April 1 – 4, 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:
- Judging a Newly Bought 1840s Quilt — A new member asks whether to keep a signed quilt, and members offer advice on fabrics, backing width, and puzzling early purples.
- 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair Quilts — An appraiser asks about a prize quilt from the Louisiana Purchase Exposition and members share reading and local finds.
- Batting and Bed Turning History — Members discuss when polyester batting arrived and how wool batting differs. (see the article on quilt batting)
- Quilts for Wounded Soldiers — Members describe quilts sent to Walter Reed hospital and how welcome they are.
- A Textile Tour to France — A new member asks about tours, and others recommend a textile tour and Lyons quilt event.
- Black Light and Old Cat Stains — Members share tips on how quilts glow under black light and what feline stains mean for old textiles. (see the article on stain removal)
Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2006 12:40:27 -0800 | From: “Marilyn Withrow” <marilynquilts@>
It’s interesting to read different people’s immediate impressions of a different quilt block. To me, the block looked like Noah’s Ark, but with a very deep bottom — to someone else, it looked like tubs of candy. Please let us know what you find out. I’ve not seen one like this, either. Marilyn Maddalena Withrow Professional Quilt Appraiser, Judge, Historian, Designer and Lecturer www.marilynquilts.com
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Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2006 18:36:02 -0500 | From: “Pepper Cory” <pepcory@>
Hello all, I have carefully looked at the quilt’s pictures and likewise wonder about the green fabric sashing between the blocks. There is something familiar about that print. Could it be a modern good reproduction of a 19th century print? Which would make only the blocks truly be antique. I also wonder about the blue inked signature…maybe the quilter or the person who found the blocks? I am sad they finished the pieced with poly batting and the quilting is much wider apart than most quilts of the period. The proportion of the strips-to-border is also modern in feeling. I cannot advise whether you should or should not keep the quilt because that’s a matter of personal choice. But I’m wondering if the antique dealer was also unaware of the modern quilting/fabrics in this piece. I once pointed out to a high-end dealer in Washington DC that the Amish quilt she was considering paying $2000+ for had a poly batting…..the other dealer was not happy when the deal fell through. Maybe other folks (Julie-chime right in here, Judy in NJ–anytime-) and can help you with the return/not to return conundrum. Pepper Cory
Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2006 18:57:13 -0500 | From: Judy Kelius <quilts@>
Pepper’s comments were on the mark.
The other thing to consider is what the poly batting might do to the antique fabrics. If it is that spongy kind that is sold on rolls, it can ruin a top within a short time. I liken that type to thousands of tiny brillo pads scrubbing away from the inside of the quilt – it doesn’t take much for the batting to pop through the fabrics. I have seen a number of good antique quilt tops virtually destroyed because someone quilted them with poly batting – the one I will never forget had at least 25,000 tiny pieces, and probably about one-fourth of them had the batting popping through – I almost cried when I saw that one!
The signatures are certainly right for New Jersey Quaker quilts . . . I have seen a number of examples. The blocks are beautiful . . . I personally would be tempted to take out the quilting! I admit to doing that to several antique quilt tops that had been recently quilted.
Actually, the quilting itself is fairly appropriate for a New Jersey quilt – which often have simple, minimal quilting (as pointed out in the NJ state documentation book).
What you decide to do most likely depends on how much you paid . . . poly batting can also significantly decrease the monetary value of an antique piece. The blocks or top, whichever was the case, would probably have been more valuable unquilted. – Judy in Lancaster County (I’m sure at least one Judy in NJ will also add some comments!) –=====================_19251500==.ALT–
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 10:29:10 +1000 | From: “Lorraine Olsson” <sven@>
Hello Deborah,
I would return the quilt. (just my opinion) My reasoning is that you are already unhappy with the finishing of the quilt. New back and poly batting etc. If you do keep the quilt, you will have to undo it to preserve the top, and you have no idea how much damage the poly batting has already done to the top. It may look secure now, but how much of the old fabric has been weakened will only show after a few years. Too late then to recoup your outlay. You have taken a heap of fabulous pictures. Use these as your memory of the top, and let it go. Thanks so much for sharing this piece. I have never seen the inked drawings on a quilt before. (I am in Australia and we do not get to see the number of quilts that you do in the US)
Good luck with your decision and welcome to the group!!
