June 28 – July 9, 2006
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:
- Stereoscope Cards Showing Quilts — A friend’s collection of circa 1900 stereoscope cards leads to advice on values, collectors and where to donate.
- Drawing Quilt Patterns on the Computer — Members compare simple drawing programs, PC Quilt and Electric Quilt for making quilt blocks.
- Washing Quilts and Colorfast Thread — Vinegar, vodka and DMC thread stability come up in advice on cleaning old and newer quilts. (see the article on cleaning antique quilts)
- The Underground Railroad Quilt Myth — A shop owner’s claim sparks talk of the coded quilt story and of Barbara Brackman’s coming book on the subject. (see the article on Underground Railroad quilts)
- Morphy Auction Quilt Prices — A member researches why mid-19th century Pennsylvania quilts sold for low prices at a regional auction.
- Flood Relief and Quilts for Victims — After Susquehanna River flooding, members suggest Project Linus and other ways to get quilts to families.
Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2006 13:43:05 +0000 | From: deedadik@
Hi all, If the collection of doll quilts just purchased at auction came from Ohio, they were wonderful. Glad someone on the list got them. Molly Butler and I were at the auction house for the preview and answered all kinds of questions for the owners of the auction house so they could tell the absent bidder exactly what they were. We were also bidding, so we laughed with them that we were aiding our competition. Enjoy. Dee — Dee Dadik Certified Appraiser of Quilted Textiles 5689 Concord Hill Dr. Columbus, Ohio 43213 614-861-0478 Web site: deedadik.home.att.net
Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2006 06:32:56 -0700 | From: Laura Robins-Morris <lrobins@>
It’s back! Mark you calendars for the biennial QUILTFEST, August 11-13 in Seattle, WA
250 juried and judged quilts and wearables from the Northwest US and Canada
Special Exhibit: American Quilts, A Retrospective, 1850-1950, quilts from the collection of Beverly Dunivent
Three invitational exhibits
Gala Auction and Dinner
Lectures
Merchant Mall
IT’S GOING TO BE A GREAT SHOW — DON’T MISS IT!!
Check out the web site, or contact me for further information. Laura http://www.apnq.org/quiltfest/index.php
Date: Fri, 30 Jun 2006 15:11:52 -0700 | From: <suereich@>
Yes, the 4th of July is coming. Did you all know that this is the 230th birthday of our Country? In lieu of this momentous year, I was given permission by the New England Quilt Museum to be the guest curator for an exhibit running from August 17 – October 22, 2006 called “Happy Birthday, America! Centennial and Bicentennial Quilts.” The quilts on display will almost exclusively be signed and dated from either the Centennial or the Bicentennial years. They represent quilts that we might expect to see, pieced with Centennial prints and bandannas. There will Bicentennial quilts of most of the patterns, trends and kits available around 1976. There will also be quilts made for the Bicentennial but begun or made with real centennial fabric. Chris Wolfe Edmonds’ “Washington at Valley Forge” is one of the highlights on display. Also medallion quilts, charm quilts from the Centennial and kit quilts and sampler pictorial quilts of the Bicentennial will be shown. The quilts and textiles come from generous museums and private collections. In addition, continuing the celebration on August 26, I will be giving a gallery tour and presenting a lecture Centennial/Bicentennial quilts. On September 9, Xenia Cord will be presenting a lecture on “American Spirit, Two Centuries of Patriotic Quilts.” For those of you far away, please take note of the dates. This exhibit coincides with AQSG 2006 in Connecticut. From the Farmington Marriott, Lowell is about a 1 1/2 hour easy drive. Very doable in a half a day. So if you want your fill of Centennial and Bicentennial quilts and textiles, this will be a grand opportunity. This exhibit will be traveling to AQS in Paducah from Lowell. It will give you all a second opportunity to see the collection. Many thanks, sue reich
Date: Sun, 2 Jul 2006 11:47:59 -0700 | From: “Julie Silber” <quiltcomplex@>
Hi, I have been asked for someone who can wash old quilts in the Houston area. Any leads? Thanks, Julie Silber
Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2006 09:22:21 +0100 | From: “Audrey Cameron” <audreycameron@>
Hello Folks,
Was there a list on Sunday July 2? I didn’t receive one. Also none Sunday June 26th as well. Audrey Cameron in a very warm & sunny Lincolnshire, England.
Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2006 15:20:15 -0400 | From: “Beverly Birkmire” <bevnedjr@>
A friend has recently acquired a collection of cards for the stereoscope, circa 1900 (?). Most are bedroom scenes featuring quilts on the beds, and many seem depict the errant ways of husbands. For example, the sleeping man with a woman by his side pointing her finger, obviously waiting for him to awaken, with the statement, “Home From the Club, ‘Fears the Storm.’” In another the man is drinking from the water pitcher, with the phrase, “O! What a Difference in the Morning!” One depicts a group of children sitting around a quilt on a frame, “Quilting Bee.” There are about 20 in the set.
