August 1 – 4, 1998
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:
- Tencel Fiber Identification — Members research Tencel (lyocell), its relationship to rayon, and how to identify it in garments and potential quilting fabrics.
- Stab Stitching Technique — Discussion of stab stitching as a quilting method, with experienced practitioners sharing their approach.
- Thimble and Scissors Collecting — A member inherits a thimble and scissors collection and seeks information about dating and identifying the pieces.
- Victoria Quilt Guilds — A search for contact information for Victoria, BC quilt guilds.
- Pincushion Clamps and Third Hands — Discussion of clamp-on pincushions and sewing ‘third hand’ tools, their history and practical use.
- Eastern Star Quilt Patterns — Members investigate Order of the Eastern Star imagery in quilts, referencing Brackman’s five different patterns under that name.
Date: Sat, 1 Aug 1998 01:47:52 -0400 | From: “Judy Grow”
>Now on to antique quilts—-I never heard from anyone (and I asked) about
>brown fabric being used as backing. When was it in “style”???? Brown as
in
>floral, striped, solid.
I just acquired a wonderful two fabric quilt with the most wonderful backing
fabric of a rich brown.
The dealer I bought it from got it from a PA. family.
The top is a strippy, one row of 2″ half-square triangles of flowered print
on a finely striped diagonal grey background, and that ubiquitous green and
yellow five-lobed flower on a black background, alternating with 5″ strips
of those 2 fabrics.
I don’t know how to describe the brown backing fabric except that it is an
abstract all-over, kind of wood-grainy, but with a fine white checkered
ground. Since I haven’t been to the fabric dating seminar yet, I can’t tell
when this quilt was made from only these 3 fabrics, but I sure would love to
know when brown was in style as a backing, too.
The backing was brought to the front as binding.
By the way, this very pristine, NBW quilt is quilted in diagonal lines 1
5/8″ apart, with tan thread. The stitches on the front are VERY tiny, those
on the back fairly large and kind of messy. I think that this was quilted
entirely in a back-stitch! That’s almost as mind boggling as stab-stitching
an entire quilt.
Judy in Ringoes, NJ
judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
Date: Sat, 1 Aug 1998 07:30:04 -0400 (EDT) | From: quiltsnbears [at] webtv [dot] net (Roberta Geanangel)
We’re going to have to add Tencel to the list of cellulosic fabrics. I
have been wearing clothes made of it for over a year, but this week I
purchased some yardage to sew. It’s wonderful stuff…though still very
expensive.
Roberta/FL
Take your place in history..sign and date your quilts!
Date: Sat, 1 Aug 1998 15:27:36 +0100 | From: “Sally Ward”
Can anyone tell me about the pattern of a quilt which always catches my =
eye when the kids are watching ‘Friends’?. It is a checkerboard layout =
of plain red blocks alternated with a white block which has two fairly =
narrow green diagonal lines.
At first I thought it very ugly, but it =
intrigues me and I am now rather fond of it. Is there a significance to
the pattern or colours which, not being American, I haven’t understood –
or is it just the sort of simple design you see a lot of?
Sally in UK
Sward [at] t-ward [dot] demon [dot] co [dot] uk
Can anyone tell me about the pattern of a quilt which always catches my eye when the kids are watching ‘Friends’?. It is a checkerboard layout of plain red blocks alternated with a white block =which has two fairly narrow green diagonal lines.
At first I thought = it very ugly, but it intrigues me and I am now rather fond of it. Is there a significance to the pattern or colours which, not being American, I = haven’t understood – or is it just the sort of simple design you see a lot of?
Sally in UK
Sward [at] t-ward [dot] demon [dot] co [dot] uk
Date: Sat, 1 Aug 1998 09:08:24 -0600 | From: Kathy Gaul
I sent this info out a few days ago and only heard from one dear friend,
so I decided to try again! I recently acquired a Double Irish Chain
Quilt, probably 1885 ish, made out of white and 4 different double pinks
and regular pink fabrics. Closer study showed that the maker carefully
planned where she would place each of the 4 pink fabrics, locating the
double pinks closer to the center of the quilt. The quilting is nice,
done in cross-hatching, with no other fancy quilting. The quilt does
not have a border but is simply bound with a pink plaid fabric.