Cheers, Lorraine in Oz
> > I’ve just joined this list, so I hope you don’t mind if I ask a question > of the group right out of the gate…
Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2006 22:25:03 -0500 | From: <c-elmore@>
Julie and others, I have read extensively about the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition of 1904 (St. Louis World’s Fair) and have not found that any quilts were exhibited there as an officially sanctioned fair exhibit. Perhaps some of the commercial exhibitors had quilts in their displays. There were some redwork blocks sold that depicted buildings, etc. at the fair but that’s about all I’ve uncovered. Maybe someone else has more information.
I have a special interest in the 1904 Fair because my grandfather worked at the Fair and died Oct. 18, 1904 from typhoid fever contracted in St. Louis. He was buried in St. Louis in 1904 in the Western Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery. I am always looking for Fair information. Carol Elmore Manhattan, KS
Date: Sat, 01 Apr 2006 22:58:17 -0600 | From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>
Carol (and anyone else interested), I was in an antique shop in Rossville, Indiana, today – and in one of the cases were several booklets from the 1904 St. Louis Fair.
Don’t have prices or the name of the shop, but I can give directions. Rossville is very small…
Xenia
Date: Sat, 1 Apr 2006 19:46:56 -0500 | From: “Deborah Lynn Guber” <dguber@>
Hi Pepper and Judy,
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments, and your willingness to share your knowledge with me.
I am still struggling with whether or not to return the quilt. It is, of course, a question of value and price. I paid not so much that it would be impossible to keep, but not so little that I would keep it without hesitation given its numerous problems. For me, the deciding factor is in determining how much (or how little) of the quilt is original to the 1840s, and how much of it is consistent with its Quaker provenance. Is it just the blocks themselves (or even some subset of them), or might be it the entire quilt top, with the exception of the wide green border that runs along the sides and bottom?
Here is what strikes me about the sashing: The fabric used is slightly different in color and pattern than the one used in the border. Is it possible that the sashing fabric–that little green calico–is original, which may mean that the blocks it’s sewed to are original too? I mean, if someone were to assemble this as a quilt years later from a collection of blocks (probably a great many years later, given that unfortunate polyester batting), why not buy enough fabric so that the sashing and border would match exactly? Is it possible that someone did the best they could to match what was already there?
Thank you again for everything. You have made me feel very welcome!
Deborah.
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 00:21:37 -0500 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
Deborah,
At the Burlington County Historical Society there is a quilt dated 1847 in the exact same pattern, this one with yellow print sashing. The unsigned blocks are mostly arranged around the outside, but have the plain muslin center. It was made by Ann H. Sharp who married George Peacock and died childless after a long life. Other Peacocks on this quilt don’t match any of your names, although there are a lot of folks from Evesham Township who signed the quilt. A total of 77 people signed this one, sometimes 2 in one block, but none of the other names match yours. The BCHS has a wonderful library with many county geneologies to help you further in your search.
Judy Kelius of this list also owns or has owned a Quaker signature quilt from Evesham Township, same pattern.
My personal feeling is that you either love this quilt or you don’t. If you feel a closeness to the people who signed your quilt, and that gives you a touchstone to early quilting in America, then you must overlook the qualms you have about portions of it possibly not being period or authentic. Monetary concerns are important as well, and may taint your overall feeling about the quilt for the entire time you own it.
I am not sure that I have ever seen the backing fabric in repro, but maybe others have. I don’t think your block centers have been replaced by print fabrics. Just my gut feeling.
The fabrics in the blocks are just gorgeous! And the top appears to be in great condition. The sashing is a bit really green and unfaded but I can’t tell if it is old or new.
Have you done a burn test on the batting? Are you absolutely sure it is poly? Pull a couple of strands out, open a seam if you have to and do a burn test.
If every time you look at this quilt you feel like you have been taken then send it back for a full refund. I collect quilts because they give me joy and a feeling of connection to the women of past history. I wouldn’t keep the quilt if I had qualms about it’s full authenticity.
