July 10 – 14, 2004
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:
- UGRR Quilt Myth Debate Heats Up — A satirical “Underground Railroad for middle-aged women” riff and pointed pushback keep the quilt-code myth discussion going. (see the article on quilt folklore)
- NQA Judge Certification — Members explain the process of becoming a certified National Quilting Association judge, and one member announces she’s just passed.
- Forming the Deep South Quilt Study Group — Gail Ingram describes organizing a new regional quilt study group covering Louisiana, Mississippi, and neighboring states. (see the article on quilt study groups)
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2004 13:16:51 -0500 | From: Marilyn Woodin <woodinkctc.net
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From: Marilyn Woodin <woodinkctc.net Date: July 11, 2004 1:06:01 PM EST Subject: [qhl] Fwd: amish show redone Reply-To: “Quilt History List” <qhl@
Here are some pictures–although not as clear as I would like–to show the wonderful quality of Midwestern Amish quilts hanging in the Kalona Quilt and Textile Museum inside the Kalona Historical Village in Kalona Iowa. If you would like more information call 3196563232–the museum or me 3196562555. It is a wonderful show of 3 collections from private collectors. Marilyn Woodin curator.
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From: mary v zielinski <mvzkctc.net Date: July 11, 2004 11:49:18 AM EST woodinkctc.net Subject: amish show redone
Here are some pictures–although not as clear as I would like–to show the wonderful quality of Midwestern Amish quilts hanging in the Kalona Quilt and Textile Museum inside the Kalona Historical Village in Kalona Iowa. If you would like more information call 3196563232–the museum or me 3196562555. It is a wonderful show of 3 collections from private collectors. Marilyn Woodin curator.
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2004 12:34:16 +0200 | From: Margareta.Faustcec.eu.int
Hello all, I’ve been trying my hand at netting this weekend. There are some appliqu=E9 chintz pieces on the quilt that needed protection. So far I have only pinned the net to the pieces. I suppose I should stitch them down following the edge of the original fabric? What do I do with a fairly large piece? Is it OK to stitch it down following the quilting (straight lines)? (I hope you see what I mean). Thankful for your advice, Margareta
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2004 10:12:47 -0700 (PDT) | From: Jackie Joy <joysbees@
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Gail wrote: “Oprah doesn’t strike me as a dummy. She doesn’t want to be associated with error, sentimental or otherwise.”
Has anyone contacted the producers of Oprah’s show to see if she would be interested in doing one on the Myths of the UGRR?
Jackie Joy
Date: Wed, 11 Aug 2004 12:52:01 -0400 | From: “Barbara Obaker” <bobaker@
What does one have to do to become certified as an NQA judge? Barb
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2004 02:00:21 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@
OH MY GOSH!
I can just hear Teddy and Xenia serenading us at AQSG with this ditty. Karen Alexander will make it a trio, perhaps with Dawn Heefner making a quartet. But, it is about how to do the Crazy Quilt dance, obviously, so you need to do something about getting your shimmy skirts ready and putting those taps on your shoes.
Definitely one of Harry Warren’s less memorable ditties, but of course you gals will make it special.
Judy Ringo judygrow@
http://www.harrywarren.org/songs/0079.htm
Date: Mon, 12 Jul 2004 23:36:23 -0500 | From: Jennifer Perkins <qltrstore@>
To answer the question about how one becomes a certified judge you could look at the NQA website under “Programs” and then “Judging”. http://www.nqaquilts.org/ It is a long process so be sure you really want to do it before undertaking it! The best way to start is to take the judging course taught at the NQA show. It is excellent, even if you just want to find out how to make your own quilts better. Let me know if you have more questions after looking at the website! Jennifer in western Iowa, close to the Omaha, NE airport!
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 08:58:43 -0400 | From: “Linda Heminway” <ibquiltn@>
Gail, loved your post regarding the “new” need for an underground railroad – show me where to go! I’m thinking of quilt block possibilities as I write this! How ’bout the Burger King or McDonald’s log with one of those “X” type of sings through it? I can envision the diaper changing of grandchildren and grandparent’s block as well, really intricate! Thanks for making my laugh a bit about my current lot in life…. I seldom post to this digest, but I am learning from you all! I bit of frivolity is so nice and I just had to make a remark! Linda in NH whose teenage children buy pizzas, having them delivered to the house when she slaves over a healthy dinner that gets thrown out. : (
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 11:56:51 EDT | From: RBCochran@
In a message dated 7/13/2004 12:17:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time, qhl@ writes:
Subject: Certified! From: Jennifer Perkins <qltrstore@> Date: Sun, 11 Jul 2004 23:29:27 -0500
Just wanted to let you know that I have just received my certification as an NQA judge! I am so excited! Please keep me in mind for judging opportunities in your part of the country! Jennifer
Congratulations, Jennifer! I know this took a lot of time and hard work. Good for you! –Rachel
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 12:27:50 -0500 | From: “PatchworkGirl” <emeraldcitygirl@>
Congratulations….what a great feeling! Celebrate and treat yourself to something special. Best Wishes, DianeL
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 12:41:49 -0500 | From: “PatchworkGirl” <emeraldcitygirl@>
I want to say I have really enjoyed reading the posts on this list. Very interesting information! I have been sewing since age nine and made my first full size quilt at age 17, so let’s just say I am half a century young. I love collecting and making quilts. I am wondering if there are any AQS or NQS certified teachers anywhere close to my area. I would love to be an ‘Apprentice” 🙂 Anyone in the North MS, West Al, South TN, or East AR areas? I am located in northwest MS, but would be willing to drive a little to learn more quilt history and about dating fabrics and quilts. Enjoy the hunt for unexpected treasures, DianeL
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 13:01:45 -0500 | From: Gail Ingram <gingram@>
Do you know about the Deep South Quilt Study Group? We organized last winter and plan to have 2 meetings a year. We have several teachers in the group and some folks with fine collections. You will learn about dating fabrics. We have two members in Huntsville area. Was hard to rope in the Mississippians! But we had two. Bunch of Texans, 5 Arkansans, rest from LA.
