January 18 – 20, 1999
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:
- Hand Quilting Techniques & Tools — Wide-ranging thread on hand quilting aids — finger cots, rubber gloves, apple corers for closing pins, DMSO for sore fingers, and the merits of backstitching.
- Hidden in Plain View (Underground Railroad Quilts) — Members eagerly await and discuss the newly published book on the quilt code theory, with reactions ranging from excitement to scholarly caution. (see the article on Underground Railroad quilts)
- Jefferson-Hemings DNA & Quilt Connections — A member asks whether any quilts are tied to the Thomas Jefferson / Sally Hemings story, following the recent DNA confirmation.
- Big Stitch Quilting — Discussion of the ‘big stitch’ technique, its historical precedents, and practical tips including thread and needle choices.
- Patriotic Textiles Exhibition Call — Denise Clausen calls for patriotic quilts, hooked rugs, and woven pieces for an exhibit at the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center.
- 1863 Sampler Conservation — Alan Kelchner asks for advice on cleaning and conserving a Civil War-era sampler. (see the article on repair, restore, or conserve)
Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 16:10:43 PST | From: “Karen B.” <txkarey [at] hotmail [dot] com
Was there a quilt related to the DAR thread regarding Thomas Jefferson’s geneology that I missed somewhere? Just wondering.
Karey
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Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 20:04:42 EST | From: JQuilt [at] aol [dot] com
If you plan on doing a lot of hand quilting…
go to CVS and buy a bag on latex gloves…cut off all of the fingers and put one of the fingers on your thumb when you are quilting,for pulling the needle and thread…better than any needle gripper…and you don’t have to stop to pick it up every time…
you can buy the glove…I use the top of two white ribbed socks on my wrist, whenever I am at the computer of sewing…
then for soreness…..go to a natural food store and buy Arnica ointment/gel and rub it on your wrist or wherver there is soreness/pain ..
Jean jquilt [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 19:28:51 -0800 | From: “Catherine Kypta” <vger [at] cwnet [dot] com>
Hello all, I too use gloves with no fingers, like Jean. Also, I am not giving medical advice, but do any of you folks ever use DMSO for sore fingers, knees, shoulders, etc? It is not FDA approved in the US for human use, but I used it alot when I was on the ranch on our horses which we used for calf roping and such on their front legs. It is available at the feed store, and everyone I know who has tried it for arthritic type pain has gotten relief, when other Rx’s even anti-inflamatory meds don’t work. Worst side effect I have had, is sometimes if I have been using it for 4 or 5 days on my poor shoulder with bursitis, I start to smell like garlic!! I have been told it is used in England and Russia for treatment of arthritis, etc. Anyone else use this?
Catherine (yes that garlic smell is me!) in Sacramento
Date: Mon, 18 Jan 1999 19:55:52 -0800 (PST) | From: bevquilt [at] sprynet [dot] com
I didn’t know we were talking about appraisals again……I have been away at Road to California for a the past days! If anyone is interested in a simple article on quilt appraisals I have written one, and it is in the issue of McCalls Vintage Quilts that is now available from news stands and magazine racks of grocery stores. Bev. Dunivent —
Beverly Dunivent
HTTP://home.sprynet.com/sprynet/bevquilt
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 01:47:45 -0500 | From: “Judy Grow” <Judygrow [at] blast [dot] net>
Just had to pass on my excitement. We had a huge storm blow through here late this afternoon. DH says it was part of the system that killed 3 people in Tennessee, and the weather channel says it was just short of a tornado. The two of us were in the studio (unfinished) when it blew in, and it withstood the high winds and driving rain beautifully. The structure is so tight that not a whisper of draft was felt! A candle flame wouldn’t have flickered at all.
The staircase will be tackled in a week, after preliminary work is done on the ballusters. They and the bannister are from architectural salvage, from buildings that didn’t have to come up to any building codes. Code says the bannister has to be 34 inches high, minimum. Well, ours are 31″ at the front of the step, 34″ at the back. We are hoping the building inspector will let it pass, but we have a contingency plan, just in case. Also the little powder room under the stairs. Code says there has to be so many inches clearance in front of the toilet.