I hope others on the list can help you further. You have a rough decision to make. But, if you do send it back for a refund I would hope that the next person to own it wouldn’t know as much about old quilts and textiles as you and would be able to love the quilt without reservations.
Judy, now in Flemington NJ aka The Ringoes Kid judygrow@
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 01:10:40 -0500 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
I hope someone on the list can explain all those gorgeous early purples in Deborah’s 1842-43 quilt. I thought that a permanent purple on cotton didn’t come until almost 15 years later, in 1856, with Perkins’s coal tar dye discovery.
Judy, now in Flemington NJ aka The Ringoes Kid judygrow@
Date: Sun, 02 Apr 2006 07:25:22 -0400 | From: Judy Kelius <quilts@>
At 03:10 AM 4/2/2006, you wrote: >I hope someone on the list can explain all those gorgeous early >purples in Deborah’s 1842-43 quilt. I thought that a permanent >purple on cotton didn’t come until almost 15 years later, in 1856, >with Perkins’s coal tar dye discovery.
One possible explanation – center squares could have been collected in 1842-1843 and then assembled a few years later. I think this is how many friendship quilts were probably made, starting with the signature blocks which could have been easily distributed, signed, and mailed. Maybe that’s all the recipient received – the signatures to assemble into her own quilt?
Looking back on my own quilting life, a quilt made over a period of 15-20 years is not at all out of the question! I’m still working on projects I started 20+ years ago, deliberately confusing quilt historians in the 22nd century <GR>!
Or our assumed knowledge could be faulty . . . I’d love to hear other opinions! –=====================_2269203==.ALT–
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 03:06:30 -0500 | From: “Karan Flanscha” <SadieRose@>
In my research for the Bed Turning I did this weekend, I found that Mountain Mist introduced polyester batting in 1962. My understanding is that the age of a quilt depends on the most recent fabric or work done on it. So an antique top, with polyester batting… would have to be dated no earlier than 1962… or noted that it is an antique top, more recently quilted. We had a Double Wedding Ring in the Bed Turning, that was typical 1930-1940’s fabrics… but with a polyester batting and a commercial double fold bias tape binding. The owner thought that her Grandmother had made the quilt, I suspect that her GM quilted an older top. She was not concerned about the monetary value, but was more interested to learn that the top was older than she thought. Deborah, have you tried a burn test with a tiny pinch of the batting? Just to be sure it is polyester (which will melt), and not wool? Don’t you wish the quilt could talk, and tell you it’s story!! Karan
Date: Sun, 02 Apr 2006 08:01:11 -0400 | From: kldev@
I beleive that the quilt you purchased is really a collection of blocks that have been put together recently. I also have a Medford quilt, signed Mary L. Jones 1855. I live in Burlington county in NJ so I have a connection.
ON Thursday and Friday night Antiques Roadshow, a man had another Burlington county, NJ quilt dated 1862-63. It was a very interesting one – wonder how it got to California!!
Karen Dever Stitches Through Time Quilt Appraisals 101 S. Lincoln Ave. Moorestown, NJ 08057 856-234-6631
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 13:43:51 EDT | From: ARabara15@
Donald Brokate here to put in my 2 cents. Keep in mind that wool batting can feel puffy like poly batting. See if there is any bearding of wool coming thru the fabrics. Open a seam and as Judy suggests do a burn test. If you look closely at the batting you can also tell wool from poly. Good Luck.
Donald Brokate “The Crazy Quilt Collector” Trenton NJ
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 13:23:55 -0500 | From: “Steve & Jean Loken” <sandjloken@>
Hi, I attended the bicentennial celebration of the L&C Expedition. At that time the St. Louis art museum mounted an exhibit of fair related items. One item was a redwork quilt with pictures of the buildings of the fair, a flag, President Roosevelt and his wife. I purchased a pattern for the blocks at the quilt shop in nearby St. Charles. I have three blocks left to do and will set them and quilt it. I don’t know if this quilt was shown at the fair as I don’t remember it’s signage. But perhaps a request to the museum will get some answers. The museum building is left from the fair and is one of very few buildings left on the grounds. It was not meant as an art museum then. I also requested through ILL many books about the fair to see what the buildings looked like in photos, as the drawings in the pattern left something to be desired architecturally speaking. They were possibly traced from the original quilt and lost something in translation. Anyway, I was just curious to see more photos. Jean in MN
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 12:25:00 -0400 | From: “Deborah Lynn Guber” <dguber@>
Thank you all for your kind advice on the quilt I purchased. I am so grateful for your insight and expertise.
