April 19 – 23, 2000
These restored messages come from the Quilt History List, an online forum where quilt historians, collectors, researchers, appraisers, and enthusiasts discussed antique quilts and related textiles. The archive dates from 1996 through approximately 2016 and is being restored gradually. Sign up in the form at the bottom of the page if you want to know when a new page is added. Original spelling, opinions, formatting, and inactive links may remain unchanged.
Primary topics of this QHL Digest:
- The MacArthur Patriotic Quilt on eBay — A long-running, multi-message thread as members trade correspondence with the seller and buyer of a General MacArthur-themed patriotic quilt, debate its history, and react to news it was dry-cleaned before sale.
- War, Peace, and Memorial Quilts — The MacArthur quilt thread branches into a broader discussion of quilts made as war memorials versus peace memorials.
- Rhode Island Quilt Documentation Book — Members discuss the newly published Rhode Island documentation project book “Down by the Old Mill Stream,” including its price and contents.
- Quilt Restoration Referrals — Jan Drechsler points a member toward Nancy Kirk’s restoration mailing list, and another describes restoring her daughter’s baby quilt. (see the article on quilt restoration)
- Fusible Applique Technique Question — A member starting a fusible-applique quilt with buttonhole-stitch edges asks for finishing advice.
- Traditional Quiltworks Magazine Preview — Several members preview articles in the upcoming “Special Antique Heirloom Edition” of Traditional Quiltworks.
Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2000 19:40:53 -0700 | From: “Mindy Sharp” <minsha@>
I am starting a quilt which will have fusible applique finished along the edges by hand with buttonhole stitch. Before I goa any further, I need to know how washable will this be? I am concerned about the fusible applique fraying.
Mindy Sharp
Date: Wed, 19 Apr 2000 23:35:03 EDT | From: KareQuilt@
Dear QHL, Here is what I wrote to the seller of the MacArthur quilt before it sold: I am a quilt historian. I have also lived in the Philippines about 15 years after WWII so this quilt has a lot of appeal to me. Do you know who made it, where it was born, and who has owned it previously? The Response: Hi Karen, I’m sorry we don’t know anything about the quilt. I think you would know more just from looking at the picture than we know from having it! Thanks for your interest and good luck bidding! -Linda My Reply to Her Response: Linda, How did you acquire the quilt? From another dealer or from a private party? Is there no trail at all to the quilt’s previous owner or the quilt’s maker? This is what makes a quilt truly valuable to me personally. Thanks you for taking the time to respond to me. (end) The sellers’ 2nd response: Subj: Re: Hand Made Quilt of General MacArthur Item #301523426
Date: 4/15/00 3:01:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time | From: Twosilhouettes
To: KareQuilt
Sorry we missed you. (end) Anyone else on QHL find out anything more? Karen Alexander No. VA
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 06:04:37 -0400 | From: “sue reich” <mreich@>
Dear QHL Another episode to the McArthur quilt. Here is what I wrote to the buyer of the quilt and my response. My son went to West Point. After spending 4 years visiting him there and attending various functions, I came to realize how highly General McArthur is regarded there. General McArthur gave one of his final addresses to the Cadets in the Mess Hall there. It is one of the most inspirational messages ever delivered. There is a wonderful museum there. If I had the funds I would have bid on the quilt myself and donated it to the museum. I don’t know what your purpose was for purchasing this quilt but when you have fulfilled it, would you consider donating it to the museum at West Point. (I was hesitant about making such a bold request. However, I am involved in quilt research and I also purchase old quilts. After nine years of documentation and research, I really feel that quilts should stay close to their roots if possible.) The response I received from the buyer was this. “I am a piecenik and I do not approve of such things as museums dedicated to war or the military.” The buyer continued to say that he works for customers who are looking for patriotic quilts. I am truly hoping that the buyer is on QHL and will still give my suggestion some consideration. By the way, General McArthur’s Address is available for purchase at the West Point Gift shop. It is really awesome! sue reich
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 16:32:37 -0400 | From: “Phyllis Twigg” <ptwigg@>
I was glad to receive notification in the mail today that the long-awaited Rhode Island Documentation Project’s book, “Down by the Old Mill Stream,” is about to be published. The book is edited by Linda Welters and Margaret T. Ordonez. I’m sure someone on this list knows a lot more about this book than I do. Please tell us more. In any event, Kent State University Press is offering a pre-publishing special if you order before May 30th. The book will be available in late May. The address is: The Kent State University Press P.O. Box 5190 307 Lowry Hall Kent, Ohio 44242 (330) 672-7913 fax (330) 672-3104 The pre-publication price is $56.25 plus $7.50 shipping & handling. Retail price will be $75.00 cloth. Credit cards are accepted. 328 pages, 69 color plates, 94 black & white photographs. Phyllis Twigg
