June 27 - July 5, 2005 - QuiltHistory

Fabric Identification, Oral History & Documentation, Quilt History Resources

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:

Identifying Hmong, Ralli, and Mola Textiles — Members help identify an eBay quilt as Hmong pa ndau needlework, opening into a wider discussion of Hmong, Ralli, and Mola textile traditions.
Quilt Exhibitions and Events — Announcements go out for the Baltimore Appliqué Society, “Eccentric Twists on Antique Quilts” at the New England Quilt Museum, and the Vermont Quilt Festival.
The “Promise Stitch” — A member asks about an unfamiliar embroidery technique called the Promise Stitch, and others help identify it.
Sudden Loss of Sue Reich’s Son — News breaks that longtime QHL member Sue Reich’s son, an Army National Guard helicopter pilot, was killed in action, prompting an outpouring of condolences from the list.

From: Kris Driessen

The Spy Museum in DC is sponsoring a program on quilts and the Underground Railroad. Details: http://spymuseum.org/do/programs.asp#6

Quilts as Codes: Secrets of The Underground Railroad Tuesday, 17 February 2004; 6:30 pm

Unravel the cleverly-sewn secrets that helped lead slaves to freedom! Hear how intelligence was woven and yarns told tales: literally! Dr. Raymond Dobard, Professor of Art History at Howard University, co-author of Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad, will reveal the fascinating evidence behind this unique intelligence method. Investigate real quilts and find out how they were intended to communicate with slaves navigating their escape to freedom, learn how to interpret pictures and pattern codes, and try your hand at creating and deciphering your own messages. A book signing will follow the program. Quilts as Codes is presented in partnership with the Smithsonian Anacostia Museum in honor of Black History Month.

Tickets: $20 Members of The Spy Ring (Join Today!) & Anacostia Museum Members: $16 Space is limited advance registration required!

From: Sandi or Mike Hardy <shardy@>

I have their book of the quilt exhibit for the last two years, “The Art of the Needle” and some other info about their quilts. Let me know which quilt you are interested in and I can send you what I find in the books. If I don’t have any I’ll see what I can find out. Last year I was a volunteer quilting demonstrator in the exhibit but other than that I am not affiliated with the museum. I don’t know why they would not have answered your questions other than they are probably understaffed.

Sandi in Vermont

From: Barbara Burnham

QHL, I am writing today on behalf of The Baltimore Appliqué Society (BAS). Our new and enthusiastic Programs Chairperson is seeking future speakers for lectures and/or classes. QHL seems an appropriate group to query, as BAS (not a typical quilt group) “supports the preservation of quilts, textiles, and related documents in museum and historical society collections” and “promotes the art of appliqué and quilting”. BAS members include collectors and historians, as well as quiltmakers. For more info on BAS please visit: http://www.baltimoreapplique.com If you (or someone you can recommend) will be in the Baltimore area, or are willing to travel here, and you might suggest a program or activity of interest to BAS members, please contact me off-list. Many BAS members are in other states and other countries, and our activities and contributions often extend beyond Baltimore. Thank you, Barbara Burnham

From: Karen Alexander

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category63634&item7319496720 &tcphoto

Does this strike you all as reminiscent of Hmong work or a design from India? Would you peg this as an import?

No affiliation.

Karen Alexander in the cloudy, cool San Juans hoping for a sunny 4th

From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>

The Hmong handwork I’ve seen is finer and much more precise than this clumsy attempt. Clearly the seller can’t spell, and seems to be vague about the age of the piece as well. Can he/she spell i-m-p-o-r-t?

Xenia

From: Dana Balsamo

Exploitation (defined on the web): NOUN:

The act of employing to the greatest possible advantage: exploitation of copper deposits. Utilization of another person or group for selfish purposes: exploitation of unwary consumers. An advertising or a publicity program. I think when most people hear ‘exploitation’ they immediately think of someone being taken advantage of like in definition #1 and #2. I do not think the Gee’s Bend Quilters were taken advantage of. They were marketed, the marketer made money, the museums made money, companies who reproduced their quilt images, auctioneers that sold their quilts all made money…but so did the quilters. So exploited in the sense that there was a huge ‘publicity program’ surrounding their quilts…then yes, I agree.

Whether they are art or hype is in the eye of the beholder. I think we can all agree they are history though, and should be appreciated as that.

I saw the exhibit a few years ago at the Whitney in NYC with a group of quilters from my guild. I agree only one or two really sang to me visually. But reading the cards that accompanied each quilt put these quilts in perspective. Like the one made from the quilter’s husband’s overalls and clothes. He had died and she wanted something to be near him. The Gee’s Bend Quilts cannot be compared to quilts you might find at Paducah or other quilt show. They have to be taken in context.

I think it is wonderful they were brought to the public’s attention and kickstarted an interest in quilts. I think it is wonderful the quilters were able to profit and better their situation even if just a small bit. I think it is wonderful that quilt historians have more history to comprehend and compare.

