February 4 - 7, 2006 - QuiltHistory

Oral History & Documentation, Quilt Block History, Regional Quilt History

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:

Woodmen of the World Grave Markers — Members trace a “WOW” motif on a quilt to the Woodmen of the World fraternal insurance society and its tree-trunk grave markers.
Wedding Ring Quilt Top Authentication — A member seeks help confirming whether a quilt top matches a pattern published in a vintage Virginia Snow Studios booklet.
Eli Leon’s Collection and Gee’s Bend Comparisons — Members discuss collector Eli Leon and how his collection is compared to the improvisational Gee’s Bend quilting tradition.
Rising Sun Quilt at Michigan State University Museum — A museum curator shares a related Rising Sun quilt in the Michigan State University Museum’s collection. (see the article on quilt museums)

From: Judy Kelius

At 08:02 AM 2/4/2006, you wrote: >Does anyone here know of another name for this block?

Not all quilt blocks have published names – I have seen this block or variations of it in a number of quilts dating back as far as the 1830s. It is usually referred to as “pinwheel.” In the 1930s the Laura Wheeler newspaper column published a similar block (simpler than this one) and called it “Feathered Star” – certainly not at all what we think of when we see that name! Thanks for providing the link . . . an excellent resource and someone did an excellent job drafting this challenging pattern! – Judy in Lancaster County

Date: Sat, 04 Feb 2006 10:54:07 -0800 | From: Julie Silber <quiltcomplex@>

Well, I was going to write some things about selling on eBay but I see that Judy, Tom and Gloria have covered almost everything I can think of. Absolutely EXCELLENT advice, all of it. Well thought out, well worded and very generous. I learned a couple of things myself, after more 8 years of buying and selling on eBay. Many thanks to all of you.

Julie Silber

Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2006 15:19:28 -0500 | From: “Bill Volckening” <williamvolckening@>

Hi All,

…replied to Phyllis privately, but wanted to share a tip with the group. This tip has helped me sell close to 100% of the things I’ve listed on eBay during the last three years. It has also helped my auctions fetch consistently higher prices than most other auctions for similar items.

When you’re ready to sell something, search eBay for similar items. Do an “Advanced Search” for completed auctions that have ended during the last 30 days, and go directly to the auctions that sold for the the highest prices. Usually, the most successful listings have great pictures, thorough descriptions, clear terms, and user friendly services. Once you’ve done a few minutes of simple research, you’re ready to prepare your listing using all the best ideas found in the most successful auctions.

Bill

Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2006 15:38:54 -0500 | From: “Bill Volckening” <williamvolckening@>

…just got my “Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns” the other day…

The closest matches I found were on pages 408-409. Brackman pattern #’s 3389-3395 all have similarities, and pattern names include: Feathered Star, Rising Sun, Wagon Wheel, Fly Wheel, Circle Saw, Wheel of Life, Oklahoma Star, The Wheel of Fortune, Windblown Daisy, Wheel of Time, Pinwheel Quilt, and Parasol Block.

IMHO the closest one is pattern #3394 Pinwheel Quilt – Baltimore Museum and the second closest is #3391 The Wheel of Fortune – Heart & Home.

Neither is an exact match. Both 3394 and 3391 feature borders made of triangular pieces and a small circular piece in the center of the larger circle. Your block differs in it’s use of a diamond/triangles border around the circle, and the lack of circular center piece.

Hope that helps (and thanks to everyone who suggested I get that Brackman book).

Bill

Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2006 17:58:49 -0800 (PST) | From: Dana Balsamo <danabalsamo@>

Hello ladies and gentlemen, While vending at an antiques show I was approached by a lovely couple who is looking for a professional to clean their 1850s family quilt (I have not seen the quilt, I am going by their description). They are in the Cherry Hill, NJ area. Please contact me privately and I will pass the info onto them.

