September 6 - 11, 2005 - QuiltHistory

Oral History & Documentation, Quilt Block History, Restoration & Conservation

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:

Katrina: Louisiana, the Corps of Engineers, and List Civility — Gail Ingram’s widely discussed essay on the flood response draws strong reactions and calls for moderation on the list.
Advice for Rescuing Flood-Damaged Quilts — Conservators share resources for treating quilts soaked in the Katrina floodwaters.
Favorite Old Quilt Block Patterns — Marcia Kaylakie’s simple survey question sparks a lively, wide-ranging thread on members’ favorite traditional blocks.
Shipping and Museum Logistics — Members trade tips on international shipping costs for CD catalogs and museum donations. (see the article on quilt museums)

Date: Tue, 06 Sep 2005 11:54:49 -0400 | From: joan kiplinger <jkip@>

Judy and all — here is a first-hand account from my friend of 25 years who has lived in NO for past 8 years and has been wanting to move back to her native GA. She left day before hurricane, was stuck in MS for a week and finally arrived in GA yesterday totally exhausted, and emailed last night to let me know she was okay with relatives and more family there. This is a follow-up account I got this morning.

still in state of shock, it’s really as bad & worse than what you see on t.v. nverthought I would be starting over at this age, i wanted to move to Ga. but for damn sure not this way, my building was taken over by gangs & looted of course, don’t know what all they could carry down 5 flights of stairs, it will be some time before we will be able to check. I THINK the gangs are out, since there are more national guards down there, I’m just not counting on anything being there when some one goes down again; Pat had to go yesterday, to get his tools, so he checked on Cindi’s house & a J’s & his mothers, all had some water damage, he could not get over to my apt. bldg. cops wouldn’t let anyone in there area.. Time will tell.

Date: Tue, 6 Sep 2005 12:39:08 -0400 | From: “Sharon in NC” <patchworksecrets2@>

WE lived in the Gonzales area for a couple of years back in the late 90’s. The descriptions I have seen of the political and economic situations are very accurate to my experiences. I think that it is very hard for people who have not lived there to understand how much different that area of the country is compared to elsewhere. I noticed today Nagin announced no more water or aide will be given to those who refuse to leave NO. I found the quote on line at ABC news but have yet to hear it on TV or in the papers. I can’t wait to see the twist or reaction that announcement gets.

Sharon in NC

Date: Tue, 6 Sep 2005 12:53:49 -0400 | From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>

A quilt shop owner on the Eastern Shore of VA has put a very nice Eastern Shore quilt from the thirties on ebay with the total sale price to go to the Red Cross for hurricane relief. Check it out. It’s #7348081286. If it does well she’s going to list another for the same cause. Cinda on the Eastern Shore

Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2005 09:15:38 + | From: Margareta.Faustcec.eu.int

Good morning everyone, I got this answer from the Lowell Museum to my question about shipping costs to Europe for the CD on World War II quilts.I suppose more people this side of the Atlantic might be interested? All the best, Margareta

Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2005 07:01:00 EDT | From: Litwinow@

Hi List, Just a quick hello to let you know our Andi Reynolds has articles in the Sept/Oct “Pieceworks” and the Oct QNM! Susan Wildemuth has an article in “Pieceworks.” IA/IL is so fortunate to have these talented gals to represent us. Will the gal needing a roommate in Golden, CO contact me off line? Thank you. Catherine Litwinow

From: “Stephanie Hanson”

Hi All, I don’t join the discussion very often (maybe twice), but I am an avid lurker, listener, and learner. So, here goes– First, I wanted give Gail a hug and let her know how much I have appreciate d having an “insider” help us begin to understand all of the layers of this tragedy and I have been enlightened by all of your responses.

I live in McKinney, Texas and work at the local community college. I say that because I wish I could volunteer more time to the folks from Louisiana who have come our way. Last Friday morning when the church secretary< First Baptist Church in McKinney, sent out an email asking for bedding for the refugees arriving that evening, they received everything they needed and were all set-up by 5 p.m. On Labor Day I was able to visit the church and had the opportunity to visit with volunteers who were making the finishing plans for moving about 150 of the refugees from the church to our old Walmart store (which was going to be demolished this weekend).

One gentleman wept as he told the stories the refugees had shared with him: one father swam to safety with his toddler on his back and the mother right behind them; one woman swam over roof tops to get to a rescue boat; and one father had been separated from his family ended up in McKinney and when the family was found in Houston, the church got him a ticket to fly there. As he finished and another batch of tears filled his eyes he quietly said, “I must have needed to talk to someone.” My heart goes out to all the refugees and also to all who are helping them try to cope with this terrible experience. The story of the transformation of the Walmart store is another story. One little part of it follows. It was announced at Friday’s football game (it is Texas) that they needed volunteers to help get the store ready. Folks started leaving the game immediately and a convoy of folks headed for highway 380. At the store they were greeted with folks who handed out slips of paper listing a need: we need diapers, we need water, we need cleaning supplies, etc. Each driver took a slip went shopping and returned with the items. This went on all night. In the meantime, there were volunteers, contractors, and many handy people who made showers in the old car repair section, carpeted the floor, partitioned the massive store into rooms and list goes on and on.

All for now, from McKinney where just a “little bit” makes you a good neighbor. And, where lots of little bits do make a difference, Stephanie

Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2005 14:03:59 -0400 | From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>

I was surprised when I heard that Chief Justice Rehnquist’s funeral was to be at St. Mathew’s Cathedral My first thought was “I didn’t know he was Catholic.” Well, like most Americans of Scandanavian descent the Chief Justice was Lutheran. The family wanted the service to be at the National Cathedral, but for some reason it was not available today. Cardinal McCarrick volunteered St. Mathew’s and so the Lutheran pastor of the Rehnquist’s McLean, VA church is presiding in the Catholic cathedral. Instead of the National’s ethereal gothic atmosphere the Chief Justice will be honored in Romanesque splendor. I am surprisingly heartened by this example of ecumenism. God bless America! Cinda on the Eastern Shore

Date: Wed, 07 Sep 2005 23:57:24 -0600 | From: “gingham@” <gingham@>

Judy hasn’t posted the results so I will since I’m guessing some of you are interested. The quilt top sold for $2,325.00. See item # and link below.

