December 3 – 9, 2005
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:
- The Alliance for American Quilts Auction — Members discuss the Alliance for American Quilts’ online fundraising auction, including a request that international shipping be offered to more bidders.
- Tracing the Scottie Dog Quilt Pattern — A lively discussion traces the popularity of Scottie dog quilt patterns from the 1920s through the 1950s, questioning the common attribution to FDR’s dog Fala.
- In Search of Alphabet Quilts — A member looking for alphabet-quilt images sparks a discussion of what qualifies as a true “alphabet quilt” versus a single-letter design.
- Identifying a Matelasse Fragment — Members help identify a woven textile fragment as matelasse, a technique that simulates quilting through the weaving process itself.
From: Barb Garrett <bgarrett421@>
Saturday was one of those days when I’m really glad I live in southeastern PA. Three wonderful historical organizations joined together to celebrate a Pennsylvania German Christmas. Two of the groups will have their exhibits up through Christmas, so you can still visit, and see the quilts and other treasures.
I started with a visit to the Schwenkfelder Library and Museum — always a delight. Their holiday exhibits include a traditional Christmas Putz, an exhibit of antique toys and games, and a collection of miniature rooms and scenes from the Miniatures Club in Bethelehem. Candace outdid herself with her current exhibit of A Star, A Star. As I entered the exhibit, I was delighted to see a beautiful Star of Bethlehem quilt with appliqued flowers in the setting spaces. Thinking it was great that Candace had included a quilt with all her fractur pieces, I was delighted to see 3 more large star quilts — a total of 4 Star of Bethlehem quilts — beautiful! One of them has nothing in the setting areas, 2 of them have pieced stars in those area, and the fourth is the one with appliqued flowers. Fortunately, these exhibits will be available for a bit longer if you should be coming to Pennsylvania. Check their website —
http://www.schwenkfelder.com/Museum_ChangingExhibits.htm
2. While the Goshenhoppen Historians didn’t have any quilts, they did have wonderful trees decorated in various themes, vintage Christmas decorations for viewing and buying, and a vintage train layout. This was a one day exhibit.
3. The Mennonite Historians of Eastern Pennsylvania in Harleysville completed the trio, with an exhibit and sale of high quality reproduction PA German folk art pieces, made by local craftspersons, and the traveling exhibit, Passing On The Comfort, featuring 18 quilts from the mid 1940s. These exhibits are still on, so check out their website —
http://www.mhep.org/new.htm
Barb in southeastern PA where it’s snowing, and I’m making a Christmas stocking that looks like it was made in 1977 — the year I made my daughter’s, and she wants one “just like it” for my granddaughter. So it’s into my Ely & Walker box, which is really turning out to be alot of fun.
Date: 12/5/2005 | From: Barb Garrett <bgarrett421@>
Hi Kim –
I know the dolls you are talking about — I have just the Santa doll, because I’ve been collecting Santas longer than I’ve been accumulating textiles. I still remember seeing them in the store, but not being into dolls, I didn’t think of the long term Bicentennial aspect. This is a link to a picture of them so everyone knows what they look like.
http://cgi.ebay.com/George-Martha-Washington-and-Ben-Franklin appears there is a Famous Americans series in the collection also —
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?
If the links are too long, try these ebay item numbers 5548436285 and 5548439207
Barb in snowing southeastern PA
From: “Leah Zieber”
Hi all, I was hoping someone would be able to point me in the right direction – I am going to be teaching some children to sew in January, I would like to include some sewing history as it relates to children into my lesson. Was just wondering if there were any references that come to mind that are specific to children and sewing in history. I will do the standard web search, but was hoping someone could point out some good specific references. Appreciate your help. Leah – from sunny Wine Country Temecula
From: Margareta in Europe
Hi Karen, Maybe I’m not the only one on the list who thinks it’s a pity the Alliance only ships to the States and Canada. How about changing that policy – maybe you’d get more people bidding :-)? Margareta in Europe
From: “Lorraine Olsson”
I am an Australian member of the Alliance. I asked if they would sell to Australia, and the immediate answer was yes. I am now in possession of a wonderful book from the library of Merikay Waldvogel.
So take my advice, choose the item you would like to bid on, and ask through the ebay message system, then they know exactly what you want.
