January 29 – February 8, 2003
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:
- Male Quilters in History — Florence Peto’s *American Quilts and Coverlets* and the example of NYC tailor-turned-quiltmaker Adolph Schermer prompt a discussion of documented male quilters.
- Dating Crazy Quilts by Variegated Embroidery Thread — A member trying to date a crazy quilt asks when variegated embroidery thread first became commercially available. (see the article on Victorian crazy quilts)
- Naming “Widow’s” or “Mourning” Quilts Made from Men’s Suiting — Members debate whether quilts pieced from men’s wool suiting fabric samples have an established historical name, and trace the term through Orlofsky’s *Quilts in America*. (see the article on Victorian mourning customs)
- Story Book Quilts and Quiltmaker Marion Whiteside Newton — A children’s-story-themed quilt with an appliqued kitten motif leads to identifying designer Marion Whiteside Newton’s popular Story Book quilt patterns.
- Historic Deerfield’s September 2003 Quilt Seminar — The lineup for Historic Deerfield’s quilt seminar is announced, with members asking how to register.
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 08:17:04 -0600 | From: “Carla Toczek” <CToczek@>
I’ve yet to report an ebay find to the group, but when I saw this one today I knew it was worth mentioning. I enjoy seeing quilts which haven’t appeared in media before and now I wonder if this is one of them
Very lovely and original. Hope I got the link right.
Carla Toczek, Texas
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2221&item=2503492100
(click on the thumbnails to see these close up)
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 09:56:16 EST | From: RBCochran@
Sondra’s earlier post referred to Florence Peto’s American Quilts and Coverlets in regard to male quilters, including Charles Pratt of Philadelphia. Yes, Mr. Pratt is best known for his Ninety and Nine quilt and his Ruth and Naomi quilt. The Ninety and Nine was probably made circa 1930 and was exhibited by Florence Peto at more than 200 lectures. At his death, it was given to Florence and today remains in the Peto family. The Ruth and Naomi quilt was given to Elizabeth Richardson, a friend and correspondent of Peto’s. Emma Andres of Arizona, another friend and correspondent, made a duplicate of the Ruth and Naomi quilt. There’s more info about this in the Arizona state book
The other quilt mentioned in Sondra’s post was the Civil War Soldier quilt. It is now in the collection of the Shelburne Museum
And don’t forget that Peto’s first book, Historic Quilts published in 1939, has a chapter on quilts designed and made by men
–Rachel in NJ
Date: Wed, 29 Jan 2003 19:45:29 -0500 | From: “judygrow” <judygrow@>
The February 2003 issue of “The Magazine Antiques” just arrieved in my mailbox, and there is a wonderful article on page 70 by Lynne Zacek Bassett, and independent scholar who is currently the costume specialist at the Connecticut Historical Society.
three of the 11 are “T” quilts and one is bordered on 3 sides by the most wonderful (looks like) macrame scalloped fringe. Many combine piecing and stencilling, but none include applique. There is one quilt that looks for all the world like an applique oak leaf and reel applique pattern, but it is all stenciling. Although most are dated to the late 1830’s one is dated as possibly as late ass 1850.
The quilts (or bedcovers, as some are not quilted or even backed) are from the collections at Sturbridge Village, Colonial Williamsburg, Winterthur, Historic Deerfield, American Textile History Museum, Shelburne Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center.
The article covers 7 pages and illustrates 11 stenciled bedcovers in full color, some with close-up details. If you don’t subscribe it would be worth it to go to your local Borders or B&N and buy a copy. $5.00 US, $7.00 Canada.
At least once every couple of years this fine magazine does a wonderful article on textiles of some kind. Other articles in this issue are on Gainsborough portraits, Charleston furniture, and silver flatwear
Look for the teddibly, teddibly aristocratic lady (Ann Ford, later Mrs
Philip Thicknesse circa 1760) in the white dress with white ruched appliqued decoration and yellow ribbons and buckled high-heeled shoes, black jet beaded jewelry ( choker, earrings, 2 bracelets, and hair net) with a lute in her lap. It could be garnets — can’t tell for sure, but she is as embellished as she could possibly be.