Sandra Starley Quilt appraiser Moab, Utah

~~~~~~~~~~~ Mourning Quilt Top on eBay From: Judy Kelius <quilts@> Date: Tue, 30 Aug 2005 06:52:33 -0400 X-Message-Number: 1

At risk of upsetting someone who is planning to bid on this, I want to share this with a group who appreciates seeing a museum-quality find that is unpublished (and unfortunately undocumented) – http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd1&item7345227067. I hope it goes to a good home, someone who will really appreciate it!

Personally, I think it is stunning but know it will go much higher than I can afford to pay right now! So second best thing . . . I will save the photos to my computer to admire from time to time!

Date: Thu, 08 Sep 2005 06:01:57 -0400 | From: Judy Kelius <quilts@>

Thanks Sandra for doing that! I might add that I don’t know the high bidder but the ID linda4blk gives me a hunch as I’m sure it will others on this list. So maybe we’ll see it in a book someday <GR>!

At 01:57 AM 9/8/2005, you wrote: >Judy hasn’t posted the results so I will since I’m guessing some of >you are interested. The quilt top sold for $2,325.00. See item # >and link below. > >Sandra Starley >Quilt appraiser >Moab, Utah > >~~~~~~~~~~~ >Mourning Quilt Top on eBay >From: Judy Kelius <quilts@> > Date: Tue, 30 Aug 2005 06:52:33 -0400 >X-Message-Number: 1 > >At risk of upsetting someone who is planning to bid on this, I want >to share this with a group who appreciates seeing a museum-quality >find that is unpublished (and unfortunately undocumented) – >http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd1&item7345227067. I >hope it goes to a good home, someone who will really appreciate it!

Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 06:01:17 -0500 | From: “Karen Erlandson” <Karenlequilts.com>

I have gotten some inquiries about rescuing flooded quilts from my website and have been directing the questioners to Lynn Gorges’ website for advice. (as seen on QHL on Aug. 30) Now that the waters have become so toxic in N.O. – are there any chemists/other specialists on the list that can tell me what effects the waters may have on the quilts? Can they be saved at all by this point? My first thoughts are not optimistic for the quilts! Karen in north Texas with evacuees even in my small town of 15,000!

Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 09:59:25 -0400 | From: “Candace Perry” <candace@>

The Montgomery County Historical Society in Norristown PA has apparently mounted an exhibition of their quilt collection…On view NOW thru “the end of January 2006.” (so sayeth their newsletter) I’m thinking the exhibit will NOT be a large one, so if anyone visits, please report back. The quilts in their collection are delicious, though…(you can also see our show, Cotton in Pa German Life, til Sept 18th and the Mennonite Heritage Center’s (www.mhep.org) Threads of Faith until early October…we are both within 45 minutes or so of Norristown) On Saturday, Sept.24, at 1:00 pm there will be a program entitled The History of Quilts in PA by Dawn Heefner. HOURS…M, W, Th, Fr 10-4 Tues 10-9 NOTE THERE ARE NO WEEKEND HOURS, so a good opportunity on a weekend to see the show would be Sept. 24 during the talk. 610-272-0297 www.hsmcpa.org The Historical Society of Montgomery Co. 1654 DeKalb Street Norristown PA 19401

Candace Perry Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center www.schwenkfelder.org

Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 09:52:28 -0500 | From: “Susan Wildemuth” <ksandbcwgeneseo.net>

Would Quilter’s Hall of Fame Karen Alexander e-mail me privately off-list?

Thanks– Sue in Illinois

Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 11:13:42 -0400 | From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>

Would the person from Virginia Beach who emailed me about the DAR please contact me offline. Cinda on the Eastern Shore

Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 09:16:17 -0700 (PDT) | From: catz@

Hi: A friend just sent me this and I thought that perhaps someone on this list might have an interest ….

“… I have a few baby clothes from the 40’s and 50’s. . Do you know of anyone who works with these things or would find them appealing? I don’t how to evaluate.. but we have a few hand-knit and smocked wool baby sweaters and some bonnets and a christening cap. Also, a couple of girl’s baby dresses and a flannel thing. I think it’s the kind of thing that people who like to make shadow boxes would enjoy – a vintage baby clothes collage type-thing….”

If y’all want he email address let me know and I can put you in touch … Cheers, Marie Johansen

Date: Thu, 08 Sep 2005 13:48:02 -0500 | From: “Lorraine Forster” <circusvue@>

To: Patricia L. Cummings

You were exhibiting strength of character (I wish more people in our country had) when you responded to the Underground Railroad Lecture in Vermont. I applaud you.

In the words of Augustine, “He who conceals a useful truth is equally guilty with the propagator of an injurious falsehood.”

We must maintain our First Amendment rights no matter what – it is the most important, and the basis of all the other amendments. That’s why it was the first. I feel we not only have freedom of speech but also the responsibility of speech.

LO CIRCUSVUE

— _______________________________________________

Search for businesses by name, location, or phone number. -Lycos Yellow Pa ges

http://r.lycos.com/r/yp_emailfooter/http://yellowpages.lycos.com/default.as p?SRC3Dlycos10

Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 23:29:16 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>

We moved from Ringoes to Flemington the last week of July. The weather was perfect, and the move was almost flawless. We just can’t find the keys to some of the chests of drawers (they were supposed to be taped to the back) but Allan has duplicates somewhere, and the lost food was found after only 2 days.

We can almost see the floor (in some rooms) around all the boxes yet to be unpacked. The more things that find proper places to get stowed or displayed the more we are glad we made the move from the huge Victorian to this smaller, newer, and less needy house and property. We also get to hear a romantic sounding train in the distance a few times a day (and night) and see incredible sunsets from a house that faces due West! This is the first house of 6 in 40 years where we won’t have to re-do either kitchen or bathrooms, which of course usually only get done just before the house is put on the market. The overall feeling of this house’s decor is “beige,” so it is really lucky that I have a lot of colorful quilts to brighten it up.

Tonight was the first chance I’ve had to sit and look through mail and glance through magazines. I suggest that if you don’t already have a subscription, get ye to a Borders or your local classy news stand and buy the September issue of the Magazine Antiques ($5.00 US). There are articles on Connecticut furniture, Shaker interiors, and one entitled “Inspired Fantasy: Design sources for New England’s Whole-Cloth Wool Quilts” by QHL friend and contributor, Lynne Bassett. This article is beautifully illustrated with Lynne’s drawings from the whole cloth quilts she has studied, an incredible 17th century chest with drawers, cuts from printed material of the period, and at least 2 glazed wool quilts.

Also of interest, especially to Cinda, will be the next article in the magazine, Materials of the Pennsylvania German Fraktur Artist” by Jennifer Mass, Catherine Matsen, and Janice Carlson, also beautifully illustrated.