Cheers, Lorraine in Oz
From: “Lynne Z. Bassett”
Dear Leah,
I wrote a little article on quilting and children in the early 19th century for PieceWork, appearing in the March/April 1999 issue. The proper title is: “Virtuous Habits of Perseverance: Quilting and the Education of Girls in the Nineteenth Century.” I hope you can find a copy in a library if you’re interested in reading this. If not, let me know and I’ll mail you a photocopy.
Good luck with your research!
Best, Lynne
>Was just wondering if there were any references that come to mind that are >specific to children and sewing in history. I will do the standard web >search, but was hoping someone could point out some good specific >references.
Date: Tue, 06 Dec 2005 08:31:23 -0700 X-Mes | From: Ann-Louise Beaumont <albeaumont@>
Since I get the digest, Lynne Bassett may have responded already to this, so please forgive any duplication. In Lynne’s “Northern Comfort New England’s Early Quilts 1780-1850” she discusses the 1831 publishing of “Hexagon Patchwork” in Eliza Leslie’s “The American Girl’s Book” These directions and an illustration were later reprinted in “The Lady’s Book” (later Godey’s Lady’s Book) Since most authors had cited Godey’s 1835 article as the first published quilt pattern in America, I was fascinated with the 1831 article. I went to Old Sturbridge Village, actually held “The American Girl’s Book” and got a reprint of the article. The directions are written for children, and the article starts out “Little girls often find amusement in making patchwork quilts for the beds of their dolls, and some even go so far as to make cradle-quilts for their infant brothers and sisters.” You might be interested in the whole article, since the apparently first published American quilt pattern was directed towards children. If you are teaching a co-ed class though, perhaps the boys will be turned off by the “girl” slant. Best Wishes, Ann-Louise Beaumont in Greeley, CO
From: “Sharon in NC” <patchworksecrets2@>
Just wanted to share my latest acquisition. The seller is just “right up the road” about 30 miles. I have a fascination with locally made pieces..lol.. I can’t wait to get my hands on it Friday and see if I am as lucky as I hope. Merry Christmas to me from Hubby he just doesn’t know it yet..smile… http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item3D7370676913
Sharon in NC
From: “Karen Musgrave”
Margareta and others interested,
I wish we could ship all over the world. However, we are a very small operation run mostly by volunteers and we are at capacity. I started the auction as a way to bring in much needed funds. You know how tough things are for small nonprofits like us. Have a friend bid and ship for you. Others have done it. And hopefully soon we will be in a position to hire someone that can make all our dreams come true. BTW, we did ship to Lorraine in Australia because she is a member and we knew her.
From the heart, Karen Musgrave The Alliance for American Quilts www.centerforthequilt.org Join Us! Become a member!
From: “Newbie Richardson”
Thank you all who contributed to the discussion of the American Needlework revival. For those of us who were around in the mid 20th c – but not yet paying attention – your perspective is invaluable. Newbie Richardson
From: Laura Fisher <laurafisherquilts@>
Hi all–I will try not to make typos this time, I’m so eager to dash off things to the list, I don’t review or spell check! Anyhoooooo…does anyone know who published the Scottie Dog pattern, and when? Was it truly FDR’s dog, or a generic animal pattern like the kitten, donkey,. puppy with a bow, etc? Did one or more companies/catalogs publish it? Are there different versions of a scottie? I’ve got a potential collector inquiring, and would love to provide accurate information, and a reason to hunt for more than one example! I know that recently I saw a crib-ish size quilt with a red-and-black-plaid fabric that is a chinese import, so best to be wary as it’s an easy design to reproduce. Were there redwork Scottie patterns?
Laura Fisher
p.s. if anyone has info about the scottie hooked rug pattern(s)
From: <suereich@>
Be careful attributing the Scottie Dog pattern to FDR’s Fala. I have found five Scottie Dog quilt patterns that were published in newspapers in the 1930s. Fala did not make his debut at the White House until 1940. He died in 1952. The popularity of Scotties hit a high the the late 1930s according to the dates on the published quilt patterns. Fala just extended that a bit. You can find some examples of red, white and blue Scottie quilts that are from the WWII era. There were at least one or two different Scottie quilt patterns released during the War years. Alice Brooks is responsible for at least two different patterns from the 30s. Hope this helps, sue reich
From: “Karen Evans” <charter.net>
Scotties (and West Highland Whites) were *very* popular from the 1920s through the 1950s. Part of it might be that they’re nice dogs, part of it might be Black & White scotch, and part of it might be the fad for golf and all sort of Scottish memorabilia/kitsch in the 1920s and early 1930s….
