July 10 – 18, 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:
- “Treasure Hunters” and the Quilt Code Claims — An NBC program repeats the secret quilt code idea, and members debate how to answer it.
- Washing Quilts in Front-Loading Machines — Members swap experience and product tips for using new high efficiency washers on quilts. (see the article on cleaning antique quilts)
- Stab Stitching and Hand Quilting in the 1830s — A reenactor’s question leads to doubts about who says stab stitching was the period method.
- Rag Carpet Weaving — Questions about rag woven carpet bring answers from a former weaver and a Shaker rug reference.
- Toronto Fabric and Museum Tips — Members point a visiting couple to fabric shops, the Textile Museum and the weather. (see the article on quilt museums)
- Midwest Quilt Study Day — An August event in Indianapolis will use a hands-on rotation of quilt study tables.
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2006 1:45:39 -0700 | From: <suereich@>
Last Thursday, I was privileged to visit the Litchfield Historical Society in preparation for the AQSG Seminar visit in October. Julie Frey is the textile curator who will be assisting us. Let me just say this about their quilts, Prussian Blue quilts are some of the later pieces in their collection. http://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org The Litchfield Historical Society’s collection generally focus on items with known provenance to Litchfield or Litchfield County. This year’s exhibition “The Tale of the Horse: Spinning Litchfield’s Revolutionary War Stories” highlights Litchfield’s legendary participation in the war for independence, focusing specifically on how the community’s participation has been remembered throughout the years. Why is Litchfield important to quilt history? In 1820 with a population of 3,367, Litchfield was the 4th largest town in Connecticut. Today at 8,374, it ranks 105th out of 169 towns in population size. During the later part of the eighteenth-century and the first two quarters of the nineteenth-century, Litchfield was a religious, intellectual, academic and mercantile center in our state. This was mainly due to the Tapping Reeve Law School, Miss Sarah Pierce’s Female Academy, the Beecher family and some prominent merchants. Many of the young men and women from well-connected family have ties to Litchfield through the Law School and the Female Academy. They became the leaderships, merchants, congressmen, and teachers in many southern, mid-western and western states. John Warner Barber’s book, Connecticut Historical Collections : Containing a General Collection of Interesting Facts, Traditions, Biographical Sketches, Anecdotes, etc. Relating to the History and Antiquity of Every Town in Connecticut with Geographical Descriptions. (ISBN: 0939883058), 1836 reported that 1/3 of the Congressmen and Senators of our United States were from Connecticut. Westward migration took some of our wealthiest and most educated citizens, and with them went many items including quilts that were later donated to museum and historical societies in their new homelands. The close of the Law School and Miss Sarah Pierce’s Female Academy in the late 1830s sent Litchfield into a bit of a time warp. Many of the buildings and storefronts around the Green date to end of the nineteenth century and early twentieth century. http://www.towngreens.com/exhibits/index.cgi/4/index.html http://www.litchfieldct.com/ http://www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org/history.html The first part of your visit to Litchfield will consist a guided tour of South Street, North Street and the Green, the sites of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s birthplace and Miss Sarah Pierce’s Female Academy, and a visit to the Tapping Reeve Law School. Lined with eighteenth and early nineteenth century magnificent stately homes, walking along North Street and South Street will take you back in time 150 years. Viewing the Litchfield surrounds will set the next stage, seeing the quilts. The quilts chosen for your close inspection are in keeping with the pre-1840 theme of the Seminar. Especially exciting, and in addition to quilts, you will also see examples of bed hangings from embroidered silk to crewel-worked indigoes to appliqued turkey red prints, dating from 1760 to 1840. Lunch will be on your own. You will be provided with a list of establishments around the Green. I hope this is tempting enough for all of you. About 35 people have signed up for this tour so there is still room. Trust me when I say that you will regret having missed Litchfield. CT. sue reich
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2006 09:33:34 -0400 | From: Sandra G Munsey <munsey@>
I have never tried vodka on fabrics, But when I worked in a small town seacoast police department years ago, we cleaned the fingerprinting plate with vodka confiscated from beach parties! Worked well to clean hands, too.