This magazine is a gottahave.

Gail and Judy R. will get a kick out of this — the day after I hung most of the clothing up in the closets (OY! do I have closets!) I opened the doors to 4 of them to find the brackets holding the rods up had shattered under the weight and everything was on the floor. Everything! We bought the house from a single man who had maybe 3 changes of clothing — I kid you not. Little by little Allan is replacing the plastic brackets with ones made of steel, and I get to start re-hanging tomorrow! If we are still married by tomorrow night I’ll know that he really loves me.

Judy, aka The Ringoes Kid relocated 11 miles NE to Flemington NJ judygrow@

Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 23:47:08 -0400 | From: “Sharon in NC” <patchworksecrets2@>

Brit Hume has some interesting info on the pre-Katrina funding that had been sent to NO..Thought some of you might find it a bit enlightening.. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168846,00.html

Frankly knowing the political situation there I am not in the least bit surprised of this new “revelation”… Sharon in NC

Date: Thu, 8 Sep 2005 22:55:22 -0500 | From: “Kay Sorensen” <kaysorensenwi.@>

Very interesting and informative. Thanks. Kay

—–Original Message—– From: Sharon in NC Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2005 10:47 PM To: Quilt History List Subject: [qhl] Re: Hurricane Katrina

Brit Hume has some interesting info on the pre-Katrina funding that had been sent to NO..Thought some of you might find it a bit enlightening.. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,168846,00.html

Frankly knowing the political situation there I am not in the least bit surprised of this new “revelation”… Sharon in NC

Date: Fri, 09 Sep 2005 00:32:20 -0500 | From: Gail Ingram <gingram@>

Re Katrina, Louisiana, Corps of Engineers, Welfare Society, and Our Big Fat Louisiana Disaster:

No one who lives outside our general area can really imagine the scope or power of Hurricane Katrina. I’ve lived in the state nearly all my life, have weathered hurricanes in Central Louisiana, lived through long power outages in the heat of July and August because of these storms, had kin in South Louisiana in harm’s way. I have seen the results of hurricanes even a year or two years after they hit.

But this storm was extraordinary, both in size and power and where it made landfall. So extraordinary, it is easy to imagine many were not able to comprehend it at first.

But not to imagine among them the governor of Louisiana or the Mayor of New Orleans, most particularly the governor, who holds the real cards in such situations. Even today, she was refusing to issue a mandatory evacuation order for the city of New Orleans. The mayor of N.O., who hadn’t the power or means to enforce it, was issuing such an order and National Guard and Army units were circumventing the state by taking psychiatrists with them to coax people out of their homes. Yet the governor said she wanted to wait to see how the chemical analyses on the water came back today!

Now, how would one expect them to come back? If yesterday they showed exhorbitant levels of e-coli, a result of fecal matter in water; cholera-like diseases; two strains of hepatitis; and lots more good stuff— is the passage of a day, in which more sewage infuses the waters, more bodies decay in waters, more refrigerator contents spoil in water, more mosquitoes breed in water–is the passage of a day likely to improve matters? Is Kathleen Blanco really expecting the toxic conditions of the water to decrease? Were we not all occupied with manning shelters and hosting refugees, and trying to help kids get into schools, surely someone would have thought of a recall petition by now, for this governor continues to demonstrate her incompetence and pettiness in the most visible ways.

Nobody discounts the mayor’s failures. The man simply was not up to the task he faced. And yes, a good leader of so complex a city could have been and should have been up to it. The situation was not beyond the power of leadership. Yet, acknowledging that, in the end, the man was hamstrung by the governor’s stupidity (and no other word will do) and petty determination to show who had the power in this state. She has disgraced us all.

And yes, the welfare state has worked to make those who depend on it inert, lacking in initiative and self-confidence. That’s what welfare does to people. And remember, this is the home of the Longs and we’ve had a welfare state in Louisiana longer than the nation has had one. Nor have its beneficiaries been only African-American.

And yes, Louisiana’s Byzantine politics and the particularly corrupt brand available in N.O. make it problematic to award the state even a penny that is not tightly guarded. The Corps of Engineers, however, has a great deal of independence and recourse to federal authority that would make any diversion of funds so large as the Post describes also the responsibility of a variety of federal authorities.

We are seeing the complete evacuation of a major and critically important American city because a political party (in this case, the Democratic party) blatantly made it virtually impossible to present to the voters on election day the two strongest or best of the candidates for governor by making it almost impossible for the party system to work in state elections. When our election process was changed, nobody even denied the partisanship of the legislation. Gov. Blanco was elected over a first-generation American and Harvard MBA with experience in government at several levels, Bobbie Jindal. Among her strongest constituencies were the people in N.O.’s ninth ward, who filled the Conventon Center and Superdome. I think most Louisianians believe that Mr. Jindal, a Republican, would have worked with N.O.’s mayor, not against him, or that he would have been able to behave so irresponsibly as our governor has behaved.

The corrupt politics of Louisiana helped create this debacle.

But the failure of the nation to recognize and mobilize to protect our environment, including our coastal wetlands, is the ultimate culprit in this affair. We will all pay for a long time for our lack of stewardship and/or short-sightedness. Spillways need to be built on the Mississippi River, not more concreting of the River levees—and I think the latter was the designation of the funds to which Mr. Hume and the Washington Post referred. The Atchafalaya spillway project, which allows silt laden waters of the Mississippi to flow south has produced one of the finest wetland areas in the nation, the Atchafalaya Swamp, which lies between Baton Rouge and Lafayette. It is a rich, complex area. The same could be true of the area south of New Orleans.

It is edifying to look at the maps in TIME this week and see where the coastline was in 1975 and where it is now. Had Katrina come ashore in 1975, it is most unliely Mississippi and Louisiana would be devastated as they are now devastated.

Personally, I am disgusted at politicians covering their own bases and playing the blame game. Nobody comes out of this disaster looking good. Well, no political party anyway. Ultimately this is an American failure to face responsibilities and realities and to live “in the moment.”

What is heartening to anyone who really believes in people power, however, is the individual efforts being made here and in Texas on behalf of the people of New Orleans and the appreciation those people have shown. Even our little towns have opened shelters in churches, where the Red Cross has come in and established Emergency services. Few spare bedrooms are unused these days.

