August 4 – 6, 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:
- Swastika Symbol Debate Continues — Passionate discussion about whether the swastika can or should be reclaimed as a quilt motif, with perspectives from multiple cultural traditions.
- Cotton Batting Preferences — Members compare cotton battings including Quilter’s Dream, Hobbs Organic, Harriet’s 80/20 blend, and others for hand quilting. (see the article on quilt batting)
- Garment Dyeing Explained — A question about garment-dyed Tencel clothing leads to explanation of post-construction dyeing techniques. (see the article on natural dyes)
- Masonic Quilt Patterns — A member asks about published patterns for Masonic imagery quilts, and another lists a Masonic quilt for auction.
- Kimono Silks — A member receives vintage kimono silks and asks about identification and care.
- Flame Wars and List Etiquette — The list moderator addresses tension over the swastika discussion and reminds members about respectful discourse.
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 15:35:20 -0400 | From: Jean Ann
From time to time this controversy about the swastika rears its ugly little
head. and I say ugly because the evil that Hitler perpetuated on the
peoples of this earth under the symbol of the swastika was pure evil
unleashed and run rampantly mad.
Then enter the optimistic modern day quilter, who probably was not even
born when this evil was perpetuated on humankind.”Let’s change the symbol,
or “Wouldnt be great if quilters could help rejuvenate the ‘good luck’ aura
of the swastika?”
This is not possible. When evil of the extent that happened during the
holocaust occurs, the symbol for that evil, this time the swastika, is
forever and irrevocably changed. It cannot be changed back. ever.
Today I had lunch with a woman whose husband is a Veteran of World War II.
I told her about these emails related to the swastika! She was offended!
“What!” she said, “are they crazy?”
I told her about the swatika quilts that were made before the war and how
they had all been folded up and stored away because of the war and what the
swastika stood for… she believes, and she is a woman of that age, “that
the women put those quilts away for a reason, and to take them out now
dishonors the feelings of the women who lost husbands, sons, and brothers,
to that war.”
For some quilters to bring the quilts out and to try to “change” the
symbolic meaning of the swastika is not possible. it is arrogant to think
that quilters can do this…can change the evil that was perpetuated
against the world by Hitler.
I suggest a visit to the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC would be a good
field trip for anyone who wants to try to change the swastika back to ‘good
luck’.
The faces of the innocent, the bones of the innocent, the suffering of the
innocent and what they went through under the swastika symbol should be a
wake up call and remind us to show great respect to our Jewish brothers and
sisters, and the many others who were not Jewish who were annilihated under
this symbol.
I am not Jewish, in fact I am a Deacon in the Episcopal Church. Every day
one of my prayers is….. that I “respect the dignity of every human
being.” I respect the dignity of those who suffered and lost so many
members of their family by resisting any attempts to “change” a symbol that
needs to, now, remain a symbol of the extent of evil that one person can do
against another….as a reminder to us so it will never happen again and so
we will “Never Forget”
I am off my soap box. Lets change the thread of the swastika….
Jean Ann Eitel, Editor
email: quiltmag [at] mindspring [dot] com
QUILT Magazine, Harris Publications Inc, NY, NY
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 14:03:28 -0500 | From: Maury Bynum
Dear all,
The fact that an evil empire chose the swastika as its symbol, does not
make the symbol evil! I do not suggest that the evil connotation
associated with it can be erased, merely that we keep in mind that the
symbol itself is not evil! It was popularized 4000 years before Hitler.
I might suggest that if we look for an evil symbol, look to the cross;
I am sure that more barbarism followed it than Hitler ever created!
Your comments will be appreciated.