My best, Dana

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

From: Julie Silber

Hi, I am traveling to see my parents in the Tampa and Sarasota, FL area at the end of February, beginning of March. Any suggestions for seeing old quilts – museums, shops, dealers, shows, collections? Thanks, Julie Silber
—
In a message dated 2/4/2006 9:40:16 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, hgribbons@ writes:

http://www.quiltpox.davisfamilycreations.com/free_pdf_patterns.htm

Holly, I’ve seen this block called ‘Pyrotechnics’ except the pieced triangle rings were more similar to the ‘Farmer’s Delight’ block.

-Kathryn Hendersonville, NC

Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2006 16:28:13 -0500 | From: “gb-best” <vitale@>

Hi,

I just saw this neat quilt on Ebay. Does anyone know what wow means? A group or something?

Here’s the link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item738613208

Tips on selling on Ebay!

Be careful what key words you use. If you’re selling a quilt and say, “check out my fabric”, that is considered key spamming and a violation of Ebay policy. Your wording must relate to what you’re selling. Also, be careful if you decide to browse other listings. If you copy their wording or use specific graphics or ad art they also consider that a violation.

Being original is better. Think of something that is all your own.

Also, have an open mind. Be easy too.

I have been selling on Ebay for over 7 years. I do know.

The best!

Donna

Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 00:58:10 EST | From: Mendofleur@

This is a note of apprecation to all who responded to my request for advice on selling with ebay. You were all so generous and thoughtful in your responses to me, and I gather that other seasoned sellers gleaned much from all your worthy and enthusiastic suggestions. QHL is such a great group of people. I marvel at the wealth of information and the discerning and educated responses you all provide. I treasure my membership in this group.

Thank you in this particular posting to Julia, Tom, Judy, Gloria, Julie, and Bill. You all were exceptional and giving in your sharing. I am grateful and inspired. Such great teachers you are!

Phyllis

Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 06:06:28 -0800 (PST) | From: Pat Cummings <pat@>

Good Morning!

I took a look at the “WOW” quilt. Is it possible that the quilt is turned upside down? The other way, it “WOW” would be “MOM,” and since this was made by someone’s mother….

Pat Cummings www.quiltersmuse.com

(click on the picture thumbnails to see the quilt up close)

Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2006 09:13:52 -0600 | From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>

WOW is most likely to refer to Woodmen of the World, an insurance and fraternal organization with a strong women’s component. The women were organized into “groves” [read ‘tree’ images]. At one time during the 1930s, a member could write to headquarters and receive quilt patterns and quilt pattern leaflets from them.

I own a WOW signature quilt based on a Lone Star format, with each of the setting squares and triangles filled with embroidered names from various groves. It was shown last year at MAQS in Paducah, as part of my exhibit on signature quilts.

Xenia

Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 06:21:03 -0800 (PST) | From: Pat Cummings <pat@>

Great information, Xenia:

Who would have thought? A WOW organization!

I have noticed the word “WOW” added to a lot of eBay auctions, but in most cases, it literally means, “WOW,” as in “look at this- a spectacular quilt.”

It is always great to learn a new tidbit of info. Thanks.

Pat Cummings

Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2006 12:39:16 -0500 | From: Barb Garrett <bgarrett421@>

Good afternoon All —

Thanks Donna for pointing out that interesting quilt. It is truly amazing the history you can learn by researching quilts. When I did some googling, I learned that “world order of woodsmen” probably is Woodmen of the World — one of the fraternal/insurance/benevolent societies of the late 1800s. Below is what I found, for those interested.

Some general history of the organization http://www.woodmen.com/inside.cfm?main_menu_id1&sub_menu_id3&Page_id126

This site has pictures, and to me, if you use your imagination, the axe and mallet on the uniform resemble the applique in the one close up of the quilt http://www.phoenixmasonry.org/masonicmuseum/fraternalism/woodmen.htm

And this site talks about their cemetaries http://www.rootsweb.com/~okbits/swilliams.html

I just love google — we used to have to drive to a library to learn this stuff <grin>. Ah, progress.

