April 11 – 27, 1999
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:
- Appraisers and Conflict of Interest — When an appraiser offers to sell a friend’s album quilt, members, including several certified appraisers, explain why appraising something you might buy or sell is off limits. (see the article on quilt appraisers)
- Stenciled and Theorem Quilts — Pepper Cory suggests a stenciled antique quilt was made by an experienced theorem painter, and others share their own stenciling methods.
- A Fire Chief’s 1934 Quilt — Judy Grow describes a never-exhibited quilt of firefighting equipment she was shown in a Connecticut shop.
- Turkey Red Thread and Lye Soap — A short follow-up on why turkey red embroidery survived harsh soaps while bleach faded it. (see the article on identifying Turkey Red)
- A Book Question and a Fall Retreat — A query about What is American About American Quilts, plus an announcement for a quilters’ retreat in Ferrum, Virginia.
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 1999 11:03:37 -0500 (CDT) | From: Dale E Watts <dpwatts [at] grapevine [dot] net>
I’m wondering if anyone has purchased “What is American About American Quilts” published by the Smithsonian Institution. And if so, is it a worthwhile addition to one’s library? I will appreciate any input.
Peggy
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 1999 09:42:02 -0700 | From: “Julia D. Zgliniec” <rzglini1 [at] san [dot] rr [dot] com>
Dear Pepper and QHL,
Pepper wrote:
“perhaps I’m not too far out on a limb when I suggest the quilt’s maker was an experienced theorm painter.” I will join you on that limb. Actually, I don’t think it is a very big stretch to go from theorums to “stencils” on a quilt. I have also noticed a very close resemblance of many of the Baltimore Album block designs to theorum designs, particularly the cornucopias and flower filled vases.
I find it fascinating to speculate on the sources of inspiration for last century’s designs.
Julia
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 1999 11:07:52 -0700 | From: “pepper cory” <pepcory [at] bmd [dot] clis [dot] com>
Ann-Louise is right that the antique quilt she describes is fantastic.I have only seen it in books but perhaps I’m not too far out on a limb when I suggest the quilt’s maker was an experienced theorm painter. The paints were probably the same oil-based paints she used in painting and that’s why the condition of the stenciled designs is still so good. I made a stenciled quilt (the KY friendship quilt pictured in The Signature Quilt) and used a black Shiva oil-based paint stick to stencil the reel pattern on the alternate blocks. Then I outlined each reel with Pigma pen. The reels were signed and embellished by members of the Kentucky Quilt Society who had taken a class with me. The alternate pieced block is Puss-in-the-Corner.
My stenciled quilt has never been washed but I would not hesitate to do so. All the fabrics were pre-washed and the stenciled reel blocks were set aside at least two weeks before putting them together with the pieced blocks and then were heat set again using a white presser cloth between the block and the dry iron.
Pepper Cory
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 1999 19:18:47 -0400 | From: “Edna K.” <eak [at] inet [dot] net>
I have a question. My friend has an old family quilt, an album quilt with about a dozen names on it. It’s white with a red pattern and the quilting is so tiny, it’s just beautiful. It’s in perfect condition and she has had it appraised twice. Last year for $3000, and this year at Lancaster for $5000.
My question is this: The appraiser said she had a buyer and wanted to take the quilt to sell. I thought an appraiser could not be involved in the sale. I appraised some quilt things for a lady one time and was sorry that I did because I wanted to buy them but felt it would have been unethical for me to buy them at the price I had suggested. what is the standard procedure?
Edna
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 1999 01:19:36 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <Judygrow [at] blast [dot] net>
DH and I took 3 hours out of our trip home to NJ from a family wedding in Boston to do some antiqueing in Connecticut. One very friendly dealer, on hearing that I was a quilt and textile nut went in the back and brought out a quilt that, from what I understand, has not been seen in public since 1934.
This quilt, 66 x 84, was made in 1934 by the wife of the fire chief of a large city in California. There was a newspaper article about it at the time, and then it went underground so to speak, or just remained in the family.
