June 12 – 18, 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:
- Cigar Band and Tobacco Silk Table Covers — The tobacco-textile thread continues with discussion of archivally mounted cigar-band table covers held by a museum.
- Pricing and Dating a Bucilla Applique Kit — A member seeks help pricing and dating a vintage Bucilla applique kit, and the list shares kit-collecting and kit-ID resources. (see the article on dating quilts)
- 1930s Doll Quilts and Thin Batting — Members compare antique doll quilts from the 1930s and the notably thin batting typical of the era. (see the article on quilt batting)
- Dating Vintage Fabric by Bolt Width — A newcomer asks when cotton fabric bolt widths changed from roughly 27″ to modern widths, kicking off a long-running fabric-width discussion.
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 06:36:23 -0500 | From: patkyser <patkyser@>
I have been off list several weeks, been in NJ helping with grand children while Mom was on business trip. One day, on a day off, I was driving from South Orange to Washington Crossing, Delaware, to meet a cousin for lunch and passed a sign that said, “Ringoes business district.” I thought to stop and give Judy a call, but my aging mind could only come up with “Judy Ringo”, which I knew was wrong! Hence no phone call, Judy, and no chance to meet face to face. Sorry!
On another note: I missed the Smithsonian Calico and Chintz exhibit when it was in Louisville, just never got up there. I am delighted to learn it now (through Aug 29) is at The Hermitage, President Andrew Jackson’s home in Nashville, TN. If any others missed it, too, here is another chance. The Hermitage is a lovely visit in itself, has been upgraded and enhanced in recent years. The one thing they could not do though was replace the huge cedars that used to form a violin-shaped drive up to the house that were wiped out in a tornado several years back. Fortunately the house was not hit, but the storm wreaked havoc on the original landscaping. I’ve made kits for over 25 years for them to sell, a replica of a sampler made by Jackson’s niece, and a pillow based on a quilt they used to display there. Pat Kyser in Huntsville, AL
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 10:04:58 -0400 | From: “Candace Perry” <candace@>
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/06/14/national/14SLAV.html?th
Here’s a link to an article about newly discovered slave narratives…I know many members have an ongoing interest in this subject (I among you)so I thought I’d post it, even if it’s non quilt! Candace Perry
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 11:06:09 -0400 | From: “Candace Perry” <candace@>
Newbie, I definitely think 1815 is too early for a stamp. I have seen some early handkerchiefs with stamps…but i don’t think they were as early as that. Interesting! Candace Perry
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 11:10:32 -0400 | From: “Newbie Richardson” <pastcrafts@>
The plain ribbon/fabric pieces were cut the same length as the cigar silks and sem to have been used to make the table cover more quickly thatn would have been possible if the maker had collected enough silks to fill the entire table cover. The colors match exactly. Although it is possible that these were plain bits cut off the ends of the cigar ribbons, all the cigar ribbons I have ever seen are the same length as was used in this cover, so i thin it was either ribbon or cut fabric purchased for the project. As I could not take the piece out of it’s frame, I could not see the selvages. I will report back when I have done my research. Best, Newbie
—–Original Message—– From: chrisa@ [chrisa@] Sent: Sunday, June 13, 2004 1:46 PM To: Quilt History List Subject: [qhl] Re: cigar band info
HI Newbie-
I think the swap idea has potential and I may have even heard about this happening, but seldom have I read or heard any elaboration. The whole point of the cigar companies making the later premiums of flannel and silks was for the women urging their husbands to buy different brands so they would have access to many different looks for their needlework piece. But he cigar bands were made to simply recognize the brand of the cigar. I don’t think the companies had the idea of them being used inthe needlework, at least not at first.
I have seen turquoise bands, but rare they are in my experience. There is a preserved mansion home in Northern CA that has a beauty, which has this color in it, as well as purple.
I’m not quite sure what you mean by bias strip to spread them? Do you mean to go between blocks of cigar bands made in squares, to serve the form of a sashing? Or was that the finishing edge? I can’t imagine the silk stretching, but to help it lay flat, that makes sense. None of mine have that though.