Barb in southeastern PA

Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 10:02:16 -0800 (PST) | From: Gary Parrett <gparret1@>

I’m catching up on the QHL, digest format, for the past few days. I just found Clues in the Calico listed at abe.com for $21.24!!! Like new, too. Mine, along with everyone elses, is coming apart at the binding.

Along with that, I was fortunate to find out about Barbara Brackman’s email of The Quilt Detective, which is her on-line update to the Clues book. She placed a segment on line every week last year, and said that she is planning to do it again and would let all those on her list know when the time comes, March or April. There’s probably several of us who can pass on the info. as it becomes available.

Karen

__________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.@

Date: Sun, 05 Feb 2006 12:15:34 -0600 | From: Sheryl Till <sctill@>

Actually, I believe you can still buy insurance from them. My father had policies when we were children and did business with them for many years. I can remember his being very active with a local group in Kosciusko, MS in the 50’s. If I’m right, they built a lodge to have functions in. It was on top of a hill and they dug out steps in the hillside to get to it….now that’s if I’m remembering correctly and not putting 2 different memories together. Lol.

I do remember looking at the newsletter that used to come and seeing patterns that could be purchased via mail. I’ve seen the markers/headstones in older cemeteries. They look like tree trunks.

When I get some time I want to check out these links Barb and I’ll ask my mother what she remembers about WOW and report later if she has any good info.

Barb Garrett wrote: When I did some googling, I learned that “world order of woodsmen” probably is > Woodmen of the World — one of the fraternal/insurance/benevolent > societies of the late 1800s. — Sheryl sctill@ Love feedsacks? Join me at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Feedsack_Memories http://www.laquiltworks.com http://www.thequiltingpost.com http://www.berrypatchproductions.com

Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 13:39:40 EST | From: RAGLADY@

I found the same listing last night – and put in an order just on the off chance that it was valid. since you saw the same listing today, it makes me even more doubtful that it can be filled. Ratz!! If it does come through, I’ll be happy dancing but I’m not pulling out my high kickers yet.

Gloria raglady@ gparret1@ writes: > I’m catching up on the QHL, digest format, for the past few days. I just > found Clues in the Calico listed at abe.com for $21.24!!! Like new, too. Mine, > along with everyone elses, is coming apart at the binding.

Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 11:10:55 -0800 | From: “ChrisA” <chrisa@>

http://www.antiquequiltdating.com/Brackman’s_Newsletter.html This is the info Barbara B. has put out about her next online newsletter. It starts in April.

Kim

Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 14:08:08 -0500 | From: “gb-best” <vitale@>

Interesting information. I am glad I asked the question.

Lucky Julie bought it. Bravo!

Donna

Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 12:59:02 -0800 (PST) | From: Judy Schwender <sister3603@>

Hello all- Thanks to everyone who replied to my query re: a reprint of Clues on the Calico. Working as I do here at the Museum of the American Quilter’s Society, I am frequently asked for a “good book about quilt history.” Most of those asking don’t want to read SIX books they want to read ONE book (now why isn’t everyone as eager to read all the quilt history books out there as we are???) And some of those asking are museum staffers from other museums. So in the past I have recommended CitC. I subscribed to Barbara’s e-update last year and am happily signed up for this coming one. That is what I will be saying from now on. However, I am frustrated on two other levels: first, there is nothing like snuggling up with a book on my sofa wrapped up in my quilt, and second, we can’t sell the e-book in the museum shop. Speaking of reading quilt history books, have you all read A New Order of Things How the Textile Industry Transformed New England by Paul Rivard? See more about this book at http://www.dartmouth.edu/~upne/1-58465-283-7.html. Judy Schwender

Brings words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail – it’s free and works with Yahoo! Mail.

Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 13:39:18 -0800 | From: “Maureen” <maureen@>

Hi everybody, I think most of those who requested books got caught up in the holidays and I never heard from them. So here they are again. Best regards, Maureen Flanagan.

—–Original Message—– From: Maureen Sent: Monday, December 26, 2005 1:48 PM To: ‘QHL@’ Subject: Free Quilting/Textile Books: Weeding My Collection

Hi all, I’m weeding my collection and will bring these to the Goodwill unless someone wants them for the cost of media mail postage — $2.00. Please reply personally and not to the list. Happy holidays! Maureen Flanagan in Ashland, Oregon.

Quilting Hall. A Quilters wisdom: conversations with aunt jane Lewis. Mountain artisans quilting book McKim Ruby. 101 Patchwork patterns. That Patchwork Place. Kitchen Christmas Wreath Pattern

Textiles Cray. Levi’s: The shink to fit business that stretched to cover the world Finlayson. Denim, an American legend. Hein. Printing fabric by hand, beginning techniques Johnson. Design on fabrics. 2d edition

Stitchery Better Homes and Gardens Four Seasons in Cross Stitch Enthoven. Stitches of creative embroidery Stitchery: embroidery, appliquE9, crewel (a sunset book) Terrace Hill Needle point designs: original designs from the Iowa Governors Mansion

Sewing. Palmer. Pants for Any Body. Revised edition Mother Wilkes Sweatshirt Collar Pattern

Miscellaneous Kroncke. Mounting handicraft: ideas and instructions for assembling and finishing Savage. A Concise history of interior decoration

****************** PO Box 1081 Ashland, OR 97520 541-552-0743

Date: Sun, 5 Feb 2006 18:20:44 EST | From: TEXTIQUE@

Woodmen of The World is still very much an active insurance business. I have a cousin who worked for them until about 2 years ago, when he resigned to go full time into the antiques business. I have seen their beautiful grave markers, in the shapes of tree trunks, while ‘graveyarding’ for my research.

Jan Thomas

Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 09:32:38 EST | From: Litwinow@

Modern Woodmen of America is headquartered at 1701 1st. Ave. Rock Island, IL 61261 (309) 786-6481. I had a chance to tour their beautiful new building while it was being built. Gee, I’ll have to give them a call this afternoon. Catherine Litwinow in cool Iowa

Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 09:39:49 -0600 | From: “Karen Musgrave” <KarenMusgrave@>

The Alliance for American Quilts (www.centerforthequilt.org) eBay auction this week has a lot of great books including- “Always There: The African-American Presence in American Quilts,” “Mosaiques d’etoffes” (Mosaic Quilts:In Search of the Hexagon), and “Kentucky Quilts 1800-1900.” You’ll find photocopies of QNM issues 1-10, many great old fabrics and a wonderful c.1940 Indigo baskets quilt with a sweet triangle border. You can check it out by going to http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZalliancequilts or search by our seller’s name- alliancequilts.Your purchases also benefit a great organization which is doing great things for quilts. New auctions are posted every Sunday. Happy bidding and thanks for the support.

All the best, Karen Musgrave Join us! Become a member and get advance news on our auctions AND help preserve our great quilt heritage. www.centerforthequilt.org

Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 12:45:40 EST | From: CarylSchuetz@

Great Lakes Native Quilting Exhibit at the Eiteljorg Museum, Indianapolis, Indiana

February 24, 2006 – April 23, 2006 Great Lakes Native Quilting is the first exhibition devoted to North America n Indian quilting in the Great Lakes region. This colorful and engaging exhibition features nearly 20 traditional and contemporary quilts, reflectin g the breadth of this expressive cultural medium. The exhibition also includes photographs of quilters and quilting activities, biographical sketches of co ntemporary quilters, and four contextual settings that visually demonstrate the uses of quilts in the Great Lakes Native communities, both historically and today. Quilts have been used in nearly every Native community for everyday purposes such as bed coverings, shelter coverings, infantE28099s swing cradles, weather insulation and seating. In some communities, quilts also play important role s in tribal ceremonies, the honoring of individuals and other activities.