Sandra on Cape Cod
Date: Mon, 10 Jul 2006 22:18:28 -0400 | From: Paul and Nancy Hahn <phahn@>
Did others get to see the NBC program, “Treasure Hunters,” tonight? In it, they mentioned over and over that codes were hidden in quilts to help slaves use the Underground Railroad to make their way to freedom. Then the contestents were given “Quilts” that resembled coded maps done with thick floss to guide them through a SC swanp to the hidden treasure. They were to be “like the slaves trying to decode the quilts.” If I had never heard the myth before, it was mentioned so many times tonight, that even if I was in the same room, not really paying attention to the TV but just passing through, it would have registered as a “really interesting new tidbit” to tuck away for future use. I guess now we have to take on national TV. Any suggestions how to do this?
Nancy Hahn, Dataw Island, South Carolina, where the weather is gorgeous, but we sure could use some of the rain down here I just left behind in Maryland
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 01:17:58 -0400 | From: “Sharon in NC” <patchworksecrets2@>
Yes and I gritted my teeth all the way through that part… Also Fons and Porter discusses the UGR and quilts in their newest issue… They put forth that there were quilts with signs and symbols….Glad I don’t have a subscription…
Sharon in NC
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 10:32:18 +0100 | From: Sally Ward <sallytatters@>
Well, let that be a lesson to me! My email is back now, but its over a week since it summarily disappeared and I realised I had no backup of anybody’s address, nor of the many emails I keep in folders for reference.
Already I’m procrastinating over the mighty task of sorting and recording all this stuff because the task has been left so long it has become enormous. The printer is working overtime.
I have to say that QHL was the list I missed most, and the good news was I had a lovely long read to catch up <G>
Sally W
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 05:02:15 -0700 (PDT) | From: Pat Cummings <pat@>
Nancy states: “Now we have to take on national television.”
We could try, but I doubt that we would get too far. In the interest of procuring money, and being so “politically correct,” too many booksellers, shop owners, magazine producers, and yes, TV show producers have blown the chance to make a difference by NOT promoting the idea of the preposterous secret quilt code, directly or indirectly.
They have done a real disservice to society by encouraging a false belief because it makes for such a cute story! Equally guilty, in my opinion, are the teachers who, without looking further into the topic, have promulgated a belief based on air, hot air, as it were, (their hot air).
Just think of all the pea brains, er, I mean “viewers,” who now “believe” that the secret quilt code is the Gospel Truth, because of that show. If it’s on TV, then it REALLY must be true! Not!
I guess we will have to keep our “chins” up, knowing that at least some of us really do care about the TRUTH, with no other “axe to grind.”
Can you tell that this topic is like a tick? It really gets under my skin! But then again, I am preaching to the choir. To my prayers, I shall have to add, “Please forgive me my impassioned rantings!”
Pat Cummings
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 11:38:08 -0400 | From: Barb Garrett <bgarrett421@>
I know it’s not quilts, but decorative show towels are beautiful too. I just learned of this exhibit in an article in a local freebie newspaper, so will just list what it says. I haven’t been to the exhibit, but was involved when this Historical Society did an Antique Quilt Exhibit a few years ago. They do try to do a very good job and are a committed group of people. I haven’t seen the exhibit yet, and hope to go on Saturday. The article ……..
The Hanover Area Historical Society in Hanover, PA, is currently displaying an exhibit of decorative (show) towels and related linens in the Neas House, located on the corner of West Chestnut and High Streets. At the same location, a second exhibit, consisting of Hanover-made John Rupp furniture is also on display. Both exhibits will run on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays through September 2. Hours are 10 am to 3 pm.
