January 20 – 29, 2005
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:
- Should Museums Accept “Permanent Loans”? — Museum professionals explain why open-ended loans create long-term legal and stewardship headaches for small institutions. (see the article on quilt museums)
- The $85,000 Maine Wool Quilt — Members discuss a wool quilt’s high-dollar auction sale and its unusual folk-art status.
- Raw Edge vs. Soft Edge Appliqué — A durability question about unfinished raw-edge appliqué launches a technique comparison with soft-edge methods.
- Dating Kimono-Pattern and Double Wedding Ring Kits — Members try to pin down when kimono-design quilts first appeared and hunt for 1920s-40s double wedding ring kit quilts. (see the article on dating quilts)
- A Book About Feedsacks? — A member asks whether a dedicated book on feedsack fabrics exists. (see the article on the feedsack story)
From: “Andi Reynolds”
Those interested in state bird quilts can see an example in the February 2005 issue of The Smithsonian, on page 81. Deducing from the article, the photo was taken in June of 1940 and the quilt was made in Pie Town, New Mexico. The maker is identified as Mrs. Bill Stagg.
Andi in Keota, Iowa
From: Judy Schwender
“museum quality to me means it has an excellent provenance.”
Museum quality includes considerations of provenance. Other factors are equally important. These include condition, whether an artifact is representative of its type, or whether an artifact is unique or rare. Condition is very important since museums nowadays are provided less staff and funds to care for collections . Artifacts in excellent condition today are more likely to be around for the museum visitor of the future to enjoy. In many instances, detailed and in-depth provenance is the icing on the cake. It is a dilemma museums face all the time.
Museums provide cultural context and continuity, and many of the artifacts in service to these tasks are mute on who owned them, yet they are eloquent in what they can tell us.
One consideration with Log Cabin quilts is that there are LOTS of them out there. Search the International Quilt Study Center’s online database )http://www.quiltstudy.org/search/index.html) and you get 113 Log Cabins (out of 1,650+ quilts.) Considering this, yes, detailed and in-depth provenance would add to a LC quilt’s desireablity. Unfortunately, most LC quilts are not signed or dated. So do we just chuck all those out of the museums?
The ebay seller appears to be playing the hype game very well. It all goes back to caveat emptor, caveat emptor, caveat emptor!
Judy Schwender
Curator of Collections/Registrar
Museum of the American Quilter’s Society
From: “Candace Perry”
Judy, I’m curator of a small historical museum that has a very specific focus, so our case, provenance is very important, with condition for exhibition a top priority also. We do not maintain research collections, as we don’t have the space at this time. No, I was not implying that we should remove these quilts from collections; in my case, though, I would not even acquire it if it did not have appropriate documentation. Perhaps I should have clarified that in my previous email. Sorry for the misunderstanding, Candace Perry Curator of Collections Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center Pennsburg PA www.schwenkfelder.com
From: Judy Schwender
Museum discussions are all to the good. It is important for the public to know what we do and how we do it. After all, it’s THEIR heritage and culture we are preserving. Each museum has a mission, and the scope of their collections must serve that mission. That’s why MAQS does not acquire antique quilts: the mission is to honor today’s quilter, and the collection serves to document the quiltmaking revival from 1980 on.
During the 1970s, people started collecting quilts (think Holstein and Van der Hoof) and what they collected did not always come with a pedigree, or that wasn’t important to them at the time or has been lost. Those collectors are now more sophisticated. They also are reaching retirement age, downsizing, thinking about who will get their beloved quilts when they are gone. I see it a lot here at MAQS: “My kids don’t want this quilt so I want to give it to the museum.” And the quilt in question does not serve our mission. So we, as museum professionals, must educate the public about what we do and how we do it, so the cultural heritage is passed on in a safe and purposeful manner.
And I wasn’t aware of the parameters of your museum, so now I am educated about it. And that is a very good thing! Thank you!
Judy Schwender
Leigh Fellner has uncovered some fascinating information which she discusses in a lengthy article published today on her website. The two topics covered are the “Bedd Rugg” and the “Seat of Authority”, both with supposed links to the Underground Railroad. The ladderback chair with various “enstoolments”, which is the topic of a two page ad in The Magazine Antiques, January 2005, and which Leigh has researched at length, can also be seen online at the website: timothysmithandsons.com
All who have been following the Underground Railroad/quilts saga will not want to miss Leigh’s research findings, and new information..
http://hartcottagequilts.com/railroad3.htm#selling
Submitted for those who care….
Pat Cummings
From: “Suzanne Cawley”
Hi All!
