July 7 – 10, 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:
- Authenticating Imported Baltimore Album Quilts — Members debate whether two eBay-listed quilts are genuine imports and discuss the tell-tale signs of import manufacture.
- How to Tell a Real Feedsack — A detailed exchange on stitch holes, fabric weight, and other clues used to authenticate genuine feedsack fabric versus reproductions. (see the article on the feedsack story)
- The Underground Railroad Quilt Code Myth Resurfaces — The recurring debate over the (unsubstantiated) Underground Railroad quilt-code legend begins again after a museum poster offer. (see the article on Underground Railroad quilts)
From: “weemsjm” <weemsjm@>
I have one of the posters on the way. I simply emailed them They asked how many I wanted.
You do not even have to pay shipping
From: Jccullencrew@
Hi, can you repost the web address please for the poster? I tried and tried with both of them but got no response. Thanks so much. Carol Grace
Date: Thu, 08 Jul 2004 20:08:15 -0500 | From: Gail Ingram <gingram@>
I am searching for a copy of Laurel Horton’s “Social Fabric.” Been to abebooks to no avail. ebay too.
I stupidly lent a friend a copy after she had begged and begged and I’ll be switched if she didn’t keep it so long, she thought she owned it and lent it to a friend who is now in Afghanistan on military duty as a nurse. So far in my life, I’ve never been able “not to speak to” anyone and never notice when someone is not speaking to me. But I’m working up the former talent on this one.
I know I’ll never get it back, so I’m on a serious search.
Please send suggestions to me privately.
Thanks, Gail Ingram
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 2004 22:02:30 -0400 | From: “Patchwork Secrets” <patchworksecrets2@>
Thank you everyone for your help identifying these quilts. They arrived today and are in pretty good shape as described! The base or housing part of the blocks are machine pieced with the single blade inserted then the house is appliquéd on the block and the remaining three blades appliquéd on also. The appliqué stitching looks similar to a basting stitch and is on top of the pieces instead of hidden or over lapping the edges of the appliqué. The blocks are then joined together by machine and they are hand quilted. The hand quilting is unusual to me also. It is quilted in the shape of one of those tear drop Christmas ornaments (if that makes any sense..lol) but the shapes are about 6 inches wide and 8 inches tall. It just has those semicircular shapes quilted and they are not joined together. Then beside each teardrop is a single line of quilting about 6 inches long. Just one single short line not touching or connecting to any of the shapes that are quilted. Weirdest thing I have seen…lol… They actually look like they may have at one time been a very large quilt which was cut down and made into two. The windmill blocks run all the way out to the edges and have been trimmed off square giving bits and pieces of blocks around the edges of the quilts. I did try laying them side by side to try matching the pieces of blocks but can’t seem to find the exact match. I find it interesting the blocks were chopped around the edges. One of the quilts has a few bad blocks along the top edge which I may be able to repair. The backing appears to be a thinner linen type cotton. The binding is also of this looser weave type fabric. They both have a very nice soft feel to them. The batting is cotton which looks like it may have done a little shifting in a few places but overall in very good shape. There are a few fabrics which have a patterned weave in them. I am not familiar enough with 40-50 era fabrics yet to be able to date these. I plan on getting a few pics tomorrow if anyone is interested I can upload them on a webshots or webpage for viewing. I think I got a pretty good deal too. Now to convince DH these are going to be perfect to hang in our pumpkin colored bedroom to cover the windows….lol.. He is a day sleeper and covered the windows in mirrored film then added black plastic on the inside so I can hang them safely with no worries about sun hitting them at all…VBG> Sharon in NC
http://home.earthlink.net/~patchworksecrets/patchworksecretsquiltpatterns/index.html
From: Judy Kelius <quilts@>
Barbara Brackman identifies the pattern as “Windmill,” published by the Old Chelsea Needlework Service which published columns under the Alice Brooks & Laura Wheeler names and also put out several booklets which are still available in some quilt shops today. The company started in 1933 – your quilts are 1930s or 1940s. Congratulations! They are really different ones.
From: “Virginia Berger”
Just a note of triva–there is a small mill in Western Nebraska (not the panhandle but more southwest) that sells flour in fabric sacks through regional grocery stores. I never bought any as I never needed 10 or 25 lbs of flour at a time! These sacks appeared to be cotton/poly percale and the prints/colors are more 1960’s looking.