The space in there is so limited, we are going to have to ask for a variance, and hope the inspector is kind-hearted. If not, no toilet, and Allan will have to run back to the house for the necessaries.
I found out today that the rescue vehicles and med-evac helicopter a few houses down the road on Saturday night were for a car with 4 teenagers which ran into a utility pole. That was the thunk I heard. One girl was helicoptered out, with ruptured spleen and other life threatening injuries. We are heading into NYC tomorrow to go to a couple of museums. I hope I can talk Allan into letting me stop at “Julie:Artisan’s Gallery” on Madison Ave. to look at the incredible art quilts and sweaters I saw in our hurried visit before Christmas.
Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 09:36:48 -0500 (EST) | From: JOCELYNM [at] delphi [dot] com
>different names – but I find it hard to believe that a Checkerboard Quilt was listed in a 1300’s will since the game wasn’t invented until the 1700’s. I think this may have one persons translation of the will.
Kris,
Chess and ‘draughts’ both existed in the Middle Ages. Probably the word used in the will referred to those games, but was translated ‘checkerboard’ since that is the more common term today. ‘Chessboard quilt’ just sounds funny, doesn’t it? <G>
> Sorry to be so suspicious sounding, I guess it is the Capricorn in me.
So far as I know, I have no planets in Capricorn. I’m STILL skeptical.
<G>
Jocelyn
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 10:56:26 -0800 (PST) | From: Pamela Robersson <quiltcollector [at] yahoo [dot] com>
I have been on and off the list, but have been getting forwards from a friend on those she feels I would have interest in. I have checked into all of the information regarding appraisals/appraisers that has been suggested over the past week or two. Even the McCalls magazine article…all the information was good…however, if you don’t have a lot of time, IMHO, the FAQ page that was suggested by txkarey was the best in helping someone find a knowledgable appraiser. In case you missed the address, it was: http://quilt.com/debbieroberts/appraiserfaq.html to be the most helpful.
Thanks Karey for sharing it with us.
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Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 14:07:17 -0600 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co [at] mail [dot] airmail [dot] net>
Pam,
That page and *wonderful* web site are the production of our “unofficial” official spokesperson, Deborah Roberts.<G> Deb does a wonderful job connecting the 55 AQS certified appraisers with those in our area are that contact her via the internet. Most all of us will accept appraisals through the mail (with appropriate/available provenance attached) and all of us are available to consult with each other in our field of specialization. There are many other people out there appraising without the AQS certification, but having received my certification last year–after having done appraisals for 20 years on my own–I’m glad that I have a support team and source of reference materials when presented with a challenging quilt. Deb does give a thorough but conscise explination of the process and the need for appraisals.
Laura Syler
AQS Appraiser
Pres. Vintage Quilt & Textile Society
At 10:56 AM 1/19/99 -0800, Pamela Robersson wrote:
>I have been on and off the list, but have been getting forwards from a friend on those she feels I would have interest in.
>I have checked into all of the information regarding appraisals/appraisers that has been suggested over the past week or two. Even the McCalls magazine article…all the information was good…however, if you don’t have a lot of time, IMHO, the FAQ page that was suggested by txkarey was the best in helping someone find a knowledgable appraiser. In case you missed the address, it was:
>http://quilt.com/debbieroberts/appraiserfaq.html to be the most helpful.
>Thanks Karey for sharing it with us.
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 16:15:51 -0500 | From: Vivien Lee Sayre <vsayre [at] nesa [dot] com>
Hello All,
How many of you backstitch a seam when you are hand piecing a block? A few years ago, while taking a course in Paducah, a group of us were examining a quilt top. One of the participants from the Midwest commented on the backstitching that was evident in this work. This is a method using a regular running stitch, but backstitching at various points to insure the strength of the seam. Not only had she not seen this method before in quilt piecing, she had never heard of it. The question about backstitching was posed to the rest of the class. Those from the Midwest and some from the West had not seen this method of piecing used before. I don’t have any information about the South.
