August 26 – 27, 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:
- Detective Work on Signature Quilts — Members trade research techniques for tracing the names and genealogy behind antique signature and friendship quilts.
- Finding an Uncoverings Article Index — A member asks for help locating an index to the Uncoverings research journal to find a specific article.
- Political and Patriotic Quilt History Books — Members recommend books on political and patriotic American quilts, including works with eagle motifs.
- Comparing US and International Quilt Shows — A member who traveled in England describes differences between US quilt shows and those she saw abroad.
From: Mary Anne Randall <sewmuch63@>
I read the story of the Friendship quilt that Christine wrote about. I was lucky enough to find a signature quilt dated 1844 and 1846 at an estate sale in Colorado. It was 7ft x 7ft and almost every blockhad a name on it. My son entered some of the names into a geneology website and within 2 seconds we had at least 13 names that matched those on the quilt. I had goose bumps!
The quilt was originally made in Bucks County, PA. But it was only because a modern day descendent (in West Virginia) went to all the work of entering the family geneology online that the quilt was finally able to return to it’s family of origin. She was able to identify just about all the names on the quilt and figure out how it probably went west. I didn’t have to do all the work that is described in the Friendship quilt story. I love the Internet!
Mary Anne
From: “Marcia Kaylakie” <marciark@>
I am enjoying all the talk about detective work on signature quilts. Soem quilts also get to go back home (for a visit). This weekend I am bringing a signature quilt made in 1931-35 back to its hometown where descendants of the original signers are coming to see the quilt and tell me stories about them. The quilt does not belong to me, however. The owner has been more than generous in allowing me to have the quilt for a month. We are video taping the interviews, and are taking a group photo with all of the descendants in front of the quilt. I know I am going to have a really fun, really emotional time for the next 3 days! Don’t forget cemetery records when you are researching. the ones I found even had obituaries attached to them! Now if I could only get a little farther along on a signature quilt form here in Austin, I ‘d be doing great! Marcia Kaylakie, Austin, TX
From: <gingram@>
I have searched high and low on three continents for copy of “Social Fabric: South Carolina’s Traditional Quilts”—to no avail.
If anyone has extra copy she wishes to sell or knows where I might obtain a copy of this book, please email me privately.
I’ve had an open search on Amazon, B&N, and several independent used book sellers for a year, and nothing has turned up.
Will happily follow any leads.
Thanks, Gail
From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
Untitled DocumentI thought many of you might be interested in seeing one of the finest collections of samplers-for-sale on-line. This is from Amy Finkel in Philadelphia.
>We have just updated our website (www.samplings.com) with 28 antique
schoolgirl samplers and we >hope you enjoy taking a look. From our home page click on “Current Selections” near the upper left >and once there please be sure to click your reload or refresh button.
>We are delighted to have been invited to participate in a selling exhibition “The Admirable Art of the >Needle: Samplers & Embroideries
1650-1850″ at the Cora Ginsburg gallery in New York City, >October 21-28. We will also be participating in the Historic Deerfield Antiques Show in Deerfield, >Massachusetts, October 9th and 10th and the Delaware Antiques Show benefiting Winterthur in >Wilmington, Delaware, November 12-14. Please visit our website for details.
>Amy Finkel >800-598-7432
From: “Pepper Cory” <pepcory@>
Hello QHL Friends, On Saturday November 20 and Sunday November 21,I’ll be presenting two
workshops and a lecture for the Quilter’s Guild of Brooklyn NY . Usually when I travel, I try to organize more than one venue. The week before
the Brooklyn event is open and I could come to NY earlier if another
group wanted a lecture or workshop. I know many of you are members of guilds. Can you give me any leads as to who to contact about this opportunity? I’ll do the legwork if you give me suggestions! I’ll be happy to email my teaching/class info on request. Many thanks for brainstorming! Pepper Cory
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2004 18:09:44 -0600 | From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>
The best of all summer vacations for me is the one just concluded; I went to England and spent 12 terrific days doing quilty/historic stuff every day! Some of you will know that I have a wonderful English friend who hosted me, made arrangements for us to visit behind-scenes locations, and drove me (on the wrong side of the road) all over the north of England. She shall remain anonymous, lest she be swamped with visiting Americans!