Kim Wulfert www.antiquequiltdating.com
One has strips of bias binding(?) used to stretch out the cigar bands. The other one is only cigar bands – even some in turquoise blue. It almost looks like she did some kind of cigar band ‘swap’, as there are so many diferent brands represented. Best, Newbie
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 11:43:38 -0400 | From: “Newbie Richardson” <pastcrafts@>
Dear List, This for members who are within striking distance of Nashville, Tenn. Please let anyone whom you think would be interested know about this:
The Costume Society of America – Region VI, is sponsoring it’s 7th annual “Preserving Our Past”: a costume and textile conservation, preservation, and identification seminar for small museums, their staffs, volunteers, and collectors, on Friday, August 6th in Nashville Tenn. The day long workshop is being taught by Newbie Richardson and Colleen Callahan of the Costume and Textile Specialists. There are 3 presentations in the morning: Sleuthing at the Seams: Dating Womens Clothing 1790-1930; What to Do with what You’ve Got: textile conservation for the layman; and Costume Exhibitions on a Shoe String: some successful display strategies for those on a budget. We break for lunch ( included in the registration fee) In the afternoon we do demonstrations of wet cleaning techniques, vacuuming, packing and storing of costumes and textiles. The registration fee is $40 for CSA membvers and $50 for non members. The location is at the Doubletree Hotel from 8am to 3:30pm. There is a plantation evening planned that evening, should participants wish to join us. Our anuual symposium will be held over the next two days. The theme is: Costume and Country. Among the many excellent papers being presented is: “We’re nothing but a bunch of hill billies”: working clothing and the country music look, 1900-1940 by Cecilia Gunzburger, the Textile Museum, Washington, DC. This workshop is designed as outreach to the small museum community and it’s cost is underwritten, in part, by a grant from the Susan Varner and Suzanne Arena Memorial Fund. If anyone would like to receive a brochure, please email Newbie directly at: pastcrafts@.
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 09:49:26 -0700 | From: “Maureen” <maureen@>
Hi Pat:
The Indiana Quilt History Project has published a quilt history book and you might find a lot of information there. There is also a dissertation on Indiana quilt history, and a book on Indiana Amish quilting. The books might be at your local public library or available through the library’s interlibrary loan service. Visit http://www.booksandoldlace.com/quilting/ where you can review the selective bibliography, State Quilt Documentation and Regional Quilt History.
The best price for a used copy of Goldman’s Quilts of Indiana is on Amazon www.amazon.com, about 14.95.
Best regards,
Maureen. Ashland, Oregon
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 12:08:29 -0700 (PDT) | From: Kris Driessen <krisdriessen@>
This is a message from Phyllis Hewitt, robhew@. If you can help her, please contact her directly – and CC the list so we can all learn!
Kris
I have a Bucilla Applique “Rose Buds and Bows” kit #3329 still in the original package. I purchased it over 30 years ago and do not think I will ever get around to making it. I was wondering what it is worth today and what would be a reasonable price to ask should I decide to sell it? Can you date it? I think it is older than 30 years. I tried searching the net to no avail.
Any help you can give me would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Phyllis Hewitt robhew@
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 17:48:15 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
Pat,
What a shame we didn’t meet. If you saw that sign you were on Route 202 and not 2 miles from my house. Ringoes business district is a gas station, two deli’s, Mom’s Restaurant, Fleet Bank, the library and the post office. You didn’t miss much by not taking the turn-off.
I didn’t know there was a Washington Crossing Delaware. Washington Crossing Pennsylvania. is only 10 miles or so from Ringoes.
Next time.
J. G. Row aka Judy Ringo
—– Original Message —– From: “patkyser” <patkyser@> To: “Quilt History List” <qhl@> Sent: Monday, June 14, 2004 7:36 AM Subject: [qhl] Re: qhl digest: June 13, 2004
> I have been off list several weeks, been in NJ helping with grand > children while Mom was on business trip. One day, on a day off, I was > driving from South Orange to Washington Crossing, Delaware, to meet a > cousin for lunch and passed a sign that said, “Ringoes business > district.” I thought to stop and give Judy a call, but my aging mind > could only come up with “Judy Ringo”, which I knew was wrong! Hence no > phone call, Judy, and no chance to meet face to face. Sorry! > > On another note: I missed the Smithsonian Calico and Chintz exhibit > when it was in Louisville, just never got up there. I am delighted to > learn it now (through Aug 29) is at The Hermitage, President Andrew > Jackson’s home in Nashville, TN. If any others missed it, too, here is > another chance. The Hermitage is a lovely visit in itself, has been > upgraded and enhanced in recent years. The one thing they could not do > though was replace the huge cedars that used to form a violin-shaped > drive up to the house that were wiped out in a tornado several years > back. Fortunately the house was not hit, but the storm wreaked havoc on > the original landscaping. I’ve made kits for over 25 years for them to > sell, a replica of a sampler made by Jackson’s niece, and a pillow > based on a quilt they used to display there. > Pat Kyser in Huntsville, AL > > > > — > You are currently subscribed to qhl as: judygrow@. > To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-qhl-1441754M@ >
Date: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 17:16:57 -0500 | From: Jennifer Perkins <qltrstore@>
I looked at the links provided yesterday and found the type found in the quilt I was telling you about. They are in the tobacco seal section and are the College Seal S25, and City Seal S90. I don’t see any of the same type here for the states and lodges, but they all had the same look as these two do, (not with pictures.) Thanks for the help! Jennifer
http://www.the-forum.com/EPHEMERA/Tobacco.htm#silks
PS, does anybody know if they would have about the same value sewn together as they do as a single unit?