To answer a few questions:
1) Yes, I did a burn test on the batting material, and it is polyester (unfortunately).
2) Several on the list suggested that I use a blacklight. I happen to have one that I use for other things, and gave it a try here. The stitches in the quilting, as expected, “light up” and “glows” a bluish color. It is clearly new. But in a number of places across the quilt I checked the thread used to sew the blocks to the green sashing, and it does not. It is white thread that looks similar to the naked eye, but the black light does nothing to it. I also checked the thread used to sew the quilt top to the wide green border (which is a different fabric from the green sashing). The thread used there is a taupe color, not white, like the rest. The black light does not affect it, either. Does this help? Does it give any useful information?
I suppose, at least, that it says to me that the sashing and the border were done at different times–different threads, slightly different fabrics. I suppose it would also suggest that the sashing was attached to the blocks at some earlier time. But how much earlier? Is there an approximate date for when threads “glow” under black light?
Thanks again!! Deborah.
> Deborah, have you tried a burn test with a tiny pinch of > the batting? Just to be sure it is polyester (which will > melt), and not wool?
>Does the thread “light up” under blacklight? Another warning.
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 13:57:46 -0500 | From: “Charlotte Bull” <charlou@>
How wide is the fabric used as the backing? That is usually a clue as to the age of the fabric. Is it an ombre? It looks rather varied in colors as if it might be. Have you checked reproduction fabric collections to see if any match??? The fabrics in the blocks are wonderful!!! I do hope they are ALL old!!! I hate to admit that I’d have a hard time parting with it. : ((( cb ——=_NextPart_000_0017_01C6565D.6BB52A20–
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 13:58:04 -0700 | From: “Alan”
It’s my understanding, I don’t remember the specific dates, that the chemicals that make fibers flouresce appeared fairly early in the 20th century. There’s also the added problem that lots of laundry detergents have/had these agents, and can make an earlier vintage piece flouresce also. I don’t think this has happened to you, since your flouresce is very specific.
Alan
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 20:05:36 EDT | From: HKnight453@
Contact me for details. The Juki has never left the box, and I am seeking 550, including UPS Ground shipping in the Lower 48. I also have a Singer handcrank for 125-, including UPS Ground shipping. I am also willing to swap for vintage quilt or sewing books.
Heather
Date: Sun, 02 Apr 2006 22:26:41 -0400 | From: “Jan Drechsler” <quiltdoc@>
Hi Deborah,
When you remove quilting stitches, on fabric that age, the fabric will probably be damaged or have holes remaining. It will decrease the ‘shelf life’ of the top or quilt.
Even with extra care, it is unrealistic to think it won’t occur.
Let us know what you decide!
Jan — Jan Drechsler 225 Sunrise Drive Guilford, VT 05301
802-257-7910
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 22:16:33 -0500 | From: “Debbie” <russhill@>
I have a friend who is a Civil War Reenactor and saw some quilts at the Confederate Museum in Charleston, North Carolina. She posted her question on a Civil War reenactors list and I said I would try to find this answer for your. I am cutting and pasting her question with what she described so that you will not be getting the question second hand.
“”What I was extremely impressed with were the “other” stitches on the quilts. It seems every quilt the museum has in their possession has this very ornate and beautiful stitching throughout the quilts. This stitching was with what seemed to be a “braided” silk like threading. For instance, one quilt had beautiful patches sewn together to form a pattern and on top of that pattern was a completely different pattern made with the silk like braided thread (and this silk like braided thread did not follow the sewing pattern of the regular stitching used to piece together the quilt). Does this make sense? It is absolutely gorgeous!
Now I have throughout the past three years looked at lots of websites that deal with Civil War Era Quilts, and I never remember seeing this silk like braided thread pattern sewing on top of any original quilts I have seen in photos. Was this common? I would absolutely love to do this on my quilt and create a contrasting and different pattern. Does anyone know of any websites that have any of these type quilts photos posted? Does the sewing technique have a special name? Were there any “favorite” patterns the ladies would use? “”
I look forward to hearing what you all have to say about this. I have no idea what it is she is describing and maybe if some of you on this list have seen this exhibit. Thanks from me and my friend.
