January 29 – 31, 2006
These restored messages come from the Quilt History List, an online forum where quilt historians, collectors, researchers, appraisers, and enthusiasts discussed antique quilts and related textiles. The archive dates from 1996 through approximately 2016 and is being restored gradually. Sign up in the form at the bottom of the page if you want to know when a new page is added. Original spelling, opinions, formatting, and inactive links may remain unchanged.
Primary topics of this QHL Digest:
- Spotting and Reporting Fake Quilts on eBay — An extended discussion on recognizing reproduction quilts misrepresented as antique and on the mechanics of reporting eBay fraud.
- Jeannette Lasansky’s Oral Traditions Project — Members list further titles in this Pennsylvania folklife documentation series, prompted by a question about a quilt symposium book.
- Requesting Sources on the History of Patchwork — A list member in Chile asks for help finding sources for a short article she’s writing on the origins of patchwork.
From: Dawn & Greg Church
With all of this talk of stereotyping I am curious… A couple of months back there was that all call for a “quilt person” to take part in the “Wife Swap” scenario on the TV show. Did anyone contact them?? Talk about a show based on stereotypes! My curiosity is what exactly do they consider the stereotypical quilter??? My husband and I still bat the possibilities back and forth about that one.
Wondering if I meet my stereotype…. Dawn Church Fredericksburg, Virginia
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 08:27:15 -0500 | From: Marsha MacDowell <macdowel@>
Another thought about documenting your collection. Individuals might consider using the comprehensive fields developed for The Quilt Index. At this point the Index is not set up to accept individual entries but is hoping to create a mechanism in the future to do just that. A number of state, museum, and individual research project collections are beginning to use the QI Comprehensive Fields in anticipation of having their data be inputted into the Index and increase the Index’s usability as a research tool. Go to http://www.quiltindex.org/repos_example.php to see the “Sample Quilt Index Ingestion Form.”
For a bit more background, here is an excerpt from The Quilt Index site.
Quilt Index Comprehensive Fields http://www.quiltindex.org/about.php#compfields The Index is built up on a comprehensive list of descriptive quilt fields, including necessary information and controlled vocabularies specific to quilt research and study. These terms were developed using quilt documentation forms from pilot sites as well as broader input from many other quilt documentation projects throughout the U.S. and the world. The Quilt Index repository development and data entry from each site has continued to inform the development of this resource.
You also might want to consult the Quilt Index’s F.A.Q. page (http://www.quiltindex.org/faq.php)
— Marsha MacDowell, The Quilt Index project team
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 08:51:44 -0500 | From: joan kiplinger <jkip@>
Colleen — you beat me in notifying this list about that article. But as I read it, I thought thank goodness there are heads up persons on this list who challenge and tackle ebay “quilt” dealers and their misleading listings.
Colleen Keirn wrote:
‘ve been reading with interest all of your posts regarding fakes on eBay, and also the market for fakes and genuine stuff in NYC. (I hear Canal Street is the place to shop for $20 “Guchi” handbags. 🙂 )
Anyway, today the NYTimes has this:
If it doesn’t come up with that link, try searching for the headline, “Seeing Fakes, Angry Traders Confront EBay”.
This particular article is about some jewelry afficianados who are going after eBay for allowing people to sell fake items. They’re not getting anywhere so far, but now they have Tiffany and Co on their side (really, on Tiffany’s side, but still) so it should be interesting.
>I > >
From: Donald Brokate
Group, I personally have been taken once again by an ebay quilt seller. I had completely stopped buying on eBay 2 years ago because of so many bad experiences. Even though I ask questions there are only so many specific questions you can ask-like”Are you really telling the truth?” And forget about filing fraud claims! In the past I have attempted filing several and the underwriters made me jump thru hoops like a circus dog, having quilts appraised at my expense, etc, and then ultimately declining the claim. In the past 2 months I have lost close to $2000 on quilts that were either grossly misrepresented or high end repros. Most recently on a NY Beauty that the seller guaranteed as old from a Wisc estate. Turned out to be a Chinese repro. She has refused to respond to my emails or phone calls. Buying anything online, unless from a reputable dealer that you know, is risky business.