Virginia
Date: Fri, 9 Jul 2004 07:45:45 -0400 | From: Debby Kratovil <kratovil@
I do know the difference between the real feedsacks and the new reproductions. I own a very large box stuffed full of the authentic ones, yet have been reluctant to use many of them because when they’re gone, they’re gone. To have the reproductions means that I can sew with abandon, get the same “look” without having to use up all my treasures. I sew for class samples, quilt show workshops and programs, and of course, for the magazine. I do appreciate the historical details this list provides and in no way meant to stir things up with questions about “bag holes” and thread count. This is probably why I usually remain a lurker – my postings can create a technical whirlwind that I hadn’t anticipated. My love for fabrics and quilts is greater than my love (and attention to) the historical details. I leave that to the experts, and I thank you for doing that with such precision. No rancor here – honest! Debby — Debby (with a “y” and not “ie”) Kratovil http://www.quilterbydesign.com Visit my workshops page for guild programs!
Date: Fri, 09 Jul 2004 08:33:01 -0400 | From: Jo Horsey <jhorsey@
I stupidly lent a friend a copy
Gail, I am sorry about your loss.I have done the same thing. I know this won’t help your present situation, but: I came across a wonderful invention or product called “The Book Lovers’ Borrow Book”. It has book marks on which you write your name to leave in the book you lend out, and a sort of stub that remains in the book so you can note the particulars of the book you lent, ie name of book, name of borrower, date. This was produced by Starrhill Press, Wash DC and the ISBN 0-913515-24-8 The phone number listed on the item is 202-686-6703, but heaven only knows how old that info is. The usual no affiliation, yadayada. I just know that so many folks on this list have irreplaceable reference books they want to keep up with- Hope this is okay,since it is slightly off topic. thanks, Jo, in Newnan
Date: Fri, 09 Jul 2004 07:45:38 -0700 | From: Laura Robins-Morris <lrobins@
Thanks, Karen for all the information on imported quilts and linens. I guess I notice only the $49 specials at Penneys and was unaware of the better qualily imports available. If it’s difficult for us to know everything that’s out there now, what ever will future quilt lovers do!
And thanks, Laurette, for the information on the Arch quilts. I wondered what that meant in the ebay listing. I googled Arch but there were so many variations — is it the garden catalog company? (Their web site didn’t help.) Googling “Arch quilts” brought up several ebay listings and an American quilter who made a commissioned quilt for the Arch auction in Milwaukee, whatever that is. But you settled the main point.
The Internet has so much information but always leaves me with more questions 🙂
Laura in Seattle
Date: Fri, 9 Jul 2004 08:29:22 -0700 | From: <chrisa@
They also sell flour in printed sacks here in California at regular grocery stores and markets.
Kim Wulfert www.antiquequiltdating.com
—– Original Message —– From: “Virginia Berger” <cifbanetins.net
Just a note of triva–there is a small mill in Western Nebraska (not the panhandle but more southwest) that sells flour in fabric sacks through regional grocery stores. I never bought any as I never needed 10 or 25 lbs of flour at a time! These sacks appeared to be cotton/poly percale and the prints/colors are more 1960’s looking.
Date: Fri, 9 Jul 2004 14:10:02 -0500 | From: “Susan Wildemuth” <ksandbcw@
Julie Silber came to the Quad Cities ((Iowa) – Davenport, Bettendorf – (Illinois) – Moline, Rock Island – add East Moline and Silvis into that mix) July 5th and 6th — to give a program sponsored by the Mississippi Valley Quilter’s Guild. I was not able to attend all the events, but the one I did attend was the 1-4 Show and Share at the Deere Carriage House in Moline, Illinois on the 5th.
Here are some of the highlights of the quilts we saw:
#1 Double Wedding Ring Quilt – circa 1940 – a choice scrap quilt featuring repetitive fabric choices — probably a combo of the scrap bag and some larger “store bought yardage ” of fabrics.
#2 Crazy Quilt – circa 1930 – a multigenerational family quilt with random cotton scraps.
