March 29 - April 6, 2000

Fabric Identification, Oral History & Documentation, Quilt Block History, 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:

Slave-Made Quilt Misinformation — A member reports a local newspaper repeating shaky claims about slave-made quilts and the thread turns to reputable conservation resources like AIC.
Quilt Dreams — A lighthearted, wide-ranging thread on whether members dream about quilts, with several vivid personal accounts.
African-American Quilt History and “Hidden in Plain View” — Members discuss the underground-railroad quilt-code book and a scholar’s skepticism about how it has been cited.
Feedsack and Embroidery Identification — Questions about a 1928 embroidered feedsack-material quilt top lead into a broader feedsack-provenance discussion. (see the article on the feedsack story)
Seven Sisters Pattern Name Origins — A multi-message debate over whether the Seven Sisters pattern name comes from the Pleiades star cluster or the Seven Sisters colleges.
Quilt Shows and Events — Chat about the Quilters’ Heritage Celebration in Lancaster, the Feedsack Convention, and other upcoming shows.

Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2000 08:38:21 -0500 (EST) | From: quiltsnbears@ (Textile Historian)

was the misinformation in my morning local newspaper! A local college instructor fed the reporter the info on slave made quilts and their use as signals. Interestingly, Beverly Dunivent was also quoted in the same article,but not about CW quilts. Anyway, the article held enough misinformation to make it worthless and negated the facts contained within it. So I suppose this spreading of undocumented infomation could also be called a virus. Roberta/FL

Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2000 09:44:05 EST | From: RBCochran@

<< This is a printer, controlled by a PC that will print directly on the fabric any pattern you can create on a computer. It can print using reactive dye (acid for silks and other proteins), disperse dyes (used on polyesters) or pigment (AKA paint – used on cotton for upholstery weight fabrics). >> Palampore on QHL wrote I read 2 very interesting articles in the AIC (Assoc. of Conservators) publication that just came out. One was on a historic house outside of Baltimore which had a quilt with a heavily damaged chintz border and they opted to paint in the lost color on crepeline. It was a very time intensive task. It was an interesting concept. Mylar was placed over the fabric. Crepeline was placed over that and then painted. Once dried the mylar was removed and the crepeline was stablized to the quilt. Once I heard about computer fabric printing, I wondered if it could be used specifically for the conservation of old quilts. Maybe it can. Thought I would suggest this to members of both quiltart and QHL. What do you think? –Rachel in NJ

Date: Wed, 29 Mar 2000 10:42:31 EST | From: Palampore@

The organization I belong to is American Institute for Conservation(AIC) They have a web site where you can get the address and more info. as to what you get for your membership. General dues are $140 a year. The articles I mentioned are in the Journal of the AIC Fall/Winter 1999, vol. 38, #3. There are 6 papers in the journal—-When Patching is Impractical Nontraditional Compensation for Loss in a Quilt by S.R. Schmalz, Predicting the Fading of Objects Identification of Fugitive Colorants Through Direct Nondestructive Lightfastness Measurements by Whitmore, Pan, and Bailie, The Wayward Paper Object Artist’s Intent, Technical Analysis, and Treatment of a 1966 Robert Rauschenberg Diptych by A. Baldwin, Shrinkage Stresses in Art and Conservation Coatings Based on Synthetic Polymers by Whitmore, Moran and Bailie, Evaluating the Stability of Commercially Available Artists’ Coloring Materials Used to Create Compensation Infills for Losses in Textiles by Kaldany, Berman, and Sigurdardottir, The Loss of Meaning in Faded Color Photographs by K. Bernallis. I assume the journals would be available via interlibrary loan. That is probably the best way to get them. I cannot copy them and send out because of copyright laws. Jeananne’s quilt has been at the Rocky Mtn. Quilt Museum but I am not sure if it is still on display there. Does anyone know anyone who grades clothing patterns to determine different sizes? Lynn Lancaster Gorges, Historic Textiles Studio, New Bern, NC