Donald Brokate Trenton NJ
From: Paula (GA)
Donald,
If you used PayPal to pay for this quilt, you can go to them and try to get a refund. Tell them exactly what transpired in the transaction. Also, if you used PayPal and a credit card, go to your institution and file a claim with them.
Also, file a SNAD form with Ebay: http://pages.ebay.com/help/tp/inr-snad-process.html. Also, if the seller has already left feedback for you, you can leave negative feedback for him/her, and it won’t effect yours.
I’m sorry about all your Ebay problems. Unfortunately there are some sellers that are not sincere, and it spoils Ebay for those that are trustworthy.
Paula in GA
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 11:54:13 -0700 | From: Pat Lyons <patricialyons@>
Also by Jeannette Lasansky and the Oral Traditions Project:
Central Pennsylvania redware pottery, 1780-1904 / Jeannette Lasansky Lewisburg, Pa. : Union County Oral Traditions Projects, 1979.
Made of mud : stoneware potteries in central Pennsylvania, 1831-1929 / Jeannette Lasansky “an Oral Traditions Project” University Park, Pa. : Pennsylvania State University Press, 1979; ISBN: 027100228X
Willow, oak & rye : basket traditions in Pennsylvania / Jeannette Lasansky “an Oral Traditions Project” University Park, Pa. : The Pennsylvania State University Press, 1979; ISBN: 0271002298
To cut, piece, and solder : the work of the rural Pennsylvania tinsmith, 1778-1908 / Jeannette Lasansky Lewisburg, Pa. : Oral Traditions Project, 1982 ; ISBN: 027100312X
A good start : the Aussteier or dowry / Jeannette Lasansky Lewisburg, Pa. : Oral Traditions Project of the Union County Historical Society, 1990; ISBN: 0917127064
To draw, upset, and weld : the work of the Pennsylvania rural blacksmith, 1742-1935 / Jeannette Lasansky Lewisburg, Pa. : Oral Traditions Project of the Union County Historical Society, 1980.
Rural delivery : real photo postcards from central Pennsylvania, 1905-1935 / Jody Blake; Jeannette Lasansky “an Oral Traditions Project” [Lewisburg, Pa.] : Union County Historical Society,1996 ; ISBN: 0917127099
Herald angels: Christmas music in Pennsylvania, 1820-1920/ Nada Gray; Jeannette Lasansky Lewisburg, Pa. : Union County Historical Society. Oral Traditions Project, 1982.
Pat Lyons A librarian with (obviously) too much time on her hands AND access to WorldCat!
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 15:08:26 -0500 | From: “Sharon in NC” <patchworksecrets2@>
My understanding from my local postmaster is you can also file federal mail fraud charges against the person.
Sharon in NC
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 18:04:35 -0300 | From: “Pilar Donoso” <quiltpdmi.cl>
GrE1ficos circularesDear friends:
I need to make a very short and precise article about patchwork and their history. Most of the articles I have are related to Quilting, but this time I need something about patchwork only since quilting will not be envolved.
Could you plese help me to go to the right sources? Thank you,
Pilar Pilar Donoso I. The Quilt Shop Santiago, CHILE quiltpdmi.cl www.thequiltshop.cl
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 19:58:24 EST | From: Mitzioakes@
Don’t feel bad, my husband thought my ‘stash’ might have cost $100.00!!!!!!!! I almost choked to death on my rotary cutter. (http://www.smileycentral.com/?partnerZSzeb001_ZS) Mitzi from Vermont
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 20:17:52 -0500 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
Whoa! My husband knows this: The Rubbermaid tubs we used to move my stash from home E to home F cost more than $100.00! This he figured out for himself.
Judy, now in Flemington NJ aka The Ringoes Kid judygrow@
> my husband thought my ‘stash’ might have cost > $100.00!!!!!!!!