Mixed in with the quilts were visits to historic homes (the Maids and Mistresses exhibits at 7 historic homes detailed upstairs/downstairs differences, mostly through textiles); ruined abbeys (Henry VIII has a lot to answer for); reconstructed shops and streets showing ordinary lives; and industrial museum sites illustrating the textiles industry of the 19th century. In Leeds, once a booming woolen center, is the Leeds Industrial Museum on the site of Armley Mills. Here one could see carding and fulling machines, spinning mules, a jacquard loom operated first by punch cards that regulated which warp threads lifted for intricate patterns, and later an adjustable system of picks, run by something akin to a bicycle chain. And in a former banking center, Starbucks coffee is consumed under a Leeds city crest featuring a dead sheep!
But I digress: we saw quilts and historic chintzes in profusion, as well as other textiles. At the Beamish Outdoor Museum near Durham, “senior keeper� Rosy Allen provided a private showing of about 30 of the museum’s 300 quilts, layered on a bed in preparation for an upcoming quilt weekend. Because the museum’s charge is the preservation of north country traditions, most of the quilts were cotton sateen whole cloth, quilted in distinctive designs that allow specific identification of their geographic origins. There were several pieced and appliquéd quilts as well, confusing to the American eye because the prints and combinations did not fit into the American fabric continuum. However, a red, green and gold 4-block Coxcomb resonated; the maker was from Weardale, but her sister lived in the US and sent her patterns!
The Beamish has a wonderful new resource center; all of their quilts are catalogued and accessible both in binders and on computer, and they welcome researchers. Also in the area is the Shipley Art Gallery at Gateshead, currently showcasing two groupings of studio art quilts: one international and by invitation, and the other a solo exhibit by British artist Pauline Burbidge. And the kneelers in the magnificent Durham Cathedral are testimony to the talents and vitality of the Embroiderers’ Guild.
The highlight of the week was a visit to the archives of Stead McAlpin at the Cummersdale Print Works in Carlisle, repository of thousands of gouache and actual fabric designs for chintzes dating back to the 1790s. Archivist Dennis Irwin spent hours discussing the business of Bannister Hall Print Works, Stead McAlpin, and the fabrics the company currently prints on commission for the royal house and for the government. Dennis has been mounting the earliest fabrics on frames resembling poster frames, two-sided and archivally correct of course, which mount into wall tracking and can be viewed like pages in a book. There are hundreds of these, and they represent only a fraction of the archived designs. Want birds on chintz, or chinoiserie, or pillar prints? Dennis can go directly to the correct section of framed fragments. We tried not to drool over the sample books and glorious chintz examples, but it was difficult! Researchers are welcomed and their interest and support are needed to continue validating the archives.
At the end of the week was the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, one of the largest national quilt shows held in UK. Despite some confusing differences between US shows and this one, the venue was excellent, the quilts (about 1000) varied and often provocative, the vendors mostly new to me, and the meetings with friends previously only known as email correspondents through the British Quilt List and the British Quilt History List just a delightful experience. Sara Miller’s Amish crib quilts (the few she kept) were on special display, but sadly Sara was unable to attend; her lecture was most ably handled by Bettina Havig. So that is how I spent my summer vacation!
Xenia
From: “Karan Flanscha” <SadieRose@>
Gail, You might send an e-mail to Quilting Books Unlimited http://www.qbu.com/index.html to inquire about the South Carolina book. It doesn’t come up at their website, but I have found some books I was looking for at their booth at various quilt shows. Worth an e-mail anyway… Good luck!! Karan
From: Judy
Would someone on the list, kindly, tell me where to find patterns for 19th century child’s dresses? Thanks! Judy Roche Solebury, Pa
From: “Newbie Richardson” <pastcrafts@>
Judy,and List The most comprehensive source for period patterns is at www.5rivers.org She is Canadian and reps just about evey historic pattern co. out there – with very good commentary on the accuracy of each company. Also, Amazon Dry Goods is a wonderful resource for repro “stuff” everything from patterns to shoes, etc. They supply the movie industry as well as the re-enactment crowd. Their website is merely a print ad on line. You have to get the catalog(s) They are well worth the few dollars they charge. Amazon Dry Goods and Pickling Works 411 Brady Street Davenport, Iowa 52801 563-322-6800/800-798-7979 (only to order a catalogue) Questions: call 563-322-4138 Caution: their business style is exeedingly ideosyncratic – but they do know their stuff and have been in the business for 22 years. Also, try Past Patterns – www.pastpatterns.com – But I think that 5rivers carries her, too. Newbie
From: “Newbie Richardson” <pastcrafts@>
For those of you contemplating a trip down to the Sully, VA quilt show on September 12th, there is an extra special added attraction this year. My great friend and costume expert/collector, Mary Doering, is putting on a small costume and textile exhibit in the house to coincide with the quilt show. It is tentatively entitled “Patterns of History” and features 6 costumed figures, and exhibit case of fabric samples, plus 3 mounted panels of fabric. The point is to underline the cross over of the use of printed textiles in both historic clothing and quilts. Mary is on the faculty of the Smithsonian Masters Program in Decorative Arts. She teaches costume.