Forty-five examples of show towels have been collected from individual collectors. They are exhibited on walls draped in black cloth, which provides sharp contrast to the towels, especially those with open drawn work. Most towels are from around 1830, but there are several 18th century dated towels. Special interesting features to be seen include a set of towels by Anna Keagy Hostetter (1791-1876). The set is thought to be a unique find in that it includes the “everyday” towel. Both appear to be in unused condition, and both are signed “AH”. The towels descended through the Hostetter family.
As a special feature, guest curator Victoria Weaver will give a presentation on decorative towels on Saturday, July 15 at 1 pm at the YWCA, located on West Chestnut Street, within sight of the Neas House. The John Rupp display consists of examples of furniture in the original finish, an original portrait of Rupp, and other memorabilia. Rupp was active in Hanover from 1838 to 1899. An important point made in this exhibit is that the form is the identifying characteristic of Rupp furniture – not the paint of the piece.
The facility is not handicapped accessible. A catalog is available for both exhibits at the HAHS office at 105 High Street for $15, or by mail for $20 by sending a check to HAHS, PO Box 305, Hanover, PA 17331
NAHS Neas House 113 West Chestnut Street Hanover, PA 717-632-3207
Barb in sunny southeastern PA
Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2006 11:05:29 -0500 | From: Gail Ingram <gingram@>
Has anyone already begun the novel with the title “Sally Ward’s Woes”? If not, I claim it.
Wouldn’t that be a great name for a quilt? Maybe nice square blocks composed of series of triangles, all in hues and colors to suggest that common ailment, Computer Befrazzlement? Really “cracked” looking.
If these conversations were verbal, we’d have to use our own memories for them. Now that nobody uses auditory memory anymore, we save so much written record. The infamous Judith Grow, formerly of Ringoes, PA, once looked at my emails and gasped at their number. The next week, the program evaporated. My solution has been to add a bunch of memory.
Sally, you might also contact your server for recent emails. All mine were stacked up there, along with some already logged into my “in” box.
Sally Ward’s Woes. Wowser!
Gail
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 08:49:04 -0500 | From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>
With Kris’s permission I am posting this opportunity, and hope you will want to participate. And we acknowledge with thanks the creation of this format by Sue Reich and friends in the New England Quilt Study group
The Midwest Quilt Study group is pleased to announce a regional Quilt Study Day, Saturday, August 19, in Indianapolis from 9am to 4pm. This is a paid event benefiting AQSG, so those interested should contact me off-list for the specifics. But below is an outline of what we will be doing, and we hope it will inspire you to join us for a day of quilt discovery! (A small block of hotel rooms is being held for those arriving Friday afternoon/evening)
Xenia Cord xenia@
************** QUILT ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG Saturday August 19 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
We are excited to announce our first Midwest Regional Quilt Study Day. Please join us in Indianapolis for a day of quilt discovery! Participants will rotate among 6 tables, each with a specific focus, 8 quilts, and a facilitator. This gloved (provided) event will give everyone a hands-on look at antique quilts from many sources. We hope our sharing together will provide a learning experience for all, as we expand our understanding of quilt history.
EVENTS OF THE DAY
9:00 – 9:30 am …..Registration, coffee Welcome & Introductions
9:30 am……………..Quilt Archaeological Dig
Table 1 – Mini-pieced Quilts – Linda Pumphrey Table 2 – Signature Quilts – Molly Butler Table 3 – Charm Quilts – Amy Korn Table 4 – Red and Green Quilts – Karen Portwood Table 5 – Indiana Amish Quilts – Mary Persyn Table 6 – Kit Quilts – Xenia Cord
1:00………………………..Box Lunch (provided) 1:30………………………….Show & Tell (bring a treasure to show and describe briefly) 3:00………Session Review & Closing Remarks 3:15-4:00…………………….Quilt Photo Session
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 13:11:58 +0000 | From: “Lynn Miner Flynn” <lmf032@>
Wondering if any of the members of this group are associated with the Massachusetts Quilt Project? (I think that was what it was called.) I had an antique quilt reviewed by members of this group for an upcoming project they were working on. Would like to know what ever happened with the project. You can email me privately at lmf032@ Thank you, Lynn in VA
Date: Wed, 12 Jul 2006 19:13:17 -0700 | From: “Patty Miller” <pmiller111@>
I recently signed up for this list so that I can ask a question about a hand pieced quilt top that a customer wants me to finish on a long arm machine. The quilt is a rail fence and hand pieced sometime around the 1930’s. The size is double bed. I am wondering what others opinions are regarding finishing this quilt top on a long arm machine vs. hand quilting.