My best, Dana

Material Pleasures Antique and Vintage Textiles – Wrap Yourself in History www.materialpleasures.com

Date: Mon, 27 Jun 2005 | From: ARabara15@

Hello All, I haven’t posted in quite a while but still enjoy all of my QHL friends’ info. Today I obtained two wonderful items from an auction. One is a folky carolina lilly quilt signed and dated in cross stitch “C. Yost” March 1847. The quilt is in excellent condition considering it’s age with only some staining and a few appliques coming loose. It appears to have been done by a young woman/girl as the applique is not very refined. The other item is wonderful. It is a 36″x36″ square that was to be the center of a quilt that never was completed. It is appliqued with Chintz Hybiscus in a circle. The chintz is perfect without deterioration. The muslin backing has considerable staining but the piece is wonderful. There was a birth certificate in the lot that indicated that the individual on it was born in York Co Pa. How do I date it? I’ve become very rusty. I’ve been so immersed in my redevelopment work that my quilt studies have fallen by the wayside. Please help?

Donald Brokate “The Crazy Quilt Collector” Trenton NJ

From: Judy Kelius <quilts@>

Hi Karen . . . I think it’s an example of a “Ralli Quilt” from Pakistan or Western India – Schiffer published a book about these in 2003 written by Patricia Ormsby Stoddard. They do remind you of Hmong work. Most of these are of fairly recent vintage. The book is quite interesting – I picked it up after I bought a piece on eBay that is similar to this (cutwork designs), but not quilted, and red and green on white (great for Christmas!). (And I paid a lot less than $125 for it!) I knew it wasn’t American, wasn’t sure it was Hmong, and then when I saw the book on Ralli quilts, realized what I had. The workmanship on mine is also on the crude side, but I love it.

Here’s Schiffer’s description of the book:

This book tells the story of a fascinating quilting tradition found in southern Pakistan and neighboring western India. These quilts, called ralli, are stunning in their designs, brilliant in their colors, and intriguing in their history. The designs, which include patchwork, applique, and embroidered styles, are reminiscent of motifs found on painted pottery from the ancient civilizations of the area. Showcased here are more than 130 stunning ralli quilts, all shown in full color. They date primarily from the mid- to late twentieth century and feature a wondrous array of designs and patterns that have been passed from mother to daughter and woman to woman for hundreds of years. Quilt descriptions identify where each quilt was made, design or pattern characteristics, type of fabric, and dimensions. The carefully researched text provides intriguing information on quilt construction, colors, patterns, and regional variations. A valuable reference for textile historians, designers, and quilt lovers everywhere, this book is a tribute to the skill and creativity of the “ralli region” people who continue to make and use these beautiful textiles.

http://www.schifferbooks.com/newschiffer/book_template.php?isbn0764316974

From: Patricia L Cummings <quiltersmuse@>

Re: Karen’s question

Ebay auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category63634&item7319496720

This is definitely not Hmong work. The seller says that it is Ralli work. This appears to be the case from looking at the book: Ralli Quilts: Traditional Textiles from Pakistan and India by Patricia Ormsby Stoddard.

Best,

Pat Cummings www.quiltersmuse.com

From: “Laurette Carroll”

To add to what Judy said; Ralli quilts are often confused with American quilts by non-specialized dealers who find them in the field or at flea markets. Other applique work that confuses many are the intricately done Hmong pieces and the Molas of the Cuna Indians of the San Blas Islands/Panama area.

These last two are “usually” small pieces, while the Ralli quilts can be full size. Molas were originally made to be incorporated into a woman’s dress, for the bodice area, and these older ones can be valuable to collectors, if they can be distinguished from the newer, made for tourists pieces.

Here’s 3 sites to check out for Hmong and Cuna works, but a Google search brings up a lot of information for anyone interested in seeing photos of all three.

http://www.craftlink-vietnam.com/page3.htm

http://www.lib.uci.edu/libraries/collections/sea/hmong.html

http://thorup.com/mola.html

Laurette Carroll Southern California

Look to the Future With Hope

From: Gail Ingram

I have read with interest the numerous and varied remarks about the KKK and especially Marcia’s about the quilt depicting images from the Klan.

One thing that has struck me is that there appears to be an awareness that a variety of Klans have existed over the years, that the group has developed differently in different regions and that it has even had a few positive moments.

Living in a state where I once had to choose to vote for Governor between a Grand Whizo KKK Dragon (David Duke) or a former governor who had boasted on national television that he would never be CONVICTED of any crime by a Louisiana jury unless he were caught in bed with a dead girl or a live boy (Edward Edwards— now, many years later, in prison, I might add), I understand the powerful negative reflex anything associated with the KKK normally generates. I pulled the Edwards lever of that voting machine without even batting an eyelash, something that astonished me.

Yet I also recognize that such reflexes deny the complexities of any situation and often preclude knowledge or real understanding. They can also lead to a kind of smug self-righteousnss that hinders the search for truth.

Having spent my entire lifetime in the Deep South, I’m sure I’ve met many an out-of-robe Klansman. It would not surprise me greatly to discover that some ancestor had been associated either actively or complicitly with the KKK, even though I grew up in a home that scorned such extra-legal secret groups. Though loyal Democrats, they had grave reservations about FDR because he had refused to take a strong public stance against Klan activities either in the South or elsewhere: the folks who made up those organizations were Democrats whose votes were needed. And from all credible historical accounts, the KKK appears to have been a very loyal supporter of FDR.

