--- title: "March 1 – 10, 1997" date: 1997-03-10 author: "QuiltAdmin" featured_image: "https://quilthistory.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/time-span-quilts.webp" categories: - name: "Quilt History List Archive" url: "/category/quilt-history-list-archive.md" tags: - name: "Fabric Identification" url: "/tag/fabric-identification.md" - name: "Oral History & Documentation" url: "/tag/oral-history-and-documentation.md" - name: "Quilt History Resources" url: "/tag/quilt-history-resources.md" - name: "Regional Quilt History" url: "/tag/regional-quilt-history.md" --- # March 1 – 10, 1997 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:** - **New member introductions and antique quilt questions** — several first-time posters share family quilt stories and ask for help identifying fabrics, patterns, and approximate ages. - **Wool batting sourcing** — members trade recommendations for mail-order sources of old-fashioned wool batts after a long search. - **Terry Clothier Thompson apartment fire relief** — the Kansas Quilts co-author loses her apartment to fire, and the list organizes a fund and shares updates on her recovery. - **Feedsack treasures and historical home dyes** — members report feedsack finds from a Texas trip and ask how home dyes were traditionally made for sack printing. - **How early children learned to quilt** — a discussion of when girls historically began sewing and quilting, sparked by a member’s toddler getting into the fabric stash. - **Book recommendations for dating fabric** — titles like Clues in the Calico, No Time on My Hands, and the Uncoverings series are traded as go-to references. - **Early online quilt resources** — mentions of personal quilt websites, an eBay-listed antique Double Irish Chain, and the Library of Congress WPA photo archive. - **Regional show and society announcements** — requests for Baltimore Applique Society contacts, plus listings for upcoming Dallas and Maryland quilt shows. Date: Sat, 1 Mar 1997 22:37:48 -0500 | From: “Judy Grow” I have an antique Bow Tie scrap quilt in my collection which has a full page color picture in the New Jersey Quilt History Book. When I took it to the search the experts there said that the fabrics in the quilt spanned 30 or 40 years of manufacture. The repro fabrics are some of our fabrics of today. Why not include them with other non-repro fabrics in our quilts? We can really try to confound the experts of 100 years from now. Judy in NJ judygrow \[at\] blast \[dot\] net --- Date: Sat, 1 Mar 1997 23:57:03 -0500 (EST) | From: godzilla \[at\] sun1 \[dot\] uconect \[dot\] net (Robinson) (by way of Quilting Heritage ListServ ) Hi all: I’ve been a member of this list for about 2 weeks now and wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying it! I’ve been quilting off and on for about 12 years now. I love the whole spectrum of quilting, from traditional to art quilts, although I do mostly pieced quilts (both hand and machine). I also love the whole process of quilting. I am a rather slow quilter, mostly because I enjoy each step and savor the time spent, and also because I work a full-time job, and that really cuts into my quilting time. I belong to a guild and volunteered to help when we hosted a quilt documentation day a couple of years ago. It was a wonderful experience and left me wanting to know more about quilting history. I took my first quilt class because I wanted to learn to quilt so I could repair a Grandma’s Flower Garden quilt that I was given. When I started quilting, though, I had so much fun making my own quilts, that my repair job was temporarily shelved. So far all I’ve done is rebind the edges, which had become badly frayed. The more I learn about quilting, the more I realize that this quilt needs major repair. Some of the fabric is worn through in spots. I found out during our local “Quilt Search” documentation day, that the flowers are made mostly of fabrics from the 30s and 40s, so I have begun collecting bits and pieces of antique fabrics to replace the flowers that have worn through. I think I have enough to begin, but I am still looking for some of that solid green that is so hard to find. The back of the quilt is also very fragile and should probably be replaced. I’m not quite sure how to go about this though — I wouldn’t want to cause more damage than good. What would be the best way to attach a new back? This quilt has sentimental value to me, because I knew the quilter when I was a very little girl. Right now, it has been documented as part of the Connecticut Quilt Search, so I’d like to keep it from deteriorating any more if I can. Any helpful hints from any of you would be appreciated, either by posting to me personally or to the list if you think it would be appropriate. TIA Sue Robinson godzilla \[at\] uconect \[dot\] net --- Date: Sun, 02 Mar 1997 13:11:10 -0500 | From: Cathy Hooley Hi everyone – I’ve just finished my web site & would like to impose on any of you who are interested to take a look & provide feedback. The address is My photos aren’t great. I used York’s FotoFloppy service & I’m not happy with it. I’m going to take more pictures & have them scanned & see how they work out. Apart from the pictures being bad, I’d appreciate any suggestions, advice, criticism (please be kind! ). I’d also appreciate anyone adding a link to my page or if you want