I was reminded of this recently while taking apart a damaged block that contained 1886 cheater cloth. It had backstitching in the middle of each seam. The block came from the New England area. If you have a chance, would you think about the questions below and e-mail your responses to me. This has really got my curiosity buzzing.
1. What part of the country are you from and where do you live now?
2. Do you use the backstitch?
3. If not, have you ever heard of backstitching in a block?
4. If so, who taught you?
5. Have you ever seen the backstitch used in quilts?
6. If so, what is the origin of the maker?
7. What about other countries, do you use backstitching? There a lots more questions that could be asked about this. From what I have seen thus far, it appears this method was, and still is being used for hand piecing in the Northeast. Where did it originate, I have no idea. Many of the quilt tops we have documented contain the backstitch. I know it is still being taught here because it is the method I was instructed to use by my first two quilt teachers. I would love to hear from you if you have a chance.
Vivien In Massachusetts vsayre [at] nesa [dot] com
Visit Web Threads, the Newsletter for Net Savvy Quilters at: http://personal.bna.bellsouth.net/bna/s/w/sw4quilt/index.htm
sw4quilt [at] bellsouth [dot] net
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 16:31:51 EST | From: JQuilt [at] aol [dot] com
catherine kypta wrote…”Hello all, I too use gloves with no fingers, like Jean.”
My message was:
If you plan on doing a lot of hand quilting…
go to CVS and buy a bag on latex gloves…cut off all of the fingers and put one of the fingers on your thumb when you are quilting,for pulling the needle and thread…better than any needle gripper…and you don’t have to stop to pick it up every time…
just wanted to clarify that
I cut the fingers from the latex gloves and use the fingers and throw away the gloves..
not to belabor the point …but it’s a perfect example of how the story changes…can you imagine how quilt stories have changed….
jean
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 19:59:16 -0500 (EST) | From: quiltsnbears [at] webtv [dot] net (Roberta Geanangel)
Why are you using embroidery floss? If you must use it then try “Thread Heaven” on the floss. It’s sold in most sewing/quilt stores/catalogs.
Roberta
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 19:59:58 -0500 | From: Alan Kelchner <quiltfix [at] mail [dot] jax [dot] bellsouth [dot] net>
Hey, y’all – instead of cutting the fingers off’n of latex gloves (can be somewhat loose because they’re one-size-fits-all bought in little packs), go to the office supply store and get a box of rubber grips. Like a heavy duty finger cot, they fit very snugly. I personally cut off the bottom half to keep it from dragging on the fabric. But I swear by the things, and Office Depot likes to see me coming !
Alan who all uses serrated butter knives to close safety pins – $6 for that “tool”?!Visit Web Threads, the Newsletter for Net Savvy Quilters at: http://personal.bna.bellsouth.net/bna/s/w/sw4quilt/index.htm
sw4quilt [at] bellsouth [dot] net
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 20:04:53 -0500 (EST) | From: quiltsnbears [at] webtv [dot] net (Roberta Geanangel)
Peggy..I forgot to mention that when you do Big Stitch most people use Perle Cotton..it slides through fabric easier. You may also have to check the floss to see if you are sewing with the twist or against it. I do a lot of embroidery, but pulling floss through two layers of fabric with batting in between would not be a fun thing to do!! <smile> And this comes from a woman who just completed a runner of Battenburg Lace (hand made)!
Roberta
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 20:05:16 -0500 | From: Alan Kelchner <quiltfix [at] mail [dot] jax [dot] bellsouth [dot] net>
There is a very interesting aspect to this Jefferson/Hemming deal. I was reading my Time magazine a few weeks back (usually read it cover-to-cover), and they had an article about the progeny of that union. Turns out that there were children following the union that could and couldn’t “pass” as white. Evidently some of the family who could pass moved away from home to recreate their lives as white. What eventually became the “black” branch of the family were very aware of the possibility of Jefferson being an ancestor, while the “white” branch had no idea! I haven’t made anything of it, but it was a really unique aspect of the story.