Here’s something that is not about quilts…..but about other things that many of us would find interesting:
The Heritage Center of Lancaster County is presenting a one-day symposium on “Arts of the Pennsylvania Germans” on Saturday, May 21, 2005. This program includes five speakers and lunch for the modest cost of $50. The topics include “Amish Arts” by Peter Seibert, President of the Heritage Center, “Fraktur and Textile Traditions of the Schwenkfelders” by our own Candace Perry, “Mennonite Arts” by Clarke Hess, author of the same Schiffer book, “Plain Clothing: Uniformity and Diversity” by Stephen Scott, Assistant to the Director of The Young Center for Anabaptist and Pietist Studies, Elizabethtown College, and “Ornamental Branches: Moravian School Girl Arts” by our own Trish Herr.
You can sign up by phone (with credit card) at 717-299-6440. For more info, visit the website:
http://www.culturalhistorymuseum.com/events/default.asp#14May2005
I’m not sure how many participants can be accomodated, but I would encourage you to sign up now if you are interested! I just received their catalog today and already two people are signed up (Cinda and myself, ha!).
Suzanne Cawley In wild, wonderful Keyser, WV
Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 | From: KareQuilt@
<img align=”left” alt=”sampler.jpg (43232 bytes)” border=”2″ height=”100″ src=”images/sampler_small.jpg” width=”100″/>#3777904109 “VERY RARE PA Amish Feathered Star SAMPLER QUILT” (click on the thumbnail to see it up close)
Another gorgeous quilt on eBay and the price is already at $1,800. (No affiliation.) Haven’t asked about the provenance.
Karen Alexander
From: “Marcia Kaylakie”
I would like to make a comment that might clear up some of the misunderstanding about emails to sellers and so forth. I had a communication problem with an eBay seller and attempted to communicate with her through the Ebay email contact point. She said that I never emailed her but I had the proof that I had indeed emailed her several times. She also stated that she had attempted to contact me several times but I never received her emails. I have often wondered if there is a problem with Ebay email contact site! It seemed that we never received each other’s emails at all. Could this have been the case here? Marcia
Date: Sat, | From: Judy Kelius <quilts@>
It is NEW . . . says so right in the description. Wasn’t this a pattern published by Quilter’s Newsletter some years ago, a Feathered Star sampler? Maybe it was designed by Marsha McCloskey. I had a copy once but probably sold it <GR>!
From: Judy Kelius <quilts@>
The problem is more likely with spam filters that many internet service providers are using. Some of them can be very aggressive. I also have problems responding to some of these questions to sellers unless I do it through eBay.
Just a note about these questions . . . be very careful when you ask questions of sellers on eBay if you have any suspicions that the listing might be a fraud. When the “seller” gets your question, he/she then has your email address and you might begin receiving “phish” emails trying to get your account information on eBay or Paypal. I’ve been on a personal crusade to shut down the crooks that try to sell non-existent Bernina 200e’s on eBay and out of curiosity I asked a question to one of them (the response was an attempt to get me to “buy it now” for $2500 with a Western Union transfer). Now I am getting daily emails trying to get my account information – I will probably change the email address I use on eBay as a result. Fraud is at an all-time high on eBay! Most of it comes from countries other than the US and is very difficult to control.
Date: Sat, 29 Jan | From: “Busy Thimble”
The Paul Family quilt sold at auction in Maine for $85,000 plus 20%. See photos here www.juliaauctions.com Also was a live eBay auction # 6506326978
Cyndi in Maine
From: Barbara Burnham
Because I work with large computer networks, I know how VERY many things can go wrong, (or not go at all). If you can’t reach someone, and you are really that interested, or have a deal, try again. If you still can’t make contact, ebay provides additional means. Never assume anyone is ignoring you. And with email, there is a human factor, like typos, not clicking through to the end of the process, lost connections … I could go on and on. Barbara Burnham Ellicott City, MD
I never received her emails. I have often wondered if there is a problem with Ebay email contact site! It seemed that we never received each other’s emails at all. Could this have been the case here? Marcia
From: “Candace Perry” <candace@>
Thanks for posting! And oh my, I did not realize I was going to be among such august company… Another plug for the Heritage Center — I love their programs and have attended several. They are always high quality (here’s hoping I do not diminish that!) Lunch is always yummy too, with adequate time to visit the Heritage Ctr, the new quilt museum and their SUPERB gift shop. I can’t say enough about them…I’m a big cheerleader… Candace Perry —–Original Message—– From: Suzanne Cawley Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 7:15 PM To: Quilt History List Cc: Fran Fitz-Kennedy; Phyllis Twigg; Peggy Armstrong; Barb Garrett; Hazel Carter Subject: [qhl] Heritage Center Event
From: “gb-best”
Hi Judy,
In response to your post. I too have had the same problem.