I’ve done a little research on the stereoscope. Can any of you enlighten me on a collection like this one which includes quilts in the photos? My friend would like to make plans to dispose of the set, either selling them in an antiques shop or perhaps selling or donating to a museum or organization which would be interested.
Thank you for your feedback.
Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2006 16:38:59 EDT | From: HKnight453@
There was an article on stereoscopes featuring quilts some time ago in Quilter’s Newletter Monthly.
Heather
Date: Mon, 3 Jul 2006 20:01:53 EDT | From: TEXTIQUE@
Dearest Sue;
Your tribute to Stephen warmed my heart and strengthened by feelings of love for my country and my flag. Everything does have a purpose. I lost a child many years ago, not to war but to severe birth defects and the experience never leaves you. At first, I thought of what he could have been to the world in the future but as the years passed I began to think in terms of what he had been to the world; especially to me, my husband, his brother, and my family.
I began, after a very long time, to cry only on visits to the cemetery but there was always an underlying sadness inside me. His legacy was to teach me to move on and work to make my life good and meaningful to others and myself. My husband sometimes refers to my mission as obsession but I see it as payment for the wonderful gift of having known him.
My grandmother gave me the gift of textile love and my grandfather the love of history. These too were legacies from those I have loved and are gone.
I have learned during my life’s struggle that to live in the future, I must also know the past, however painful it can be. Those gone from me now, were here to guide me towards the fulfillment of dreams I did not even know were there and to help make the world a better place. One other thing they taught me was patience, graciousness, empathy and to pass by negativity but to always store criticism away for potential further use.
Stephen’s sacrifice will shine in the heart’s of millions as it has in mine. I know how you hurt and I’m glad you have some solace in the kind acts of others. I think sometimes we forget that death knows no political boundaries. I know also that it is not final; there is always something that lives on to inspire us to greater heights.
Sincerely and with my love,
Jan Thomas
From: “Beth Davis”
Hello Beverly, I’ve got a small collection of the stereoviews that feature quilts or sewing in them. I have paid from $3 to $9 on the average for each card, depending on condition and what the picture shows. There are some cards that go for $50 and higher if the subject is particularly collectible or rare. The stereoscopes average $40 for plain ones to $100 for quality ones. Collectors are interested in knowing that the lenses are still good.
Someday I’ll create a list of the cards that feature quilts. They are fun to collect and certainly not as common as the cards with landscapes and “risqué” topics!!!
Regards, Beth Davis
I’ve done a little research on the stereoscope. Can any of you enlighten me on a collection like this one which includes quilts in the photos? My friend would like to make plans to dispose of the set, either selling them in an antiques shop or perhaps selling or donating to a museum or organization which would be interested.
Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 07:10:37 EDT | From: LinusDonna@
There is an interesting star quilt listed on ebay and currently bid at $650. ~Donna Laing, Bucks County PA
eBay: MASTERPIECE PA Bowman Star QUILT TOP ~ 1 INCH PIECES! (item 140003543541 end time Jul-31-06 06:46:34 PDT) OR http://cgi.ebay.com/MASTERPIECE-PA-Bowman-Star-QUILT-TOP-1-INCH-PIECES_W0QQite mZ140003543541QQihZ004QQcategoryZ2221QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 13:16:34 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
Donna, That isn’t a bid. $650.00 is the dealer’s buy-it-now price. That means it is like the reserve. The dealer won’t accept anything under that price.
But I agree that it is a most wonderful pattern!! More rightly called a Bowmansville Star or, a Postage Stamp Star.
I’ve been studying others like it and trying to document as many of them as I can. If anyone on the list has one or knows of a private person who does, would you kindly get in touch with me. I’m not trying to buy them. I just want some photos, overall and in closeup and some other information if it can be supplied. Thanks.
Happy 230th birthday to our country, where every citizen is free to pursue happiness and generations of brave young men and women have secured and are now insuring our right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness! Our thanks beyond measure go out to them and to their loved ones.
J. G. Row Flemington NJ judygrow@
Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 14:12:31 -0400 | From: “vitale” <vitale@>
It’s a buy it now, but others can make an offer if they like.
The best!
Donna
Date: Tue, 4 Jul 2006 19:57:50 EDT | From: Mitzioakes@
I certainly would contact someone connected with quilts for your stereoscope images – they should be saved (I have a whole set of Sears & Roebuck cards depicted the store and its workers etc. I have been told they are quite collectible, more so if you have a complete viewer available…….. Bet someone on this list will help you out. Mitzi from soggy and wet Vermont (will the rain ever end…)
Date: Wed, 05 Jul 2006 08:37:08 -0500 | From: Mary Waller <mswaller@>
Passing on the Comfort-The War, the Quilts, and the Women Who Made a Difference
Special Traveling Exhibit
July 6th through 18th at the Old Courthouse Museum, Sioux Falls, S.D.