Alan
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 20:15:44 -0500 (EST) | From: quiltsnbears [at] webtv [dot] net (Roberta Geanangel)
I’m beginning to wonder if my Underground book is coming from Amazon exactly that way:underground! Others have had their copy for over a week and all Amazon says to me is, “Your order is being processed”! Have you read it ??Has anyone read it???
Roberta,dying of curiousity!
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 20:20:40 -0500 (EST) | From: quiltsnbears [at] webtv [dot] net (Roberta Geanangel)
When I was showing horses (jumpers) I used it (DMSO) on them.
Roberta
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 20:25:36 -0500 (EST) | From: quiltsnbears [at] webtv [dot] net (Roberta Geanangel)
“Quilt Appraisals Why,How & By Whom” by Beverly Dunivent, page 68,McCall’s Vintage Quilts 1998. An informative article, even if it is deemed “simple” by the author!! <grin>
Roberta
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 20:42:04 -0500 (EST) | From: quiltsnbears [at] webtv [dot] net (Roberta Geanangel)
Jean…you sent a shiver up my spine (or is that down?) when you said you cut off the fingers of the gloves…I cut off part of my left index finger with a rotary cutter last March …now put that with the other misinterpretation and we can have Jean cutting off Roberta’s finger!!!
LOL
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 20:50:34 -0500 (EST) | From: quiltsnbears [at] webtv [dot] net (Roberta Geanangel)
Alan…the first time I bought the rubber cots I very seriously explained to my DH what they were used for in quilting… he didn’t stop laughing for days!!! I’ll leave that one to your imagination. I use a grapefruit spoon to close pins…but your knife is cheaper! Are you ready for Orlando? Is Teddy ready for Orlando? I can hardly wait!!!
Roberta/Lake Alfred
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 21:01:27 -0500 (EST) | From: quiltsnbears [at] webtv [dot] net (Roberta Geanangel)
When this country was being settled meetings were not held indoors, they were held under large trees (oaks) and the charter oak became a legend in its own time: the charters were signed under the oak. Even today some towns call meetings “under the oak”, even if the “oak” is air conditioned and has four walls! The acorn had the tradition of “from little acorns, big oaks grow”. (From small groups large towns grow).
Roberta
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 20:31:55 -0600 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co [at] mail [dot] airmail [dot] net>
I got a call from Barnes & Nobel this afternoon…my copy is at the front desk at the Dallas store…..I’ll get it after I have my session with the torture queen ( personal trainer- a present from a business assoc) and will let you know ASAP what I find…
Laura
At 08:15 PM 1/19/99 -0500, Roberta Geanangel wrote:
>I’m beginning to wonder if my Underground book is coming from Amazon exactly that way:underground! Others have had their copy for over a week and all Amazon says to me is, “Your order is being processed”! Have you read it ??Has anyone read it???
>Roberta,dying of curiousity!
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 22:01:31 EST | From: Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] com
Here in south Texas in 1994 I took a beginner quilt class where we were taught to backstitch at beginning and end of handquilted seams.
Elisabeth
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 19:32:28 -0800 | From: Denise Clausen <nadyne [at] oregoncoast [dot] com>
Speaking of the underground railroad….
while I was introducing the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center to a 4th grade class today, the teacher interjected her observations of Professor Dobard on the Oprah W. show. I had been showing the children the pattern developed on a quilt top. We were discussing the fact that quilts often tell stories, because the top we were looking at was an alphabet with the position of the letters “f” and “s” switched. The children were speculating why that might have been done. This is when the teacher proceeded to tell them that slaves found their way to the north led by quilts along the way. I have not read the book and don’t know what the evidence is, so I let it go. The professors word was accepted as fact and passed on as such…. I’m a little concerned….
Denise Clausen
Director LQTC
Roberta Geanangel wrote:
> I’m beginning to wonder if my Underground book is coming from Amazon exactly that way:underground! Others have had their copy for over a week and all Amazon says to me is, “Your order is being processed”! Have you read it ??Has anyone read it???
> Roberta,dying of curiousity!