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 17:48:16 -0800 (PST) | From: Karen Portwood <acornqlts@>
Hello all,
Just a quick note to let you know the pictures from the November Midwest Fabric Study Group meeting on the color blue are up and ready to view at http://www.quilthistory.com/study/midwest11905.htm.
Many thanks to all who brought things to the meeting so I could photograph them to share with all of you. Also, thanks to Kris for posting them for us. Enjoy!
All the best, Karen
Bring words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail – it’s free and works with Yahoo! Mail. –0-1035588766-1138585696:59722–
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 20:38:48 -0600 | From: “Marcia Kaylakie” <marciark@>
HI All, My DH and I just got back from Houston, TX where I picked out my birthday present….a harp! I have always wanted one and so in my dotage, I have one! Now, to make this a quilt related question. I am thinking of making a crazy quilt harp cover. Has anyone on the list ever seen one done? I have never seen one in all my years researching or appraising. Antique would be fabulous, but even a modern one would be wonderful. It was a fun weekend. Marcia
Marcia Kaylakie, AQS Certified Appraiser Austin, TX 20 www.texasquiltappraiser.com
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 18:53:18 -0800 | From: Julie Silber <quiltcomplex@>
I am just now watching “Ninotchka” (1939) with Melvyn Douglas and Garbo. They are in Russia at this moment, in Ninotchka’s small, humble apartment in Moscow (!) – and there is a Log Cabin/Courthouse Steps quilt on her bed! Looks like wools.
Please forgive if this is a duplication.
Julie SIlber
Date: Sun, 29 Jan 2006 22:07:37 EST | From: Trishherr@
Judy Kelius did a nice synopsis on the Bowmansville Star quilts, and associated Trip Around the World pieces. We have an interesting Star now, made in the early 20th c. along with stuffed animals made by the same eastern Lancaster County Mennonite woman for her grandchildren. We were fortunate to be able to talk to a surviving grandson at the family sale. If anyone is in the York, Pa. area this week we will have them at the York Antiques Show Friday and Saturday Feb. 3 and 4, 10-6 and Sunday Feb. 5, 11-5. Although each of these eastern Lancaster County quilts is different there is an obvious relationship that would suggest there were close ties among the makers in that area. Who knows, there may be some others brought into the show too. There is always a nice selection of quilts brought in by dealers on the floor of the show. trish Herr
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 05:02:22 -0800 (PST) | From: Barbara Burnham <barbaraburnham@>
regarding fakes on eBay …
I wonder how many of these “GUARANTEED 100% to be 75+ years old and original!” reproduction quilts the seller goodies-from-grandma has to offer. This time the bidding ended at $1,502.70 (7384609856). I wonder also who was bidding against them with a “private listing – bidders’ identities protected.” Hmmmm … How sad that these dishonest sellers can get away with this.
Bring words and photos together (easily) with PhotoMail – it’s free and works with Yahoo! Mail. –0-1193444114-1138626142:43917–
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 14:11:00 +0000 | From: “jocelynm@” <jocelynm@>
20 I just had a thought…. Perhaps we could get together a booklet on ‘Spotting Fake Antique Quilts on Ebay’ and sell it via Ebay… ‘This booklet will help you spot the unscrupulous quilt vendors who are sel ling modern manufacturer quilts as ‘guaranteed antiques’. Learn about warni ng signs of modern reproductions.’
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 09:53:25 -0600 | From: “Karen Musgrave” <KarenMusgrave@>
The Alliance for American Quilts (www.centerforthequilt.org) eBay auctions this week have vintage fabric that hasn’t sold before at half price! You will also find two incredible pieced pillowcases that are stamped “Mary A. Brown,” an unbelievable miniature folk art quilting bee from 1930, 15 yards of 1950 bubblegum pink and brown fabric that would be perfect for a backing for your reproduction quilt and more! You can check it out by going to http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrppZ25QQsassZalliancequilts. Your purchases also benefit a great organization. New auctions are posted every Sunday. Happy bidding.
