January 29 - February 1, 2005

Quilt Dating, Quiltmaking Techniques & Construction, Restoration & Conservation

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:

Appliqué Technique Follow-Up — The raw-edge vs. soft-edge appliqué discussion continues with more hands-on tips for durability.
Chintz and Broderie Perse Quilts — A close look at early chintz appliqué (Broderie Perse) quilts and how their edges were typically finished. (see the article on early American quilts)
Dating by Muslin and Kimono Motifs — Further digging into when bleached muslin became common and when kimono-pattern quilts first appeared. (see the article on dating quilts)
Museum Quilt Donation Policies — The New England Quilt Museum explains its donation and permanent-loan practices. (see the article on quilt museums)
Copyright on Vintage Quilting Designs — A member asks whether Virginia Snow’s historic quilting designs are still under copyright.

From: Marilyn Woodin

Hi Deb—I imagine you will get a reply from Sue Wildermuth and Cathy Litwinow but here’s mine—we meet April the 2nd at the Kalona Historical Village at I think, 9–it may be 9:30 and it is still the same $20.00 with lunch included. We will be studying indigo’s and signature quilts. Glad you asked on qhl—I’m sure that will be noticed there.

We have a marvelous quilt coming in to show also. These computers! take care and we will look for you marilyn woodin

Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 08:10:09 -0500 | From: “Karen Evans”

The Republican is a piece of trash, so this doesn’t surprise me *at all*….*sigh*…..

From: “Lynne Z. Bassett”

> The Republican is a piece of trash, so this doesn’t surprise me *at > all*….*sigh*….. > > Karen Evans

It’s not the newspaper’s fault–they were just reporting on the event. What I’m worried about is the lack of critical thinking, and lack of historical research in any sort of depth at all, that is rewarded by a “First Place” award for this project.

Lynne

From: “Karen Evans”

The first place award makes it even worse….

Karen

From: Gail Ingram

Exactly. Were it possible to abolish Social Studies Projects, we would eliminate probably one-half of the school-based UGRR disinformation. Sadly, in most (not all, mind you!) cases, the projects are parent-done, so the damage is double.

From my viewpoint, much has been done in last couple of years to point out flaw in this pretty story. Persistence will pay off.

Gail Ingram

I believe Caron refers to “soft edge” applique where the motif is intended to fray a bit. But does Karen intend “raw edge” applique, as in blanket-stitched, button-hole, or even zig-zag-stitched raw edges? Karen could you clarify? Barbara Burnham

Caron Carlson <carona@> wrote:

The PC term for “raw edge” applique is now “soft edge” … once it frays a bit around the edge…

Caron Carlson

From: Anita Loscalzo <aloscalz@>

The New England Quilt Museum accepts donations of antique quilts also. We request that a potential donor send a photograph or photographs for us to see first with any documentation/information that they have [preferably by regular mail to my official address].

Anita

===== Anita B. Loscalzo, Curator New England Quilt Museum 18 Shattuck Street Lowell, MA 01852 ——– email: CuratorNEQuiltMuseum.org telephone: 978-452-4207 Ext. 11

From: “Marcia Kaylakie”

HI All, I have need for the latest surveys put out about quilters which was sponsored by either QNM or IQA. You know, the one about how many quilters there are, what they spend per year, etc. Can anyone point me to that info? Thanks, Marcia Marcia Kaylakie, AQS Certified Appraiser Austin, TX www.texasquiltappraiser.com ——=_NextPart_000_0003_01C50779.D7840D40–

From: “Lucinda Cawley”

At last! We’re going to be able to look at old quilts on the far side of the bridge! The first meeting of the ESQSG will be February 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the St. Michaels Library, 106 Fremont St., St. Michaels, MD. You are all invited. Email me for directions and more information. Cinda on the Eastern Shore hoping to come up with a snappier name for the group (it’s hard to compete with FVF and The Dating Club)