Karen Evans (whose parents owned a set of 1950s coasters showing Scottie dogs drinking martinis)
From: sue reich
My daughter just finished her internal medicine rotation at Walter Reed Hospital. She told me that every wounded soldier who comes there receives a homemade quilt. God bless all of you who have contribute in some way to a wounded soldier. Our family has thought often this Holiday season, wouldn’t we prefer to have a wounded soldier instead. My daughter was so impressed with the generosity of the quilt world. sue reich
From: Sally Ward <sallytatters@>
I’ve just posted a picture to eBoard about a fragment which I asked the VF list about last week. It is ‘silk fragment’ under the quilts tab.
Any one got any ideas about how it might have been made?
Sally Ward
From: “Newbie Richardson” <pastcrafts@>
Dear list, For once I am commenting on a post about a 20th century topic! ( So be gentle when you shoot me down!) Ahem…in researching my mini quilt pattern “Scottie Dog” – my sources indicated that it was first published in 1936 by the Old Chelsea Station Needlecraft Studio in a syndicated column under the name of “Alice Brooks”. Although FDR’s dog, Fala, did not inspire the pattern, he sure did help popularize it. Newbie Richardson
Date: 12/5/2005 | From: <chrisa@>
Right on Barb! You really can find anything on eBay can’t you!
Thanks for making the visual possible and for broadening my knowledge on these promos.
Kim
<< This is a link to a picture of them so everyone knows what they look like.
http://cgi.ebay.com/George-Martha-Washington-and-Ben-Franklin_W0QQitemZ55 48436285QQcategoryZ339QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
It appears there is a Famous Americans series in the collection also —
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item3D5548439207&ssPageNam e3DMERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT
If the links are too long, try these ebay item numbers 554843628520 and 5548439207
Barb in snowing southeastern PA>>
From: “munsey@”
Leah: May I suggest “Small Endearments: Nineteenth Century Quilts for Childre n and Dolls” by Sandi Fox, 1985, 1994, Rutledge Hill Press, and, unfortu nately out of print now. Researched and written as only Sandi Fox can, the book has a useful bibliography and many pictures that might interest young quilters. Maybe a library or one of your friends has a copy. Sandra on Cape Cod
From: “kim baird” <kbaird@>
It’s hard to see much from the picture, but it could be matelasse, a weaving process which simulates quilting. Are there actual stitches holding the layers together?
Looks like there are some loose threads, you could look under a microscope to determine fiber content.
Is there a separate filling/batting layer?
Kim
—–Original Message—– From: Sally Ward Sent: Wednesday, December 07, 2005 11:31 AM To: Quilt History List Subject: [qhl] New picture on eBoard
I’ve just posted a picture to eBoard about a fragment which I asked the VF list about last week. It is ‘silk fragment’ under the quilts tab.
Any one got any ideas about how it might have been made?
Sally Ward
From: Sally Ward <sallytatters@>
kim baird wrote: > It’s hard to see much from the picture, but it could be matelasse, a > weaving process which simulates quilting. Are there actual stitches > holding the layers together?
I don’t think so, but then I didn’t know as much about the possibilities when I first looked at it as I do after discussion on the VF list. I wasn’t sure that there was a batting layer, there are definitely no quilting stitches and no corded filling.
It almost looks as if the layers have been stamped somehow to keep them together, rather as some battings have needlepunching.
The top is definitely silk by the touch, and I thought then that the backing looked and felt like linen.
I only had a quick look before it was whisked away <GG>. Just kindof hoped someone would say ‘oh yes, I’ve seen that before….’