From: “Marcia Kaylakie” <marciark@>
HI All, I just bought American Angels, the last CD made by Anonymous 4, a most amazing and beautiful female acapella group. Imagine my surpirse when I saw part of a quilt on the cover. The liner notes are nothing less than a small text on anglo-american folk and gospel singing in America, and very small photos of quilts are sprinkled throught!! Closer inspection notes that they are from the collection of the American Museum of Folk Art in NYC! What a treat, both visually and audially!! Thought you all might lke to know. I am enjoying my quilting time this evening with these 4 spectacular musicians and I am sorry that they no longer sing together. I was fortunate enough to hear them about 7 years ago when they were here in Austin. Marcia
Marcia Kaylakie, AQS Certified Appraiser Austin, TX
From: “Judy Kelius (judysue)”
Hi Phyllis – Kris Dreissen sent a note to the QHL list asking for help pricing your Bucilla kit. These can sell for a lot on eBay – I just sold a different kit, already started, for more than $250. As I recall, the one you have is an especially nice one and should sell for at least that much.
For help in dating the kit, you might contact Arene Burgess, cbur305325@, who has been collecting and studying the kits for several years. She recently had an article in one of the quilt mags about kit quilts (sorry, I don’t remember which one!).
Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004 09:45:34 -0400 | From: Joan Kiplinger <jkip@>
This might be another source for kit ID for some of you — stamped block quilt kits from a 1943 Sears catalog. Also if I recall correctly, last year someone was asking about quilting equipment from the 1930s-40s so included are a quilt frame and hoop with stand. www.vintagepictures.eboard.com See quilts.
From: “Kathy Moore”
Folks, Please share this information with anyone you know who might be interested, or if interested please consider applying. Thanks for your help in getting information about this job opportunity out to interested and qualified individuals.
University of Nebraska. The International Quilt Study Center seeks a Collections Manager to coordinate collections care, install exhibitions, train volunteers, maintain database, and conduct fiber and fabric analysis. Bachelor’s in textiles, museum studies, or related field plus two years relevant experience required. Masters preferred and may substitute for experience. Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills required. Must have fiber microscopy skills. Submit cover letter, resume and name, address and telephone number for three work-related references to Carolyn Ducey, Curator, 234 HE Building, UNL, Lincoln, NE 68583-0802. Review of resumes will begin June 25. Position funded through June 30, 2006. Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.
Patricia Cox Crews, Ph.D.
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 09:08:25 -0400 | From: “Candace Perry” <candace@>
Just by way of information, I posted the listing to Museum-L, so most likely you’ll be inundated with qualified applicants! (Hope so!) Candace Perry
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 10:23:39 EDT | From: Palampore@
I think the ink stamp question Newbie had could be answered by—-” When did ink become permanent when washed?”. I know that fit into when signature quilts became popular. Wasn’t it in the early 1840’s??? Pepper’s book on signature quilts probably addresses this. OK Pepper, what is it?? Her book is at my studio so I can’t take care of this question. Off to pack, clean, and do final chores. We leave for NZ and AU on Sat. I am SOOOOOOO excited! All of you should go on the Internet and do a search for: Aboriginal Fabric, and New Zealand Fabric. It is so beautiful! Hiranya (met via QHL) has been a wonderful wonderful friend via email. She is going to show us around Sydney, and show me quilt/fabric shops. She will have to hold me back from buying too much. This list is quite a resource for many things. Thanks Kris! Will report back in mid-July on the trip. Lynn Lancaster Gorges Historic Textiles Studio New Bern, NC
From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
There is a short review of a new book in New York Magazine that piqued my interest, and might for you as well.