There was a reason for that fact that only indirectly had anything at all to do with racisim—-poverty and/or the fear of poverty. And perhaps the concomitant fear of chaos that characterized the 1930’s.

To some extent, those motives gave rise to the KKK. After all the mine-eyes-have-seen-the-glorying of the Civil War had ended, the South was left in extraordinary poverty and general institutional fragility. It was an almost entirely rural land, supported by a dangerously depleted agrarian economy. Farms and farm families were isolated, open to plunder and destruction of roving bands of newly freed men without jobs or purposes, men with plenty of reasons for resentment.

The federal government had ended slavery by amending the consitution, but it had made no provisions for preparing the legions of ex-slaves for the kind of true independence that in a republic comes through education and economic skills. It had not dealt with the obvious problems of aculturization of a people whose long history had equipped them for life in far different circumstances. Hatred, defeat, fear, and poverty mingled with systematic national economic neglect created a complex, frightening, and often despairing world.

The Klan that Nathan Bedford Forest organized in Middle Tennessee after the Civil War seems really to have had as its main purpose the maintenance of order and moral values in a rural, destroyed land where frustrations of all sorts spurred men to deeds they would not have considered individually or in different circumstances. I’ve read journal accounts of the KKK’s reigning in an abusive husband, taking up collections to pay the taxes on widows’ properties, providing food when a smokehouse and the family’s food supply for the winter had been ransacked, and preventing the abuse of hapless ex-slaves by white men whose knowledge gave them an edge over the newly freed black citizen. My late father, who abhorred mob action of any kind, told stories similar to those that occurred during the Depression, always adding that the good deeds might as easily have been done in daylight had men possessed real courage.

Nevertheless, perhaps the woman who made that KKK quilt was responding to an act of generosity, rather than celebrating the power that conspiracy tends to confer. Or perhaps she was celebrating the power of the hood. Intellectual discipline and the search for truth requires one to consider both possibilities, along with several others I can imagine.

I have learned to discipline myself to think in such a manner in this and many other areas where I am aware of strongly reflexive, subconscious feelings. In the 1960’s my husband and I rented and lived next door to a police captain and his family in a southern university town. I shall never forget the day I told our landlord that a man who lived but one block away had telephoned offering to help with neighborhood political canvassing for which my husband and I were responsible. My neighbor, a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, looked genuinely alarmed. “Never return that call, Gail! Let me know immediately if that ______ calls you again!” he told me in a tone and language I had never heard from him before. “That is the man who killed Lemuel Penn. We cannot prove it because his accomplice was a mental patient whose testimony won’t stand up in court. But we know he did it. He has boasted of it.” Lemuel Penn was an African-American Army officer who was traveling from Ft. Benning, Georgia, in the darkness of night. He had been mistaken for a local civil rights leader. I’ve never forgotten him or ceased to wonder about his family or the man who pulled a pickup truck up beside his car and fired a shotgun point-blank into the open window of his car that summer night. Years later, I mentioned the incident to my former neighbor, asking about the “Klansman.who killed Lemuel Penn.” No, my neighbor corrected me, that man was not a member of the Klan. Even they wouldn’t let him in, he said. The lesson I learned thereby about checking out my assumptions has made a better student of me.

The quilt that Marcia describes sounds like a remarkable artifact. What is known of its maker? its history?

And what about her query: does anyone know of similar quilts—not merely KKK, as she noted, but of any similar origin? What an interesting topic!

Gail

From: “Sharon in NC”

UNC TV’s Our State will contain information on North Carolina quilts, patterns and colors.

Wednesday night at 10:30 PM

Sharon in NC

From: Gail Ingram <gingram@>

> > I was just wondering something non quilt related about this. How do > Americans feel about a Aussie and Englishman playing the lead roles of > Southerners. . I know the brits were upset when Renee Zwellegger played > Bridget Jones.. Just wondering. > Suzy

Consider this, Suzy: one of the most iconic American female protagonists in film was aa Brit—Vivian Leigh, who played Scarlett O’Har in “Gone With the Wind.”

And then there are those of us who grew up yearning for Audrey Hepburn’s ballerina’s neck and accent (She too played a famous character from the pen of a Southern playwrite—Holly Golightly, created by Truman Capote in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”), Deborah Kerr’s elegance, and (sigh) for someone just like Cary Grant to stand at the end of our wedding aisles. One look at American film favorites, past and present, will answer your question.

Gail

Date: Tue, 28 Jun 2005 16:47:32 -0400 | From: “Candace Perry” <candace@>

Mark your calendars for this wonderful exhibition…running during the last month of our Cotton and Pennsylvania German Life exhibit, so you could do both! Candace Perry Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center

Threads of Faith: Recent Works by the Women of Color Quilters Network

From August 7, 2005 to September 29, 2005, the Mennonite Heritage Center, 565 Yoder Road, Harleysville, Pennsylvania will present: Threads of Faith: Recent Works by the Women of Color Quilters Network. This dynamic quilt exhibit features 31 quilted wall hangings created by members of the Women of Color Quilters network. The public is invited to the opening reception for the exhibit scheduled for Sunday, August 7, 2005 from 2 to 5 p.m. A number of the artists who created quilts for this exhibit will be attending the reception. Refreshments, special music, and children’s’ activities will take place on the Heritage Center grounds as part of the opening celebration.

