June 16 - 28, 2006 - QuiltHistory

Quilt Block History, Quilt History Resources, Quiltmaking Techniques & Construction

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:

Lapboards for Quilting — A Pennsylvania library finds a 19th century quilting lapboard, and members describe their own family and modern versions.
Where the Word “Quilt” Comes From — A question from Chile brings answers on the Latin culcita, Old French cuilte and the Spanish colcha.
Horse Hair in Upholstery — The horse hair thread continues with memories of stuffed couches and a conservator’s warnings about mildew and insects.
Native American Quilts and Star Patterns — A curator corrects a photo caption and offers her view on where a Shelburne Museum star quilt was made.
Vermont Quilt Festival Meetups — Members compare plans for the festival, from working with judges to hanging antique quilts.
AQSG Materials and Seminar Planning — Clarification on reaching AQSG research materials at the University of Nebraska libraries, plus October seminar logistics.

Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 02:34:20 -0400 | From: Marsha MacDowell <macdowel@>

Couple of things regarding Native American quilts.

1. Regrettably, the photo of Red Cloud’s wife was mislabelled in the book To Honor and Comfort. If we ever reprint the book it will be one of the very few errors that slipped through and that will be corrected.

2. I don’t know where the attribution to the Shelburne quilt came from but it is now my assessment that it was most likely made on the Leelanau Peninsula of Michigan, based on what we now know about quiltmaking in that area and having been able to locate several quilts very similar to the Shelburne one. Two of the similar ones are in the collection of Michigan State University Museum and were illustrated in the publication Michigan Quilts. The publication also carried an illustration of a a 1930s Detroit News illustration of another one.

3. Mary Waller is absolutely correct in her assessment. To expand: all the Red Cloud photo tells us is that star quilts were present in the life of Sioux people at the time the photo was taken and that they were used as a bed covering. To Honor and Comfort includes historical and contemporary photos of quilts being used for other everyday purposes as well as more ceremonial purposes.

Marsha MacDowell Professor, Art and Art History Curator of Folk Arts Michigan State University Museum

PS: Some of you might be also interested in basketweaving and might want to see this year’s Smithsonian Folklife Festival. I have worked with a nation-wide group of advisors on curating a program called “Carriers of Culture: Living Native basket Traditions.” This project got its start while doing research with Native quilters, a number of whom were also basketweavers. See http://www.folklife.si.edu/festival/2006/Basketry/ for more information about this partnership activity of Michigan State University Museum, National Museum of the American Indian, and Smithsonian Institution Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage.

PPS: Copies of both Michigan Quilts and To Honor and Comfort are still available via the MSU Museum. Go to http://museum.msu.edu/ and then MTAP Store at top.

Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 08:23:53 -0400 | From: tracy jamar <tjamar@>

We had cushions for some of the furniture that was stuffed with horse hair at the family log cabin built in 1898 in northern Wisconsin. It’s the mane and tail hair of the horse not the coat hair that is used. It was much preferred than other choices as it maintained it’s shape better, it was easy to clean or air out, dried quickly and therefore more sanitary, didn’t mildew or mold, didn’t harbor insects, moths or attract rodents as it wasn’t a good nesting material for them.

When that furniture was replaced I kept one of the cushion innards, cut it in half and sent one part to a friend who had been looking for such a thing for a museum setting and kept the other half for my own presentations.

I imagine if it were used in a quilt it would be a utilitarian quilt that was tied. You could get bulk for insulating value without the weight that a thick cotton batting would have. I don’t ever remember it being scratchy or having any of the hairs poking out of it and as kids we were always sitting on them in swimming suits and the like.

Hope that helps,

Tracy Jamar Jamar Textile Restoration Studio, NYC

Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 08:51:13 -0400 | From: joan kiplinger <jkip@>

My parents couch, bought in the mid-1920 had stuffed horse hair pillows. They were very soft, tended to get lumpy during rainy days and had to be shook and smoothed to even out; they also produced a slighty unpleasant odor. Also overweight people left quite a “well” which required intense shaking and smooting. While the padding was firmly packed, I don’t remember cushions as being exactly comfortable and inviting to sit on for very long. I wonder if quilts stuffed with horse hair had any odor problems.

tracy jamar wrote:

Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 06:34:04 -0700 | From: “Judy Anne” <anne_j@>

Meg,

I have some short articles on my sites about this. They are written more for the person new to quilt history. You will need more than that but they have links and references to books that you can use.

If you go to http://www.womenfolk.com/historyofquilts/articles.htm you can then go to the article on Colonial quilting, broderie perse, wholecloth quilting and medallion quilts.

I’m glad you asked about the earliest quilt though. It started an interesting discussion.