The quilt is a series of 10″ blocks (by eye, not by measuring tape) separated by 1 1/2″ blue sashing. The center block is 21″ by 10″ and is a very specific fire truck in applique and running stitch embroidery. The dealer, who has all manner of fire trucks for sale in his shop (he owns 2 real ones) says that line for line the block is exactly correct, in every detail. All the other blocks are individual pieces of equipment that a fireman would use, also lovingly and accurately depicted in applique and embroidery.
The quilting is a neat lattice ( 1 1/2″) through the sashing into the blocks and stopping at every depicted motif. The stitches are small and even, and the quilt is in excellent condition.
The dealer has not yet made up his mind whether he wants to sell it or keep it in his “fire” collection. If he keeps it we are now talking about me framing it for him, so I know it will be preserved properly. I’ve got to fax him approximate costs sometime this week. If he sells it, it won’t be me who buys it — he wants into the 5 figures for it. One way or another, I am hoping to get photos of it to document it.
Just wanted you all to know that there still are brilliant quilts out there that no one has seen.
Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 1999 07:53:51 -0700 | From: “Julia D. Zgliniec” <rzglini1 [at] san [dot] rr [dot] com>
Dear Edna and QHL,
You wrote:
” I appraised some quilt things for a lady one time and was sorry that I did because I wanted to buy them but felt it would have been unethical for me to buy them at the price I had suggested. what is the standard procedure?”
I, too have had occasions where I would have liked to purchase the items being brought to me. However, as the appraiser of those items, I could not, in good conscience do so.
As an appraiser, certified by The American Quilter’s Society, I would refer you to the Code of Ethical Practices that all of us who are certified by AQS have signed. It may be found at the following URL This is a very informative web page which I hope you will find helpful. If you have other questions, do not hesitate to ask. Julia Zgliniec, President, Professional Association of Appraisers – Quilted Textiles (PAAQT)
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 1999 14:48:28 -0600 | From: Jocelyn <jocelynm [at] sw1 [dot] socwel [dot] ukans [dot] edu>
My question is this: The appraiser said she had a buyer and wanted to take the quilt to sell. I thought an appraiser could not be involved in the sale. I appraised some quilt things for a lady one time and was sorry that I did because I wanted to buy them but felt it would have been unethical for me to buy them at the price I had suggested. what is the standard procedure?
Edna,
I would personally be leery of an appraiser who made me an offer. I’d be afraid she was trying to fleece me. OTOH, if she suggested that I get someone else to appraise them, and agreed to either waive her fee or pay for the second appraisal, on the condition that I would sell the quilt to her based on what the 2nd appraiser had to say, I wouldn’t worry about it. After all… she would know that if she had mis-appraised the quilts, that her colleague would detect that, and her reputation would be quickly trashed.
If I got two roughly equal evaluations, I wouldn’t be concerned about selling the quilt to one of the appraisers.
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 1999 21:38:23 +0000 | From: Bobbie Aug <qwltpro [at] uswest [dot] net>
Dear Darwin,
I make it a practice not to try and second guess these types of situations when there is second hand information. I will say that sometimes people are not quite honest about what their quilt appraised for. They inflate the price as they feel (I guess) that this impresses others. Appraisers that follow the law carefully such as those certified by AQS, are never free to correct these statements because of confidentiality. And there can be a definite difference between insurance and fair market value and no, it is not dishonest or illegal. Notice I said CAN BE. It is not always the case. A professional appraiser knows the difference.
