June 1 – 10, 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:
- Amish “Intentional Mistake” Myth Debate — A researcher and author of two Amish-quilt books firmly debunks the popular belief that Amish quilters purposely sew in errors, backed by another member’s explanation of the Ordnung. (see the article on quilt folklore)
- Florence Peto’s Published Works & Collectibility — Members catalog Peto’s three out-of-print books and note their rising resale prices among collectors of quilt history texts.
- African American Quilting Bibliography Project — A grant-funded bibliography effort turns up the 1930s-1950s “Little Brown Koko” book series as an overlooked reference.
- Quilt Patterns in Popular Culture — The floor-mosaic quilt-pattern thread continues with a member noting a similar pattern in the film Titanic.
- Regional Quilt Exhibits & New-Member Introductions — Announcements for quilt shows in Annapolis and Westminster, VT, alongside several new subscribers introducing themselves to the list.
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 08:50:28 -0400 | From: “Wykes Family” <wykesfcn@>
> Lots of folks had a go at silk manufacturing in the 1800’s. One such operation that went bust was in Belding, Michigan. Anyone remember seeing Belding/Corticelli on an old wooden spool? The mulberry trees couldn’t survive the Michigan winters (neither could I-).
> Pepper Cory************************
Dear Pepper and QHL:
Red mulberry used in silk worm production grows well in MI. I have several bushes in my own yard. If you look in old newspapers ads in Michigan papers during the 1830’s you will find many ads for these type of bushes, so this wasn’t the problem. Silk production is labor intensive and never caught on here, except for one large mill near (I think) Mount Clemens. My museum curator husband said he would find out more today about this little blip of Michigan history and I’ll report back to the list, if anyone is interested.
Debbie Wykes in Monroe, MI (I grew up around the corner from Belding, MI)
Date: Fri, 02 Jun 2000 17:36:42 -0500 | From: Marcia Kaylakie <marciark@>
Hi All, I need the collective wisdom of the group on this. This afternoon, I was browsing in a local bookstore and stumbled across Old Quilts and Coverlets by Florence Peto. The page with the publication dates on it said “First published in 1949”, and the seller listed it as a first edition (with a matching pricetag). Does anyone know if that is the way this book is shown as dated? I can find no later publication date on or in the book. I would like to know before I shell out for this one. Thanks, Marcia Kaylakie
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 20:09:30 EDT | From: Demsing@
Marica,
I have an “OP” copy of Florence Peto’s American Quilts and Coverlets also. It’s red with gold embossed wind blown tulips block on the front (wish I had the paper jacket – I do have an OP of the Carrie Hall’s Romance of the Patchwork Quilt in America with the jacket – 1935). I got both books at a second hand book store in Riverside, CA which did carry some fairly pricey first editions of various texts. I paid only $5.95 for Peto’s book (left the penciled price in it) and $8.95 for Hall’s book. I think it was more expensive because it had a jacket!!
I don’t know what your dealer is asking but I know both texts are getting hard to find. I just lucked out on these. I don’t know if there have been “recent” reprints of either book, but I always love to get an original printing if possible. Old books are always wonderul and sometimes full of surprises. My Patchwork copy had several cardboard templates and clippings of patterns from old newspapers in it. An added bonus! Good luck to you and hope the book is not tooooo overpriced.
Lenna in AZ
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 20:12:19 EDT | From: Demsing@
Ooops,
Marcia, I forgot to say that my Peto also says “First published in 1949” and I can’t find anyother date in it either.
Lenna
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 21:58:04 -0400 | From: “Phyllis Twigg” <ptwigg@>
Tomorrow the Annapolis Quilt Guild Show “Quilts By the Bay” opens and runs through Sunday. The show is held at the Annapolis Senior High School on Riva Road in Annapolis, Maryland. Hours are 10 am till 5 pm Saturday and 11 am till 5 pm Sunday. Follow the special signs posted along Riva Road. This 18th annual show features demonstrations, large merchants mall, raffle quilt, AQS certified quilt appraisals, and lots of quilts on display. The invitational quilts exhibited feature 3 exquisite Hawaiian quilts from the 1940-50 period.
Phyllis Twigg
I’ve been listening to my Anna Russell CD tonight while playing on the computer. For you youngsters who don’t know who Anna Russell is: In the mid 20th century this lovely, talented, failed opera singer traveled this country giving 1-woman concerts doing satire of all sorts of music. Sort of like Victor Borge, the great Dane, although she didn’t get involved in any poultry marketing…. Some of you will get that reference. Anyway, the first cut of this CD, recorded in NYC in 1953 is an introduction to the concert given by the “Women’s Club President.” After she flubs the introduction for today’s singer she announces that at the lecture series for next month, Mrs. Prendergast, one of their own members will be giving a special talk, for free, on how to make patchwork quilts from old skirts — to be followed by a very expensive talk by someone from Vogue who will speak on how to make a skirt from old quilts!
This brought a tremendous long laugh from the Town Hall audience. I had forgotten this line and nearly fell on the floor with laughter. How timely!
There is nothing new under the sun, is there?!
Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow@
Date: Fri, 2 Jun 2000 22:05:03 -0700 (PDT) | From: Cindy Brick <brickworksinc@>
Hi all,
I passed on yesterday’s QHL to Ami Simms, since I knew she continues to have a deep and abiding interest in mosaics and other floor ‘quilt’ designs. Her response follows — but I need to mention just a few little bits first. My own interest in this subject came from exposure to Old Dutch Master Paintings — the tiled floors in these are often quilt-pattern-related.
RE: The Peto book. I have a copy, too, but paid a heck of a lot more than under $10 for it! (You lucky girl…) Mine is greeny-patterned hardback, no paper cover, with ‘Historic Quilts by Florence Peto’ printed in a black rectangle on front, and on spine. Inside cover is printed Rob Peter to Pay Paul (or Orange Peel) design in black ferny print/green solid. 1939, The American Historical Company, INc. New York. No sign of any other publisher or printing date — I believe this is actually the first edition of Florence’s book.
Cindy Brick
Now here’s what Ami Simms has to say for herself: Interesting stuff. Thanks for the forward. That would explain the inquiry I got yesterday about Classic Quilts: Patchwork Designs From Ancient
Rome. I’m totally out (much to the dismay of my quilting buddies in Italy who would very much like copies, since they are THEIR design heritage!) but if you’d like to share with your fellow posters, I believe Quilter’s Rule
International has copies left. (quilter@ or www.quiltersrule.com or
800 343-8671 or 414 514-2000 or fax: 414-514-2100) I also found the discussion of Cosmati mosaics in Italian churches most interesting. These “quilty” designs are found throughout Italy, and other
European cities as well. A few years back I led a tour of quilters to
Italy and we church-hopped chasing Cosmati floors from Venice to Rome! What fun!
One of the most spectacular examples is in the Duomo in Siena. We happened to visit the one day a year they take the carpets up off the floors! In
Rome, don’t miss the floors at San Clemente, known also for it’s several
“layers”
of churches dating back to an ancient temple to Mythra. There is even a drawing made by one of the priests of the floors that of course is not for sale, nor will they loan it to berserk quilting tourists no matter how much they beg. Been there; tried that. And Santa Maria in Cosmedin (the church with the “mouth of truth”). And, well there are lots….
Venice has some spectacular floors in St. Mark’s, and in a book store around the corner from the church is the only place I’ve ever found THE book of
Cosmati photos. I couldn’t find the English version, but got one in
French:
SOLS Saint-Marc Venise by Andre Bruyere.
ISBN:2-7433-0158-9. The images are mouth-watering and put any slides I’ve ever taken (which usually include my own shoes) to shame.
I’ve often thought of writing a book on the designs and have a few contacts in Italy, England, and here in the States of people who are interested in studying them and re-creating them in fabric. Perhaps this is the time to expand the search and start playing. Maybe we should take another trip! If readers of QHL are interested in working with me, please have them contact me. I am hip deep in another book at the moment and can’t do much until winter, but we can get a list going and explore some possibilities perhaps.
If you’d like do be a part of it, subscribe to:
Cosmati-Quilts-subscribe@
Ami Simms www.mallerypress.com
Date: Sat, 3 Jun 2000 07:46:17 EDT | From: Windquilt@
Hi Marcia and everyone,
As a former bookseller, I was going to say that the notation “First published in…” is usually found in a reprint and not a first edition. But then I checked www.bibliofind.com, and they have 8 copies listed, all dated 1949, almost all described as first editions, and ranging in price from $15 for a reading copy (not so good condition) to $80. Most were priced $25-$50.
Nancy Blake south of Boston
Date: Sat, 3 Jun 2000 08:24:31 EDT | From: Chyral@
Hi all,
Be aware that Florence Peto wrote two books…. “Historic Quilts” and “American Quilts and Coverlets” are entirely different volumes, with publication dates of 1939 and 1949, respectively.
-Cheryl
Date: Sat, 3 Jun 2000 11:41:26 EDT | From: Kievits@
It appears that the show about the family living in the times of 1900 is going to be on PBS Monday June 12 at 9:00 p.m. If you remember, the list had a few postings about the making of this program and the clothes. The listing says, “Outside London, a family beats the Y2K blues by spending three months partying like it’s 1900.” I’m assuming that this is the one we discussed and that you haven’t had a chance to see it either.
Katha in Cincy
Date: Sat, 3 Jun 2000 17:46:25 +0100 | From: “Sally Ward” <sward@>
>listing says, “Outside London, a family beats the Y2K blues by spending three months partying like it’s 1900.”
It certainly sounds like the programme, but I think that’s a sales pitch. From what I recall ‘partying’ didn’t come into it much. Quite a lot of tears and frustration *did*, however. (The Mother cracked only a few weeks in and bought some 1999 shampoo to get her hair clean<G>) I’d be very interested to know what you all make of it.
Sally Ward in UK
Date: Sat, 03 Jun 2000 16:10:50 -0500 | From: Marcia Kaylakie <marciark@>
Hi All, Thanks to everyone who gave me their input! I appreciate it. I did go this AM and buy the book at the local shop. It is in good condition and and probably priced about right for it. I consider it a find for my library. Thanks again, Marcia
Date: Sat, 3 Jun 2000 21:12:49 EDT | From: KareQuilt@
About 3 months ago I went searching for price ranges on all the old quilt history books. I found 7 copies ranging in price from $125 to $15.00. Most of them hovered around the $40.00 range. All were dated 1949. However, Peto did write an earlier book but I found only one copy of it in my search. The seller was asking $100.00 for it.