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 22:08:07 -0400 | From: “Jan Drechsler” <quiltdoc@>
Karen in NH, If you wish to learn more about quilt restoration, e-mail Nancy Kirk at KirkColl@ and ask to be on the mailing list for the Restoration Conference in Omaha this summer. It is invaluable and a great way to meet other restorers and learn first hand techniques. Barbara Brackman and Terry Thompson gave their fabric camp two day seminar which was wonderful. Many of the knowledgable folks on QHL have attended more than once. When you add up airfare from the east and hotel fares, it isn’t cheap but it is worth it!!! So Jennifer, for those of us who will never have a quilt at Paducah, tell us your impressions of the show and how you felt seeing your quilt hanging among all the others! — Jan Drechsler in Vermont Quilt Restoration; Quilting teacher http://ourworld./homepages/bobmills/jan.html
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 22:16:46 -0400 | From: Kitty <basyefelton@>
Hi, all, I am going to have to try to restore my daughters baby quilt that my mom made for her. it is 20 years old and has been loved about to death, but mom painted disney figures on it and then backed it with disney fabric, and my daughter jsut doesn’t want to see it go. what can I do to preserve it, how clean it, how repair the worn spots. I need to clean it, I think her dog had an accident on it last month. it was made on muslin. thanks for any help. she doesn’t intend to use it anymore but may want to display it. thanks, kitty — Kitty in Somerset, Pennsylvania, USA mail
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 23:08:42 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <Judygrow@>
Karen, I had written to the seller when I posted the note to QHL, even before yours. The response I got was, word for word, exactly the response you got, or, you got the same response I got! Either the seller got it out of a house, or from a picker, or at auction. What is clear is that she/he is not going to let anyone anywhere near her sources. Pity. I just thought, rereading your post to her, that perhaps she should have been told that sharing provenance adds value.
Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow@
>Linda, >How did you acquire the quilt? From another dealer or from a private party? >Is there no trail at all to the quilt’s previous owner or the quilt’s maker? >This is what makes a quilt truly valuable to me personally. Thanks you for >taking the time to respond to me. >(end) >The sellers’ 2nd response >Subj Re Hand Made Quilt of General MacArthur Item #301523426 >Date 4/15/00 30137 PM Eastern Daylight Time >From Twosilhouettes >To KareQuilt >Sorry we missed you. >(end) >>Anyone else on QHL find out anything more? >>Karen Alexander >>No. VA
Date: Thu, 20 Apr 2000 23:25:37 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <Judygrow@>
Phyllis, I think that even $56.25 is an outrageous price! And book shipping shouldn’t cost more than $3.20! In this day and age the color plates should far outnumber the black and white! I think I’ll wait and buy it off the remainder table. I’ll bet Kent State U. Press hasn’t published a documentation book before. Do they even know who their buyers would be? But thanks for bringing it to our attention. By the way, at half the price (almost) and paperback, the Lancaster County book is a royal feast for the eyes. And the text is matter-of-fact and informative! Really well done! Hooray for Schiffer publishing. Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow@
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 16:19:11 +1000 | From: Marion Nielsen <mnielsen@>
Hi I am going to Edmonton, Canada in July. Are there any Canadian Quilters who can steer me in the direction of good quilt shops there. I’d really appreciate it. Thanks in advance. Marion in Australia
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 08:58:43 EDT | From: CToczek@
Dear Sue, Your story regarding this inspirational quilt lit my fuse. I, too, would have purchased the quilt if such funds were readily available. I wonder if the buyer realizes that the rights to profit from quilt sales (capitalism) have been and are protected by American troops throughout the years and different presidential terms of office. However, before I go off on a tangent and start a not-quilt related, political argument, let me say I support all of you who buy and sell quilts (especially to me <G>.) I simply resented the intimation that West Point wasn’t a worthy site for the MacArthur quilt, though the maker so surely poured her heart into the work. I can only hope the next buyer of the quilt has some historical appreciation of the piece. Carla Toczek West Point, NY P.S. Does anyone else feel that individual collectors are frequently priced out of ebay bidding? It’s very frustrating to be outbid by buyers with “300” (purchases) by their name.