Native Quilting examines the historical introduction of quilting as well as the contemporary use and meaning of quilts made by Oneida, Odawa, Potawatomi , Ojibwa, Mohawk, Cree, Winnebago and Menominee quilt makers living in Minneso ta, Michigan, Wisconsin, New York and Ontario. It showcases the diversity of Native quilt making and pays tribute to the artists who continue to work in this medium.

There will be a Quilter’s Market on Saturday, April 15th. at the Museum, and other quilt-related activities are in the works.

“”””””””””””””””””””””””””””””” Caryl Schuetz Professional Association of Appraisers – Quilted Textiles certified by the American Quilter’s Society P.O. Box 68827 Traders Point Indianapolis, Indiana 46268 www.quiltvalues.com “””””””””””””””””””””””””””””””

Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 13:05:38 -0500 | From: “Bill Volckening” <williamvolckening@>

Hi All,

Has anyone ever corresponded with an eBay seller named Sabinemoon? This seller lists many quilts as African American, and has listed one as “Gee’s Bend” even though there is no documentation to support that description:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTIQUE-VINTAGE-1940s-AFRICAN-AMER-QUILT-GEES-BEND_W0QQitemZ7388268727QQcateg

I hate to just vent about it without offering a solution…and I was tempted to write to the seller – but I just haven’t found a way to convey the point in a way that would allow the seller to think twice about using these misleading descriptions.

Other than not dealing with the seller, does anyone have suggestions?

Bill

Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2006 10:17:30 -0800 | From: Julie Silber <quiltcomplex@>

Hi Friends, Here we go again – asking for your help. We have a Wedding Ring quilt top listed now on eBay. We listed it as 1930-40 or so. Now I have had an e-mail from an eBay-er, a stranger to me, telling me the following:

“Hi, this quilt is not 60 or 70 years old. This was made from a pattern called Rings that Bind put out in 2003. The fabric must be very good reproduction.”

Since we are OBVIOUSLY not too good with mid-late 20th century fabrics, can someone verify that the helpful eBay-er is right? Or not? I’ll go now and post it on “The Board.” (Sorry I am not clear on how to post a link here.)

Many thanks, Julie Silber

Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 13:22:43 EST | From: Edwaquilt@

I now have the documentation about this quilt scanned onto a disk and in my computer. I bought a queen size on eBay a few months ago. It was in its original packaging. In addition to the quilt, it has the colored cover sheet and a small catalog of all the quilts reproduced by America Pacific Company. I didn’t realize it at the time but the booklet had a card to mail in and register the quilt. Each had a unique number assigned and could be registered, I assume with America Pacific.

I also have all the information about the whole cloth group that was reproduced under liscense to Spartex, Inc in Spartanburg SC. There were 6 or 8 of those done. The project grew out of the protest of reproducing quilts overseas. There were both white on white and two applique available.

Holice

Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2006 13:38:40 -0500 | From: Beth Donaldson <quiltsmuseum@>

The Michigan State University Museum has a Rising Sun Quilt that is similar to the pattern quilt discussed on February 4 (http://www.quiltpox.davisfamilycreations.com/free_pdf_patterns.htm). You can see it at: http://www.museum.msu.edu/glqc/collections_7585.2.html.

Beth

Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 10:51:06 -0800 (PST) | From: Barbara Burnham <barbaraburnham@>

Bill,

Sounds like just a sales pitch to me, riding the wave of whatever seems popular at the time, not stated as fact. Quoted from auction page:

“looks like it came straight out of Gee’s Bend — a small community in Alabama known for its African-American folk art quilts — although we do not know the exact origin of this quilt, it has the look, feel and spirit of a Gee’s Bend creation.”