“Between Two Rivers” by Nicholas Rinaldi (Harper Collins; $24.95) “takes the denizens of a downtown condo tower through September 11…”
His characters include ” an impassive Romanian concierge, Farro Fescu, plastic surgeon Theo Tattafruge, crazy-quilt artist Maggie Sowle, and Iraqi spice merchant Muhta Saad.” The author says that the names of the people and places have “largely symbolic value. I have an extremely diverse cast of characters. It just seemed right to put them into the center of American symbolism. The Statue of Liberty, the comings and going of the port, and so on. They are all major American symbols.”
His characters all live in Battery Park City so I imagine that Maggie Sowle has a rich husband or she has the highest prices of any quilt artist working in the country.
I just bought my summer reading — the new book on Alexander Hamilton — it is huge and with small type — so I doubt I’ll get to any novel reading. But maybe one of you will.
J. G. Row, aka Judy Ringo judygrow@
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 18:04:04 EDT | From: Midnitelaptop@
i’m making some doll quilts using some 30s fabrics(someone’s relative left them behind and she gave them to me)….i figure 14X16 inches is a fairly standard size… i don’t want to use any of the 30s fabrics for the backing…thought i would use flannel and elimate batting altogether…and maybe bring the front border around to the back for binding…. do all/most of the antique doll quilts have batting? jeanL
From: Joan Kiplinger <jkip@>
Jean — I have two doll quilts from 1930s which have very thin batting, the type which is layered and somewhat similar to “batting/box lining” used in gift jewelry boxes. However, these quilts are tied and not pieced, and being from the 30s would not be considered antique. So don’t know if I’ve really answered your question if you are going to make your quilts with something earlier in mind. Be sure to post them to eboard when you are finished..
From: “Christine Thresh”
None of my dolls have ever complained about being cold when in bed under the covers. I think the quilts would drape better without batting.
Christine Thresh
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 15:48:13 -0700 | From: “Laurette Carroll” <rl.carroll@>
Hello Jean, I have been fortunate to find several antique doll quilts. Some don’t have a batt of any kind, and sometimes these are not quilted but tied, and at other times they aren’t even tied. Some are made just like the large bed quilts with batting and small quilt stitches. I have come across a large number of doll quilts that are machine quilted. Which makes sense considering that they were to be used by children. I have not come across one with flannel for the backing, but don’t see why you shouldn’t use it. You might also enjoy making a little patchwork pillow case to match your doll quilt.
Laurette
Date: Wed, 16 Jun 2004 | From: ARabara15@
Hello All, I have a question for the group. I acquired 3 quilts this past weekend. All are from the same family with a Mass. origin. Two of the quilts are 1860’s and one may be a bit later. One of the 1860’s quilts-sqr in a sqr, has staining only on the surface on all of the high spots. My guess is that it is either dampness or discoloring from dry cleaning. The quilt smells clean so I am leaning toward the dry cleaning staining. Will this soak out? If so, is there anything special that I should use? I normally would use one of my many concoctions but I don’t want to set the staining. Any pearls of wisdom?
Donald Brokate The Crazy Quilt Collector Trenton, NJ
From: Judy Schwender
Hello- What is it Xenia posts when someone wants to clean an antique quilt? Sit down until the urge passes?? Something like that. In other words: DO NOTHING. You have quilts from the Civil War period. You know the family and place of origin. These two factors indicate that the quilt is worth preserving. (Note that I didn’t say “clean” or “restore”.) The quilt smells clean. Why risk further damage? No offense, but when I read a term such as “one of my many concoctions” I shudder. Unless you know for sure what treatments the quilt has had in the past, there is no way to predict the outcome of further treatment. It is possible that the staining is due exposure to wood (acid stains) and won’t come out no matter what you do. Judy Schwender
ARabara15@ wrote: Hello All, I have a question for the group. I acquired 3 quilts this past weekend. All are from the same family with a Mass. origin. Two of the quilts are 1860’s and one may be a bit later. One of the 1860’s quilts-sqr in a sqr, has staining only on the surface on all of the high spots. My guess is that it is either dampness or discoloring from dry cleaning. The quilt smells clean so I am leaning toward the dry cleaning staining. Will this soak out? If so, is there anything special that I should use? I normally would use one of my many concoctions but I don’t want to set the staining. Any pearls of wisdom?
Donald Brokate The Crazy Quilt Collector Trenton, NJ
From: Judy Schwender <sister3603@>
Hello- If you are interested in doll quilts, an exhibition of doll quilts will be at the Museum of the American Quilter’s Society December- February:
“Doll Quilts from the Collection of Mary Ghormley” On display December 4, 2004-February 23, 2005 A fabulous selection of antique doll quilts and furniture from one of America’s foremost collections.