Thanks, Karen Musgrave Join us! Become a member and help preserve our great quilt heritage and get advance notice on our eBay auctions. www.centerforthequilt.org
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 08:36:56 -0800 (PST) | From: Dana Balsamo <danabalsamo@>
Hi Jackie, Are you sure anyone can leave feedback for any seller, even if they are not the buyer? I know this was true years ago, but was under the impression that now you have to enter an item number in order to leave feedback, and you have to be logged in as the buyer/seller of that item in order to leave feedback. Before this was updated, competitors were able to leave bogus negative feedback on other sellers. As well as getting their friends to fluff up their feedback ratings with bogus positives.
I have been burned enough to only deal with sellers, on ebay, and otherwise, who have a return policy (yep, there are some on ebay with return policies!) or who I have developed a working relationship with. I deal with about 2 dozen auction houses, but only 3 do I trust well enough to bid over the phone with.
My best, Dana
Jackie Joy <joysbees@> wrote: Negative feedback can always be placed on any seller by anyone, even if you are not a purchaser. I always check on feedback before purchasing from someone new. If there is a way to hide your feedback, I would never buy from that person.
Jackie in Reno
Material Pleasures Affordable Antique and Vintage Quilts, Linens, Lace, Textiles, Buttons & More! www.material-pleasures.com
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 08:54:14 -0800 (PST) | From: Laura Fisher <laurafisherquilts@>
I hope you all will come to NYC anyway, even if you can no longer buy Guccis and Vuittons on Canal Street. You should go down there anyway cause its quite a trip, people coming up to you as you stroll along Canal Street, whispering–Gucci, Chanel, Prada, Kate Spade….hoping to find a tourist lady ripe to pick.
Re eBay “fakes”, I think it would be more difficult to sue or challenge in the quilt arena, as so many quilts were made as repros and probably defined as such originally. If that info got separated from the piece, and the seller compares looks to books and thinks his is a true Baltimore album, then isn’t it sort of incumbent on the buyer to recognize new from old before plunking down a wad of $$? And cerainly to be able to see through the blowsy descriptions that accompany so much stuff on ebay.
In the jewelry area fake marks abound to get anonymous pieces to reach designer price levels; with iron toys, a little burying in the yard goes a long way to achieving an old look. That’s why the Antiques Roadshow is so good, as was Martha Stewart, when experienced people share how to examine a piece for age and authenticity- recognize the signs in terms of the weight and feel of the materials, the definition of the edges, etc
I remember the discovery of a Diner Menu folky pictorial quilt, and how it passed through several hotshot folk art hands at Brimfield, before it was shown to me for a consult and I remembered seeing it in the Horchow catalog a few months prior. Sometimes even experts can be fooled, so best to inform your eye and trust your ever increasing knowledge.Sorry to say, but don’t rely on the kindness of strangers in the vast ebay world.
Laura Fisher
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 11:58:41 EST | From: Elpaninaro@
You are correct Dana,
In the early days anyone could leave feedback for anyone. EBay was a lot more fun back then!
Today you have to be one of the two parties to the transaction in order to leave feedback.
A couple of years ago I had the misfortune of winning with a very low bid a poorly photographed yellow calico drunkard’s path quilt. When it arrived, I took it to Mom and she verified it was turn of the century. The condition was amazing and the quilting incredible fine with unusual scalloping detail in every one of the white muslin blocks.
It was misfortunate since I got the idea such steals abound on eBay- and another 4-5 purchases convinced me otherwise. Some of them were very badly misrepresented, and none were worth the money I paid. One DP in particular sticks out. I found another one of the same era at Quilt Festival with the same blue calico fabric- much better condition and $50 cheaper than my eBay find!
I don’t buy quilts on eBay anymore. I might someday bid on something from one of the few dealers I know of who list there based on my mother’s recommendations of who she has liked dealing with, but I do not expect I will ever again bid blind and trust photos and descriptions when I don’t know who the seller is.
Tom.
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 09:00:33 -0800 (PST) | From: Ark Quilts <quiltarkmv@>
Just a note to anyone on the list who has been following the discussions and postings re: “The Bride’s Quilt” that keeps popping up on eBay by different sellers who claim this copyrighted 1992 quilt is “antique” or “rare”.