Peto, Florence: Historic Quilts ; American Historical Co, NY, 1939. 6-1/4×9-1/4, 210p. The “story book” of quilts in this scarce volume. Profusely illustrated: the doorway to the type of anecdote that is the very life-blood of history. Heavy patterned cloth covr and contents are VG The $125.00 book was described thus: American Quilts and Coverlets by Florence Peto, Chanticleer Press, cloth, dust jacket, ’49, signed by author, a history of a charming native art together with a manual of instruction for beginners, with 56 reproductions in color and monochrome and 50 patterns and diagrams in line .
Karen Alexander
Date: Sun, 4 Jun 2000 13:25:28 +1000 | From: [from unknown]
Dear QHLers,
A friend told me about this mailing list and I’m thoroughly enjoying all that I’m learning. Thank you.
I have always been intrigued by the idea of a deliberate mistake being put into a quilt. I’ve heard it described as ‘the Amish mistake’, that the Amish put a deliberate mistake into a quilt because nothing is perfect but God; or without the Amish connection, for the same reason. I’ve perused my books of Amish quilts, and it’s certainly not common to all, and hard to spot in some – perhaps because it’s in the quilting rather than piecing? Or was only observed by some groups of Amish? I’ve seen old (nonAmish) quilts on ebay where there is a very obvious change of fabric in a single block, and wondered if this was making-do or deliberate. Other ones have a single block rotated, or with the colour shadings differently arranged. I’d be most interested to learn more about this idea – website refs/book refs/whatever you may know about this yourself. Most quilts I make, I put in a deliberate mistake (quite apart from any accidental ones!). One’s eye tends to seek harmony, pattern, balance; but the imbalance and interruption please my eye somehow too.
If this issue has been canvassed before, let me know where I can look in archives, if that’s possible – it’s always a bit tricky when you join a group, not knowing what may have been discussed before. I know it can be a bit irksome for old hands when an issue surfaces and resurfaces.
TIA
Cheers
Ruth, delurking.
***********************************
Ruth in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales, Australia
Date: Sun, 04 Jun 2000 07:35:29 +0000 | From: Bobbie Aug <qwltpro@>
Ruth,
Some years ago, I used to teach Old Order pre-1940 Amish quiltmaking. I had a lecture on this topic also. There were several “myths” that I had heard. 1) the Amish always quilted a heart into their work 2) they never broke a cable – it was one continuous cable when used 3) there was a deliberate mistake, etc. Well, I had an opportunity to go live for a week with an Old Order Lancaster County, PA Amish family. Sadie and Aaron had finished farming and were about to move to the grandparent’s side of the house and Sadie was excited because she would have even more time to quilt. By the way, they were quick to point out that the black buggies in Lancaster were Mennonites (the Amish call them Black Buggy Mennonites) and the Amish had the gray buggies, which I rode in several times. Under no circumstances did they want people confusing them with the Mennonite community.
Well, back to quilting. Sadie said that an intentional error is saying just the opposite – that there work is perfect and that they would have to be purposeful in order to make mistakes. That the rest of my “myths” were hogwash too! Sometimes they don’t break a cable because it’s easier not too, but there is no “rule.” That applies to using hearts, feathers, pumpkin seeds, etc. About the same time, I heard a lecture given by Barbara Brackman (a researcher) on “Deliberate Errors in Quiltmaking.” She said that while people romanticize about this happening, there is no factual information to support this theory. No documentation. So, in this case, I don’t believe theory is fact. This is not to say that some people somewhere did not do this as the Amish religion relys on interpretation by the leaders of the sect and a great deal of interpretation of the Ordnung (bible) is regional. But, as someone who sees thousands of quilts a year x about 15 years of very active appraising and about 30 years of collecting quilts, I can say, based on the information I have gathered to date, this was never a popular quiltmaking trend.
Sorry, as I am a romantic too!
Bobbie Aug
Ruth in the Blue Mountains wrote:
Date: Sun, 04 Jun 2000 10:46:50 +0400 | From: Xenia Cord <xecord@>
Operating entirely out of my own thought processes (very scary idea<G>!), I wonder about the whole concept of “intentional mistakes” and its origin. Sounds like a “they say” to me. If intentionally making a design flaw in order to avoid the perfection that is relegated to God alone is done to keep the maker humble, isn’t this in itself a kind of arrogance? (“i.e., “I’m so good that unless I mess up intentionally, I am perfect.”) Where’s the humility in that? And of course, is there a quilter among us who is so good that she makes NO errors in piecing, joining, appliquing, or quilting (that can’t be fudged or covered up)? Don’t most of us aspire to better points and corners, better applique stitches, smaller quilting stitches etc.? Seems to me that the whole “intentional flaw” thing may be the observer’s way of trying to explain why an unknown quilter, who has made something the observer can’t make, would have left that piece upside down, or that heart slightly lopsided, or that line of quilting unfinished.