Sally W
Date: Thu, 8 Dec 2005 20:55:32 -0800 | From: “temblen” <temblendodo.com.au>
This book is I believe still available – try http://www.deerparkbookseller.com/ and type Sandi Fox in the search box. It is an inexpensive book and one of my favourites. Regards, Tracy
Leah: May I suggest “Small Endearments: Nineteenth Century Quilts for Children and Dolls” by Sandi Fox, 1985, 1994, Rutledge Hill Press, and, unfortunately out of print now. Researched and written as only Sandi Fox can, the book has a useful bibliography and many pictures that might interest young quilters. Maybe a library or one of your friends has a copy. Sandra on Cape Cod
From: “Pepper Cory” <pepcory@>
Hello Friends, Report on Quilts for the Coast: we leave Friday from Morehead City NC at
6AM. This person-to-person effort has resulted in over 700 quilts, numerous toys and stockings, boxes of food, and four space heaters that are being
loaded Thursday into a huge van. On December 2 one lucky lady, Judy LaCoss, who had made a quilt for the
effort (plus persuading the Santa Monica CA guild to participate!) was the winner of the Pfaff sewing machine. A few donations are still trickling in and we applaud and support anyone who still wants to make a quilt for Katrina victims to do please so. We can get you to someone who’ll appreciate that quilt. I just talked with a gal from down there–it’s getting colder and FEMA trailers are not warm! Blankets and space heaters are at a premium. The situation is still grim. I’ll be taking pictures and we’ll put them on Patti’s website www.albfabri@ when we get back . Meanwhile, say a little prayer for us–ask for no wrecks, flat tires etc on the way down, that we meet up with the folks from Waveland, distribute the quilts, and get home safely for Christmas. God bless, Pepper
From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>
I’m looking for pictures of Alphabet quilts. If you know where I can find some I’d be grateful for the references. Chances are I have the books (G). Cinda on the Eastern Shore
From: “Sharon in NC” <patchworksecrets2@>
ok this is probably a stupid question but do alphabet quilts have to hold all the alphabet or does my green and red circa 1920 that is all “A” blocks qualify?
Sharon in NC
From: JLHfw@
Dear Cinda, Have you looked at the International Quilt Study site? They had an exhibit of Alphabet quilts hanging when I visited there with friends in the fall of 2004. Janet in cold Fort Worth
From: Laura Fisher <laurafisherquilts@>
wow–thanks all of you who contributed such helpful info on the question of scottie dog pattern quilts. It should please the potential client–now let’s see if a purchase ensues!!
You know talking to you all this way is a fantasy come true–you press a button, and out pops the info!!
I wonder how many different dog breeds were captured in quilt patterns?–it would be interesting to explore. With old cat patterns, they are usually a generic kitten, not any particular breed.
From: Mitzioakes@
You all have my blessings – my daughter is a No victim of Katrina and has just had her electricity restored. Our local quilt guild has sent a lot of quilts down to her (at her bank) and she has personally given them to those who appreciated them. it has been a great experience for her and us too. Most of her friends lost everything – she lost her 1st floor and roof, but did not have looters take over. My personal thanks go out to you on doing this and am sure there will be no flats or such – I have asked my personal angel to see to that one! Mitzi Vermont
From: “Kathy Moore” <kathymooreneb.@>
Knowing that many on this list have research and teaching backgrounds, I am posting our Call for Papers for your information. I hope any of you who are interested will take this opportunity to brainstorm and develop an idea for a paper/presentation you could make for our March 2007 symposium. All the information you need is attached in a PDF file. If you have difficulty opening the PDF file, double click on the text file. It is an MSWord document and should easily open for you.
Please let me know if you have questions (post off list, please). I look forward to seeing some of your names on proposals.
Merry Christmas to you all,
Kathy Moore Lincoln, NE
From: “J. G. Row
One of our 2 local fabric shops is going out of business — sob, sob! The shop is owned by one of the executives with Baum Textiles/Windham Fabrics and he was only there, on the fly I suppose, one day a week. He had mostly upholstery and drapery fabrics, but he did have one wall devoted to quilt fabrics, and stocked many of the Windham reproduction fabrics. Unfortunately the ones he stocked were not the new or sought after ones and so they sat there and didn’t move . For instance, he never brought in the Mary Koval Turkey Red line.
Now everything in the shop is 60% off so I took advantage of the sale. I bought some rather expensive drapery fabric that I wouldn’t have dared look at without the big sale price.
And… I bought 12 yards of a 1 1/4″ wide carpet binding tape. I don’t have a carpet to bind but thought I might try using it to bind a reproduction quilt. It is a light tan color, and is a very soft cotton. It has a zig-zag twill weave that is quite attractive , and the tape folds in half to a 5/8ths inch width. It doesn’t have a blue or orange thread running through it, but looks kind of tea dyed.
None of the other rolls of carpet tape were in “useful” colors for this application, but I know that you can buy white carpet tape and I guess you could dye it any color you wanted.
Silly me — I’ve got to get my new sewing room straightened out and make a repro quilt just so I can use this tape.