There are individuals out there that try to scam ebayers by sending second chance offers on items that they don’t own or have sold. The list should be aware of this situation since many buy quilts on Ebay.
Many scan through the listings of the popular sellers and contact the underbidders in an attempt to get them to pay them money for quilts that they don’t own. Several of my customers have sent me their emails and I have reposted them to Ebay. Hopefully, this will end.
In response to emails. Not every email is received. I know that sometimes when I try to contact a buyer they don’t receive the email or it gets put into a spam file with aol and they don’t see it for a longtime.
From: Gail Ingram
I am a member who is in good standing (well, I paid the list fees, anyway) of QHL and have been trying unsuccessfully to access archives. When I contacted others like myself, I discovered they too had this problem.
If anyone has the password that works, I would appreciate her or his emailing it to me privately, providing this is an acceptable policy for the list.
While I’m writing, may I make a couple of observations?
First, it strikes me as general wisdom if we contact one another privately if we have a question about a specific seller of quilts, eBay or other. Or perhaps ask Kris to put us in touch with members who might be able and willing to comment. That would save hurt feelings and mistaking a single instance for a pattern.
Second, I have only positive things to say about the seller “gb best.” Not only has she been exceptionally prompt in answering my questions, but when I’ve asked evaluative questions, if she’s erred, it has been to her own disadvantage: the items I’ve purchased have generally been better than described. Moreover, the photographs on her page are particularly clear and always include photographs of any flaws.
One can always go to the Feedback section on eBay to get the opinions of past customers for any seller. Of course, we must read carefully for what is NOT said as well as what is said, but that is true of any recommendation. And I’ve always used the eBay email route.
Thanks, Gail
From: “gb-best”
<img align=”left” alt=”ulu.jpg (61392 bytes)” border=”2″ height=”43″ src=”images/ulu_small.jpg” width=”100″/>Wow, has anyone seen this beauty!
I love it! (click on the thumbnail)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem2001&item=3954193180
The best!
From: Kris Driessen
To remind you of the rules – the Golden Rule, to be specific. I’ve been trying to handle this little brouhaha off list, but it doesn’t seem to be working.
Please, give your fellow QHL’ers the benefit of the doubt. For example, “oldquilt” and “oldquilts” are two entirely different sellers on Ebay. It is folly to assume they are the same person. If one or the other doesn’t answer their E-mail, there could be any number of reasons. Frankly, I don’t know “oldquilts” well, but I have found “oldquilt” to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, reverent and always prepared. (Either that or it’s the other way around, I get them confused sometimes.)
As far as the password goes, it is restricted to paid members. If the one I gave you doesn’t work, somebody else’s probably won’t either, so you need to E-mail me. Not the list. Do not hit reply! Cut and paste my address into the “to” section of your mail client.
We now return you to your regular programming.
Kris
From: “gb-best”
Does anyone know if there is a book about feedsacks?
I was just wondering. I have a customer that is looking for one.
The best!
From: “J. G. Row” <judygrow@>
Isn’t that feathered star quilt the same quilt that is on the cover quilt in a book called “Feathered Star Quilts” by Marsha McClosky, published in the 1980’s?
Hers are in red on white, this one is blue on white.
Judy, aka the Ringoes Kid judygrow@
Date: Sun, 30 Jan 2005 00:53:19 -0500 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
Whoops, Judy Kelius. I didn’t read your post , before I posted my reply. Great minds think alike!
Judy, aka the Ringoes Kid judygrow@
From: Annette Gero <a.gero@>
a live eBay auction # 6506326978 Subject: Amazing wool quilt From: “Busy Thimble” <bsythmblctel.net> Date: Sat, 29 Jan 2005 09:20:39 -0500 X-Message-Number: 9
Thanks so much,,I went to the web site but how do I find the sale prices..I could only still find the estimates
Thanks for your help
Annette In Australia
The Paul Family quilt sold at auction in Maine for $85,000 plus 20%. See photos here www.juliaauctions.com Also was a live eBay auction # 6506326978
From: DDBSTUFF@
In a message dated 1/30/2005 12:08:47 AM Eastern Standard Time, qhl@ writes: vitale@
No, you won’t find any email from me unless you go back several months.
I wrote you several times about a couple of quilts and got no response. I finally gave up and now I don’t bother to even check your quilts.
Perhaps you were out of town but I was very interested in bidding and got frustrated and gave up.
Others have told me they don’t get responses from you as well.