IMHO –
Xenia
Date: Sun, 04 Jun 2000 14:34:34 -0500 | From: Shirley McElderry <tigersoup@>
Actually, Florence Peto wrote 3 books. The first, “Historic Quilts,” was published by the American Historical Company, Inc. in New York in 1939. The second, “American Quilts and Coverlets” was published by the Chanticleer Press of New York in 1949. Her third book was about her daughter Marjorie’s career as an Army Nurse, and was titled “Women Were Not Expected.” Florence had started the book in August of 1946, and in a letter to a friend said that “we will self-publish.” I presume the book was finished and published, but I have never seen a copy of it. This Florence Peto was a little tiny whirlwind of a woman; she not only wrote the two books about quilts; she wrote many articles for several different publications; from about 1939 to the late 1960’s. She gave lectures, radio broadcasts, was a quilt judge, and later was a designer of crewel work for Paragon, then Bucilla. Peto was also instrumental in the acquisition of antique quilts for several museums. From her various correspondence to different friends, we can get a glimpse of just how dedicated this woman was about old quilts and their history. And the quilt history world is so much richer for her contributions.
Shirley Mc from Iowa
Date: Sun, 04 Jun 2000 16:07:59 -1000 | From: Laurie Woodard <lwoodard@>
If you’re planning a visit to Hawaii in June-July, don’t miss the Houghtailing Family Hawaiian Quilts (Na Kapa `Apana a ka `Ohana Hapakela) June 6-July 22, 2000. These quilts were first discovered though the Hawaiian Quilt Research Project.
The exhibit includes nineteen quilts made before 1930 by four sisters, Sophia, Emmeline, Olivia, and Eliza who quilted together on the lanai (porch) of their home in Kapalama. They had two quilting horses set up and must have always had a quilt waiting in the frame. The grandchildren–five cousins–have between them, thirty quilts including Hawaiian applique, Hawaiian flag, Hawaiian redwork, patchwork and kit quilts. Examples of all will be on display–all those lovely pastels we associate with Colonial Revival quilts as well as the earlier red and white quilts. Xenia Cord has lent items from her collection so visitors will know what kit quilts and blocks were and can compare mainland styles with Hawaiian-style quilts of the period.
The exhibit is in the 1831 Chamberlain House on the grounds of:
Mission Houses Museum
553 S. King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 531-0481 email: mhm@ web: http://www.lava.net/~mhm/quilt.htm
Also the Maui Quilt Guild has a quilt show up til later this month at the Maui Performing Arts Center. See the Maui Quilter site: http://www.themauiquilter.com/mqginfo.htm
—
Laurie Woodard
Researcher
Hawaiian Quilt Research Project http://openstudio.hawaii.edu/hqrp/default.html
Date: Mon, 5 Jun 2000 10:08:20 EDT | From: RBCochran@
Based on Marjorie’s letters from Europe during WWII, this book, “Women Were Not Expected,” was published in September 1947. While listing Lt. Colonel Marjorie Peto as the author, it was really a joint endeavor with Florence writing and editing during the day and then consulting with Marjorie in the evenings when she got home from work. The initial printing was 1,000 copies, and by June 1948 the Petos had only 300 copies left. They self-published to retain editorial control, and felt the whole project had gone pretty well.
–Rachel in NJ
Date: Mon, 05 Jun 2000 09:51:38 +0400 | From: Xenia Cord <xecord@>
I know this is slightly commercial, but I hope I am forgiven for using QHL to reach as many as possible (I’m stressing).
If you received a class schedule/competition entry form brochure from Quilt America, be advised that the entry deadline for slides has been extended to June 23 because the printer delayed our materials for so long. Please do NOT send slides by UPS, FedX, Priority, or Special Delivery – postmark is sufficient.
Thanks –
Xenia
Date: Mon, 05 Jun 2000 09:48:41 +0000 | From: bettina havig <bettinaqc@>
As the author of two books on Amish quilts and after twenty years of research and longstanding friendship with Amish quiltmakers I think it is safe to say that this is pure nonsense–the sort of stuff myth is made of. Ask an Amish quilter and the answer will be..’I make enough mistakes without making them on purpose’. It is just one more attempt to romanticize an aspect of quiltmaking. I have written about and talked to Amish quiltmakers in Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania and have yet to find any evidence that would support this grand old folk tale. In fact I have seen no evidence of any sort of quilt superstition popping up in quiltmaking among the Amish.
Bettina
Date: Mon, 5 Jun 2000 11:30:50 EDT | From: KareQuilt@
Anyone on this list have a contact with FAPE – the Friends of Art & Preservation in Embassies – that might be able to tell us something about the “Civil War era quilt” which FAPE included in its “Gift to the Nation,” reported on in today’s Washington Post (June 5), second page of the Style section under “Embassies Display America’s Artistic gifts”? There are no further details about the quilt. It was simply one of several items listed that had been donated by the group.
Karen Alexander
Date: Thu, 01 Jun 2000 17:09:19 -0400 | From: Ricki Maietta <rmaietta@>
Maybe someone has already answered Ady Hirsh’s comments from a few days ago:
>I’ve always been of the (minority) opinion that having served their (scientific) purpose, these finds (and again, I stress, only the ordinary, plain vessels found by the hundreds in any dig) should be auctioned off to the highest bidder, and thus help replenish museums’ ever dwindling funds.