The quilt seems to have no significant damage or tears, but it is very
gray/dirty looking. I am a restorer and have cleaned many antique
quilts with great success but the issue of “to wash or not to wash” is
hanging over my head, (since I am not the client requesting the
cleaning!) I believe that the quilt will brighten some with just plain
water and orvus – it is amazing what just that will do to textiles! I
am curious if any of you feels strongly about washing affecting the
value of a quilt. I know you might say it depends on if you are keeping
it or selling it – but hey, I am open to opinions!!!! Just thought this
might be a topic of interest for discussion. Also, aren’t there any
double pink lovers out there!!!!???? Thanks a bunch! Kat
Date: Sat, 1 Aug 1998 12:16:06 -0400 | From: Debby Kratovil
I’m doing some research for an article on thimbles. I’ll make my obligatory
trip to the library and peruse my quilting books and encyclopedias, but I’d
love to receive any information regarding thimbles you may have! I’ve been
gone from the list for the past month so please forgive me if by any chance
that has been a topic during my absence. Debby
Debby Kratovil — Quilter By Design
Date: Sat, 01 Aug 1998 13:23:50 -0500 | From: Swede
I was wondering 2 things…can anyone tell me if there is a quilt design
originating in the Vieux Carr� of New Orleans? Barring that, is there
just one from any parish of New Orleans? Or even one from Louisiana?
Have been thru all my quilt history books and haven’t come up with
anything.
Also, is there a really good paper piecing book or pattern anyone can
recommend for an ornate Mariner’s Compass?
Thanks!
Annastina
—
Today’s Animal Trivia*
An indoor cat lives an average of 8 and 1/2 times longer than an outdoor
cat.
���
“I ask people why they have deer heads on their walls. They always
say because
it’s such a beautiful animal. There you go. I think my
mother is attractive,
but I have
photographs of her.” ~~Ellen DeGeneres
���
Women sleep with men, who if they were women, they wouldn’t even
have bothered to have lunch with.
���
You can always tell a Swede, but you can’t tell him much!
Date: Sat, 01 Aug 1998 15:42:32 -0700 | From: arlenegg [at] icanect [dot] net
There’s something I’ve been very curious about, and I just know someone
on this list can explain it.
I’ve seen (in pictures, anyway) a lot of clamp-on pincushions from
Victorian times. So, I’ve been wondering; why did they need clamp-on
pincushions? The only thing I can think of is maybe they used on ships
where regular pincushions might slide off the table. Am I on the right
track?
Arlene
Date: Sun, 02 Aug 1998 19:13:49 -0800 | From: “Norma I. Herbold”
Is anyone a member or does anyone have an email address for someone in
one of the Victoria Quilt Guilds? Please reply to me privately. I live
just across the water in Sunny Sequim and I am interested in seeing if
their quild might be interested in sharing a teacher we will be flying
in from California. Save on travel expenses if we can swing it.
Thank you for your help.
Norma Herbold
Greenhaven Enterprises
Quilt Retreats on the Olympic Peninsula
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 01:10:18 -0400 | From: “susanlk”
What is stab stitching? It SOUNDS like an ordinary running stitch, except
you don’t put the needle in and out again in a single motion, but rather put
the needle in, pull it out the underside, then stick it in the underside and
pull it out the top. I used that method after trying a running stitch and
noticing what a MESS it made on the other side!! I didn’t like the back
looking so messy, even tho’ it was a pillow cover and so it wouldn’t show,
so I changed to the two step stitch.
Back stitch? You say it was the old way of doing it, then you say it was
actually a running stitch. I must have missed something. Please clarify,
someone. Thanks. SusanLK
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 07:53:34 EDT | From: Kittencat3 [at] aol [dot] com
I think Tencel is nothing more than a new process for producing rayon,
although I’m not 100% sure. If I’m right, it will breathe.
Lisa Evans
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 06:59:02 -0500 | From: “Lisa Erlandson”
Judy,
For once, my love of shopping can come in handy for QHL!
Tencel is a relatively new fiber made from – are you ready? – “Wood
products” – I will check further to see if this means cellulose or what. It
is supposed to be a easy care, long lasting fabric. I bought a forest green
skirt and shirt outfit last year and it has laundered beautifully so far.
I’ll see what else I can find out about it. Just from wearing it, it would
seem to be quiltable, much like cotton in the way it wears and feels.
Lisa in Texas where it is so hot the railroad tracks are warping!