You or I could say the same thing. Be careful when sending a Question to Seller, since they can, with the click of a button, post your question and their answer right into their auction without your knowledge or approval.

Bill Volckening <williamvolckening@> wrote: Hi All,

http://cgi.ebay.com/ANTIQUE-VINTAGE-1940s-AFRICAN-AMER-QUILT-GEES-BEND_W0QQit

Other than not dealing with the seller, does anyone have suggestions?

Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 13:45:30 -0800 | From: “alan” <alan@>

Have any of you seen the\is collection? http://www.elileon.com/ Just curious, since I’m expecting to be introduced to the man who owns it. He’s in the area (Oakland CA), and a new friend of mine thinks we need to meet (but of course! We can share our collections, mines quite sizeable). Oh, and that makes me think I may not have told you. I’ve just started my second tour of duty in the Bay area. I became seriously ill last summer, 10% chance or surviving. Spent the last 8 months at my folks healing. And now I’m well enough to strike back out on my own. So I’ve been making new friends, and Ken knows this Eli guy, who may know other interesting folks.

Alan

Alan R. Kelchner Multi-Media/Quilted Textile Artist http://alanrkelchner.com (in process) http://www.livejournal.com/users/sffreakish/

And even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and in our own despite, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God.

Aeschylus, 3rd c BC

and then:

“And there is nothing to be done, The cathedral is sinking Under the weight of souls and tears and prayers Delivered unto the awful grace of God. “

(M. Tafoya)

Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 13:49:32 -0800 | From: “alan” <alan@>

The dealer is only comparing her quilts style to Gee’s Bend, which it accurate. However, she wrote way too mush crap, and her color choices sucked. Short and simple is best. Black on white is best too. Some people (me) have neurological issues that make reading “pretty” text difficult. I had a devil of a time not getting my overload reading her post.

Alan

Alan R. Kelchner Multi-Media/Quilted Textile Artist http://alanrkelchner.com (in process) http://www.livejournal.com/users/sffreakish/

And even in our sleep, pain which cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and in our own despite, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God.

Aeschylus, 3rd c BC

and then:

“And there is nothing to be done, The cathedral is sinking Under the weight of souls and tears and prayers Delivered unto the awful grace of God. “

(M. Tafoya)

Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2006 11:22:10 -0800 | From: Julia Zgliniec <rzglini1@>

Dear Julie and QHL, Thank you for the interesting “challenge”. Your pictures are great. However nothing is as good as a “feel of the goods”. It is hard to tell in the photo. You would be the best judge of that. What does the top feel like? Some additional considerations: From the 2 arcs visible, the fabric placement looks identical. Is it the same in all the arcs? If it were, this would be an indicator of a possible kit or dye cut pieces that one could buy.

Consider construction methods – the seam allowance looks as if it is pressed to one side in the close up – as we do today. Although I am sure seams were pressed this way in the 30s too.

The best indicator – the fabric prints. I am not aware of ALL the 30s reproductions out there – I try to keep up but it is getting really hard – I don’t think these are reproductions. Is there a wide range of prints? or just the ones in the picture?

Are we taking bets?

My money is on vintage.

Julia Zgliniec, Poway, CA ….its going to be 80 today. Hot and dry when we need rain here in SoCal.

Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 13:22:16 -0600 | From: “kim baird” <kbaird@>

Eli Leon, as far as I know, is the first collector of the improvisational style of African American quilts. Long before the Tinwood Alliance and the Gee’s Bend show, he was collecting, showing and publishing these quilts.

He attracted the ire of some historians (I feel, unfairly) because he concentrates on only this style. African Americans have made quilts in many styles, not all improvisational. The people who feel that Gee’s Bend quilts are technically inferior (I am not one of them) want to make the point that African Americans have technical skills second to none, and have made many beautiful quilts indistinguishable from those made by other groups.

