the Civil War, is pictured in this delightful booklet, too.
Softcover. Copyright 1995. There is a remnant of a price sticker on the back cover.
Plus a magazine also from the Museum and including this article by Barbara Brackman:
“Unraveling The Story” is taken from the periodical Kansas Heritage: A Magazine of the Kansas State Historical Society. The article covers five pages, including pictures, and belongs in the library of every quilt historian. It deals with the question of whether escaping slaves read a secret code on quilts to know the route to freedom. Condition is new and unread. The remainder of the magazine deals with Kansas issues: Playing the Field (Kansas sports); There’s History in Them Thar Hills! (The Smoky Hills); About Faces: Rose Leo; Stately Mansions; A Good Fence; Ladies, Please Remove Your Hats!; Bicentennial of Zebulon Pike’s Southwest Expedition.
Softcover magazine format. Autumn 2006 issue. Price for each set (Material Pleasures plus Kansas Heritage magazine with Unraveling The Story article): $8 plus $3 Media Mail There are 2 sets available.
Both titles, Material Pleasures and Unraveling The Story, have slight handling wear from being in a museum setting. The Kansas Heritage has a light wrinkle on the back cover. It’s from the printing process.
******************************
KANSAS QUILTS & QUILTERS by Barbara Brackman, Nancy Hornback, Terry Thompson, and others.
This is a new copy still in the publisher’s shrink wrap. ISBN 0-7006-0584-3. Hardcover with dust jacket. 216 pages. Published by the University Press of Kansas 1993.
1 new copy. In publisher shrink wrap. $27 plus $4 Media Mail Cheaper than Amazon! ************************
The Queen’s Quilt by Rhoda E. A. Hackler and Loretta G. H. Woodard
Explores the famous quilt started by Queen Lili`uokalani during her Palace imprisonment. It includes a discussion of the Queen’s life to her ordeal during the overthrow and examines each quilt square, noting embroidered names, symbols, fabrics and embellishments.
This is a new, 32 page softcover. Stated First Printing 2004 . Individual blocks are shown in full color. A small sketch accompanies each block to show the location on the quilt. There are a few, quaint black-and-white photographs which add a nice touch.
2 copies. Small softcover/booklet. Difficult to find. Each: $10 + $3 Media Mail *************************
Also included are 10 individually wrapped quilt patterns by The Kansas City Star. They are part of the Libertyville Quilt Series by Terry Thompson. “Reminiscent of sampler quilts of the late 1800s.” Included are:
5 identical Snowflake patterns. Block 12 of the Libertyville quilt.
5 identical ‘T’ is for Temperance patterns. Block 11 of the Libertyville quilt.
New, in plastic ziploc type bag, as sold by the Star
$1 each plus $1.00 First Class shipping. ********************
Light handling or shipping wear are present on a few of the titles. All are NEW and UNREAD.
********************** I also have a used copy of Quilting The Journeys of Lewis & Clark: A Pattern book for Making Lewis & Clark in the Bitterroot, No. 1 in A Series, by Patricia B. Hastings. It has mild creasing to the bottom page corners and some curling to the covers. No marks or stains. Very clean. $7 with free Media Mail shipping. **********************
Thank you to all for reading through this list. I’m trying to clean out the shelves so I can work with my vintage fabrics and feedsacks. The books have got to go! Shipping prices are for the first book. Multiple books ship very inexpensively at the Media Mail rate. Many times two books can ship for just a touch more than one. I wrap well and use cardboard inserts to protect against bending in transit. If anyone would like the entire lot, it’s $120 plus Media Mail and postal insurance. Photos are available if desired. A wave from the Kansas prairie, Gloria Nixon
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 17:12:12 -0500 | From: Gaye Ingram
Jeanne wrote > I framed a few of them and have them hanging in my sewing room under glass so > I can’t smell them. 🙂
Love it, J! There are things beyond redemption.
Linda mentioned 20’s and 30’s use of quilted articles–quilts, petticoats, etc.–for upholstery. The Havermayer lady in Abbington, VA, Southwest Virginia, who promoted local cottage handwork—woven coverlets, hand-knotted bed skirts and “skies” and such—had once used antique coverlets for upholstery somewhat later. Had the upholsterer cut it so the maker’s name and date would be prominently displayed.