From: Judy Schwender

A free-lance writer named Andi Reynolds contacted me about the topic of donating quilts. Hopefully her article will appearing QNM soon. One reply I sent to her was:

“It is the owner’s responsibility to research possible museums. This is easily done on the web. Narrow the selection down to 2 or 3 institutions based on their collections policies. You should obtain contact names- ideally the curator of collections- and address, phone number, and email address. Initially I would write to one of your choices, directing the letter to the curator of collections. Inquire if the quilt is something that they would be interested in. Include a photograph and information about the quilt such as maker’s name, birth and death dates, where the quilt was made, and date the quilt was made. Include your name, address, phone number, and email address if you have one. Allow at least a week to ten days for a response. After the museum has responded, you can decide whether to go further with the contact, or want to try another museum. If you decide to try another institution, it is a courtesy to notify the first contact that you are seeking another home for your quilt.”

When I am asked for suggestions on where to donate antique quilts, I first suggest the local, county, or state historical society. I suggest the donor do a google search for these, and have found that many donors want me to do this for them. Another good place to start a web search for historical societies is http://www.daddezio.com/society/hill/.

Next I suggest they consider local historic homes and buildings that may have need of period textiles.

Then I include a list of museums that have antique quilt collections. In Kentucky, this includes the The Kentucky Museum Quilt Collection that is part of Western Kentucky University. If you are asked these sorts of questions often, it helps to have a list of such places in your own state since most folks want their family treasures to stay at least in the state.

And never forget, the owner must have clear title to the quilt.

I will also say that the term “permanent loan” is a BIG NO-NO in the museum world.

Judy Schwender

Curator of Collections / Registrar

MAQS

From: “Karen Erlandson”

I was considering both options, but I think soft edge appliqué has the quality I am looking for. So, my question needs to be modified to: What is the long term life expectancy of soft edge appliqué when exposed to “normal” conditions (the quilt is gently used and must be washed at some point!) Thanks, Karen

> What is the long term life expectancy of soft edge appliqué when exposed to > “normal” conditions (the quilt is gently used and must be washed at some > point!)

> I have used this technique quite a bit. It holds up rather well, assuming your applique stitch is sufficient. I like a narrow zig-zag stitch that is not nearly as dense as a satin stitch. I’ve seen some soft-edge applications using a straight stitch, but I have my doubts that would hold up through washings and wear.

Dana Bard, Moose Island Quilting

From: “Jennifer Van Haaften”

Hi, QHLers,

I just wanted to share that many museums are trying to avoid permanent loans because there are all sorts of legal and liability issues that have caused all sorts of headaches for museums. At least in the museum training world, this is something that professionals are told to avoid if possible. It is encouraged that every loan have a definite end date, usually within 5 years of the beginning date. Too many small historical societies in the past have taken “permanent loans” with few parameters on their disposition and have had to deal with what to do in the case of fire or other damage to objects while in their care, as well as loans that have been with an organization for so long that the heirs for the object have forgotten about it or are unknown to the institution, or the object itself has been lost. Plus, the institution has the burden of caring for the object, and storing it, without the benefit of ownership.

In our institution, if a donor wants to give us an object, but retain ownership, we have to politely decline. Our museum does not want to have the headache of tracking down owners and heirs, nor the responsibilty for caring for and protecting an object that doesn’t really belong to us. We take loans, but they are for a set period of time. At the end of the loan, we may ask potential donors if they would like to give us ownership of their object. Our resources are spread thin enough (as I am sure many small museums could attest) that to take on the responsibility for caring for and protecting an object could become an unnecessary burden. I am speaking from a historical museum perspective, and I am sure there are differences in the art world.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. It really is a serious problem, especially for smaller museums with limited staff and monies. Some states have helped them out by creating laws that will allow museums to take ownership of loans that have been with institutions for a certain number of years set by the law, but have not been reclaimed. Illinois has a similar law that has been on the books since 1998, and I know there are some other states with similar recourse.