For more information about MAQS, visit http://www.quiltmuseum.org/.
Judy Schwender
From: Judy Schwender <sister3603@>
Hello- I forgot to write that you would likely enjoy the book Small Endearments: Nineteenth-Century Quilts for Children and Dolls by Sandi Fox (Rutledge Hill Press, 1985, 1994.) Judy
From: “Lucinda Cawley”
I am always happy to return to my native turf because there are such wonderful quilty things to do in PA. If you are anywhere in the Mid-Atlantic area where a day trip would be possible put the Hanover Area Historical Society on your list. From now until Oct. 31 they are exhibiting about 50 quilts (mostly from private collections and never before available to the public) from southwestern York Co. The hours are Mon., Wed. and Sat., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $3.00. This volunteer group of local historians have put together, with help from QHLers (Ellie Bennett, Barb Garrett and others), a delightful look at quiltmaking in the area from 1820 to 1930 with some coverlets, samplers and many small items (pincushions, sewing birds, quilt blocks, etc). A wonderful bonus is that they’ve self-published a spiral bound catalogue of digital photos and brief descriptions of the quilts ($15.00). We’re not talking great art here, but it is a permanent record of the exhibit. I so often regret that once such exhibits are over there’s nothing to use as a reference. The wonderful people in Hanover have done a very good thing. If you’re interested, the phone # is 717-632-3207.
Some of the highlights: a Broken Star, c. 1830..the stars use only a turkey red print, a blue large scale floral and white. There’s a glorious bird print chintz border with all its glaze; an 1850 ear Open Wreath has stuffed cherries and marvelous stuffed quilting including a stuffed running feather border between two kind of Fleur de Lis green borders; a more original Open Wreath design (the catalogue calls it “Thistle with Plumed Wreath” is a pattern I’ve never seen before and a perfect example of an 1850 red and green; the earliest quilt was made by Amanda Neas in whose family’s 18th house the exhibit is hung. Composed of chintz appliques in hexagonal blocks outlined with silvery grey chintz, a narrow chintz border, a wide border with appliques and a final narrow chintz border; it’s absolutely huge and pristine.
A Delectable Mountains is made of a single turkey red print and has a lovely blue and white arborescent print border. There are lots of the over the top colorful late 19th century pieced quilts one expects to see in the area: double pink, poison green, turkey red, chrome yellow all shouting for attention and lots of interesting Log Cabins in just about every variation. The most intriguing quilt of all is an album obviously inspired by mid-nineteenth century examples bur made of 1930-40 fabrics.
From Hanover to Lancaster takes about an hour. After lunch near the Square we went first to the Heritage Museum (it has changed it’s name slightly, but I don’t remember exactly). They are showing PA German needlework: quilts, show towels, samplers, pillow cases. Who could ask for more (not me). A small gallery has been arranged as a PA German bedroom. I know we don’t do furniture on this list, but I have found the perfect blanket chest (after many years of coveting). It’s painted very simply in a milky blue with two unpainted areas in the shape of large, fat hearts, date late 18th century. The bed is made up with a coverlet and feather tick, but on the walls are framed examples of pieced and appliqued pillowcases. One pillowcase is four Rolling Stone blocks inscribed in fraktur letters (from Lehigh Co, of course–you’ll have to read my paper in the 2004 Uncoverings to know why I say “of course”); another is block printed in delicate picotage motifs (swans and flowers); there’s a pair made of LeMoyne Stars and quilted (unusual).
The star of the vignette is the only quilt. It’s a baby sized Trip Around the World with a zig-zag border in PA German colors made of squares that can’t possibly quite measure an inch. It just sings. We always play the “Which one would you take home” game. Barb Garrett can’t have this one; I want it!
Another gallery displays 5 quilts (1830-1930) from one family. The two earliest are strip set: one alternates an ombre blue and buff chintz with white bars quilted with running feathers; the other is made of Four Patch blocks set on point (two of the patches match the background) so that small diamonds march up the quilt in straight lines–simple and very effective because, of course, the quilting is fine. Upstairs are five more quilts including the earliest dated Lancaster Co. quilt (see p. 24 of Quilting Traditions by Trish Herr). It’s a pieced and appliqued framed center with gorgeous stuffed quilting which includes the date 1810 and the initials of Margaret Gundaker who made it at age 16. Margaret attended the Moravian Girls School in Lititz. Trish writes “Margaret’s quilt illustrates the English influence on quilts made and used in affluent Pennsylvania German Households”
The other show stopped is a Lone Star, c. 1880, in red, pink, green and yellow on a double blue background with very fancy feathered quilting. I finally got to see the new quilt museum! It’s just around the corner from the Heritage Center. The building is every bit as beautiful as everyone has told me. I’ve seen a lot of Amish quilts; I’ve seen many of the Esprit quilts before, in books and in the cloth, but I learned a lot about the subject by reading the signs. One thing I didn’t know was that Sunshine and Shadows was the most commonly made pattern in Lancaster; I didn’t know the sequence of colors used from the earliest to most recent quilts.