So maybe the best thing we can do is make quilts to speak to those who need to hear voices of love and concern, the way Sally said the American quilts sent to England worked. But the next best thing is to lobby for and elect people who will support responsible stewardship of our wetlands, wherever they are.

This disaster did not have to happen.

Gail

Date: Fri, 9 Sep 2005 09:57:42 -0400 | From: “Candace Perry” <candace@>

Gail, thank you for this enlightening analysis of something we non-Louisianians (?)would have no understanding of otherwise. Candace Perry

From: Dana Balsamo

Hi Gail, I cannot imagine the amount of frustration you are feeling right now. I would like to hope people will learn from their mistakes, recognize inadequacies, and make the appropriate changes and improvements. I wouldn’t hold my breath, though. Hugs, Dana

Material Pleasures Affordable Antique and Vintage Quilts, Linens, Lace, Textiles, Buttons & More! www.material-pleasures.com

From: “Pepper Cory”

—– Original Message —–

Hello QHL friends, Just thought you might want to know how one local quilt shop is responding to the call for Katrina aid. The shop’s website is http://www.albfabrics.com/quiltedbutterfly/aboutusquilt.html

This effort takes into account that people need recognition for the work they do and are liable to do more if they get it! Plus, the quilts made are going to a specific place. And they’ll be delivered when people really need them–just before Christmas. it’s a long post-please read to the end. Thanks, Pepper

Patti’s Katrina letter starts here

Hello ladies> > Please take the time to read this entire message, even though it is a bit long. I, Patti Brown, want to put a more personal face on some of Katrina’s devastation. My home town is-or was-Waveland, MS. You haven’t heard or seen much about Waveland except for Anderson Cooper on CNN, so may I share a few words taken from the few written media reports that have been filed: “Once there was a tiny waterfront town called Waveland, population 6,674, on the coast of Mississippi. This town, about 50 miles east of New Orleans, was the kind of place that still had a drugstore that wasn’t a CVS, where the men call the women ma’am or miss, and where it’s not unusual for someone to be born here and live and die here. Hurricane Katrina seemed to take a particular vengeance out on this town. Now, days after Katrina hurled a massive wall of water through the town, there seems to be little left behind besides crushed homes and a sea of mud. The storm virtually wiped the city off the map, prompting state officials to say it took a harder hit from the wind and water than any other town along the coast. Katrina dragged away nearly every home and business within a half mile of the beach, leaving driveways and walkways to nowhere. Foundations are washed clean of even rubble, with mounds of debris littering the road. It wasn’t just dumped; it was stirred and twisted. Few if any structures remain standing on beaches, with piers stripped of boards where the 30-foot surge rampaged like an apocalypse; scorned Katrina took all, left none.

Rescue workers there Wednesday found shell-shocked survivors scavenging what they could from homes and businesses that were completely washed away. The air smelled of natural gas, lumber and rotting flesh.”

(from Patti-) This is not just a devastating tragedy–for me, it’s quite personal. The church where my parents are buried is gone except for the bell tower. I have had no word as yet of far too many of my friends and former classmates. Having lived through Hurricane Camille and her aftermath many years ago, I’m not surprised at this. Word will filter out over time.

Which brings me to the reason for this message. You’ve probably seen the Quilts, Inc. and the AQS boards soliciting quilts for victims of Katrina. I am doing the same thing, but I intend to ENSURE that these quilts are placed in the hands of people not only need them, but who will deeply appreciate them. The mayor of Waveland is the brother of one of my high school friends. One of the Mississippi State legislators is the brother of another of my high school friends. I have the means to get these quilts to the right people! While good works are their own reward, I also offer an incentive to “raise the bar” as it were, on this effort: Debbie Woods-Tyer of Sewing Solutions (the Pfaff Dealer in New Bern) and I have teamed up on this project, which I am calling “Quilts for the Coast”. Every person who brings a completed quilt to either The Quilted Butterfly in MHC (Morehad City NC) or Sewing Solutions (New Bern NC) by Dec. 1, 2005 will be eligible to win a “thank you” gift (the cost of which Debbie and I are sharing out of our own pockets) of either the Pfaff Quilt Expressions 2046 (the high-end quilter’s edition) OR the new Pfaff Hobby Grand Quilter with Inspira Quilting Frame (that’s the quilting machine). Here’s how it will work: If you turn in a completed twin or smaller quilt, we will enter your name one time. If you turn in a quilt larger than 84″x 86″, we will enter your name twice. You may make as many quilts as you feel led, and we will enter your name for each one you turn in to us. The drawing will be held on December 2, 2005, and the winner will have a lovely Christmas gift of her own.

Please call me if you have questions. Thanks in advance for your support! Patti Brown, The Quilted Butterfly

Date: Fri, 09 Sep 2005 22:51:51 -0600 | From: “gingham@” <gingham@>

Here’s a fun way to donate to the Red Cross and collect art at the same time.

Laura Cater Woods and lots of other good people on the QuiltArt List have teamed together for a multiphase project Open Hearts, Helping Hands (money goes to American Red Cross).

Phase one involves selling small works (8 1/2 X 11 or smaller $100 or less) right now on their website,

http://www.artdoinggood.com/

click on the upper right hand words See Donated Art Buy Some You can also donate small works to be sold now.

Phase 2 will be the sell of small works at Houston Quilt Festival Phase 3 will be display/sale of art works processing the disaster at a later date. Again see the website for more info.

BTW, Internet Explorer users have had problems viewing the photos so if that happens you may want to try another web browser or try back later as they are working on the glitch.

I’d like to buy almost all of them but can’t so help me out by buying some so I won’t be so tempted. Also keep checking back as work is being added almost hourly. They are already up to 33 pages of small quilts.

Sandra Starley

Laura,

Well, yes, I can—and I’ve been the major voice re N.O. My own remarks have not been meant as partisan, certainly on national level. At every level, in both parties, people acted like they had not done a run-through of this storm last year, as if no one could imagine such a disaster. Yet the LSU Hurricae Center did imagine it—to a “t.” And within the year.

Our state’s most curious election system can be attributed to the work of one party, and that system routinely tosses up dark (and most often inept) horses for state offices here, but it tosses up about the same number Dems as Republicans. The losers, like Mary Landrieu and John Breaux and Bobby Jindal, often go on to succeed in congressional elections. They are better off, no doubt, but our state government is not. I don’t consider that observation partisan. Equal opportunity.