During WWII, American and Canadian women handcrafted quilts and comforters to send to those affected by the war in Europe. Now, 60 years later, a selection of these items will be on exhibit from July 6th-18th, 2006 at the Old Courthouse Museum.
During the war, Dutch Mennonites sheltered many who were in need: Jews hiding from the Nazis, Dutch refugees, and others. Following the war, Mennonites fleeing the Soviet Union were warmed by these same quilts, eighteen of which will be on exhibit.
This exhibit which showcases craftsmanship and compassion that remains in the community today, and be sure to stop in the exhibit Quilts-Piecing Together Traditions to see the second installation of historic quilts beginning in July.
The Old Courthouse Museum will host an exhibit reception on Thursday, July 13th from 5-7 p.m. including the 6 p.m. program by Norman Hofer discussing the Mennonite Central Committee’s contributions to Europe between 1922 and 1942.
Presented by he Siouxland Heritage Museums and the Central States, Northern Tier Office, and the Mennonite Central Committee.
Exhibit Reception and Program:
The Wars, the Tractors, the Quilts, and the People Who Made a Difference
by Norman Hofer
Thursday, July 13th Reception 5-7 p.m. Program 6 p.m. Free Admission
Adam Nelson Marketing Coordinator Siouxland Heritage Museums
(605) 367-4210 ext.3012 www.siouxlandmuseums.com
Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 10:54:01 -0700 (PDT) | From: Anita Loscalzo <aloscalz@>
At the New England Quilt Museum on Saturday, July 15, 1 PM, AQSG Board member, quilt artist, and historian Kathy Metelica will talk about the process of assembling quilts from antique and orphaned blocks. She will show her own quilts — the results of her constant search for orphaned blocks and the desire to combine them as she imagines the women who made them would wish. She will also show similar types of quilts made by Bizmark Storms, Mary Kerr, Sue Reich, Lori East, and Sue Ashe. Kathy’s presentation is free with admission to the Museum and accompanies the exhibit, “Blending the Old & the New: Quilts by Paul D. Pilgrim,” organized by the Museum of the American Quilter’s Society. The exhibit is funded in part by Mancuso Show Management, Marcus Brothers Textiles, and P&B Textiles.
We hope to see you!
Anita B. Loscalzo, Curator New England Quilt Museum 18 Shattuck Street Lowell, MA 01852 ——– email: Curator@ telephone: 978-452-4207 Ext. 11
Date: Wed, 05 Jul 2006 14:49:39 -0400 | From: “Newbie Richardson” <pastcrafts@>
Dear list, If any of you went to the Morphy Auction in Denver PA on 6/15/06 could you please email me privately? It looks like some great Pennsylvania quilts changed hands and I am curious to know who was buying – mostly dealers? collectors? – a mix? I have been noticing a trend in historic clothing auctions: sems like only dealers are buying the “middle market” quality – and fewer collectors are buying the ‘up market’ as used to. Wondering if the the same is happening with quilts – on the East Coast, that is. Thanks for any insights.
A.Newbold “Newbie” Richardson The Costume and Textile Specialists Appraisals, Conservation, & Exhibition Alexandria and Richmond, VA 703-684-0863/804-261-4998 www.costumeandtextile.net
Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 16:43:17 EDT | From: TEXTIQUE@
Hi all;
I am hoping to help a small research center that owns a quilt I am studying. It has condition problems and needs to be evaluated and conserved. They have no budget for this so I am looking for information about organizations that provide grants for such.
I would be grateful for any advice you can send my way.