I am happy to offer a place to stay for some QHL’ers needing a bed. I can offer one bed, one mattress on the floor, and one (very comfortable) couch for both Saturday night and/or Sunday night. ( I have two very pampered cats and a German Shepherd in case there are any allergies) I live in Alexandria, VA – about a 45 minute drive from Sully Plantation. I will be going out to the show, if anyone is taking the train down and needs a ride. My house is very close to both the Alexandria Amtrak station and the Washington DC metro ( King Street). The metro has a stop at Union Station DC as well. If you are interested please email or call me privately Best Newbie Richardson 703-684-0863
From: MargaretFahey@
Hello there Pepper Cory
Perhaps I can direct you to a possible useful source for more venues.
The Quilters Consortium of New York State has recently
established an online network of Program chairs in guilds across the state. I think there are closing on 40 clubs. Her name and address is Susan Toukatly contact through toukatly@
Also shops sponsor teachers try quiltsmaterialrewards.com shop is Material Rewards in Dansville NY
Schweinfurth Art Museum is holding its annual quilt exhibit from Nov to Jan and may be interested.
My club, Genesee Valley Quilt Club, oldest in the country, will be having a bit of a doings on our 70th in 2006 and I would hope we will be bringing in some terrific speakers/teachers for a week long event. Up for considering that? So, do, please send your info to our incoming program Chair, Pat Pauly, who is also Director of the Quilt Collection at Genesee Country Museum in Mumford NY try ty610@
More will probably occur to me soon. Our club is now booking for 2006-2007 Margaret
From: Laura Robins-Morris <lrobins@>
Xenia, What ARE the differences between US shows and that one (and other international shows perhaps)?? I’d love to here more about the nuts and bolts of shows in other countries. Your trip sounded wonderful. Thanks for the travelogue. Laura in Seattle
—
I’m with Laura. Details, o wise one!
Karen Evans
From: quilt2music@
I inspected a woven coverlet in dark blue and ecrue/light tan/ off-white(?) at the local historic museum here on the island yesterday. I know next to nothing about this particular kind of textile other than it looks to be what is commonly called a Jacquard wovenn coverlet. It is signed and dated as follows and has a lion in two cornes and a “floral-like floor tile” design:
Rosannah King Sci Pio 1834 Cayuga Co St of New York
The museum is about to put it on display and is asking me for some info for the signage, brief but informative. I don’t have all my books unpacked yet and can’t lay my hands on something about this form of weaving. What do you suggest they say in addition to what I have noted above?
Karen Alexander in the sunny but cool San Juans Islands
From: “Candace Perry” <candace@>
I’ll check the latest coverlet book and get back to you this afternoon. Also, Rabbit Goody in NY State knows EVERYTHING about NY weaving…and weaving in general! Candace Perry
From: Chris Flynn <lovechris@>
Hello…. I’m going to be in Williasburg during September. Any recommendations, quilt shows, exhibits, etc?
Thanks so much, Chris, Boulder Creek, CA
From: “Candace Perry” <candace@>
http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/research_collections/collections/history/general/h iscollect.html
Coverlet. Blue and white in stylized snowflake pattern with geometric and floral motifs in the center field, this coverlet is believed to have been made in 1836 by weaver John Conger, working in the town of Scipio, Cayuga County. The name woven in the corners indicates it was made for the Tillotsons, a prominent family in Cayuga and adjacent Tompkins counties. [Scipio is the name of the town; at first I thought it was the name of the weaver, like Scipio Africanus!]
Candace’s note: American Coverlets and their Weavers (Clarita S. Anderson) does not list Conger as working in Scipio, and also states that he included his initials in the corner blocks, which this does not have, from what you mention. These coverlets seem to be grouped under the heading “Lions & Roses.” There’s also the “Big Lion” group…which has a big lion in the corner. Go figure. New Yorkers seemed to like lions in their coverlets…unlike we boring Pennsylvanians. Rabbit’s website:http://www.rabbitgoody.com/ if you want the best info…you can contact her through that.
http://64.233.161.104/search?qcache:Dy1sHwswt_UJ:freepages.genealogy.rootsw eb.com/~springport/1838text.html+scipio+coverlet&hlen Scipio, originally organized as part of Ontario County, by general Sessions pursuant to Act, jan. 27th, 1789; since modified; W. from Albany 180, miles; surface gently undulating; soil clay loam and calcareous alluvion, resting on slate, very fertile, and highly cultivated; drained S. by Salmon creek: The Owasco lake forms the whole of the E. Boundary. Scipio, North Scipio, Scipioville, and Sherwood’s Corners, are post villages.