And yes, being from Louisiana, most of us are deeply disgusted with our governor, who continues to play turf games with everybody and who has humiliated us before the nation. I think women feel this disgust particularly because we know this governor’s behavior has set the perception of women as state leaders back for years. We had thought we couldn’t do much worse than the previous governor, who at the start of his second term announced he had time on his hands and was going to go to law school. Said he believed he could keep up on an hour a day reading because he could speed read. He was from one party, she from the other.

Living here and in east Texas, one is simply so overcome by the magnitude of this disaster, by the people staying with relatives and in motels and in shelters. All their stories. All their problems. It is hard to communicate its personal impact on everyone here and, I am sure, in East Texas. The very poor will be okay because they will qualify for federal and state assistance plans and there are people already working with them. Yet, there are so many older retired people of very modest means who lived in the neighborhoods like Metairie who are simply wiped out. They own small homes, 1800 sq. feet, have householders’ insurance, have very small retirements and even smaller savings accounts. Their homes have a foot of mud in them and are toxic, but they are standing, more or less. These qualify for nothing. Their banks are often local N.O. Banks and have been impossible to access, even if they have all their papers with them. They must wait on insurance companies. Meanwhile, they cannot afford to live in motels or rent homes or apartments for long period, even if there were any left to rent. One woman told me she and her husband felt like such failures. The closest I can come to explaining the feeling is the feeling Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman” evokes. The general desperation and sadness haunts all of us.

And to see a city that is such an integral part of our identity in the condition N.O. Is in breaks hearts. Knowing this didn’t have to happen makes it all worse. We sicken more by watching everybody blame everybody else, instead of inspiring hope in the lost and scattered children of Louisiana. Maybe we want somebody to bring something good out of all this. That’s my explanation, anyway. And that’s not party politics.

That and the fact that many on the list write individually to inquire about the view from Louisiana.

THIS, however, IS quilt related. Did anyone note the quilt in the background of FEMA (or???) official being interviewed on CNN? A Prince’s Feather, I think. I cant even recall who was being interviewed, for I was looking at the qullt on the wall—or what appeared to be a quilt on a wall—or was it (shudder) being used as a curtain?

Gail

Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2005 11:28:39 -0500 | From: “Marcia Kaylakie” <marciark@>

Dear Quilt History List members, One of the members of another quilt list (imagine, there’s more than one…LOL) was talking aobut a ownderful old classic quilt block pattern and it got me to thinking about one of my pet projects: saving some of these patterns from extinction. There are some goups around the country who do this, but my questions to the group in general are these: 1. What old quilt block pattern is your favorite? 2. How often do you see new quilts that are made from old classics? 3. If you make quilts, do you ever make a quilt from an old favorite? 4. Do you think that the intricacy of some of these old patterns are proving too challenging for quilters?

I personally like Carpenter’s Wheel or Dutch Rose, but there are so many other’s that could be just as appealing to me. I would really love to hear the group’s thoughts on this! Marcia, down in still hot Austin, TX (but you know fall is coming because we’re wearing tank tops instead of tube tops with our shorts….an old Texas joke!)

Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2005 13:09:12 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>

I have always thought the US is founded on the practice > of respecting the other person’s political view, although not necessarily > agreeing with that view. Lately the discourse has become so nasty. It’s > as though > there is but one view, and it is the only correct one. >

I for one relish reading Gail’s posts re LA, the hurricane, and the situation in LA and NO guv’mnt. I do not read any nastiness at all in her posts, and I hear no political agenda as I do every time I turn on the TV to get the news. I only hear well founded frustration and anger in Gail’s posts, all tempered by her miraculous humor.

And of course the view has been one sided — Gail is the only one of our list who is reporting from the state and who has any knowledge of LA and NO history. There has been no discourse here, only truthful reportage. When there are positive things to report, Gail has told us of them.

If anyone else has anything to say about the unfolding scene in our deep south, their views will be welcome, I am sure. It is conversation, discourse, the sharing of ideas and views that our list is about. Mostly about quilts, but now, in a national tragedy, about something that ultimately touches all our lives, and most especially the lives of those most closely affected. Should we totally ignore the most important natural disaster in our nation’s history?

Judy, now in Flemington NJ aka The Ringoes Kid judygrow@

From: Laura Fisher <laurafisherquilts@>

I am interested in seeing Lynn’s information on handling flood soaked quilts. How do I access Aug 30’s QHL? Also, do you know how to find her website? Thanks Laura Fisher

From: “quilt25” <quilt25swbell.net>

As a fellow Texas I had several opportunities to talk with the late Sharon Newman. One of the classes I took from her was the Railroad Crossing. I fell in love with the many things you could do with half square triangles. My quilt is completed, but not quilted. Sharon had strongly suggested I use the double line quilting she had used. I am still talking myself into it.

Another old favorite is the pomegranate, The January 2002 issue of Australia’s Patchwork cover quilt was a combination of the two. A reproduction of this is my current project. I’ll admit I cheat as I use the half square triangle papers.

Another favorite is the butterfly. Were butterfly quilts made before the 30’s? It seems every old butterfly quilt I find has fabric from that era.

Ok. Overall favorite. Redwork – any redwork. Most of the old quilts I purchase are redwork. These I do not reproduce, I just enjoy.

Peg in North Texas

Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2005 14:35:52 -0400 | From: “Candace Perry” <candace@>

Judy, hear hear. Or is it here here? Louisiana has historically been a different breed of cat, and I for one, did not know anything about it. it seems like every listserve I’m a part of runs into this same situation. I think given the intelligent minds that make use of such internet venues, we are bound to come up with some interesting, and perhaps controversial discussions. Doesn’t matter if it’s about quilts or museums or casseroles. I for one am the queen of straying from the topic… And don’t forget, there’s always a delete button. Candace Perry

From: Laura Fisher <laurafisherquilts@>

Never mind the request I just made–I googled Lynn Gorges and there she is, great site, great info. Magic, this Google technology…..Laura

Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2005 14:30:26 -0700 (PDT) | From: Becky Gockel <majormaam@>