—–Original Message—–
From: Judy Grow <Judygrow [at] blast [dot] net>
To: Quilt History List <QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com>; quiltsnbears [at] webtv [dot] net
<quiltsnbears [at] webtv [dot] net>
Date: Saturday, August 01, 1998 10:22 PM
Subject: QHL: Tencel
>I just bought a pants outfit of Tencel — my first of this fiber. I got it
>because it felt like a heavy silk, and had the same richness of color that
>silk does. But I think it is too heavy to wear now. Does it breath like
>wool and cotton?
>
>Is it quiltable fabric? Or is it to be seen like doubleknit polyester?
>Judy in Ringoes, NJ
>judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
>
>>We’re going to have to add Tencel to the list of cellulosic fabrics. I
>>have been wearing clothes made of it for over a year, but this week I
>>purchased some yardage to sew. It’s wonderful stuff…though still very
>>expensive.
>>Roberta/FL
>
>
>
Date: Mon, 03 Aug 1998 10:08:07 -0500 | From: Alan
In reference to ebay, it’s buyer beware, as in any other auction. Sold
as is where is. It’s your responsibility to be happy with the piece
before buying. I personally don’t buy from ebay, but that’s because I
have to be able to touch. smell, and fondle potential acquisitions. I’ve
been taken at real auctions. As for the short “opinion” line, a single
word comes to mind – liar. Harsh, but might get someone’s attention,
especially if it’s received repeatedly about the same person.
I responded once to a seller’s claim (yes, I love to look at ebay) to a
quilt’s possible Black heritage. Big bright and primitive, so I
identified the pattern (she didn’t know), and warned her of making the
AA claim if there wasn’t any provenence. She was most appreciative of
my input (I also explained my “credentials”, so she’d understand I
wasn’t a crackpot – quiet, Laura!<G>)
As for the big quilt, well, you gotta take in ALL the clues. Making an
assumption the quilt isn’t authentic because the size isn’t right might
just keep you from a fine acquisition. How about the fabrics? Patterns?
Overall quilting style? Some things are indicative of age, other than
size.
Also, it’s my understanding that until a certain point last century,
many homes had one large bed, and that all the bedding (pillows, etc.),
were piled on the bed and the quilt used to cover it, which might allow
for an oversized piece. Wish I could remember where this info came
from….
Alan
Date: Mon, 03 Aug 1998 10:58:27 -0600 | From: Sharon Harleman Tandy
Susan,
I’ve been a “stab” stitcher for ten years and love it. I can only do
the running stitch in borders and such, without a hoop or frame.
However, don’t you think “single stitch” sounds much nicer? I believe
I use it because of over 50 years of embroidery and needlepoint, even
though all that time I also did hand stitching in garment making. For
some reason, single stitching works for me. Sharon.
Date: Mon, 03 Aug 1998 11:00:29 -0600 | From: Sharon Harleman Tandy
I have no personal experience with Tencel so far, but wood is
cellulose, and rayon is made from wood and linters, so they must be very
similar; maybe just a new process or finish? Sharon.
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 13:02:45 -0400 | From: “Kelchner, Alan”
I am suddenly the proud owner of a thimble and scissors collection. A
box lot at an auction yesterday had scissors that were just gorgeous
(embroidery type). Also a bunch of thimbles (if 62 adult sized, one
child, and three Monopoly thimbles count as a bunch!). Brass, plastic,
but mostly lots of cheap aluminum. All sizes. There’s one silver-colored
thimble engraved with initials and worn through at the top. One plastic
is a political give-away. Several tailor’s thimbles. A nice pale-colored
brass thimble (in my size! Brass is my favorite.). Also a pair of
scissors, steel with black painted handles (traditional style), that are
12″ long. Call ’em my murder weapon! Also one of those tiny paper
packets of size 6 betweens, with pristine needles! Usually they’re
missing and/or rusting.
Any suggestions for a good needlework tools book to get. I’m certain my
two favorite pairs of scissors are early this century, but would like to
know for sure.
Alan
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 13:22:21 EDT | From: QuiltEvals [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 8/3/98 10:02:29 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
Alan.Kelchner [at] stdreg [dot] com writes:
<<
Any suggestions for a good needlework tools book to get. I’m certain my
two favorite pairs of scissors are early this century, but would like to
know for sure.
Alan
>>
Yes, Alan.