What kind of bed covering would this elegant lady have slept under?
Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow@
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2003 00:35:20 EST | From: Kittencat3@
The quilt seminar at Historic Deerfield will take place September 12-14, 2003. Here’s the lineup:
International Quilt Symposium: In Search of Origins: Old World Sources for Quilts and Quilting, 1400-1800.
An Moonen, Independent Scholar, Holland; Kathryn Berenson, Independent Scholar, France/USA; Rosemary Crill, Victoria and Albert Museum; Thessy Schoenholzer-Nichols, Independent Scholar, Italy; Dorothy Osler, Independent Scholar, United Kingdom; Maggie Lidz, Winterthur Museum; Deborah Kraak, Independent Scholar, Delaware; Linda Baumgarten, Colonial Williamsburg; Lynne Bassett, Independent Scholar, Connecticut Historical Society; and Edward F. Maeder, Historic Deerfield. *
Woo-hoo!
Lisa Evans
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2003 07:48:02 -0500 | From: “smcquistion” <smcquistion@>
Hi, Is there a web address or contact address for this symposium? This will be wonderful. Thanks, Sharon McQuistion
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2003 08:00:52 -0600 | From: Barbara Woodford <haq@>
New Flash! Run, do not walk, to the nearest The Magazine Antiques
There is a great article on Stenciled Bedcovers by Lynne Zacek Bassett.
Barbara Woodford
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2003 10:05:53 EST | From: KareQuilt@
I saw a blurb in a quilt newsletter yesterday that said most sewing machines require oiling after every 8 hours of sewing. I haven’t done much sewing the past 15 years but just inherited a wonderful machine that sews like butter….compared to what I was used to 15 years ago. I don’t want to “mis-use” it. Does this so-called “oiling requirement’ apply to most modern machines? I think mine is a White and is about 7-8 years old
Karen Alexander
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2003 16:57:01 -0500 | From: Pat and Jim <jimpat@>
Hello, folks:
I was in Deerfield, MA just this week to see the “Telltale Textiles” quilt exhibit. Although I had seen some of the quilts previously, I didn’t mind viewing them again. They are memorable ones. Calamanco wool quilts seem to be in vogue for display this year. I was impressed that someone had sketched the patterns of quilting of some of those quilts for easier discernment of the motifs. Lynne Bassett did a great job of curating. Kudos! The exhibition catalog will not be available until the end of the year.
This exhibit will run until March of 2004, so you have plenty of time to get on a bus, take a train, board a plane, or rent a motorcycle to come to New England. Historic Deerfield has a charm and an ambience you won’t want to miss. For those coming to the Symposium, you are in for a treat. New England is not to be missed in the fall, and the meeting has a terrific line-up of quilt world notables. So, mark your calendars now for Sept. 12-14. Heavens, you’d think this was a paid announcement. Well, you get the idea……….
Pat Cummings
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2003 18:00:32 EST | From: KareQuilt@
Val, LOL. I just hooted when I read your closing tag about a sewing machine being a piece of cake compared to the helicopters you used to fix. Right now my biggest problem is that this lovely machine is 2000 miles from where I live. I only get to use it summers when my husband works from the island, and for a couple of weeks in December. Judi, thank you for your warning about using a drop of oil if I don’t use it for prolonged periods of a time, like 3 weeks or more. I have thought of flying back and forth with it, but it seems to me it would be too difficult to bring a sewing machine of that size back and forth on a plane. Anyone have experience with that?
Karen Alexander
Date: Thu, 30 Jan 2003 15:18:50 -0800 | From: “Julie Silber” <quiltcomplex@>
Hello All, Do any of you wonderful QHL’ers know when variegated embroidery thread was first available? I’m trying to date a crazy quilt with lots of it. Thanks, Julie Silber
Date: Sat, 01 Feb 2003 14:26:45 +0200 | From: Cook Family <dmcook@>
In the 1880’s Adolph Schermer made quilts while living in NYC. He had been trained as a tailor in Europe, worked at something else in the US. You can see one of his quilts in Plate 1 The Jewish Heritage in American Folk Art, a catalogue of an exhibition in 1983 or 1984.