Maury Bynum
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 14:00:58 -0600 | From: Sharon Harleman Tandy
It was Hitler who changed the meaning of the swastika, not us. The
swastika has been around hundreds of thousands of years in many
cultures, meaning many things. Many symbols change their meanings over
time; many things change. By hiding the symbol of the Nazis, do we deny
what happened? I don’t and never have. Sharon Harleman Tandy
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 14:10:56 -0600 | From: Sharon Harleman Tandy
Brackman’s Encyclopedia has five patterns titled Eastern Star, none of
which is the symbol for that organization. I have a piece of china my
mother owned from when she was a member. Although I have seen quilts
with the Eastern Star on them, I have never seen a pattern for it. As a
member of one of the sister organizations I doubt that they have ever
offered a kit. Xenia, Shirley, Merrikay, anyone know of a kit? Or
when/where the pattern might have been published? Sharon.
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 12:26:03 -0700 | From: “August, Rachel”
Will someone please e-mail me privately and tell me…”What is Ebay?”
TIA, Rachel papillon [at] alaskalife [dot] net
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
Please remember to smile whenever you think of me.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 12:42:31 -0700 | From: “August, Rachel”
Pat wrote: 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.
In my experience, all fabrics are softer from the dryer than from the
clothesline. However, because the dryer is responsible for shrinking
fabrics, I prefer to hang clothing to dry…unless it’s a garment I sewed,
because I pre-shrunk the fabric.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
Please remember to smile whenever you think of me.
~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^~^
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 18:05:47 -0400 | From: Crown
Is there a published pattern for a quilt depicting Mason images? My dad is
a Mason, and this might be a nice idea for a gift for him. Or, in lieu of a
published pattern — how about images that I could look at and draft from?
Thanks for your help.
Susan Crown
Springfield, OH
wgop [at] cfanet [dot] com
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 17:13:04 +0000 | From: Jocelyn
Although I have seen quilts
> with the Eastern Star on them, I have never seen a pattern for it. As a
> member of one of the sister organizations I doubt that they have ever
> offered a kit. Xenia, Shirley, Merrikay, anyone know of a kit? Or
> when/where the pattern might have been published? Sharon.
Sharon and all,
I don’t know why I didn’t think of this sooner….
Nearly 19 years ago, my BIL, who was a Mason, went into the
‘business’ of painting Masonic regalia. Apparently, each region has
its own twists on the ‘proper’ type of wall panels, etc. for the
ceremonies. In Missouri, these panels were painted canvas or
oilcloth, and the vast majority of temples were using the original
panels from the turn of the century or earlier. As you might imagine,
these were in horrible shape due to age. However, there was no place
to order replacements, since no one was making Missouri’s variations.
Jim decided that his temple would have to make their own, and that
since the real labor was in figuring out how to do that, he ran an ad
in the statewide newsletter, stating that ‘panels made by a Brother
Mason’ were available at a certain price.
I wonder if perhaps a Sister Eastern Star developed a pattern for
her own use, and marketed it through Eastern Star or Masonic
newsletters. That would explain why there was no history of a kit. I
suspect that with the reverence that Masons and Stars have for their
insignia, it would be sacrilege for them to license it out for kits
to be made, especially if there were a chance than a non-Star would
be making and using them.
>
>
Jocelyn
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 17:49:54 +0000 | From: Jocelyn
> This is not possible. When evil of the extent that happened during the
> holocaust occurs, the symbol for that evil, this time the swastika, is
> forever and irrevocably changed. It cannot be changed back. ever.
I would disagree. Hitler also used the yellow Star of David as a
symbol of a person being inferior. I doubt that every Jewish person
today who wears a Star of David, is doing so to commemorate that
meaning. I would say it is the reverse: they are refusing to let
their symbol be taken over and destroyed by someone else. Likewise,
how the gay liberation movement has used Hitler’s symbol for their
‘inferiority’ as a ‘thumb your nose’ refusal to accept homophobic
opinions and definitions of them.
>
> For some quilters to bring the quilts out and to try to “change” the
> symbolic meaning of the swastika is not possible. it is arrogant to think
> that quilters can do this…can change the evil that was perpetuated
> against the world by Hitler.