The exhibit quilts are not composed of familiar patch work patterns. Instead, the Threads of Faith quilt artists use a variety of interpretations, styles, and techniques and many of the artists experiment with non-traditional quilting materials, such as shell beads, metal, glass and bone. The quilts represent the blending of artistic expression with spirituality, African American history, and the diversity of the artists themselves. The quilt artists are from a wide range of backgrounds – rural and urban, young and old, and varied professions.

Threads of Faith was organized by the Women of Color Quilters Network founder and director Dr. Carolyn Mazloomli. The exhibit is divided into five themes: Sacred Moments (Biblical Narratives), Bearing Witness (women and family), Hope: The Anchor of Our Souls (Prayers and Spiritual Meditations), Blessed are the Piece Makers (Worship through Arts) and We Have Come this Far by Faith (African American Experiences).

The Women of Color Quilters Network was started in 1985 and includes over 1,700 members who share information, conduct quilting workshops, and who have been represented in numerous quilt exhibits. The WCQ Network has been recognized by the International Labour Department in Geneva and the United Nations for its developmental programs to aid women. Dr. Carolyn Mazloomi is a quilt artist, author, historian, and curator. Her quilts are in the collections of the American Museum of Design, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Wadsworth Museum along with corporate collections. Dr. Mazloomi, a former aerospace engineer, has appeared on numerous television shows and documentaries and was the curator for an international quilt exhibit that was part of the Unite Nations Conference for Women in 1995.

Threads of Faith was first exhibited at the American Bible Society Gallery in NYC and is traveling throughout the United States in 2005. This is the first exhibit by the Women of Color Quilters Network to be shown at the Mennonite Heritage Center which is pleased to host the exhibit. The Mennonite Heritage Center is located at 565 Yoder Road, Harleysville, Pa. Exhibit hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday 10 am to 2 pm, and Sunday 2 to 5 pm. Admission to the exhibit is by donation with a suggested donation of $5. For information on this exhibit and other events, the public may check the Mennonite Heritage Center web site: www.mhep.org, email: infomhep.org, or call 215-256-3020.

The two attached quilt images are from the Threads of Faith: “Christ Bearing the Cross” By Michael Cummings, 2003 91 X 71 inches Cotton, linen, machine appliqué and quilted

“Palm Tree of Deborah” By Adriene Cruz, 1995 36 X 38 inches Cotton, acrylic paint, beads, shells

Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 08:14:41 -0400 | From: “Julie” <quiltappraiser@>

Last weekend was the Vermont Quilt Festival. Judy Roche’s exhibit was the best! I also got to meet Judy and see all of the quilts that were chosen for the day. My favorite was the appliquE9 block quilt with the birds that had their beaks all pointed in toward a pomegranate. There was also an appliquE9 of a man thumbing his nose. Lynne Bassett gave a gallery talk that was so educational. I had to leave before it was over as my husband was in the car and we had set a time to meet. In my opinion, the exhibit was the best one they’ve had so far. Julie Crossland Hudson, NH

Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 17:07:52 -0700 (PDT) | From: Sandra Millett <smillett@>

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I agree with the comments about the quilt on e-bay. This is not a H mong quilt. Here are some facts about their pa ndau (stitchery). Each tribe within the H mong will do a different type of stitchery, similar, but different. There are Red, White, Blue, Black and Flower H mong in northern Vietnam. Handwork from the Lao H mong is different from those from Vietnam. Lao and Thailand H mong are Green, Armband and White (I believe this last is true). The handwork from H mong available in the US is from both Lao and Thai tribes.

During the Houston Quilt Festival over the last five years have been two H mong booths. If you’re lucky, you may find some old work–frequently used and removed to be applied to another fabric–this is common among the H mong.

Having visited the CraftLink store in Hanoi, be assured that they feature the best handiwork from the various Vietnamese tribes–there are 53 in all. I purchased some things there.

I also have a large quilt, unbatted made in the late 70s by a H mong waiting in Thailand for entry into the US and purchased in Fresno, CA. All their work is free-hand without any paper patterns–handed down from mother to daughters.

Anyone in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area — or just passing through — and who wants to see garments and stitchery of both Lao and Vietnam H mong, let me know. I have a bunch.

Sandra Millett First Peoples: The H mong of Southeast Asia, Lerner Publications (US) ISBN 0-8225-4852-6 and Times Ltd. (international)

Laurette Carroll <rl.carroll@> wrote: To add to what Judy said; Ralli quilts are often confused with American quilts by non-specialized dealers who find them in the field or at flea markets. Other applique work that confuses many are the intricately done Hmong pieces and the Molas of the Cuna Indians of the San Blas Islands/Panama area.