PS. I watched Treasure Hunter’s on NBC also and found the quilt clues interesting.
Thanks for your suggestions.
Patty
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 07:49:17 EDT | From: Mitzioakes@
Not to get in trouble, but the Treasure Hunters ‘clues’ should not be taken as ‘historical truths’ – and so continues ‘As The Myths Turns’ , an ongoing saga……….. Mitzi in soggy VT where all planes were grounded yesterday thus messing our 2yr. plan to get attend a family reunion in Sweden – will try again tomorrow!
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 07:45:46 -0400 | From: “Elaine Kelly” <elainekelly@>
Hello, all. Got myself one of those fancy new front-loading washers (no more dancing washing machine in my basement!) and I’m wondering whether it’s possible to use Orvus quilt soap in it. Has anyone tried it? I’ve got a newly made quilt that needs a washing to remove the quilt markings and I’m thinking I’m better off avoiding regular detergents. Cheers! Elaine Kelly
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 08:29:29 -0400 | From: “deb” <deb@>
I dissolve the Orvis in warm water & then add the solution just like I would regular detergent.
Love my front loader!
Debbie Quilting Possibilities Bayville, NJ
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 09:39:40 -0400 | From: “Newbie Richardson” <pastcrafts@>
I have one too – and adore it. I do use the hand wash cycle to do sturdy quilts. I know that the mechanical action is minimal on this cycle because I tested it with a cashmere sweater of my mother’s c 1955 which looked like swiss cheese from moth vistitation. I traced the shape of the sweater plus the holes before I washed it – then compared the piece to it after washing – there had been no stretching. I was stunned – and delighted.
As to the use of Orvis – remember that it is REALLY concentrated, so bear that in mind when using it. You need to use no more than a 2% solution. Because these machines use less water, I would be concerned that all the soap would not get rinsed out. I suspect that is why the manufacturers suggest using the “HE” formulated detergents with these machines. N
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, 13 Jul 2006 08:48:31 -0500 | From: “Kim Baird” <kbaird@>
If you’re worried about rinsing, why not use Ensure from Stearns Technical Textiles? It’s made especially for quilts, and works in cold water.
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 11:37:53 -0400 | From: “Velia Lauerman” <velialive@>
The fabric and threads are the concern as the old fibers will tear if new strong thread is applied. Remember the Scripture about putting new wine in old skins. Certainly machine sewing can be handled delicatly but have you tried the old cotton thread in the same condition as the fabric of the top? Testing the thread for strength by giving it a tug is very important as there is a lot rotted ( can be used for basting) out there. Using cotton batting and treating the cotton backing in water only to shrink will help. Found an old quilt that was quilted with a Feather weight machine which is a real treasure $15. It was lying next to the sewing machine used. The machine buyer passed it by at the Estate sale and left it for me by mistake. Velia
Date: Thu, 13 Jul 2006 10:49:04 -0500 | From: “Jean Carlton” <jeancarlton@>
Hi all I am researching Eleanor Beard – after finding a quilt with her label on it I got intrigued about finding out more about her and her business in Kentucky. Having trouble sending this – have to change words since I had previously sent with the wrong email addy – but…
Date: Sat, 15 Jul 2006 15:54:56 -0500 | From: “Sarah Hough” <dougandsarah1@>
Hi all
We are planning a trip to the Toronto area, leaving July 20, returning July 26. Would appreciating knowing of any must-see shops, shows, sales, etc.