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 11:09:06 EDT | From: JQuilt@
it’s just that we have so many war memorials i wish there were a few peace memorials somewhere in the USA there are a great numbers of people who work as diligently for peace as the people who believe in a military answer for world problems jean
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 11:27:42 -0400 | From: Kitty <basyefelton@>
but don’t you think if a war is fought to stop a person or country from warring on someone else, (such as we did in WWII) that that IS a peace memorial? it honors men who fought for peace and justice. it doesn’t honor war, ask any vetran, they just want recognition for the sacrifices they and their predecessors made, not honor for the fact that a war was fought. Kitty JQuilt@ wrote:
— Kitty in Somerset, Pennsylvania, USA mailto:basyefelton@
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 11:36:49 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <Judygrow@>
Laurette and all — Our own Barb Garrett was among the first to know about this book that came out just in time for the Lancaster Quilt Heritage Celebration and she got me a copy. She was working on another county documentation project at the publishers when she saw it. The book was only available through the Heritage Center in Lancaster at the time of the show. I imagine it is available elsewhere now. It is called “Quilting Traditions — Pieces From the Past.” It is a Schiffer Design book, by Patricia T. Herr. ISBN 0-7643-1121-2. www.schifferbooks.com The book can be ordered directly from the publisher for $29.95 plus $3.95 shipping. This is a quality paperback. I didn’t actually count the color plates, but the last one in the book, on page 158 just before the extensive footnotes and bibliography, is numbered Fig. 219. The only b/w photos are repros of the old photos of people. The Rhode Island book is 328 pages (just about twice as thick) but only has about 1/3rd the number of color photos. That’s a lot of words! Or perhaps they are including patterns. Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow@
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 11:47:23 -0400 | From: Barb Garrett <bgarrett@>
I too received the notice that Phyllis mentioned. I was at first excited that the Rhode Island book was published — we all need new books <grin> — until I saw the price and did some math — I’m a retired math teacher so my mind works like that, sorry <grin>. My first reaction was “only 63 color plates” — This hit me immediately because I just finished working with the York County, PA, documentation book and we did photography for 200 color pictures plus some black and whites. That’s why 63 color plates doesn’t seem like alot to me. Like Judy, I too am comparing it to the Lancaster book — just out April 1 and fantastic — for $29.95. The Lancaster book is done by Schiffer, as will be the York book — due out this fall. I couldn’t stand it and had to do a count — just counting full size quilt pictures — not close-ups, portraits, quilting tools, littles, etc — there are about 109 full quilt pictures in the Lancaster book. If someone from Rhode Island gets to see the book I would be grateful for a report to the list — the information about the quilts sounds interesting, but the price seems disproportionately high — compared to other well done quilt history books. Barb in southeastern PA <bgarrett@>
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 14:07:52 -0400 | From: “sue reich” <mreich@>
The last thing that people in the military want is a war. Trust me, I know. My son spent 5 months last year a few hundred feet from the runway in Albania and then in Kosovo during the Crisis there. My life was spent glued to CNN. When it comes to quilts that have a military bent like the McArthur quilt, it isn’t whether the quilt depicts war or peace. The importance of the quilt is that it is reflective of how that quiltmaker was influenced by society at that time. When I saw the MCArthur quilt, War didn’t enter my mind. Patriotism and pride for the red, white and blue did. Even his posture in the embroidery work, typical of the stand-at-attention one finds in the military, makes you want to hold your head a little higher. I downloaded this quilt because I fear that it is going to be lost to ordinary people who should be able to view it. I agree with Carla about ebay and collectors, we should have combined our funds and purchased it. Then made the donation ourselves. It didn’t sell for that high a price. Maybe we should put the West Point Museum in touch with the buyer. Carla, I am interested in your comment about military quilts and sales. This does not affect making commemorative quilts that I hope will remain in our family, does it? I have made a quilt that is a photo history of West Point from 1989-1993 with other memorabilia on it. Is there something I should know to protect its future? sue reich