Best regards, Jennifer

Jennifer Van Haaften Education Coordinator Elmhurst Historical Museum Elmhurst, IL

Very well said, Jennifer. Judy Schwender Curator of Collections / Registrar MAQS

Jennifer <jasvanhaaften@> wrote: Hi, QHLers,

Best regards, Jennifer

Jennifer Van Haaften Education Coordinator Elmhurst Historical Museum Elmhurst, IL — You are currently subscribed to qhl as: sister3603@.

Date: Mon, 31 Jan 2005 16:12:33 -0600 | From: “The Motl’s” <motl@>

Anna Lou Cook’s “Identification and Value Guide, Textile Bags, the feeding and clothing of America” is the best one out. 1990 and OOP but available on ebay much of the time. ISBN 0-89689-080-5 Chris Motl

From: Babette Moorleghen

You can also purchase this book at Amazon.com with a starting price of $2.10 if you wan to buy one used. I just recently purchased the book for my own library. There are 2 new ones for sale also with slightly higher prices. Babette in Illinois

The Motl’s <motljefnet.com> wrote:Anna Lou Cook’s “Identification and Value Guide, Textile Bags, the feeding and clothing of America” is the best one out. 1990 and OOP but available on ebay much of the time. ISBN 0-89689-080-5 Chris Motl —– Original Message —– From: “gb-best” To: “Quilt History List” Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2005 7:27 PM Subject: [qhl] Re: We interrupt your daily program

This is a link to an enjoyable yet lengthy article which originally appeared in Ladies Home Journal in 1896.

http://www.quiltersmuse.com/beecher_1896_article.htm

Enjoy!

Pat Cummings

From: Babette Moorleghen

Just my .02 worth here! 🙂 I have done a lot of “raw-edge” applique and use either a satin stitch or a button hole stitch with great success. Mind you, these are mostly wallhangings or table toppers not large pieces. I do have a signature quilt, dated 1938, in my collection which is a sampler. There is one block where this method was used and it’s fraying a bit. It appears the maker of that particular block first attempted to do a satin stitch by hand, got tired of doing that method and then resorted to just a regular stitch. I am occasionally tempted to re-do it but follow Xenia’s advice when it comes to washing antique quilts…. I take a nap! There are a couple of other blocks in this same quilt which are appliques and done rather nicely with the edges turned under. Amazing how many blocks I continue to find when I view this quilt! Hugs, Babette in Illinois

From: Joan Kiplinger <jkip@>

Does anyone know approximately when the kimono design first appeared on quilts — this would be a repeat design of a kimono image?

From: “J. G. Row”

I’ve looked closely at a number of early chintz applique (Broderie Perse) quilts and noted that many of them are done with what we now call raw edge applique.

I especially remember seeing one at Sumpter Priddy’s shop, displayed on an appropriate period bed, and spending a long time with it while DH was looking at everything else. It was done with a very tiny buttonhole stitch, by hand of course, and seem to have stood up well. I think condition all depends on how small and tight the stitches are, and the laundering history.

Judy, aka the Ringoes Kid judygrow@

From: Dana Balsamo

Hi Joan, I don’t see it in Brackman’s Pieced Quilt Patterns…might this be ‘newer’? I know there are several patterns available now. Fabric companies have come out with beautiful Japanese Inspired Fabrics, and with them books, and patterns. Here is mine, made of Japanese Sateens. My patterns date 1998 and 1999…not what I think you are looking for.

http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeANGLNoxbsmTCwg

Hugs, Dana Who is on a kick sharing her quilts today!

Joan Kiplinger <jkip@> wrote: Does anyone know approximately when the kimono design first appeared on quilts — this would be a repeat design of a kimono image?

Material Pleasures Affordable Vintage Linens, Lace, Textiles, Buttons & More! www.material-pleasures.com

From: Joan Kiplinger

Dana — that’s what I’m trying to determine. A few others have given 1990s dates, too, so it would appear kimonos in varying design are a very modern innovation so far.