I am always a little behind in my computer reading – but, I can give you a couple of reasons why it is not a good thing to auction off what seems to be multitudes of the same or similar artifacts.
In my own case, I have done alot of amateur (Native American) archaeology & alot of volunteer work in my local museum. Several times we have had archaeologists come to our museum to study exactly what you are talking about – many of the same thing. Sometimes there is something to learn from the “common-ness” of something, or from sheer numbers – the fact that it was made for a long time the same way over a period of time. After awhile subtlties can be found in how something was constructed ever-so-slightly differently from one region to another or another time period. It is only when you study a large number of something that you can begin to notice things that are the same, different, etc., etc.
I hope this is clear, what I am trying to say. . .
Also, in archaeology, you assume that better methods of study will become available over time. Sometimes portions of a site are left uncovered for future archaeologists who may have some dating methods better than carbon-14 or dendrochronology. . . . They are using sonar & x-ray now to see what is under water & under the ground – 20 years ago I don’t think too many were doing that.
These are just a couple of reasons I squirmed in my seat at the thought of museums auctioning off collections just because they had alot of something. (Of course, I realize that, to some extent, they already do that. . .) Not meant as a flame to Ady – just another side of the coin.
Ricki in PA
Date: Mon, 5 Jun 2000 17:36:49 -0500 (Central Daylight Time) | From: Mary Persyn <Mary.Persyn@>
Here comes Mary writing in her librarian mode again as a follow-up to various messages about the value of notes and bibliographies in books. Tangentially quilt-related, but scholarship-related.
My biggest concern with the new plan of publishers to publish the notes and bibliographies of scholarly publications on the web is how the academic/research libraries are going to track the information. We can always insert “hot links” in our online catalogs to the URLs for the notes and bibliography, but what happens if the publisher decides after 2 years (for example) to delete that web site? Should libraries make a copy of each web site and store it somehow in paper? What if the web site is a dynamic one that is continually being updated? Should we take a “snapshot” of the site every week, month, 6 months, year? Or will the publishers publish two versions of every title – one for libraries, containing all the notes and bibliography and one for the reading public? I shutter to think of the complications.
BTW, one of my colleagues was telling me the other day that he was reading a new book on copyright that listed a bunch of web sites. The first website he checked was no longer active.
Sigh.
Mary
Mary Persyn (219) 465-7830
Date: Mon, 05 Jun 2000 19:09:06 -0400 | From: “Jan Drechsler” <quiltdoc@>
Westminster, VT had their quilt exhibit this weekend. About half of the show was antique quilts.
One quilt from the 30’s stopped me cold. It was a Dresdon Plate variation and was described as being derived from a pattern in a Farmer’s Magazine (Farm Life?) in 1905 and 1930.
Last month I finished extensive restoration on a wedding quilt which was seriously chewed by a pet bunny.
While the quilt I repaired had one more row of plates, in all other ways they were IDENTICAL. The same 4 points on the plate, the same areas had the main fabric, the same ice-cream cone scalloped border, and most impressively, the exact same medallion quilting pattern and the same hatched fill lines inside the plate. This was the Twin Sister quilt. Except that one was made in the 30’s from a farm magazine and the other was made in the 70’s from a McCall’s pattern which included all the above instructions as well as the exact quilting diagrams. The owner of the quilt had loaned me the McCall’s pattern from which it was made.
I stood babbling next to the quilt on the wall but I guess no one found it offensive that McCall’s had lifted it straight from a magazine and made money from it.
Has anyone seen this commercial exact duplicate situation?
Jan Drechsler in Vermont
Quilt Restoration; Quilting teacher http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bobmills/jan.html
Date: Sun, 04 Jun 2000 21:39:59 -0700 | From: susan silva <woody@>
Greetings QHL friends
I was wondering if anyone can tell me about a new line of fabric that has to do with the beautiful colors we see in the Baltimore Album quilts. Someone told me there is such a thing but I can’t seem to find anyone who knows about it. I’ve decided to finally do one, and I want it to be classic so the correct colors are essential. Thanks for your help.
Susan in Sunny Spokane Washington
Date: Sun, 04 Jun 2000 22:05:57 -0700 | From: susan silva <woody@>
Greetings Friends!
I’ve been attempting to update my antique quilt inventory list and a thought occurred to me. Perhaps it isn’t an original idea but here it goes. When a quilter signed a quilt, do you think that was the only one she signed? Probably not. If she took pride in her work then I would suspect that all her quilts bore her name. Wouldn’t it be awesome if there was some centralized location of all quilts with names of the makers or signatures. Then you could check your quilt against any other quilts also bearing that name. By doing this perhaps more history could be shared. This occurred to me as I was looking at my beautiful 1860 carpenter’s wheel, signed in beautiful quilting with the name “Susan A. Surinall” It is a masterful piece an I just know this woman made other quilts. I purchased this quilt and the lady who sold it to me did not know about the signature. As I was looking at it closely and holding it up to the window, the sun shone rite through it and that signature just popped out. Also being a “Susan” you can just imagine how exciting this was. It is very possible that alot of quilt history could be gleaned from some centralized data base. Just a thought, and love all the posts.