Date: Thu, 30 Mar 2000 12:45:02 EST | From: KareQuilt@

Dear QHLers, Some of you may be interested in the following Memorial Fund. I am organizing this and just posted it to the Quilters Unlimited electronic newsletter here in Northern, Virginia. FRED CALLAND Memorial Fund – As most of you know, quilter Fred Calland, quilt designer and former member of the Board of Quilters Hall of Fame, died suddenly late last October. He left a legacy of over 150 quilt tops, all of his own original design. Many of you may have had the good fortune to hear one of Fred’s lectures (always fascinating and always humorous) or attend one of his workshops. He spoke to many of the QU chapters over the years, often donating his time. Someone came up with the idea of remembering Fred and his many gifts to us all by placing a Memorial Page in the 2000 volume of AQSG’s (American Quilt Study Group) Uncoverings. I have volunteered to organize this fund drive. All we have to do is raise the funds by June 1. Each donor’s name will be listed on the Memorial page. Please make your check out to AQSG and mail to me at P.O. Box 161, Vienna, VA 22181, or you can find my home address in the QU Directory. Please make sure your name is legible. Karen B. Alexander, KareQuilt@, Member of Vienna & McLean Chapters of QU.
___________________________________________________________________________ ______

Date: [date unknown] | From: EGinebaugh@

Hi all, Just a quick note to let you know that we have 15 of us for dinner on Thursday, Apr. 13. If anyone else wants to join us, let me know soon, so I can add you to the reservation list. Also, Merikay Waldvogel sent me a note to pass on to all that will be in Paducah, so here it is I won’t be in Paducah very long that week–and not on Thursday night–but I want to be sure everyone one on QHL knows about the exhibit in honor of the 20th anniversary of American Quilt Study Group. They’ve chosen 20-some articles published in Uncoverings and asked the authors to nominate a quilt to tell the story of the article. Those quilts are on display at MAQS as of March 18. So be sure to go see them–lots of good history related to them. On Saturday 1-3, many of the authors will be there to discuss their articles and the quilts. See you in Paducah! Liz Ginebaugh

Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2000 06:24:26 -0500 | From: “John/Karen Finck” <finck@>

> I collect 30’s quilts. I prefer to collect completed quilts. But every so > often I come across a top I just have to have. Am I correct in my assumption > that if I finish the quilt with current materials that no matter if I spend > the time hand quilting or machine quilting because of the new materials > added I have lost it’s historical value. > But on the other hand I feel in a sense that I am “rescuing” a piece (no > matter how I finish it) so that I may join in the co-creation with the > original quilter and benefit from it’s use and how it makes me feel. > May I have your thoughts as there is a Grandmother’s flower garden top I > want and am wrestling with do I want to spend the time handquilting it? > Karen in n > — > finck@

Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2000 03:00:23 -0500 | From: “Marilyn Maddalena” <marilynquilts@> (by way of List Mom I agree with Jan, of course, that the family does not need the born-died dates on quilts to remember the loss of their child. However, I think quilters need to keep in mind the future and always put important dates, names, location and maker’s name on their labels so generations to come will be able to identify the quilts and have the history of their family. MM Marilyn Maddalena — “Sew Special” Quilt Appraiser and Judge “Potatoes to Patchwork,” a program on antique quilts AND “From Russia — with Quilts!” a program on quilting in Russia today NQA Publications Chair, Secretary of the CA Heritage Quilt Project, Board member of River City Quilters’ Guild, Sacramento, CA —

I agree with Jan, of course, that the family does not need the born-died dates on quilts to remember the loss of their child. However, I think quilters need to keep in mind the future and always put important dates, names, location and maker’s name on their labels so generations to come will be able to identify the quilts and have the history of their family. MM Marilyn Maddalena — “Sew Special” Quilt Appraiser and Judge “Potatoes to Patchwork,” a program on antique quilts AND “From Russia — with Quilts!” a program on quilting in Russia today NQA Publications Chair, Secretary of the CA Heritage Quilt Project, Board member of River City Quilters’ Guild, Sacramento, CA —

Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2000 14:06:37 EST | From: KareQuilt@

I don’t think I have ever seen this question asked or discussed before (though I may be wrong), but I think it would be a wonderful topic to “collect” samples of….maybe even do an article on (with permission from those who share). The question, HAVE YOU EVER DREAMED ABOUT QUILTS?, i.e. night time dreams while sawing logs? <G> I sat bolt right up in bed the other morning realizing I had just seen the most beautiful quilt in my dream, and wanted to sketch the design but couldn’t recall it!!!!! (and I have been recording a good many of my dreams since 1975). That is the first time I can recall right off hand dreaming about a quilt, though I had a couple of dreams years ago where women were gathering in a house completely made of all forms of needlework!! It was incredibly beautiful! (Don’t ask me how the house stood up. It’s wooden structure must have just been padded with needlework. <G>) Anyone else had dreams about quilts or needlework they would be willing to share with me? I’d love to hear from you! Karen Alexander No. VA

Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2000 21:26:51 -0600 | From: “quilt97” <quilt97@>

Thanks to the many kind ladies who wrote with helpful info about working with tee-shirts to make a bereavement quilt. I’ve begun a file of all the information to refer to, and in case anyone else ever needs instructions and suggestions. As far as the born-death dates on the quilt label, I, too, agree with Jan that it is not necessary. My friends will never forget either their son’s birthday nor the date of his death. I will include the year that I’ve made the quilt, though, as I would with any other label, for the sake of history. I want this quilt to be a comfort to them, a happy reminder of pleasant memories; I want it to show that I, too, cared for Steven, and want to give them something tangible to hold since they can no longer give him a hug. I hope it is as helpful to them to receive this quilt, as it will be healing for me to make it, and two blue jean pillows for Steven’s brothers. EKarenbeth

Date: Sun, 02 Apr 2000 07:51:02 -0400 | From: “Diane McGuire” <dianemcg@>

Karen Alexander asked if any of us dream about quilts. I don’t think I have yet, but I often use planning quilts and figuring out solutions to construction problems, and even doing simple quilt math problems in my head to help be get back to sleep. Somehow by trying to focus on concrete non-threatening topics rather than all the unfinished work I have or all the problems in my life helps me to relax. I am sure our foremothers also used this technique of focusing thoughts on quilting to calm their nerves. Visualizing quilting patterns seems a lot more fun than counting sheep. Diane in Massachusetts

Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2000 09:44:48 -0400 | From: “Martha Duff” <Martha@>

I like the quilt dream topic. I frequently have quilt dreams but they are very difficult for me to explain when awake. In my dreams people, things, daily events (such as commuting to work), and concepts (like variance estimation of survey data) all become patchwork pieces that I arrange and rearrange into beautiful quilts. I find these dreams very pleasing and always feel happy and rested when I wake up from one. I am a mathematical statistician at the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. I rarely think about work when I’m at home, but constantly think about quilting and quilts in the back of my mind when I’m at work. I wish I could quilt all the time. Those dreams of mine turn my whole life into one big quilt. I’ll be going to the Quilter’s Heritage Celebration in Lancaster PA next Friday. This is one of my favorite shows because it has more antique quilts and vendors of antique quilts and antique quilting items than any of the other shows I attend. The show theme always deals with some historical aspect of quilting and is wonderfully educational. Martha Duff Silver Spring, MD

Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2000 14:13:08 +0100 | From: “Audrey Cameron” <audrey.cameron@>

Hi, I found this book noted on Bethney Reynolds excellent bibliography of quilt story books for children Edwards, Pamela Duncan. Barefoot; escape on the underground railroad. 1st ed. New York, HarperCollins, 1997. 1 v. (unpaged) col. ill. 23 x 26 cm. ISBN 00627137X ages 4-8 In the forest, a group of animals help a runaway slave escape his pursuers. A quilt is hung outside a cabin to let the slave know that it is a safe house. Does anyone know anything about it or what history it is based upon? Audrey Cameron in Lincolnshire,England where Spring was last week & winter is this one. audrey.cameron@

Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2000 13:59:21 -0400 | From: “John Cawley” <cawley@>

Count me among those for whom thoughts of quilts are a soporific. I’ve never dreamed about quilts (I don’t remember my dreams) but I think about them while falling asleep. Actually, I think about quilts most of the time, e.g. whenever the sky is particularly beautiful. Right now many of the fields are covered with a low growth of the most incredible purple (have no idea what the plant is) that cries out to be used in a quilt. Cinda on the Eastern Shore looking forward to four days in Lancaster

Date: Sun, 02 Apr 2000 21:04:29 -0500 | From: Karen Bush <Birdsong@>

I like this topic,too! It’d be interesting to hear what everybody ‘dreams’ about. I don’t remember dreaming about quilts in particular, well, except for the one I “dreamed” I won from Ebay (French72)….what a Bummer to wake up! haha Most of my ideas come in the shower,…just Really hard to take notes and sketches dripping wet! haha I have a question. I’m Finally starting to work on my repro qiults, making, not restoring. I would Really like to make a Lady of the Lake. I’ve seen several pix of it, and some are scrappy some are ‘planned’…is there a ‘hc’ (historically correct) procedure on this design?? Most of the scrappy are in pale shades of pinks and browns (my personal favorite) but, wondered if they were ever made with complete scraps…??? Just wondering. ) kb

Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2000 23:01:29 EDT | From: JoysBees@

I watched this program tonight, and I was very suprised to see a home in Virginia City, Nevada, featured that I knew and had been in. Not only that, a quilt that I had made and had traded to the late co-owner, was shown on a bed, (the Lone Star quilt, not the crazy quilt). Now, my problem is, how do I obtain a videotape of this show? I have looked on the HGTV web site and cannot find a place to order a tape of this show. I have sent an e-mail to HGTV asking about purchasing a tape. Does anyone have a connection with HGTV who might know how to get a copy even though they don’t regularly have them for sale? BTW, I traded the quilt for two beautiful antique reproduction dolls, a Bru and a Jumeau. My friend, Carol Morgan Page, was a wonderful doll artist and unfortunately the dust from cleaning the greenware hastened or may have caused her death due to lung cancer. TIA Jackie Joy Reno, Nevada

Date: Sun, 02 Apr 2000 22:41:20 +0400 | From: Xenia Cord <xecord@>

If any QHLers are in the area of either of these shows, I hope you’ll stop by and say hello! In my persona as antique quilts dealer (Legacy Quilts) I will be in the Lampeter Room at the Lancaster Host, and in the pool atrium under the trees at the Executive Inn, Paducah. In both places I have been asked to do a little exhibit on kit quilts; it’s flattering to have those 15 minutes of fame <G>! Looking forward to an early visit to the Lancaster Heritage Center to see their exhibit, too. And Jane’s feedsack convention as well. FYI – Quilters Heritage Celebration is at the Lancaster Host Resort on East Lincolnhwy, Thurs-Sun April 6-9. Then a lot of us are going to race across the country to Paducah for the AQS show, preview on Wed. 4/12, show Thurs-Sun April 13-16. Hope to see you there! Xenia

Date: Mon, 03 Apr 2000 05:18:19 -0400 | From: “Diane McGuire” <dianemcg@>

Martha, Please give us a report on the Quilter’s Heritage show when you come back. It sounds wonderful. Diane in MA

Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2000 10:00:22 EDT | From: KareQuilt@

I haven’t seen the book, “Barefoot Escape on the Underground Railroad” that Audrey mentioned, but I have another one. I can’t recall if anyone has brought up “Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt” on this discussion board in the past, but it is another children’s book about quilts and the Underground Railroad. It was first published in 1993 by Knoph, and written by Deborah Hopkinson. I didn’t really seriously wonder about the basis for this story until the Dobard book was published. In this story, over what appears to be more than a years time, a young teen-age slave makes a quilt of nine patch blocks with “map pieces” in the alternate blocks consisting of appliqu� and embroidery. She gathers the information about the “escape route north” by listening to all the bits of news and information that sweep through the slave quarters or that she overhears as she sits in the sewing room off the kitchen as slaves from other plantations drop in to gossip and share news with the cook while their Masters are visiting Clara’s Master. As word spreads that she is making the quilt, other slaves drop by her cabin to share additional pieces of information that will help make her escape route even clearer to her. She incorporates all this into the quilt. When it is finally time to chance the escape, she leaves the quilt behind for others to use in case they too want to attempt to escape north to freedom. She doesn’t need to take it with her, she tells the other slaves, because “I got the memory of it in my head.” This book was written well before the Dobard book. Wonder what the source was for the possible kernel of history about quilts and the UGR the author used to build this story around? Did she have a source from a diary or a letter or an oral story passed down in a particular family? Guess I’ll have to get busy and write the author! I’ll keep you posted. Karen Alexander

Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2000 11:19:49 EDT | From: QuiltFixer@

I just acquired a wonderful embroidered quilt top that 1928 embroidered in very early colored thread. It is what appears to be flour sack material (very wrinkly). For those of you who “know,” would these patterns have been printed on the outside of the sack? Would there have been a paper label on the sack with the pattern? Would you have been able to buy this as a kit with the material and thread included in 1928? Any help very much appreciated.
Toni B.
QuiltFixer@

Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2000 22:31:38 -0400 | From: “Phyllis Twigg” <ptwigg@>

Judi Gunter and I are looking forward to Friday evening’s lecture and trunk show at the Feedsack Convention in Lancaster. Our topic is “130 Years of Quilts & Sacks.” Judi will have her doll quilts and I will show my antique bed quilts from the 1830’s onward. Please stop by and let us know you’re there! The Feedsack talk begins at 730 pm. See the map at http://members.aol.com/feedsack1/conference.html Phyllis Twigg

Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2000 21:38:53 -0400 | From: edwa@

When the Hidden book was published I called an acquaintance of ours whose scholarship in the area of African-American Quilt History is highly regarded and asked her opinion of the book. I didn’t know at the time that she had participated in part with the book. Her comment was about this children’s book and how it had been referenced. I believe her words were, “I wish the authors had been more clear that the children’s book was a work of fiction, and not fact”. On another subject I saw Genie Barnes last weekend at the show on Long Island. She wants everyone to know that after 5 surgeries and two other procedures, she is back in action now. Holice Turnbow Designer, Teacher, Quilt Judge http://www.quiltingstencils.com

Date: Mon, 03 Apr 2000 22:53:32 -0400 | From: Barb Garrett <bgarrett@>

I just received a flyer for the exhibit that opened April 1 at the Quilt Museum in Intercourse. It reads as follows — Amish Quilts and African American Quilts Classics from Two Traditions April 1 through October 31 Mon-Sat 9-5 There is special mention of an Underground Railroad Quilt in the exhibit. The paragraph accompanying the picture says — This historic quilt was made by slaves and carried by fugitives to a free settlement in Buxton, Ontario. From the 1840s, the quilt is a Log Cabin, one of the 10 patterns thought to be part of the Underground Railroad quilt code, and one of the few remaining Log Cabins from that period. Will report on the exhibit when I have a chance to go, but it is interesting that they are endorsing the “10 quilts used in the Underground Railroad quilt code.” Barb in Southeastern PA It’s Quilt Week — I recommend Lancaster Heritage Center and Feedsack Convention and Orange Blossom in addition to the “Big Show”

Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2000 23:42:06 -0400 | From: “Grandma’s Attic” <GrandmasAttic@>

I found this topic VERY interesting. Here’s my story. About three years ago I had the most incredibly VIVID dream about a quilt. I saw the most incredibly beautiful double irish chain quilt made with white background and two shades of green. The greens were the most beautiful colors I had ever seen (and green isn’t really my favorite color). One was dark and one was lighter. The quilt colors were very striking and I knew that I was supposed to make this quilt for my daughter Leah (who is now 21). So when I woke up I set out to find the fabrics and make this quilt. Really a pretty simple pattern but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had about those greens. Green has always served as a symbol of “healing” for me. I had read in literature about the healing power of green. The problem I kept having is that those greens that I saw in my dream do not exist on this earthly plane. They were way more “spiritual”. (It’s hard to describe.) I made the quilt doing the best I could. Then, my daughter Leah was in a terrible car accident and nearly died. It as really a very awful time for her and for me. (I drove by the car accident and they had just used the jaws of life to cut up her car and get her out.) Her forehead had to be reconstructed (and you can hardly tell today that all this happened). Her car had slipped on black ice. She hit a tree and is alive because she wore her seat belt. The quilt was with her during the entire healing process–hospital, home, etc. It was very very important to her and she stayed wrapped in it a lot. It now hangs on her living room wall. Leah has a little bit of cognitive brain damage as a result of the acciden which makes it hard for her to concentrate; however, she is doing very very well and is a wonderful person–very loving and caring to others. We are all terribly thankful that she is “okay.” I can’t shake the feeling that my dream of this quilt served a purpose. I was supposed to make this quilt for Leah so that she could have it to help her through a nine month healing process. Weird thing is, Leah is Irish. I think that’s why the double irish chain pattern. Rachel Greco Grandma’s Attic Sewing Emporium, Inc. Dallas, Oregon

Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2000 07:13:40 EDT | From: QuiltFixer@

In a message dated 4/4/00 124710 AM Pacific Daylight Time, lwoodard@ writes << I gave a talk on Hawaiian redwork last week and a quilter from Alabama told us in the Q&A period that her grandmother had made embroidered quilts from feed sacks that came stamped with the pattern and stitched together w/ red thread which you removed and used to embroider the design! >> Here is a bit of information from Laurie Woodard. Have any of you heard of this before? What an interesting concept of getting patterns and thread at the same time. I have heard of using the thread from the bags to quilt with, but not embroidery.
Toni B
QuiltFixer@

Date: Tue, 04 Apr 2000 07:34:36 -0500 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co@>

Toni,
On our VQTS board meeting/road trip to Paducah last April, Karen and I picked up several feedsacks with the embroidery stamping still on them. Label on one side, embroidery markings on the back. I bought 2 that were for pillow cases and two that were quilt blocks. I think I got them somewhere in Arkansas…….. Laura