No big thing…
Darwin
From: “Lynne Z. Bassett”
> The Paul Family quilt sold at auction in Maine for $85,000 plus 20%. See > photos here www.juliaauctions.com > > Cyndi in Maine
Now the question is, who bought it? I do so hope that it went to an institution where I can go visit it!
Best, Lynne
From: “Karen Evans”
That would be lovely – I hope it’s not in a private collection. Something like that deserves to be accessible to the public.
And in other news, I just finished my grant proposal for the AQSG and sent it off….*nervous grin*
Karen Evans
From: “Teddy Pruett”
Thought you might be interested to know how many times people bring antique quilts for me to appraise because they want to donate them to MAQS. Most people are stunned to learn the collection is for new quilts, and more specifically prize winners from the AQS shows. I usually suggest they contact museums in the area of the quilts origin. I dont think any of them have ever actually donated the quilts, as I explain to them the need for an IRS donation appraisal, but they never actually have me write one. Only once. Teddy Pruett
From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>
Also, with the advice of their appraiser as to the ‘worthiness’ of the quilt, and with good provenance to go with it, those who want to donate antique quilts might consider the International Quilt Study Center in Lincoln, NE. It may be the country’s largest repository for quilts, both antique and contemporary art quilts, as well as specialized collections (the Sara Miller Amish Crib Quilt collection and the Robert Cargo collection of quilts from the same area as Gee’s Bend, for example). Go to: http://www.quiltstudy.org
And if you haven’t already explored it, IQSC has a searchable database of antique quilts in the collection.
Xenia
From: munsey@
> Follow the link below to see the feature article in today’s (Sunday, Jan. > 30, 2005) Cape Cod Times. It was in the local news (Cape and Islands) > section, with a headline “Secret Stitches”. > > http://www.capecodonline.com/cctimes/secretstitches30.htm > > Sandra on Cape Cod
An article in yesterday’s Springfield (Mass.) Republican was all about the winner of the Springfield, Mass. middle school history contest, who did her project on the quilt codes of the Underground Railroad. There was absolutely no questioning of the code’s historical truth. ARGH!
Lynne
From: “J. G. Row”
All those people wanting to donate whatever tangible item to their local museum or historical society should be counseled to accompany it with a monetary donation to help care for it in storage or whatever.
Judy, aka the Ringoes Kid judygrow@
From: Patricia L Cummings
I just love the idea of books or quilts being on “permanent loan”. As someone said, the institution would be required to contact you, should they decide to de-acquisition.
Pat Cummings
From: “Karen Evans”
I know we don’t normally post our own work here, and I apologize in advance if I’m out of line…but pictures of my 17th century style silk quilt are now on line, and I thought the list might want some idea of what I do since medieval and Renaissance quilting is so far out of the mainstream.
Note: I’m listed under my re-enactment name, Sarah Davies, as the site is primarily re-eanctor oriented. But it’s very definitely me.
http://www.artisans-showcase.org/east/items/i_h_000065/index.html
Hope people like it!
Karen Evans Easthampton, MA ——=_NextPart_000_0005_01C506EB.7E510F90–
Dear Karen, Thank you so much for your post. I spent a wonderful few hours looking at all your items and those in the master index by other individuals too. What wonderful work.
Thank you again, Julia Zglilniec
I have no idea if you are out of line with regards to qhl policy, but I must say I found your work stunningly beautiful and I appreciated seeing it! Gorgeous work.
Tom.
http://www.artisans-showcase.org/east/items/i_h_000065/index.html
Hi Karen, If you’re looking for accolades, you’ve got them. Wow, that is a magnificent piece of art. How big is the quilt, and how long did it take you to do the top? What kind of thread did you use, and how did you get the pattern on the top? However it was done, the results are fabulous. Are you keeping it for your own use? Certainly it’ll go in a juried show or two, right? It was a pleasure looking at the photos. You must be so proud. Carol Grace
From: “Karen Erlandson”
Hi all, This is a “new quilt” question, but I think this is the group to pose it to – my answer concerns the future health of the quilt: I am doing a project that I have determined will be best served by raw edge appliqué. I do not use fusibles, basting spray, etc. Considering that this quilt will receive normal wear and some washing – do we have any idea how the raw edge appliqué can be expected to hold up?
Karen in Texas
Hi Karen, I find the historical banter fascinating, but I am a “NEW” quilter. The PC term for “raw edge” applique is now “soft edge” LOL The best way without fusibles is to machine or hand stitch near the edge and then incorporate quiting that will tame the soft edges over time. Use a fair share of spray sizing. But once it frays a bit around the edge, that should be all the worse for wear, provided you have done enough quilting and overstitching. My preference for masses of “quick” applique is the invisible machine method that Harriet Hargraves made popular.