Helen Thompson authored such a book, it was published by AQS last year. It is
wonderfully done, and include all types of sewing tools and implements,
(including pincushions!) I am in a hurry, and the exact title escapes me,
however if you need me to look it up, I will. Otherwise, I am sure if you call
AQS they can send you out a copy ASAP, unless Kris has one.
Debbie
Date: Mon, 03 Aug 1998 11:21:28 -0700 | From: Denise Clausen
Dear QHL members
I have very much enjoyed my subscription to the QHL since April this
year. I have learned many new things about quilts. Glad to have a source
for research questions. I have grouped some of the subjects and added to
them to the Latimer Quilt and Textile Center’s resources. All the info
on the Swastika type designs was appreciated. We have one in the
Center’s textile collection and it does get lots of comments when we
dislpay it. We have always told people who inquire that it is a design
that pre-dates Nazi use. Glad to have so much info to add to the
documentation on this quilt. The storage and mailing threads were quite
informative and all the specific info on fabrics in most enlightening.
Any way before I go on too long, I am taking a trip to Ireland,
leaving Friday. This is our third trip. My question to QHL is….Is
there anything quilt related that we should not miss? On a previous trip
I made my husband turn around and go back to a town sign, by the name of
“Quilty”. I did get a photo, but Quilty turned out to be just a tavern
at a crossroads. I did see one marvelous silks and satins quilt at
Castle Dunguaire which told the legend of King Guaire. We also stumbled
on to a display, from the book Ireland’s Traditional Crafts, at a museum
in Enniskellin. The display included a couple of quilts. We intend to
visit Powerscourt, as I understand that the “house” has been opened to
the public (not restored) since our last visit and now houses Avoca
weavers guild. We will only be visiting a small area of No. Ireland this
time (on the road from Beleek to Dublin), but will be covering much of
the Republic. Any suggestions for our trip will be gladly appreciated
(I’m also interested in other textile arts).
Thanks so much for your help!
Denise Clausen
from cool Sandlake on the central Oregon coast
Date: Mon, 03 Aug 1998 13:05:10 -0600 | From: Sharon Harleman Tandy
Debbie,
When you find the title do please let us all know, I am interested,
also. Just recently began collection this type of thing. Sharon.
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 16:34:09 EDT | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
quiltopia [at] planetpatchwork [dot] com, NinePatchN [at] aol [dot] com
Subject: QHL: ooopppps!
Message-ID: <b4417d29.35c61ec2 [at] aol [dot] com>
Sorry about the messed up “contact’ on the Tennessee quilt show and
exhibit..for more info you can send a long self addressed envelope to
Anna Lue Cook
7892 Cross Pike Rd
Germantown, Tn 38138
or Jane Clark Stapel
25 S. Starr Ave #16
Pittsburgh, Pa 15202
or email me at <baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com)
.
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 17:19:45 -0400 | From: “Kelchner, Alan”
<< Debbie,
When you find the title do please let us all know, I am interested,
also. Just recently began collection this type of thing. Sharon.
>>
The book is Sewing Tools and Trinkets, by Helen Thompson. ISBN 0891457364.
Debbie
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 19:18:56 -0400 | From: “Judy Grow”
I’ve done it again. I had to go see my attorney about renegotiating my
lease at the store, and stopped at an antique shop on the way home. I wound
up bringing home an Order Of the Eastern Star quilt. It is a large 5
pointed star, each lobe a different color (red, med. blue, green. yellow,
and white) with the spaces between filled with diamonds in those same
colors, truncated at the center to fit the space, outlined in strips of
those colors, so the whole thing really becomes a 10-pointed star.
The five points are outlined with pale and medium yellow diamonds, and the
interior pentagon is outlined in pale and med. yellow dog-tooth triangles.
In each of the 5 points is embroidered in black one of the 5 emblems of the
order, a chalice, flame (or flag) on a sword, sheaf of wheat, crown and
scepter, and
candle (I thought it was an organ at first). In the center pentagon is an
open Bible on
a lecturn.
All the colors are solids, on a muslin background. Three borders, red,
white, blue,
each 3″ wide. Applied bias muslin binding. Muslin backing.
Has anyone ever seen a quilt like it? I think it must have been either a
published pattern, or a kit put out by the Order. I’d say possibly in the
40’s?
It has some dirt, but is in relatively good condition. It definitely has
been used. I think a good soak could get it sparkling. It is all hand
pieced, and needs a little repair in two places — just a couple of stitches
should do it.