>
I don’t see that anyone here is saying that we are trying to change
the evil that Hitler did. That will exist no matter what.
This is not a matter that those who are proposing reclaiming the
swastika are ignorant of history, and that if they were only
educated, they would of course agree with you. It is a matter that
different people, people of goodwill, differ in how they respond to a
situation.
> I respect the dignity of those who suffered and lost so many
> members of their family by resisting any attempts to “change” a symbol that
> needs to, now, remain a symbol of the extent of evil that one person can do
> against another….as a reminder to us so it will never happen again and so
> we will “Never Forget”
Among survivors of the camps, some believed that it was important to
remove the tattoos from their arms, as a sign that they refused
Hitler the power to define who and what they were as human beings.
Others considered that proudly displaying the numbers was a way to
fight back against Hitler’s attempt, to show the world that they had
survived when his reich did not. Some rabbis even went so far as to
say that women who’d been tattooed with ‘Whore for Hitler’s Troops’
should not have the tattoo removed. I’m sure other rabbis thought
that it might be more important for the mental health of the women
involved, not to have to look at that label several times a day.
Hitler’s troops desecrated many a synagogue. Congregations and rabbis
were divided on the issue: should the ‘final word’ on what that place
was, be given to Hitler? Or had the Nazis defiled that space for all
time, so that it could never again be holy to G-d?
If the original makers of those quilts had seen them as being
eternally contaminated, they could have destroyed them. Instead, they
put them away, and preserved them. I think it is just as defensible
to say that they did that hoping that someday, the symbol would be
re-claimed, as to say that they would all find that having someone
using their quilt was disrespecting them and their sacrifices of
loved ones.
In short, I see this as an issue that has at least two sides. Some
people believe it is important to preserve Hitler’s work, as a
reminder of his evil. Others believe that it is important to refuse
to allow him to take over the symbols of other peoples, and to refuse
him the power to define those symbols and peoples by HIS definitions,
not their own.
The Dinee (Navajo) have the strongest case here, I believe. Their
sons went to war, and won the Pacific for us, despite having been
raised in a country that didn’t grant them equal citizenship with
Anglos, and despite traditional beliefs that said that living away
from the Sacred Mountains resulted in spiritual pollution, that
dying away from home would have horrible consequences in the
afterworld. I would respect either decision they made: to give up the
symbol as contaminated for all time, or to hold ceremonies to restore
it to the Way.
The problem I see with this debate, is not what we decide as the
outcome. The problem I see is whether people are making the decision
about what needs to be done, lightly. This is not a small matter.
Whether you want to preserve the swastika as is, or restore it to its
former meaning, don’t do it on a whim, or from lack of understanding,
or even assuming that everyone ‘ought to’ agree with you, or that the
only reason for not agreeing with your position is ignorance of the
‘real’ meaning. There is no one ‘real’ point of view on any issue,
let alone this one.
Whatever an individual decides to do, it should be done after
prayerful consideration, and from strong conviction, with the
understanding that their course of action may be considered hurtful
to those who do not agree.
IMO, it would be evil indeed, to jump on a bandwagon without having
any personal moral conviction about how one’s actions fight Naziism,
and, especially, to choose to support the displaying of swastika
quilts because they’re ‘nifty’ or ‘cool’ or, worse yet, ‘I got a
great deal on it!’
The personal is the political. If you choose to own a swastika quilt,
be sure….be very sure…that you can clearly state your reasons for
having it…and that they are of the highest moral and ethical
standards.
Jocelyn
Date: Tue, 4 Aug 1998 18:48:39 EDT | From: AMDOODAH [at] aol [dot] com
Has anyone ever seen a quilt that has a true German swastika symbol featured
on it? One made to honor German principles and ideals ? I doubt it – I have
seen and sold many quilts, tops, and blocks with pieced patterns that have a
resemblance to the German Swastika but they are NOT German Swastikas and were
never intended to symbolize German anything. They are interesting graphic
patterns, often done in double pinks. Not very threatening – I agree with
Maury, the cross may actually be a scarier symbol since there is no ambiguty
in the it’s origin or the violence surrounding it.