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 21:42:28 -0600 | From: KAREN BUSH <Birdsong [at] worldnet [dot] att [dot] net>
And a GREAT article it is,too!!! I didn’t know who it was that wrote that and wondered if it was a list memeber…Congrats on a job WELL DONE Bev! 🙂 kb of McCalls
Vintage Quilts that is now available from news stands and magazine racks of grocery stores. Bev. Dunivent
From: Herb &/or Gail Hurn <hghurn [at] cwix [dot] com>
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 21:47:44 -0600 | From: KAREN BUSH <Birdsong [at] worldnet [dot] att [dot] net>
To: QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com
Subject: QHL: back stitching
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How many of you backstitch a seam when you are hand piecing a block?
got my hand up, here….I do!
I was reminded of this recently while taking apart a damaged block that contained 1886 cheater cloth. It had backstitching in the middle of each seam.
And, that’s how I do it,too. Especially on a long seam. I start from the middle, or 3/4 of the way to get a good grip on the piece, get that sewn and then flip it over and finish the seam.
But then, I was taught by my Mom in sewing clothing, and that’s how she did it. Mother was a professional seamstress/tailor from England, I don’t know if that’s any help or not,….but, I’ll get to your questionaire now! 🙂 kb
From: Peggy Notestine <notestine.11 [at] osu [dot] edu>
To: QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com
Hi friends,
Thanks you all for the many ideas I received for my sore finger and using the big stitch. What follows is the combined list of suggestions:
1. Ice
2. R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
3. 15 minute quilting periods followed by rest
3. Use gloves for hand/wrist support that are out on the market now. 4. Use “finger cots” on the tips for better grabbing of the needle 5. Use ” Thread Heaven” on the floss before using.
6. Use Perle cotton sz 12 instead of floss ( was going to do that but I didn’t have the right shade when I decided to start this….I’ll know better on the next quilt.
7. The following products were recommended for pain relief: “Promotion” by Advocare – a glucosomine formulation
“Arnica” gel – sold in Natural Foods store
“DMSO”
“Zostrix”
8. Watch for excessive bending of the wrist, which will only add to the discomfort.
9. Use a needle with a larger eye to help ease the floss through – like a sashiko needle.
10. And Finally, get a friend or two to help when doing a bigger project with the big stitch! – I like this one!
Thanks again for all your suggestions!
Now in regards to backstitching, I was taught this in a class in Cincinnati, OH on handpiecing. I have seen it in one old quilt top from the 1890’s to 1910 period (a Thousand Pyramid quilt) and I do it when I am handpiecing. Every 5 to 10 stitches, then one backstitch. Finally, I also have a very old linen sampler (16 x 20 inches maybe). It is dated 1812 or 1818, quite faded, until you look on the back and see the truer colors. It has a little verse and the person’s name. I received it as a wedding gift from my dad who found it in the bottom of a large box of frames he was bidding on at an auction. The price for the entire box? 1 (that’s a “ONE”) dollar. I showed it to a lady once about 15 years ago who told me quite a few things about it…stitches used, and that it was probably done by a girl less than 10 years old. She also told me to quickly remove it from the old frame it was in as there was barn siding on the back which she said would eventually eat through the cloth. I would love to have it cleaned/restored/reframed as well. Any experts in the Ohio area?
Peggy Notestine in Columbus, OH
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 21:46:10 -0600 | From: “Sehoy L. Welshofer” <sw4quilt [at] bellsouth [dot] net>
Reply to message below on backstitching a seam:
I learned to hand stitch from a book I purchased in 1983 at the Smithsonian, entitled ‘You Can Be a Super Quilter’ by Carla Hassel. (the guru of hand piecing; also author of “Super Quilter”:) She does a “piecing stitch” and not a running stitch when hand piecing. Her quote from page 20: “The piecing stitch is stronger than the simple running stitch due to the frequent backstitching, but doesn’t really take any extra time because the backstitch is taken when the needle has already been pulled through the fabric”. This system of backstitching is still being taught through teachers like myself who continue to preach the common sense of this method. To me, it only makes sense, and the idea of not backstitching seems reckless, to say the least. Why not add the extra strength of a backstitch? If a stitch gets broken, it will only run until the next backstitch – 1/2″ at the most.