Except for Texas stars, I’ve never seen another 5 pointed
one,
especially quilt sized.
Judy in Ringoes, NJ
judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 19:29:12 -0400 | From: “Judy Grow”
>
Judy,
>For once, my love of shopping can come in handy for QHL!
>Tencel is a relatively new fiber made from – are you ready? – “Wood
>products” – I will check further to see if this means cellulose or what. It
>is supposed to be a easy care, long lasting fabric. I bought a forest green
>skirt and shirt outfit last year and it has laundered beautifully so far.
>I’ll see what else I can find out about it. Just from wearing it, it would
>seem to be quiltable, much like cotton in the way it wears and feels.
>Lisa in Texas where it is so hot the railroad tracks are warping!
>
The outfit I bought, pants and an overblouse, were garment dyed. How often
do you see that? That could make for alteration difficulty, especially if
the garment is to be let out — where the stitching was will show white
dots.
I spent 5 days in Fort Worth last week, and know firsthand how hot it is
there! Everything is brown and sere. Every day was over 106. I am
suprised there haven’t been any brown-or black-outs. But I didn’t know
about the tracks warping!
To make this quilt related, no quilts are needed in Texas lately!
Judy in Ringoes, NJ
judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
Date: Mon, 03 Aug 1998 18:46:46 -0500 | From: Merry May
Arlene wrote:
> >I’ve seen (in pictures, anyway) a lot of clamp-on pincushions from
> >Victorian times…….
Another type of clamp-on pin cushion was more basic than the sewing
birds mentioned by Cheryl. These were simply round pin cushions which
would have been clamped onto the rails during “stretching” and/or
basting and/or quilting of the quilts.
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 21:45:30 EDT | From: QuiltEvals [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 8/3/98 4:24:23 PM Pacific Daylight Time, Judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
writes:
<<
Has anyone ever seen a quilt like it? I think it must have been either a
published pattern, or a kit put out by the Order. I’d say possibly in the
40’s?
>>
Hi Judy,
Yes, I have seen 3 similar quilts to the one you have described. Two were in
excellent, unused condition, the other in fairly good condition, in a friends
home…who has a long family history with the Mason’s, Eastern Star, etc.
I have never researched the history of this pattern, however, When I first saw
it about 10 years ago, I had the notion (for Xenia’s sake) that it was a
relatively unique quilt, however, when I discussed it with my friend, she
indicated that she knew of several women who owned quilts similar to this one.
It is really a graphic design.
Debbie
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 19:42:10 -0700 | From: “August, Rachel”
Tencel is actually a trade name and a proper noun. The fiber is called
lyocell. Courtaulds developed this product. Following is the URL for
Courtaulds’ description of their product.
I searched the web using the Snap search engine and found 13 pages of sites
containing the word “Tencel.” Included were fabric stores, clothing stores
and manufacturers, sites offering additional information, etc. Some were in
languages I’ve never seen before 🙂 Here’s the URL for Snap.
http://www.compaq.com/athome/exploration/index.html
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Please remember to smile whenever you think of me.
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Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 19:45:33 -0700 | From: “August, Rachel”
When you folks listed fibers, you forgot a few…
http://www.fabrics.net/hemp.htm
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Please remember to smile whenever you think of me.
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Date: Mon, 03 Aug 1998 22:48:54 -0500 | From: Mary Waller
I “recycle” a lot of jeans and some of the non-blue and non-black
colored ones are garment dyed.
Mary Waller
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 22:39:29 -0700 | From: “August, Rachel”
Subject: QHL: Florida Quilting History
Oh, the sites you’ll see when you’re caught in the WEB.
A single page re quilting history…
http://www.fsu.edu/~fstime/FS-Times/Volume2/Issue1/quilt.html
Rachel papillon [at] alaskalife [dot] net
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Please remember to smile whenever you think of me.
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Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 22:51:58 -0700 | From: “August, Rachel”
“Quiltopia” <quiltopia [at] lyris [dot] planetpatchwork [dot] com>,
“QuiltChat Listserv” <QuiltChat-List [at] KathKwilts [dot] com>,
“Quilt History List” <QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com>, “QB” <quiltbee [at] Quilter [dot] com>
Subject: QHL: Quilting Books
Message-ID: <01bdbf6b$fe378820$ad400ecf@default>
Me Again…Betty Reynolds has included a list of adult fiction books about
quilting…
http://www.nmt.edu/~breynold/quiltfiction_adult.html
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Please remember to smile whenever you think of me.