Miri Cook
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 09:36:48 -0500 | From: “Candace Perry” <candace@>
Julie, I have a ca. 1890 quilt in the collection that has names embroidered in varigated thread, if that helps.
Candace Perry Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 12:31:56 -0500 | From: “Jan Drechsler” <quiltdoc@>
Hi Judy, The nearest borders or B & N is about 65 miles south of here, so I can’t run out and find a copy of Antiques magazine.
However, I believe I pinned the left side of the stenciled and fringed quilt flat in order for it to look good for photography. After trying to fan the fringe out as prettily on the left side as on the right and failing, I got off the ladder, stepped back and discovered that the fringe was constructed differently at the two top ends.
After looking at this beautiful quilt up close, I wanted to make a stenciled quilt.
Has anyone on the list done this? What paint did you use? The thorns on the stems of the above quilt were very fine. Did you make your own stencils and if so, what materials did you use to get fine details?
Regards, Jan
Jan Drechsler in Vermont Quilt Restoration; Quilting teacher www.@/~bobmills
Date: Fri, 31 Jan 2003 15:23:00 -0500 | From: “pepper cory” <pepcory@>
Hi Jan and all QHL’ers-I make stenciled quilts and have had good luck using DecoArt dry-brush stencil paint (comes in a little see-through plastic ‘pot.’ ) It has the consistency of shoe polish and you can get fine effects after pouncing off excess paint. It goes on nice and smooth and you can’t feel the difference on the fabric. You can then heat set it permanently. The main thing is to not ever use water-based paint for stenciled quilts. When stenciling with water-based paint, it tends to dry rather stiff on fabric and it’s difficult to apply a strong or dark color as you use more and more paint and the layers build. And later, this thick paint is likely to flake off. Early stencilers used oil-based paints and they’re still the best since they soak into the fibers and become part of the fabric. I teach classes in stenciled quilts and use a small Friendship Reel stencil of my own design (#PC102 by StenSource–on the web at the painting stencils section of www.stensource.com ) and alternate it with a 6-inch patchwork block in the classic Puss-in-the-Corner pattern. See page 39 in The Signature Quilt for a full-size quilt using stenciled blocks and pages 40 and 49 for details. If you get really excited about it, try the sampler mini-quilt stencil (PC#101). Although I adore patchwork, sometimes painting comes in real handy! Pepper Cory from the ever-windy North Carolina coast
Date: Sat, 01 Feb 2003 23:06:55 -0500 | From: “Jan Drechsler” <quiltdoc@>
Lynne Bassett did the drawings of the whole cloth quilting patterns to accompany the Deerfield, Mass. exhibit. She has just completed a fellowship at Winterthur to find sources and decorative arts cross-overs of whole cloth designs.
Pat, I mentioned to Lynne that you noticed the sketches as it made it easier to see the designs and she was pleased her efforts were noticed.
Now, if I could only get Lynne to join the Quilt History List!
Jan ___
Jan Drechsler in Vermont Quilt Restoration; Quilting teacher www.@/~bobmills
Date: Sun, 02 Feb 2003 10:14:03 -0500 | From: rose525@
I have a reply from Donna McDade in reference to male quilters. Any questions, write rose525@
Men Quilters a member of our quilt quilt forwarded a series of answers to names of men quilters.
My husband, Paul McDade, was one of the names on the email from Barb Garret. In the earlly 1980’s Paul had started a book on men quilters. He may have names that aren’t on your list. We are both NQA certified judges, judge, lecture, and teach nationally and have met many of the current men quilters and may be able to help you with your list.
What is the list for? Do you want deceased male quilteres names? Could you please send the list to us so we can check off th eones you already have? We will gladly send you any names that you don’t have. Donna McDade
Date: Sun, 02 Feb 2003 10:36:49 -0600 | From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>
If you are going to be in the Cincinnati area next week (Feb.6-8), you may want to visit Sew Near To My Heart, a quilt show in Sharonville (north suburb) at the Sharonville Convention Center that benefits the American Cancer Society and breast cancer research. This is the second year for the event, which offers classes, exhibits, competition, a full vendor mall, appraisals, and a wonderful (by reservation) preview Wednesday night, with some of the best desserts the area has to offer!