Thank you,
Jan Thomas
Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 18:04:09 EDT | From: ZegrtQuilt@
I am seeking information about good places to sell alot of quilt books, all one title, all at one time..(ideally) These were published in the early 90’s and are softback…Please also share any bad experiences you have had so I dont go down those paths. Thanks,Shelly Zegart
Shelly Zegart zegrtquilt@ 502-897-7566 http://www.shellyquilts.com/ http://www.centerforthequilt.org/
Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 16:31:55 -0400 | From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>
There is no reason to let real life interfere with our quilt adventures. The fact that parts of the Eastern Shore had received more than fifteen inches of rain in a single day last week didn’t seem to be any reason to change our plans. Indeed, it was only in PA that we ran into trouble. Sitting for an hour and a half on a flooded highway in Reading (the Schuylkill River was a raging torrent rather than its usual placid self) necessitated rearranging the day and a phone call telling us that the road to Lorraine’s house in Old Forge was under water (found out later that it, the road, had been washed away) only meant that I got to use my knowledge of the alternate routes to find her house safe and dry two blocks from the flood. The VT Quilt Festival in its new location near Burlington was worth the effort. The big incentive for me was the antique quilt display of 100 quilts from the VT Documentation Project (actually there were “only” 97, but I’m not complaining). When I tell you that the first thing I saw in the exhibit hall was a chintz medallion with a Hewson panel in the center you’ll have some idea of how spectacular this display was. Remember, it was only up during the show, June 30 to July 2–now you understand why I had to get there. These quilts were not a rehash of the previous exhibit at the end of the documentation. I’m a frequent visitor to the VQF and I only remember ever seeing one of the quilts. It’s on p. 51 of Plain and Fancy by Richard Cleveland and Donna Bister. I’ll just tell you about a few of my favorites. A Mariner’s Compass in turkey red, “poison” green, yellow, blue etc. on a soft pink background had a 4″ compass in the center of each large one! I think my favorite quilt of all was a scrappy 1880-90 8-Evening Star set on point with sashing of tiny Four Patch blocks. The background fabric was a pinky-beige print. I am mentally combining this with another Star quilt in which each piece in the blocks was a different print (absolutely wild and perfect for those quilt makers, like me, with a short attention span). A mid-century Feathered Star was all brown and beige with an appliquéd border of large feather/paisley shapes. A delightfully folky Sunflower and Oakleaf was made about 1880; the centers of the suns was a striking black and yellow print. A stylized Palm Tree, c. 1920, in a single solid green on white was a pattern I’ve never seen before. A Touching Stars, c. 1850 has a border on two sides made from star blades arranged to form a zigzag. I hate to complain but whoever wrote the labels for the exhibit wanted to assign a PA origin to every quilt that had any orange in it. I often did not agree with their opinions. You can see a delightful medallion (which was made in PA) on p. 77 of Robert Bishop’s New Discoveries in American Quilts. The earliest quilt in the exhibit was an English silk coverlet from the turn of the 19th century. The surface is decorated with appliquéd creatures in tapestry and petit point (caterpillars, birds, boars, cows and a milkmaid, flowers, trees…) and quilting at 14 spi. A glorious 1840 Mariner’s Compass in pink, yellow, green, red and blue with fussy cut centers was, unfortunately, quilted in the 1960. It is still a thing of beauty. A Rose Medallion (1850-60) with a center of birds on a branch of roses and tulips had some of the best appliqué I’ve ever seen. An appliquéd sampler from the same period has zany, rather primitive designs and a border of appliquéd 3″ circles. hanging from the rafters in the hall were a dozen Star quilts adding another dimension to this heavenly experience. The next day we paid a flying visit to the Shelburne Museum to see the Kaleidoscope exhibit and the newly reopened Hat and Fragrance Building, home of the museum’s quilt collection. The star of that show was a Variable Star made from different parts of a Prussian blue pillar print and a contrasting cream chintz set without sashes or borders. The second gallery contained more antique quilts than you’ll find on permanent display in any other museum, probably 30. Most were from New England and I’d only seen two of them before: the Pelican in Her Piety (1930) and the Streets of Boston (1873). Especially interesting was the Lard’s Prayer quilt made in VT about 1870. The letters are formed from diamond shaped scraps appliquéd to a print background. Among the recent acquisitions are an Hawaiian Flag quilt and an Ohio Quaker quilt of silk and cotton Variable Stars in muted pinks, greens and brown. We hadn’t had time for any antiquing in VT so we came home by way of Lancaster Co. (just a little detour-G). Black Angus on Sunday can be a real education. Some of the dealers have wonderful things and love to talk about them. I saw lots of fraktur, none of which I could afford, but did buy a crimson silk Shaker pin case with all the papers of pins inside and a a red and yellow Delectable Mountains top, circa 1890. Cinda on the Eastern Shore in a state of Quilt Nirvana.
Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 20:21:43 EDT | From: Mitzioakes@
Glad you liked our show – VQF – I helped a bit hanging the antique quilts which was a nice experience (Richard C’s favorite is the sunflower one you mentioned in your comments). I also volunteer at the Shelburne on Tuesdays – a wonderful day of quilts for me. Glad you survived the floods etc. will the rain ever stop??? Getting packed for a 10 day trip to Sweden to a family reunion (mine) and am finishing some folkart panels for gifts of the hostess(es)….Course have to bring some maple syrup too! Mark down next year’s VQF dates now. Mitzi So. Burlington,VT
Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2006 21:52:05 -0700 | From: <suereich@>
I hope by now you all have successfully made your choices for AQSG – 2006, and you are mapping the plans for the rest of your autumnal trip to New England. Connecticut’s colors will probably be best if you travel around the state after Seminar, rather than before. If you are planning to venture north to New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont, then you might be at peak season before Seminar. Here are web sites for leaf peepers giving you week-by-week updates on just where you will find the best colors. The last site is a link to Yankee Magazine. This site gives a great overall view of New England travel. The folks there are dedicated to presenting all of the best and most interesting in New England. Yankee has formed wonderful partnerships with the Connecticut and Massachusetts Documentation Projects to enable us to raise monies for our projects and books. http://gonewengland.about.com/cs/fallfoliage/l/blfoliagecentrl.htm http://www.visitnewengland.com/current_category.77/current_advcategory.290/companies_list.html http://www.yankeemagazine.com/travel/index.php
Each week, I hope to give you some incentives to extend your seminar holiday. These extremely tempting venues will feature sites of Connecticut textile industry and its women’s history trail. But first, antiquing! At the risk of a great Connecticut quilt being snatched up by one of you, here are some areas for antiquing. I can’t guarantee that there will be quilts but you just may hit the jackpot. Antiquing hot spots in Connecticut, although most every Connecticut town has a few decent antique shops. 1. Canton and Collinsville http://www.antiquing.com/ct.htm 2. Putnam http://gonewengland.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi1/XJ&sdngonewengland&zuhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.americanprofile.com%2Fissues%2F20010610%2F20010610ne_944.asp 3. Woodbury http://www.antiqueswoodbury.com/ http://www.antiquesandthearts.com/archive%20pdf/2005/woodbury/spotlight%20on%20woodbury.pdf 4. Farmington http://www.farmington-antiques.com/ 5. Plantsville http://www.antiquing.com/ct.htm And just about any town on the shoreline.