Here’s 3 sites to check out for Hmong and Cuna works, but a Google search brings up a lot of information for anyone interested in seeing photos of all three.

http://www.craftlink-vietnam.com/page3.htm

http://www.lib.uci.edu/libraries/collections/sea/hmong.html

http://thorup.com/mola.html

Laurette Carroll Southern California

Look to the Future With Hope

From: “Judy Kelius” > Hi Karen . . . I think it’s an example of a “Ralli Quilt” from Pakistan or > Western India – Schiffer published a book about these in 2003 written by > Patricia Ormsby Stoddard. They do remind you of Hmong work. Most of these > are of fairly recent vintage. > > http://www.schifferbooks.com/newschiffer/book_template.php?isbn0764316974

Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 06:35:52 -0500 | From: “Nancy Smith” <stptquiltnut@>

I have posted pictures of a coverlet set I recently came upon. (It is on the “Vintage Pictures” eboard under the “General” tab as “Coverlet 1-3”.) Does anyone have any idea on when this could have been made and what the pieces were used for. The set was purchased at an estate sale in WI. The applique pattern appears to have been made by “mirror” imaging (reminiscent of a variation of how Hawaiian applique is done).

I’m just getting starting in quilt history research/appraising and would appreciate any comments you would have for me. Thanks! 🙂

Nancy Smith Stevens Point, WIA0 stptquiltnut@

Date: Wed, 29 Jun 2005 23:34:00 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>

Sandra,

I noticed that every time you spelled the word you put a space between the H and the rest of the word. You spelled it H mong. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen it spelled that way, but since you wrote the book and are the expert, please explain.

Have I always seen it that way, and just never noticed?

Judy, aka the Ringoes Kid judygrow@

—– Original Message —– From: “Sandra Millett” <smillett@> To: “Quilt History List” <qhl@> Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2005 8:07 PM Subject: [qhl] Re: Reminiscent of Hmong?

Having visited the CraftLink store in Hanoi, be assured that they feature the best handiwork from the various Vietnamese tribes–there are 53 in all. I purchased some things there.

Anyone in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area — or just passing through — and who wants to see garments and stitchery of both Lao and Vietnam H mong, let me know. I have a bunch.

Sandra Millett First Peoples: The H mong of Southeast Asia, Lerner Publications (US) ISBN 0-8225-4852-6 and Times Ltd. (international)

Here’s 3 sites to check out for Hmong and Cuna works, but a Google search brings up a lot of information for anyone interested in seeing photos of all three.

http://www.craftlink-vietnam.com/page3.htm

http://www.lib.uci.edu/libraries/collections/sea/hmong.html

http://thorup.com/mola.html

Laurette Carroll Southern California

Look to the Future With Hope

Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 08:26:02 -0500 | From: “Karan Flanscha” <SadieRose@>

Good morning, everyone! I am hoping someone will have information on the “Promise Stitch”… a style of quilting “handed down from Appalachian Mountain Craftspeople”. I visited a quilt shop yesterday and they had a sample which was 4 small Log Cabin blocks, surrounded by a border with a delicate embroidered vine. She said it was a pattern from Mountain Patchwork www.mountainpatchwork.com The log cabin ‘logs’ were hand pieced, then when you flip them open, a line of running stitch is used to reinforce the sewing line. The website describes this as a “primitive stitch” and not fine hand quilting. The 2 owners/designers had taken a workshop to learn the “promise stitch”. The shopowner would love any additional historical information on this technique, so I offered to see if any QHL members could help out. TIA, Karan from very soggy Iowa

Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 06:41:56 -0700 | From: Chris Flynn <lovechris@>

Hi Karan…. Billie Lauder brought some sweet samples of the promise stitch to our guild last year. I don’t remember her saying they came from Appalachia though. Billie’s examples were tiny, 1″ squares sewn into a bigger block. Great take along work. I wish the Mountain Patchwork people showed a close up sample. Thanks, Chris in Sunny North California

On Jun 30, 2005, at 6:26 AM, Karan Flanscha wrote:

> Good morning, everyone! > I am hoping someone will have information on the “Promise > Stitch”… a style of quilting “handed down from Appalachian > Mountain Craftspeople”. I visited a quilt shop yesterday > and they had a sample which was 4 small Log Cabin blocks, > surrounded by a border with a delicate embroidered vine. > She said it was a pattern from Mountain Patchwork > www.mountainpatchwork.com The log cabin ‘logs’ were hand > pieced, then when you flip them open, a line of running > stitch is used to reinforce the sewing line. The website > describes this as a “primitive stitch” and not fine hand > quilting. The 2 owners/designers had taken a workshop to > learn the “promise stitch”. The shopowner would love any > additional historical information on this technique, so I > offered to see if any QHL members could help out. > TIA, Karan from very soggy Iowa > > > > — > You are currently subscribed to qhl as: lovechris@. > To unsubscribe send a blank email to > leave-qhl-1442664R@ >

Date: Thu, 30 Jun 2005 16:38:59 -0700 (PDT) | From: Sandra Millett <smillett@>

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Judy:

I wondered if someone would pick up on that. If you read books–and there are precious few–from Vietnam, the spelling frequently has a space between the H and the mong. Also there is an upside down accent V over the “o,” but it won’t do it in e-mail. The space has been done away with in the US. I assume as too cumbersome. Same space thing with the word for stitchery, pa ndau. I was coached by a H mong college professor from California on how to pronounce the word. The “au” goes up in tone, if it drops, the meaning is different. Language is very tonal and similar to Chinese as this is where they lived (and 5 million still do) before crossing the southern border of China to flee persecution.