More information is available from their website: www.sewneartomyheart.com.
Xenia, who plans to be there
Date: [date unknown] | From: Cml791@
I’m looking for information about a pattern illustrator for the Omaha Herald Tribune in the early 1940’s. A friend and I recently interviewed a 95-year-old woman here in North Texas who had begun making quilts in the 1930’s. She had an exceptionally nice crib quilt that was made from patterns published in the Omaha newspaper, she had even saved the patterns she had used from the paper. She called the quilt a ‘Storybook Quilt’, appliqued and embroidered. The illustrator’s name was LaVerne Bartos and I can’t find any information about her in any of my books (just did a quick search through them). The quilt had won prizes in the Nebraska State Fair and the Woman’s Day Quilt Contest.
Can anybody point me in the right direction.
Thanks, Carolyn
Date: [date unknown] | From: “Charlotte Bull” <charlou@>
Hi.. Brackman’s Applique Encyclopedia shows a Story Book Quilt. Kittens & mother cat? 3 little Kittens lost their mittens? # 75.13. But she says by Marion Cheever Whiteside in McCalls! Could you contact the newspaper in Omaha??? I believe it is still same paper. Or contact quilt center in Lincoln, NE.
Many years ago I had communication with NE researcher on very similar topic. I will try to dig up my correspondence in some file…not on my computer! If I find it, I will write you again. Please give me a day or two as I’ve got company coming. I do not know if the lady is still there but I will try to compare info/names! Charlotte
Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 09:37:51 EST | From: Cassquilt@
I had a student last night ask me if it was possible that her batting had discolored her quilt top. It seems that she used Fairfield Cotton Classic, which is the one with a stiff outer layer and one that used to say it could be prewashed on the package. She didn’t prewash the batting, and didn’t wash the quilt after quilting it. It seems there was a yellowing or a splotchiness, possibly the resinous finish on the batting discoloring and coming through to the top. The quilt was made about 15-20 years ago.
She’s going to bring the quilt along next week, so I’ll get a look, but in the meantime I thought I’d ask if anyone had seen this happen. You can reply to me privately, as I’m on digest. (Kris, I don’t want to be on digest, and I’m not sure how I got on it, can you please switch me back to individual emails?)
Thanks in advance, Cassandra Thoreson in NY
Date: Wed, 5 Feb 2003 09:38:28 -0500 | From: “Sondra Biacchi” <quilt@>
LaVerne Bartos was a Navajo NTUA (Navajo Tribal Utility Authority) employee who was responsible for designing and illustrating a booklet to instruct customers in detail about the utility’s procedures, purpose, and safety issues. The booklet advocates the benefits of electricity and appliances by depicting Navajo enjoying the iron, washing machine, refrigerator and sewing machine. She illustrated Kee Kilowatt who was a distinctly Navajo interpretation of the congenial, safety-conscious spark-plug much like I believe was Reddy Kilowatt known to us in the 50’s. After the reservations were electrified the facilities allowed tribal women to take advantage of various electrical appliances such as sewing machines. Indian women probably had strong decision making powers when making decisions about purchasing appliances for the household upon the arrival of electricity. The demand for improved sewing supplies and better fabrics reflected some of this influence and women showed off their creations at the Tribal, Navajo County and Arizona State fairs. The Extension reports repeatedly praised the work of the agents on the reservation, namely one Laverne Bartos. Sondra from NE Pennsylvania
Date: Wed, 05 Feb 2003 11:35:27 -0800 | From: Newbie Richardson <pastcrafts@>
Dear list, I have been to these auctions. They are well run, with a very knowledgable textile consultant, Karen Augusta, in charge. If you are in the neighborhood, it would be well worth the trip. (I have no affiliation – just a bad case of the “I wants”.) Newbie
——– Original Message ——– Subject: Press Release – Vintage Clothing Auction Date: Tue, 4 Feb 2003 12:29:49 -0500 From: “Karen A.” <oldlace@> Reply-To:
Charles A. Whitaker will host his Spring Vintage Clothing and Textile Auction on March 27th at his gallery at the New Hope Eagle Fire Company, New Hope, PA. Karen Augusta, textile & costume appraiser and owner of Antique Lace & Fashion (www.antique-fashion.com <outbind://313/www.antique-fashion.com>), is serving as consultant for this auction.