On another almost quilt-related subject, I am looking at new washing machines and am trying to convince myself I need one of the big ones. If anyone has any suggestions as to brand, please email me off-list.
Thanks a heap
Sarah
(and looking forward to some cool Canadian weather instead of hot humid Florida)
Date: Sat, 15 Jul 2006 21:24:47 EDT | From: HKnight453@
Designer Fabrics. I don’t have an address. They have gorgeous fabric and great prices.
Date: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 12:13:36 -0300 | From: Barb Robson <robsonb@>
Sarah,
Here is a link to the Textile Museum in downtown Toronto. A “must see”, it really is quite wonderful, a beautiful gallery and they have a super gift shop with a wide range of textile related books.
Textile Museum of Canada
There are quite a few quilt stores in the Toronto area, it is a big city so it will depend on where you are staying which ones would be easiest for you to go to. There are also some on the outskirts. I recommend using my best friend “Google” and search for “Toronto Quilt Stores”. There are lots of listings. There are also listings of both quilt shops and quilt shows at http://www.quilt.com
Hope that helps, enjoy your visit and be patient with the traffic!
Barbara Robson Fox Point, Nova Scotia
PS I hate to tell you but Toronto can be hot and humid too! You can check out their weather at http://www.weathernetwork.com/weather/cities/can/Pages/CAON0696.htm
Date: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 15:30:38 -0500 | From: “Sarah Hough” <dougandsarah1@>
Thanks. Yes, I looked at the Toronto weather in the paper today and it’s hotter than it is here! Oh well, maybe it will cool down.
Sarah
Date: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 19:58:19 -0500 | From: “cjsp70” <cjsp70@>
I just returned from our annual week of volunteering at the Lincoln Boyhood memorial in Lincoln City, IN. The staff hand pieced a 9 patch quilt this last winter and are in the process of quilting it. They said many people have told them they are not quilting correctly for the time period because they are using the “rocking motion” that I am used to using for hand quilting. They said the stitches were put in one at a time. Is there any resource I can look up that will say how they hand quilted in the 1830 era? They all try to be as accurate to the time as possible. Thanks for all your help from hot and humid Southern Indiana. Well it makes the corn grow. Pat Sauer
From: “Debbie” <russhill@>
Since I reenact the 1830’s here in TX I would be very interested in here any sources stating how quilting was done. I have a friend who subscribes to an archives that has all or all most all of Godeys on line. There may be some info there I will ask. I hold a 19th C Ladies Conference every year and last year we all learned how to do English Paper Piecing by doing the Hexagon shape. The info and instruction came from an 1830’s Godeys. If I can locate my directions she printed off from the page I will try to get it on to a pdf file for you all to see. I am almost done with my blocks and will be working on the connecting pieces next. Then quilt it and if possible in the proper method. Debbie Russell russhill@
Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2006 09:20:54 -0500 | From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>
I guess I’d like to know who the “they” are who said stab stitching was the method used in the 1830s. Who are those experts and what is the source for this information?
Inquiring minds –
Xenia
Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2006 06:29:24 -0700 (PDT) | From: Pat Cummings <pat@>
I would like to know the source of information, also. I have never seen any “stab stitching” on 1830s quilts. You can always tell true “stab stitching” by looking at the back of the quilt.
That is unless it is an English quilt under which a little boy has laid to pass the needle back through to the front, to the person quilting. By the way, that information is from a friend who attended a quilt demonstration at the V&A Museum, some years ago.
Pat Cummings
— Xenia Cord <xenia@> wrote:
> I guess I’d like to know who the “they” are who said > stab stitching was the method used in the 1830s. Who are those experts and what is the source for this information?
Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2006 10:25:23 -0400 (EDT) | From: akryhul <akryhul@>
Hi,
I live in Toronto and recently spent a blissful day prowling the fabric and notions shops along Queen Street West. I suggest you start at Queen St. and Spadina Ave. and walk westward toward (and beyond) Bathurst St. You could easily spend the entire day in this long stretch.