Sincerely,
Susan C.Silva in Sunny Spokane Washington
Date: Mon, 5 Jun 2000 20:28:02 -0400 | From: “John Cawley” <cawley@>
The Ordnung is not the Bible. The Ordnung is the set of rules which embody the social order of the Amish community. These regulations represent the consensus of the leaders and the endorsement of the members. The older regulations, dating from the sixteenth century, have been written down; they clarify the basic principles of separation, nonresistance, etc Each church district has its own set of contemporary rules governing daily life. All members know the Ordnung of their congregation which generally remain oral and unwritten. Some of these rules have direct biblical support; others do not. The rules of the Amish church cover the whole range of human behavior and although the rules may differ from one community to another the primary goal is to keep the world out.
Source::
Amish Society by John A. Hostetler
Johns Hopkins University Press
ISBN 0-8018-2334-X
Cinda on the Eastern Shore
Date: Mon, 5 Jun 2000 20:40:23 -0400 | From: “Martha Duff” <Martha@>
Last week a quilting friend of mine from Florida came to Washington D.C. to help her daughter move into an apartment on Capital Hill. I met my friend for lunch on Thursday and after lunch we decided to walk around her daughters new neighborhood. We ended up walking into the Library of Congress located just across the street from the U.S. Capitol grounds. I was absolutely blown away by the beautiful mosaic tile work on the floors and ceilings of that building. Just incredible. Oh the quilts you could make with those designs!
My office is a 15 minute walk away from the Library of Congress, but I hadn’t been in that building in 20 years. I spent my lunch period the next day filling my camera with pictures of this beautiful stuff. I’ve dreamed about those designs every night since I saw them. I can’t stop thinking about them. I had fallen behind on my QHL reading and was excited to find that mosaic designs are a current topic. It is fate. I am destined to make a quilt using these designs.
The Library of Congress building was completed in 1897. I’ve been looking for books that might have pictures of the floors and ceilings and information about the designers, but I haven’t come up with anything that pleases me.
The next time any of you find yourselves in Washington D.C., I think you should take the time to stop by the Library of Congress. Bring your camera!
Martha Duff
Silver Spring, MD
Date: Mon, 5 Jun 2000 19:22:11 -0700 | From: “Beverly Dunivent” <bevquilt@>
Help: I somehow threw out my order form for the new Rhode Island book. Would someone be so kind as to send me the complete name of the book, shipping price and address. Thanks
Beverly Dunivent http://bevquilt.home.sprynet.com
Date: Mon, 5 Jun 2000 22:37:08 -0700 | From: “Eileen Trestain” <ejtrestain@>
The book “Dating Fabrics” does not include all the footnotes, but does include a bibliography of sources of information. To have printed all the footnotes which were written to support the information provided there would have doubled the size of the book, which was certainly cost prohibitive in terms of printing.
Date: Tue, 06 Jun 2000 08:46:08 -0400 | From: Beth Donaldson <quiltsmuseum.msu.edu>
Susan,
Your dream has already begun to come true. The Alliance for the American Quilt is spearheading the effort to collect all the statewide quilt project data into a giant database available on the web. This project is in its infancy and will include much more than just the database. It is truly an impressive undertaking that will take many years and much support to reach its goal.
To find out more go the website:
http://www.quilts.org/alliance.htm
Beth Donaldson
Michigan State University Museum
Quilt Collections Assistant
Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2000 09:40:21 -0400 | From: marialostquilt.com (Maria Elkins)
Speaking of floors, the movie Titanic had a wonderful quilt pattern on the floor leading to the main dining room. DH had to rewind the movie a couple times so I could see it again and again 🙂
Maria Elkins
Lost Quilt Come Home Page marialostquilt.com http://www.lostquilt.com/
Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2000 20:56:52 EDT | From: JBQUILTOK
The database would almost have to include pictures of the quilts w/ good close ups of the signatures to be of much value. How many Susan Smiths do you suppose signed & dated quilts in, say, the 1930’s?
Janet
In a message dated 06/05/00 6:14:18 PM Central Daylight Time, woodyior.com writes:
<< When a quilter signed a quilt, do you think that was the only one she signed? Probably not. If she took pride in her work then I would suspect that all her quilts bore her name. Wouldn’t it be awesome if there was some centralized location of all quilts with names of the makers or signatures. >>
Date: Tue, 06 Jun 2000 20:42:24 PDT | From: “Anne Copeland” <anneappraiser@>
I recently purchased a very large applique album-style block (turkey red print, two-step green and chromium orange). It has a stamped name on it. I paid $2 for it, for sadly, it was sliced through as if intentionally on all four corners and in the center as well. The slices were so bad, it had little hope for restoration per say. I fused the back to hold the sliced areas together, added a cotton batt and muslin backing, basted it on, and I may stitch around the outline, and I am going to frame it behind glass. This is not preservation at its best, but I will enjoy it for my lifetime, and perhaps because it is framed, someone else will treasure it as I do. The name is still readable, so I could perhaps do some amount of research on it. It is truly puzzling why it was sliced the way it was. It looks like someone folded it carefully in four before making the slices. The dealer bought it at a garage sale, and didn’t even remember where. So much for provenance, etc. Well, at least it will live a little longer. It won’t be displayed in any direct light. Cheers, Annie
Date: Wed, 7 Jun 2000 05:24:41 -0400 | From: Debby Kratovil <kratovilhis.com>
Just to let you historians know that my year long project has finally produced the end result. I have partnered with the Kansas City Star newspaper and QuiltPro (software) and we have put the first 300+ of the KCStar patterns on CD (the years 1928-1935, minus the stencils and redwork patterns). Every pieced and applique pattern is on there. The CD is called Block Factory and the blocks are fabric colored with the newest RJR reproduction fabrics and the blocks can be sized to any measurement, printed as templates and many as paper piecing, and then stitched. This is volume 1 of 3 and we intend to archive all of the patterns (probably not the stencils and redwork ones yet). I haven’t even seen the CD yet. It made its debut at Spring Quilt Market and is available this week for the first time to the general public. You can read about it at my website.