The sale includes an exciting grouping of beautiful estate linens and lace, vintage clothing, accessories, antique fabrics and textiles. These items come from several estates, private collections and deaccessioned holdings from Shippensburg (PA) College, the Walpole (NH) Historical Society and Ithaca (NY) College. Late additions from other consignors will be added throughout February.
A photo gallery and general auction information has just been posted at the auctioneer’s website, www.whitakerauction.com <outbind://313/www.whitakerauction.com> . A complete catalog listing of the lots offered for sale will be posted prior to the auction date. Email Charles Whitaker (caw@ <caw@>) or Karen Augusta (oldlace@ <oldlace@>) with any questions about this sale or consignor inquiries.
Date: Wed, 05 Feb 2003 12:03:27 -0800 | From: Newbie Richardson <pastcrafts@>
Dear list Here is another one. Grrr..It is not fair, all these great goodies and I can not get away! Newbie
Copake Auction, Inc. PO Box H, 266 Rt. 7A Copake, NY 12516 Phone 518-329-1142 Fax 518-329-3369 MIDWINTER TEXTILE AUCTION SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 AT 12 NOON (Snow Date: Saturday, February 22 at 12noon) Previews: Thursday & Friday, February 13 & 14, 11am-5pm; Saturday, February 15, 10am-12 noon
FEATURING: over 200 quality Quilts in a variety of patterns and subjects including – Amish; Mennonite; (15) quality crazy quilts; Princess Feathers; World’s Fair; religious; toile; whole cloths; Stars; Wedding Rings; 9 Patch; Streak of Lightning; Sampler; crib; Monkey Wrench; Patriotic; pairs; appliques; embroidered; floral; nursery rhyme; Joseph’s Coat; Log Cabin; and many more.
Hook Rugs: over 25 quality examples including “Oakland Farms” sampler runner; locomotive rug; cat; dog; landscapes; abstracts; whale; umbrellas; and more.
Samplers: rare Townshend, VT; Horseheads, NY; Chester County, PA; Hancock County, ME; great English example.
Miscellaneous: large selection of embroidered and crocheted linens including bed and table spreads, napkins, tablecloth sets, etc.; lace including wedding dress; ethnic textiles including wall hangings; swatchbooks; vintage clothing; sewing machines; quilt racks; and more.
Auctioneers Note: Please visit our website for over 300 photos and listing. Copake, NY is located off Rt. 22 on Rt. 7A in Columbia County, easy access off the Taconic Parkway, NYS Thruway & Mass. Pike. Copake is about one hour south east of Albany, east of Hudson, one hour north east of Poughkeepsie. Shipping & storage available, absentee & phone bidding, catered. 12% buyer’s premium (2% discount for payment of cash or check). *Please note: new buyers must have bank letter of credit to pay by check. VISA and Mastercard accepted. Seth Fallon Gen. Mgr.
Visit our website: www.copakeauction.com <http://www.copakeauction.com>
Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2003 06:57:10 -0600 | From: “Ray and Sharon Wells”
Yesterday I was asked if I knew about the expression “widow’s quilt”? A friend had a quilt made of men’s suiting etc and had been told by someone that it was a widow’s quilt–pieced and tied by the widow from her deceased husband’s clothing. Is there anything to support this theory? Thanks for your help. Sharon Wells North Texas
Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2003 05:43:00 -0800 (PST) | From: Ark Quilts <quiltarkmv@>
Patterns
Hello there! Another “snow on the way day” here in Ohio. I have been cataloging my quilt pattern books (we’ve had LOTS of snow & ice this winter) and looking for documentation on 2 patterns that I cannot find sources for. Thought maybe someone on QHL might have some information.