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 14:35:45 -0400 | From: “sue reich” <mreich@>
I was very interested in all of your comments to date about quilt documentation books. Here in Connecticut, our workable manuscript is due May 1. So as you can imagine, I have spent my life in libraries, museums and historical societies the past months. Our book committee has a running discussion (notice, I didn’t say argument) about the ideal state documentation book. So when I read your comments about Rhode Island, I said to myself “why not go right to the source?” You all can provide us with a golden opportunity to do it right. Sincerely, we would love your input. In your dreams, what do you considered is a must for the ideal documentation book? We have nearly 4,000 quilts to chose from. Regarding Rhode Island, I don’t know if Linda Welter or Margaret Ordonez, both professors at URI and the book’s authors, are on the List to answer your questions. I have spoken to them often and they have been most helpful to Connecticut throughout our Project. I understand that their book was written to act more as a textbook and is a very text-driven. The numbers of quilts that they documented was not as high as other New England States. However, for those of you who heard them speak at the Smithsonian Symposium and saw the quilts they did have, I don’t feel that you will be disappointed. Their knowledge base for the kinds of questions that we so often ask ourselves is very great. I have attended some of Margaret’s classes. When she examines a quilt, she sees fiber and dyes. Compare this to a physical at the doctor’s office. The doctor sees the whole body but with biopsy or lab work, he can see the cells and the chemistry of the body. The quilts they documented have been on exhibit at times throughout the years. I went to one of those exhibits in Providence. Believe me when I say that they were old and outstanding. Don’t forget, much of what was documented in midwestern and western states came from the east coast. Much can be learned about your quilts from the information that Linda and Margare t can provide. Sorry, I didn’t mean to sound preachy. I am excited about seeing their book in print. They have had an uphill battle in doing so because of the intensity of their book. This process is not as exciting as the documentation part was. Finding a publisher is not easy. Publishers only want how-to book and this is one of the main reason the history books have been slowed down. Have a great Easter weekend. sue reich
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 15:10:51 EDT | From: QuiltFixer@
Hi Sue, I seem to have lost the thread of this somewhere, but did we not have the e-mail name of the dealer who bought it? If anyone has the E-bay item number of it, we can pull it up and get a contact e mail. Maybe if enough of us care, we can collect enough money on QHL (provided Kris did not mind) and if the quilt is available at a set price, we could buy it as a group and donate it to West Point. I think this would be a really worthwhile community service endeavor for the group as a whole. What do any of you out there in QHL Land think?
Toni Baumgard
QuiltFixer @aol.com The Redwork Lady redworkldy@aol www.redworklady.com
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 15:43:05 -0400 | From: Lynn and Debbie Cupp <lcupp@>
Perhaps the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial Foundation would have been interested in this piece. http://sites.communitylink.org/mac/ The flag with the two gold stars on the quilt struck a chord with me. My great grandfather kept a similar flag in his window until his death in 1968. The loss of his two oldest sons (of three) was devastating to him. Debbie Cupp
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 16:26:28 -0400 | From: Judy White <jawhite@>
I received a mailer today regarding the RI documentation book with a pre-publication price of $56.25 + $7.50 s&h. Regular retail price is $75.00. I also believe that the price is too high. I have spent the last two years buying text books that were extremely overpriced, and not being able to resell them at the end of the semester, and I’m not going to pay $56.00 for a documentation book. It is my feeling that book publishers and sellers will eventually drive themselves out of the market with the high prices. I like the idea that someone on the list had of finding it on the remainder table. Just my opinion. Judy White in cold, rainy, dark, gloomy CT
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 16:31:57 -0400 | From: “sue reich” <mreich@>
Here is the original message that put us in touch with the McArthur quilt —– Original Message —–
From: J. G. Row <Judygrow@>
To: Quilt History List <QHL@>
Sent Thursday, April 13, 2000 1248 AM
Subject: QHL Patriotic quilt!