Debbie in THC russhill@
Date: Sun, 02 Apr 2006 19:27:34 -0700 | From: “Keri Tea” <kariteacomp@>
Hello QHL!
My name is Kari and I am an avid enthusiast of anything made from old (antique as opposed to vintage) fabric. I found out about the list by accident one day while doing some research – came up with you archives. Wow – great threads. I have been reading your posts for about maybe a month or so now, a little nervous about piping in with all of you experts out there. But that is why I am here – to read what you all have to say.
I live in deep Texas – and what I mean by that is just about right in the middle of the state. Kind of dry around here for any real quilt history experiences. I enjoy the posts about what you all are seeing at quilt study groups and museums.
My heritage is 1/2 French and we have several 19th century French made quilts. My grandmother was from a town in France called Roussillon in the Provence region. She came to the United States just before WWII, married an American and has been here since. However, she did not come without as much as she could bring – and she definitely made good choices because she brought these quilts. Grandmother passed on a few years ago and left the quilts to my mom and aunt. They have no use for them. These quilts and other textiles in my family are what have peaked my interest in quilt study, French quilts in particular.
I have collected and read a few books on the subject – but now my cousin in Denver has told me about a tour that takes interested quilt people to France to study the old fabrics and see some of the areas where they were manufactured, as well as to see quilts. He cannot recall the name of the tour – or where to find out about it. His wife also likes quilts and she heard about it from a friend who knows about our French heritage. So, I guess I am stuck. I do not know anyone to ask about the tour beyond what I have found online.
I am a talker and I could go on and on about this, but whatever you can give, I will appreciate your help. I would really like to see some of the places where these quilts and fabrics were made, I have not been to France and it has also always been a dream for me to go. What better way than to go and see what I have come to enjoy seeing most. Antique quilts and fabrics.
Until later – Kari
Date: Sun, 2 Apr 2006 23:51:08 -0700 | From: “Alan”
http://www.csa-scla.org/PhotoAlbum/photo-index.htm
This is the link to the photos page on the museum’s site. I didn’t find any quilts, but I thought you’d be interested in the page of clothing (near bottom).
Alan
>I have a friend who is a Civil War Reenactor and saw some quilts at the > Confederate Museum in Charleston, North Carolina. She posted her > question on a Civil War reenactors list and I said I would try to find >
Date: Mon, 03 Apr 2006 08:03:26 -0600 | From: “Cindy Hamilton” <cvermillion2@>
>From: “Quilt History List digest” <qhl@> > Reply-To: “Quilt History List” <qhl@> Re: Signature quilt
Deborah, Because of the beauty of the fabrics and the signatures, I would keep the quilt. I would look at it as a historical piece that has possibly gone through many hands, including the latest ones that quilted it with the polyester batt. Whoever did that proceeded with taste and the quilt is beautiful even if it wasn’t quilted until recently. One clue that hasn’t been mentioned is to check carefully the actual piecing STITCHES. Compare the stitching in the blocks to the stitches that join them to the sashing and also to the border. One quiltmaker’s hand piecing stitches can read like a signature, and you can recognize them as being from the same hand sometimes. If the stitches match in size and spacing, this could provide evidence for the sashing and the blocks being stitched by the same person. I would consider opening a few seams carefully to examine inside, on the wrong side of the top, to determine this. It’s a wonderful, gorgeous quilt just the way it is! Thanks so much for those wonderful photos. Cindy V. Hamilton Colorado
Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2006 10:06:29 -0500 | From: “Karen Musgrave” <KarenMusgrave@>
The Alliance for American Quilts (www.centerforthequilt.org ) eBay auction this week has an incredible cheater cloth quilt that you will not want to miss! You will also find some Grandmother Clark and Nancy Page booklets and much more! You can check it out by going to http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZalliancequilts or search by our seller’s name- alliancequilts.Your purchases also benefit a great organization which is doing incredible things for quilts. New auctions are posted every Sunday. Happy bidding and thanks for the support.