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Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 04:17:50 -0400 | From: “susanlk”
I too was not comfortable with the idea of writing off a quilt as not
authentic (old) because it was very large in size. Since Alan expressed the
same feeling, I’ll jump in. I took a course recently given by SPNEA (Society
for Preservaton of New England Antiquities) and they had a decent group of 4
lecturers on New England quilts. All were curators, museum directors,
textile conservators, etc. Attendees included professionals in addition to
me!! I do remember that in the course of the class it was mentioned that
there were very large beds in early times and many people slept in the bed;
it was warmer and more efficient. So there were very large quilts too.
As for ebay; while it is indeed buyer beware, I suggest that even when you
can examine an item carefully, that doesn’t excuse the seller/manufacturer
from an implicit warranty of merchantability, at least in Massachusetts. So
if the item doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do, the buyer has the state on
her side; she doesn’t have to have her own research lab to determine all
possible properties and characteristics before being able to expect the item
to perform AS ADVERTISED. Yes, I too have been burned on ebay by
misrepresented description. I now limit my ebay purchases to those sold by
vendors I know or who have been referred by someone I respect AND NO
ORIENTAL RUGS EVER…(and probably no quilts for that matter), or items of
such small value the risk is limited by the dollars involved.
SusanLK
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 07:28:34 -0500 | From: Laura Hobby Syler
<QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com>
Subject: Re: QHL: Eastern Star Quilt
Message-Id: <3.0.3.32.19980804072834.006b4a44 [at] mail [dot] airmail [dot] net>
Judy, I have seen several of the “EasterN Star” quilts around central
Texas…where the organization seems to be pretty active. I have some
friends whose DH’s are very active in the Masons and I’ll see if I can get
in touch with them and see if they can give us some answers.
Did you hear they had RAIN in some parts of FT Worth yesterday….but none
here in Richardson….
Laura
Where we are still expecting 100+ temps again today, but at least we have
CLOUDS for a change!
At 07:18 PM 8/3/98 -0400, Judy Grow wrote:
>I’ve done it again. I had to go see my attorney about renegotiating my
>lease at the store, and stopped at an antique shop on the way home. I wound
>up bringing home an Order Of the Eastern Star quilt. It is a large 5
>pointed star, each lobe a different color (red, med. blue, green. yellow,
>and white) with the spaces between filled with diamonds in those same
>colors, truncated at the center to fit the space, outlined in strips of
>those colors, so the whole thing really becomes a 10-pointed star.
>
>The five points are outlined with pale and medium yellow diamonds, and the
>interior pentagon is outlined in pale and med. yellow dog-tooth triangles.
>In each of the 5 points is embroidered in black one of the 5 emblems of the
>order, a chalice, flame (or flag) on a sword, sheaf of wheat, crown and
>scepter, and
>candle (I thought it was an organ at first). In the center pentagon is an
>open Bible on
>a lecturn.
>
>All the colors are solids, on a muslin background. Three borders, red,
>white, blue,
>each 3″ wide. Applied bias muslin binding. Muslin backing.
>
>Has anyone ever seen a quilt like it? I think it must have been either a
>published pattern, or a kit put out by the Order. I’d say possibly in the
>40’s?
>
>It has some dirt, but is in relatively good condition. It definitely has
>been used. I think a good soak could get it sparkling. It is all hand
>pieced, and needs a little repair in two places — just a couple of stitches
>should do it.
Except for Texas stars, I’ve never seen another 5 pointed
>one,
>especially quilt sized.
>Judy in Ringoes, NJ
>judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
>
>
>
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 08:58:39 EDT | From: DDBSTUFF [at] aol [dot] com
Judy and all:
I have had three such quilts and one ended up pictured in a book on 20th
Century Quilts written by Tom Woodard and Blanche Greenstein about 8-10 yeras
ago(?) I don’t know the exact title but any good library should be able to
help.
I also think it is from the 40’s.
As far as the large quilt discussion, I once had a quilt that was 12 ft square
and it dated from the 1830’s or 40’s. Go figure.
I’ve often been ask for antique king size quilts but most people who want
these don’t realize that they are going to be from the 1830’s or 40’s and thus
relatively expensive let alone hard to find in good condition. No one I have
ever spoken to has had a really solid answer as to why they were so large.