Marcia, What a good idea. Something for a lurker to get involved in.

1. What old quilt block pattern is your favorite? –Kaleidoscope is my favorite, http://www.quilterbydesign.com/lessons/kaleidoscope/kaleidoscope.html There are so many mixing of color ways that are just wonder for that block. I agree there are so many are wonderful blocks just choosing one is really difficult. I really love Baltimore Album type quilts, too.

2. How often do you see new quilts that are made from old classics? –all the time; but the color combinations now are so rich and wonderful with all the new colors and pattern styles of fabrics.

3. If you make quilts, do you ever make a quilt from an old favorite? — Yes, the first quilt I made was a “Double Wedding Ring” done in the 1970’s calicos. I would like to do one with the new batics or Fairy Frosts. Right now I am working on a simple enlarged bargello type to give away for the Katrina drive we are having at my guild. I do “Crazy Quilts” too.

4. Do you think that the intricacy of some of these old patterns are proving too challenging for quilters? — I see some taking on the challenge of the old intricate patters and miniturizing them and making smaller quilts. On the other hand there is one lady, at my guild, who does amazingly intricate handmade quilts (she doesn’t own a sewing machine.) She did a huge quilt made of teeny tiny log cabin blocks. I think for many quilters it is more that “I don’t have the time” or “I don’t want to take the time.” Some want quick gratification and do little work.

That was thought provoking. I can’t wait to read what others have to say.

Becky In the High Desert of California

Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2005 19:21:22 -0400 | From: Barb Garrett <bgarrett421@>

Wow, I must be so non-political that I didn’t even notice there was political controversy and jabbing in the posts. I guess I read right over/through it, and didn’t even notice, being more interested in the facts and feelings relayed, and not noticing political opinions. I personally am very grateful that there are one or two members of the list from near the affected area who are willing to share news and information that hasn’t been reworked, hyped, and slanted by the news media. I believe the news media tells us what they, and those “in power” want us to hear, which isn’t always “the whole truth and nothing but the truth”. Thank you Gail and anyone else who reports. Both my husband and I enjoy getting “nearly first hand” reports. I don’t feel these reports have been political — but rather a stating of the situation. Please don’t stop sharing news with us. Thank you.

And we should all remember the delete key — every post about Katrinia has be identified in the subject line. If you do not wish to read about the hurricane, then delete the post, unread. Nobody is making you read every message posted. I belong to another list and they have been talking incesently (in my opinion) about flat toothpicks — I don’t know what they are saying because I delete the posts unread, as I learned after about 6 or 7 posts, that I wasn’t interested. The same technique works any time you don’t want to read about a particular topic on a list.

Barb in southeastern PA

Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2005 19:25:46 -0500 | From: Gail Ingram <gingram@>

but my questions to the group in general are these: > 1. What old quilt block pattern is your favorite? > 2. How often do you see new quilts that are made from old classics? > 3. If you make quilts, do you ever make a quilt from an old favorite? > 4. Do you think that the intricacy of some of these old patterns are prov ing > too challenging for quilters? >

Marcia,

To preface my answers, I should say that I grew up in a family where quilts were the jewels in our modest family crowns. They spoke so eloquently of their makers and were treated with such respect by those who inherited them that long before I entered school, I understood them as markers for productive, good homemakers and industrious women who appreciated beauty. Maybe it was that most of the quilts I knew had been made by women a generation older than my mother’s, or that both my parents came from very large farm families, which made inheritances of personal items more precious. But very early I knew that “real ladies” owned quilts, set nice tables, and grew gardens that contained roses, dahlias, and columbines. The first thing I ever sewed was a nine-patch block when I was five. Whatever the case, my “favorites” come from looking at those quilts with their associations, and many of them were Depression era quilts.

1. The old standard Chimney Sweep or Album Patch is my favorite patchwork block and the Prince’s Feather my favorite appliqu block, , followed by th e Double Ring (I know, I know), and a pattern my mother loved, the Monkey Wrench. The latter was one of those that got away—in Mother’s case, in th e hands of a quicker and more manipulative sister and my mother never stopped lamenting it.

2. In my section I see a good number of quilts made from classic patterns. There are many like me who grew up with a quasi-reverence for those patterns, and the area in which I live never lost an active quilting culture. I’ve found that the girls with whom I’ve worked prefer the old patterns, even when they’ve seen the quilt magazine introductions.

3. The first quilt I made was a Double Wedding Ring quilt. My word, now tha t I think of it, every quilt I’ve made up until this past summer, has been copied from actual quilts made in patterns popular in this region from late 1800’s through Depression. Even baby and children’s bed coverlets.

4. Most of the old patterns I see are relatively simple, though a number must be pieced on hand (I prefer hand piecing). There might be a lot of pieces in each unit, but in general the old patterns remain less daunting than the late 20th-centuries Ray of Light type of patterns. Many people I know learned to sew by making quilts.

Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2005 23:18:02 -0500 | From: Sheryl Till <sctill@>

J. G. Row wrote:

> > I for one relish reading Gail’s posts re LA, the hurricane, and the > situation in LA and NO guv’mnt. I do not read any nastiness at all in > her posts, and I hear no political agenda as I do every time I turn on > the TV to get the news. I only hear well founded frustration and anger > in Gail’s posts, all tempered by her miraculous humor.

Hi Judy and all,

Thank you for your thoughtful responses about what is going on in our state. I live less than an hour from New Orleans and have written about our frustrations. Judy, you hit the word exactly on the head. We *are* frustrated. As someone else pointed out, Louisiana is indeed a very different place. Things move very differently here. I certainly did not intend to offend anyone with my post, but you really do have to be here to understand the full scope of what is happening.

I work in Baton Rouge which has grown to be the largest city in the state practically overnight. Devastation and tragedy are all around us. Children have been separated from their parents. Our elderly and infirmed have perished because they couldn’t escape the storm. Homes,businesses, and livelihoods have been lost. It did not have to be this bad. We can’t change the course of history but we can work to change the future. We must do whatever it takes to prevent a re-occurrence