Joan
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 20:06:18 -0500 | From: Laura Hobby Syler
Judy, et al…
I don’t know if they would really have anything quilty….but I was just
reading the Aug issue of Country Home and there is listed in the back…
Fraternal-order Memorabillia:
Tom and Paula VanDeest,
Calder Cottage
1216 Second ave, SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
319-286-8133
Odd Fellows Antiques
Rt 41
Mt Vernon ME 04352
207-929-8909
odd [at] ime [dot] net
Bob Brown
Hope, IN
812-546-1100
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 23:15:35 -0700 | From: arlenegg [at] icanect [dot] net
First, I’d like to thank the members who responded to my question about
pincushions. I’m still a bit confused as to the need for clamps (and
why the Victorians couldn’t just place a pincushion on the table or the
quilt,) but I suppose space was at a real premium considering all the
“stuff” displayed in small Victorian rooms.
On the subject of swastikas, I’ve been following the subject with
interest, and I understand the comments made pro and con. Having said
that, here’s my 2 cents worth…
My mother and grandmother survived concentration camp. My grandfather,
and over 60 other members of Mom’s extended family, did not. I would
never presume to tell anyone what kind of quilt they may make, buy,
sell, display, or whatever. But, I WILL NEVER own a quilt with a
pattern that even remotely resembles a swastika. Period.
Back to lurking,
Arlene
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 01:36:59 -0400 | From: Steve Greco
I have been reading with interest the postings concerning Swastika
Quilts. I have been doing quite a bit of research on this topic and give a
talk in this area called “The Forbidden Quilt Block” which discusses how
blocks of this type became a victim of the Holocaust, and covers the
misinformation that surrounds the whole topic.
The symbol itself does indeed go back over 3,000 years. Hitler did
know what he was doing when he decided to “adopt” the symbol in 1938 to use
as part of his campaign. He was looking for a symbol that would be easily
identified as good luck and fortune and that could stand as a powerful
symbol for the Third Reich.. He wanted a symbol that would stand the test
of time. (Considering what happened to anything even remotely bearing this
image, you can see he achieved his goal.)
People who owned swastika quilts or swastika fabric (yes, fabric
was printed with these symbols of good luck also) hid them or destroyed
them. Information concerning this block was dropped from various texts.
Names of associated blocks that once were called Swastika (Prudence Penny,
1929) were changed to be “wheel of fortune” or similar non-offensive
terms..
As part of my on-going research into this topic, I would be
interested in receiving photos and history concerning any swastika blocks
or quilts subscribers might have. ANY information would be greatly
appreciated. Because of the sensitive nature of this topic I will adhere to
the strictest confidentiality should anyone wish to talk about their blocks
but not feel comfortable with the subject. I am interested in descriptions,
family histories, history of swastikas, and anything else having to do with
these quilts.
I have the highest regard for the Jewish people and for their
plight during World War II. I am not pursuing this topic because I want to
create or cause to distress anyone and I apologize ahead of time if this
whole topic is making anyone sick. The block itself can be seen as yet
another victim of a disgustingly evil regime but we cannot remain silent
when ignorance stands in the way of truth. Therefore, please know that I am
researching this topic to provide information and to educate. If you would
like to help me, please let me know.
Rachel Greco
Grandma’s Attic Sewing Emporium, inc.
155 SW Court Street
Dallas, OR 97338
1-503-623-0451
e-mail: GrandmasAttic [at] compuserve [dot] com
PS: How did I get interested in this subject? Well, my Uncle Marvin
Hickman was in the Air Force during World War II. His plane was shot down
over Germany and he spent approximately three years in a German
concentration camp. When he returned to the United States, my Uncle Marvin,
6 foot tall, a little over 200 pounds normally, weighed 80 pounds. He had
been tortured and beaten and starved. The scars are still with him and he
received a purple heart and other medals of commendation. The whole
incident nearly killed my Grandmother. Uncle Marvin’s wife took to sewing
from the day she received that haunting telegram until the day she died.