#3 Victorian Wildlife Crazy Quilt – this amazing work of art made its way from PA. to Fulton, Illinois to the Quad Cities – this quilt is unique as each square contains a definite center design such as a lion, flower, etc (a picture of this quilt can be seen on the Iowa-Illinois Quilt Study Group’s QHL web page – click on first meeting)
#4 Pink and Tan Embroidered Strip Quilt – circa 1930 or 1940 – this quilt has a whisker/chin/beard guard and is from Miles, Iowa. The edges of the quilt are blanket-stitched and the overall pattern of this strip quilt is unique — a lively discussion ensued whether this quilt was foreign made, a rare quilt kit, or an original design. (a picture of this quilt can bee seen on the Iowa-Illinois Quilt Study Group’s QHL web page – click on second meeting)
If you do click on this quilt would you share if you have ever seen this pattern before and your thoughts about it’s origin?
#5 Tulip Basket Quilt – circa 1950’s – This is a red and green family quilt.
#6. Indigo and Muslin – 9- patch quilt – circa 19th century quilt top finished with 20th century quilting in the 1950’s.
#7 Cross Quilt – circa 1870 – double pink with Paisley backing from York County in beautiful condition.
#8 Snowball Quilt – Bright yellow scrap quilt form southeast Iowa/northern Missouri quilted around 1950, but the tope was probably pieced earlier.
#9 Crown of Thorns Quilt – circa 1996 – this was an opportunity quilt from California. The backing of the quilt featured a sailing boat and signatures.
#10 Scrap quilt sampler – 19th century fabrics mixed with 1940 fabrics — it appeared someone got the blocks and then added a border to them at a later date — it was quilted by a church group in the 20th century.
#11 Double Pink Quilt with green backing – circa 1870 – a Canadian quilt
#12 Flying Geese Crib quilt – circa 1835-1840 – this amazing quilt was done in the miniature flying geese pattern and separated by single strips – an amazing study of 1835-1840 fabric – a gorgeous mixture of fabrics.
#13 Snowball Quilt – circa early 20th century – a family quilt from Jackson County, Iowa – heavier fabric and a whisker guard – another lively discussion took place over the possibility that this quilt might have another quilt hidden in it’s batting.
#15 Embroidered Flower Quilt – Ruby Short McKim – Flower Newspaper Series – Circa 1920 or 30’s. Pastel or mint green sashing with white blocks embroidered in the center with a flower pattern from Ruby’s newspaper series.
#16 9 Patch Quilt with dust ruffle – circa middle 20th century – a family wedding quilt – a bright yellow dust ruffle with brown piping separating the main body of the quilt from the dust ruffle giving this wonderful 9-patch a unique — almost bedspread-like look.
Pictures were taken of each of the quilts and they are developed already — would be glad to scan and send any of the pictures of the quilts (privately or to a board) as the quilts are much prettier and more detailed than I have described them. Bravo to Julie Silber for the wonderful program and to the Mississippi Valley Quilter’s Guild for hosting her here in the Midwest. As stated earlier Quilt #3 and #4 can be seen on the following the IIQSG webpage
http://www.quilthistory.com/study/IAIL.htm
Also, thanks to everyone from the list who e-mailed me privately about the possible date of my petticoat from my June posting to QHL. I appreciate your help.
Sue in Illinois
Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 11:29:28 -0400 | From: Patricia L Cummings <quiltersmuse@
Good morning:
Just now, I was browsing through some ebay listings and found this one called “antique quilt from the underground railroad”, #6106970525. Looks like a “Turkey Tracks” quilt to me.
Now, I suppose I’ll have to go on a search to find out when these were first made. I should know this already, as I own an antique quilt of this type, but it is always good to check the dates that others have assigned to quilt patterns. The wording and description of this quilt are /very/ interesting. What do you think?
Pat
Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 11:52:43 -0400 | From: Patricia L Cummings <quiltersmuse@
Hi again!
Wow! Today is my day to revisit the topic of the Underground Railroad and quilts.
The posters I requested two days ago arrived via first class mail today. Any self-respecting quilt historian should ask for one of these, if only to keep on hand as proof of the involvement of the U.S. government in promoting what many of us have come to believe is a myth.
Perhaps these, too, will be “collectible” someday, especially since only 7,000 were issued. You will be amazed to see this poster.
If you have lost the contact information, it is conveniently posted for you at the end of my article in the “Historical Articles” section of my website. The article itself is entitled, “Symbolism in Quilts and the Underground Railroad: African Textile Traditions”.
Pat Cummings www.quiltersmuse.com
Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 12:33:49 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <JudyGrow@
When I requested my UGRR poster I got a message asking if I only wanted one!! I wrote back and said I’d take 20 and give them to my quilt study group.