Feel free to email me off this list for further information. The countdown has begun. See you in October. sue reich
Date: Thu, 06 Jul 2006 07:25:38 -0600 | From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>
Sally Ward in England asks me to apologize for her to anyone expecting a response from her. She has major computer woes and her email has gone down; if you need to reach her, she is hobbling along at sallytatters@
Xenia
Date: Thu, 06 Jul 2006 08:52:25 -0400 | From: “Newbie Richardson” <pastcrafts@>
Judy, Thank you so much for answering my querry. I had a feeling that these fabulous quilts were not fetching what they should have – even when the vagueries of the market are factored in. I was researching values of mid-19th c PA quilts for a client who is making a donation. Many of the quilts are featured on the Prices for Antiques web site (www.p4a.com) a very well run site reporting the results of regional auctions. I have never heard of Morphy’s auctions, and I have been doing this long enough to at least know the names of most of the good regional houses. My gut told me that there had to be a background story – and I was correct – unfortunately.
One of the downfalls of any reporting service is that it cannot tell you who was buying – what the make up of the audience is. For instance, I attend the Whitaker sales twice a year (and my reward is to get to visit with Judy and Allen) and watch the crowd – how else would I know that the ridiculously high prices paid for c 1950 decorated sweaters was from a vintage dealer in Hollywood! – Hardly a true snap shot of the market! Or that the three astonishing Paris couture c1900 tea gowns went for a song because the lots before and after them were even more fantastic thus keeping the collectors in the crowd otherwise engaged.
I am so sorry that your labor of love was betrayed. I can only hope that once those quilts are purchased – for a retail price – each one will be loved and appreciated in it’s new home.
Thanks for taking the time to post
A.Newbold “Newbie” Richardson The Costume and Textile Specialists Appraisals, Conservation, & Exhibition Alexandria and Richmond, VA 703-684-0863/804-261-4998 www.costumeandtextile.net
Date: Thu, 6 Jul 2006 14:58:22 EDT | From: Palampore@
I am trying to get my son to draw quilt blocks and other very simple sewing patterns (rectangles, squares with Velcro attached, etc.) on the computer for me. Can he do that with Microsoft Word or any other drawing programs that can be accessed on the Internet? Or do we have to buy a special program for that? I know very little about computers, and he knows very little about sewing, so we aren’t communicating well. He says for me to just draw it by hand, but I want the exact corners and the “slick” look of a computer drawn image. Since one of the things I want drawn is a pattern of an antique quilt block this is sort of QHL related. But if you would please respond to me privately and then I will do a synopsis for QHL if anyone responds. Thanks a bunch!!! Lynn Lancaster Gorges New Bern, NC
Date: Thu, 06 Jul 2006 12:10:24 -0700 | From: Julia Zgliniec <rzglini1@>
Dear Lynn and All, While it is possible to “draw” patterns with a program like Paint that comes bundled with Microsoft systems, and possible to use a Word program, it is so much easier to use a graphic program or a program like Electric Quilt. I have used the EQ programs ever since they were introduced for drawing, templates and illustrating my class handouts. It all depends on how involved you want to get and what your ultimate purpose and use will be. If you just want a few drawings probably Paint will do. But if you want more and will use the illustrations with test, an illustration program like Adobe or one specifically for quilts is your best bet.
Julia Zgliniec, Poway CA – I know I won’t get much sympathy for our unusually high humidity of late.
Date: Fri, 7 Jul 2006 10:56:43 +0100 | From: “Audrey Cameron” <audreycameron@>
Dear Lynn,
PC Quilt is a drawing program similar to EQ5 but they provide a simple demo program that might serve your purposes.Try it out: www.pcquilt,com Audrey Cameron is a damp sort of day in Lincolnshire Enagland.