At a much later time, when the value of quilts was, I think, more widely recognized, Gloria Vanderbilt literally lined the walls of her NYC apartment, covered chairs and sofas, used for drapery and valances quilt that were in mint condition and appear to be–have been–both fine remarkable. All this carnage is pictured in her book on decorating and collage and such. Quilt upon quilt upon quilt until the eyes fail. Slim book but lots of frustration inside for quilt or textile lovers.
If you are feeling guilty about cutting up a smelly, truly defunct quilt without notable textile, quilt, or historic significance, I suggest you find that book and take a gander. Have the smelling salts and a jug of whiskey handy.
Gaye
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 19:19:14 -0400 | From: Joan Kiplinger <jkip@>
All of this list is certainly involved or familiar with the the code quilt controversary. Thought you all might be interested in Leigh Fellner’s How the Underground Railroad Quilt Code Ended up on a Statue of Frederick Douglass.
Joan http://www.fabrics.net/joan.asp
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 19:17:20 -0500 | From: “Stephanie Grace Whitson”
What an emotionally loaded question! I personally dislike the term “cutter quilt,” although in my own colorful quilt past I bought some and, yes, cut them up. I repent. Honestly. I don’t mean that tongue in cheek AT ALL.
I now have in my treasured collection more than one quilt that were considered “cutters” by others and which will live on in my life as they were created. . . and will be LOVED, rips, worn away tops, and all.
That being said, I also have one quilt in my personal collection that will, someday, get cut up. Why? It is the only quilt my mother-in-law ever made. It taught her to dislike quilting and quilts. She tossed it to me. . .and when I received it it was a completel rag, barely holding together. I think Mom would love knowing that i had discovered a way to pass it on. Hence my plan to someday create Christmas ornaments with the quilt and bits and pieces of other family fabrics long-since become holey and raggedy. So that each grandchild and great-grandchild and child will have something special that Gram made. In this I am content. I knew the woman and I know she would approve. It’s probably the only quilt I’ll ever do this to. But for this quilt, it is right. And good.
Stephanie Higgins
Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 02:46:06 -0400 | From: rgnixonoct.net
Hi Again, It’s been a busy evening with the books. My heartfelt thanks for the deluge of requests! Thanks also to Kris for letting me post them. All the titles have been spoken for with the exception of: ‘Grapefruit Juice and Sugar’ Bold Quilts Inspired by Grandmother’s Legacy by Jenifer Dick. Published by Kansas City Star Books. There are 3 copies remaining as of this moment. Each: $10 + $3 Media Mail Wishing everyone a restful sleep, Gloria
Date: Fri, 18 | From: kyra hicks <kyra262@>
Good Morning – Is there anyone researching or writing about how raising gasoline prices are affecting quilters? I haven’t yet read about the question in quilting magazines. I’ve asked the question on my blog to see if how other quilters are feeling on this topic. Prices here in VA are over $3.00. It is beginning to make me rethink that impulsive trip to the local fabric store.
Thank you for your insights
Kyra Hicks www.BlackThreads.blogspot.com
Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 07:50:37 | From: Joan Kiplinger <jkip@>
Has anyone received the Textiles in America yet?? I checked yesterday with B&N which has my order on file. They are still shopping; last notification from publisher was a May 9 release which of course didn’t happen. Just curious if others have been able to get a copy.
Date: Thu, 17 May 2007 18:46:46 -0500 | From: “lonnie” <lonnie4houston.@>
Jeanne, Here is an old fashion way to get the smell out of old quilts (but it works!). Place the quilt in a plastic tub or bag with a new unwrapped bar of Dial soap. Leave it for 2-3 days and check it. If it still smells leave it a few days longer.
Of course, never store a quilt in plastic. This is only for a few days.
Lonnie Schlough
Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 09:21:36 EDT | From: Mitzioakes@
Still awaiting my order also!
From: Mitzioakes@
VT is over the $3/gal mark – will see tomorrow how gas prices are affecting quilters – Vermont has its state quilt guild meeting – I will see if we get a lower turnout or not (bet we don’t – Vermonters are smart – they will just carpool). Mitzi
Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 09:46:23 EDT | From: QUILTMOORE@
FL has it’s state guild meeting tomorrow too. I was already told the turnout is going to be quite low. In fact our state guild as a whole is struggling to keep membership up. They don’t seem to take into account that half our quilters are snowbirds and go north for the summer, at least 6 months of the year. Most are long gone by now. They also scheduled our symposium for early Sept. before most come back to FL. and wonder why no one is signing up.