Here are a couple of must-see stores:
Designer Fabric Showroom – 396 Queen Street West. Mac Fab (Macdonald Faber) – 600 Queen St W
Designer Fabrics, referred to in a previous posting, is at 1360 Queen St. W. I would suggest driving or taking the streetcar west on Queen as it is not within walking distance of Queen and Spadina. It’s not exactly an upscale part of town, but the store is well-known as a destination for the city’s designers and fashion/design students.
Although I’ve never been there, I’ve heard this store sells vintage and European fabrics: Bobrowski Textiles at 1306 St. Clair Ave W.
Check out the blog at www.thimble.ca. Under the General category (in the archive), the author has a good list of crafty places to visit in Toronto. Some of the wool and bead stores are located on Queen St. W.
Finally, I live near a section of the city called “India town”, and there are several fabric and silk sari shops there. If you make your way to Coxwell and Gerrard, and walk west on Gerrard, you will be in fabric heaven.
Angela
From: Jackie Joy <joysbees@>
A while ago, I contacted you re: people with whom I would be vacationing in the Fort Bragg-Mendocino area who might want to view your quilts as they are collectors. What is your phone number? I will be leaving early tomorrow morning and arriving in Fort Bragg sometime in the PM. (I have to make shopping stops along the way). I will be there until next Sunday. If you don’t receive this soon enough, I will be staying at the Harbor Lite Lodge (800) 643-2700 and you could leave your phone number. I don’t know for sure if this couple would be interested, but I do know that he is a collector; how knowledgable, I’m not sure. I’ve never met him; my daughter has. She told me that he said when on tour, he buys quilts wherever he is.
Hope to be able to meet you.
Jackie Joy Reno, Nevada
Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2006 12:33:03 -0400 | From: “Newbie Richardson” <pastcrafts@>
Dear list The techniques which individual seamstresses have used to ply their needles over the centuries have not changed much – except with the invention of “new” technology, I suppose. I am sure that some quilters working on a frame might have used a stab stitch -as some may even do today – but so did women use the the “rocking” stitch then, as well. The point was to get the project finished!
As a conservator I have had to try to replicate another woman’s stitching on a great many occasions – it is difficult to do! Sewing style, like one’s handwriting, is individual. And like period handwriting, one can, frequently, date a garment ( I have never used plain sewing to analyse a quilt) by the stitching style used. There were some finishing techniques which were used more in some periods than in others.
But saying that in the 1830’s seamstresses held their needles a certain way…oh, come on now – it defies common sense.
However, if you need “proof” get a hold of a copy of “The Workwoman’s Guide” by ‘A Lady’. It is the facsimilie edition of the original 1838 manual of sewing instruction. Now published by Piper Publishing (www.piperpublishing.com) I don’t remember if she actuallyinstructs for quilting per se, but it was written as “a comprehensive instructional text particularly designed for Clergymen’s wives, Young Married Women, School Mistresses, and Ladies’ Maids” as well as gentlewomen who wished to aid the poor and run their own households with efficiency and economy” – to quote our own Lynne Bassett’s foreword.
I warn anyone trying to use the book that the illustrations are not palced anywhere near the corresponding text. I bought a second copy, took it apart and rearranged it so they would – makes a world of difference! Newbie is sweltering No. Va – I broke out in a sweat on my early morning ( sedate) walk -at 7am!