All the best, Karen Musgrave Join us! Become a member and get advance news on our auctions AND help preserve our great quilt heritage. www.centerforthequilt.org
Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2006 11:36:25 -0400 | From: “Merry May” <twotonsofbuttons@>
Re: Burlington Quaker Quilt
There is a quilt in the collection of the Cape May County Historical Museum which is a “ringer” for the one Deborah has shown us. Some of the blocks have inked inscriptions; some have stamped inscriptions, and some are blank. We have not done any research on the signatures that are on it, but we believe it is from that same time frame (early 1840s). If I can find on e or two of my photos of it, I will post them on the eBoard.
Also, if you bought the quilt through eBay, you can post an evaluation of the seller. Often they will jump through hoops to avoid being rated poorly , so they might be more willing to negotiate if you at least threaten to do that. Let us know what happens.
Just my 2-cents’ worth!! Take care. — Merry May Schoolhouse Enterprises – Home of Merry Mayhem’s Mystery Quilts, and Other Fun Stuff!
Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2006 11:47:09 -0500 | From: “Steve & Jean Loken” <sandjloken@>
Deborah, since noone spoke up exactly to your original question, I’ll stick my neck out. That border fabric looks entirely consistent with the period of the rest of the quilt. The fact that it’s different from the sashing is not proof it’s much later. In fact, IMHO, the fact that there’s only borders on three sides, puts it in an earlier period as well. Jean in MN, but I’m no trained appraiser
Date: Mon, 03 Apr 2006 11:25:21 -0700 | From: Julia Zgliniec <rzglini1@>
Dear Kari and QHL, I took the Textile Tour to France led by Deb Roberts and had a ball. I had such a good time, I am going on the Textile tour to Great Britain the end of the month. I had never been to France before and it was a wonderful introduction. Mulhouse and Provence were my favorites!You can read about the trip on her web page. http://www.quiltappraiser.com/triparticle.htm
A Happy Traveler, Julia Zgliniec, Poway CA
>
Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2006 12:13:16 -0700 | From: <chrisa@>
Thanks for the good chuckle Jennifer! I think the squint part happened no matter where they stood- given the lighting and the glasses (or lack their of) long ago. We can always count on the ingenious design of nature herself, to help us with a difficult design decision.
Kim Wulfert www.antiquequiltdating.com
. But I do have what I call my “design floor”. I have to work quickly to keep things from being messed up by kids, cats, and air currents. If I need some distance to observe the emergent design, I stand at the top of the stairs and squint. I’m sure similar technology was used 100 yrs ago, as it will 100 yrs in the future.
Jennifer Hill Calgary, AB
Date: Mon, 3 Apr 2006 21:12:01 EDT | From: QuiltEvals@
Dear QHL – I thought this went out earlier today when I sent it to BQHL and the Vintage Fabrics list. As someone has just emailed and asked me why I did not post it to QHL, it looks as if it did not go out – so here it is now. I hope you enjoy the images.
Good Morning from California!
I have (finally) received written permission from some of the museums in France visited last September to share fabric images online. I needed permission, as one museum in particular has many samples that they sell rights to and had a contract signed so that it was understood that any images taken on the tour were for personal use only. It was a fine line as to whether the web was personal use, but they understood when I demonstrated how they were being shared.
With 2500+ images taken over the course of 2 trips, it was difficult to narrow down to a few on a personal web page. However, I put some of my favorites on, along with some of the questions the visit raised about appropriate fabric dating.
This is just for fun – I thought you might enjoy seeing some of these documented early textiles, and also might want to read the article Dawn Hunt wrote about her experiences on the tour. We do have some spaces left in September – it isn’t too late to join us!
_www.quiltappraiser.com/Franceimages05.htm_ (http://www.quiltappraiser.com/Franceimages05.htm)
_www.quiltappraiser.com/triparticle.htm_ (http://www.quiltappraiser.com/triparticle.htm)
Deb Roberts _www.textiletour.com_ (http://www.textiletour.com/)
Join us for the next tour de France, September 06!
Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2006 16:06:58 +0200 | From: Margareta.Faust@
Hi Pepper, Just a greeting from Europe – love your cat on your website! And yes,I agree: the consolation when you’ve parted with your lifelong cat friends is that you can give a home to another cat in need. Are you coming to the Quilt Expo in Lyons? I hope so! Here’s a recent picture of my two quilt-testers: though in it they’re lying on an Irish vintage blanket (they took to it as soon as I brought it home!). The tiger male is called Love – pronounced Looveh – an old Swedish name, could mean ‘paw’; and the calico girl is Siri. All the best, Margareta
Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2006 16:09:35 +0200 | From: Margareta.Faust@
Oh..sorry…I’ve done it… the previous message was only intended for Pepper Cory – but well, now you’ve all got a chance of admiring my kitties! Margareta
Date: Tue, 04 Apr 2006 07:39:10 -0700 | From: “Keri Tea” <kariteacomp@>
I want to thank you all collectively for responding to my inquiry about the trip to France – what a nice group this is. From the emails I received, it sounds as if the group who went with Deb Roberts last year had a fabulous time and learned a lot. The colors on those fabrics in the images on the photo gallery that Deb sent the link to were wonderful weren’t they?
I particularly like the comment that the one person made, “I could have bought a nice quilt for the price of the tour, and while it would be tangible, it would never teach me as much as I learned in France about both European and American quilts.”
I think if I can get the time in September I will definitely be a go with the tour like the one last year. Hoping for a good tax refund!!
Again – thank you all so much for taking the time to write me.
KT
Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2006 11:47:45 EDT | From: Blackeyesandysue@
I have been at Walter Reed Army Medical Center this past week. I have had many people in my area that have made quilts for the wounded soldiers returning from Afganistan and Iraq. I was very touched to see a young soldier in a wheelchair, his leg in a cast, still looking pretty fragile, with a red white and blue quilt wrapped around his shoulders while he was being taken to the cafeteria to eat. He appeared to be there with his parents. Yesterday another young soldier wheeled past me with another patriotic quilt folded over the back of his wheelchair while a cafeteria worker carried his tray to the table for him. I was very moved to see the comfort that these quilts are giving to these young warriors. A young Red Cross worker was telling us about the many great things that people have contributed to these young men and women. It made my heart glow when she mentioned the quilts. Thankyou to all who have contributed to this project. Polly Mello A quilter and a soldiers wife
Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2006 12:08:46 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
Polly,
I have made 5 or 6 quilts for soldiers at Walter Reed, (and have received one wonderful thank-you note) and when my new sewing room is finally set up again, I have one to bind and another to quilt and bind. I am making them double bed size.
I have a question for you though. Previously I have sent them to Senator Chuck Hagel’s wife, Lilibet, (also a quilter) who brings them to Walter Reed. If I can get these finished in time, or at least one of them, I wonder if it would be possible to take it/them to Walter Reed myself. I will be in Washington the last couple of days in April, and on Monday, May first (to witness my brother sworn in to the bar of the Supreme court — his birthday present to himself for his 65th) and I hope it doesn’t sound petty, but I would like to see that one of my quilts goes to a New Jersey soldier. Who do I see if I can get there? Do I go to the Red Cross Office? Do I have to make arrangements in advance? It may be difficult because I will be one of many in the party, but I would very much like to try.
Mrs. Hagel has told me that the soldiers receive many gifts, of many different kinds, and when they leave the hospital some of them leave much of it behind. However she has never known of one quilt left behind and forgotten. They all go home with the soldiers.
Judy, now in Flemington NJ aka The Ringoes Kid judygrow@
Date: Tue, 04 Apr 2006 12:12:30 -0600 | From: Xenia Cord <xenia@>
If I can brag a bit on a very small group of my friends (4 plus me), we have sent 40 quilts in the last year for the Quilts of Valor project, for wounded warriors from Afghanistan and Iraq. Just recently we sent 14 to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany, where the wounded are sent after triage. Previously we sent quilts to Ft. Riley in Kansas (emotionally wounded and others), and to Ft. Sam Houston in TX (burn victims).
This is a really worthy effort, especially considering the “lid” there seems to be on the more human side of this war – the boots on the ground, and the wounded returning. Because of IEDs, many of these wounded face very long recovery periods, and there seems to be little public notice paid to the kinds of sacrifices they have made. Making a quilt – or a dozen – seems like a small way to let them know we appreciate them.
