April 11 – 25, 2002
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:
- Old Swedish Quilts Still in Print — A member who met the author in Barcelona confirms Old Swedish Quilts remains available, correcting an earlier assumption.
- Sacred Threads Exhibit — Members clarify the name and details of the Sacred Threads quilt exhibition on spirituality and quiltmaking after an initial mishearing as ‘Secret Threads.’
- Thimbles and Quilting-Related Hand Strain — A discussion of carpal-tunnel-friendly quilting habits leads into a detailed comparison of cast and ridged thimble styles, with a source for antique thimbles.
- Front-Loading Washing Machines for Textiles — Members compare front-loading washing machines, including the Maytag Neptune, for laundering vintage quilts and textiles safely. (see the article on cleaning antique quilts)
- Nova Scotia Heritage Quilt Project — A member shares an exhibit of Old Nova Scotian Quilts and the relocated web page for the Nova Scotia Heritage Quilt Project.
- University of Alberta Quilt Canada Classes — Two special classes offered by the Department of Human Ecology ahead of Quilt Canada 2002 are announced.
- Ebay Weaving-or-Quilting Pattern Book Debate — Members debate whether an eBay-listed pattern book depicts weaving or quilting designs, with the description later revised by the seller.
Date: Thu, 11 Apr 2002 15:58:40 -0400 | From: “Gibson, Nancy” <ngibson@>
For the Fag code go to the DAR website at www.dar.org. Click on the
right
side of the page “President General Salutes Patriotism.” go to the
Flag
Code. Everything you need to know will be there.
Nancy Gibson
Curator of Textiles/Public Affairs specialist
DAR Museum
202.879-3238
> —–Original Message—–
> From: Steve and Jean Loken [SMTP:sandjloken@]
> Sent: Thursday, April 11, 2002 3:27 PM
> To: marciark@; qhL@
> Subject: QHL: flag etiquette
>
> Marcia and group,
> I have read that the only item that must be respected according to
the
> flag
> etiquette rules are actual flags that fly on poles. Representations
of
> flags, ie. fabrics, shirts, and even the tiny flags held at
parades, may
> be
> treated in any way you wish, and may be discarded in the trash. The
rules
> are made or kept by veteran’s organizations, mainly American
Legion, and
> their web sites often have the rules written out. But, of course,
they
> don’t
> think about sewing when they print the rules.
> Jean in rainy Minnesota
Date: Fri, 12 Apr 2002 21:12:57 -0400 | From: “Cinda Cawley”
Yes, Aunt Jane is a fictional character (and I make that clear when I quote from the book), but she says, in a memorable fashion, exactly what I want to get across. On p. 147 of The Age of Homespun Laurel Thatcher Ulrich ends the chapter called “A Bed Rug and a Silk Embroidery” with these words, “Prudence and Betty were both strong women. Their memories survive because they had ego enough to sign their work and because their descendants cherished the fragmetary writing and the stitchery they produced in their youth.” GO Prudence and Betty!!!!!!! Cinda on the Eastern Shore
Date: Sun, 14 Apr 2002 09:41:12 EDT | From: Tubeywooby@
Just to set the record straight, Old Swedish Quilts is not out of print. I met the author in Barcelona last week at Quilt Expo, and she has a new, all-English version out with even more wonderful quilts in it! Beautiful book! Melissa Young of CrazyFolk Kingwood, TX
Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 11:25:30 -0400 | From: “laurafisher” <laurafisher@>
Who knew?! A couple of years ago I was in Paris on a shopping trip/vacation with quilt dealer Stella Rubin. On the way to the Picasso Museum we chanced by the Swedish Cultural Institute in the Marais district where we saw small quilts on a signpost outside the building.20
Qu’est ca c’est? we asked each other and rushed inside to see a room full of what sure looked like American quilts, only they were Swedish! Log Cabins, one-patch, straight furrow, four-patch, and puff quilt are some that I remember. There were no designs displayed that we had not seen hundreds of before, which makes one want to rethink the actual country of origin of some of those 19th century prairie heirlooms — probably wrapped bundles in steerage on the way over.! The author was about to lecture in Swedish, translated in French, concerning her about-to-be published book, but we were on our way out of town to an Americana auction in Chartres. It’s a small world.
Laura Fisher
Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 10:37:04 -0500 | From: “Edith L. Taylor” <etaylor@>
Dear Laura:
I’ve been wondering about this since the beginning, is it possible there are 2 of these quilts, one of which is in bad shape?