Date: Fri, 7 Jul 2006 08:45:59 -0400 | From: Debby Kratovil <kratovil@>
I draw quilt patterns for a living and don’t use Electric Quilt, though I know it is a god-send for the average quilter who doesn’t want the learning curve of Adobe Illustrator (which is what I use) and the cost (about 4 times that of EQ). But as a Macintosh user (who understands BOTH computer platforms), I found that Quilt Pro does a better job of drawing curves, freeform curves, and especially in the area of creating your own radial grids. There are no limitations with QuiltPro when I want to design my own Mariner’s Compass or even applique shapes. But, again, I haven’t worked with EQ very much, so I haven’t test driven it a lot. Also, EQ has a terrific technical support staff and you can even get ahold of Penny McMorris on occasion. The block libraries are fantastic and there are all sorts of online groups that have sprung from EQ users.
I suggest you go to each of the websites of these products (even Adobe Illustrator has a 30 day trial) and download a trial version. Give yourself plenty of time to play, learn, make mistakes and then ask a lot of questions. For the average price of $100, the quilt software design programs are a great deal. Illustrator is like employing a gorilla when all you need is a chimpanzee to do the work! But the graphics for print are so superior (because it is an eps format, not bitmap as EQ is) that I have to stay with Illustrator. (For any of you who aren’t computer geeks, eps is a vector based – mathmatically calculated lines – versus bitmap, which is pixel, tiny colored dots) — 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: Sat, 08 Jul 2006 12:15:42 -0400 | From: “Newbie Richardson” <pastcrafts@>
Dear list, A friend of mine asked me about wet cleaning a quilt her grandmother made for her in 1971. It is a bouquet of cross stitched poppies ( reds, lavender, pinks) on a cream ground ( feels like cotton – not a blend) with poly bat. O bet it was a kit – but I do not see any ghosts of stamping under the floss. It is very nice, in great conditon except for being dirty. There are about 16 blocks, I guess. Here is my question – as I am more accustomed to working on pre 1930’s quilts, I was wondering if there are any “inherent vices” I should watch for in a quilt from this period. It is very grubby, has some stains (my guess is they started life off as food), but the colors look good – there appears to be no light fade or damage. I know that I used some of my mother’s stash of c 1970 DMC embroidery floss for clothes I smocked my girls in the 1980’s – which lived in the laundry! – but nothing ever faded or bled. Advice anyone? Thanks Newbie
A.Newbold “Newbie” Richardson The Costume and Textile Specialists Appraisals, Conservation, & Exhibition Alexandria and Richmond, VA 703-684-0863/804-261-4998 www.costumeandtextile.net
Date: Sat, 8 Jul 2006 13:40:04 -0500 | From: “quilt25” <quilt25@>
DMC embroider threads are remarkably stable. I have a circa 1970 quilt, blues, greens, gold that has been washed several times. Still looks good. I have done repair work on embroidered quilts where the background fabric was almost gone, but the threads looked great.
Peg in North Texas
Date: Sat, 8 Jul 2006 11:48:38 -0700 | From: “Alan” <alan@>
A thought about this quilt – maybe if there is some concern about colorfastness, you could rug the individual threads with a wet Q-tip and see if any of the color comes off. But I do agree that in all likelihood, the color isn’t going to run on you.
Alan
Date: Sat, 8 Jul 2006 11:54:38 -0700 | From: “Alan” <alan@>
Just a reminder that the Gee’s Bend quilts are coming to San Francisco this month. The display will be at the De Young Museum. The display runs from July 15 through November 26. I’m going just because I’m curious. I even think I have a friend that’s going to go.
Alan
Date: Sat, 8 Jul 2006 18:00:48 -0700 (PDT) | From: Pat Cummings <pat@>
Hello, all,
If you read the heading of this e-mail and have been around quilt history issues for awhile, then you know full well the “myth” to which I refer.
While visiting a quilt shop yesterday, I was told that the Underground Railroad Quilts are very popular. People “love” the blocks because they are so easy, and work up fast. I found myself explaining, as briefly as I knew how, that the Underground Railroad/Quilt issue is one that does a very huge disservice to Black people because it assigns false history to them.
It is very disturbing that a quilt history issue should become a political basketball with everyone, who wishes to be “politically correct,” getting on the band wagon, without so much as a nod or a care as to the TRUTH.
I’m told by some that I dwell on that word, TRUTH, too much. As I say in one of my poems – The truth is hard to take for those dishonest to themselves –
So much of what is going on today in our world has to do more with politics than with personal caring, or even an aware of how the legislative action can have the potential to damage the lives of others.
We all like nice stories, and myths fit into that category. For those of us who prefer the truth, it seems as though we will just have to “suffer fools gladly,” or if not “gladly,” then with great psychological pain.
Long live the quilters, and better yet, long live the quilters who can think of other patterns to make/try than UGRR blocks. There are literally thousands of patterns from which to choose…thousands, compiled by many different people. Still better, design your own quilt!