Catherine Roberts is behind the Quilts of Valor project, and through her national effort, those who have quilt tops can be matched with long arm quilters who volunteer to do the quilting. See www.qovf.org. A shorter process is to make your own tops and find a local long arm quilter who will do the quilting. Catherine can also provide base hospital addresses.
My little group made 14 quilts (pieced, quilted, bound, washed, and mailed to an APO address) in just over 6 weeks. We used patriotic prints and made quilts approximately 50″ x 70″, which is big enough to cover a bed or a person in a wheelchair, without being cumbersome. One of our group even made matching pillowcases to go with her quilts.
If anyone wants additional information, please email me off-list. I will be away starting tomorrow, for the IQF/Chicago show, but will answer ASAP.
Xenia
Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2006 11:11:31 -0700 (PDT) | From: Joe Cunningham <joe@>
It sounds to me like Debbie might be describing the part of the process known as “quilting”. Maybe she encountered some quilting done with contrasting silk thread and noticed it for the first time. In any event, the part where she talks about the sewing lines that have nothing to do with the piecing lines sounds like quilting to me. Joe the “Quilter” in the endless rain in San Francisco.
Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2006 15:22:54 EDT | From: Senopera@
In a message dated 4/4/2006 12:16:45 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, xenia@ writes:
If anyone wants additional information, please email me off-list. I will be away starting tomorrow, for the IQF/Chicago show, but will answer ASAP.
Xenia –
I’d love some more information. All of a sudden I have a few weeks of “free” time – and it seems like a more than worthwhile purpose.
Thanks – no hurry – when you get back from Chicago is fine. Enjoy the show!
Sue North
Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2006 14:52:21 -0400 | From: Cassie Kilroy Thompson <cassiekt@>
Saw this listing on the “I Dream of Genealogy” web site – no indication of how old the posting is, but thought some of you might be interested…… http://www.idreamof.com/heirlooms/found/unique.htm
Sarah NICHOLS Coverlet – Illinois – 1849
I purchased at an auction about 2 1/2 years ago a Woven Jaquard Coverlet. It is brown/tan in colors and has a floral type design, made in two pieces and sewn together and having a fringe around all four sides. The Coverlet, about the size of a full sized bed doesn’t have any holes or worn areas, in great to mint condition for the age. I did some searching after discovering the item was very old and discovered it was woven by J. Phillip Seewald of Prairie Ridge, IL, one of the only 7 weavers of that time. In two of the corners of the Coverlet in woven in print: “Made by P.Seewald, Ridge: For: Sarah.A.M.E. Nichols. Illinois. 1849”. I was told that Phillip quit weaving in 1851 and there are only 6 other known Coverlets with the information woven into the Coverlets, and there are only 26 known Coverlets anywhere. The most of them are on display in a Museum in Illinois. There is also a Coverlet Guild there. Even though this article is very interesting and would make a great wall hanging, I really do not have the interest in this Coverlet compared to the interest that the decendents of Sarah Nichols would have. I would need to find out what something like this is worth, but would be willing to sell it to someone in the Nichols Family. I will begin searching for people of this family as time allows. Thank you… Edwina <EPrice42@>
— Cassie —————–
—
>some earlier time. But how much earlier? Is there an approximate date f or >when threads “glow” under black light?
Deborah, Textiles will glow under black light if they have feline proteins on them . If a cat has stropped his face on a quilt, or drooled, or sprayed, or haw ked a hairball…the quilt will glow. So will your carpet and upholstery,= which makes the black light a useful tool in finding the source of felin e odors. <G>
Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2006 18:41:08 -0400 | From: “Pepper Cory” <pepcory@>
“If a cat has stropped his face on a quilt, or drooled, or sprayed, or hawked a hairball…the quilt will glow. So will your carpet and upholstery, which makes the black light a useful tool in finding the source of feline odors. “
The above wisdom at first glance might come under “more than you ever wanted to know” but then I thought, “Man, this info would make for a great CSI episode!” And further pondered: my living room, carpet, and all major furniture undoubtedly would glow….
Pepper