Best,
Edie
Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 20:11:22 -0400 | From: Vivien Lee Sayre <vsayre@>
Has anyone heard anything about an exhibit in Ohio called “Secret Threads”? I heard it mentioned in passing and wondered if anyone knew anything about it. If so, please email me privately.
Thank you, Vivien Sayre, in Massachusetts where Spring has sprung!
Date: Mon, 15 Apr 2002 22:59:06 EDT | From: KareQuilt@
Planning to be in the DC area this summer? An article in the Arts section of the Washington Post caught my eye this weekend (April 13) because the photos looked like pieced strippy quilts! Upon closer inspection they turned out to be woven textiles arts (lambas) from Madagascar currently showing at the Smithsonian”s National Museum of African Art through September 2, 2002. Quoting the article “Some 6 feet wide and 8 feet long, lambas are usually striped, often beautiful, and multiple in message. They are articles of clothing, capes, sometimes sarongs, and envoys of the people, gifts to the long-dead, flags of individuality, and signs of regal rank…’Gifts & Blessings: The Textile Arts of Madagascar’ uses the distinctive cloths of that Indian Ocean island to weave together stories of the Malagasy people and the Malagasy past. The handsome fabrics on display (of raffia and bark, cotton, hemp, and silk) are made peculiarly accessible by the information gathered in “Objects as Envoys: Cloth, Imagery, and Diplomacy in Madagascar,” the 205 page illustrated volume accompanying the show. The Museum’s Christine Mullen Kreamer is the exhibition curator; the guest curator is Sarah Fee. Open daily 10-5:30. for information call 202-357-4600.
Karen Alexander
Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2002 08:59:41 EDT | From: Midnitelaptop@
if you go to http://www.nmafa.si.edu/exhibits/malagasy/index.html# you will see more about this exhibit jeanL
Date: Tue, 16 Apr 2002 16:17:30 -0400 | From: Vivien Lee Sayre <vsayre@>
Hi All,
Many of you contacted me asking what I have learned about my inquiry. Xenia, Peggy and Eileen have written to me asking if I meant Sacred Threads not secret threads. Well, upon checking, they are correct. Thanks to the three of you for the information.
Because so many of you seemed interested in the topic I am passing along the information they shared with me.
Peggy told me there is a book of the same title written by Susan Towner-Larson and Barbara Davis. The first quilt exhibit was last summer and the next show will be in the summer of 2003. The main theme of the Sacred Threads exhibit is spirituality and quiltmaking.
Xenia said she believed the show was to exhibit quilts “that expressed emotion, religion, that helped to heal in various areas.” She also suggested we check QNM list of quilt activities for possible dates.
Eileen sent me the following web address: For “Sacred Threads” information access: http://home.att.net/~sacredthreads/sacredthreads.htm
Thanks to the three of you for the information, and to the rest of you, enjoy.
Vivien
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 2002 08:57:52 -0700 | From: “Maureen Flanagan”
Flanagan”
Really enjoyed the link to the online material from Godey’s Lady’s Book — thanks Judy for bringing it to our attention and also Hope Greenberg at the University of Vermont for developing the site which is extensive!
I have to tell you that I have been tantalizing myself with Ruth E. Finley’s The Lady of Godey’s, Sarah Josepha Hale (Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1931; also reprinted by Ayer in 1974. It is a simply beautiful book with endpapers illustrated in color — of elegant women in beautiful dresses and 9 more colored plates and many bw etchings throughout the work. It is the “story of American magazines, backgrounding rather minutely our modern popular periodicals.” Findley’s foreward gives a private history of the work, telling that she uncovered much of this source material while researching Old Patchwork Quilts and the Women Who Made Them.
It is a wonderful work and I expect that it will be well worth the read. It is readily available on the used book market and on interlibrary loan.
Best regards,
Maureen.
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 2002 12:06:12 CST | From: jocelynm@
On Thu, 18 Apr 2002 07:59:45 +0100 “Sally Ward” wrote:
> From time to time on other lists mention crops up of ‘quilting > injuries’ -in > particular carpal tunnel syndrome aggravated by too much hand > quilting.