I have been in contact with both eBay & the Smithsonian re: these recent misrepresentations. I do not expect eBay to even reply to my email as they cannot even keep their “stopfraudebay.com” email complaint link operating. If you haven’t read the NY Times article about eBay selling fakes written by Katie Hafner 1/29/06, you must read it to understand the situation. <http://www.nytimes.com/2006/01/29/technology/29ebay.html> Even though there were lots of complaints lodged against sellers of fake “Weiss” jewelery, eBay did nothing to censor the members. Apparently Tiffany & Company is suing & eBay does not go “into action” to investigate or block sellers unless someone who owns rights to a tradmarked product files a complaint/lawsuit.
As soon as I receive a reply from the Smithsonian re: who to contact I will post the contact information on the QHL so anyone else who wants to can urge the Smithsonian to investigate the eBay situation. If you have eBay information (Item #’s and Seller’s names) to send them, it might call their attention to the situation. They hold the copyright and unless they want to do something, eBay probably won’t do anything. My personal opinion is that the Smithsonian should post color photos & any documentation about the 4 quilts that they produced in China for The Smithsonian Collection in 1992-1993 on their OWN website.
Meanwhile, I am discussing the possibility of posting information re: The Smithsonian Collection quilts on the QHL web site with Kris Driessen. What is needed are actual photos from people who bought these quilts. I have a Bride’s Quilt from the collection that can be photographed. We need to locate 3 people who have the actual Harriet Powers Bible Quilt, The Sunburst Quilt, and the Great Seal Quilt. If you have one of these or know of someone who owns one, you can have them contact me. AS SOON AS WE WORK SOMETHING OUT ABOUT POSTING THE INFORMATION, A MESSAGE WILL BE POSTED TO THE QHL.
Thanks for your interest–Connie Ark in NW Ohio
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 13:21:48 -0900 | From: Gloria hanrahan <gloria@>
I am really not trying to sound cruel, but a buyer, purchasing something on eBay, and who knows nothing about the product–it really seems to me it’s their own fault. If someone wants to spend a couple of grand, there are numerous dealers who could find them quilts.
I’ve bought numerous quilts and tops on eBay and gotten some really great deals because the seller didn’t know anything about the item. They were described totally wrong. I’ve also had my head bitten off by sellers when you point out the Grandmother’s Flower Garden wasn’t made in 1850, but if I was looking for GFG and the pictures were enough to convince me to take a chance, I wouldn’t care how he/she described the quilt.
My price limit is also $200 since I don’t deal with the known dealers on eBay, just the smaller sellers. I don’t think I could spend much more than that without actually seeing the item. So far, I haven’t felt taken yet.
There are bogus sellers everywhere, all of the time, for everything ever sold. I wouldn’t dream of buying a car without my own mechanic checking it out, so matter what the seller told me. I really don’t see this as any different.
Gloria Hanrahan
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 09:39:03 +1100 | From: “Lorraine Olsson” <svenpnc.com.au>
My friend here in Australia, bought a Chanel handbag on ebay a couple of years ago. She is French, and knows her Chanel, and believed the bag was a fake. Her english language skills are not great, so rather than make a fuss at the time she just kept the bag. Last month she listed it on ebay to resell, but being honest she said she believed it was not genuine, and Ebay refused to allow the listing. My point… Ebay is obviously learning!
Cheers, Lorraine in Oz
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 23:47:51 +0000 | From: “jocelynm@” <jocelynm@>
On January 30, 2006, Laura Fisher wrote: 202020 > so many quilts were made as repros and probably defined as such originall y. If that info got separated from the piece, and the seller compares looks to books and thinks his is a true Baltimore album, then isn’t it sort of i ncumbent on the buyer to recognize new from old before plunking down a wad of $$?20
Laura, I’d say it’s just as incumbent on the seller to refrain from making any sta tements about the authenticity of a quilt if s/he doesn’t know. 🙂 I don’t mind a seller saying something vague about the age, but when it’s ’75+ year s old guaranteed’, that’s deceit.