If youget a chance to seee his quilts, jump at it! Lucky you.

Kim

Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 11:53:12 -0800 (PST) | From: Laura Fisher <laurafisherquilts@>

HI all – taking a break from trying to organize my new spaces. Shelves arrived last, not first, so it’s double/.treble work to put everything wehre it belings for ease of access, but it’s coming together.

re eBay, NYTimes article was comprehensive. Can’t imagine a standardized listing for anything handmade; there are just not the same criteria and definitions, understandable by everyone, as get applied to manufactured items like toys, mechanical banks, silver, etc.

In those fielkds collectors know what constitutes good, better,best in terms of condition and closeness to original condition, typically paint and surface. But there are no standards for aesthetics to judge quilts, rugs, etc.One can count stitches, describe construction, colors, etc. facts that could be challenged if necessary by the buyer, but……..Its unlikely every ebay lister would know the real age of something they are not very familiar with; most probably equate what they have with something they’ve seen and take it from there. The more we educate our eyes and minds, the less we will get stung in our pursuit for great find!!. Small comfort, but think of all those great important collections of paintings that come to market or go to museums, including antiquities, where half the stuff is discovered to be fake, and that was way before eBay.

if there were ever to be a standarized form, I think it could only include key points that are found on every intake form from a state quilt discovery day, like size, format, binding, backing. materials, etc.

Re Bowmanville patterns, how great the Judys are planning a research paper. I have always been intrigued, and have owned a few. Right now I have the GeorgeWashington centennial kerchief center postage stamp-y Diamond in a Square, similar to one in the American Folk Art Museum, and I know of one other like these two in a collection in Tucson. Who designed/made them? Was the concept published? Instructions sold at the Centennial to make this type? Where’d they get such a variety of 19th century earth tone little squares? Were scrap bags sold to make just this type of commemorative quilt centered with an historic kerchief? those are some questions I hope you will find answers to. I think my George Washington quilt is one my websitein the patriotic/commemorative category.

OK back to work………..

Laura Fisher

Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2006 15:47:18 -0500 | From: Judy Kelius <quilts@>

Hi Julie – I don’t think this was made from the “Rings That Bind” book. Although I’ve never tried the method, it was shown on Simply Quilts, and the blocks are made from circles which are sewn together and flipped, then appliqued to the background. (Difficult to describe, but there are instructions on Simply Quilts for anyone who is curious: http://tinyurl.com/6kuqc.) You certainly don’t end up with square blocks like these using this method!

So back to the original question: whether it is old or new. I would question the knowledge of the person on eBay, based on the above, but I don’t doubt your expertise! The construction is certainly different, and you can see that the quilt was made in square blocks . . . not the way the usual DWR is usually constructed! Can you see any indication of printed lines to follow as a guide on the background fabric? My hunch is that it was a kit of some type . . . any possibility it was one of those “Rainbow” patterns? They made a lot of embroidery patterns, but I think they also made some for applique. Maybe someone who has studied these more closely can comment. As to whether those fabrics were reproduced, I don’t buy many 30s repros so can’t help much there. Barb Garrett, where are you when we need you <GR>? She is someone who knows more about both the Rainbow patterns and 30s repros. I personally have a very hard time telling the difference between the 30s originals (from yardage, not feedsacks) and some of the excellent repros that are available today.

Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2006 16:06:51 -0500 | From: Judy Kelius <quilts@>

To reach the Simply Quilts, make sure the close parentheses is not part of the URL you click – try this instead: http://tinyurl.com/6kuqc

Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 13:08:01 -0800 (PST) | From: Laura Fisher <laurafisherquilts@>

Sure looks like a blue resist quilt, with a homespun linen backing. likely late 18th-early 19th century. Fabric could be English, French or American, attended a lecture years ago at Cora Ginsburg’s telling how resist made, and showcasing examples from several countries. Linda Eaton at Winterthur would probably know who/where fabric was printed!!