Sally, I think it occurred less often, due to the variety of work being done. For example, I work on a computer all day. If I go home in the evenings and quilt, it’s just more of the same. Whereas among our foremothers, quilting was something you did during the day (raising the frame back up to the ceiling at night so the menfolk had a place to sit, too; or taking a frame outside under the trees to enjoy the nice weather), in and around making the beds, sweeping the floor, cooking meals, doing the laundry, chasing the children, giving birth, etc. <G> The long hours of repetitive injury just didn’t happen, although some of their labors added up to repetitive stress injuries. Also, they probably thought of it as ‘tired hands’. My CTS was intermittant; if I rested my hands, it went away. Still, the damage was severe enough that by the time I had the surgery, I ended up with permanent nerve damage in the right hand. LET THAT BE A WARNING TO ALL OF YOU!!! <G>
Jocelyn
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 2002 23:38:38 -0600 | From: Jennifer Hill <jennifer.hill@>
> >From time to time on other lists mention crops up of ‘quilting injuries’ -in >particular carpal tunnel syndrome aggravated by too much hand quilting. We >all know this is a real problem for modern day quilters, but I found myself >wondering about our foremothers. Does anyone know of any diary evidence or >similar which would point to the same problem? And if not, do we assume it >just wasn’t recorded, attributed to ‘age’ or another ill like arthritis, or >just didn’t happen for some reason? > >Sally W >Yorkshire, UK
My own completely unscientific and anecdotal theory about this is that our quilting fore-mothers were spared carpal tunnel and other stress related conditions because they never had to use those so-called “Quilters’ Thimbles” that the notions industry likes to supply contemporary quilters with. I mean those thimbles with the ridge on top that is supposed to keep your needle from slipping as you drive your needle with it. All the old fashioned “antique” thimbles I have seen have nice sharp dimples all around the sides. These are my favourite quilting thimbles, because I can drive the needle with the pad part of my finger, which leaves them relaxed and in a neutral position. If you push the needle with the tip of your thimble, you have to curl you finger, putting quite an acute bend in each joint, which can often result in painful, tired fingers after many hours at the frame or hoop.
I teach hand quilting, and have had several CTS “survivors” in my classes, and they all find my technique much more comfortable than pushing with the top of their fingers. Some have had to completely relearn quilting after surgery, but are now pain-free.
I also am responsible for ordering notions for the shop where I work, and I am continually amazed at all the junk that is pushed at us, in the name of thimbles. Honestly folks, it isn’t rocket science is it? I think they perfected the design at least a hundred years ago, but have since lost the mold.
Jennifer Hill Calgary, AB
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 04:47:09 -0700 (PDT) | From: Judy Schwender <sister3603@>
One reason I went to a “ridged” thimble is that these are typically a cast thimble; not all cast thimbles have ridges. Most common, inexpensive thimbles are stamped- the weakest part of the thimble is where the metal is stretched over the die, and that is the tip where the dimples are. (This is why you can sometimes poke holes in them with a needle. Always a fun experience!) Cast thimbles are uniform in thickness and strength throughout, and that prevents rupture by a quilting needle. I personally do not know which technique was used to make thimbles in, say, the 19th century. Probably both. Before the advent of the sewing machine, a woman’s thimble was not just prized, but a necessity, and that leads me to think many women likely had cast rather than stamped thimbles. Anyone out there have a dated collection of working thimbles? Then again what if a woman lost her thimble? After closely observing John Flynn hand quilting I stopped using a thimble altogether. Now if I put a thimble on my finger I end up using a different finger to push the needle, with my thimbled finger dangling off to the side. Could it be that some quilters of old, being the family seamstresses and sewing all the family clothing, had developed sewing calluses such that they didn’t use thimbles? Ladies of leisure who quilted could have had different callouses than more working class quilters.
