June 7 – 11, 2004
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:
- Crazy Quilt Convention Recap — A member reports back from the Crazy Quilt Convention in Omaha, including a hankie-history session from Cindy Brick. (see the article on Victorian crazy quilts)
- Princess Feather and Whig Rose Blocks — Members trade research leads on the Princess Feather and Whig Rose quilt block patterns, including a Google search tip for tracking down pattern history.
- Cigar Band and Tobacco Premium Textiles — A request for information on cigar-band and tobacco-premium quilts leads to references on tobacco ephemera and commemorative textiles.
- Appraising a Quilt Auction Lot — A member describes appraising quilts for an auction house and the group debates whether a stated price for a 20th-century quilt seems too high. (see the article on quilt appraisers)
- Fiskars Scissors and Washing Machines — An off-topic but lively thread compares favorite sewing scissors and washing machine brands for handling quilts and fabric. (see the article on cleaning antique quilts)
Date: Mon, 7 Jun 2004 15:06:16 -0700 (PDT)
I am just back from the Crazy Quilt Convention in Omaha. Not what I expected, but that is why I went, to broaden my horizons. (Anyone who has ever been to a quilt conference knows exactly what I broadened.)
It wasn’t a quilt history event, although several quilt history notables were there so it was impossible NOT to learn something. Cindy Brick gave a little hanky history in her Hanky Panky class.(note: watch Simply Quilts on Thursday for the episode she filmed) Did you know that hankies played a role in increasing the literacy of the country? Book publishers would print an illustrated page of their book on hanky fabric in the hope that parents would become intrigued and buy the book. Children could learn to read from their hankies.
Off to see if I can find one on Ebay…
Kris
From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>
Another interesting collection of signature quilts is in Made to Rmember: American Commemorative Quilts, the catalogue of an exhibit at the Johnson Museum at Cornell University in 1991. It includes essays by Elaine hedges and Jonathan Holstein and pictures (mostly color) of the quilts. I have an extra copy; email me privately if you’re interested. Cinda on the Eastern Shore
From: “Teddy Pruett”
Hi all – A quick note to share a great find. I was in Coral Spings FL to give a lecture and do some appraisals, and was fortunate to stay with our own Lori East, so it was a mini-working vacation. One afternoon we decided to “do” the local antique mall, and I’ll have to say we nearly cleaned them out of quilts. And this after I have sworn myself to “no more quilts!!” Well, maybe a great southern quilt if I can rationalize it as a study piece. Or anything red, of course ….. or if it’s just so darned cheap I can’t leave it there, even if I dont want it….. oh, the disease has me in its grasp.
I managed to come home with a sweet llittle quilt, C 1890. Strange thing is that it is a center medallion format, mostly browns in the center, giving way to indigoes, and lots of reds at the outer edges; pieces are just squares about 2″. But the fun thing is that it is a textile lovers dream – absolutely mint condition to begin with, but almost every piece is a conversation print. We counted over 30 horseshoes without even straining. If you are a lover of these prints, you would salivate over this quilt. It’s just great. I told Lori it just had to be from a mill town in the NE. It has a pretty hefty wool batting, and the backing is a cheater log cabin print that I have seen before. Neither of us can remember if we have seen the LC in the cloth or in print, but we both recognized it immediately.
As we played with the quilt, we had a “Eureka!” moment – we found a fabric identical to one we were wanting to identify in one of Lori’s quilts. Lori’s has a known Massachusetts provenance. How lucky was that??
I also found a wonderful litte doll quilt, C 1880, with 2″ variable star blocks. Soooo sweet!!! But let me tell you, those who think you know that sweet little Lori – y’all don’t know nuttin. SHe has a mean streak! When I pulled the little quilt out of a pile of embroidery and shrieked with delight, she said “I hate you. ” She thought for a moment, and repeated the sentiment. She thought even longer, and stated “I really hate you!” And she slugged me!!! And you think you know your friends?? Oh – did I mention it was marked $5.00? LOL Sorry Lori – I just had to tell on you! Teddy Pruett, packing for Lincoln
From: Hi Teddy,
Congratulations on your finds! You did good!
Just checking to see if our quilt show chair has been in touch with you about doing appraisals at our Tampa quilt show in February of 2005. Hope you’re available and want to come back. Let me know if you need more information, or if you’re already all set.