I wonder if any of you have used this kind of tape to bind repro quilts, and if it holds up with use.
Judy, now in Flemington NJ judygrow@ getting ready for what they say will be our first big snow
From: “Judy Anne”
Look up “Small Endearments” on Amazon.com and click on the second edition. Then click on ‘used and new’. Right now there are 35 copies listed at very reasonable prices.
I’m tempted to order one myself. My first edition is falling apart from use and I understand the second edition has additional information in it.
Judy Anne
From: “Charlotte Bull”
I’m in the process of moving from my farm to a small house in a development. (Old age catches up with us all, but antique quilts and quilt books and quilters have great value. Right?)
Anyway, as I was unpacking boxes of books (at least 60 boxes of quilt books & magazines) I ran across an inspirational book entitled Quilts from Heaven by Lucinda McDowell. I’d really forgotten it, of course, so I took a break to read just one chapter.
On page 3 she quoted a bit about how needle work helped “create a way of life” – she chose a few paragraphs from a magazine article about little girls piecing quilt blocks at age 4 – or even 3! She had included detailed end notes for every quote. It’s by Marlene Parkin in “Quilts – Masterpieces of the Heart and Windows into Women’s History” – Americana, Issue 22, July/August 1993.
I will look up full article as soon as I unpack boxes of magazines. I think I have it. This is such a joy – keeping up with QHL is just what I need to calm the frustrations of a move. So I’m off to investigate the many other quilt history books listed in her bibliography. Classics. I’ll play Librarian by sorting and shelving the books as I search. I know I’ve got books with Alphabet Quilts and Scottie Dogs too. Also more with Cats. I do have one that includes Siamese Cats. I must really get back to unpacking, but I need my daily digest dose of your letters. Thanks.
Best Holiday Wishes from Snowy Ozarks. cb
Date: Fri, 9 Dec 2005 08:37:09 -0600 | From: “Kathy Moore” <kathymooreneb.@>
It looks like the digest version of my post didn’t include the attachments and several people are having trouble opening the attachments I sent yesterday for the IQSC’s 2007 Symposium, Traditions and Trajectories: Education and the Quiltmaker.
I sent attachments in the interest of brevity, but it doesn’t seem to have worked out as I expected. So, for those of you who are interested I am pasting the text version of our Call for Papers below.
It is a bit long, so please bear with me on this. The Call for Papers follows my signature line. I suggest you expand your viewing box, if you can, so you can read it more easily.
Let me know if you have problems opening or reading it. I can send copies by snail mail.
Thank you, Kathy Moore
Call for Papers Call for Papers Call for Papers Call for Papers
INTERNATIONAL QUILT STUDY CENTER
Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
2007 SYMPOSIUM, “Traditions and Trajectories: Education and the Quiltmaker”
March 1-3, 2007
We invite scholars and artists to submit proposals for papers and panel presentations that explore the full breadth of contexts, both formal and informal, in which the quiltmaker’s art is learned, studied, applied and handed on. This will include but is not limited to: historical to contemporary, local to global, mainstream to alternative, self-taught to apprentice, church group to cooperative, workshop to academic coursework. We also encourage participants to explore how quiltmakers teach and learn from quilts, how the tactile resonance of quilts influences the education of the women and men who work with them, how changing technolADogy imposes changes in quilt and textile craft education. Though papers relating to the symposium theme will be given preferential consideration, papers concerning any aspect of quilt studies will be considered.
Categories of Presentation:
a.. Individual papers are expected to be based on original research, are usually illustrated and 20 minutes in length followed by 5 minutes for questions.
a.. Thematic sessions should include 3 to 4 presenters and a moderator with a theme based on a particular aspect of education and the quiltmaker or some other theme related to worldwide quiltmaking traditions. Speakers’ times are flexible; in general, a total time of one and a half hours is recommended. Panel participants must send a copy of their working paper to their session moderator by December 1, 2006. Thematic sessions addressing issues related to symposium exhibitions are encouraged. b.. Panel discussions should involve 3 to 4 individuals and a moderator who poses questions to which panelists respond. A total time of one to one and one-half hours is recommended for panel discussions.
Symposium Submission Guidelines:
Interested individuals should submit abstracts of 150-200 words with a cover letter and brief resume (maximum 3 pages). Moderators of thematic sessions or panel discussions should submit a proposal of 150-200 words, a cover letter, plus a brief resume (maximum 3 pages) for each participant. Abstracts/proposals should be faxed or postmarked no later than August 15, 2006. (E-mailed submissions will be accepted.)