Finally glad to contribute! Caron Carlson http://community.webshots.com/user/ccarlson518 www.windows-essentials.comd
From: Dana Balsamo
Hi Karen, I made a quilt for my daughter with some raw edge applique…I machine appliqued with a buttonhole stitch…the quilt has only been washed twice, but has held up. If I had to do it again, I probably would have done a satin stitch with my machine instead…better coverage of the edges. Best of luck with it! Hugs, Dana
Karen Erlandson <quiltercooke.net> wrote: Hi all, This is a “new quilt” question, but I think this is the group to pose it to – my answer concerns the future health of the quilt: I am doing a project that I have determined will be best served by raw edge appliqué. I do not use fusibles, basting spray, etc. Considering that this quilt will receive normal wear and some washing – do we have any idea how the raw edge appliqué can be expected to hold up?
Karen in Texas
From: “Karen Evans”
I am waiting for the slides to go back, and would love some advice as to which show to enter; I’ve only entered local shows so far.
The quilt itself is about 44 x 44, took three months, and uses silk 30/2 thread dyed to match the top. I first drew the pattern on white paper with black felt tip marker and then traced it onto the silk with pencil.
In the 17th century the design would have been marked with either dilute ink or something like soapstone. I didn’t trust my hands to be steady enough so I used lead pencil, which has the advantage of being chemically inert and washing out after the design was stitched.
As for what I’m doing with it (besides using it as a teaching tool in my medieval and Renaissance quilting classes), first it’s going in Hands Across the Valley, then in some juried show (any advice on which one would be greatly appreciated), then in the Big E. Eventually I’m hoping to use it in a book I’m writing on medieval and Renaissance quilting.
*whew* Glad you like it! I keep it on my wall to avoid the bulimic felines I laughingly call my pets….
Karen Evans
From: Joan Kiplinger
Karen — it is a stunning quilt and thank you for sharing it. You have every right to be proud of it. All good luck in any shows it is entered.
Karen Evans wrote:
>I am waiting for the slides to go back, and would love some advice as to >which show to enter; I’ve only entered local shows so far. > > > > >
From: “Debby Rake”
Hi–I’m sorry to bother everybody but my Email crashed and I had to get a new address. Does anyone know how to get in touch with the Iowa Illinois Quilt Study Group? I think they are having a meeting soon. Thanks so much. Deb Rake
From: “Karen Musgrave
Karen,
I have several raw edge applique quilts that have been washed many, many times and are holding up very well.
Karen in Illinois
From: “Rosie Werner”
Darlene Zimmerman has done a new 20 page booklet for Connecting Threads called FEEDSACK FACTS & FUN. It has some info on sacks, companies and advertising for their use. Not a big enough booklet to show many samples. Also has a couple projects to do. Merikay Waldvogel has a chapter on feedsacks in her SOFT COVERS FOR HARD TIMES book. Hope this helps. Rosie Werner ——=_NextPart_000_0040_01C50706.C0674A00–
Hi Karen, Sorry I can’t be of more help, but I think the gals on this list will be able to help you out. Thanks for the info. I can’t believe how quickly you got this done. Take care. Carol Grace
From: Patricia L Cummings
http://www.artisans-showcase.org/east/items/i_h_000065/index.html
Dear Karen:
I’m not sure which I enjoyed doing more: seeing the actual quilt or reading about all of its symbolism and background. If the quilt remains near your written description of it in years to come, there will be no mistakes about why you made the quilt, what your choices were, and how they changed over time (such as the dye accident), and how you decided to engage in the actual process of hand quilting the crib quilt (choices of design, use of a frame, choice of backing, and the decision to use a running stitch).
Nice work! So this weekend, we have learned that you have applied for a study grant to go to Europe, you hope to present a paper for AQSG, you have finished this stunning quilt, you will be entering some quilt shows, you are a Renaissance re-enactor who dyes her own fabric, you have studied books on the Renaissance, and you are writing a book, as well as teaching classes in Renaissance techniques. I’d say that you’ve been a busy person!
Congratulations on all of your success so far! We will be waiting to hear when the book is published! Please reserve an autographed copy for me.
Pat Cummings www.quiltersmuse.com
From: “Karen Evans
*blush* I’ll do that…I have all the notes together and just need to sit down and write the blasted thing. But it’ll get done. I’ve been waiting since 1990 for someone to write the book on medieval quilting, and guess what? Looks like it’s me….:)
Karen (still blushing* —–