Hope you are all having a wonderful summer. I’m thinking “baby quilts,” as I will be a new grandma in December. I’m very excited and pleased, and will probably have to make more than one baby quilt.
Best to you,
Pat Cummings www.quiltersmuse.com
Date: Sat, 08 Jul 2006 13:11:39 -0400 | From: “Velia Lauerman” <velialive@>
Again!! the VINEGAR solution comes to the rescue… Use a cup of WHITE VINEGAR Into a washer filled with tepid water..agitate water and let rest a while. Take the wet quilt into the bath and stroke the quilt in the washer. Stay with it even if you have to read a good quilt book while waiting for debris to surface while kneading the quilt or piece. The vinegar will sweeten, sanitize, deodorize, and loosen hidden dirt. While looking over the piece in the bath check for loose pieces, little spots etc. After about an hour let the solution in the bath drain. Make sure the piece is balanced to spin out remaining water. Take out the piece and put it into another clean towel or bed sheet. fluff out and air dry on top of one white treated sheet and another on top of the piece checking it now and then and petting it dry.Remember that some tap waters have additives such as fluorine..Vinegar will dilute the chemicals so don’t rinse again. If you do not agree that this is a good way to take out old musty debris and set in colors please tell me why as this advise has been in my memory from way back to the 1900 when Granny taught me through my mother to use common sense when cleaning. We have also used VODKA to clean costumes for Detroit Opera House. Velia
Date: Sun, 09 Jul 2006 07:22:35 -0500 | From: “Virginia Berger” <cifba@>
> While visiting a quilt shop yesterday, I was told that > the Underground Railroad Quilts are very popular.
Pat, I heard Barbara Brackman speak at Quilt Market in May about a book she has coming out late this fall called “Facts and Fabrications” in which she addresses the UGRR myth. She said one of the reasons she is doing this book is to give shop owners an alternative. The book is suppose to have history but also blocks and patterns for those who want an historical quilt. So maybe this will help–I’ve already approached my local quilt shop about possibly carrying the book.
Virginia Berger
Date: Sun, 9 Jul 2006 08:29:47 -0400 | From: “Louise” <ltiemann@>
On June 28th the Susquehanna River and surrounding creeks became a raging flood, surpassing the previous historic flood of 1935. In the town of Vestal where I live, the river rose to over 33 feet (flood stage is 17 feet). The same story replayed throughout the Twin Tiers (South Central NY and Northeast PA). Some towns and businesses were completely underwater. Sewage treatment plants along the river went off-line and in some cases destroyed. Many power substations were also underwater, leaving thousands without electricity. Area hospitals and senior living centers had to be evacuated. For days the National Guard helicopters flew overhead bringing thousands of people to Binghamton University relief center set up by the Red Cross. The towns of Conklin, NY and Great Bend, PA still have flood waters. All the surrounding counties have been declared federal states of emergency and FEMA offices have been set up. I know this wasn’t the same magnitude as Katrina, but hundreds of families are without homes and many more are trying to reclaim their property from layers of sludge.
Last year I coordinated the Common Threads Quilt Guild in Vestal, we made 30 quilts to send down to the people in NOLA. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to have such a flood hit my home town. I am trying to set up getting quilts made for victims of the Twin Tiers Flood. I am contacting the local Red Cross groups and Fire Departments and will bring them quilts to be given to those in need.
If you are interested in participating, please let me know. With kindest regards, Louise
Date: Sun, 9 Jul 2006 06:16:25 -0700 (PDT) | From: Pat Cummings <pat@>
Hi Virginia Berger:
Yes, I am aware of Barbara’s book and I can’t wait for it to come out, maybe as early as September. People so want to believe the UGRR myth. After all, it was endorsed by people who work in Education, so it HAS to be true. Most quilters whom I have met have not read the Source. They are only basing their opinions on hearsay, or that one dismal how-to book that does not bear mentioning again. Not that a book of how to make quilt blocks is inherently bad, in and of itself. However the false meanings of the blocks that have perhaps been inadvertently assigned by the hints of the author that the story might be true, are damaging.
Just this week, a college student wrote to me to tell me that she does not like what I say in my website article. After sending a few messages back and forth, it was abundantly clear to me that she had not read the book, and would perhaps be using my written input to write a paper of her own for class. She said that from what she could surmise, the book might be a “waste of time,” and as a student she couldn’t afford it. This kind of interaction simply wears me out.
I totally applaud Laurel Horton and the ipod cast at the International Quilt Study site. She has been a strong voice through all of this, and I also look forward to her book on the subject of the secret quilt code as “belief,” as seen through the eyes of a folklorist.
Have a lovely Sunday.