Judy Anne

Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2006 12:18:14 -0700 | From: “Margaret Geiss-Mooney” <mgmooney@>

Good afternoon, QHLers — As a textile conservator, I have witnessed many times horse hair used in upholstered furniture/cushions that is mildew/mouldy, insect eaten and/or used as bedding for rodents (especially if the furniture piece is stored away someplace). Regards, Margaret (Meg) Geiss-Mooney Textile/Costume Conservator Professional Associate, AIC mgmooney@

—–Original Message—–

better, it was easy to clean or air out, dried quickly and therefore more sanitary, didn’t mildew or mold, didn’t harbor insects, moths or attract rodents as it wasn’t a good nesting material for them.

Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 07:13:11 -0400 | From: tracy jamar <tjamar@>

“… many times horse hair used in upholstered furniture/cushions that is mildew/mouldy, insect eaten and/or used as bedding for rodents (especially if the furniture piece is stored away someplace).”

The cabin was closed for nine months every year. In the summer when we went back to it I remember my mother wondering what damage the mice, squirrels and moths had done over the winter despite her attempts to thwart them. Those cushions were always untouched and they had been left out as they were too big for a trunk. Guess we gave the creatures more preferable things to use.

“… they also produced a slighty unpleasant odor.”

Joan, maybe that’s where my love of all things connected with horses stems from! I had forgotten about that but on really humid days there was a “fragrance”. However, I didn’t find it objectionable, it may have been a trigger for my girlhood horse fantasies.

Thanks, Tracy Jamar

Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 08:21:28 -0400 | From: joan kiplinger <jkip@>

Tracy — my dad swore if the couch were taken apart, they would find a dead horse. I can’t quite picture horse hair stuffing in quilts; they must have become quite overwhelmingly pungent at times, unless there was a way of “perfuming” them — a good airing out in freezing weather, perhaps?? After the end of WWII, my parents had the couch recovered, horse hair having become unshiftable and permanently lumpy, and coil springs sprung. Stuffing [no horse found] was replaced with the new miraculous rubber foam, guaranteed to last a lifetime. Ironically, this stuff dried, crumbled and smelled worse than any horse factory, and had to be replaced about 5-6 years later. Perhaps some of you might remember that early foam??? But back to the topic, and forgive me if I overlooked any posting of this question, but are there any examples of horse hair quilts today?? And was/is all horse hair quality the same?? My hats off to those who endured having such quilts.

tracy jamar wrote:

Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 05:48:02 -0700 (PDT) | From: Pat Cummings <pat@>

Hello, everyone,

Thanks for all of your answers to my question about horse hair used to stuff quilts. So, far, I think we have mainly (manely?) been discussing upholstery cushions.

The reason for my inquiry is that one of my readers contacted me to ask how prevalent the practice of using horse hair in quilts is, and how often I have seen examples of this. I have never seen an example, but wondered if anyone else had.

The weekend here is looking glorious, so far. Nice to see the sun shining.

Thanks again,

Pat Cummings www.quiltersmuse.com

Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 12:37:54 -0400 | From: joan kiplinger <jkip@>

Pat — Thanx for clarifying that nothing has been said so far regarding such quilts. There have been several interesting threads at the same time so I thought I may have overlooked a post or two about such quilts in trying to keep track of topics. The interesting thing about comments regarding horsehair upholstry is that given their physical properties and attractions, that could be an indication of why no quilts might exist today. Just a thought about piecing quilting history together.

Pat Cummings wrote:

Thanks for all of your answers to my question about horse hair used to stuff quilts. So, far, I think we have mainly (manely?) been discussing upholstery cushions.

Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 15:09:15 -0700 | From: “Judy Anne” <anne_j@>

According to Brackman it appears the Lone Star/Star of Bethlehem quilt has been around since early in the 1800s. (by various names) I know they were often made with templates but were they ever made using the English paper piecing method. It occurred to me that since early hexagon quilts were made with English paper piecing perhaps the diamonds in the Lone Star were done that way too. I’d love to hear any history of how these quilts were made over the years. I just finished a class from Jan Krentz making the lone star diamonds by strip piecing which has me thinking about the evolution of the Lone Star.

Judy Breneman

Date: Sat, 17 Jun 2006 16:40:06 -0700 | From: “Alan” <alan@>

I don’t know abou the history, but I do know I have one from about 1830.

Alan

Date: Mon, 19 Jun 2006 | From: deedadik@

Hi all, I have worked behind the scenes on the antique road show many years ago – my son’s company is the sponsor. When I took two of my quilts to the textile appraiser, they were not knowledgable of quilts and their care. If Sally were the one, you would get very good information! Just depends upon who is there on any particular day. Dee — Dee Dadik Certified Appraiser of Quilted Textiles 5689 Concord Hill Dr. Columbus, Ohio 43213 614-861-0478 Web site: deedadik.home.att.net

From: “Lucinda Cawley”

I’m hoping to get to the VQF and am wondering how many of you will be there. Cinda on the Eastern Shore

From: Mitzioakes@

I will be there most of the week – Monday I am working with antique quilts, Weds. I am working with judges, and probably will be white gloving on Friday! Come one and all – it appears that this might be the big one for VQF what with their new location and Air Conditioning!!!!!!! Mitzi of Vermont

From: CRantquilt@

HI Cinda and anyone else that will be making it to the Vermont Quilt Festival… New location and ,,,yes,, real AIR conditioning in the exhibit halls.. And of course Shelbourne Museum nearby. It will probably be cold this year,, but that will be fine. Looking forward to it. Hope to see you there.. Cindy Rennels

Cindy’s Antique Quilts http://www.cindysantiquequilts.com

From: Anita Loscalzo

Hi, to anyone coming to VQF!

Please visit me at the New England Quilt Museum table in the “non-profits” area of the exhibits at the Exposition Center. I’d love to see/meet you.

Anita

From: Mitzi Oakes

Will try to stop by – I will be working with Richard Cleveland on the antiques on Monday, with the Judges on Weds., and will white glove on Friday. Hope to find a way somewhere to go and see things myself….think it is going to be a good show. Mitzi Oakes

From: Candace Perry

I love to report unusual additions…today, a lapboard for quilting, which probably dates to the the mid-late 19th century, well worn, made out of one wide board (which alone helps date it!). We have a hunch we know who owned it originally. Very wonderful! Candace Perry Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center

From: Jan Thomas

Current Exhibitions at the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum:

Gallery 1 – The Opal Frey Gallery Joan Sowada: Portraiture in Fiber

Originally from CA, Joan currently lives on the northern plains of Wyoming. For 34 years, Joan has used the fabric medium to create her artwork. The last six years she has made stunning art quilts. Joan prefers to “visually explore the relationship of people with one another, and with their environment. I am excited by the rhythm and harmony of this connection.” 25 exciting and moving quilts are on exhibit.

Gallery 2 Crazy About Crazy Quilts

Experience a timeline of Crazy Quilts in the context of Victorian rooms. See the beginnings, the changes and the modern interpretations of these old favorites. In addition to pieces from the RMQM Permanent Collection there are several quilts on loan from private collectors and institutions. 10 have documented Colorado provenance. We owe our gratitude to several QHL members for sharing their wonderful quilt collections with the museum for this exhibit. Thank you Cindy Brick, Teddy Pruett, Kim Wulfert and Lorie Stubbs for your help and your quilts and to Roberta Benvin for the wonderful ‘Original Leaf Applique’ from Dean and Mina Hersey, shown in the York Co. PA documentation book.

These exhibits will close on August 12, 2006. See the museum web site for details. _www.rmqm.org_ (http://www.rmqm.org)

Thanks, Jan Thomas

From: “Kathy Moore”

In response to recent confusion and concern about accessing the AQSG collection materials at the UNL libraries, I have a statement sent to me by a UNL librarian about how to do this and the rationale for the policies.

Please save this information on your computer’s hard drive in a special folder and save a hard copy for future reference.

AND, I would advise you all to take a copy of this information with you to your library so the research librarian can learn about the collection and the procedures available to you.

Also, Julia Z., since you’ve asked for input on the new webpage, it would be really nice if you could include this information on the website–maybe establish a link and a separate page on the webpage– so people could access this information when they need it.

Here is the information. I hope it helps.

Best wishes, Kathy Moore Lincoln, NE

Access to the AQSG Research Library at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln

The AQSG Research Library is composed of approximately 5000 books, journals, and exhibition catalogs. The majority of books, journals, and national newsletters are located at the C.Y. Thompson (CYT) Library on the East Campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL). The CYT collection includes books, newsletters from quilt guilds and organizations throughout the United States, journal and magazine publications, and selected multimedia materials. Each of these items has been cataloged and is a part of the UNL Libraries online catalog. Tips for search and retrieving quilt-related materials are provided online (http://www.unl.edu/libr/libs/cyt/quiltstudy.html).

Another part of the Quilt Research Collections is the AQSG administrative records and research materials and ephemera collections developed by AQSG and Sally Garoutte. These collections are located in the Archives and Special Collections, in Love Library on the University of Nebraska city campus. Additional materials include the papers and records of quilt historians, quilt makers, and quilt guilds and associations, and selected collections of textile swatches. The papers include correspondence, newsletters, press releases, news articles, exhibit posters, photographs, slides, swatch books, a wide variety of quilt-related materials, and materials on textiles. Materials noted as ephemera include catalogs, pamphlets, posters, and announcements. Online finding aids for the materials assist in providing access to interested patrons and researchers (http://www.unl.edu/libr/libs/spec/).

AQSG recognized the need for materials to be made available to the entire membership, regardless of their location. In the gift agreement, AQSG and the Libraries agreed that interlibrary loan would be available to AQSG members at reduced fees or with charges waived if possible. The requesting library may charge for return postage and may also charge to process interlibrary loan requests. All of the materials at CYT are circulated to students, faculty, and the general public and also made available through interlibrary loan. In addition, items from Sally Garoutte’s personal library, rare books, and exhibition catalogs housed in Archives and Special Collections are available through inter-library loan under exceptional situations and on a case-by-case basis. Materials from Special Collections are loaned only to a special collection reading room at the borrowing library.

AQSG members should request interlibrary loan through their local libraries. Please have interlibrary loan staff note on the request that the materials are part of the American Quilt Study Group Research Library. Journal articles are usually delivered electronically. Books and other materials are mailed to the requesting library. For books and other materials sent to the requesting library, the patron pays return postage. Staff at the requesting library sometimes charge patrons to process interlibrary loan requests.

The University Libraries welcome donations of quilt-related materials to the Quilt Research Collections. For donations to the collections or more information about the Quilt Research Collections, please contact Mary Cassner at the CYT Library (Phone (402) 472-4409 or email at mcassner1@) or Mary Ellen Ducey at the University Archives (Phone (402) 472-5076 or email at mducey2@).

From: “J. G. Row”

Candace,

Please explain the function of the lapboard — what does it look like? How was it used?

Thanks,

Judy, in Flemington NJ aka The Ringoes Kid

From: Sandra G Munsey

Tell us, Candace, what does this lapboard look like. Are there markings on it? Is it shaped?

My Grandmother Drake owned a lapboard for sewing. Since I never knew her to quilt (although I think she may have tied quilts with her in-laws), she used it when sewing garments. It was also perfect to use as a game board because it was wide enough to be supported on the arms of a Morris chair – probably about 4 feet x 2 feet with a convenient curve cut out so that it fitted around one’s body. It also worked quite well propped up by pillows on either side when a kid was sick in bed to use for games and puzzles. The board was quite light in weight, although rigid. It had a printed measuring “tape” conveniently located part way up the board. I think it disappeared when my uncle sold the contents of the house to an auctioneer. It was definitely pre-WWII and probably pre-WWI or thereabouts. My grandmother did a great deal of Red Cross knitting and sewing for both wars, some of which was done in “bees”. The lapboard was light enough for easy portability.

There must be more of these lapboards tucked in corners and forgotten in attics.

Sandra on Cape Cod

Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2006 12:02:47 EDT | From: TEXTIQUE@

I hope this doesn’t fall under the ‘cross posting rule’ but all of us at the Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum want to congratulate our member and friend, Pat Moore, for her article ‘Laura Weaver: Her Story’…. published in the last issue of AQSG’s newsletter “Blanket Statements”. It is a sad story of murder, abuse and a quilt. One more reason to join AQSG and get their newsletter. Well done Pat!

Your friends at RMQM

From: “Candace Perry”

I’m delighted you’re interested! The board is handmade…36″ long, 19″wide with a 15″ half oval cutout. It is stained (I’m not a wood person so wood identification always eludes me) soft wood. The work area, in front of the cutout, is so worn that it appears to be bleached. There are marks on it that look like the user was repeatedly tracing a template of some sort. A little provenance: it is thought that the original owner was a maiden lady named Lucina Schultz, who was something of a paragon among the late 19th century Schwenkfelders (for more info if you don’t know my spiel by now www.schwenkfelder.com) We have a large amount of needlework — non quilt — by her. I just acquired a sampler/friendship quilt for the museum from the Morphy Auction of the PA Textile Museum collection that includes Lucina’s name…so how fortuitous that I may also have her lapboard. How something so simple could be so very cool, I do not know. Candace Perry Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center —–Original Message—– From: Sandra G Munsey Sent: Friday, June 23, 2006 8:00 AM To: Quilt History List Subject: [qhl] Re: Lapboard – Heritage Center Collection

Tell us, Candace, what does this lapboard look like. Are there markings on it? Is it shaped?

There must be more of these lapboards tucked in corners and forgotten in attics.

Sandra on Cape Cod

From: Pat Kyser

I have a contemporary lap board: very lightweight, made of thin masonite (1/8″ ?) with a hard white surface like formica on one side. It is 24″ x 40″ with the same oval cut out Candace described. Have no idea where it came from, which probably means one of my girls had it when she was in college and left it with me. I know I’ve had it since the late 70’s or early 80’s. Great for hand work while watching/ listening to TV and sitting in an arm chair, though since I acquired a dedicated quilting room, I don’t use it as much.

Pat in Alabama

From: “Andi” <andi0613@>

In the upcoming issue of Pieces of Time (available in August) there is a photo of a lapboard from the Reif Collection of spool cabinets housed at the Kalona Quilt & Textile Museum. Its shape and size appears to be similar to Candace’s description (I’ve only seen the photo). This lapboard has the Corticelli Thread Company’s cat mascot decaled in the center with the words “Corticelli spool silk.” Other photos of spool cabinets and articles by Marilyn Woodin and me show/explain how thread companies decorated such items to remind women of their brands. I’m sure Mr. Reif knows more about its provenance; it appears to either be in excellent original condition or has been refinished, which he likes to do.

Andi in Keota, Iowa

Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 17:12:03 -0700 (PDT) | From: Pat Cummings <pat@>

Dear friends,

Not to leave out any interested parties, I thought I would tell you about the three part article that I have posted about a special Baltimore Album quilt that sold recently.

To read it, visit my educational website. There are links from the front page to the specific pages involved.

Enjoy.

Pat Cummings www.quiltersmuse.com

Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 22:26:17 -0700 (PDT) | From: karenquilt@

Stumbled across this on the web tonight.

Quilts on display at Kiln Library, Picayune, MS

Quilts belonging to Mary Lee Bergeron of Bay St. Louis are currently on display at the Kiln Library through the end of the month. Bergeron was a Southern Baptist Missionary in Peru for 16 years, read books about quilting and was able to teach women in Peru. These quilts are exquisitely beautiful and tell stores about their families and their culture on the back.

More than 170 quilts were rescued nine days after Katrina. The public is invited to view the display at the Kiln Public Library. More information is available by calling 255-1724.

Date: Sat, 24 Jun 2006 22:19:57 -0700 (PDT) | From: karenquilt@

Did anyone see the article about Virginia Avery in the NYT — West Chester section today? Her Induction Day is three weeks from today but celerbation begins two days earlier. come see the quilts and join us in our Jazz Jam Session on Friday night!! It’s going to be a Hot Time in the Ole Town Friday Night during Celebration this year!! I know many from the MidWest Quilt Study Group will be there! Hope to see some of the rest of you there as well! Karen Alexander

The Quilters Hall of Fame Celebration 2006 in Honor of Virginia Avery July 13-16 in Marion, Indiana (765) 664-9333 Registration form on website at www.quiltershalloffame.org

THURSDAY – JULY 13 • Yvonne Porcella All-Day Workshop: Flexible Fusible Fantasy Fabric Pictures. • Eleanor Burns All-Day Workshop: Pink Lemonade. • Tour of WWII Quilt Exhibit with quilt historian Sue Reich (repeated Friday and Saturday) • Georgia Bonesteel – walk-through of Heartland Exhibit (repeated Friday and Saturday) • Sue Reich: Quilts & Quiltmakers of Connecticut and Their Stories 1759-1950 • SHOW & TELL with Georgia Bonesteel FRIDAY – JULY 14 • Tour Honoree Exhibit with Virginia Avery • Book Signing: Honorees, teachers and QHF Research Associates • Virginia Avery slide Luncheon/Lecture – Woman, Minding Her Own Business • Yvonne Porcella Lecture: Variations on a Theme Begin with inspiration from ancient textiles, add artistic expression, stir in a big dose of creativity and enjoy the powerful art generated by different hands, influenced by the same theme. • Fund Raiser JAZZ JAM SESSION – invited musicians with Virginia Avery at the piano • Eleanor Burns Lecture – Sun Bonnet Sue • Live & Silent Auctions SATURDAY JULY 15 • Yvonne Porcella Workshop (half-day) Quick Clips Hand Appliqué. • Sue Reich Workshop: Quiltmaking That Saw Us Through the War Years. • Virginia Avery Luncheon, Open Mic & Virginia Avery Induction Ceremony • Eleanor Burns Lecture – Egg Money Quilts • Art Quilt Panel: Stories and Benchmarks: The Art Quilt Movement with Virginia Avery, Yvonne Porcella, Bets Ramsey, Donna Wilder, Katie Pasquini Masopust (just added) and Georgia Bonesteel moderating

From: “Newbie Richardson”

Dear List, The Costume Society of America – Southeast Region, ( the dress equivalent of AQSG) announces it’s annual symposium in Alexandria,VA August 4, 5, & 6, 2006. Highlights of the offerings are Keynote speakers Sally Queen and Vicki Berger, authors of the just released CSA Guide to Clothing and Textile Collections in the United States, giving us behind the scenes tales of their adventures in compiling the information on all the collections they visited. We will have scholarly papers on matters pertaining to historic and contemporary dress. Pre and Post symposium activities include museum tours, workshops on design ideas and mounts for historic clothing and textile exhibitions, how to recreate historic hair fashions, and how to locate grants specifically for clothing and textile needs.

Complete downloadable brochure and registration form are available at:www.costumeandtextile.net – click on the CSA symposium link halfway down the main page.

For more information about the Guide, the first comprehensive review of publically available clothing and textile collections, go to www.costumesocietyamerica.com and follow the links to publications.

Shameless commercial plug: if anyone on the list would like to purchase a copy of the Guide ( I saw a number of list member’s institutions listed as I paged through my copy) let me know. Any sales generated via my symposium kicks back money to my Region so we can continue to support our students with scholarships and awards.

A.Newbold “Newbie” Richardson (Symposium Chair – yikes!) The Costume and Textile Specialists Appraisals, Conservation, & Exhibition Alexandria and Richmond, VA 703-684-0863/804-261-4998 www.costumeandtextile.net

Date: Sun, 25 Jun 2006 8:28:56 -0700 | From: <suereich@>

Memorial Day to Flag Day to the 4th of July represents five very patriotic weeks in our Country. Forever, June 28th, the anniversary of my son’s crash will also occur during this time period. (Ironically, June 28, 1989 – sixteen years earlier was “R Day” at West Point. “R Day” is Report Day when the new cadets or Plebes arrive at West Point and their parents hand them over to Uncle Sam.)

During the past year, so many of you have reached out to our family in countless acts of kindness and concern. The ripple effect of my own son’s sacrifice has at times and continues to overwhelm our family. As this first heart-wrenching anniversary approaches, we have once again been showered with cards from family and friends, known and unknown, and flowers expressing love and support. Three more memorials are being planned at places Stephen’s life intersected with since he left our parental care. The goodness of this one soldier’s life has echoed across the world not only with memorials but also with quilts made for wounded soldiers, bridges rebuilt, letters to those on today’s battlefields, scholarship monies to now fatherless children, books of dedication, support for grieving military families, awards to outstanding citizens and students, children named in his honor, this list goes on forever.

For the past three years, I have been presenting a lecture about WW II era quiltmaking. Currently, these quilts are on display at the American Museum of Science and Energy in Oakridge, TN. From there they will be shown at the Quilter’s Hall of Fame in July and possibly the AQS Quilt show in Nashville, also in July. In constantly updating my presentation I found the following web site. It is a song called “Before You Go.” Click on the link and then click on “Click here to begin.” http://www.managedmusic.com/viewopen.htm

This site is dedicated to the Veterans of WWII and the “Greatest Generation.” It could, however, easily be applied to soldiers of any war. Please view it and pass it on to those who have served our country both on the battle front and on the home front. We know that this week our family will be in your good thoughts and prayers, and believe me when I say that we need all the good thoughts and prayers you can give. Our wish is that if you know a veteran of any War, soldier, or a military family whose loved one is now deployed; please, take a moment to thank them. This is not always an easy thing to do. But at least they will know that you somehow understand their contribution and sacrifice to our Country’s freedoms. Stephen’s death brought us a shock wave of good thoughts and wishes. Please keep the shock wave going so that his goodness and the true meaning of his sacrifice will never end. Thank you all, and most sincerely, sue reich

Date: Sun, 25 Jun 2006 16:10:53 EDT | From: Mitzioakes@

Sue – I remember and I will thank my husband, my brothers, my best friends for keeping us safe. They cover three wars – WW 11, Korea and Vietnam. I salute you for keeping us aware of what is happening in our world. God Bless ! Mitzi from Vermont (where our flags fly all the time, at home and over Lake Champlain)

Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 08:44:00 +0200 | From: Daniele Seyrig <d.seyrig@>

I too have a contemporary one given by my DM two years ago . It is oval in shape has a cut in hole at the top to carry it , a small flexible lamp that can be pulled up when needed and a cushion full of little light balls of some kind to avoid being uncomfortable when working on it . a small box that can be closed to hold pencils etc. I think it is intended more for writing or playing games , but I use it all the time for cutting and drawing quilt pieces and love it . Daniele near Paris and soon in the Auvergne with poor internet connection alas ,it will be difficult to read all your interesting messages Have a wonderful summer !L

Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 14:50:02 -0400 | From: Barb Garrett <bgarrett421@>

While not quilts, it’s definitely vintage textiles and sounds very interesting for those in New England —

The Stars and Stripes: Fabric of the American Spirit An exhibition of the Pierce collection of American parade flags Until July 30, 2006 Mon-Thurs 10 am – 4 pm Sundays, 1 – 4 Wilton Heritage Museum 224 Danbury Rd Wilton, CT 06897 203-762-7257 www.wiltonhistorical.org

This link takes you to a description of the exhibit.

http://www.wiltonhistorical.org/exhibit2.htm

At the antique show where I picked up the flyer for Wilton (and promptly forgot about it <grin>), I also picked up a card for this site — which has some information about fabric and flags. Just thought some might find it interesting.

http://www.jeffbridgman.com/html/antiqueflags.htm http://www.jeffbridgman.com/html/articles004.htm

Barb in very very rainy southeastern PA …A good day to sort through piles of papers

Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 14:21:20 -0500 | From: “Karen Musgrave” <KarenMusgrave@>

Everyone,

I know summer means vacations, trips to the beach, baseball – at least at my house – and usually NOT quilts. And while the only directly hands-on quilt-related work that I have done lately is sewing plastic rings onto the “Put a Roof” quilts for hanging, there is no rest for The Alliance. The work is just too important. It does take this kind of resolve and commitment. Oneof the things I like best about The Alliance is that we are always thinking beyond what has been, to what can be. “Nimble” is the word Shelly Zegart, our President and one of the founders, likes to use. This summer will also bring to an end Shelly’s time on the Board. The Alliance is what it is today because of her and so we have begun a special fund in her name-the Shelly Zegart Fund. If you would like to join me in making a donation in her name to the organization that she helped found and dearly loves, please contact me (karenmusgrave@) and I will send you all the details. There will also be a special plaque in our new offices in Asheville (deadline for your name to appear on the plaque when presented to Shelly is July 7th) and a special place on our donor page (www.quiltalliance.org/supporters.html#shelly) to honor your contribution to this special fund for this special woman.

Thanks, Karen Musgrave Marketing and Communications Director The Alliance for American Quilts www.centerforthequilt.org

Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 12:56:44 -0700 | From: “Alan” <alan@>

I have a lapboard that I made several years ago. It’s circular, and it’s padded and vaguely like a hill. I use it all the time for adding pieces to a quilt. And just makes the “appliqué” much easier to do. Unfortunately, when I made it, the intention was to put it on a stand. So there is a screw through the middle. I’ve learned to work around that. As for drafting and cutting, I still prefer to use the table.

Alan

Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 21:49:35 -0400 | From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>

I am pushing for an FVF cookbook. We always have a great lunch, but last Thursday’s was exceptional. We had all sorts of wonderful summer salads and could over- indulge without guilt. The desserts were equally tempting. We did eventually get to the quilts. Polly Mello is going through a candlewick phase. She first showed us an 1870-80 blue and white candlewick coverlet with birds, vines and flowers. A more traditional white coverlet dated 1832 included the name Frances Triplet. It was found (but undoubtedly not made) in Ada, OK. A quilted candlewick had a tape binding. The piece de resistance signed Mary McCall, 1812, age 16 has an elaborate knotted edge. A two generation quilt combined Lily blocks from the 1840s (12 flowers in each block, very small pieces and twisted stems) with sashing and borders from the 1870s. A wool Log Cabin had large centers of a soft grass green(what do you suppose that means in the code?). We saw a collection of doll quilts bought at auction. Our favorite was an appliquéd Lemoyne Star alternating with pink circles and a funky vine border (1840?). A wild 1890s strippy had a border of that iridescent floral print from “Just New from the Mills” and a red and white stripe setting fabric. A mid-19th century Delectable Mountains combined a green print with purple flowers and a purple faded to brown–very unusual colors and absolutely beautiful. We didn’t see a lot of 20th century quilts but there was one bluework with more bluebirds than I’ve ever seen on one quilt and a fun 4-block Cox Comb in orange, white and green. There were a couple of interesting redwork pieces: a 1902 top with portraits of William McKinley, other presidents and first ladies and various European monarchs; a second top had large scale floral motifs don in tambour redwork. I know I’ve forgotten a lot of good stuff, but I was particularly impressed by two children’s dresses (1840s): one was a pink and blue floral spray on a cream background trimmed with plaid bands, the second was a pretty brown print and there was a wrapper of pink rosebuds on a brown background. All three were beautifully made. My identical twin separated at birth Suzanne Cawley surprised me with a small pillow with the Cross-Legged Angel appliquéd in wool to a wool background. The Angel is the hallmark of a famous and anonymous fraktur scrivener of the late 18th-early 19th century. It is simply lovely. Unexpected gifts are the best! Google Cross-Legged Angel if you want to see what he looks like. He’s the embodiment of the zany charm of PA German art.. Cinda on the waterlogged Eastern Shore looking forward to the Vermont Quilt Festival and Shelburne this weekend

Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 17:35:38 -1000 | From: Loretta Woodard <Lwoodard@>

I’m wondering if anyone going to the AQSG seminar in Connecticut in October is in possession of a Hawaiian quilt made before 1960 that they would like to display (hang) during the opening paper presentation. It’s called, “Communities of Quilters, Hawaiian Pattern Sharing 1900-1959”–the period when Hawaii was a US Territory. I plan to bring a pattern or two but it would be wonderful to also show a real quilt!

Please contact me privately if this is a possibility. Perhaps I should say that I’m coming from Hawaii so am loathe to borrow and travel with a quilt from here.

Mahalo nui loa (thanks very much). Laurie Woodard

Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 07:59:51 EDT | From: Mitzioakes@

Just to let you know, Vermont is water logged too! Mitzi from the Ark of Burlington…….

Date: Mon, 26 Jun 2006 18:54:07 -0700 | From: “Julie Silber” <quiltcomplex@>

A month or so ago, I posted an inquiry about any information on pre-1960s Seminole patchwork quilts. I have received a bit of good information via a lead I got from a QHL-er (thank you!). I am happy to share what I have learned with anyone who is interested. E-mail me privately at quiltcomplex@ and I will get back to you. I have photos of one such quilt which I bought recently.

I am still looking for more information on these pre-1960 Seminole patchwork quilts. If anyone knows anything about them or has a lead, I’d appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks, Julie Silber

Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 08:59:12 -0400 | From: “Pilar Donoso”

It seems that I read an article here about the meaning of Quilt. If I am not wrong, someone said that the word does not come from the word culcita like most articles about this subject states. Could any one give me more information?

Thank you,

Pilar Santiago, Chile

Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 06:25:16 -0700 (PDT) | From: Pat Cummings <pat@>

Pilar:

The root word for “quilt” is from Latin: “culcita.” That was adapted into “cuilte” in Old French, which was transformed in Middle English to create the word, “quilt.” Hope this helps.

Pat Cummings

From: Jan Thomas

The RMQM would like to introduce our new employees to this list. They are both very qualified and we look forward to a long relationship with both women. You will be hearing from them in the future so we thought you might like to know who they are.

Karyn Bocko, Registrar/Collections Manager Megan Aikman, Curator.

Thanks!

Jan Thomas for:

Paula M. B. Pahl Executive Director Rocky Mountain Quilt Museum 1111 Washington Ave. Golden, CO 80401 303-277-0377 _www.rmqm.org_ (http://www.rmqm.org/)

Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 16:25:57 -0400 | From: “Lucinda Cawley” <lrcawley@>

For those of you planning to attend the Seminar in October you may be told by the reservation office that they are unable to guarantee you a room with two beds. AQSG has a block of rooms (all w. 2 beds) which are not showing up on the computer. Explain this to the person you are speaking to, ask him/her to check with the front desk and it will get sorted out. The AQSG office is trying to get two offices in the hotel to speak to each other, but it hasn’t happened yet. If you’re not planning to go be advised that we are going to have a wonderful time and you’ll be really sorry when you read about it on QHL and wish you had been there. There’s plenty of time to join AQSG, make a plan and be part of the fun in New England in October. Cinda on the Eastern Shore most definitely affiliated

Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 17:51:25 -0400 | From: “Velia Lauerman” <velialive@>

In SanAntonio, Texas where Mom, (Grandmother)Abulita Manulita, Abulita Bartoita, (Aunt)Tia Magga, and my 10 siblings quilted together we called a quilt a COLCHA or we were colchando. Studying here in Michigan with my mother as an adult for 25 years until she went to quilt heaven opened my eyes to the simple sewing techniques we used when I was growing up. In teaching now referring to those stories about why we quilt keep students interested in this wonderful art. For what it is worth, off to my colchas which are on the old frames,with clamps at each corner,( made new ones now ) to complete a warm Colcha (quilt). Oh! a mattress is also a Colcha. Velia

Date: Wed, 28 Jun 2006 05:39:48 -0700 (PDT) | From: Pat Cummings <pat@>

Una “colcha” is the noun for quilt in Spanish. The verb form is acolchar and “acolchando” would mean, by itself, “quilting.”

I have been a student of Spanish for more than forty years. In fact, just yesterday, I added a couple of music files (songs sung in Spanish) to the section of my website entitled poems and songs in Spanish, accessible right now from the front page.

As I can get around to making more mp3 files and adding them, and also writing out translations, I will. While I am sure that Nashville will not be calling me any time soon, I am having fun.

Yes, my interests are diverse.

Thanks for sharing your memories, Velia. They sound like thoughts of happy times.

Best wishes,

Pat Cummings www.quiltersmuse.com