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: Mon, 17 Jul 2006 14:39:06 -0700 (PDT) | From: Laura Fisher <laurafisherquilts@>
I have been asked for information about the manufacture of rag woven carpet, and though not quilt related, I wonder if anyone out there has leads I can pursue? I find most rag rolls or lashed-together room size rugs in Pa or in New England, occasionally from Amish communities in the midwest. I see differences in weaves, coloration, etc that were likely regional, but would love to know more. Were there known companies that made them? Amish, non-Amish manufacturers? Earliest known? Still woven today-who? Thanks for any help. Laura Fisher –0-1748606158-1153172346:10894–
Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2006 17:46:23 -0400 | From: Laurel Horton <laurel@>
I’m looking for a roommate for the AQSG seminar, and for some reason I’m not able to access the AQSG2 list. I currently have a reservation for a nonsmoking room, but it will probably have one king bed instead of two doubles. My preference would be for someone who is also staying from Thursday night through Monday morning, as I’ve signed up for Friday and Sunday afternoon programs.
I’m also looking for people to share a taxi from the airport. My plane is scheduled to arrive at 4:13 pm on Thursday, and I don’t mind waiting for others to arrive to share the ride.
Laurel Horton
Date: Mon, 17 Jul 2006 22:17:01 -0400 | From: “Pepper Cory” <pepcory@>
Hi Laura, As a former rag carpet weaver myself, I can share that most people wove them themselves or took their balls of stripped “rags” to a weaver in the community. The looms used were generally two-harness and very sturdy as “rags” might mean cotton one time and torn-up Army blankets the nest. The looms were often warped in stripes of different colors cotton “yarn” (like very sturdy kite string) and at the edges were double-warped for 3-6 strings to make a sturdy selvedge edge. What you really wanted, after warping the loom (a long process that requires measurement, patience, and a steady hand that pulls at the same rate of stress) is a great weaving bench to sit on–one that is as wide as the loom and well-polished by generations of bottoms sliding side-to-side. That way you can toss the shuttle from one side to another and slide down easily as you catch it emerging from the other side. Never warp your loom wider than you reach! In Amish communities rug weaving seems to have been both a female and male occupation. In rural Southern communities, much more a woman’s occupation. Don’t know about PA and New England. The rugs were woven in long lengths and then sewn together, often using a curved upholstery needle, catching both selvedges. Some weavers used a faggoting stitch and some not. Some rugs were so large they were assembled in the rooms they were to be used in. When the rug was terribly dirty and due to be washed, they were dragged outside and the lengths cut apart, washed separately, and then re-assembled. Rather like fine kimonos are picked apart, cleaned, and re-sewn. In the Depression there was a revival of rug weaving in the United States plus schools of folk arts, like Berea, Penland, and John Campbell encouraged the craft. Many of the 20th century rug looms were made in Missouri, as mine was, and were stamped ‘Union Rug Loom’. More than you wanted to know I’m sure! Pepper in hot-n-steamy North Carolina
Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 07:51:03 EDT | From: Cathydale1@
I reenact in Illinois, but my time period is more 1850-1865. I would love it if you could send me the info if you ever find it. Its great trying to keep the history alive. I always feel that our kids now days do not understand the importance of the past and with electronics and such they have begun to get soft and lazy. I grew up on a farm and worked. I think all kids now days should spend a week or 2 baling hay on a hot steamy day and they would know what work is. Thanks alot for the thread its an interesting topic.
Quilting is a stitch and meant to be shared.