Hope this helps,
Bobbie A. Aug
Member, American Quilter’s Society Appraiser Certification Committee
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 1999 17:48:04 EDT | From: DDBSTUFF [at] aol [dot] com
RECENTLY, I WAS ASKED TO APPRAISE A QUILT. THE DAUGHTER OF THE ELDERLY OWNER
CONTACTED ME AND HAD ME COME OVER TO THE NURSING HOME WHERE HER MOTHER WAS
LIVING. THE QUILT WAS A C.1870’S “ALBUM PATCH” WITH SIGNATURES OF PEOPLE SHE
THOUGHT MAY BE RELATED BUT SHE REALLY WASN’T SURE AND WASN’T SURE WHERE THE
QUILT HAD ORIGINATED. THE QUILT WAS IN UNUSED, UNWASHED CONDITION BUT DID
NOT HAVE A BORDER AND VERY SIMPLE BUT CONSISTENT “WAFFLE” QUILTING. BASED ON
SIMILAR QUILTS THAT I HAVE SOLD OVER THE LAST 20 YEARS, I GAVE IT A VERY
LIBERAL VALUE OF BETWEEN $500 TO $1500 AND EXPLAINED THAT THE TRUE VALUE
WOULD DEPEND ON WHERE IT WOULD BE SOLD (IF SOLD), i.e., EAST COAST, WEST COAST OR MIDWEST. I FURTHERED EXPLAINED THAT CERTAIN DEALERS CAN COMMAND HIGHER PRICES THAN OTHERS. AFTER I WAS THROUGH EXPLAINING ALL THIS TO HER, SHE TOLD ME THAT SHE HAD HAD IT APPRAISED IN MASSACHUSETTS, AND THAT IT HAD BEEN APPRAISED AT $4,000. NOW, I’VE BEEN IN THIS BIZ FOR OVER 20 YEARS AND I DO SHOWS ALL OVER THE U.S. AND I KNOW IT WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT TO GET $2,000 MUCH LESS THE $1500 TOP PRICE I SET FOR IT. COULD SOME OF YOU REGISTERED OR LICENSED APPRAISERS PLEASE EXPLAIN TO ME WHY SOMEONE WOULD APPRAISE A QUILT FOR SO MUCH MORE THAN IT IS WORTH? I KNOW SOME OF YOU APPRAISE HIGHER FOR INSURANCE PURPOSES. ISN’T THAT DISHONEST? I WAS WONDERING IF SHE MIGHT HAVE APPRAISED IT SO HIGH SO AS WAY TO CHARGE A LOT OF MONEY FOR THE APPRAISAL. THIS WOMEN TOLD ME SHE PAID QUITE A BIT MORE THAN MY $40 CHARGE (WHICH I ENDED UP NOT CHARGING BECAUSE SHE WAS SO SURPRISED AT MY LOW BUT MORE REALISTIC EVALUATION)?
ANY HELP ON THIS WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
DARWIN BEARLEY
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 1999 16:17:27 -0600 | From: Sharon Harleman Tandy <harleman [at] micron [dot] net>
Dear Darwin and QHL,
With out seeing the quilt in question and without knowing all the specifics, I can only comment on your question in a general way.
An appraisal is a researched opinion of the value of a particular object. As appraisal is not an exact science, it is natural for appraisers to have different opinions and place different values on the same quilt, although the differences should not be substantial. A discrepancy might be due to a variety of factors such as regional differences, knowledge and experience of the appraiser, and methodology of market research. There is room for an honest difference of opinions.
Fair Market Value and Insurance Replacement Value are different types of values. Sometimes the amount is the same but often it is different. Insurance Replacement Value is the amount, in terms of money, that it would take to replace the item being valued with ” like and kind”. This is not necessarily what you could sell the same item for on the open market. Fees that are based on a % of the value of the appraised item are unethical and frowned upon by the profession. Flat fees per item vary according to the appraiser and some appraisers charge more for research time if an appraisal requires some additional research, out of the ordinary market analysis. There are 2 very informative web pages that you might also check out. They both discuss in detail what I have said in a general way. I hope my response has helped.
Julia Zgliniec, President, Professional Association of Appraisers – Quilted Textiles (PAAQT)
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 1999 21:57:45 -0500 | From: Russell-Hill <russhill [at] ctesc [dot] net>
Hi all,
What a great post on stenciled quilts. I use to do and teach therom painting a lot when I lived in MA on velvet , cotton and sometimes silk. The oils will hold very nicely and last though washing. I have theromed many blocks to do a quilt but unfortunatly they nver where put together. I never had the pleasure of seeing the quilt that Ann-Louise wrote about but have seen the Sturbridge collection of paintings and textiles. I am hoping to be going back there for a 3 day stay to do research on period clothing as well as quilts in the summer of 2000. If anyone would want to reproduce a stenciled quilt patterns for the theroms are availible all over the New England area. I have a collection of over 150 copies of old designs.