Pat Cummings www.quiltersmuse.com
Date: Sun, 09 Jul 2006 09:53:07 -0400 | From: tracy jamar <tjamar@>
This is to clarify a few things concerning the Baltimore Album Quilt, mentioned a couple of weeks ago, purchased from Northeast Auctions in February. I would have responded sooner but I was out of town.
It was purchased by Jan Whitlock a dealer of fabulous early American textiles (her shop is in Chadds Ford, PA). It is with her permission that I’m writing this.
The quilt is more a top than a quilt as only about 10″ or so from the bottom is quilted. The stamp “Waltham Finish” is on the backing fabric not on a block. The sheer fabric used to make some of the roses is in three color shades not easily seen in photos, not three shades in each rose but each of the sheer roses is one shade.
Jan has given the rights to document the quilts blocks and border to the Baltimore Applique Society. They will have the official patterns taken directly from the quilt rather than from photos including all the inked details that add such richness to the already lush work.
I have the privilege and honor to be working on the quilt, restoring a few areas and preparing it to be shown. Jan will be offering it at the Winter Antique Show in NYC in January 2007. It is a stunning piece and if you are in the NYC area in January you won’t want to miss it.
Thanks, Tracy Jamar Jamar Textile Restoration Studio, NYC
Date: Sun, 9 Jul 2006 10:15:55 EDT | From: KJB139@
Louise Try contacting the nearest Project Linus to you. I head up a chapter in Massachusetts but they are in just about every state. Here is the national link for you. If the nearest chapter doesn’t have enough quilts on hand to help, an email to national usually results in an email to all chapters for assistance!
_www.projectlinus.org/_ (http://www.projectlinus.org/)
Hope this helps….
Kathy B
Date: Sun, 09 Jul 2006 12:08:23 -0400 | From: “Newbie Richardson” <pastcrafts@>
Velia’s post reminded me of my favorite “cleaning with Vodka” story. Friends of mine – while living as impoverished grad students in Providence, Rhode Island – rented the first floor of a great turn of the century house. The floors of the front hall were black and white tile – the small mosaic type. Although my friend actually got down on the floor one day with Clorox and a scrub brush -she was not able to get the floor to look clean. Anyway, they threw ecomomic caution to the winds and had a big party. In prepartion for the party she went out and bought a big bottle of “rot gut” vodka for the punch. She tripped in the hall bringing it in and the bottle broke all over the tile floor. After cleaning up the mess she noticed that the floor was spanking clean! For years after that, she continued to use cheap vodka as a cleaner in her kitchen and bathroom. Just think of what it must do to clean out our insides!
Newbie – in unusually delightful 80 degree low humidity Northern Virginia
A.Newbold “Newbie” Richardson The Costume and Textile Specialists Appraisals, Conservation, & Exhibition Alexandria and Richmond, VA 703-684-0863/804-261-4998 www.costumeandtextile.net
—–Original Message—– From: Velia Lauerman Sent: Saturday, July 08, 2006 1:12 PM To: Quilt History List Subject: [qhl] cleaning with vinegar
Again!! the VINEGAR solution comes to the rescue… Use a cup of WHITE VINEGAR Into a washer filled with tepid water..agitate water and let rest a while. Take the wet quilt into the bath and stroke the quilt in the washer.
Stay with it even if you have to read a good quilt book while waiting for debris to surface while kneading the quilt or piece. The vinegar will sweeten, sanitize, deodorize, and loosen hidden dirt. While looking over the piece in the bath check for loose pieces, little spots etc. After about an hour let the solution in the bath drain. Make sure the piece is balanced to spin out remaining water. Take out the piece and put it into another clean towel or bed sheet. fluff out and air dry on top of one white treated sheet and another on top of the piece checking it now and then and petting it dry.Remember that some tap waters have additives such as fluorine..Vinegar will dilute the chemicals so don’t rinse again. If you do not agree that this is a good way to take out old musty debris and set in colors please tell me why as this advise has been in my memory from way back to the 1900 when Granny taught me through my mother to use common sense when cleaning. We have also used VODKA to clean costumes for Detroit Opera House.
Velia
Date: Sun, 09 Jul 2006 12:17:41 -0400 | From: “Newbie Richardson” <pastcrafts@>
Dear list My daughter is co-ordinating disaster relief services for the Office of the Governor of Alabama in Montgomery. She will be traveling around the state in July/August visiting county agencies, etc. As she is a chip of the old block ( grin) she has asked me to ask you all to let us know about interesting quilt/craft oriented shops/exhibits/thrift shops she might be able to include on her travels around the state. This is a child who swears that – despite my insisting she learn to sew – she never sews. – Yet she would buy stuff from Goodwill and restyle it to suit herself – appearantly that is not “sewing”.
Please email me privately with any suggestions. Thanks Newbie
A.Newbold “Newbie” Richardson The Costume and Textile Specialists Appraisals, Conservation, & Exhibition Alexandria and Richmond, VA 703-684-0863/804-261-4998 www.costumeandtextile.net