Laura Brooker Quilters’ Workshop of Tampa Bay
From: “Cathy Hooley” <cathy@>
Funny you should mention hankies – I just made a quilt for someone featuring storybook ’30’s hankies I used Aunt Grace repro style fabric for the background. They brought back memories (I don’t know how because I’m certainly not that old!!) If you would like to see it – I made a quick link – they are very cute!
http://www.goosetracks.com/hankies
Cathy *********************************
From: Kathie Holland <kathieholland@>
does anyone know if there are any books on this block specifically? How can I find out if there was ever a paper written on Whig Rose quilts and published in Uncoverings printed by The American quilt study group? Thanks Kathie Kathie Holland kathieholland@
From: Judy <jroche@>
Calm down! <BG>no books that I know of about WR—would you write a paper–? too many possibilities for you now—the field is wide open—do you make quilts, study them, write ’bout them-lecture , teach about them????? The sky is the limit for you Kathie-but if you want my advise -get grounded first –while you have the opportunity (at home) ’cause once the ‘busyness’ starts you will need the ease with people, the knowledge, the skills-’cause there will always be more to learn in new situations—like going to colllege(day time!). And for a lot of this stuff ability to travel at someone else’s schedule will be needed- Did you look into Montclair—would love to see the class schedule myself—– Don’t think I am making myself clear-will give you a call one day——lots to think about-lots to consider—–and you can do whatever you choose-you certainly have the capability- Judy
From: Kathie Holland <kathieholland@>
Princess feathers is another block I would like to do some research on……..does anyone know of specfic books about these blocks? Have there been any papers done for the Uncoverings regarding Princess feather style quilts? thanks so much………… Kathie Kathie Holland kathieholland@
I wanted to let you all know that the The Alliance for American Quilts’ home page at www.centerforthequilt.org has some great new navigation tools.
We have just added three photo “windows” at the right side of the page to highlight The Quilt Index, our Quilters’ S.O.S. – Save Our Stories interviews, and our Quilt Treasures web-portraits of key figures in the great 20th century quilt revival.
The new windows are dynamic, which means that every time you visit or reload our home page, a different Index quilt, Q.S.O.S. interview and Quilt Treasures web-portrait will be featured. You can choose either to go to one of the featured pieces or to the main page for any of the projects.
Please take a look and try it. It’s fun, and we think you will like being able to jump directtly into these deep parts of our web site.
Bob
Robert Shaw Executive Director The Alliance for American Quilts Tel//fax: 802/985-0737 shaw.bob@ www.centerforthequilt.org
Date: Wed, 9 Jun 2004 08:05:05 -0700 | From: “Lois Theodoratus” <theo@>
I just went into Google and typed in ;” Princess Feather quilt pattern” and got many many sites and history to look at for Princess Feather. Maybe this will answer your questions.
Lois theocnw.com
From: Barb Garrett <bgarrett421@>
Some suggestions for summer traveling — If anyone else knows of other quilt exhibits, please let us know about them. So often advertising is difficult and it’s hard to learn about shows not in your immediate area.
The museums of the Lancaster Heritage Center, in Lancaster City, PA, have 2 textile and quilt exhibits currently running. I visited them yesterday — it’s the week between school trips and summer tourists, so a good week for me to play tourist <grin>. Both exhibits are very nice and are well signed, as is usual for this museum. One exhibit features Amish quilts and textiles, the other PA German quilts and textiles. Very nice gift shops also. Their website is very informative — http://www.lancasterheritage.com/
In Hanover, PA (between York and Gettysburg), there is a small historical society that has mounted a wonderful quilt show. This small group of people decided to have a quilt show and publish a catalog, and they did it. The quilts are local to south central PA and while the entire exhibit of thirtysome quilts is located in the upstairs of a house, they did a wonderful job of fitting so much into such a small space. These are privately owned quilts on loan to the Historical Society for the exhibit — and most are from the 1800s. Being a small totally volunteer group, they have limited hours, so you need to call for times to be sure the house is open. This website gives a phone number, address and directions. They don’t have their own website — http://www.experiencepa.com/experiencepa/details.do?name=Neas+House+Museum
The New England Quilt Museum has a new exhibit which sounds interesting — and a special speaker this Saturday — our own Sue Reich. The talk sounds very interesting, but it’s a little far from PA for me, so hopefully those nearer can attend and give a report. Website information — http://www.nequiltmuseum.org/Programs_Special.shtml
The Litchfield Historical Society, Conn, has an exhibit entitled The Ties That Bind: A Sampler of Litchfield County Quilts. Their website — http://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/museum/museumexhibits.html
Barb in sunny southeastern PA
From: Babette Moorleghen <happyquilterq@>
Regarding hankies, I was in a quilt shop in Springfield, Missouri recently and they had a quilt hanging where antique hankies were made into butterflys and then appliqued onto blocks. I have, oh, I don’t know how many dozens, that came from my dearest MIL after she passed away and thought I would do the same. It was a wonderful quilt. Cathy, your quilt is darling. Wish I had some “storybook” hankies, but none to be found in mine! Hugs, Babette
Cathy Hooley <cathygoosetracks.com> wrote:Funny you should mention hankies – I just made a quilt for someone featuring storybook ’30’s hankies I used Aunt Grace repro style fabric for the background. They brought back memories (I don’t know how because I’m certainly not that old!!) If you would like to see it – I made a quick link – they are very cute!