Debby Kratovil
Paper Piecing Patterns & More!
http://www.his.com/queenb kratovilhis.com
Date: Thu, 08 Jun 2000 08:37:37 -0400 | From: John W Kaufman <incentiveearthlink.net>
I have been collecting and marketing vintage textiles and sewing collectibles for many years. I enjoyed the recent discussion about silk thread companies in the USA.
I recently acquired some wooden spools with Clark’s labels. However, instead of the familiar “ONT” in the center of the label, most of these have the word “FOX”. This is a paper label printed in brown type on a white background.
Can anyone provide information on this marking? This list had a discussion of “foxing” some time ago, but I think that was in relation to old documents.
Please reply to the list. Thank you.
Nancy Kaufman
Date: Thu, 08 Jun 2000 21:57:22 -0400 | From: John W Kaufman <incentiveearthlink.net>
Greetings,
The American Heritage Antique Jubilee, which has been held in Richmond, Virginia, every Fall, is holding a Spring event this year in the Washington D.C. Metro Area.
This weekend I will be one of 1000+ vendors at the Antique Jubilee, at the Prince George Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD. The show is open Sat. & Sun, June 10-11, 9am-5pm. The admission fee is $6. I will be set up in one of the large, outdoor tents. This is an Indoor/Outdoor Antique Event.
Thank you,
Nancy Kaufman
Just as I Am / Incentives
Arlington, Virginia
Vintage Textiles, Sewing Collectibles, Gourmet Foods & Gifts.
Date: Thu, 8 Jun 2000 22:43:36 -0400 | From: “KYRA E HICKS” <KHICKS1>
I’m new to this board, but have heard others speak of it as a source for quilt history information.20
I’m in the process of building a bibliography of African American Quilting references – in part funded by a grant from the National Quilting Association.20
Recently I learned about the “Little Brown Koko” series of books from the 1930s – 1950s by Blanche Seale Hunt. The stories first appeared in “The Household Magazine” in 1935.20
I heard women used the magazine illustrations to make patterns and appliqued blocks of the Little Brown Koko character.20 Has anyone else heard or read about making quilts from Little Brown Koko? Or, seen quilts based on the character?20
Thanks for the insights! Kyra
Kyra Hicks
Date: Fri, 09 Jun 2000 09:34:08 +0200 | From: “Tilde Binger” <binger.hougaardget2net.dk>
Dear Friends
I am de-lurking shortly to ask some questions.
In Roderick Kiracofe and Mary Elizabeth Johnson’s “The American Quilt” there is a quilt on p. 90 (figure 79), which also acts as frontispiece of the chapter on p. 71. I have “fallen in love” with this quilt, and am attempting to draft it so that I can replicate it, and now I have a couple of questions :
1. Does anyone know of any other source on this quilt, apart from what is found in “The American Quilt” ?
2. Fabrics. I have been lurking for some time, and reading as well, and from what I have picked up on fabrics, colours and patterns, I am a bit …. mystified. As far as I have read, shirting-fabrics are typical of the last quarter of the 19th c. As a historian, I understand that this doesn’t mean they were not made before, but were they ? There seems to be a very pervadent print in this quilt, that I would expect to be described as “shirting”, had it been dated differently.
3. The quilt is defined as “c 1830-1850, possibly made in Wales”. Were fabric … fashions very different in the UK and the US ? Sorry to be such an ignoramus, but for my collecting fabric to make this quilt, it does make a difference 🙂
Thank you
Tilde in Copenhagen
Date: Fri, 9 Jun 2000 10:42:49 EDT | From: QuiltFixer
I’m in the process of building a bibliography of African American Quilting references – in part funded by a grant from the National Quilting Association.
Recently I learned about the “Little Brown Koko” series of books from the 1930s – 1950s by Blanche Seale Hunt. The stories first appeared in “The Household Magazine” in 1935.
I heard women used the magazine illustrations to make patterns and appliqued blocks of the Little Brown Koko character.
Has anyone else heard or read about making quilts from Little Brown Koko?
Or, seen quilts based on the character?
Thanks for the insights! Kyra
Kyra Hicks
Khicks1prodigy.net >>
Hi Kyra, on a similar subject, I have a baby quilt that appears to be made in the 1930s. Applique, with embroidered figures around the edge as a border. The figures are definitely “mammys” as they were called then. The applique figures are typical animal and duck figures on a dark blue background with further embroidery embellishment. Perhaps the mammy figures are from the book series? I am not familiar enough with the books to know. Anyone else have an answer to share with interest members? Could this have been a kit with the embroidered figures added?