Every trip to and from work is highlighted with a steady stream of police cars with sirens and lights flashing. This morning I saw no less than 21 police cars all headed in one direction. I shudder to think of what they might have been on the way to. This evening there was a stream of police cars in another direction. Almost everywhere you turn there is sadness. People who don’t live here can’t get a real picture of the many, many ways Katrina has disrupted lives. My DH came from the local Winn Dixie where he could buy Hot Dogs but not Hot Dog Buns…He could buy Hamburger Buns but not Hamburger meat. This is so minor but just try to imagine this little inconvenience repeated hundreds and thousands of times in every area you can think of. It is overwhelming.

But there truly is something good and beautiful to be seen in the midst of all this. From the window at work I can see a FEMA compound set up for relief workers who came in from out of state to help our proud people. I work in a specialty hospital that is hosting at this moment a mixture of 18 doctors, nurses, student nurses, bio-med personnel and other medical personnel from Tulsa, Chicago, Sioux City, and other places who have come to lend a helping hand. The generosity of all these people who so willingly give their time and talents is overwhelming in itself. I struggled to stop myself from crying today when I welcomed the newest group to our facility. I am so grateful for all the wonderful people who are coming to our rescue. There is no way to adequately express my gratitude.

Not only are we on the receiving end but we are giving also. A friend and her mother have taken in laundry for power workers from Kentucky so they would have clean clothes to put on every day. They cooked food for 125 of these workers Thursday night so they would have something home cooked to eat. They have invited the workers into their homes so these men can have some “down” time. The things they are seeing must be terrible. I have been able to remain strong much of the time until today. The tears are falling now.

I would like to ask that we not be judged regarding our frustration over the ineffective way much of this has been handled. It is a by-product of the way our state works. Unless one lives here, you can’t understand how the every day state business is conducted. And please don’t be offended by how we feel. We are not attacking your political views. We are simply voicing legitimate concerns about our own state system….not a particular party. And we are hurt for those who lost everything.

To try to make this QHL related….we do thank your for your participation in different quilt projects for hurricane victims. They will be loved and appreciated. One day, these quilts will be a part of history…a beautiful legacy of how quilters responded to the needs of others. Hopefully recipients will pass on the story of how and where he/she was given the quilt.

Thanks for listening.

Date: Sat, 10 Sep 2005 23:39:40 -0500 | From: Pat Kyser <patkyser@>

I am at the Martha Pullen Quilt Academy in Huntsville, AL, this weekend, where rumor is rampant that Quilt Market and Festival have been cancelled because of refugees in the Brown Center. I went on line and found they are not cancelled and am trying to “set folks straight.” I hope the positive information gets out to other places where the rumor may be running.

Secondly, I want to applaud Gail for her descriptions of the LA situation. I grew up just across the border in Texas and so understand, see no political overtones. Thanks, Gail.

I am wondering about my friends in Plaquemine who sponsored the Southeast Fiber Forum there last year.

Pat Kyser

Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2005 08:12:06 +0200 | From: adi hirsh <adamroninetvision.net.il>

1. What old quilt block pattern is your favorite? Can’t think of a particular favorite – I like ALL of them, but if pressed would admit to liking in particular Devil’s Claws and Ocean Waves. 2. How often do you see new quilts that are made from old classics? Only mine, I’m afraid – I’m in Israel, where the general trend is quick, machine pieced and macine quilted newer patterns, the “pieced in 2 days quilted in 1” sort. 3. If you make quilts, do you ever make a quilt from an old favorite? Always – living in a country with no quilting tradition to speak of, my sources for inspiration are quilt history books, older magazines and antique quilts on the internet. I really enjoy reproducing those beauties (using reproduction fabrics, which are now much more available). 4. Do you think that the intricacy of some of these old patterns are proving too challenging for quilters? Definitely – over here, at least, people pefer the quick-cut, quick-sew machine quilted variety. Sadly, very few quilters hand quilt, even fewer bother with intricate pieced and appliqued patterns. Ady in Israel

Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2005 09:06:27 +0100 | From: Sally Ward <sallytatters@>

> To try to make this QHL related….we do thank your for your > participation in different quilt projects for hurricane victims. They > will be loved and appreciated. One day, these quilts will be a part of > history..

I mentioned WW2 Red Cross quilts last week. The stories keep turning up, and shortly after that post I was contacted by the friend of a lady in her 70s who is worrying where ‘her’ RC quilt will end up in the future. She didn’t acquire it during the war, but her mother came by it in the 50s after it had been rescued from the basement of the London Hospital where presumably it did its war service. It then served her as a child, and then her children, on beds, picnics, beaches etc. She may be wrong in thinking they will dispose of it when she is gone, but loves it enough to want to make provision for it ‘in case’. (Its label declares it to come from Kitchener, Canada – if there’s anyone who knows the place I’d love to hear from you).

What is stunning is that the quilt still has a bright white background and colourful fabrics and is largely intact and serviceable. I’m hosting a ‘Quilts for Katrina’ working party next week and had been intending to just hastily throw together some fabrics with a fleece backing. This quilt’s story has made me realise I should take a little more time and invest in proper wadding and backing in the hopes it will bring pleasure for as long as the London Hospital quilt.

Speaking as an outlander, the reports from Gail and others have been illuminating and invaluable. I have learnt a great deal and been able to pass it on to others. I actually think that knowledge has made me less judgemental about the situation, rather than more.

Sally W in the UK

Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2005 08:47:10 -0500 | From: “Charlotte Bull” <charlou@>

Re: Classic patterns

I love my old family quilts. Such classics as 9 Patch, Bear Paw, Hour Glass, Hole in the Barn Door etc. But my really favorite old pattern is the Mariner’s Compass. And, yes, I hand pieced it. That was before the days of popular paper piecing techniques. I liked doing the spikes and I liked blocks enclosed in a circle.

The amusing aspect is that when I started really serious quilting over 25 years ago I did not know that these were supposed to be difficult! They were simply more interesting to me than lots of ordinary squares & triangles! I wasn’t looking for something fast and I really didn’t need a warm quilt to sleep under. I saw them as relaxing and interesting needlework that would use up my fabric collection left over from sewing dresses for my daughters & myself.