http://www.goosetracks.com/hankies
Cathy
From: “Newbie Richardson” <pastcrafts@>
Dear list, I am in need of information on the cigar bands used in “quilts” and other late 19th and early 20th c decorative arts. I seem to remember a traveling exhibit on tobacco ephemera that went to the Valentine in Richmond about 5 or 6 years ago. There was a book/catalogue associated it with it. Does anyone have a copy and could you send me the title and ISBN, etc? Maybe I can find one in a used book shop. Also any other sources of info that I ought to checkout? On a personal note, my washing machine bit the dust – after 25 years, it is entitled!- but based on the discussion on this list last year, I am going to take the plunge and get a Neptune. If you have had any bad experiences – please let me know before I plunk down my wad next week! Thanks, Newbie Richardson The Costume and Textile Specialists Appraisals, Conservation, & Exhibition Alexandria and Richmond, VA www.costumeandtextile.com 703-684-0863
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 13:13:13 -0700 | From: “ChrisA” <chrisa@>
Newbie- There is a great piece in the 200o Uncoverings about tobacco premium textiles. There is a book , pub. by Schaffer I think, about all tobacco collectibles.
Kimberly Wulfert, PhD www.antiquequiltdating.com Email: quiltdating@
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 13:25:31 -0700 (PDT) | From: Gary Parrett <gparret1@>
Hi,
Barb asked for information on quilt exhibits during the summer. There is a show starting this next week just south and west of Rochester at the Genesee Country Village and Museum in Mumford, NY. There are 60 quilts displayed throughout the village. The exhibit runs through the end of October. They have a web site which contains much information about the exhibit as well as pictures of some of the quilts. You can type in the name or just go to the address.
Home
Karen
Date: Thu, 10 Jun 2004 16:29:54 -0500 | From: “Katt” <bobkatt@>
There is an excellent book on American Tobacco Cards (which I of course cannot lay my hands on right now!) written by Robert Forbes that might contain some information. If not, he has tons of info on tobacco flannels and silks, and probably cigar bands as well, in yet-to-be published form; I wish I still had his email address to give you, but perhaps the book would give a contact address? Katt —–
From: “Laura Fisher” <laurafisher@>
Ah, that reminds me of a funny story………..
I graduated from Cornell U and went back for a reunion. In planning events for our class, my sorority sister the reunion chairman knew of my work with antique quilts, and because that exhibition was going to be shown while we reuned, asked me to lead a walking tour of it for our class.
Imagine my amusement–what a turn of events –invisible me during college who hardly made a dent academically or socially becomes one of four classmates out of thousands listed on the reunion program as an “expert” conducting a program. I have quilts to thankyet again for bringing me out of the darkness!
From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>
Newbie, the article to which Kim Wulfert refers is Abrahams, Ethel Ewert, and Rachel K. Pannebeker, “‘Better Choose Me’: Addictions to Tobacco, Collecting, and Quilting, 1880-1920,” in Virginia Gunn (ed.), Uncoverings 2000, Volume 21 of the Research Papers of the American Quilt Study Group, 79-105.
There is also an article in volume 5 of the Quilt Digest Press (1987) by Dorothy Cozart, called “When the Smoke Cleared,” 50-57.
Xenia
From: Jennifer Perkins <qltrstore@>
I got a call from an auction company wanting me to appraise some quilts they had for sale. The one with the English embroidery designs was interesting-wondered if you had run into anything like it. I have only seen it on this website. Isn’t the appraisal listed too high?? http://www.kroghauctions.com
Also, I was at the Quilt Block in Des Moines a while back and the owner showed me a quilt that was given to her made from 3 1/8″ x 1 3/4″ silk ribbons from colleges, states, lodges and cities. I had never seen tobacco premiums exactly like this and wondered if anyone had run into these and where they could have come from. There are over 100 of these ribbons. Most of them have the official seal of the state, city, university, etc. with a date in Roman Numerals. The latest date I could find was 1891, so the quilt dates after that. There are three panels on the quilt, the left and right panel consist of these ribbons. The center panel is made of deteriorated silk fence rail blocks, not really much left there. I think the ribbon parts still have value, but I don’t know in what form!
Any ideas? Jennifer in Iowa
Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2004 07:19:46 -0400 | From: “Karen”
That seems awfully high to me, especially for a 20th century quilt. Any thoughts from the English quilters on the list?