Sehoy in TN
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 21:54:32 -0600 | From: “Sehoy L. Welshofer” <sw4quilt [at] bellsouth [dot] net>
Alan – I used to use a grapefruit spoon to close safety pins. That is, until I had occasion to put 2,000 pins in a quilt – then I bought the Kwik Klip for $6.00. The advantage? That smooth, round handle saves my left hand – after just so many pins, even a grapefruit spoon becomes a pain! <G< (A butter knife might be better than the grapefruit spoon?)
Sehoy in TN
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 20:01:00 -0800 | From: Denise Clausen <nadyne [at] oregoncoast [dot] com>
Calling all patriotic quilts, hooked rugs, embroideries, and woven pieces for an exhibit at the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center.May 18 through July 18, 1999.
Exhibits that centered around a theme have been some of our most fun exhibits at the Center. Flying objects, Vested Interests, Tea in the
Garden, and By the Sea are shows that drew in many surprises.
Let me know if you have a textile that you would like to share and I will send you the details.
Looking forward to hearing from you
Sincerely
Denise Clausen
Director LQTC
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Calling all patriotic quilts, hooked rugs, embroideries, and woven pieces for an exhibit at the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center.May 18 through July 18, 1999. Exhibits that centered around a theme have been some of our most fun exhibits at the Center. Flying objects, Vested Interests, Tea in the Garden, and By the Sea are shows that drew in many surprises. Let me know if you have a textile that you would like to share and I will send you the details. Looking forward to hearing from you
Sincerely
Denise Clausen
Director LQTC ————–E4C7503A2ED70290BB3A151C–
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 22:22:48 -0600 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co [at] mail [dot] airmail [dot] net>
Hi Viv and Elisabeth,
When I took my first class in 1977 we too were taught to backstitch. I quickly decided that it was too much trouble and did not teach it when I had my shop in the ’80’s.
Laura
In Spring like North Texas
At 10:01 PM 1/19/99 EST, Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] com wrote:
>Here in south Texas in 1994 I took a beginner quilt class where we were
taught
>to backstitch at beginning and end of handquilted seams.
>Elisabeth
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 23:37:03 -0500 | From: “Judy Grow” <Judygrow [at] blast [dot] net>
<quiltfix [at] mail [dot] jax [dot] bellsouth [dot] net>
Subject: QHL: rubber fingers
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>go to the office supply store and get a box of rubber grips. Like a heavy duty finger cot, they fit very snugly. I personally cut off the bottom half to keep it from dragging on the fabric. But I swear by the things, and Office Depot likes to see me coming !
Alan, I bought a box of a dozen at least five years ago, have quilted at least 3 full size quilts a year, and have not worn out finger number two from the box. What do you do to go through so many?
By the way, let’s hear it for Office Max. I can go to either OM or Staples, and haven’t found a Staples with as much stock or nicer service as OM.
Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
Date: Tue, 19 Jan 1999 23:39:56 -0500 | From: “Judy Grow” <Judygrow [at] blast [dot] net>
“Roberta Geanangel” <quiltsnbears [at] webtv [dot] net>
Subject: QHL: Perle Cotton
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>Peggy..I forgot to mention that when you do Big Stitch most people use Perle Cotton..it slides through fabric easier
Roberta and Peggy,
I have used perle cotton size 12 for quilting. It is the finest gauge perle cotton.
I have also used buttonhole thread for big stitch quilting and absolutely love it. Of course you can’t get very big spools of it, and lately I haven’t seen it at all.
Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 07:40:34 -0500 | From: Alan Kelchner <quiltfix [at] mail [dot] jax [dot] bellsouth [dot] net>
I’ve been asked about the care and cleaning of a specific 1863 sampler that resides overseas at the moment. It’ll be coming back to the US, and I was wondering if anyone knew of anyone in the So. Cal. area that could help decide what should be done to the piece before it is framed appropriately. Also give her an idea of it’s worth (I can’t – not my area).
Thanks.