My grandmother took to praying and never stopped–not even when Uncle Marvin
was safe and sound and back in the USA..
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 22:41:00 -0700 | From: susan silva
help!
I know there are so many cotton battings available but I would like some
feedback from all you hand quilters out there. What is the easiest to
needle and what should I consider when I use a cotton batt? Thanks
susan in hot,hot, hot spokane washington
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 10:58:28 +0100 | From: “Sally Ward”
Arlene wrote:.
I’m still a bit confused as to the need for clamps >
My grandmother worked as a seamstress at the turn of the century. She
taught me to make a running stitch along a hem or seam by wrapping the
fabric over the first finger of my left hand and holding it in position with
the thumb and second finger on either side. This held it very taught and
flat and enabled very small stitches, (in my case often through the skin of
the finger!) but as only about an inch at a time was held it meant constant
re-positioning.
I never saw her use a clamp, but I can picture how with the fabric clamped
at one end, then wrapped over the finger and held taught with the left hand,
this would have very much speeded this process, and as she ( amd thousands
like her) were earning their living by their fine stitching, increased speed
would have been a great asset.
Only guessing.
Sally in UK
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 07:31:14 EDT | From: CToczek [at] aol [dot] com
My apologies to any who feel my post on rejuvenating or reclaiming the
swastika symbol as good luck was mentioned lightly. It was not.
Thanks for the discussion,
Carla Toczek
CToczek [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 08:24:14 -0400 | From: Maureen Flaherty
This is my first posting, I have been reading for a while. I was very
interested in the discussion of redwork from the Hawaiian Islands
about two weeks ago. I have tried the two web sites listed for more
information but have not been able to get them to work. Can anyone
give me more information?
Thanks
Maureen in DC
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 07:41:00 -0500 | From: Carol Thelen
My preference for cotton batting for hand quilting is Quilter’s Dream
Request. I have used this batt many times for hand quilting and it truly
is a dream. No problems with bearding or shifting. Extremely easy to
needle and to get the small stitches. I had heard that this batt was
produced at the “request” of hand quilters who wanted a good cotton batt
that was easy to needle.
I also have a machine quilting business and have used the other lofts
(Select and Deluxe)of Quilters Dream for that in addition to the
request. They are all good batts, wash well (no prewashing required) and
drape beautifully. For machine quilting I would suggest the Select or
Deluxe loft because it is easier to manipulate in the machine and is
easier to keep flat.
Carol
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 22:52:27 -0400 | From: Jean Binns Smith
Ditto-Jean Eitel
I have often looked at the swastika quilt pattern and thought at one
time it would have made a pretty quilt pattern, but Hitler changed
that, and those times in history should be remembered or they can be
repeated.
Jean Smith age 67 Central Pa.
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 07:26:10 -0700 | From: Jon & Chrystine Martin
I was just given, gasp, nearly 8 yards of assorted old kimono silks.
These fabrics range from very pale pieces to large strips – appx 15″ x
28 ” in shades of pink, blue and lavendar. The other pieces are all
large strips – depicting scenes and soem even have stitched
embellishment – ranging from light blue to pastel salmon and green
scenes – cranes, rolling hills with small people, flowers, scrool, etc.
From the hand and history of the fabrics, they are appx. 30 + to 50
years old. Either cut form old kimono or purchased in Japan for kimono
making here in the states. While they feel a little stiff, from being
stored for so long, they do not break nor feel all that brittle when I
shook them out of…gasp again, the plastic bag they were in. From the
scent – ok odour – that wafts from them, I can but assume they were
stored in a trunk or closet with moth balls.
Any ideas greatly welcomed..