Karen Evans
Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2004 08:40:52 EDT | From: Midnitelaptop@
i am having thumb trouble and i wonder… does anyone use those fiskar scissors that don’t really have a thumb hole in the handle..just two straight handles with a spring action.. if so what’s your opinion …. thanks jeanL
Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2004 08:50:01 EDT | From: Midnitelaptop@
i think they added one too many 0s(maybe it should read $2,000) for the embroidered quilt at
http://www.kroghauctions.com jeanL
From: “Nancy Gibbs” <izannah1@>
<<does anyone use those fiskar scissors that don’t really have a thumb hole in the handle..just two straight handles with a spring action.. if so what’s your opinion ….>>
I don’t have the regular scissors, but I have a pair of pinking shears of that style. The biggest complaint I have is that they are stiff–you have to kind of push them back open again. I have never been able to figure a way to loosen the action–the screw does not appear to be adjustable. I don’t know if the regular scissors would have that same problem or not.
Nancy G. www.jerichomountain.com
Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2004 10:33:20 -0400 | From: Palampore@
Newbie, DON’T get a NEPTUNE/Maytag. I have one and HATE it. It washs clothes very well, but it is a mildewed mess around the rubber seal and no amount of cleaning will fix it. I have complained to the person I bought it from but he says I have no recourse because it says in the Owner’s Manuel that I should have been doing a Clorox only wash about every week or so. Well, guess what! I didn’t read that and because of it I have a mess mess mess. What happens is that at the end of the wash I should have been wiping the door and seal DRY before closing it. (Washing for a family of 5 with about 1 or 2 loads a day…) If you are complusive about cleaning, which I am not, it will be fine. Newbie, you are like me so you don’t need one. Look at a Fisher/Pycal (not sure about spelling). It got great reviews and I debated about it. Wish I had gotten that instead. I will soon have to replace my Neptune, and I will look at those. Have had the Neptune 3 yrs. My 2 cents worth, Lynn Lancaster Gorges, New Bern, NC
From: “Celia Eddy”
Hello,
Does anyone have contact details for Kumiko, please?
Any information appreciated.
Celia Eddy
From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>
I called the Brandywine River Museum hoping they might have copies of the “Made to Remember” exhibit catalogue–no luck. However, they do still have “Of the Best Sort, but Plain: Quaker Quilts from the Delaware Valley 1760-1890” and “The Fabric of Persuasion: Two Hundred Years of Political Quilts.” If either of these is missing from your collection call NOW (610) 388-2700.. Cinda on the Eastern Shore
From: “Karen Quilts Texas”
I’ve had a pair of the Fiskars for many years (probably 10 or more). They are my choice for heavy or long cutting needs (like flannel quilt clipping. The spring loaded handle saves your hand a good bit of effort by opening the scissors for you to begin the next stroke. But, that said, I have a pair of Ginghers that I prefer for detail work and small jobs. I’ve never had to have the Fiskars sharpened… maybe they are self sharpening? I’m not sure why they’ve been so long lasting!
Karen Spring, TX
From: “Sally Ward” <sallytatters@>
< Any > thoughts from the English quilters on the list?
Um… My first thought was that being made from embroideries done by an Englishwoman doesn’t make it an ‘English’ quilt. Neither the layout nor the quilting look typically English. In fact, it reminded me a bit of ‘kit’ quilts. But then its hard to say what *was* typical in the UK during the time period it was given.
I asked members of BQHL for input and nobody is very excited by it. There was one suggestion that it looked like some illustrations seen in a book on Mennonite quilts? Does that mean anything to anybody?
Sally W
From: “deb” <deb@>
Jean L,
I sell quite a few of those Fiskar scissors to customers who have thumb problems & they love them. One of my teachers has her right thumb so distorted by arthritis that she can no longer get it through the hole in the regular scissors and she swears by them.
Debbie Quilting Possibilities Bayville, NJ
Date: Fri, 11 Jun 2004 22:16:58 -0400 | From: “Brenda & Roger Applegate” <rbappleg1@>
I just bought a Bosch. The repairmen said that Maytag wasn’t as dependable repair wise. This is a relatively new machine, and they don’t have a long track record, but my salesmen highly recommended it. It used less water than the Maytag and Whirlpool. That was a consideration for me as we have a poor septic system.
Good luck. Brenda
From: Barb Garrett
I just stumbled upon an interesting “crazy quilt-type” item on ebay and wondered about the source or origin of the pennants. I’m guessing a possibility is cigar/cigarettes, but I haven’t seen these motifs before and wondered if anyone else recognizes them. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=135&item=2249100960&rd=1
Thanks for your help, Barb in southeastern PA<img border=”0″ height=”460″ src=”images/banner.jpg” width=”481″/>
From: “Patchwork Secrets”
Barb I think somewhere DH has one of his Granddad’s. I am pretty sure they were pennants you could purchase as keepsakes. They seem a little large for cigarette felts.
Sharon