I have two blocks of a Baltimore Album stenciled but this time I used acrylic. I think that they will last longer. When I did wall or floorclothes even clothing I used acrylic and it will not was out.
Debbie
Date: Mon, 12 Apr 1999 21:56:20 -0700 | From: pastcrafts [at] erols [dot] com
Hi guys,
I appraise all manner of costumes and textiles. The Uniform Standards of Professional Apraisal Practice is a daunting document. It is the standard that every other organisation bases their ethics on. It is absolutely unethical to appraise an item that you would like to purchase or have any interest in ( like for family reporting to the IRS). You should refer the client to another qualified appraiser. However, this is a big country and qualified textile “experts” are not always readily available. My question is: what do you do if you want to purchase the piece, but there isn’t anyone else around to appraise it? Would it be ok to show the client the market research that your appraisal is based on as proof of the honesty of your value? This is assuming that this is not a Holy Grail like Judy’s Fire Trucks. Please get a pix to show us Judy!
Cheers,Newbie
From: Julia (header missing in source; likely Julia D. Zgliniec)
Dear “Newbie” and All,
NOPE, sorry. Appraisers should avoid even the appearance of conflict of interest. But you know that if you are familiar with USPAP. Thanks for mentioning that document, and you are right it is daunting.
Where do you live? There must be someone near you.
Julia
Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 08:20:30 EDT | From: ZegrtQuilt [at] aol [dot] com
With respect to the appraisal discussion, I would like to refer all of you to the articles I wrote for the IQA Journal last year that offer information on all of the organizations offering quilt appraisals on a national level and some of the people who have been involved in this area for many years. The articles can be found on my website www.shellyquilts.com Conflict of interest or even the appearance of conflict does not bode well for any appraiser. Shelly Zegart
From: QuiltFixer [at] aol [dot] com
Hi Nancy, thanks for the information! You have just answered something for me. I have been wondering how the Turkey Red Thread survived the “lye” soap that was used at the turn of the century. Now I see that it would not have hurt it at all. Some Redwork linens have retained their deep color, even though they have been washed. Unfortunately, others have been washed in bleach, resulting in uneven or “faded” red. This would have occurred at a later date. Toni B.
QuiltFixer [at] aol [dot] com
RedworkLdy [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Tue, 27 Apr 1999 06:31:51 EDT | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 4/26/99 11:58:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Lscmsw writes:
AUTUMN in the BLUE RIDGE #1
QUILTERS’ RETREAT
Phoebe Needles Conference Center
FERRUM, VA
DATE: OCTOBER 22, 23, 24
Enjoy an autumn weekend nestled in the foothills of Virginia\u{2019}s spectacular BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS of VIRGINIA with accommodations at nearby historical PHOEBE NEEDLES CONFERENCE CENTER. “A Place Apart” situated in a valley with views of surrounding mountains, bedecked in the breathtaking fall foliage. The peaceful serenity will refresh you, and WE will pamper and entertain you. Check in anytime. The sooner, the better to start sewing. FRIDAY EVENING: A reception for the opening of THE MOUNTAIN COMFORTS QUILT SHOW. THE FEEDSACK CLUB will have some quilts on display also. After the reception, GINNY WATSON will share her collection of antique sewing tools and invites and encourages you to bring yours to share as well. SATURDAY, after breakfast, most will be heading over to THE 26TH ANNUAL BLUE RIDGE FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL with the hours of 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. You will be on your own for lunch as they have such YUMMY foods for your tasting. We will have lunch available at the center for those who prefer to skip the festival/quilt show and want to continue sewing. This is YOUR weekend and you do what you so desire.