Submit your abstract/proposal and resume by August 15, 2006, to:
Kathy Moore, 2007 Symposium Coordinator
International Quilt Study Center
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
P.O. Box 830808
Lincoln, NE 68583-0838
iqsc-symposium2unl.edu
402-472-7232
Fax: 402/472-0640
Symposium Overview:
The International Quilt Study Center’s third biennial symposium will feature invited speakers, juried papers, thematic sessions, and panel discussions. The two days of symposium presentations are supplemented by pre-conference tours, including a behind-the-scenes tour of the International Quilt Study Center’s state-of-the-art storage facility, curator-led tours of campus exhibitions, and special exhibitions at other venues in the Lincoln area.
Questions or more information contact:
Wendy R. Weiss, 2007 Symposium Co-chair
Michael James, 2007 Symposium Co-chair
Kathy Moore, 2007 Symposium Coordinator
International Quilt Study Center
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
P.O. Box 830808
Lincoln, NE 68583-0838
iqsc-symposium2unl.edu
Wendy Weiss: 402-472-6370
Michael James: 402-472-2911
Kathy Moore: 402-472-7232
Fax: 402/472-0640
From: Maggmalone@
Since there seems to be some interest in the history of modern quilting I thought I’d put my two cents worth in. I attempted my first quilt block around 1957. I had looked for patterns but couldn’t find any. McCall’s Needlework and Crafts published one called Lone Star. This was a five point star set into a circle. Nothing worse for a first time piecer. I finished the block, but decided if I had to do everything by hand, it would take me 100 years to complete.
So I pursued my interest in crafts. The late 60’s, early 70’s were a great time for crafters. There were so many talented designers around then. I didn’t get back to quilting until I read Barbara Johannah’s book on machine piecing quilts. What a break through. This was about 1972, I think. My first attempt was a pattern from either Woman’s day or Family Circle. Simple squares sewn together. I made it king size (for a regular bed) and backed it with sheeting used in hospitals, very sturdy stuff. This quilt weighed a ton and it kept sliding off the bed. Even though I wasn’t completely happy with it, I was hooked on quilting and began trying to find more patterns. The only thing I could find at that time was Quilt World Magazine. But there weren’t any patterns, just pictures of quilts and blocks. I was a beginner. I didn’t know the first thing about drafting patterns. How big was the block, how many blocks to make the quilt? My collection of patterns with full-size blocks led to my first book in 1976, listing what I considered essential information about each quilt.
Thank goodness for the Bicentennial. Quilting exploded after that so that we now have scads of magazines and books to choose from. Bolt after bolt of luscious fabrics, and tools galore for making the job easier. Quite a change from the 1950’s.
From: “Jean Carlton” <jeancarlton@>
Stella Rubin’s Treasure or Not pp. 152-153. I will send more when I get time. I’ve appraised a number of them so have searched previously. Jean C
From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>
If you have the first edition you’ll love the second. Much more color! Cinda on the Eastern Shore
From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>
In my book an Alphabet quilt has all 26 letters. I’d call Sharon’s quilt an “A” quilt. Cinda on the Eastern shore
From: Laura Fisher <laurafisherquilts@>
yummy–another subject to learn more about… !! I have seen/sold quite a few alphabet quilts, including some unconventional ones. Twenty-six letters, 25 squares possible in a 5 block by 5 block format, so what to do with the Z? Some quiltmakers inserted corner blocks on the top and bottom rows so the lines–now six rows vertically– came out even; some eliminated the Z (or another letter). Or some filled in the last row, or the first, with names, dates, other info.
And what about the backwards Alphabet quilts–those are my favorites.How did they come to be? I have owned four, including one in inventory now with the letters arrayed in vertical rows, from the right hand corner down it reads A, B, C, D, E, thus making the top row across read U, P, K, F, A!! It takes a while to figure out what this says, and some of the letters are backwards or upside down. Intentional? Dyslexic? Japanese quilter? Hebrew quilter? Unschooled?
The Ladies Art Co. published stencils for the individual letters of the alphabet, which most of the alphabet quilts I have seen resemble. Could it be that the backwards Alphabet quiltmaker couldn’t figure out how to cut out the cloth so that when assembled, the letters would read in the correct sequence, not the reverse? Maybe by the time all the letters were cut out wrong, it was too late and the quilt was completed despite the (collosal) error! Talk about a humility block!!