—
Chrystine Martin…. The Crafty RN
Maybe one of these days I’ll be able to give myself a gold star
for being ordinary,
and maybe one of these days I’ll give myself a gold star
for being extraordinary—for persisting.
And maybe one day I won’t need a star at all.
Sue Bender
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 07:30:11 -0700 | From: Jon & Chrystine Martin
I have conversed with both my Mother and Sister..who have been or are
active in the Eastern STar.
From family history…Granny was a high something and I was delegated
recipient of all ES memorabilia from her and her previous family…the
EAster Star Quilt was made by members of her temple for presidents and
such. According to a letter written and stuffed in her rights book, the
women of this group got together to make the quilt every so often when a
High Officer was extremely important, very efficient, well liked or just
did a darned good job. There seems to be a pattern, in someones head
for this and the embillishments were done from symbols already found in
their ceremony.
Like the aprons the Masons wear and the images around a Masonic
Temple..these patterns were not put out to publish, but held with strong
regard to the rights and rituals pertaining to this sisterhood.
—
Chrystine Martin…. The Crafty RN
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 10:17:19 +0000 | From: Jocelyn
> I know there are so many cotton battings available but I would like some
> feedback from all you hand quilters out there. What is the easiest to
> needle and what should I consider when I use a cotton batt? Thanks
Susan,
It’s good to get the feedback of us here…but there’s a better way.
<G> Ask the ladies at your quilt shop if they have sample sandwiches
for you to practice on! That’s how I got sold on Quilter’s Dream: I
was considering a new kind of thimble, and the quilt shop owner
tossed me a sandwich to try it out on. After a few minutes of
quilting, I told her, ‘I don’t like the thimble..but I AM sold on
this batting!’ <G>
Quilters’ Dream can be quilted up to 8″ apart, and it does not
shrink. The Harriet Hargrave batting has to be preshrunk if you don’t
want it to pucker up afterwards to give the ‘antique’ look. OTOH,
some folks WANT that look, so for them Quilters’ Dream isn’t the
product of choice! So in part, it depends upon what you want the
final product to look like. I’m not fond of the puckered antique
look, and I like the versitility of being able to put the quilting
where I think it’s needed design-wise, not having to create a design
to put quilting where it needs to be to stabilize the batting.
Jocelyn
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 11:09:00 EDT | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
quiltopia [at] planetpatchwork [dot] com, NinePatchN [at] aol [dot] com
Subject: QHL: Fwd: new site
recently I posted that KRIS DREISSEN had designed a new web site for me and
numerous members told me the address was wrong..MY FAULT!!! No lashing,
please, I bruise easy..
please make note of the above address as being correct.,,be sure to use
capital letters where listed…thanx..and please give me your opinion…Jane
–
Date: Tue, 04 Aug 1998 22:36:51 -0500
To: <Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com>
From: “Kris Driessen, Hickory Hill Quilts” <oldquilt [at] albany [dot] net>
Subject: Re: new site
In-Reply-To: <c0295ff0.35c7b525 [at] aol [dot] com>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Jane,
The address is http://www.HickoryHillQuilts.com/feedsacks.htm
When you posted, you gave the address with a final “html” – that doesn’t
work. Alas, I cannot darken the print, it is part of the theme of the
page. Besides which, then I would get complaints that it was too hard to
read because it is too dark. You know how THAT goes…
Kris
At 08:28 PM 8/4/98 , you wrote:
>I forgot to tell you..while you were away..I had responses to the new site
>that they could not access it..I could do it because Linda Camelo sent it to
>me in blue..so I just clicked on it..but when I lost my files I lost that
>too…could you please send again to me..and check to see if is accessable…
>
>Also..I like teh wording, the clarity..but feel it is a bit hard to read..and
>that was the general opinion of others..the lettering needs to be a little
>brighter..but everything else is PERFECTO!!! j
>
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 12:46:03 -0400 | From: “Kelchner, Alan”
A couple of weekends ago I went to an estate sale that had lots of
linens and such for sale (no quilts). Before I went out the door, I saw
a sampler print. Picked it up, since it wasn’t the one I usually see,
and realized I was looking at a varnished sampler! It was on wood, and
someone had used that heavy bar varnish to adhere it to the wood. I was
saddened, but also curious – was this some sort of popular thing to do?