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 23:51:33 +0000 | From: “jocelynm@” <jocelynm@>
How about a new thread: Who are the vendors you’d recommend on ebay? Someone who knows their stuff, accurately describes their merchandise, and has a fair return policy?20
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 19:02:57 -0500 | From: “Sharon in NC” <patchworksecrets2@>
Folks who collect sewing machines are about to riot ebay over these lying sellers. They are claiming machines are “industrial strength” when in fact they are no more than a basic home machine that if used for an industrial will die within weeks of that kind of heavy use. Many are in the midst of writing a buyers guide to purchasing a sewing machine. How to identify the strength and other references on identification. Maybe some of you more knowledgeable could write and submit a buyers guide on vintage and antique quilts/textiles. At the very least it would give people a basic guide on what to look for when shopping for a vintage quilt. The sewing machine sellers that are honorable are also discussing starting a consortium of sorts to help folks find the honest sellers. They will identify themselves with a special logo on their auctions showing they are identified with the group. This could be another alternative for quilt sellers.
Just some thoughts..
Sharon in NC http://community.webshots.com/user/sharonsews
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 16:20:58 -0800 (PST) | From: Dana Balsamo <danabalsamo@>
Don’t limit it to just ebay. There are some wonderful sellers who sell on their own sites. Laura Fisher and Stella Rubin are just two. Nancy Kirk occasionally has quilts on her site as well.
My best, Dana
“jocelynm@” <jocelynm@> wrote:
How about a new thread: Who are the vendors you’d recommend on ebay? Someone who knows their stuff, accurately describes their merchandise, and has a fair return policy?
Material Pleasures Affordable Antique and Vintage Quilts, Linens, Lace, Textiles, Buttons & More! www.material-pleasures.com
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 20:01:21 -0500 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
>Who are the vendors you’d recommend on ebay? Someone who knows >their >stuff, accurately describes their merchandise, and has a fair return > >policy?
that is easy! the first two on my favorite sellers list:
Julie Silber, oldquilts
Judy Kelius, judysue
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 20:15:39 -0500 | From: “Bill Volckening” <williamvolckening@>
> I’ve bought numerous quilts and tops on eBay and gotten some really great > deals because the seller didn’t know anything about the item. They were > described totally wrong.
Me too. Just because I buy something on eBay doesn’t mean I necessarily accept the seller’s description as the truth. I could see myself buying something listed as “African-American” and then completely discarding that classification from my own documentation because of a lack of provenance.
> I’ve also had my head bitten off by sellers when > you point out the Grandmother’s Flower Garden wasn’t made in 1850
Like the guy who was recently selling a GFG as a “Hawaiian” quilt because it was made in Hawaii…(?) What a hoot! Until I told him…
>but if I was looking for GFG and the pictures were enough to convince me to take a > chance, I wouldn’t care how he/she described the quilt.
Same here. That oughtta justify my unpredictable buying patterns…
🙂 Bill
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 20:12:20 -0500 | From: “Jan Drechsler” <quiltdoc@>
Beautiful job, Karen, in your description of the November gathering. I liked the fact that your study group had an educational, insturction part and the quilts and photos were stunning. Thank you.