Toni B.
QuiltFixeraol.com
The Redwork Lady redworkldyaol.com www.redworklady.com
Date: Fri, 09 Jun 2000 14:38:55 -0400 | From: “Deborah R. Grayson” <deborahg>
Hi:
I am the person who requested information on mammy quilts on the list earlier. If you would be willing I would love to have a picture of your quilt for my research.
As for Little Brown Koko, as I told Kyra from what I have been able to find these quilts were very popular in the early part of the century. I have been pulling together information on Little Brown Koko, Aunt Jemima, Sugar Pie and Little Black Boy. If anyone has information on any of these figures I would appreciate it greatly.
Deborah in GA
Date: Fri, 09 Jun 2000 18:22:33 -0700 | From: Barbara <qwhiltr>
Cranston Village’s site has an article on log cabin quilts, and they are retelling the UGRR stories, including the black centers. Argghh! It may be read at:
www.cranstonvillage.com/quilt/
Barbara Black in Ventura
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2000 09:50:49 -0500 | From: “caveman” <cavemanfastlane.net>
Hi Tilde,
That is a wonderful quilt that you have chosen to replicate. I am no expert on when shirtings were first seen in quilts so will leave that question to the appraisers in our group. But I do have some experience in in the replicating of antique quilts. My current project is on the cover of Patterns in Time: The Quilts of Western New York. I fell in love with this quilt and began collecting fabrics and have so far pieced over half of the quilt. As far as fabric selection goes, I didn’t worry about whether the fabrics I used were sold as “reproduction” fabrics. I used my magnifying glass and selected fabrics as exactly as possible in both print and color. I did stick with 100% cottons but otherwise my fabrics have come from anywhere and everywhere. There are some atrocious polka dots and plaids included in the quilt. These are fabrics I have never seen in any self-respecting quilt shop but I found them on the bargain tables of discount fabric stores, etc. The overall effect has been exactly what I was hoping for. My point is, I guess, that if what you see in the quilt looks like some shirting prints that you have, then you can use them too. For your patterns, have you tried the Block Base program? I can’t seem to find mine right now, but it is loaded with patterns that can be printed out in any size you desire. I bet the patterns you want are in it.
Good luck with your beautiful quilt. The results will be fabulous and you will have a lot of fun in the process! I will look forward to hearing how things are going as the quilt progresses.
Happy quilting, Arlene in Texas
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2000 11:53:10 -0400 | From: “KYRA E HICKS” <KHICKS1>
Toni,
Good Morning! I am not aware of any Little Brown Koko quilt kits. There may have been, but I have not read about any. Perhaps others may know of them.
There were three books that I know of: Little Brown Koko, Little Brown Koko Has Fun, and Little Brown Koko Pets and Playmates.
Kyra Hicks
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2000 13:21:19 EDT | From: QuiltFixer
In a message dated 6/10/00 8:48:09 AM Pacific Daylight Time, KHICKS1prodigy.net writes:
<< Toni,
Good Morning! I am not aware of any Little Brown Koko quilt kits. There may have been, but I have not read about any. Perhaps others may know of them.
There were three books that I know of: Little Brown Koko, Little Brown Koko Has Fun, and Little Brown Koko Pets and Playmates.
Kyra Hicks >>
Hi Kyra, I guess I did not put the comment about this being a possible kit clearly enough. I meant could it have been a kit that contained the other design elements, with the mammys added on by the maker as part of their own design. Thanks much for giving us the title of the books. Maybe I can locate them through the library.
Toni B.
QuiltFixeraol.com >>
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2000 22:33:24 -0400 | From: “Gail Tilton” <gailtilt>
Hello. I’ve been lurking here for a few weeks and thoroughly enjoying all the posts. If you are interested in buying books about Little Brown Koko, check out www.abebooks.com. It searches the databases of many used book stores. I searched by title for Little Brown Koko and it listed 62 books available. Not cheap though! You can order through the website or directly from the shops. I’ve bought quite a few books from several shops and have been very pleased with my purchases. Hope this helps.
Gail Tilton in Maryland
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2000 23:46:55 -0700 | From: “Judi Copson” <jquiltersamnet.net>
Hi
I am new to the list, my name is Judi and I live in Western Ma. I have just finished reading my first digest, and noticed the post about Little Brown Koko.
I have hot iron transfers for L B K to make a quilt, these came from a woman in California, whose business is making transfers. If anyone would like the address or better still I will give it here.
Betty & Johns
Pattern Palace
P O Box 1905
Arcadia Ca 91077
818-447-6015
They deal a lot with paterns from the 30’s and 40’s. It might be worth a call or a snail mail letter.
The pattern I have is called Kuddle Up With Koko. There are 11 blocks in the series.
Hope this helps judi
“The sun setting is no less beautiful than the sun rising.”
Date: Sat, 10 Jun 2000 22:29:14 -0700 | From: “Eileen Trestain” <ejtrestain>
Some conversation style prints are found in quilts as early as the 1830’s. Shirting prints are available throughout the 1800’s with changes in scale, placement and color combinations which are indicative of certain eras.
Eileen