> so-called “Quilters’ Thimbles” that the notions > industry likes to > supply contemporary quilters with. I mean those > thimbles with the > ridge on top that is supposed to keep your needle > from slipping as > you drive your needle with it. All the old > fashioned “antique” > thimbles I have seen have nice sharp dimples all > around the sides. > These are my favourite quilting thimbles, because I > can drive the > needle with the pad part of my finger, which leaves > them relaxed and > in a neutral position. If you push the needle with > the tip of your > thimble, you have to curl you finger, putting quite > an acute bend in > each joint, which can often result in painful, tired > fingers after > many hours at the frame or hoop. > > I teach hand quilting, and have had several CTS > “survivors” in my > classes, and they all find my technique much more > comfortable than > pushing with the top of their fingers. Some have > had to completely > relearn quilting after surgery, but are now > pain-free. > > I also am responsible for ordering notions for the > shop where I work, > and I am continually amazed at all the junk that is > pushed at us, in > the name of thimbles. Honestly folks, it isn’t > rocket science is it? > I think they perfected the design at least a hundred > years ago, but > have since lost the mold. > > Jennifer Hill > Calgary, AB >
__________________________________________________
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 08:57:21 -0400 | From: Kevin Champ <kchamp@>
http://www.antiquetreasures.com/
I found this site when I was looking for something else…there are some wonderful antique thimbles here, and maybe the information that you are looking for re: cast or stamped… Val
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 10:59:02 -0500 (Central Daylight Time) | From: Mary Persyn <Mary.Persyn@>
I have a friend who is going to be visiting Australia and New Zealand with her brother November 6-21 2002. Their schedule includes in Australia – Melbourne, Cairns,& Sydney & in New Zealand – Christchurch, Queenstown, Milford Sound, Mt. Cook National Park. Assuming her brother lets her doing anything quilting or fabric-related ((+:), do any of our Aussie or Kiwi members have recommendations for shows or shops? My friend is also an expert needlewoman and knitter as well as a beginning quilter.
Thanks for any help,
Mary in Valparaiso where it is feeling more like spring than summer today
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 10:06:25 -0700 | From: donbeld <donbeld@>
is four thousand pieces hand pieced and later hand quilted–I call it my 4th millenium quilt). In Barbara Brackman’s Ensyclopedia, she makes reference to a Stonewall Jackson design that seems to be Blazing Star without any sashing. Put together it looks like stars on a “stonewall” (the backgrounds). I am right in that assumption? It will make a beautiful quilt. (I almost always think of the old song “99 bottles of beer on the wall” when I finish a block. I have 82 bottles to go. Thanks for any info. Don Beld
Date: Fri, 19 Apr 2002 14:41:28 -0400 | From: “Dee Stark” <dee@>
freeze
Or perhaps I should say that my brain has broiled!!! Record setting heat for the last three days……ghads.
Can someone help me out and remind me what the intials “O.V.I” stand for? Political type ribbons found in the mid to late 1800’s…….
Thanks in advance!!!
dee dee@
Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2002 01:56:43 -0400 | From: “judygrow” <judygrow@>
Did you redwork lovers see this? I recognize many of the applique patterns from popular redwork designs. A little rough in execution , but very imaginative. “Folksy” is the word usually used.
Are the little girl appliques off of feed sacks , or were they sew-and-stuff dollies? Well, they would have been if they were on sacks as well.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=858699950
Judy in Ringoes, NJ (click on the thumbnails of the blocks to see them up close)
Date: Sat, 20 Apr 2002 17:47:13 EDT | From: Palampore@
We are going to Hawaii in early June. Are there any quilters on our list from Hawaii. We are going to Ohau and Maui. I am a red head so I am sure I will have a couple of sunburn days I will need to do inside things. My daughter (5th grade) is doing a class presentation on Hawaii and Hawiian quilts in the next week or so. Any good sites for her to go to? She plans to have them make a block out of colored construction paper and then they will put them all together for a quilt. Thanks, Lynn Lancaster Gorges, New Bern, NC
Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2002 17:02:24 EDT | From: Palampore@
I have to buy a washing machine in the next day or so. I am totally confused by them. I want to get a machine that would do the best job and be the most gentle if I wanted to wash a mid to late 20th century quilt. Yes, as a textile conservator I don’t advocate machine washing precious quilts, but as a real person I know we all have quilts that we need to wash for everyday use. I am looking at a Whirlpool (not a full post for agitating) and a Fisher/Paykal with gentle agitators and a front load Magtag. I need to hear from folks who have front loaders to hear if they see less damage with front loaders. Anyone have experience with the “gentle agitator”?? I do know that the agitation is what can often rip up fabric, not the spin. I am watching tapes tonight about all 3, but of course they will all be prejudiced. Thanks for any help you can give me. Lynn Lancaster Gorges, Historic Textiles Studio, New Bern, NC
Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2002 22:42:51 +0000 (US/Eastern) | From: woodman@
I purchased a frontloader though not the Maytag and I love it. In the past things would end up wound around the agitator and be shredded. I like the fact that it uses just enough water instead of the water level having to be set each time. the brand escapes me at the moment. Laurie
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 08:37:41 EDT | From: Tubeywooby@
Re washing machines, I have a Whirlpool Calypso and I love it. It’s not a front loaded, but has no central agitator, and work by gently moving the basket around while circulating water through it. It uses very little water, and senses how much water is needed by the weight of the load. I washed a thirties quilt a patient brought me as a gift yesterday- stinky! It is the spider web pattern and baptist fan quilting, in pretty good shape. It’s the first I tried in this machine and I’m very pleased. Just my 2 cents worth! Melissa Young in Kingwood, TX- NOT in Paducah!