At 0713 AM 04/04/2000 EDT, QuiltFixer@ wrote >In a message dated 4/4/00 124710 AM Pacific Daylight Time, >lwoodard@ writes > ><< I gave a talk on Hawaiian redwork last week and a quilter from Alabama told > us in the Q&A period that her grandmother had made embroidered quilts from > feed sacks that came stamped with the pattern and stitched together w/ red > thread which you removed and used to embroider the design! >> >Here is a bit of information from Laurie Woodard. Have any of you heard of >this before? What an interesting concept of getting patterns and thread at >the same time. I have heard of using the thread from the bags to quilt with, >but not embroidery. >Toni B >QuiltFixer@ > >

Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2000 10:16:25 EDT | From: QuiltFixer@

In a message dated 4/4/00 53730 AM Pacific Daylight Time, texas_quilt.co@ writes << Toni, On our VQTS board meeting/road trip to Paducah last April, Karen and I picked up several feedsacks with the embroidery stamping still on them. Label on one side, embroidery markings on the back. I bought 2 that were for pillow cases and two that were quilt blocks. I think I got them somewhere in Arkansas…….. Laura >> Laura sends this information. Does anyone out there have a photo that I could have of one of these to make into a slide? Toni B. QuiltFixer@

Date: Tue, 04 Apr 2000 21:18:02 -0500 | From: Russell-Hill <russhill@>

Rachel, What a powerful story you wrote about your quilt and your daughter. One never knows why we are to do what we are to do. thank you for shareing that with all of us. I think from now on I “will” follow my dreams. Debbie

Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 07:49:58 EDT | From: ZegrtQuilt@

will not be able to stay in Paducah until Thursday.I am sorry to miss seeing all of you at dinner. I will be at the opening and the first day(Wednesday) of the show I am curating for the Paducah Rotary at the Civic Center. Do not miss ” Antique Kentucky Quilts First Love” All of the 25 quilts are documented Kentucky quilts. A group of 6 have been loaned by the Filson Club Historical Society in Louisville and have not been seen publicly before.There are others from private collections. A small group(around 10) are for sale. The exquisite silk Cherry Trees quilt that could possibly be the mssing Virginia Ivey quilt( a mystery) will be part of the exhibit as well. Hope to see all of you there. Shelly Zegart

Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 09:08:36 EDT | From: Bethquilt5@

Dear Quilt Bizzers and QHLers I used to run a wonderful quilt retreat during the 1990’s at a great old hotel in Northern Michigan. It was owned by my brother-in-law who sold it to a great young family. After he sold it, the new owners continued to hold the retreat. They are always looking for quilt talent to teach at this retreat. In the past the retreat has hosted Elly Sienkiewicz, Doreen Speckman, Marti Michell, Pat Campbell, Georgia Bonesteel, Judith Montano, Pepper Cory, Marianne Fons, Susan McKelvey, Nancy Martin, Judy Mathieson, Marsha McCloskey, Terry Thompson, Nancy Kirk, Charlotte Warr Anderson, etc. If you are interested in a great time, in a great place, please respond to Tom’s request. Thanks, Beth Donaldson Quilting Instructors Seeking Quilting Instructors for our annual Quilter’s Getaway in Northern Michigan held at out historic and beautiful Terrace Inn.
Dates needed
May 19-23, 2001 May 18-22, 2002 Please respond at info@ Thanks again Beth for all your help.
Tom Erhart

Date: Wed, 05 Apr 2000 08:46:54 -0500 | From: John Woodin <woodin@>

I’ve never placed anything on this before, but I do enjoy reading many of the things. I just wondered if the Kalona Quilt Show and Sale in Kalona, Iowa on Apr.27 from 6-9(Early Bird Show), Apr.28 from 9-9 and Apr.29 from 9-5 is known to many outside of Iowa. This show has been held for 29 years and all quilts are for sale. There are 300+ hung and about half are antique, the other half are new and mostly Amish/Mennonite quilted. All are hand quilted and beautifully. There will be antique ones from l860-l940. The NEW ones will show at least two beautiful queen size Baltimore Albumn types. There will be 3 shows (shows only –none for sale) on other premises. One will be at the opening of the NEW Kalona Quilt and Textile Museum, One at Woodin Wheel Antiques and a Wallhanging show at the Kalona Chamber of Commerce. There will be an admission charge for the main Kalona Quilt Show, the New Quilt and Textile Museum and the Wallhanging show — 3 shows for under $10.00. The new Museum will show quilts from l830-l940 A Broderie Perse–to Dr. Jeannette Throckmorton. For more information Email KAC@ or woodin@. See you there!

Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 18:07:31 +0100 | From: “Celia Eddy” <celia@>

Hi, all, The following sites are now up and running. QuiltStory has an article about North Country, or Durham, quilts by the leading expert on same, Dorothy Osler. Jenni Dobson writes about her visit to the Quilt Study Centre in Nebraska. The British Quilt Study Group site has full details of the Goup.There are some glitches on the site but they should be ironed out by tomorrow (Thursday). Looking forward to hearing any comments or suggestions. Bst wishes, Celia (Eddy) www.quilt.co.uk www.quiltstudy.org.uk

Date: Wed, 05 Apr 2000 12:19:42 -0500 | From: Kathleen <kjdavis@>

Hi. I’m a newbie to this list. I’ve been trying to read awhile before I jump in. Today I went to the cedar chest and got out an old quilt top I’d started quilting 10 years ago. Originally I’d purchased 12 – 16″ squares at an auction. Each has large blue and yellow pansies appliqued to the center (w/satin stitch) and around them is cross stitch emblishments of the yellow and blue. I hand pieced them together (I remember the off white background fabric to be tough, like hand piecing thru leather). They are set 3 across, 4 down. Around them I found an exact match of yellow (remember the Rainbow Collection of fabrics), a stripping about 5″. And within time, I found a 100″ cotton that was the exact matching color to the off white. So around that, I’ve got at least a 10″ off white border. I’m going to finish quilting this baby. I have about 6-8 of the squares already quilted (from years back). I stitched closely around the pansies, just outside the yellow cross stitch and the blue cross stitch, then continued echo quilting to the outside of each block, only 2 more rows. It looks wonderful. I’d forgotten how nice it looked, having set it aside so many years ago. Here’s my question. I have been quilting w/100″ cotton thread (batting is cotton natural) in a matching off white color. I had purchased a matching yellow cotton quilting thread to maybe quilt the 5″ stripping OR the outside border (remember that’s off white). Would this be out of character? Should I be quilting with only one color? I have one quilt machine quilted in two colors and I wasn’t happy with it. I have little history on these squares. But this I can tell you. They came from a lady, Mrs. Kunkel, that had no children. Her husband committed suicide (he’d found out he had cancer) just a few days before he was to marry late in life for the second time. My parents bought their home. It is thought the first Mrs. Kunkel may have done these squares. I’ve seen a quilt similar to this, the large blocks all put together, stripping, and an outside border. But the colors with in cranberry or red I think. Any guess as to what time period? Do you understand my descriptions? Thanks every so much for your help. Kathleen in ND

Date: Wed, 05 Apr 2000 20:21:57 -0400 | From: Barb Garrett <bgarrett@>

The advantages and disadvantages of living close to Lancaster — I’ve been to both museum exhibits of quilts (that’s the good) and I must drive home each night (that’s the bad) — returning tomorrow for the opening of the “big” show and the feedsack convention.. First, the Intercourse exhibit — Amish and African American Quilts — There are 15 Amish and 15 African American quilts in the exhibit. The Amish quilts are all vintage — which I like — and are a nice assortment from Lancaster and Mifflin Counties in PA and various midwest states and a basket quilt from Canada. The African American quilts are mostly contemporary, a few interesting ones from the 30s-40s, and 2 from the 19th century. The to die for quilt is circa 1850 and is listed as being made by slaves for the plantation owners — it is a sunburst with wonderful fabric, appliqued full blown tulips in the corner spaces plus stars and broderie perse appliques, topped off by an ice cream cone border — worth the visit by itself. And there is the Underground Railroad quilt — a silk and velvet log cabin hanging behind an exhibit of “THE BOOK” which descibes how this is one of the 10 quilts used in the URR movement. Very pretty quilt — disappointing display because of the credance it gives to the whole story. Not much historical information with the quilts — the descriptive cards basically describe the quilt. This exhibit lasts til October 31. The Heritage Center in downtown Lancaster — fantastic exhibit of quilts from their documentation project — yes, we do them by county in PA <grin>. There is one Amish quilt — as the curator said, when people come to Lancaster County they expect to see an Amish quilt, so we had to put one in — plus lots of PA German, Quaker, Presbyterian, etc, quilts. With over 1600 quilts documented, they were able to pick the best of the best. One portion contains wonderful pictoral quilts made by a grandmother for her grandchildren. Lots of wonderful information included on the descriptive cards. This is a must see exhibit — on til December 31, closed Sunday and Monday. Barb in cold southeastern PA

Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 20:38:09 -0400 | From: “Daniel & Diana Dillman” <dillmand@>

I would like to know what a ‘seven sisters quilt’ is. An acquaintance told me today that she purchased one several years ago in Tennessee (I think) and that she’s been offered a good price for it. I didn’t let her know I wasn’t sure what one was! Can anyone educate me? Thanks! Dee in Gettysburg

Date: Wed, 05 Apr 2000 21:41:24 -0500 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co@>

Ok, so who wants to start talking about the significance of the name? The Seven Muses????? Laura At 0938 PM 04/05/2000 -0400, Barb Garrett wrote >Hi Dee – > >There’s a pattern made of stars called Seven Sisters — it’s one six pointed >star with six stars around it — that makes the “block” — not a mathematically >shaped block, but a unit. It’s #241 in Brackman’s book. > >Barb in southeastern PA > > >

Date: Wed, 5 Apr 2000 23:20:11 EDT | From: @

Two possible origins for the name of the Seven Sisters pattern 1. The Pleiades are a fuzzy, blue-white star cluster in the constellation of Taurus. There are seven main stars (one is just barely visible in very clear, very dark conditions, like the middle of the desert). The Greek legend was that the stars were originally the seven daughters of Atlas who were transformed into a constellation. I would say that this is the more likely origin of the name. 2. The female equivalent of the Ivy League is the Seven Sisters (Barnard, Bryn Mawr, Mount Holyoke, Radcliffe, Smith, Vassar, and Wellesley Colleges). Of these, Radcliffe was absorbed by Harvard last year, Vassar went coed early in the 70s, and the remainder are all single sex liberal arts colleges (although Smith just added an engineering major last year). It’s possible that the pattern was named in honor of the colleges…depends on when the nickname came into use, when the pattern was named, and whether it was developed by suffragettes….) Karen Evans Smith ’82

Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2000 18:29:46 +1000 | From: Sven Olsson <sven@>

There is a Seven Sisters quilt pictured on eBay at the present . This pattern is one of my favourites ( I have 2 in my collection), and the one pictured would have been a beauty when it was young. http://cgi.ebay.com.au/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item)4178161 Lorraine in Oz Daniel & Diana Dillman wrote > I would like to know what a ‘seven sisters quilt’ is. An acquaintance told > me today that she purchased one several years ago in Tennessee (I think) and > that she’s been offered a good price for it. I didn’t let her know I wasn’t > sure what one was! Can anyone educate me? > Thanks! > Dee in Gettysburg

Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2000 14:52:43 -0400 | From: “pepper cory” <pepcory@>

Hello all- Even if the seller hadn’t listed that Seven Sisters as a Kentucky quilt, I would have pegged it as a Bluegrass state quilt. I’ve seen many six-point star Kentucky quilts, even a Lone Star using that 60-degree diamond shape. Don’t know why that state had so many six-point star/diamond fans but they produced some wonderful quilts. Also common from this state was a hexagon pattern called Diamond or Rainbow Tile rather than the ubiquitous Grandmother’s Flower Garden. I do have one of those from about 1915. Neat-o. Pepper Cory (who used to live in Kentucky and still loves KY quilts)

Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2000 14:20:33 -0500 | From: Russell-Hill <russhill@>

For any of you TX quilters who may be down in the Hill Country, Austin, San Antonio area this weekend for the Shop hop I just want to add that Pocketful of Poseys is have a “I didn’t get into the shop hop” sale. If you want more information just email me privatly and I will fill you in. Thank you Debbie in THC

Date: Thu, 06 Apr 2000 21:04:53 -0500 | From: Karen Bush <Birdsong@>

which brings me back to beating my head against the wall. I was a little ‘strapped’ about 5 years ago,..sold my Mourning quilt, Seven sisters, MINT condition, l2 stitches to the inch and Beautifully done,..for…gulp….$55….!!!! AAAAACHHHHHHHH…I had NO idea where the name came from, just thought ‘seven sisters’ sat around and made it…goes to show what you can learn on QHL!!! o kb — “About Me” http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/karenbush/ Ebay Seller http://cgi3.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewListedItems&userid=karenbush