I should have bought it, but I didn’t. Has anyone heard of such a
thing?
Alan
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 11:25:53 -0600 | From: Sharon Harleman Tandy
Sally and all,
You’ve got it right; as a crafter I’ve used a “third hand” and find them
extremely helpful. They are weighted to stand firm and some can be
clamped to the table. In addition, I’ve seen illustrations of
needleworkers with the textile held in a clamp and pulling the work taut
so as to stitch smoother and smaller. Sharon.
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 10:30:58 +1000 | From: quiltcomplex [at] earthlink [dot] net
Hello All,
Two things: Coincidentally I will be listing a very wonderful Masonic
quilt on eBay this week — probably later today. So, anyone who would
like to see a 20th century, very folky example can check there. Or I
will be happy to e-mail images directly to you.
Can someone tell me what sodium perborate is?
Thanks,
Julie Silber
Julie-
I’m sure that one of our more “chemically knowledgeable” QHLers can give
more info on this – but I just looked on my box of BIZ and it says that
sodium perborate is a “color-safe oxygen bleach”
Lisa in Texas
—–Original Message—–
From: quiltcomplex [at] earthlink [dot] net <quiltcomplex [at] earthlink [dot] net>
To: QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com <QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com>
Date: Wednesday, August 05, 1998 12:30 PM
Subject: QHL: Masonic Quilt and sodium perborate
>Hello All,
>
>Two things: Coincidentally I will be listing a very wonderful Masonic
>quilt on eBay this week — probably later today. So, anyone who would
>like to see a 20th century, very folky example can check there. Or I
>will be happy to e-mail images directly to you.
>
>Can someone tell me what sodium perborate is?
>
>Thanks,
>
>Julie Silber
>
>
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 17:31:58 -0500 | From: “Lisa Erlandson”
Kathy,
I’m sure either you have received private answers to the “to wash or not to
wash” question – or you think everyone was ignoring you!
First- has the quilt been washed before in its long life? Is the quilt so
dirty that it would appear to damage the quilt if left unwashed? If you
think that the quilt would withstand the washing – and I know that you can
judge this and do the washing in the correct way! – then it would be OK to
wash it. When I am appraising an older quilt – unless it is pristine and has
never been washed, I don’t lessen the value because it has been cleaned
correctly. … Of course, the quilt could fall apart upon washing … that
would definitely lessen the value <G> Good luck!
—–Original Message—–
From: Kathy Gaul <katquilt [at] n-gate [dot] com>
To: ‘QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com’ <QHL [at] cuenet [dot] com>
Date: Saturday, August 01, 1998 10:17 AM
Subject: QHL: Double Pink:To Wash or Not to Wash
>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: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 17:42:52 -0500 | From: “Lisa Erlandson”
I don’t want to continue to stir a hornet’s nest with the swastika issue
- but I would like to state my opinion:
I am very appreciative that I have outlets such as QHL to learn from
concerning issues such as the swastika and the many others we discuss
here.
Of course, we all know what immediately comes to mind when we see a
swastika and I am far too young to remember the horrors associated with
its use in Hitler’s regime. BUT – I also know that I never read in any
history books that the swastika had another life “pre-Hitler” and was
very interested to read more about how the symbol was used. Being
interested in pursuing the history of this or any other symbol does not
make us nazis anymore than an interest in a slave-made quilt or a
fundraising quilt made by Southern ladies during the Civil War would
make us support the idea of slavery.
Hope this comes across in a positive way – that’s how I mean it – I love
having QHL to learn from!