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 11:30:04 -0500 | From: Nancy Paul <cen39195@>
Responding to Lynn Lancaster Gorges questions about washing machines that seem to be kind to fabric, I can say that I have Magtag Neptune front load and like it very much, both for it’s gentle handling of the loads and that it uses just enough water, and determines this automatically. It handles large objects, such as everyday quilts, nicely because it has a roomy drum and no agitator. I had one of the first models and the newer ones have been further refined, so I imagine they are even nicer. That’s just my personal opinion, obviously. Prior to this machine I had a Whirlpool & a Kenmore, I think. They finally just wore out after years of use. My husband picked out the Magtag Neptune and I was skeptical about spending for this “new technology” and teased him that if he couldn’t have a neat little sports car at least he’d have the “newest” wash machine in the neighborhood. Now I’m glad we have it. — Sincerely, –Nancy Paul– themis@
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 15:07:32 EDT | From: DDBSTUFF@
To get some critiques on washing machines, go to http://www.epinions.com/. This is a great place to get honest info from consumers. Once you figure out what you want to buy, go to http://www.gochnauers.com/. I just bought a new stove and refrigerator from them because they beat everyone in price and I do mean everyone. You pay for delivery but even with that added on, they were the winner. Good Luck,
Darwin
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 16:07:01 -0400 | From: Newbie Richardson <pastcrafts@>
Lynn, I have known several people who have bought the latest technology in washing machines (front loaders like the Neptune by Maytag) and they all sear by them! They absolutely swear that their clothes are cleaner, the water use far more efficient, and the the method of cleaning far more gentle on the fibers. These are college educated, Consumer Reports reading yuppies – so I will believe them. Also, several of my mother’s generation have expressed delight that the front loaders are back in style, as they always believed that that was a far better design. Also, remeber that the larger the wash tub, the less friction on the quilt being washed. Best, Newbie
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 18:14:31 -0400 | From: “judygrow” <judygrow@>
I was searching the word armscye and found this site. There seems to be lots of interesting information here. Nothing on quilts, but it is textile related.
http://www.vertetsable.com/vocab.htm
The Renaissance Tailer Recreating 16th and 17th century clothing A comprehensive tailoring vocabulary.
Also at this site: 16th and 17th century clothing: an overview Clothing construction in the period style Articles and demonstrations Renaissance tailoring made easy Bibliography, sources and inspiration About the manuscripts and sources.
Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow@
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2002 23:21:38 -0400 | From: Kittencat3@
I can vouch for the Neptunes as well. My best friend, a doll restorer, has a set and regularly washes vintage doll clothes and fabrics in them. The stuff always looks great and hasn’t shredded anything, even eensy-weensy doll stockings.
I’ve also washed a couple of utility quilts in them, and they came out looking great. If I possibly could, I’d buy a set – right now I’m just glad my friend lets me use hers!
Lisa Evans
Lynn, I have known several people who have bought the latest technology in washing machines (front loaders like the Neptune by Maytag) and they all sear by them! They absolutely swear that their clothes are cleaner, the water use far more efficient, and the the method of cleaning far more gentle on the fibers. These are college educated, Consumer Reports reading yuppies – so I will believe them. Also, several of my mother’s generation have expressed delight that the front loaders are back in style, as they always believed that that was a far better design. Also, remeber that the larger the wash tub, the less friction on the quilt being washed. Best, Newbie
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 12:20:13 -0300 | From: Barbara Robson <robsonbh@>
In case anyone is travelling to the Maritime Provinces of Canada this summer you might want to see the exhibition “Old Nova Scotian Quilts”. It will be at the Museum of Industry, Stellaron, Nova Scotia, from July 13 to August 25, 2002. These quilts are from the collection of the Nova Scotia Museum, many of which are featured in the book “Old Nova Scotian Quilts” by Scott Robson and Sharon MacDonald.