Cathy Glover Earlville, IL cathydale1@
Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 8:32:20 -0700 | From: <suereich@>
When I travel, it is always a toss-up. Do I search out quilts or books to add to my collections! What a dilemma! After going to England this spring, I know that there are others who face the same difficult choice. Nineteenth and early twentieth-century textile and history books are so important to our quilt research. We are fortunate to have in Connecticut some pretty amazing book shops and libraries to assist you in your latest research projects. If you have a day or two to add to your 2006 AQSG Seminar trip, I would make the following suggestions. In the New Haven area: Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library – this squared building with marble walls in the heart Yale University is the best of the best in rare books collections. For those of you who may never get to Mainz, Germany, you can view The Gutenberg Bible on permanent exhibit here. You can complete much of your preliminary research online through their web site. http://www.library.yale.edu/beinecke/ While you are in the New Haven area, Whitlock Farm Booksellers in nearby Bethany has an inventory of 50,000 books for sale. Their web site is under construction and hopefully will be done before October. http://www.whitlockbooksmaps.com/ Along the Connecticut shoreline is the quaint fishing town of Niantic. There are two large book shops on Main St. The Book Barn is a six building compound which has overflowed to the Book Barn Downtown with an additional 20,000 volumes. http://www.bookbarnniantic.com/index.html The American Antiquarian Society in Worcester, MA boasts one of the largest and most complete newspaper collections and trade catalogs on the East coast. http://www.americanantiquarian.org/ Check out their web site. They even have a link to their textile printing collection. http://www.americanantiquarian.org/textiles.htm Just a note, this is one place to you just can’t go into and start to research. First, you need to fill out an application and be interviewed about your research. They, then, give you a private tour of the facility and instructions on using their search materials, and the proper way to request information. All of the above sites are less than one hour from the Farmington Marriott, http://marriott.com/property/mapandnearbyairports/default.mi?marshaCodebdlct&ma pFuncRecenter&mapID376926408&x334&y75 My two top favorite places to go for research particularly genealogy which I’ll address in a few weeks are The Connecticut Historical Society and the Connecticut State Library. The wealth of early records and genealogy at these two places bring researchers from far and wide. Each have user friendly data bases for preliminary researcher at home. http://www.cslib.org/museum.htm http://www.chs.org/library/libcoll.htm I hope this information will assist you if you are combining AQSG, 2006 with a research project. Sue Reich
Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 11:55:58 -0400 | From: “Candace Perry” <candace@>
Laura, Non-Amish PA German is my area (wasn’t even aware this was an Amish thing as they are so vastly different from the rest of us)– I have a scholar who may be able to help if you want to contact me off list. Our rag rugs (we have some in our collection) were woven by local custom weavers. I am sure other organizations in my area can chime in — I can give you a list of those who might have holdings. Candace Perry Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 13:10:27 -0700 (PDT) | From: Pat Cummings <pat@>
When I think of stab stitching, I remember my first quilted project: a pillow. It was a kit that I picked up in a store. Knowing no better, I hand quilted the Fisherman print using a stab stitch. It worked out okay and the top looked pretty decent, for a beginner. The back told another story.
(A quilter, who saw only the front of the finished people, complimented my work. The encouragement was probably one reason I wanted to do more quilting. One never knows how far a kind word can take someone else.)
With the stab stitch method, most people who utilize it, drop the needle to the back and then bring it up to the front in a separate motion without ANY regard to placement of the needle on the back of the cloth.
That is why having a little boy, or someone else lying or sitting underneath the quilt frame is helpful in delivering the needle back to the front of the work, in the “right” spot.
Stab stitching is a totally different technique than “taking one stitch at time” in which the needle is swept up from the back in a curved motion.
When I hand quilt, I usually take two, possibly three stitches at one time. The more stitches one puts on the needle at a time, the less likely they are to be even in size, and evenly placed. Some stitches will be smaller.
I agree that every quilter has his/her own method of working. That certainly is apparent to see when viewing antique quilts, as well as newly-made ones. Even the larger “toe-nail catcher” stitches have their own charm.
An enchanting method, used more lately, is to mark the back of the quilt, or use a print fabric that can be quilted, from the back. There was a book about that method within the last three or four years. The name of it escapes me.
Today, it is 92 in the shade. There is simply no “air.” Sitting here, as thunder clouds are beginning to appear in the distance, I’m hoping for wind and rain to cool things off a tad.
Best,
Pat Cummings www.quiltersmuse.com
Date: Tue, 18 Jul 2006 19:12:50 -0500 | From: “cjsp70” <cjsp70@>
I knew this was the place for answers. Thanks to all who replied to my inquiry about hand quilting in the 1830’s. I will forward your responses to the park rangers at Lincoln Boyhood Memorial. It’s still hot and humid here. Dear husband( who was a farm kid) swares he can hear the corn growing in this weather. Pat Sauer