Hope this clears up any confusion. Sandra

J. G. Row <JudyGrow@> wrote: Sandra,

Have I always seen it that way, and just never noticed?

Judy, aka the Ringoes Kid judygrow@

—– Original Message —– From: “Sandra Millett” To: “Quilt History List” Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2005 8:07 PM Subject: [qhl] Re: Reminiscent of Hmong?

Having visited the CraftLink store in Hanoi, be assured that they feature the best handiwork from the various Vietnamese tribes–there are 53 in all. I purchased some things there.

Anyone in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area — or just passing through — and who wants to see garments and stitchery of both Lao and Vietnam H mong, let me know. I have a bunch.

Sandra Millett First Peoples: The H mong of Southeast Asia, Lerner Publications (US) ISBN 0-8225-4852-6 and Times Ltd. (international)

Laurette Carroll wrote: To add to what Judy said; Ralli quilts are often confused with American quilts by non-specialized dealers who find them in the field or at flea markets. Other applique work that confuses many are the intricately done Hmong pieces and the Molas of the Cuna Indians of the San Blas Islands/Panama area.

Here’s 3 sites to check out for Hmong and Cuna works, but a Google search brings up a lot of information for anyone interested in seeing photos of all three.

http://www.craftlink-vietnam.com/page3.htm

http://www.lib.uci.edu/libraries/collections/sea/hmong.html

http://thorup.com/mola.html

Laurette Carroll Southern California

Look to the Future With Hope

Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 04:57:27 -0700 (PDT) | From: Anita Loscalzo <aloscalz@>

MAVERICKS: ECCENTRIC TWISTS ON ANTIQUE QUILTS June 23rd August 14th, New England Quilt Museum, Lowell

“Mavericks” is a bold and vivacious collection of traditional antique quilts with unique twists organized by Julie Silber and Jean Demeter for The Quilt Complex, Albion, California. These quilts stretch the boundaries of expected patterns and color combinations to challenge the norm and delight the eye. Every quilt is an original departure from the ordinary.

Hours: Tue-Sat 10-4; Sun 12-4. 978-452-4207. www.nequiltmuseum.org

I hope to see some of you this summer!

Anita

Anita B. Loscalzo, Curator New England Quilt Museum 18 Shattuck Street Lowell, MA 01852 ——– email: CuratorNEQuiltMuseum.org telephone: 978-452-4207 Ext. 11

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Date: Fri, 1 Jul 2005 14:09:29 -0400 | From: ctquilting@

This thread on the Hmong has interested me. In Chaingmai, Thailand, my DH purchased a piece of Hmong reverse needle applique for my birthday. The women were selling these pieces in the street; they didn’t need a booth as they wore their traditional dresses, covered with their applique. It was a real treat to purchase it from the woman herself, who made it. We conversed slightly and found that they had indeed come from Tibet into Thailand to excape persecution from the Chinese people. The price of my B’day present? It was equal to US $3.00. I’ve been glad to see so many Hmong now residing in our country and sharing their talents. Susan Webb Titusville

Language is very tonal and similar to Chinese as this is where they lived (and 5 million still do) before crossing the southern border of China to flee persecution.

Date: Sat, 2 Jul 2005 08:30:07 -0700 | From: “Judy Anne” <anne_j@>

My article “Hmong Needlework: Traditions Both Ancient and New” is a just brief introduction to Hmong needlework but does have links to several sites on the topic. http://www.womenfolk.com/quilting_history/hmong.htm

Judy Anne

From: Marsha MacDowell

Regarding Hmong textiles, the Michigan State University Museum does have one publication on Hmong textiles still available. Information on it and other textile-related publications, can be found by going to www.museum.@, then clicking on the “MTAP STORE” icon at top.