If I could I’d take home the Cake Basket with shocking pink baskets on dark green background with peacock blue setting blocks, a green border and rose and vine quilting–not your typical Lancaster Co. quilt. It is such a luxury to have so many examples to look at that you can compare the effectiveness of different color combinations. I realized that one of the things I like about Amish quilts is the contrast of the quilting against (what we would consider) large unquilted areas. One Center Diamond (blue gray, green, reddish brown) has too much quilting. I don’t think I’ve ever made that observation about a quilt before, but this one had quilting everywhere as if the patterns had run amok across the surface and merged into one another.
They’ll hang the other half of the collection in October–a good time to visit. An unexpected treat was the shelf of rare and out of print books in the gift shop–some real treasures including Joel Sater’s “The Patchwork Quilt” for a lot less than I paid for my copy. I bought Ellen Gehret’s .”This Is the Way I Pass My Time” about PA German decorated towels that I’ve been trying to find for ages. It was a great day, including a hot pastrami sandwich at the Press Room. Cinda on the Eastern Shore
Date: Fri, 18 Jun 2004 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
This is a wonderful weblog which every day presents a very short one paragraph summary of what happened that day on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In addition a second paragraph tells what else was happening in the world.
I just found it and have some catching up to do; but there is background information and the archives to read.
I am enjoying this and hope you do too.
J. G. Row a/k/a Judy Ringo judygrow@
From: Jennifer Perkins <qltrstore@>
I don’t have an answer for this lady without doing a lot of research. Does anyone know this off the top of their head? Jennifer in Iowa
>>>> Date: Tue, 15 Jun 2004 09:55:48 -0700 (PDT) From: donna rhodes Subject: question about dating vintage fabric To: qltrstoreharlannet.com
i have several bolts of old fabric,(cotton),that is approx. 26-27 inches wide. do you know when the bolts were changed to what we now use,(42-44″)? this would help me date fabric . thank you, donna
From: Joan Kiplinger <jkip@>
Jennifer — around 1958 through early 70s those widths began appearing. All depends if person is asking about the standard dress cottons like percale, broadcloth and fine plains. Wider widths go back to the early 1800s in many staples and utility cloths.
From: Susan K Bleimehl <bleimehl@>
If any of you will be in the Madison, Wisconsin area this summer, The Elvehjem Museum of Art has an exhibit of quilts called Quilts, Artistry in Pattern from the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection. It runs through August 15, 2004. You can read more about it and see the quilts online at http://www.lvm.wisc.edu/exhibitions.
I attended the June 6th gallery talk by Mary Ann Fitzgerald, curator of the Helen Louise Allen Textile Collection and exhibition curator and it was attended by 75-100 people. I was pleasantly surprised by this attendance on a nice June Sunday afternoon, especially since this was one of our first nice weekends after getting tons of rain in May. The quilts are a wonderful mix of styles and a joy to look at. Being able to see them in person is so much nicer than looking just at pictures.
There are two more events connected with this exhibit. On Thursday, July 15, 5:30 pm, Jennifer Chiaverini, author of the just-published The Master Quilter will be at a Meet the Author event.
On Sunday July 18, 2:00pm there will be a Gallery Talk by Professor Beverly Gordon, UW-Madison Department of Environment, Textiles, and Design titled Quilts: Windows into America. Quilts made at different times in history reflect their times–the technologies, social situations, beliefs and passions. In the gallery talk viewers will look at a selection of American quilts and what they have to “say” about their respective eras.
Check the website for further updates.
Susan Bleimehl Verona, WI
From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
is a wonderful weblog which every day presents a very short one paragraph summary of what happened that day on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In addition a second paragraph tells what else was happening in the world.
I just found it and have some catching up to do; but there is background information and the archives to read.
I am enjoying this and hope you do too.
J. G. Row a/k/a Judy Ringo judygrow@