> http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item01523426 > > A simply super patriotic red white and blue quilt! Has anyone any knowledge > of the pattern being out in the public? Or was this just a super patriotic > quilter! > > OOOOOOH! I love it! (but I’m not bidding — feel free.) > > > Judy in Ringoes, NJ > judygrow@ > >
Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 08:41:47 +1000 | From: Sven Olsson <sven@>
Hello All, I found this quilt yesterday and had a drool. The price was at $1000 then. If the person who bought it would like MY address as their shipping details I will be happy to oblige !! http://cgi.ebay.com.au/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommandViewItem&item308685829 Happy Easter all, Lorraine in Oz
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 21:59:24 +1000 | From: “Suzy Atkins” <satkins@>
>Carla Toczek wrote Does anyone else feel that individual collectors are frequently priced >out of ebay bidding? It’s very frustrating to be outbid by buyers with “300” >(purchases) by their name. >
This doesn’t actually mean that the buyer is not an individual with lots of money to spend on their collection. But what you are saying is what I used to hear a lot of at auctions for antique furniture. People used to say that it was terrible if there were lots of dealers there as it would “drive the price up”. But the truth is, if a dealer is buying a piece at auction they need to be aware that whatever they purchase it for, they then need to add their sales mark up and still be able to sell it to a customer. And dealers have to be aware of carrying inventory or not being able to sell on at a profit. So individuals can in reality be able to pay less than the ‘market ‘rate. You will still be buying it cheaper than if you went into an antique store. Of course, that doesn’t make it any less frustrating as we all love a bargain, Suzy
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 21:59:24 +1000 | From: [from unknown]
I feel/felt the same way about the MacArthur quilt, and wrote to the seller, very terse and short comment that she/he didn’t know the ‘history’ of the quilt. I shudder to think there would be a family member somewhere who maybe didn’t KNOW the quilt existed and lost out on having it! Along with a Lot of you out there, when Desert Storm was going on, I was Glued to Cnn, I decided to DO ‘something’besides just sit there and shake, I had several family members over there, and made my own version of “Old Glory” and in the stripes, embroidered the names of all the soldiers/officers and units from my County, along with stars if they didn’t get home…:( It’s hanging in the VFW hall right now. I wouldn’t Dream of keeping it (unless I had had a son/daughter there), it was a ‘memorial’ that I could give. I wonder if this poor woman who made the quilt had something like that in mind herself??? And, the question about buying from ebay and feeling intimidated about the number beside their names,..that doesn’t mean these numbers represent QUILTS they’ve bought. It could be ceramic cats, potted plants, and maybe a quilt or two in between. I LIKE going to auctions when there’s dealers there…I feel Confident that if I buy for myself,…I can usually bid More than the dealers! Don’t let anyone intimidate you, just bid what you can afford! 🙂 kb — See who I am and what I do: http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/karenbush/
Date: Fri, 21 Apr 2000 23:51:05 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <Judygrow@>
Wow, am I ever glad I brought this quilt to the group’s attention! I have never seen anything galvanize the group as this quilt has. If someone will lead and be banker, I would be happy to donate, say $15.00 to send the MacArthur quilt to West Point. However, will West Point want it? I think that should be determined before we start collecting money. And who will get in touch with the present owner? He/she didn’t seem to think that linking it to the present military establishment was a good idea, so will he or she want to sell it to a group with plans such as “ours”. Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow@
Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 00:09:52 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <Judygrow@>
>If the person who bought it would like MY address as their shipping >details I will be happy to oblige !! >http://cgi.ebay.com.au/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommandViewItem&item3 08685829 >Happy Easter all, >Lorraine in Oz