Laura Fisher

Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 16:56:36 -0500 | From: “Candace Perry” <candace@>

Some good ones here…I esp. like the appliques with the urns and bouquets… http://www.liveauctioneers.com/catalogs/8735-50.html?fc&queryquilt if it doesn’t work, go to the Garth’s website, click on the catalog for the Feb 11 sale, and use keyword quilt. Candace Perry

Date: Mon, 06 Feb 2006 15:29:45 -0900 | From: Gloria hanrahan <gloria@>

Bill,

I have bought quilts from this dealer. I do not find her descriptors or age, pattern, etc. to be accurate as to what I think, but I have always received what was pictured and in the promised condition.

She is a good seller to work with and I believe she writes what she “thinks” the quilt is. Just go by what you think the pictures convey.

If the quilt pictured is something you would like to have, then I would purchase it, otherwise, if you are really looking for a real Gees Bend quilt, I really don’t believe eBay is good place for a quilt with a specific provenance.

I don’t see her description to be misleading. Her descriptions are always long and wordy. This is just her style. But I believe her to be a trustworthy seller if you want the quilt in the picture.

This is really common on eBay to have things incorrectly labeled. I look constantly at braided rugs. Now, a braided rug looks nothing like a crocheted rug, but the crocheted rugs are constantly described as braided. I’ve even ended up with a couple of great crocheted rugs instead of braided since it did lead me to look. Go figure.

Gloria Hanrahan

Date: Mon, 6 Feb 2006 20:10:59 -0500 | From: Debby Kratovil <kratovil@>

My daughter lives in the Maryland suburbs of DC and has an acquaintance who is doing a documentary of quilting and is looking for old photos and even video/movies of quilters quilting. this is a serious venture (he’s done a phenomenal one on China). His name is Chris Billing and has asked for any leads to these types of images. Can anyone help me direct him to good resources?

You can see his web site and what he did in China here: www.uptothemountain.com — Debby (with a “y” and not “ie”) Kratovil Special Projects Editor, QUILT Magazine http://www.quiltmag.com Quilt Workshops & Programs http://www.quilterbydesign.com

Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2006 06:57:33 -0500 | From: Barb Garrett <bgarrett421@>

Hi Julie and others –

These are my own impressions of the top —

First, it is not, in my opinion, anything like “Rings That Bind” technique/pattern. I just googled the Simply Quilts site with pictures — in Rings That Bind, the seam is down the center of the football shape, in Julie’s top the intact football shape is appliqued. Which also brings us to the point that Rings makes a finished quilt, not a top.

I don’t recognize any of the fabrics as being repro — but so many new lines have come out in the last 2 years it’s hard to keep up. Most of the 30s repros, the threads are thicker than the vintage fabric. They’ve done a good job on repro color, but the fabric is “thicker” than the vintage, and not as smooth. Does that make sense? I think of it as thin, smooth, tightly woven percale (high thread count) — as compared to today’s coarser feel. It’s a personal interpretation.

I have seen appliqued rings like these on old quilts at documentations — can’t remember when/where, just that I’ve seen them. Doesn’t prove anything about your top, except that the technique/style wasn’t invented in 2003. I don’t doubt that someone published a pattern then (not Rings That Bind) — maybe inspired by an old quilt. And the organized colors — looks like it could be a 30s kit with die cut patches to me. That might explain why it lays so nice and flat. I have a “buy one block at a time” applique kit for a basket, and you could buy as many blocks as you needed. It reminds me of that. I just looked, but unfortunately, double wedding ring isn’t one of the choices on the envelope.

My reaction to your pictures, Julie, is that this is a 30s top — in the close up the fabrics have an older “sheen” to them that repros don’t, the white seam allowances lay flat and shade thru like I would expect them to as vintage.

Not much help, I know. Just my thoughts, but I agree with you that it’s circa 30s,

Barb in southeastern PA-