The web page for the Nova Scotia Heritage Quilt Project has moved and the new address is http://users.eastlink.ca/~robsonbh/index.html
Thanks, Barbara Robson Fox Point, NS
Date: Wed, 24 Apr 2002 22:31:07 -0400 | From: “Jo Williams”
My name is Jo Williams and just subscribed to QHL. I am a new antique dealer and love vintage quilts & linens. I don’t know much about them and am not sure where to start. There are a lot of good articles & research on the website which I’m reading through. If you have any advice on books, courses, teachers, quilt dealers, auctions, etc. that will help me learn, I would greatly appreciate it. I love the quilts but don’t know much about their history, how to date the fabrics, etc. and want to learn so I can be an educated dealer. I also have been buying up lots of vintage linens and need to properly launder them. I’ve heard Ivory flakes or Oxydol is the way to go. I plan to hand wash them so I can resell in clean form. Any good way to get out stains? Any tips would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 16:27:35 +0200 | From: “Dr Elizabeth Ricards”
The Department of Human Ecology at the University of Alberta is offering two unique classes prior to Quilt Canada 2002. The classes are offered in order that quilters have the opportunity to learn about the word class facilities and the Historic Costume and Textiles Collection at the University. The courses have been designed specifically for quilters who have varying educational backgrounds. (These courses are being offered through Open Studies so applicants do not have to submit academic transcripts.) The conservation workshop may be of particular interest to Americans living in the central and western states.
HECOL 493 Spring Session 2002 Textile Conservation: Caring for Textiles This course will explore factors which contribute to the degradation of textiles and the preservation of historic textiles. Topics will include: examination, documentation, handling, storage, exhibition and mounting techniques, risks to textiles, cleaning and stabilization. The instructors for the course are Nancy Kerr and Shirley Ellis. Nancy is a professor of textiles and has been teaching textile conservation since 1980. She has a Ph.D. in fiber and polymer science from North Carolina State University. Her teaching will include lectures on fiber characteristics and identification, light degradation, wet cleaning and factors that affect durability of historic textiles. Shirley is the textile conservator for the Clothing and Textiles Collection. She has a Master of Art Conservation degree from Queen’s University, undergraduate training in textiles from the University of Alberta, and has completed internships in textiles and object conservation around the world. Shirley teaches preventive conservation and textile conservation practice, and runs the fee for service Textile Conservation Service, which provides conservation services to the community.
HECOL 493/ Spring Session 2002 Surface Design: Transforming Textiles This class will explore the many ways that surface designers import color in textiles to create a unique and personally expressive design. In a marriage of tradition and innovation, dyes, fabric paints and pigments, discharging pastes and mechanical resists will be combined with techniques such as burn-out/devoree, shibori/tie-dye, dye painting, stencil printing, hand-stamping, texturing and embellishment in new and fascinating treatments. Students will be inspired through contemporary slide lectures, historical examples and demonstrations and be guided to create their own unique yardage and project. The instructor, Lee Bale, is an artist and educator who has been working with textile media for over twenty years. Holding undergraduate degrees in paining and textile from the University of Alberta and a Masters of Fine Arts from Cranbrook Academy of mar, Michigan, she has lectured, taught and exhibited extensively across Canada and the USA.
How to Register
Students should register through Open Studies at the Registrar’s Office, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2M7. The cost of a course will be approximately $570 Canadian. Students should register as soon as possible to ensure that there are sufficient numbers to students to offer these courses. Housing is available in student residences at Lister Hall on campus.
Specific inquiries about the courses should be addressed to linda.capjack@ Dr. Elizabeth A. Richards (Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta) Head, Department of Textiles Malta Centre for Restoration Bighi, Kalkara CPS 12 MALTA phone: (356) 21- 80-76-75 Ext 261 or 262 fax: (356) 21- 67-44-57 e-mail erichard@ ——=_
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 12:06:10 -0400 | From: “Cinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>
One of the old time radio guys used to start his program with those words–they are so often appropriate. I had one of those days on Tuesday at the Schwenkfelder Library, the Mennonite Heritage Center and the Peter Wentz Farmstead, all in Montgomery Co. just north of Philadelphia. It was a long drive (370 miles round trip) but so worth it! Patterns of Pennsylvania at the Schwenkfelder Libary will be up until August 31. Maybe Candace Perry, the curator and QHL member, will greet you at the door as she did me. Boy did I feel important (VBG).