From: “Debby Rake” <dsrake@>

Hi everybody– I am looking for information on kits for double wedding ring quilts, circa 1920–1940, that were made with solid color fabrics only, no prints. If you have catalogs, magazine advertisements, or any other reference, I would love to hear from you. Thanks! Deb Rake

From: “Karen Erlandson”

Judy, I too have seen some chintz appliqué with “raw edges”, most of what I have seen have never been washed . One of the new styles shows no buttonhole or blanket or zig-zag, but simply a straight line of stitching (small stitches) about 1/4 inch away from the raw edges of the appliqué design, so it will become frayed. there are several other raw edge methods out now – the flannel fringe quilts, denim, etc. This has led me to wonder how these will weather the years, given educated, but consistent use.

I appreciate the input from everyone. I am thinking about doing a straight line of quilting, then going back with a small zig zag stitch. I think it will still fringe sufficiently to give texture.

Thanks – Karen

From: Elpaninaro@

Good evening all,

Not sure if this is appropriate use for the forum- please let me know if it is not.

Today I found an AWESOME western Alexander Henry fabric- took all they had left. It is from 2004. I would really like a whole bolt of this for future use. It is perfect for backing as well as in a quilt design.

Can anyone suggest a good resource for Henry fabrics by the bolt?

Here is a link to a photo I took if that helps,

http://members.aol.com/elpaninaro/ahenry.jpg

Thank you,

Tom.

From: Feedsackfanatic@

Tom,

These shops all have your fabric, and I think hancocks-paducah.com would be your best bet to get a whole bolt:

hancocks-paducah.com thebestkeptsecret.com honeyforkfabrics.com strawberrypatches.com

Paula in GA

From: Elpaninaro@

Awesome! Thank you both for the links. Found just what I needed.

Take care,

Tom.

From: louise-b

I would say that either the late 80s or early 90s was when I first saw them. One of the quilters in our guild who was half-Japanese was making them at that time. Will check with her this week on the dates. Think they were showing up in the Japanese quilt magazine that our guild received at thtat time.

Louise Bequette — in mid-Missouri

From: “Andi Reynolds”

Thanks for mentioning my article, Judy. You and several others on the list were great help – the talents and willingness to share among this group are wonderful. Thanks, Kris, for making it possible. QNM is reviewing the piece now (they have a committee process just like museums do – I love that); even if they decided today to publish it, “soon” may be a year or longer, as they work quite far in advance. If they decline it, I’ll send it around until someone in the quilt world picks it up. In fact, my plan is to broaden the scope of the article to appeal to as wide a readership as possible, always keeping quilts in the copy. As articles are living things and a writer’s research is never done, any additional thoughts, perspectives, ruminations are welcome.

Andi in Keota, Iowa

From: Judy Schwender <sister3603@> Date: January 31, 2005 10:26:14 AM CST

A free-lance writer named Andi Reynolds contacted me about the topic of donating quilts. Hopefully her article will appearing QNM soon. One reply I sent to her was:

Next I suggest they consider local historic homes and buildings that may have need of period textiles.

And never forget, the owner must have clear title to the quilt.

I will also say that the term “permanent loan” is a BIG NO-NO in the museum world.