Pattern #1– Since this one is not in any of Barbara Brackman’s references, I suspect it is from more recent magazine sources. It is called “Lovebirds”; it is an applique on large 20-18 ” squares. A quilt made from the pattern appeared on Ebay in the last few months. The only description I can give without a picture is: there are 2 opposing birds with long, large tail feathers imposed on a wreath that has a rose at the top center of the wreath circle and at the bottom. There are leaves arranged around the wreath. I have a digital picture I can send, but it cannot be posted publicly in any way. Since it isn’t in the Brackman references which cover the earliest quilting books & sources, I suspect it appeared in a magazine from the 1950’s on. I checked Quilter’s Newsletter index & there is 1 listing under the name “Lovebirds” but it is a quilting design, not an applique.
Pattern #2– The other pattern I am trying to document is an embroidery quilt block of morning glories. I suspect it isn’t included in any of the Brackman references because it is an embroidery block from the early part of the 1900’s. I suspect it is a Rainbow block marketed through Needlecraft in Augusta, Maine. I found a Morning Glory quilt pattern in a 1930’s Needlecraft Magazine that has a similar design, but that pattern was an overall design and not limited to a single block like these are. The blocks I have had no pattern info with them. They are approximately 16 1/2″ x 17 1/2″ (although I think they were really supposed to be a square)/ have 4 twig branches crossed at the tips to form a square; there is 1 large morning glory in the center and several arranged around the square. I know I have seen this block pattern in a magazine ad or somewhere…..I can also send a digital photo of the blocks I have.
If you have any information or would like me to send a digital photo via email, please contact me via email at: <quiltarkmv@> THANKS!
Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2003 09:38:41 -0600 | From: “Lisa Erlandson” <quilter@>
I have never heard that expression, but I have seen several quilts made with men’s suiting fabrics that were made from fabric samples or fabric from nearby mills. Without provenance, I would be afraid to make an assumption that just because it was made from suiting fabrics, that it was made by a widow using her deceased husband’s suits. I’m sure it happened, but we don’t want to run the risk of unsubstantiated “rumors”! (there’s so many out there now . . . .)
—– Original Message —– From: “Ray and Sharon Wells” <rwells@> To: <QHL@> Sent: Thursday, February 06, 2003 6:57 AM Subject: QHL: Widow’s quilt
> Yesterday I was asked if I knew about the expression “widow’s quilt”? A > friend had a quilt made of men’s suiting etc and had been told by someone > that it was a widow’s quilt–pieced and tied by the widow from her deceased > husband’s clothing. Is there anything to support this theory? Thanks for > your help. > Sharon Wells > North Texas > > > >
Date: Thu, 6 Feb 2003 11:37:37 -0800 (PST) | From: Joe Cunningham
I have used the Cotton Classic batting in dozens of quilts, starting with the first year it was introduced in the mid 1980’s, and I never have had any discoloration like the one you describe. Of course it is possible that there was some kind of excess adhesive or some other flaw with that batting, but I have never seen anything like that or heard of it from another quilter.
Joe Cunningham Joe@
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 2003 07:11:31 -0600 | From: “Barbara Vlack” <cptvdeo@>
I have heard of quilts such as you describe, made from men’s suiting fabrics, but I haven’t heard of them being called “Widow’s” quilts. Instead, they’ve been “Hired Hands” quilts, made quickly and easily as utility quilts from pieces of men’s clothes, tied, and used to keep the hired hand warm when he sleeps in the shed. I’ve also seen quilts made from men’s suiting fabrics in the book Old Swedish Quilts. These were also utilitarian quilts. My family has a top much like one of those illustrated in this book, that was made by my great-grandmother, a Swedish immigrant.
Barb Vlack cptvdeo@
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 2003 08:53:58 EST | From: DDBSTUFF@
Speaking of Story Book Quilts, back in the early 89s, I owned for a short time, a quilt with the Story of Baseball. I never could find out anything about it but now I’m wondering if this Marion Cheever Whiteside Newton might not have designed it. Has anyone else ever seen this quilt or a similar theme on a quilt? I did a Google on Marion Cheever Whiteside Newton and found that there had been an article on Story Book Quilts in the Sept/Oct ’97 “Piecework” written by Naida T. Patterson. Anyone have it?