Then I became addicted to the history of the art of quilting and here I am today – still quilting and still making circular Compass blocks, although right now it is the block called the Sunflower! I feed sunflower seeds to birds and my area is full of sunflowers right now. The other day on a drive a friend took me to see a field of at least 50 acres of blooming sunflowers. It will use up my reproduction browns and golds and a stash of sunflower prints! I will call it Kansas Lilies in memory of my mother Lily who was born in KS. I’d already done a real Compass quilt in blues for my husband who loved to sail.

But I am also designing an appliqued Princess Feather quilt with a small Compass in the center of the plumes. Hmnnn… Am I addicted? Well, I just bought 2 new books on new techniques for Mariner’s Compasses! I may end up paper piecing! But 3D points??? We shall see.

PS: My guild is collecting quilts for evacuees who’ve moved to MO. It will get chilly soon. Charlotte of Oz (That’s a MO Ozarks joke!)

Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2005 09:20:08 -0500 | From: “Marcia Kaylakie” <marciark@>

Wow! Thanks for the responses. I am finding this interesting and so much fun! Now, let’s move the discussion over to something I brought up, but in a slightly different vein. How can we help more quilters to appreciate these wonderful old classic block patterns and also to keep them ‘alive’ so to speak by encouraging more quilters to make these patterns? What about sampler quilts? At least people might try the pattern if it’s just one block, and who knows…also using the blocks in sort of a Treasure Hunt Sampler might be a fun idea! Teaching the historical meanings behind some of the names, talking about their origins, also how the blocks traveled and changed while migrating westward might be fun as well. Sounds like a future National Quilting Day project for some guilds. What do you think? Now I know some people won’t be interested and that’s fine, but I’d love to hear from those of you who are interested. Marcia

Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2005 09:44:32 -0500 | From: “Susan Wildemuth” <ksandbcwgeneseo.net>

I love samplers and gravitate towards them. Friendship quilts aside — Is it true that samplers were created so that women could have a visual “library” of her quilt patterns? Or did they create them because, like me, they are not a fan of one pattern repeated over and over again in a quilt? To use up some of their fabric stash? Or did they create them “just because” and there is no reason.

My favorite patterns are Mariner’s Compass, Steps to the Altar, and Road to California. I have never made one, but the Princess Feather Quilts are the only one pattern quilt repeated over and over again that are appealing to me – love them when I see them.

Sue in Illinois

Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2005 09:45:54 -0500 | From: “Karen Musgrave” <karenmusgrave@>

If you traveling or live near the University of Delaware, you might want to check out

“QuiltVoices,” an exhibit of 26 quilts and quotes from Quilters’ S.O.S. – Save Our Stories (Q.S.O.S.) (www.centerforthequilt.org/qsos/qsos_interviews.php) interviews, a project of The Alliance for American Quilts. The Q.S.O.S. project’s goal is to create, through recorded interviews, a broadly accessible body of information concerning quiltmaking for scholarhship and exhibition. The exhibition has one nice antique quilt, a H mong quilt and many well-known and unknown quiltmakers from the region and across the U.S.

Opening reception on September 16, 2005, 4:30 – 7:00 pm. Runs until December 9. University Gallery, Old College Building, Main St. and North College Ave. Newark, DE 18716. Hours: Tu, Th, Fri 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, Wed. 11:00 – 8:00 pm, Sat, Sun 1:00 – 4:00 pm. Open and free to the public.

Gallery Talks

October 7, 12:10- 1 pm, Madge Ziegler (Q.S.O.S. interview DE12) will present a history of the quilt. An accomplished artist and skilled quilt conservator, Madge will illustrate her discussion with quilts from her own collection.

October 22, 1:30 pm, Quilt historian Barbara Garrett offers “With a Mother’s Love (A History of Quiltmaking in the United States 1780-1949) using her own miniature quilts.

October 26, 7:30 pm, Arlene Favreau-Pysher (Q.S.O.S. interview UDel-007) will share a conversation on her Healing Quilt.

For other activities, please visit the Gallery’s website (http://www.museums.udel.edu/current/quilt05/quilt-main.html).

There is also a companion exhibition at the Historical Society of Delaware, “Quilt Stories by Teresa Barkley.” September 23 – December 31, 2005 in Wilmington, Delaware. For hours and more information call 302-655-7161.

Enjoy!

Karen Musgrave

Co-Chair, Quilters’ S.O.S. – Save Our Stories

The Alliance for American Quilts

www.centerforthequilt.org

Join Us! Become a Member

Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2005 11:46:50 -0400 | From: Sandra G Munsey <munsey@>

Thank you, Barb, for pointing out what I have been thinking these days about the “play by play” from Gail and others more directly affected by Katrina. And a HUGE thank you to Gail for her reporting and background information about Louisiana. Although a long time student of state and local government, Gail has provided me with much insight as to the differences and similarities in Louisiana with those of other states. If ever there was a time when strong leadership is needed, it is clearly now. It is up to us as individuals to do what we can to secure our own communities against a future calamity. Gail and the others are on the front line now. Maybe we can learn from them.

If we consider ourselves “historians”, this period of time is one of extraordinary history making. We should embrace information coming to us from within the quilt community so that we may later understand the impact of a huge disaster on women’s, therefore quilt, history. Those of us who are researching the women who made quilts in the 19th Century are struggling hard to understand at a gut level the world in which they lived – one of upheaval, economic and political turmoil, war, floods and famines. Already some of the academic traditional subject historians are suggesting that the effects of hurricane Katrina may create major realignments in the way that the Dust Bowl and the plague of the boll weevil did.

As I type this, 200 evacuees are settling into emergency housing about 3 miles from where I sit. A few needed hospitalization. Some have school age children. Some may not be as “nice” as we would hope. All are in great material and spiritual need. And, will we really embrace the newcomers into our communities. Their circumstances have given all of us who live on Cape Cod at least a moment’s pause. There are only two bridges that cross the Cape Cod Canal – two lanes each on and off – over which every person who needs to leave the Cape must travel. Lengthy traffic tie ups occur regularly during the summer months. What will happen – if. . . . . Everybody knows it, but . . . .

Women have come together in times of crisis, personal or national. We all know of the myths and realities of the quilting bee, a place for women to come together to share, to find support, to learn. Our Quilt History List is the Internet version of that quilting bee. We share our knowledge, seek it from others, cheer individual successes and sorrows. Gail and her Gulf Coast sisters need us now just as Sue Reich did a few weeks ago, and others will need in the future.

Think globally – nationally – and ACT locally! Never more true than now.

Sandra on Cape Cod