Marsha MacDowell

Date: Mon, 4 Jul 2005 12:43:38 -0400 | From: <suereich@>

By now, most of you dear friends in the quilt history world have heard of the great tragedy in our family, the death of our son, Stephen. There has been the most amazing outpouring of love and kindness from the ends of the earth for his beautiful wife, Jill; AnnMarie and Megan, his sisters; for Ray and I, and the rest of our extended families. Our town and country have come to our aid and everyone has been beyond wonderful. I know that your hearts break for me. Losing a son is the worst event that any mother could imagine. He was a brave soldier. He told me just recently that the two most important things in his life were his wife and his men. He went first into combat rather than ask others to take that risk. He did it all in his brief 34 years. My deepest regret is that he will not live to grow old with his beautiful wife, Jill. He loved his family, his town and his country more than any of you can imagine. The realities of his line of work placed him in very danger situations on a regular basis. We know this even though he never confided any aspect of his job with us. He died so that all of us may keep our lives wonderful, have happy times with our families and friends, and to keep our country safe from those who would like to see it destroyed. He would be thoroughly embarrassed by all the fanfare and attention that as come his way. He and his men fought as one unit and unfortunately, for all of us, were killed as one unit. This is a loss beyond words for the 160th and for our country. Ironically, the “4th of July” was Stephen’s favorite Holiday. He had wanted to come home but the needs of the company he was commanding kept him in Afghanistan. Please take a moment tonight, go to fireworks, pray for our family and the families of the other men who last their soldiers. Tonight and every “4th of July”, remember, Stephen will be there, helping to paint the skies with the splendor and glory that celebrates our country’s freedom. Fate brought us here that he should have been killed right before our country’s annual birthday event. Please know that I love you all and I know that we are in your prayers. It will take all of you to help me see this through. love, sue reich

Date: Mon, 4 Jul 2005 16:23:26 -0500 | From: “The Motls” <motl@>

Thank you to you, your son and his family for the ultimate sacrifice that lets all of us enjoy our freedom. I can’t ease your pain but my thoughts are with you and all the others who have lost loved ones for our country. Chris —– Original Message —– From: <suereich@> To: “Quilt History List” <qhl@> Sent: Monday, July 04, 2005 11:43 AM Subject: [qhl] My Son.

Date: Mon, 04 Jul 2005 16:41:26 -0600 | From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>

This is not quilt-related, but I hope Kris will excuse the message. On the heels of Sue’s courageous and heartwrenching message came one from American Airlines, saying anyone having AAdvantage air miles can donate them to help bring hospitalized US troops and their families together. Go to AA.com and download a pdf form to fill out and return. Operation Hero Miles is going on from July 4 to September 5th, and you can help.

Xenia

Date: Mon, 4 Jul 2005 18:44:00 -0400 | From: “Sharon in NC” <patchworksecrets2@>

I hope this link works. I had to share this fabulous work of art!

http://www.christies.com/LotFinder/search/LotDetail.asp

Sharon

From: Carol Grace

American Airlines, saying anyone having AAdvantage air miles can donate them to help bring hospitalized US troops and their families together. Go to AA.com and download a pdf form to fill out and return. Operation Hero Miles is going on from July 4 to September 5th, and you can help.

Hi, Thanks for letting us know about this. I do believe we have some we’ll never use and will check out the web site. There are so many places we can do good, but don’t know about. Appreciate the input. Carol grace

From: “Nancy” <

Dear Sue, My heart is so sad today for you and your family. I know as a mother, there is NO greater loss. Just yesterday my 13 yr. old son made a negative comment about our President. I asked him why he said this. He had heard similar from his father. I sat him down and had a long talk with him about this great country of ours and the rights we have as Americans to say what we choose to say, but also the importance of thinking before we speak and the importance to respect others, including our President, whether you agree with him or not. I tried to explain that when we disrepect him, we disrespect our country. I support our stand in Iraq and Afghanistan and our responsibility to the world to help others. And by doing so, keep the freedoms we have come to feel as our birth right as Americans. I so much admire and respect your son for putting his life on the line to help keep us safe and feel your great heartbreak of losing him. I truly wish there were words to ease your pain. I will be thinking of you today, this special day to celebrate our freedom and will say a prayer for Stephen, his company, and your entire family. God Bless all of you.

Nancy Dewey Tempe, Arizona United States of America

From: Nancy Ray

All, I am humbled by the sacrifice and the love for this country and for all of us, shown every day by American Soldiers–men and women who are meeting a dangerous enemy far from home so that we won’t have to face that enemy here. Sue’s son and our other servicemen and women are my heroes, wherever they are serving. I can’t tell you what it meant to me during the last weeks I was on active duty, when strangers took a minute to stop me on the street or in parking lots to thank me for my service. I felt my contribution was small compared to what Soldiers and Marines are giving us in the field, but still it meant the world to me. In honor of Sue’s son and all of them, please take the opportunity to thank a serviceman or woman personally if you ever have it. Even though it was necessary, one of the unfortunate results of closing some posts and bases is that we see Soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines less often. The Army web site has a great page that lists many ways to do something for Soldiers, and lists organizations that are providing assistance as well–such as the American Airlines airmiles donation. It is wonderful to see such a huge outpouring of support. You may reach it at www.army.mil then clicking the button on the left marked, “how you can help”. Or you can bypass the home page and go to www.army.mil/howyoucanhelp/ The homepage, www.army.mil also has a lot of great information about what Soldiers are doing worldwide that rarely is covered by media. One of the greatest frustrations our troops express is that their real mission, and the countless good things (large and small) that are happening as a result, aren’t known. For example, I recently read a newsletter written in Iraq by an Idaho National Guard unit–in which the chaplain mentioned in his column that although no one would read it in the newspapers, he wanted people to know that the area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers is being restored, and the wildlife are returning! Who knew? Sue, I will think of you and your family every day and include you in my prayers, Nancy Ray

From: Karen Evans

I’m in Western Massachusetts and could potentially make the funeral. I don’t have much money but could contribute a few dollars toward a wreath.