Also, on Tuesday – April 24th, 2001, the Quilt Channel (?) had a program on “Storybook-theme quilts made in conjunction with a cottage industry operated by quilt designer Marion Cheever Whiteside Newton in the mid-1940s through the mid-1960s.”
Any help on the Baseball Quilt would be helpful.
Thanks,
Darwin
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 2003 07:51:50 -0800 | From: “Laurette Carroll” <rl.carroll@>
Hello, Naida Patterson has an article on Marion Newton and her Story Book quilts in Uncoverings 1995. Newton designed more than 50 applique patterns/quilts during the 1940 – 1965 period, including a Baseball quilt. Unfortunately, the article does not include a photo of this quilt. She designed patterns and sold them through several periodicals and also ran a cottage industry selling quilt kits and finished quilts.
Laurette Carroll Southern California
Look to the Future With Hope
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 2003 07:58:28 -0800 (PST) | From: Kris Driessen <krisdriessen@>
Another exciting event: I happened to call Nancy Kirk the other day and she told me about a quilt restoration workshop she is holding in March. I very much hope to go and should know in a week or so. Is anyone from this list attending?
I asked her to send me a blurb, and here it is:
Nancy Kirk of the Kirk Collection and The Quilt Heritage Foundation is offering two Quilt Restoration Workshops in March. There is a Beginning Restoration Workshop March 19 & 20, 2003; then an optional Field Trip on Friday, Mar. 21, to the International Quilt Study Center in Lincoln and a visit to the “Amish Crib Quilts” and “Wild by Design” exhibits. On Saturday and Sunday, March 22 and 23 there will be an Advanced Restoration Workshop focusing on Crazy Quilts and Victorian silk quilts. The advanced workshop will also include a discussion of ethics and professional practices.
At each workshop you bring a quilt you are planning to restore for the triage session and go home with a restoration plan.
The workshops are being held in Omaha. Tuition is $175 for each two-day session, $50 for the Field Trip to Lincoln.
Registration is available on-line at www.quiltrestoration.com. If you have any questions give Nancy a call at 800-599-0094.
Date: Fri, 7 Feb 2003 09:07:50 -0700 | From: “Karen Housner” <texasthunder@>
Hello everyone,
I need to find a list of quilts entered in the quilt contest for the world’s fair in Chicago in 1933. Can anyone send me in the right direction? The quilt in question was made in Springfield Ill. so I know if would have been in the Chicago region. Thanks for any and all suggestions!
Sunny and warm in AZ Karen Housner Quilt appraiser Phoenix, AZ
Date: Sat, 8 Feb 2003 09:31:28 +1100 | From: “Lorraine Olsson” <sven@>
This is also what we in Australia call a Wagga.
Lorraine in Oz
: “Dale Carlton” <djcarlton@> To: “QHL” <QHL@> Subject:
Another possibility for this type of quilt is the use of salesman’s samples of wool suiting. I bought a partially completed ‘brick’ wool quilt top at a garage sale along with a box of extra pieces – they were pinked on the edge and some still had the paper on the back. I hope I’m not saying something already discussed. I’ve been out of touch and just reading here and there…… Jean C
Date: Sat, 8 Feb 2003 10:09:33 -0500 | From: “Sondra Biacchi” <quilt@>
From the Orlofsky’s book QUILTS IN AMERICA, a Widow Quilt or Mourning Quilt used by the bereaved during a period of mourning was rare. What remains an open question is whether the quilts were made in anticipation of a death, and if so, how long in advance. This type of quilt was said to have been made during the Civil War in colors of black and white and sometimes gray, usually with a black border. The patterns being simple, either a dart motif symbolizing the black darts of death or a cross-and-star design. Quilting patterns, usually stitched in alternating white blocks, may be a weeping willow, harp or lyre. The book also refers to Memory Quilts which are made of pieces of material taken from the clothing of a deceased member of a family or friend, The pattern used here was generally the Memory Wreath or Chimney Sweep, the white center of the block inscribed in ink or embroidered with the name of the deceased, the date of death, and sometimes a sorrowful verse. On page 226 of this book is a pic of a Memory Quilt with the bizarre name of Kentucky Coffin Quilt. In the center of the quilt is a fenced-in cemetery containing caskets. Around the border of the quilt are coffins, each having the name of a member of the family inscribed on the coffin top. As each person died, his or her casket was moved to the burial ground in the center of the quilt. The colors used are tans, browns, and white. Sondra – from frigid northeast Pennsylvania