Jan
Date: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 21:15:40 -0500 | From: “Jan Drechsler” <quiltdoc@>
A weaver friend invited me to a private gallery tour conducted by the owner of 19th and 20th century Indonesian fabrics and wall hanging. This very knowledgable gentleman had collected batiks, hand woven fabrics used mostly as men’s wraps or body sashes, and ceremonial cloths while he was in Bali and the other islands. Expecting to spend only about half an hour at this small exhibit, an hour and a half later I emerged dazzled with the natural colors and lack of my understanding of weaving patterns and techniques. Most of these were purchased at small markets and included examples from most of the islands and tribes. The first was a large batik cotton woven cloth, of the finest detail in indigo and a rich gold/brown. Fanciful palace like scenes, with several very asymetrical tree of life motifs, peacocks, and animals and fish. This 20th c. batik was hand painted with wax on both sides of the fabric, and was so finely engraved, it was hard to believe. The colors were deep and rich, with no fading. When I entered the gallery, I was hit with the faint but unmistakeable smell of wax batik, just like the batik I was given in the 60’s from Thailand. The next two were silk block prints, made to be doubled in half and worn around the waist. One was of a finer printed quality, although both were stunning. They both had borders and were one large flower in the center. In the registration marks, one of the borders had a slight overlap. Each of the fabrics were signed. The one I liked better at first glance, paled as the border of the other kept drawing my attention. The border, so detailed, became a print fabric itself as I stared at the different colors and pattern. A true double ikat hanging, of about 14″ by 3′, took eight years to weave. My lame description is that each color had to be tied off, dyed, untied and retied to be dyed again. It was indigo and …a brown? Look, if I had stopped to really read and study the notes on the wall by each piece, I would have missed the opportunity to hear the history and ask questions. And all I know, is that the ikats that are commercially available today in Japanese fabrics don’t compare to these. Two more hand woven indigo pieces, with worn edges were next. At the end of the gallery, several eye catchers were hung, one with repeated male figures, very phallic and small turtles or beetles. You had to live in that village to understand the significance. Most of the pieces were very regional or of a certain village style. Many or most of the dyes were natural. A few had examples of both natural and synthetic dyes combined, and one synthetic had a great example of fading where it had been folded in half, just like fading on quilts. Many of the pieces were hung using a backstrap piece of a loom. These carved wood pieces were objects of art themselves, rich in detailed patterns and of exotic woods. No notebook or camera with me, no Cinda taking mind photos but this is the best I can remember. One of the best parts is the owner’s dedication to the study of these fabrics was as intense and loving as we give to our quilts. I think he enjoyed showing the textiles to inquisitive folks almost as much as we enjoyed seeing them.
Jan in Brattleboro, VT
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 03:38:01 +0000 | From: sandjloken@
I’m having a bit of trouble using web mail, so this is a little late. I heard a very nice promo announcement Sunday morning on WHYY out of Philadelphia about the exhibit. They mentioned it was the Judy Roche collection and also went on about the applique. It came on about 7 am and it didn’t all register at that hour, but I thought the organizers would like to know that their press announcements didn’t fall on “deaf ears”. Jean from MN (visiting in NJ)
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 10:58:14 +0100 | From: Margareta.Faust@
Good morning! I do buy quilty stuff on ebay – living in Europe I just don’t get the opportunity to visit fairs, shows and flea markets with quilts very often. However, I usually stick to blocks and tops as I would hesitate to buy a whole quilt without feeling (and smelling !)it. There is one eBay vendor though I have bought both tops and quilts from, it’s Mark French (French72), his listings are always a pleasure to look through! I endorse the two J. G. Row mentioned as well, wholeheartedly! Margareta
–
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 09:01:13 EST | From: ARabara15@
Please lest’s not forget Donna Vitale -gbbest who is also a list member.
Donna, Mark and Linda McNabb-mcnabb985, are all three, the sellers that I deal most frequently with on eBay and with the greatest confidence. It was Linda who alerted me that the NY Beauty might have been a repro. Had I been more suspicious of the seller-who had a lot of excellent feedback 99.8%, I would be $450.00 richer and a lot less agrivated.
Doanld Brokate
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 12:16:40 -0500 | From: “Beth Davis” <bethdan533@>
Hello, Just Googling the topic of spotting fake antiques, when I came across a website that addresses “truth-in-advertising” specifically regarding Native American arts and crafts. Seems that there is a law that has been in effect that curtails false advertising: The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-644) is a truth-in-advertising law that prohibits misrepresentation in marketing of Indian arts and crafts products within the United States. It is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian Tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States. For a first time violation of the Act, an individual can face civil or criminal penalties up to a $250,000 fine or a 5-year prison term, or both. If a business violates the Act, it can face civil penalties or can be prosecuted and fined up to $1,000,000. Under the Act, an Indian is defined as a member of any federally or State recognized Indian Tribe, or an individual certified as an Indian artisan by an Indian Tribe. The law covers all Indian and Indian-style traditional and contemporary arts and crafts produced after 1935. The Act broadly applies to the marketing of arts and crafts by any person in the United States.