Lorraine, did you read the copy that accompanied this quilt? I really don’t think that ink spots on the center medallion would be “charming.” It also has a 15″ – 18″ split, fold lines, holes, virtually all the glaze is gone, and — it has been dry cleaned! I thought the seller had shot herself in the foot with that last point, but obviously the buyer felt otherwise. Jan Drechsler pointed out to me that she thought that it possibly had been for a 4-poster bed, with cut-out corners, which had been filled in later. If someone sent it to me for fabric study I’d accept it, gladly, but I’d never buy it in the condition it is in — even if I had the money, which I dont! “The underside is in very good condition ……. with no stains and ALMOST NO RUST SPOTTING (emphasis mine).” I thought rust spots were stains. If they wouldn’t come out with dry cleaning they’ll be there forever. And Happy Passover to you! Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow@
Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 14:44:09 +1000 | From: Sven Olsson <sven@>
Hello Judy, I sat here yesterday almost crying at the fact that the quilt had been drycleaned, and as you see, I did not bid on this piece. My dear husband Leigh got to sit through 10 minutes of me ranting about the evils of drycleaning quilts. But I would still have it for nothing if it came in the post :o}} I feel the “odd” end on the quilt is actually at the top (pillow end). I have printed the picture off so I can keep a copy in my files. till later, Lorraine in Oz J. G. Row wrote: > >http://cgi.ebay.com.au/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?MfcISAPICommandViewItem&item3 > 08685829 > > Lorraine, did you read the copy that accompanied this quilt? I really don’t > think that ink spots on the center medallion would be “charming.” It also > has a 15″ – 18″ split, fold lines, holes, virtually all the glaze is gone, > and — it has been dry cleaned! I thought the seller had shot herself in > the foot with that last point, but obviously the buyer felt otherwise. > > Jan Drechsler pointed out to me that she thought that it possibly had been > for a 4-poster bed, with cut-out corners, which had been filled in later. > > If someone sent it to me for fabric study I’d accept it, gladly, but I’d > never buy it in the condition it is in — even if I had the money, which I > dont! “The underside is in very good condition ……. with no stains and > ALMOST NO RUST SPOTTING (emphasis mine).” I thought rust spots were stains. > If they wouldn’t come out with dry cleaning they’ll be there forever. > > And Happy Passover to you! > > Judy in Ringoes, NJ > judygrow@ :o}}
Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 09:11:31 -0400 | From: “Jan Drechsler” <quiltdoc@>
Sue Reich wrote: When it comes to quilts that have a military bent like the McArthur quilt, it isn’t whether the quilt depicts war or peace. The importance of the quilt is that it is reflective of how that quiltmaker was influenced by society at that time. The very simple understated line written on the ‘Dear Jane’ 1863 Jane Stickle quilt comes to mind. ‘In war time. 1863.’ Those few words are very sobering and say so much. Regarding the painted child’s quilt and cleaning, my advice is to test, test, test in a small spot and then test the paint again to see if Orvus and water remove the paint. Try 2% Orvus solution with a q-tip. And if you get brave enough to wash it, go FIRST to the bishop museum, hawaii web site and check out their textile cleaning guide. — Jan Drechsler in Vermont Quilt Restoration; Quilting teacher http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bobmills/jan.html
Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 09:05:01 -0500 | From: Jocelyn <Jocelynm@>
> > Ok, so who wants to start talking about the significance of the name? > The Seven Muses????? Laura, I always thought it was the Pleidies…<sp?>
Date: Sat, 22 Apr 2000 10:43:23 -0400 | From: “Kris Driessen, Hickory Hill Quilts” <oldquilt@>
Last night I attended an barn auction. In among the tools and the snow blowers and the misc junk were several wooden boxes full of textiles. I purchased two which were stuffed to the gills with feather beds – my kids are in charge of going into the woods and dumping the feathers, this stuff brings a new meaning to the word, “musty”. Piled on a table were a bunch of old textiles, which the auctioneer was smart enough to auction separately. I missed out two nice quilts, but I kept my card up in the air until I got the rest!! So here come my questions: These items were stored under the eaves of the barn and the top quilt was a whole cloth turkey red chintz which bled like you would wouldn’t believe. I plan on taking this quilt apart (it is tied) and washing part of it, just to see what happens. Sadly, it bled on an PERFECT 1830’s quilt. The blocks have a lot of iron oxide on them which have not fallen out yet. I am hoping that if the red comes out easily, I