My mail comes at 4PM today, so maybe my posters will be there.
Perhaps if each of us requested 10 – 20?
Judy Ringo judygrow@
Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 14:44:09 -0400 | From: “Peggy O’Connor” <mnocbrinet.com
Hopefully all the demand from QHL members for the UGRR poster won’t make the service think that they should print more of these! I liked Susan Seater’s letter requesting the poster, because she made it clear why she wanted it. Thanks, Susan. Peggy in NC
From: Joan Kiplinger
Judy and other poster requesters — it’s been in the news [or am I behind the times] today that Oprah has donated $1 million toward UGRR museum to be built along Ohio River — don’t know where. Wonder if there will be literature housed there on coded quilts. This may be another task for myth dispellers to find out and contact museum owners.
J. G. Row wrote:
When I requested my UGRR poster I got a message asking if I only wanted one!! I wrote back and said I’d take 20 and give them to my quilt study group. My mail comes at 4PM today, so maybe my posters will be there. Perhaps if each of us requested 10 – 20?
From: Patricia L Cummings
Dear Joan:
There is a museum opening in August in Cincinnati. Is this the same one, do you think?
Center for the Study of the Underground Railroad. Will open in the summer of 2004. http://www.freedomcenter.org/
Pat Cummings
Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 15:20:41 -0400 | From: Patricia L Cummings <quiltersmuse@
Sure enough!
http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/07/09/loc_artbrf.09.html
Pat
Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 15:23:20 -0400 | From: Joan Kiplinger <jkip@
Pat — that would have to be it; can’t see the coincidence of two new museums on the riverfront. 😀
Date: Sat, 10 Jul 2004 16:11:41 -0500 | From: Gail Ingram <gingram@
Mizrus Teddy Pruett and I spoke today and in consequence of all the UGRR posts, had an idea.
Let’s face it: it’s been a long time since the Civil War. The world has changed. New needs have arisen. Let’s move on.
And here’s one need we were thinking about—an Underground Railroad for Middle-Aged (we’re planning to live to be 120?) Women who have served their time, done their duties, reared their children, taken their pets to the vets regularly, put balanced meals on the table only to have children beg for BurgerKings and their husbands inquire into the ingredients IN that casserole. Women whose 33-year-old daughters still complain, “But you didn’t love me as much as you loved Brunhilde” or “I’ll never forget that time you swatted my derriere royale in the grocery store.” Or who find themselves changing both their parents’ and their grandchildren’s diapers at the same time.
All of you know what we mean—people who need to ESCAPE but who have Onstar on their vehicles or whose bankers would ask questions if they withdrew the family’s life savings in one lump sum or whose grown children would hire detectives to hunt them down and bring home the cash and jewelry. Or some whose automobiles simly won’t make it past the next town down the interstate.
Now this is a contemporary need to which all the UGRR information floating around could be put to use. And, at the same time, tested. We know, for instance, that our mugshots might appear on 2% milk cartons and McDonald bags, but would anyone notice a quilt draped over the front mailbox on a rural route or flown from surburban front-porch flagpole? And would families be clever enough to join together and fling quilts across azalea bushes to entrap the hopeful escapee? What about quiltshops: would the growing piles of laundry make the seekers stake out the likely haunts of such women? Maybe we could use all these posters members are ordering, instead of quilts. Much to consider here.
Admittedly many questions remain to be answered, but it’s time someone gave some serioous thought to them. If there’s a CIA retiree on the list, she should come forward. Or just anyone with a brain cell or two left and one or two critical thinking skills.
Teddy gets first ride. Others must line up behind her.
From North Louisiana, where the peaches and peas are in, Gail Ingram
The museum is in Cincinnati, and is already open, I think. Expect deeper historical thought and less “myth” from this museum; Cincinnati was the eventual home of Levi Coffin of UGRR fame, where he operated a “free trade” mercantile. He earlier lived in Fountaintown, Indiana, and was a prime mover in the Anti-slavery Friends, a splinter group of the Indiana Yearly Meeting. The Anti-slavery Friends went beyond simple abolitionist views, and refused to buy or sell products made with slave labor. The split between the ASF and the abolitionist Friends, who were simply for the abolition of slavery, was not healed for many years after the end of the War Between the States.
Xenia