I have another Alphabet quilt purported to be Amish, pieced with freehand cut letters of wool and flannel in somber grey tones. Is it my imagination,.or do they look more Germanic in shape than Ladies Art Co shape?
Single letter pieced quilts are well known–I’ve had “R”, “H”, “B”, “S”, “W” so far. My most fun was the “G” quilt that I sold to a clothing shop owner from Milan who gave it to Georgio ARMANI for his country house!! (those were the days….)
I had a quilt made from suiting swatches “In Memory of the Tailor…” with the makers name and other info, in which the Ladies Art Co stencils were cut out using the voids between the parts of the letters, not the body of them, the inscription was hard to read and appeared in the negative, not the positive, but once you realized how the letters were done, it was pretty compelling.
I will scan and send the photos, and hopefully someone can tell me how, or create a link so you can see the two I refer to.
Laura Fisher
From: Laura Fisher <laurafisherquilts@>
Hi-can you please post these, or tell me how-easily–I’m a technophobe. Laura
From: “Julia D. Zgliniec” <rzglini1@>
Dear Judy and All, I bound a reproduction quilt in the late 90s with tape exactly as you described in the “natural unbleached linen color you described. It was a dream to use. I machine stitched it to the front and hand stitched it to the back. The machine stitches “disappeared” into the weave as did the hand stiticches on the other side and it is impossible to tell how they were stitched unless the stitch line is stretched very tight and examined with a pic glass. I was very happy with the look – although somewhat wider than most early tape bindings I have seen.
The quilt is a lecture sample and not really “used” so I cannot speak to how well it will wear over time.
Loved using this binding!
Julia Zgliniec, Poway, CA , where we have had some frost the last few nights.
From: “munsey@” <munsey@>
The twill weave carpet binding on the hooked rugs made by grandmother 50 plus years ago is still hanging in there. Only the ones that were in v ery high traffic areas have shown binding wear. In fact, rugs that had been hooked on lower quality burlap (wartime) show wear damage while the binding is still o.k. She always used a dark bind because it didn’t sh ow the dirt as much – mid to dark brown, black, or gray. So — if today ‘s carpet binding is of equal quality to that of 50 to 75 years ago, I’d say that it will wear o.k. as a quilt binding.
Sandra on Cape Cod — Where yesterday’s snow storm brought us relativel y little snow cover as the snow blew horizontally in hurricane force win ds for about two hours. There even was an “eye” for about 30 minutes wi th bright sun and blue sky, before all fury really broke loose
From: “Velia Lauerman” <velialive@>
For years the charm quilt letters come and each time I send the 2 six x six pieces of requested fabric as in the purple charm quilt letter. Waiting for responses and then forget about it as whatever it takes to send is maybe not everyone’s cup ah. This time my started clam shell top looks pretty good but even purchasing purples and using my stash is not enough for a different piece on every patch. Thought the 72 promised squares would arrive. NOT! Have you had the same reaction or am I a dreamer? Sent an attachment of the letter which I now know is a no no. Would like to know your reaction to these chain letters which some say are not good. Others have sent little happy notes. Not that the stash is not big enough or Pig like but it seems a good way to correspond via snail mail. Also offered a response for individual collections such as polka dots,plaid,calico print,solids,and etc. Velia Lauerman,108 North street,Hudson,Mi 49247, 313 605 2171
Subject: Re: PURPLE CHARM QUILT From: “Sharon in NC”
These chain letters are illegal by US postal standards. I delete or file then in the round file immediately upon receipt. Most quilt lists have them on their banned list of things not allowed. If you want purple charms then join a purple charm swap.. It is basically the old adage.. “If it seems to good to be true it probably is.” or “You never something for nothing”
Sharon in NC
From: Barb Garrett <bgarrett421@>
Chain letters are illegal to send — ask your post office. Pyramid schemes, including chain letters, don’t work, because you run out of people. If you want to swap fabric with others, go to this link —
http://groups.yahoo.com/
and type in “fabric swaps” in the find a group spot — you will get a list of over 100 groups — perhaps one of those has a purple charm swap going that will offer what you wish. Your quilt sounds beautiful — I can picture the various shades of purple.
Barb in southeastern PA