can wash the older quilt and have it come clean. It also has a water stain. Maybe I should have it dry cleaned? <G> Yes, I am just kidding, I wanted to see if you were paying attention. Anyone have any advice on the situation? Both this quilt and a woven blanket had the same cross-stitched initials, which helps me approximate the date of the woven blanket! There was another blanket in the batch – a gray one with a six pointed star embroidered in one corner. Machine, I think. Any ideas? Nothing in the grouping seemed to be outside the 1830 – 1910 period – there were a couple of cutters, more woolen blankets, two white-on-white chenille’s – no, not the 1700’s kind – the kind of bedspreads that are embossed white-on-white (I’m sorry, the term escapes me) and a lot of battings covered by muslin. I will be taking all this stuff apart and (don’t read this part if you are sensitive) washing it. Aside from the unique odor, I don’t like to sell stuff that isn’t already clean and ready to use. Thank heavens my DH & DD are in the medical field and have easy access to surgical masks. I will be using them today! Kris
Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2000 09:47:17 -0400 | From: “Phyllis Twigg” <ptwigg@>
I just received a copy in the mail of the newest Traditional Quiltworks magazine which goes on newsstands May 9th. It is issue #68 and it contains a feature on antique redwork quilts. Look at the “Creativity Showcase” on pages 32-33 and you’ll see 5 great examples from 1890 to 1920’s.The pictures are large enough that you can actually see the motifs in the blocks (at least I can see them with my glasses on). The reason I received an advance copy of the magazine is because my quilt is one of the 5 that are featured. But even it that were not the case, I’d still enjoy this layout(honest). One block pattern from each of the quilts will be printed in upcoming issues of Traditional Quiltworks. The “Kate Greenaway Redwork” quilt owned by Willa Baranowski has a wonderful grapevine border. My quilt is the same one that is on my web site at the following address: www.radix.net/~jtwigg. The Marcus Brothers fabric which is based on it is now arriving in the stores. One of the quilts (owned by Bette Clark) is done in blue floss. There is extra sashing area which I imagine was made to tuck under the pillow.
Toni Baumgard’s quilt has neat Kewpie doll pictures. Betty Alderman also has a quilt consisting of 42 blocks with wide red sashing. If you are not able to pick up this magazine in your area you can write to Traditional Quiltworks, P.O. Box 10615, Riverton, New Jersey 08076-0615 and subscribe for one year for $19.95. It is published bi-monthly. I don’t know if they (Chitra Publications)sell single copies. Their e-mail is chitra@ if you are interested in finding out. Phyllis Twigg
Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2000 13:03:15 -0400 | From: “Phyllis Twigg” <ptwigg@>
I neglected to mention that the same Traditional Quiltworks magazine has several other articles by and of interest to QHL’ers… Cindy Brick writes on how to give your new quilts the vintage look (“Ask the Experts: Cindy Brick,” pages 38-39), Eileen Trestain writes on fabric dating, Merikay Waldvogel discusses “Tarzan’s Railroad Quilt,” Carol Elmore and husband Ronnie tell about Ida Eisenhower’s quilts, the featured teacher is Sharon Newman, Nancy Kirk explains conservation and restoration, Nancy Roberts discusses Hexagon quilts,Merry May continues Inspector Cluesew…Yipes!! No wonder they’ve called it the “Special Antique Heirloom Edition.” Phyllis Twigg
Date: Sun, 23 Apr 2000 19:03:28 -0400 | From: “Nancy Roberts” <robertsn@>
The current issue of Traditional Quiltworks (Issue 68 on sale until July 10) is billed as a “Special Antique Heriloom Edition.” It contains contributions from Merikay Waldvogel, Cindy Brick, Nancy Kirk, Sharon Newman, Eileen Trestain and more. The featured patterns and photos are for vintage quilts. There’s a Creativity Showcase on redwork quilts. This issue includes content that was the subject of discussion on this list awhile ago when members expressed an interest in a magazine with a focus on quilt history. If TQ is not available on your local newsstands, check the website at www.QuiltTownUSA.com for more info on getting a copy. One of the links on the gallery page is for a past gallery featuring feedsack quilts. There is likely to be lots of interest to members of this list in this special issue. Thought you might like to know. I’m sure the editors would appreciate your feedback on this issue and if there is enough interest, might consider repeating it each year. Co-editor Debra Feece wrote a neat editorial about reuniting a pair of star quilt tops. It’s a great story. Nancy