Karen Evans >

From: Xenia Cord

OK, here’s another way you can help. There is a national project called Quilts of Valor, a subset at this website:

www.quiltsforsoldiers.com

It’s really simple; you make a quilt top at least 50″ x 70″, machine quilt it, contact the site to find out where the current need for quilts is. Wounded troops are being sent home for sometimes lengthy rehab to bases with hospitals specific to their needs, and as close to their homes as possible. The website has a list of chaplains at these bases, and project director Catherine Roberts can tell you where quilts should be sent.

Since the first of the year I have made 6 of these, in patriotic colors and fabrics – it’s easy! (If you know me, you know I am a fairly lazy quiltmaker<g>!) Friends are also participating, and we have sent a dozen quilts and have 8 more nearly ready to go.

Each quilt should be labeled with the maker’s name and hometown, and the same for the quilter, simple washing instructions, and fiber content. We have taken pictures of each quilt and turned them into postcards (most photo supply places have peel and stick postcard forms). Stamped and addressed to the quiltmaker, each is attached to its quilt, for easy return by the chaplain or the quilt recipient.

This is a real feel-good project!

Xenia

Date: Tue, 05 Jul 2005 09:42:29 -0500 | From: Mary Persyn <Mary.Persyn@>

The silk quilt that Sharon sent the link for is really spectacular. Doesn’t anyone know the history of it? I don’t remember ever having seen it before. And it is quite memorable.

Mary

From: Kris

On a more postive note, is there anything we can do as a group to support Sue? I am thinking along the lines of taking up a collection for flowers at his funeral this weekend, or perhaps making a donation to a particular soldier supporting cause. Someone else will need to co-ordinate that, though, I have about three days of driving to get to back and won’t be able to answer E-mail.

I should be home by Friday night, actually, so if anyone wants to go to the funeral and needs a place to stay, I am about 2 1/2 hours away. I am told the townspeople have opened their homes, too.

Just let me know. I will try to get E-mail daily.

Kris

From: “J. G. Row”

I was curious as to what museum I was in on Sunday so I went Googling to find out whether there were associations with other institutions that I should have made. There aren’t, but there are 85 different museums listed for New York City at http://www.ny.com/museums/all.museums.html.

New-York Historical Society. Hosting the “Home Sewn” exhibit. This is associated with the city of NY . Notice the all-important hyphen between the words New and York. This is New York City’s oldest museum and historical society . “Since 1804 The New-York Historical Society has served as the collective memory of New York, accumulating vast collections in American painting, sculpture, books, manuscripts, decorative arts, architectural drawings, photographs, prints and ephemera. ” Website www.nyhistory.org

New-York Historical Society 2 West 77th Street at Central Park West New York, NY 10024 (212) 873-3400 (Press 1 for general information) Tues – Sun 11am – 5pm

Not to be confused with The New York State Historical Association (not Society) http://www.nysha.org/

The mission of the New York State Historical Association (headquartered in Cooperstown, NY) is to instill and cultivate in a broad public audience an informed appreciation of the diversity of the American past, especially as represented and exemplified by the history of New York State, to better understand the present. Associated with nysha is the Fenimore Art Museum and the Farmers’ Museum. The Fenimore Art Museum has a wonderful quilt collection, some on permanent display. Rabbitt Goody has held a number of her summer seminars on textile history there.

Then of course there is the Museum of the City of New York, at 1220 Fifth Avenue at 103rd Street which does not regularly display any quilts from its collection as far as I can tell but “as one of the strongest historically-based collections of clothing in this country, the Museum of the City of New York’s Costume Collection preserves over 25,000 garments and accessories worn by New Yorkers from the mid-eighteenth century to the present.” http://www.mcny.org/Collections/costume/worth/worth.htm Clicking here will take you to a site with many, many thumbnails of costumes by Worth, with a good biography. All of the gowns are listed with their original wearer’s names and the special date they were worn. “Needlework includes samplers and needlework pictures, bell pulls, and pillow covers executed by New York women and schoolgirls. Household textiles of the nineteenth century, including such items as quilts, dressing table accessories and table linens, as well as suites of draperies, valances, and tie-backs, and floor coverings, are strongly represented as well. ” http://www.mcny.org/ They also have a wonderful collection of furniture from NYC cabintmakers, and an outstanding silver collection.

I can’t resist telling you about the Hispanic Society of America on Audubon Terrace, between 155th and 156th streets on Broadway housed in a wonderful Beaux-Arts building of 1904. In the courtyard, or Terrace, are also located the American Numismatic Society , The American Academy of Arts and Letters and a private college. I once went there to see a special exhibition of Spanish impressionist paintings by Joaquín Sorolla y Bastida (1863-1923), known as Sorolla. You probably all have seen his work in compilations of impressionist painting, you just don’t know his name. Many of them feature children and women in white wind-swept dresses at the edge of the sea. His light is extraordinary.

To make this quilt related, the Japan Society, at 333 East 47th Street New York, NY 10017 once hosted a wonderful show of Japanese made quilts. I believe it was in the early ’90’s. Truly inspiring.

Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow@