September 6 – 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:
- Fawn Valentine Responds to Jacqueline Tobin — Fawn Valentine writes a detailed rebuttal to Tobin’s defense of Hidden in Plain View, noting that pieced block quilts were virtually nonexistent in the early 1800s and that named patterns were a later development.
- Swastika Symbol in Quilts and Culture — Members discuss whether swastika-pattern quilts should be preserved or avoided, with perspectives from Israel, Poland, and the U.S. on the symbol’s pre-Nazi history and post-WWII associations.
- Textile Exhibits and Lectures — Announcements of several exhibits and events including African-American quilts in Charleston, chintz article in Piecework magazine, a toile exhibit at the Baltimore Museum of Art, and the Brandywine River Museum’s political fabrics exhibit.
- Quilt Identification and Pricing — Discussion of quilt price guides and the difficulty of publishing reliable pricing, plus identification of a Chimney Swallow / Arab Tent block pattern.
- New England Quilt Shows — A roundup of fall quilt shows in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut for October-November 2000.
Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2000 06:36:52 -0400 (EDT) | From: quiltsnbears [at] webtv [dot] net (Textile Historian)
Thank you for posting your reply to Ms. Tobin. Congratulations on your book which will be released in November. I am always encouraged when I am reminded that there are many quilt history book authors who spend the time doing research *before* publishing. Roberta
Date: Thu, 07 Sep 2000 08:10:06 -0400 | From: “Bozena Wojtaszek” <bewu [at] cemg [dot] pl> (by way of List Mom
Hi, Of course there’s no doubt that swastika has just bad associations in Poland (myself included). But as I remember I found it in the deep tradition of folk art of “mountain’s people” (the highest mountains here are Karpaty). It’s a symbol of good luck but there’s a small difference in this swastika her “wings” are turned in opposite direction (means that Nazis’ are turned left and this “good” one is turned right). Nazis didn’t invent this symbol – so we can’t allow them to remove it from our culture. We don’t cultivate it further because of their “bad use” of this – and that’s enough. Regards, Bozena in Poland
Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2000 09:33:13 -0400 | From: maria [at] lostquilt [dot] com (Maria Elkins)
Ady, I agree with you regarding the swastika symbol. It may have started out with a good meaning, but we now all recognize it for something else. Sometimes word meanings and associations DO change over time. After all, we no longer name our babies Benedict, Judas or Jezebel. These names may have started out with good meanings, but now we associate them with something else. With the thousands of quilt patterns available, if someone wants to make a quilt it is easy to choose a different block. I can still respect the swastika antique quilts made prior to the demise of this symbol and I, personally, could never destroy an antique quilt, even a swastika one, but I wouldn’t collect these either. Maria
Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2000 09:23:40 -0500 | From: Hollis E McCright <hmccright [at] juno [dot] com>
I would like to reinforce Bozena Wojtaszek message ” Of course there’s no doubt that swastika has just bad associations in Poland (myself included). But as I remember I found it in the deep tradition of folk art of “mountain’s people” (the highest mountains here are Karpaty). It’s a symbol of good luck but there’s a small difference in this swastika – her “wings” are turned in opposite direction (means that Nazis’ are turned left and this “good” one is turned right). Nazis didn’t invent this symbol – so we can’t allow them to remove it from our culture. We don’t cultivate it further because of their “bad use” of this – and that’s enough.” Must we remove every remnant of symbols that have been corrupted by terrible deeds? If we do that, then a tremendous amount of history must be re-written to eliminate those deeds. The history I was taught in the 60-70’s is far different than what is taught now – we must keep items/thoughts/words/deeds that were made or spoken within the context of time in which they were made or espoused. Please understand that I do not discount the tremendous pain that the swastica emblem represents to millions of people; but remember the previous history of it. There is a phrase (think it is from the Bible) to love the sinner, but not the sin. Perhaps that is what we must do with this particular symbol – love or respect the person who made the quilt and not the symbol of hate that is now know for. Hollis McCright Lubbock, TX
Date: Thu, 7 Sep 2000 14:39:12 -0400 | From: “Gloria Infinger” <gloria [at] nations [dot] net>
Hi, Anyone who will be in the North Charleston/Charleston area of South
Carolina may enjoy a visit to the following exhibits 1. “Cultural Quilts of Nora Williams.” presented by The City of North Charleston Cultural Arts Program at the Rhodes Center for The Arts located in North Charleston at the corner of West Montague Ave & International Blvd. The Center is locate on the bottom floor. The exhibit is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, Daily, except Sunday. According to the flyer, “This beautiful exhibit features unique quilts and wall hangings, rich in African-American design with authentic African fabric imported from Senegal, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast. The artist looks for whole cloth that makes a statement. Nora Williams creates most of her own patterns, many of which she describes as ‘models of my mind’ and overall ‘a gift from God’. Every piece tells a story with rich designs, vibrant color, and applique. they are true pieces of original art.” 2. Roland Freeman has an exhibit at the Gibe’s Art Gallery located on Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. This is based on his book, “A Communion of the Spirits.” Both of these exhibits are on display during September. Gloria Infinger North Charleston, SC gloria [at] nations [dot] net
Date: Fri, 08 Sep 2000 10:49:33 GMT | From: “Ann-Louise Beaumont” <albeaumont [at] hotmail [dot] com>
Twice recently I came across the swastika in its older use. I bought a book at a library book sale by Dorothy Hamilton Kilpatrick called “The Romance of Prince Rama and Other Indian Tales” published by the World Friendship Press, Toronto Canada in 1926. This was written by a Christian missionary and 2 swastikas were decorations on the spine. Just this past weekend I saw a latch-hooked ? rug in an antique store that had the tree of life flanked by bright orange swastikas. It does give a jolt to come across this symbol and I found I had to consciously remember its previous good meaning. My own opinion is that it should not be rehabilitated, less we forget. However that aside, I am under the impression (and could be quite wrong about this) that it is still used by neo-Nazi and white supremacist groups. Does anyone know if the swastika is still used for benevolent symbolism in India? Best Wishes, Ann-Louise Beaumont in Murray Harbour, PEI _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. Share information about yourself, create your own public profile at http://profiles.msn.com.
Date: Fri, 08 Sep 2000 09:13:51 -0500 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co [at] airmail [dot] net>
Kyra, While this book made interesting reading, it was obsolete even before it hit the presses. There are so many intangibles concerning placing values on quilts that to publish a guide to pricing is, honestly, a waste of good paper. We have had several discussions regarding the best place to research values . On line dealers such as Mary Ann Walters, Nancy Kirk, List Mom Kris
values if only you ask. Maine Antique Digest is also a good “benchmark”, but not a definitive guide. Then, condition, provenance, location, uniqueness, previous comps sold…..all those things, plus a WHOLE lot more come into play when determining value. I know that I can speak for my fellow AQS certified appraisers……Don’t we WISH there was a book!!! As our friend Gerald Roy says……”Ya just gotta flap a lotta quilts!” At 1016 PM 09/07/2000 -0400, KYRA E HICKS wrote >Hello! > >I was looking through a copy of “QuiltsThe First and Only Guide to >Affordable 19th and 20th Century Quilts” by Liz Greenbacker and Kathleen >Barach. It was published in 1992. It’s an identification and price guide. > >Can anyone recommend a more updated identification and price guide >source? Is there a good beginners book on learning about this topic? > >Thanks for any insights > >Kyra Hicks >
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2000 12:08:02 -0400 | From: “Gloria Infinger” <gloria [at] nations [dot] net>
My apologies to fellow quilters & Digest members & thanks to “Susan” in Summerville for providing information that I lacked in my posting regarding several exhibits in North Charleston/Charleston, SC. Susan, of Summerville, SC provided the following “The Gibbes Museum exhibit will continue thru Cobblestone Quilt Guild’s show, “A Celebration of Quilts and Needle Arts.” The show will be October 14-15 with more than 400 quilts including several bed turnings. The Charleston Museum will also feature a show featuring their collection of textile works. One ticket for all can be purchased at the guild’s show for $15, a $7 savings for the weekend.” If anyone has further comments or questions, please contact me privately at gloria [at] nations [dot] net Gloria in North Charleston, SC
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2000 13:07:46 EDT | From: Palampore [at] aol [dot] com
ToQHL [at] cuenet [dot] com Run out and buy a copy of the Sept./Oct issue of PIECEWORKS. Ricky Clark has written a very informative article entitled—— Chintz Comes to the West The Influence of India’s Painted Cloths on Trade, Fashion, and Needlework. She has some lovely pictures and the article is extremely well done. Read and enjoy!!! Lynn Lancaster Gorges Historic Textiles Studio New Bern, NC
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2000 16:03:36 -0400 | From: “John Cawley” <cawley [at] goeaston [dot] net>
I’m looking for a date for Progress kit #1394, “The Dresden.” Can anybody help? Cinda on the Eastern Shore
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2000 20:20:51 -0400 | From: “Phyllis Twigg” <ptwigg [at] radix [dot] net>
I just received a brochure from the Maryland’s Baltimore Museum of Art announcing an upcoming exhibit called “Heroes, Legends, and MartyrsImages on European and American Toiles” to run from November 22, 2000 to June 10, 2001. The following information (addressed to school teachers) accompanies the announcement “Like history books on fabric, textiles called toiles tell the stories of some of our most illustrious historic figures and grand historic events. Students will enjoy finding images of Charles Lindbergh, Joan of Arc, and William Tell printed on fabric used for drapes and bed hangings. Especially amusing is ‘The Apotheosis of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington,’ a toile celebrating American independence, in which a triumphant George Washington rides alongside Lady America in a chariot drawn by two leopards! Toiles (pronounced twal) were designed in England and France and purchased by members of the European and American upper class who were schooled in history and classical mythology. This exhibition of textiles, drawn from the permanent collection, is organized by The Baltimore Museum of Art.” Phyllis Twigg Annapolis, Maryland
Date: Fri, 8 Sep 2000 22:19:53 EDT | From: CJEdgar [at] aol [dot] com
Speaking of figured toiles, this piece is worth a look http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=427764870 It’s been published in Florence Montgomery’s book Printed Textiles as dating from about 1785. Wouldn’t it be fun to see in person? Kate in Michigan Click on the thumbnail below
Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2000 09:10:44 EDT | From: JQuilt [at] aol [dot] com
they even have a small picture of a toile for Dwight Eisenhower http://www.artbma.org/closed.html Heroes, Legends, and Martyrs Images on European and American Toiles November 22, 2000-June 10, 2001 jean
Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2000 11:27:55 EDT | From: JQuilt [at] aol [dot] com
try going to the museum website http://www.artbma.org and then clicking on schedule jean
Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2000 12:30:17 EDT | From: RBCochran [at] aol [dot] com
The Brandywine River Museum in Chadds Ford, PA, just opened an exhibit “Fabrics of Persuasion” curated by Julie Powell. It has a number of fine, old quilts with political fabrics/themes, and some newer ones, too, plus a number of fascinating political artifacts. It runs from Sept. 9-Nov. 19. If anyone is going to Ft. Washington, it’s only about 1/2 hour away. The Museum also has some fine American paintings, including a number of Wyeths–who lived in Chadds Ford. It’s just up the road from Longwood Gardens, so it would make a nice day excursion. Phone is 610-388-2700. (No direct affiliation, however one of my antique quilts is in the exhibit.) –Rachel Cochran
Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2000 15:23:33 -0400 | From: “Phyllis Twigg” <ptwigg [at] radix [dot] net>
Just a thought… What would it cost to place an ad in the IQA magazine, instead? They always have a follow-up issue that covers the results of the show. Phyllis
Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2000 00:15:53 -0500 | From: Hollis E McCright <hmccright [at] juno [dot] com>
I saw this on Ebay tonight and am not familar with the pattern. Could someone look at it and either post to listserv or you may email me privately http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=426382577 Thanks – Hollis McCright hmccright [at] juno [dot] com Click on the thumbnail
Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2000 09:40:16 -0500 | From: “quilt97” <quilt97 [at] interconnect [dot] net>
I just read a post from 1997 about developing a plaid in needlework by using a person’s birthday. It could be done on graph paper with 3 colors (D/M/Y) if you didn’t have the time to make a small weaving. A pattern was created with stripes for the date (thickness depended on the numeral) , then the paper was rotated 90? and the pattern was repeated again. That became that person’s plaid… This sounds like a neat quilt idea. Does anyone have any information about this? Also, other than at Lowell, MA, are there any not-to-miss events going on in New England the end of October and beginning of November? Thank you. EKarenbeth
Date: Sat, 09 Sep 2000 21:45:18 -0500 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co [at] airmail [dot] net>
I did a needlepoint pillow as a newlywed….must have been in 1977 or 78….before I really started quilting, had kids, had the quilt shop…knew better
Date: Sat, 09 Sep 2000 23:12:06 -0400 | From: Kathy <DeSchuit [at] mediaone [dot] net>
School on Rt. 202 Berkshire Quilt Festival on Oct 7-8 in Pittsfield, MA at the Bershire Community College Clamshell Quilt Guild Show on Oct 7-8 in Waterford, CT at the East Lyme High School Cocheco Quilters Guild Show on Oct. 21-22 in Rochester, NH at the Rochester Community College and a good size regional show in Westford, MA on Nov.2-5 called Quilters Gathering at the Westford Regency Inn. This is a show with classes and lectures from: Nationally known quilters as well as a good number of vendors. quilt97 wrote Kathy in NH ) MailtoDeSchuit [at] mediaone [dot] net
Date: Sat, 9 Sep 2000 22:57:37 -0500 | From: “Carol Butzke” <butzke [at] nconnect [dot] net>
According to Brackman’s “Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns” the = block is #2690 and is called “Chimney Swallow”–Ohio Farmer 1/16/96 and = also “Arab Tent”–Nancy Cabot 11/37. Carol Butzke Enjoying the last summer like days in Wisconsin
Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2000 08:56:28 EDT | From: JQuilt [at] aol [dot] com
there’s a little thumbnail of a Planters Peanut “Mr Peanut” quilt on the http://www.brandywinemuseum.org/calendar.html site…you can’t click to enlarge..but it looks like campaign buttons are the border…must be the Carter campaign…
jean
Date: Sun, 10 Sep 2000 10:10:13 +0000 | From: Bobbie Aug <qwltpro [at] uswest [dot] net>
Kyra, There will be a price guide of antique quilts published by Collector’s Books sometime next year. Check with them for availability. They are the ones that do most of the publishing of this type of book and the parent company is Schroeder Publishing, Paducah, KY. Bobbie Aug KYRA E HICKS wrote > Hello! I was looking through a copy of “Quilts The First and Only > Guide to Affordable 19th and 20th Century Quilts” by Liz Greenbacker > and Kathleen Barach. It was published in 1992. It’s an > identification and price guide. Can anyone recommend a more updated > identification and price guide source? Is there a good beginners book > on learning about this topic? Thanks for any insights – Kyra Hicks > Khicks1 [at] prodigy [dot] net