Alan
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 07:43:41 -0500 | From: Alan Kelchner <quiltfix [at] mail [dot] jax [dot] bellsouth [dot] net>
Vivien,
I backstitch when I handpiece. But I take the stitch every 1 – 1.5 inches. Don’t ask me where I learned it. I don’t remember if it was a book, person, or actual handwork. All I know is that I don’t have to worry that I’ll pull the running stitch too far and start to gather the block.
Alan
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 07:43:17 -0500 | From: “jawhite [at] courant [dot] infi [dot] net” <jawhite [at] courant [dot] infi [dot] net>
Hi Vivian. I am from the midwest and that’s where I learned to quilt. I was taught in handpiecing to backstitch at the beginning and the end of seamlines and never, never to use a knot in the thread to begin or end a seam. That is the way I teach beginning quilting also. However, when I moved to New England (CT), I found people here using knots in their handpiecing. I collect vintage tops and blocks and have found backstitching in the middle of seams in some of them; now, however, I will be more observant and note where I got a particular top or set of blocks.
Judy White – Ct
—————–
Judy – so glad to hear this! There’s absolutely no need for knots in hand piecing.
You made my day!
Sehoy in TN
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 07:49:15 -0500 | From: Alan Kelchner <quiltfix [at] mail [dot] jax [dot] bellsouth [dot] net>
Can’t say about Teddy, but I’m getting ready. It’ll be the first time in 13 months I’ve seen my self-portrait.
As for your husband, I hope after his fun, you teased him with them! <GGG>
Alan who’s feeling really good this a.m. – latest restoration is to arrive back home today, and a binding on one of MY favorite quilts is finally being done (more than half finished)>
Roberta Geanangel wrote:
> Alan…the first time I bought the rubber cots I very seriously explained to my DH what they were used for in quilting… he didn’t stop laughing for days!!! I’ll leave that one to your imagination. I use a grapefruit spoon to close pins…but your knife is cheaper! Are you ready for Orlando? Is Teddy ready for Orlando? I can hardly wait!!!
> Roberta/Lake Alfred
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 08:20:39 EST | From: JQuilt [at] aol [dot] com
I use the serrated edge of an apple corer to close my basting pins..costs about $1.49 jean
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 09:19:49 EST | From: JQuilt [at] aol [dot] com
Does anyone on the list remember the Howard Hughes Diary hoax? some years ago? The whole review of Hidden in Plain Sight…sounds like a “made for TV movie”…a Howard professor and a Howard graduate student…what a coincidence….a very good vendor/”salesperson” getting a good story together in 2 years 1994-1996…knowing the greater acceptance of this “tale” would come from a caucasian writer than it would from an african-american….. Monkey-wrench???? I think they were called Spanners by English speaking southern settlers ……. as for grids and knots…give me a break…. Also the underlying theme seems to be that the slaves really freed themselves…with a modicum of help from the white population…give me another break…
If you want to read something about…. the plantation slaves and quilting…. read a book called “Stitched from the Soul”…
jean jquilt [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 09:01:55 -0600 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co [at] mail [dot] airmail [dot] net>
Jean, At the QRS conference in ’97 there was a general concensus of the experts there that “Stitched” was to be taken with a *very large salt shaker” too……no “real” documentation to substantiate the stories….just more “romantic tales”
I don’t think that we shall ever know the “real story” as long as we are dealing with something so close to so many peoples hearts as that of a quilt, and the love that a quiltmaker puts into their work………and something that so many people take for granted and don’t take the time to document.
However, I’m off to pick up my copy and “see for myself” <G>
Laura
At 09:19 AM 1/20/99 EST, you wrote:
>Does anyone on the list remember the Howard Hughes Diary hoax? some years
ago?
>The whole review of Hidden in Plain Sight…sounds like a “made for TV movie”…a Howard professor and a Howard graduate student…what a coincidence….a very good vendor/”salesperson” getting a good story
together
>in 2 years 1994-1996…knowing the greater acceptance of this “tale” would come from a caucasian writer than it would from an african-american….. Monkey-wrench???? I think they were called Spanners by English speaking southern settlers ……. as for grids and knots…give me a break…. Also the underlying theme seems to be that the slaves really freed themselves…with a modicum of help from the white population…give me another break…
>If you want to read something about…. the plantation slaves and
quilting….