Date: Sat, 08 Feb 2003 10:38:01 -0500 | From: Palampore@
If you are interested in wool quilted petticoats I suggest that you get PIECEWORKS MAGAZINE Jan./Feb. 2003. There is a wonderful article in there entitled, “Sarah Halsey’s Mermaid Petticoat”. This is a quilted wool petticoat with a mermaid quilted into the design. This item is owned by the Connecticut Hist. Soc. in Hartford. It was made approximately 1758. There is also another wonderful article, “Reflections of Little Girl s and Their Sewing for Dolls”. Three doll quilts are photographed. You will also find a great article about the Victoria and Albert’s clothing collection. I love PIECEWORKS every month, but this one is exceptional. I am off to assemble a very small exhibit at our church. I attend a Presbyterian Church which was built in 1821. It served in the Civil War as a hospital. Today Dr. Robertson of VA, who is an expert on Stonewall Jackson and CW medicine, will be giving a lecture at the church. To go along with that I am going to display some quilts, clothing, photos, sewing kits, etc. from that time period to make it all seem a bit more tangible. Now that I have begun this project, each Sunday as I sit in the balcony I find myself envisioning the various styles of clothing that have walked down those aisles for the same reasons I am there. To me they are costuming, to them they were what they had in their drawers and closets. It should be a memorable day. I am glad I am able to use my things in this way. Pepper Cory came yesterday and was a big help helping me decide what to take. She and I are trading off days as helpers in cleaning studios. We both need mothers to direct us, and since we don’t have that, we are turning to each other. It really has been fun, and very helpful to our studios. We hate throwing away our own stuff, but we are getting really good at saying to the other one, “Do you r….eally need this?” And, we are looking through boxes we haven’t seen the contents of in years! I recommend this highly. Well, off to display…. Lynn Lancaster Gorges, New Bern,NC
Date: Sat, 08 Feb 2003 07:52:46 -0800 | From: Judi Fibush <judi@>
QHL
Does anyone know of the Paragon company’s Tree of Life Quilt that came as a kit in the 50’s? If so where there might be an actual quilt made up in a museum or somewhere? I just acquired this kit (in a jillion pieces) and desperately need a color photo of one completed. Paragon’s instructions and photo to go with the fabric is totally minimal. Besides which the previous owner had cut out all the tiny pieces and this is real puzzle and basically a nightmare. A pic would help me assemble this if I am up to the challenge and believe me it is.
I would gladly pay to get a completed pic.
Judi
Date: Sat, 8 Feb 2003 10:12:16 -0700 | From: “Hartley Bennett” <Hartley@>
Carol Bikofsky’s note in today’s QHL Digest reminded me to write and ask for the archive access password. I sent my money in a few months ago and am desperately seeking the password. Could you please send it to me? QHL is great – I am learning so much and hope, eventually to make a contribution. Since weather seems to be a major topic thought I would give you a perspective from the Arizona desert near Wickenburg- Our weather has been embarassingly beautiful – days in the 70s and clear blue skys. A bit of clouds today and temps at about 60 but still nice. But, we need rain – the drought is in full swing here and all is dry and brown. I feel guilty whining though . Hartley Bennett hartley@
Date: Sat, 08 Feb 2003 09:09:08 -0800 | From: Judi Fibush <judi@>
Thanks to Shirley, below, my problem is solved. I appreciate the other emails of offers too.
Judi
Shirley McElderry wrote:
>Judi: I think you meant to say Progress Tree of Life instead of Paragon? >The Paragon Company had a Tree of Life, also, but it is cross-stitch. >Anyhow, I have color picture of the appliqué kit that was advertised in >Herrschner’s and LeeWards. The number is 1492. Oh and by the way, to >keep things confusing, the Paragon Company had the same kit numbered >1369. >Want me to color copy the pics and send them on? I can enlarge the >photos, too, so you probably can get a good idea of the placement. >Shirley Mc