Besides that – I couldn’t flame anyone – my aim isn’t good enough to be
a flamethrower – I’d burn my own foot <G>
“Thanks for the use of the hall” — Lisa
I don’t want to continue to stir a hornet’s nest with the swastika issue – but I would like to state my opinion:
I am very appreciative that I have outlets such as QHL to learn from concerning issues such as the swastika and the many others we discuss here.
Of course, we all know what immediately comes to mind when we see a swastika and I am far too young to remember the horrors associated with its use in Hitler’s regime. BUT – I also know that I never read in any history books that the swastika had another life “pre-Hitler” and was very interested to read more about how the symbol was used. Being interested in pursuing the history of this or any other symbol does not make us nazis anymore than an interest in a slave-made quilt or a fundraising quilt made by Southern ladies during the Civil War would make us support the idea of slavery.
Hope this comes across in a positive way – that’s how I mean it – I love having QHL to learn from!
Date: Wed, 5 Aug 1998 22:06:55 -0400 | From: Jean Ann
okay, i will bite, what is garment dyed? does that mean they are dyed after
the garment is made? rather than before?
>I “recycle” a lot of jeans and some of the non-blue and non-black
>colored ones are garment dyed.
>
>Mary Waller
Jean Ann Eitel, Editor
email: quiltmag [at] mindspring [dot] com
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 21:23:09 -0500 | From: Mary Waller
I’m glad that QHL members have discussed a sensitive subject lately
respectfully; it does seem we’ve agreed to disagree while freely sharing
information and opinions. And please, for those who usually lurk, don’t
hesitate to speak up with other information or viewpoints.
Mary in SD
Date: Wed, 05 Aug 1998 22:55:02 -0500 | From: Quilting Heritage ListServ
I have been struggling with the wording the this note for an hour, trying
to figure out what needs to be said without offending anyone. It can’t be
done, so I apologize in advance to anyone I might offend.
I don’t tolerate flame wars on this list, a rule I thought was known and
understood. In the past month I have noticed a number of posts on
sensitive topics I have seen several very definite opinions stated and
response posts that very definitely disagreed.
All were handled with
dignity and honor. There are topics that we ARE going to disagree on.
Someone’s tendency to discuss their garden on another list should not be
one of them.
This list was founded to be a research tool for people interested in
antique textiles. It should not be used as a general chat list, and it has
not been. That is not to say people can’t mention their pets, their
husbands or the construction in their neighborhood. These are friendly
comments and help us understand each other. This gives us the confidence
to ask questions and offer information. One of the things that makes this
list so great is the kindness and consideration we show to each other.
In other words, no flame wars. No calling people names on list, slurring
their reputations or posting their private E-mails to the group. OK? Lets
drop the subject now.
Date: Thu, 6 Aug 1998 00:18:52 -0400 | From: “Judy Grow”
I’ve never had a clamp, but I have many times made a makeshift one,
especially when riding in the car while my husband is driving, and
especially when wearing jeans!
I just pin whatever I am working on to my jeans, just above the knee. Then
I can pull taut for even small stitches. I sometimes pin to the arm of my
wing chair in the living room (don’t tell Allan) when I am working there.
Pinning to a skirt doesn’t work at all.
Judy in Ringoes, NJ
judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
Date: Thu, 06 Aug 1998 00:29:23 -0400 (EDT) | From: JOCELYNM [at] delphi [dot] com
On 5-AUG-1998 22:10:57.6 quiltmag said to JOCELYNM
> okay, i will bite, what is garment dyed? does that mean they are dyed
>after the garment is made? rather than before?
Mary,
Exactly.
It’s common for simply-made solid clothing, like drawstring shorts, or
T-shirts. You can usually tell because the sewn-in labels are also dyed.
Apparently, the manufacturers make up the garments in plain, undyed fabric,
and then dye them as they receive orders for certain colors. I guess it’s
a real money saver— no need to get different colors of thread, and if you
don’t sell it this year, you can hold it over, dye it next year’s colors,
and be ready to go! <G
Jocelyn