SATURDAY NIGHT, JANET BUTLER of Lanham, MD will teach several ‘make & take’ classes,.always fun and easy to do..
You can stay up sewing as long as you want!! NO CURFEWS!!! Lodging will allow two to a room, single beds, and all bedding is provided. NO DRAGGING bedding UNLESS, you want to bring your most FAVORITE QUILT…the mountains always have cool nights. and your special pillow. if necessary… All meals are included in your package, your lodging, and your program/class. Deadline for registration and deposit is MAY 30TH, 1999 and the balance due will be OCTOBER 1ST. COME AND JOIN US FOR A FANTASTIC FALL FOLIAGE WEEKEND in THE BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS of VIRGINIA PHOEBE NEEDLES IS A SMOKE FREE BUILDING but you will have a glorious view when you are outside taking a break. CAN YOU MANAGE STEPS? WILL SNORING BOTHER YOU IN A ROOMMATE? ANY SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS? DO YOU LECTURE OR TEACH? If so, please forward your information. 540-483-103 PLEASE ENCLOSE A LONG SELF-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR ALL INQUIRIES. JANE CLARK STAPEL
ADDED INFORMATION ON YOUR LODGINGS FOR AUTUMN RETREAT
PHOEBE NEEDLES CONFERENCE CENTER was originally a mission school built in the early 1900s by the Episcopal Diocese of SW Virginia. Funding came from ARTHUR NEEDLES, then president of the Norfolk & Southern Railroad, in memory of his daughter, PHOEBE, who died while still young. The two-story building was constructed of stones gathered from the surrounding fields, as was nearly St. Peter’s Episcopal Church and the teachers’ residence, presently the home of ST. PETER’s PRIEST and his family. The school continued in operation until the late 1940s when the area was ‘electrified’ and paved roads made transportation to public schools practical. A gift of money from the Diocese, from a woman physician who had served the area, saved the building after it was abandoned as a school. It was remodeled into the Conference Center now used by a variety of groups for reunions, meetings, retreats, and camps. The spacious downstairs has a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and open space that can be partitioned into several large meeting rooms. Upstairs there are sleeping accommodations for 27 people in a dorm type arrangement or separated for 2 beds into one room. Come and enjoy this magnificent historical structure that you will call home for a fabulous fall retreat.
26th Annual BLUE RIDGE FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 23rd, 10:00-5:00
On the campus of FERRUM COLLEGE at the
BLUE RIDGE INSTITUTE & MUSEUM, FERRUM, VIRGINIA
YOUNG QUILTER AWARDS FOR YOUTH 15 AND UNDER
Special exhibit of feedsack quilts
*AUTUMN IN THE BLUE RIDGE QUILTERS RETREAT at nearby
PHOEBE NEEDLES CONFERENCE CENTER
ANTIQUE & CONTEMPORARY QUILTS SOUGHT FOR EXHIBIT
NATIONAL QUILTING ASSOCIATION (NQA) CERTIFIED JUDGE
$1,000 IN PRIZES
UNIQUE RIBBONS
FESTIVAL INCLUDES
VA CHAMPIONSHIP COON DOG OPEN WATER & TREEING CONTEST BORDER COLLIE HERDING
TRACTOR & GAS ENGINE EXHIBIT
ANTIQUE CARS/STREET RODS
CRAFTS, HOME COOKED FOOD
PETTING ZOO
3 STAGE PERFORMANCES OF BALLADS, GOSPEL, BLUE GRASS
REENACTMENT OF LIFE AS IT WAS IN THE 1800’S.
THE SOUTHEAST TOURISM SOCIETY has named the festival one of October’s top 20 events in Southeastern United States
FOR ALL FESTIVAL INFORMATION CONTACT
Lucy Ricardo, Coordinator
945 Turner’s Creek Rd
Callaway, VA 24067
540-483-1039
DEADLINE FOR QUILT ENTRIES: OCTOBER 6, 1999. CONTACT LUCY RICARDO at above address.