I live in Ruston, LA. Where do you live–Columbus area?
Gail Ingram
P.S. To learn about our first meeting go to www.quilthistory.com/study/
(Quoting Diane’s original post, “Any NQA or AQS Certified teachers or quilters in….”, in full below:)
I want to say I have really enjoyed reading the posts on this list. Very interesting information!
I have been sewing since age nine and made my first full size quilt at age 17, so let’s just say I am half a century young. I love collecting and making quilts. I am wondering if there are any AQS or NQS certified teachers anywhere close to my area. I would love to be an ‘Apprentice” 🙂
Anyone in the North MS, West Al, South TN, or East AR areas?
I am located in northwest MS, but would be willing to drive a little to learn more quilt history and about dating fabrics and quilts.
Enjoy the hunt for unexpected treasures, DianeL
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 15:24:29 -0500 | From: “PatchworkGirl” <emeraldcitygirl@>
Hello Gail, Thank you for the information about the Quilt Study Group. Yes, I am in Caledonia, just north of Columbus. I lived in Bastrop, LA in the past and in Mansfield, LA.
Ok, now I am going to the website. Diane
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 14:04:43 -0700 (PDT) | From: Rissa Peace Root <rissapeace@>
— PatchworkGirl <emeraldcitygirl@> wrote: Anyone in the North MS, West Al, South TN, or East AR areas? I am located in northwest MS, but would be willing to drive a little to learn more quilt history and about dating fabrics and quilts.
Well, I am in Jackson. 🙂 I generally travel for classes and conferences, but if I hear of any good workshops, I’ll let you know. Anita Shackleford was here just a few months ago, but I missed it. :-/ Rissa Peace Root http://www.prettyimpressivestuff.com
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 20:23:53 -0400 | From: “Ilene Brown” <ilene3@>
Did anyone else get photo files? I only got three emails with note pad text. Ilene
[Original Message] From: Marilyn Woodin <woodinkctc.net> To: Quilt History List <qhl@> Date: 7/11/2004 2:12:52 PM Subject: [qhl] Fwd: amish show redone
Here are some pictures–although not as clear as I would like–to show the wonderful quality of Midwestern Amish quilts hanging in the Kalona Quilt and Textile Museum inside the Kalona Historical Village in Kalona Iowa. If you would like more information call 3196563232–the museum or me 3196562555. It is a wonderful show of 3 collections from private collectors. Marilyn Woodin curator.
Begin forwarded message: From: mary v zielinski <mvzkctc.net> Date: July 11, 2004 11:49:18 AM EST To: woodinkctc.net Subject: amish show redone
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 21:37:06 -0400 | From: “Pam Weeks Worthen” <pamworthen@>
Dear QHL friends:
The Vermont Quilt Festival was wonderful fun this year, and a great learning experience. Highlights were Julie and Mary Silber, and their collections of Maverick and Indigo quilts, respectively. Julie gave a lecture on indigo on Friday night, introducing her mom, Mary, who celebrated her 90th birthday at the Festival.
I have to say that although the indigo quilts were elegant and plentiful, the Maveric collection was my favorite. From the funky use of wool in crazy and applique quilts to the wondeful “combo” blocks that combined elements from two or more patchwork patterns in the same quilt, to things that looked like mistakes but just couldnt’ have been. Most were eye-popping in use of color or screw-ball design, and I spent lots of time studying fabrics and color placement.
The antique quilt vendors seemed better than ever, (I have no affiliation with any of the following) from Cindy Rennels to Julie Silber to Sandy Crudgington’s booth where Judy Roche was assisting and everyone else I’m too tired to think of tonight. It was great fun to see Cinda nosing around the ReproductionFabrics.com booth and to meet owner Margo face to face and explain why my credit card never seems to work on the first try…..?