Nan in FL
Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 08:29:17 -0600 | From: “JESSICA VAUGHN” <vaughn8047@>
Kyra, it’s ironic you should bring up the gas issue today, as you are scheduled to speak at the Colorado state guild tomorrow and the meeting is in Colorado Springs. I live in Aurora, 50+ miles north; we had been discussing whether to go, to carpool, to share gas, to meet at common ground, things we never would have discussed 6 months ago. We would have just gone! Rest assured, there are 2 of us carpooling from the north coming tomorrow. It will be interesting to see the turnout at the meeting. Normally in the metro area, we get around 200 or so members at the monthly guild meeting.
I do think that we are planning our “shopping” excursions smarter, not just quilting outings, but outings in general. I have been “mapping” my day to strategically get all my stops in without having to backtrack. Headed to RMQSG today, and Colorado Springs tomorrow. See you then!.
Jessica
Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 09:38:51 -0700 (PDT) | From: Stephen Schreurs <schreurs_ss@>
Gaye – perhaps Ms Vanderbilt was feeling the need for a padded room???? Susan
Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 12:46:09 -0400 | From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>
I have forwarded all responses to the friend who has the quilt. She is only looking to find it a home (not to sell it). I know she would appreciated being reimbursed for postage. Thanks for your interest. Cinda
Date: Fri, 18 May 2007 19:20:14 -0500 | From: Gaye Ingram
> > Gaye – perhaps Ms Vanderbilt was feeling the need for > a padded room???? Susan
And a quilt-patterned floor? And draperies? And cornices and door facings?
Part of the book is just simplistic and rather unattractive fabric collage that reveal Little GloriaB9s ignorance of the hinterlandsB9 heritage. Envisio n pink-check fabric walls accented with collages using pink-check fabric. But that was a summer house and IB9m sure to folks used to Titians, it had a certain je ne sais quoi for South Hampton in the summer.
But the center—ahh, the center. That’s different. You get the all-year home there. Here is one caption: B3For years we collected beautiful old patchwork quilts simply because we liked them. Then we hit upon the idea of a patchwork room with the quilt covering the walls and ceiling as well as a patchwork floor. The curtains..were made by taking some of the quilts apart and reassembling them in new patterns.[I’ll say!]B2 The author observes, B3Once you start thinking in terms of collage, thereB9s no limit to where you r imagination can take you.B2
Alas, that appears to have been so.
Some of her collages were quite interesting, actually, and I always yearned for the book because the idea appealed to me. I wish, however someone who knows conservation materials (glue, etc) would let me know what kind of lif e they have. Actually they are not so interesting as I had imagined. Needlework for me has always been heritage-focused and that was the appeal.
When she uses old quilts for the occasional pillow or on a French bench in her “real” rooms, it is really quite attractive and I can imagine acquiring quilt parts that would be well-used in that manner (she cut hers up, however). The log-cabin segment that was cut to fit the desk top was a bit much, but each to his own, said the old lady as she kissed the cow.
GLORIA VANDERBILT BOOK OF COLLAGE. Vanderbilt, Gloria with Alfred Allan Lewis. 1970. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company. Library of Congress Number 78-103625.
BTW besides being Gloria Vanderbilt, GV is Anderson Cooper’s mother.
I know it’s not forest fires or hurricanes or other natural disasters that have now joined the political discussion in America (Can’t we be a silly people sometimes!), but it is in the general order at my place. I planned t o cut back some dead azaleas near the street when I went to my mailbox at noon. Took my clippers with me and also my rat terrier Gen. Jackson. Alas for me, Jackson detected cat. Two cat. Kittens. Cute cute, but wild. Finall y caught one and he has me and Jackson at bay, afraid to enter the kitchen. Just bade the fire unit adieu after they sought and failed to capture the second. I had actually wanted one cat and it had arrived and is not old enough to live sans mother. I cannot have two cats. There is a church acros s the street. I’m thinking of that. Nice anonymous box. But of course now tha t our very short cul de sac is abuzz by the presence of EMT and ladder truck, not a good idea. That up-the-tree cat is looking more and more like a Catholic cat to me.
Gaye
P.S. Did anyone else make a pieced hostess skirt out of silks and velvets i n the late seventies? Or maybe mid? What a decade! The nadir of fashion. The best decade in the century to have been wearing maternity clothes, in my view.