27 quilts from the collection are on display. The dates range from 1840 to 1940. The show stopper is a circa 1880 Prince’s Feather with matching (quilted) shams displayed on an antique bed. The applique is in a deep reddish brown on a chrome yellow background. It just screams PA Dutch. There are examples of the three patterns most associated with the Goschenhoppen region (see “Lest I Shall Be Forgotten” by Nancy and Abe Roan): Perkiomen Valley which is a split Nine Patch that can give the same effect as a Log Cabin, Rising Sun, a Lone Star pieced in three shades of each of four colors with smaller stars appliqued between the points and a print background (in this case a marvelous conversation print of blue anchors on white and white anchors in blue circles) and a Rainbow, a Trip Around the World variation using four shades each of blue, red, green and yellow.
My favorite, the earliest in the collection, is a Nine Patch crib quilt which appears unused with setting blocks of glazed chintz in “drab” colors and simple, sparse quilting. Just down the road, until June 2 the Mennonites have a theme exhibit of 42 quilts curated by Nancy Roan called Quilted for a Special Occasion . These are quilts made for weddings, the birth of a baby, Christmas gifts, presentation to missionaries, etc. Here too a Prince’s Feather grabs center stage. In this case, the applique is red and green, but the background is a salmon color and there is a trailing vine and floral applique border on three side (those Pennsylvania Germans never let you down!). The quilt was made by a young girl in anticipation of marriage.
Next to that is a Churn Dash made c. 1883 for a mariage that never took place (the young man died). The vibrant dounble pink and poison geen blocks are arranged as positive and negative images and, since more is always better for PA German quiltmakers, there’s a wonderful zigzag border. If I could have taken a quilt home I’d have chosen the 1885 Oak Leaf and Reel with madder red appliques on a chrome yellow background with poison green sashing and double pink cornerstones topped off by a border of a large scale dark brown floral print and a pumpkin colored binding! At the Peter Wentz Farmstead you can see their collection of 19th century textiles displayed throughout the 18th century house. And George Washington really did “sleep here.”
The quiltmakers of Pennsylvania cast a very long shadow and this Spring we are getting a chance to see so many wonderful things. Cinda on the Eastern Shore who, you must remember, is a Pennsylvanian!
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 09:09:56 -0700 (PDT) | From: Ark Quilts
This interesting item was posted on Ebay. Doesn’t it look like patterns for weaving and not quilting?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=863109526
(click on the thumbnails below)
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 09:37:22 -0700 (PDT) | From: Kris Driessen
If you look at the last picture at the lower right, it clearly illustrates a loom. Is this book really worth $900? Kris, afraid her ignorance may be showing….
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 10:24:46 -0700 | From: monikaj@
Ark Quilts
Looks like weaving patterns to me. The Lady is quilting, though. LOL Monika, Grants Pass, OR and Phoenix, AZ monikaj@
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 13:54:45 EDT | From: Palampore@
Thanks to all of the many folks who responded. You helped me a great deal. I went this morning and bought the Maytag Neptune front loader washer and gas dryer. I will definitely try a couple of quilts soon after I get it to let you know my opinion. I still hate to give up the option of opening up the top and poking around to see my wash load, but it seemed that the gentle action of the front loader outweighed that. Have to run, but thanks again!! Lynn in New Bern, NC
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 17:48:28 -0400 | From: “pepper cory”
Hello all-That ebay seller might have changed his tune because he got this message from me- > I am fairly sure that the patterns refered to (in spite of the photo-) are NOT quilting patterns. Rather they are weaver’s notations dictating the order for warping the loom and weaving homespun-type coverlets. That area of the country had both home and professional coverlet weavers. Talk to someone who collects early American woven coverlets (often referred to as overshot coverlets). The book is an interesting piece of Americana and would do well in a museum display of woven coverlets and looms. The price is awful stiff however since I’ve seen these books in the $300-$400 range. Good luck with your auction. > Pepper Cory (a quilter and formerly a weaver)
Date: Thu, 25 Apr 2002 17:52:46 -0400 | From: “Judy Kelius (judysue)”
The seller has since changed the description and price – describes it as Weavers Pattern Book, says what drawings are for, and has no reserve (bidding starts at $250). Confusion cleared up!