>read a book called “Stitched from the Soul”…
>jean jquilt [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 09:40:12 -0600 (CST) | From: degehant [at] upstel [dot] net (Deanna Gehant)
My concern is hearing about quilters purchasing latex gloves (anything latex) for that matter. Latex allergy is a very serious matter. A relatively small percentage are known to have it, but the numbers are increasing fast. Especially for those who are in medical fields and use gloves alot. It can take only one time to have a reaction that could send you into anaphlactic shock or symptoms can increase as you use the product increasingly. I am not an expert, but my husband has it who is in the medical field and his symptoms are increasing all the time – even as we try to eleviate things we know that affect it. We can’t even have balloons in our house because he struggles to breathe. His office has gone to vinyl gloves. They are a bit more expensive but worth it. It can affect people around you, and not only yourself. The symptoms seem asthema-related. Do a search on “latex allergies” to obtain better and official information for yourself. There are an increasingly number of foods that are directly connected to reactions as well.
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 07:44:18 -0800 | From: Debra Roby <debroby [at] earthlink [dot] net>
Just for the record… I was taught to backstitch, and have a 30s era quilt (hand pieced) that has evidence of backstitch in it. I was also taught to backstitch one stitch in about every 20 to make the piecing stronger.
hth
> 1. What part of the country are you from and where do you live now?
From NorthEast Ohio. Now living in the SF bay area.
> 2. Do you use the backstitch?
Yes.
> 3. If not, have you ever heard of backstitching in a block? 4. If so, who taught you?
An instructor in a class on hand piecing.
> 5. Have you ever seen the backstitch used in quilts?
Yes.
> 6. If so, what is the origin of the maker?
Anon. (boy she was a productive, well traveled gal!)
dar/ca debra roby
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 09:02:10 -0700 | From: “Jeanne.Fetzer” <Jeanne.Fetzer [at] integrityonline3 [dot] com>
Dear Alan,
I have helped conserve some samplers for a museum and have some ideas about how to do it, but I would need to know about the fabric it was stitched on to give you help. Silk or linen? Silk is really tricky – even worse than restoring or conserving on a quilt.
As for value, the range is really wide. I’ve seen some for $1500.00. Others only $200-300. Send details and I’ll see if I can help. In the meantime, I’ll keep my eye out for net sources that might help. Jeanne Fetzer
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 09:09:36 -0700 | From: “Jeanne.Fetzer” <Jeanne.Fetzer [at] integrityonline3 [dot] com>
“Laura Hobby Syler” <texas_quilt.co [at] mail [dot] airmail [dot] net>
Subject: Re: QHL: Give me a break!!!
Message-ID: <002501be448f$5d670fc0$37e399d0 [at] jeanne [dot] fetzer>
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I think this subject is one where your “gut feeling” should guide you. I know of few subjects with more sentimentality than quilts and why they were made (unless the sentimentality that you will marry at twenty something, your husband will be as wealthy as you want, look like Mel Gibson and the two of you will have three beautiful, well behaved children who will attend Harvard, Julliard and Oxford on academic scholarships. . .) I must join with others who have some scepticism, but intend to point the source out in my lectures with a caution to try and find some others sources to substantiate the text.
I really believe our intuition is a force to reckon with!
Jeanne Fetzer
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 1999 08:55:53 -0800 | From: “R & L Carroll” <Robert.J.Carroll [at] GTE [dot] net>
Hello! Gail asked about Asian fabrics in the Los Angeles area. We have a wonderful quilt shop with the most beautiful Japanese fabrics, many which are authentic Kasuri, Ikats, and Shibori. Mariko Gooden is the shop owner and she travels often to Japan to make these wonderful purchases. She is most helpful and thoughtful. If you are interested in Japanese fabrics don’t miss this shop. The address is 1894 Westwood Blvd. Los Angeles, Ca. 90025 Telephone # (310)446-1831. Call her for directions.