I find this interesting and wonder if there may be a similar law implemented for let’s say, the African-American quilts?
Regards, Beth Davis
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 12:37:28 -0500 | From: “Beth Davis” <bethdan533@>
The website for this is: http://www.doi.gov/iacb/act.html
> Hello, Just Googling the topic of spotting fake antiques, when I came across a website that addresses “truth-in-advertising” specifically regarding Native American arts and crafts. Seems that there is a law that has been in effect that curtails false advertising: The Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-644) is a truth-in-advertising law that prohibits misrepresentation in marketing of Indian arts and crafts products within the United States. It is illegal to offer or display for sale, or sell any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian Tribe or Indian arts and crafts organization, resident within the United States. For a first time violation of the Act, an individual can face civil or criminal penalties up to a $250,000 fine or a 5-year prison term, or both. If a business violates the Act, it can face civil penalties or can be prosecuted and fined up to $1,000,000. Under the Act, an Indian is defined as a member of any federally or State recognized Indian Tribe, or an individual certified as an Indian artisan by an Indian Tribe. The law covers all Indian and Indian-style traditional and contemporary arts and crafts produced after 1935. The Act broadly applies to the marketing of arts and crafts by any person in the United States.
I find this interesting and wonder if there may be a similar law implemented for let’s say, the African-American quilts?
Regards, Beth Davis
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 14:13:43 -0500 | From: “Sharon in NC” <patchworksecrets2@>
I am looking for guild speakers that are local if possible. I know Pepper is in NC and hopefully she along with anyone else who does speaking engagements will contact me off list.. Please! Sharon in NC
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 16:12:38 -0500 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@>
I’ve recently gotten a catalog from Touch of Class www.touchofclass.com which has some specialty quilts. They are all imported. The cotton ones use crocheted motifs for design in blocks, but if you go to the bedspread and throw page you will see a satin (polyester) whole cloth quilt in 4 or 5 colors. Shades of the 40’s!
There are even shaped valences in the pattern for your bedroom windows. And pillows — can’t forget the pillows! Of the quilting they say “hours of meticulous hand-guided quilting make each polyester satin piece a handcrafted treasure; reverse is 100% cotton.” Comes in 4 colors and the usual sizes.
Since I moved I’ve gotten on everyone’s mailing list and am getting catalogs I’ve never heard of before.
Judy, now in Flemington NJ aka The Ringoes Kid judygrow@
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 14:52:03 -0800 (PST) | From: Kris Driessen <krisdriessen@>
Judy, The post office sold your mailing address. Lexis Nexus has it now…
Gang, we do have a page for Quilt History Teachers. It’s at http://www.quilthistoryteachers.com, or just go to http://www.quilthistory.com and click on teachers. If you aren’t on it and want to be, just drop me a note with all your information. And vice versa, of course:-))
Kris
Date: Tue, 31 Jan 2006 21:07:09 EST | From: JLHfw@
Dear Beth, The law you cited has made a huge impact in Santa Fe and I presume in most of the western states where much Native American art is produced and sold. I visit Santa Fe frequently as I have a house there and my son who is an artist lives there full time. I purchase my jewelry and pottery from the Indian vendors who sell at the Palace of the Governors. They are registered and licensed by the state of New Mexico. I strongly believe in supporting our Indian artists and reject the fake imported items commonly sold in tourist shops (where by law they are supposed to be labeled as imports, but often are not). I’m not so sure that African American quilters and other artists want to be labeled as such. I have two talented members of a quilt group that I have the priviledge to belong to who are African American, but they don’t make a big deal about our differences. They are more interested in sharing our common interests. It is my hope that each of us can preserve our individual ancestory and culture, and at the same time enjoy the commonality we share with others. Isn’t that what makes each of us unique in our own right and allows us to share with others? Best regards, Janet in Fort Worth