Keep in mind, however that many households of that period had Trundle Beds
which rolled under the master bed. I believe these large quilts were made to
hang down to hide the Trundle Bed.
The old rope beds were also quite high off the floor. I know, as I slept in
one for many years as a kid and had to use stool to get in and out.
I would like to hear other theries on this topic.
Darwin in Akron
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 09:19:29 EDT | From: CToczek [at] aol [dot] com
I agree with Alan.
Wouldn’t it be great if quilters could help rejuvenate
the good luck aura of the swastika?
On a side note, I mentioned this discussion to my military history
grad/husband (and remember our name-Toczek), he reminded me that the swastika
was part of the emblem on Polish military insignia……good luck once again?
No Nazi affiliation there.
Carla at West Point on the Hudson
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 09:32:37 EDT | From: CToczek [at] aol [dot] com
…..and more about DH and military history……..
As part of West Point orientation, the newcomers took a tour last week of
Civil War battlefields in Virginia and Pennsylvania….Antietam,
Fredericksburg, Spottsylvania and Gettysburg, I believe. I was a little
resentful of the fact it was a “military only” trip since I have those
interests, too.
Well, guess what? He brought back quilt fabric for me! He said that as they
were walking down the street in Gettysburg they passed a quilt shop
and…there you have it. The ladies of the shop said, “Oh let us show you the
new 1820’s fabric just arrived!” DH said, “It was ugly so I didn’t get that!”
<G> disclaimer-I don’t know which line it was*** His appreciation level
isn’t yet what I’d like, but at least I’ve gained acceptance! <Vbg>
Carla on the Hudson
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 09:13:14 +0000 | From: “Pat McAnally”
With regards to Tencel and its use for quilting: I have two pairs of
pants made from this fabric and it does have a wonderful “hand” to
it. The care instructions call for putting them in the dryer
although since I buy mostly natural fabrics that is something that I
hate to do. My dear husband, however, who does most of the wash,
hasn’t hung the clothes line at our new house yet and didn’t think
I’d notice if he put my stuff in the dryer (HEY how come these cotton
ones are three inches shorter?)
Here’s the results – when washed and hung to air-dry, the Tencel
comes out stiff and more wrinkled. When put in the dryer, the fabric
comes out softer and relaxed. Doesn’t matter if it’s the first wash.
This may not be what you are looking for in a quilting fabric!
Pat in PA who finds the Tencel jeans hotter than denim on a humid
day.
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 14:46:10 -0400 | From: “Judy Grow”
><< h of the 5 points is embroidered in black one of the 5 emblems of the
> order, a chalice, flame (or flag) on a sword, sheaf of wheat, crown and
> scepter, and
> candle (I thought it was an organ at first). >>
>
>It’s a veil which is over the sword, and the last is a broken pillar not a
>candle.
>
Hope this helps!
>
bets
Bets, Thanks so much for the clarification. I looked at a tea pot with the
same emblems, and got my descriptions from what I could make from the
designs on it.
Do you know anything more about how the quilt design came into being. It
wouldn’t be an easy one for anyone to draft.
I have gotten responses from
others who have seen them. Xenia sold one 20 some years ago. Debbie
Roberts knows of 3 others. But I’d like to find out if it was a pattern put
out by the Order, or a kit.
Judy in Ringoes, NJ
judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
—–Original Message—–
From: BPack55294 [at] aol [dot] com <BPack55294 [at] aol [dot] com>
To: Judygrow [at] blast [dot] net <Judygrow [at] blast [dot] net>
Date: Tuesday, August 04, 1998 7:18 AM
Subject: Re: QHL: Easter Star Quilt
>In a message dated 98-08-03 19:24:27 EDT, you write:
>
>
Date: Mon, 3 Aug 1998 10:19:25 -0600 | From: Kathy Gaul
To those of you who have an interest in the upcoming October 3rd quilt =
symposium at Sturbridge Village in MA, contact Eileen at the Village =
Special Events Office – 508-347-3362, Ext. 228. The brochures are =
supposedly due to be mailed out shortly. I believe the cost for the =
all-day seminar is around $75.00. From what I remember reading about it =
a few months ago, it is on the topic of “How to Make a New England =
Quilt” and was supposed to feature an RJR person talking about =
reproduction fabrics. If I learn any further details I will post =
them.-Kat