The ABC Quilts booth was busier than ever on Friday and Saturday, and we made about 60 quilts and some great contacts in AIDS education in Vermont. We were right across the aisle from the NE Quilt Museum table where we saw friends from Mass. and the American Quilt Study Group booth was womaned by Dawn Hefner and Kathy Metelica who signed up several new members.
Well, I guess this sounds a little bit too much like a quilt gossip column for the local small town paper. Sorry, but the people are as much fun as the quilts! I had a grand time, and look forward to next year.
I miss the place so much that on tonight’s walk, I dragged the dog up the 76 steps behind the UNH library, hoping there were more steps than from the lowest elevation exhibit at VQF to my dorm, but, no chance! Double that, and you might be close!
If you like new and old quilts and aerobic exercise in between exhibits, don’t miss next years VQF!
Pam in NH where tonight’s monsoon should keep me from watering for a day or two.
Date: Tue, 13 Jul 2004 20:43:32 -0500 | From: Barbara Woodford <haq@>
Hey, hey, A friend was writing up a thing about quilts for an exhibit and found this. http://www.harrywarren.org/songs/0079.htm Barb Woodford
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2004 09:27:14 -0400 | From: “Nancy Roberts” <aquilter@
I’ve noticed very attractive buildings in a lot of small communities around Central Florida with signs indicating they are the Woman’s Club. I think it’s Woman’s rather than Women’s, but in an internet search, I found it both ways. Anyhow, the buildings are architecturally appealing. I see on the web that most are part of a larger organization known as the General Federation of Women’s (or Woman’s?) Clubs and that they have various “Departments” which reflect efforts in areas like education, arts, home life, conservation. They’ve been in existence in FL since the late 1800s. And they are present in other states as well. My questions for members of the Deep South Quilt Study is this: Do you know of a connection between these clubs and quilt history? Are any historic quilts attributed to the efforts of the organization? Do you know the story behind their charming buildings? I wondered if the buildings might have been constructed as part of the CCC efforts of the Depression era. Every time we spot one of these centers in communites like Alachua, Palatka, Trenton, and others, my curiosity is piqued. Southern connection, can you shed light? Thanks. Nancy Roberts
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2004 09:57:26 -0500 | From: Gail Ingram <gingram@
Nancy,
Goggling (e.g.,http://rotaryhistoryfellowship.org/women/issues-early/womensclubs.htm) suggests that their early purposes seemed to be less domestic than quilting groups. They were part of the general movement of upper-middle-class women to elevate the living conditions of women and childen and the communities in which they lived. I found it interesting to note at Rotary site (above) that ‘men’s clubs later took up their causes.’
The architecture is a different thing. Look on the cornerstones of these buildings to see if you can find construction dates, architect in order to research.
Or ask state architectural boards.
They appear to have been established first in more affluent areas and to have been rather like the Junior League, but perhaps more bookish and political.
My own experience suggests that such clubs would have been unlikely to have had quilting departments for members themselves. Church and neighborhoods seemed to be the source of most quilting groups in this region. Can’t say in general.
Why don’t you contac national headquarters? Would be interesting to know.
Gail Ingram
From: “Nancy Roberts” <aquilter@ Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2004 09:27:14 -0400 Deep South Quilt Study
I’ve noticed very attractive buildings in a lot of small communities around Central Florida with signs indicating they are the Woman’s Club. I think it’s Woman’s rather than Women’s, but in an internet search, I found it both ways. Anyhow, the buildings are architecturally appealing. I see on the web that most are part of a larger organization known as the General Federation of Women’s (or Woman’s?) Clubs and that they have various “Departments” which reflect efforts in areas like education, arts, home life, conservation. They’ve been in existence in FL since the late 1800s. And they are present in other states as well. My questions for members of the Deep South Quilt Study is this: Do you know of a connection between these clubs and quilt history? Are any historic quilts attributed to the efforts of the organization? Do you know the story behind their charming buildings? I wondered if the buildings might have been constructed as part of the CCC efforts of the Depression era. Every time we spot one of these centers in communites like Alachua, Palatka, Trenton, and others, my curiosity is piqued. Southern connection, can you shed light? Thanks. Nancy
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2004 12:49:21 -0500 | From: Gail Ingram <gingram@
For those of you who, like me are also captivated by the embroidery arts in their many forms, may I suggest a peek at the www page of our new (?) formerly quiet member, Rissa Peace Root=AD=AD=AD=AD=AD www.prettyimpressivestuff.com?
It includes some terrific ideas that might easily translate into more conventional quilting and especially lift crazy quilting to another level.
Gail
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2004 14:00:59 EDT | From: DDBSTUFF@
I’d love to see those Iowa Amish Quilt pictures. I have written directly to Marilyn Woodin to post them on the eboard but have not heard anything in return. If anyone got them, would they kindly post them on the eboard? Lots of us would appreciate it I’m sure…
Darwin