Judy Schwender

Curator of Collections / Registrar

MAQS

Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2005 07:00:56 -0500 | From: “Linda Heminway” <ibquiltn@>

Not a week goes by where this same topic does not come up. I just had a thought. There are many of you who are equipped, due to your research and knowledge, to really do something about this problem. It comes up time and time again. What about someone actually writing a book called “The REAL clues in calico” and talk about the “folklore” aspects of this? This book might talk about the plight of slaves, recognizing their bravery in escaping as well. This book might also remind people that some of the patterns supposedly used to direct slaves to certain places of safe haven where not even invented to well after the time period they are supposed to have been in use. This book might clearly talk about how actual slaves wouldn’t have access to fine fabrics, vs. scraps, etc. Also, what about offering (if you possess knowledge and information for “show and tell”) to go into schools and museums and do a “talk” on this subject. If this talk were done in a non-argumentative fashion, presenting facts and knowledge, this would be remembered and the myths might be finally recognized as myths? Seems to me that the only thing that will put a stop (and it will probably never truly stop, now) to this growing misconception is some really knowledgable people coming forth with the actual truth and research, etc. I know that many of you have tried, but who, among this group, has the most knowledge and is equiped to write a book? If a good book was available, it would invite this person to do things like teach, lecture and even be on Simply Quilts and that kind of thing. The word needs to get out in a “good” way, if that makes sense. It seems like many people here are talking about what happens after an incident occurs, when it’s too late to do something to stop this misconception. A proactive approach might be to really work towards re-educating. When I hear of a child making a project out of this and getting first prize, I recognize that she and her school and even the newspaper involved think this is true. They are probably very pleased at this being something historical and showing a wonderful civil rights kind of theme, particularly in these days when freedom in our world is such an issue, due to the Iraq situation, etc. What school and teaching staff would not be happy when child comes forth with this “wonderful” project and they feel it is truthful. It is up to those who possess the most knowledge to get the knowledge out, but not after the fact and in a negative way, but in a positive and educated fashion. At least the article in Cape Cod Times called Secret Stitches used phrases to indicate that there is no proof and this was a “belief”. I did not see an link about the article on the girl’s project, but would love to read it.

Linda Heminway Plaistow NH

Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2005 05:35:00 -0800 (PST) | From: Mary Anne Randall <sewmuch63@>

Would anyone venture a guess as to when bleached muslin came into common usage? I recently purchased a Double Irish Chain quilt top made with a solid red and natural, unbleached muslin. I wondered why the quiltmaker didn’t use bleached muslin but then had to wonder if it predates the common usage of bleached muslin. But when was that?

Mary Anne

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Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2005 09:20:28 -0500 | From: Joan Kiplinger <jkip@>

MaryAnne — bleacheries date back to the early 1800s in the US but from what I’ve read in textbooks, technology for non-yellowing whites first started around the mid to latter 1930s but took several more decades to develop the suitable whitefast fabric. I’ve heard over many years persons saying they prefer quality unbleached to bleached [other than bed linens] because yellowed white is a horrible color and too much trouble to try to maintain whiteness This in part may be answer to your question..

Mary Anne Randall wrote:

>Would anyone venture a guess as to when bleached >muslin came into common usage? I recently purchased a >Double Irish Chain quilt top made with a solid red and >natural, unbleached muslin. I wondered why the >quiltmaker didn’t use bleached muslin but then had to >wonder if it predates the common usage of bleached >muslin. But when was that? > > > > > >

Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2005 09:30:50 -0500 | From: Joan Kiplinger <jkip@>

I appreciate this information Louise and thank you in advance for taking the time to find out more about dates.

louise-b wrote:

> I would say that either the late 80s or early 90s was when I first saw >them. One of the quilters in our guild who was half-Japanese was making >them at that time. Will check with her this week on the dates. Think >they were showing up in the Japanese quilt magazine that our guild >received at thtat time. > > > > >

Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2005 08:05:08 -0800 | From: Laura Robins-Morris <lrobins@>

Even if you weren’t a quilt historian, wouldn’t you think the “story” a bit implausible? “Follow the north star”,” gather your tools”, “follow a zig-zag path”….. How’s that going to help someone travel hundreds of miles through unknown territory to an unknown destination? Marking a safe house with a quilt, I guess you could buy that one. But the rest? Surely other pragmatics would be sceptical of the idea and want more specifics? How can educators devour the story so completely? Where are the cynics and the common sense??! Laura in Seattle

Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2005 11:22:42 -0500 | From: Joan Kiplinger <jkip@>

Laura — as most on this list know, I know so very little about quilts. But when I read HIPV, I would have stopped at the dust jacket blurb about Ozella telling the author to come back in three years to learn the rest of the story. If it hadn’t been for all the investigation and knowledge of QHL people and their comments on the list, much of the conjecture in the book would have bypassed me, knowing nothing at all about quilt designs. But just using common sense, as you say, is enough to throw up smoke signals as one stumbles through this badly written book. And the “come back in three years” will always bring a chuckle; I’ve seen SciFi movies with better fantasy plots.. 😀

Also thank you for your comments re kimono dates.

Laura Robins-Morris wrote:

> Even if you weren’t a quilt historian, wouldn’t you think the “story” > a bit implausible? “Follow the north star”,” gather your tools”, > “follow a zig-zag path”….. How’s that going to help someone travel > hundreds of miles through unknown territory to an unknown > destination? Marking a safe house with a quilt, I guess you could > buy that one. But the rest? > Surely other pragmatics would be sceptical of the idea and want more > specifics? How can educators devour the story so completely? Where > are the cynics and the common sense??! > > >

Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2005 17:22:43 +0000 | From: “jocelynm@” <jocelynm@>

On February 1, 2005, Linda Heminway wrote: > Seems to me that the only thing that will put a stop (and it will probabl y > never truly stop, now) to this growing misconception is some really > knowledgable people coming forth with the actual truth and research, etc.

Linda, Alas, we all know about the cherry tree Washington chopped down. Yet Pastor Weems made that one up out of whole cloth. It, like HIPV, remains popular because it’s an emotionally appealing story and there are a lot of naive an d lazy people out there, who would rather believe a lie that makes them fee l good (or which comes with prepackaged class activities) than to stop and think for themselves about the huge gaps of illogic in the story, or who be lieve that if something is published in a book, it is definitely true. Thos e who believe one source as gospel aren’t likely to want to read articles disproving that source. It’s just sad that there are so many teachers who wi ll teach one point of view without reading the opposing sides.

From: Dana Balsamo

Was it this list that someone was inquiring about the Wool Quilt is Maine?

Here’s a link, it went to an unnamed museum:

http://www.antiquesandthearts.com/

y best, Dana

Material Pleasures Affordable Vintage Linens, Lace, Textiles, Buttons & More! www.material-pleasures.com

From: Xenia Cord

I have just learned that Laurine Sinema’s daughters are selling her collection of antique quilts and tops by appointment. They have placed a notice in a Phoenix-area “penny saver” type newspaper, and given two phone numbers.

I don’t feel comfortable putting the phone numbers out to the list, but if anyone who is interested in buying contacts me privately, I will give them the numbers that are in the ad.

Xenia

From: Edwaquilt@

Does anyone know if the Virginia Snow quilting designs are still under copyright.

Holice

From: “Suzanne Cawley”

Hi All!

I understand that lots of us from the Quilt History List have signed up for the one-day seminar on Arts of the Pennsylvania Germans. We should all have a grand time! Staff at the Heritage Center have asked me to post the following additional program that may interest those who live close enough to attend:

****************************************************

Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum, 717-299-6440 April 16, 2:00p.m. – 4:00p.m. Rachel Pellman lecture and tour of Lancaster Quilt and Textile Museum; “Amish Women and their Quilts” Cost: $15.00 per person ($13.00 Heritage Center members) The lecture, “Amish Women and their Quilts”, gives a brief historical basis for these treasures and places them within the social fabric of Amish women’s lives. The presentation provides factual information on antique Amish quilts along with colorful stories and experiences to make the quilts come alive. Please call to reserve your space. We expect this lecture to fill to capacity.

*****************************************************

Sounds like a wonderful program that would make for a nice “day trip”.

Suzanne Cawley In wild, wonderful Keyser, WV