Scipio , 10 miles S. of Auburn, has 1 Baptist churh, 1 tavern, 1 store, and several dwellings — Sherwood Corners has a tavern and 2 stores, and some 12 or 15 dwellings — Scipioville, a Baptist church, tavern, 2 stores, and about a dozen dwellings. — North Scipio, one store, and a few houses. There are a settlement and post office called the Square.
From: “weemsjm” <weemsjm@>
Question to the experts.
I was adding a couple of silica gel packs ( the ones that you get in
shoe boxes and many other new items ) to the case where I keep my deer rifle. It is stored right next to my quilts in a closet. I started thinking of adding a packet or two to each pillow case housing a quilt to help in the fight against moisture. What do you all think of this idea. The oldest fabric in any of my quilts is no older than around the 1880’s.
Thanks for any in put.
Jeff In ragweed pollen central.
From: Jackie Joy <joysbees@>
Jeff,
Although we have little problem with humidity, my husband has bought little cannisters of some dehydrating stuff and keeps one open in his gun vault. When it has taken in all the moisture it can, he heats the cannister up in the oven; it dries out and is then ready to be used again.
Jackie Joy Reno, NV in the high desert where the blooming rabbit brush (chamisa) has pretty much the same effect as ragweed.
“I was adding a couple of silica gel packs ( the ones that you get in shoe boxes and many other new items ) to the case where I keep my deer rifle.. . . I started thinking of adding a packet or two to each pillow case housing a quilt to help in the fight against moisture.”
From: Judy Kelius <quilts@>
“All Flags Flying: American Patriotic Quilts as Expressions of Liberty” by Robert Bishop may be the one you are thinking of. It is out of print but readily available and cheap! Check on Amazon.
“Threads of history: Americana recorded on cloth 1775 to the present” by Collins is about patriotic and political textiles in general but is very pricey, several hundred dollars. –
From: “Chris and Carol Gebel”
In addition to All Flags Flying, which has some historical quilts and the winning quilts from the 1986 Statue of Liberty Quilt contest, I suggest:
The Power of Cloth: Political Quilts 1845-1986 by Jane Benson and Nancy Olsen (exhibit catalog of 1987 exhibit at Euphrat Gallery, De Anza College, Cupertino, CA) and
The Political and Campaign Quilt, quilt commentaries by Katy Christopherson, an exhibit catalog published by Kentucky Heritage Quilt Society and The Kentucky Historical Society, 1984 and
The Fabric of Persusasion: two hundred years of politcal quilts by Julie Powell published by the Brandywine River Museum, Chadds Ford, PA — another exhibit catalog for a 2000 show.
I had a real thrill when I went to the opening of the annual antique quilt show at the Folsom History Museum earlier this month! One of the quilts had centennial fabric in it with the dates 1776-1876, just like I had seen in books but here it was in a really great quilt – the one I would choose to take home if I could! By the way, I have 4 quilts from my collection in the show.
If you are in northern California, you need to see this show! It is open everyday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. through September 30 (I’m not sure about Labor Day – call 916-985-2707) at Folsom History Museum, 823 Sutter Street, Folsom. This is in old town Folsom, a Gold Rush community. If you go, ask if Lenore Dean is there. She is a Folsom Historical Society member, who is very interested in quilts, and until recently in charge of the show. She is 90 years old and a wonderful energetic interesting lady! I always get a hug went I meet her.
From: Kathie Holland <kathieholland@>
for the past month or so I have been collecting all the Uncoverings from American Quilt Study Group. The only one I am missing now is 1987 if anyone has a second copy or a copy they would be willing to sell please contact me! Thanks, Kathie in NJ Kathieholland@
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2004 10:27:24 EDT | From: RBCochran@
Teri– You might also want to check out The Fabric Of Persuasion: Two Hundred Years of Political Quilts by G. Julie Powell. It was the catalogue for a show at the Brandywine River Museum in 2000. –Rachel
In a message dated 8/28/2004 12:15:52 AM Eastern Daylight Time, qhl@ writes:
> Subject: book on political quilts > From: Teri Klassen <teresak@> > Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2004 17:54:02 -0500 (EST) > X-Message-Number: 12 > > I know there was a book published on the topic of political and > patriotic quilts, some with eagles and so on, I think mostly from the 19th > century. please can someone tell me the name, and if it is still in print? > Many thanks. Teri > >
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2004 08:36:32 -0700 | From: “Sally A . Ambrose” <sally@>
Hi all, I have not posted on this list for several years, but I lurk like crazy.
I received a notice from a book search service (Alpine’s Global Depart. Store) about the Collins book. It is a catalog of an exhibit that he curated in 1979. The price in US Dollars–$646.50. After receiving this message (Aug.23, 2004) I logged to abebooks and this company did not list it. I did not take my search further as I knew IF there was one available in decent condition, it would be beyond my budget.
Karen Alexander– I have several books on coverlets and might be able to help you. Rabbit is the acknowledgeed expert for the tough questions.
Sally Ambrose
Date: Sat, 28 Aug 2004 10:28:09 -0700 | From: “Maureen” <maureen@>
http://dogbert.abebooks.com/servlet/SearchResults?bxoff&stst&ds30&bi0&an bishop&tnall+flags+flying&sortby2
Hi everyone,
There was a time when used copies of Bishop’s All Flags Flying was selling for about $100, but that seemed to bring copies out of the closet. www.abe.com shows 25 copies starting at $8. Amazon or Half may have them for less.
Best regards,
Maureen. In Ashland, Oregon
Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2004 17:54:02 -0500 (EST) | From: Teri Klassen <teresak@>
I know there was a book published on the topic of political and patriotic quilts, some with eagles and so on, I think mostly from the 19th century. please can someone tell me the name, and if it is still in print? Many thanks. Teri
Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2004 19:17:00 -0400 | From: Judy Kelius <quilts@>
At 06:54 PM 8/27/2004, you wrote: >I know there was a book published on the topic of political and >patriotic quilts, some with eagles and so on, I think mostly from the >19th century. please can someone tell me the name, and if it is still >in print? Many thanks. Teri
“All Flags Flying: American Patriotic Quilts as Expressions of Liberty” by Robert Bishop may be the one you are thinking of. It is out of print but readily available and cheap! Check on Amazon.
“Threads of history: Americana recorded on cloth 1775 to the present” by Collins is about patriotic and political textiles in general but is very pricey, several hundred dollars. –_1430796.ALT–
From: “Maureen” <maureen@>
Turned up this interesting thing on www.abe.com; wish I owned it or could at least look at it! Any one know anything about Prudence Penny or the contest?
Maureen in Ashland, Oregon **************************
OLD-TIME QUILT A Collection of Old-Time Quilt Patterns Chosen from Entries in the Post-Intelligencer Quilt Contest Which Were Hung in the Post-Intelligencer Quilt Show January, 1927 Penny, Prudence
Price: US$ 179.50 [Convert Currency] Shipping: [Rates and Speeds]
Book Description: Seattle: Post-Intelligencer, 1927. 8vo, rebacked original pictorial boards. 48-pages. Illustrated throughout including full-page. Original quite large folded pattern in pocket at back as issued – this pattern was printed on thin delicate paper and has fold and margin tears and is variously separating in places. This is an ex-library copy with the card pocket at the back and all the usual library stampings and indicators
and with the library withdrawn stamp. Couple pages at back have edge wear
but not affecting the text. Covers with shelf wear. A rare and somewhat early book on the subject. Terms – payment by check or money order please. Bookseller Inventory #A703
Bookseller: Robert Fiene (Elmhurst, IL, U.S.A.)
From: “Kathy Moore” <KathyMooreneb.@>
Regarding the request for book titles about political quilts: I am presently researching this topic for an upcoming exhibition in Lincoln, Nebraska. You can still get a copy of The Fabric of Persuasion: Two Hundred Years of Political Quilts by G. Julie Powell. To do so contact the Brandywine River Museum, Chadds Ford, PA.
I’d love to hear of any other sources you come up with.
Kathy Moore ——_NextPart_000_000F_01C48D22.D0F8FE80–
From: “BOBBIE A AUG” <qwltpro@>
I purchase cargo paks from Jake’s Distributing, along with their humidity guides. I buy the size for 30 cubic feet. Don’t really need this in Colorado, but I love tools, and this sort of comes under that
heading!
Bobbie