a link to yours let me know. Thanks – Cathy goosetracks \[at\] albany \[dot\] net --- Date: Sun, 2 Mar 97 14:36:59 PST | From: John & Cinda Cawley Barbara, My impression of Quaker quilts is that they are not all that different from those made by the non-Quakers of the day (whatever day that was). In my work with the collection of The State Museum of PA we found two friendship quilts with Quaker connections. There is nothing to identify either as Quaker-made other than the style of the date (eg. first day, third month). It was only by researching the names on the blocks that we established the Quaker connection. One of these quilts is a PA version (1854) of a Baltimore Album in brilliant red, green , yellow, blue, orange–neither modest nor plain, it’s glorious. The other is more subdued, a red and green Lemoyne Star (1850) in a zig zag set, nothing to set it apart from a friendship quilt made by a member of any other religious group. Do you have a specific interest in Quaker quilts? Cinda in Scranton ———————————– --- Date: Sun, 2 Mar 1997 15:25:32 -0500 (EST) | From: MRobak \[at\] aol \[dot\] com (by way of Quilting Heritage ListServ ) I am trying to find the origins of a quilt I know little about. I like a mystery, but this one may be over my head. I have in my possession a quilt that is strip pieced by machine & hand quilted. It may have been done by someone with a tie to South Bend IN, and a “grandmother” named Olive. I think it is about 70-100 years old, but that’s a rough estimate. Would you have any suggestions on how to clear up it’s background, and possible find any heir with an ionterest in this quilt? Thank You. --- Date: Mon, 3 Mar 1997 09:25:19 -0500 (EST) | From: KirkColl \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Regarding natural wool batts. We looked for four years to find a wool batt we were willing to carry with no resins added and all lanolin removed. We now have very thin queen size 2 pound batts processed for us in Minnesota by a mill that has been making comforter batts for almost 100 years. Then this fall I met a sheep farmer in Albany who wanted to sell the wool from her sheep and though quilters might like it. She showed us some mixed black and white wool greasy with lanolin which is the way it comes out after processing for hand-spinning. I thought there might be interest in an all black batt since there is nothing in black on the market other than polyester and I asked her to sell me this year’s black wool and keep it separate from the white. We had it processed at a mill in Michigan and got five dark chocolate black batts from the five black Corrydale sheep she has — Nicole and her lambs — at Round Hill Farm. We have one left right now and are taking reservations for next fall’s shearing — they shear in October. If anyone is interested e-mail me for details. You don’t need to put muslin over th batts if you are willing to quilt closely. It does quilt like butter. Just the same as with cotton and silk batting we recommend using Majestic 88 needles which are English needles that have been individually stripped and re-coated with nickle to make them absolutely slick — the fibers don’t ctach on the ruts in the sides if the needle. We have an 1860’s cotton quilt with very thin wool batting that is doing just fine and looks great. Nancy Kirk The Kirk Collection Antique Fabrics & Antique Quilts High Quality Reproduction Fabrics Conservation & Restoration Supplies 1513 Military Avenue Omaha, NE 68111 1-800-398-2542 (U.S. and Canada) (402) 551-0386 Email: KirkColl \[at\] aol \[dot\] com FAX (402) 551-0971 Web site: --- Date: Mon, 03 Mar 1997 09:26:19 PST | From: josiem \[at\] tekstar \[dot\] com Hello to everyone: For those of you who are seeking wool batts, I would like to recommend that you contact the Bemidji Woolen Mill in Bemidji, Minnesota. This is a wonderful, family owned business that can provide you with beautiful 100 per cent wool batts, either encased in muslin or not, comforter thickness or thin, whatever your choice may be. They do mail order, are more than helpful and can be reached at 218-751-5166 (I hope this is a current number or D.A. will help you.) They also publish a newsletter called the Wool Street Journal (forgive them for this, they really are nice people!) they will mail to you at your request. I have done business with them for several years, and being a satisfied customer is my reason for writing. No affiliation at all (my cousin works across the street from them for the phone company , would this count?) (VBG) Best wishes, Jo in Minnesota where it is Snowing Again! --- Date: Mon, 3 Mar 1997 11:55:18 -0500 | From: quiltmag \[at\] mindspring \[dot\] com (Jean Ann) last fall at the Houston Quilt Festival I found an almost completed kit of a Rose Wreath quilt from the 1920’s – 1930’s. I thought…oh, it wont take any time at all to finish this quilt! HA HA It was to have 12 20″ blocks with a very simple applique design, some of the fabric was there (looked like lots of the fabric to me…wrong!). and two of the blocks were finished. other pieces were cut out. I soon found myself buying more pink, then some blue for the sashings, etc. I realized it was going to be a big, time consuming project by this time so I sent it to a friend who was willing to do the applique (debby kratovil). She emailed me about a month later saying… I’ve finished cutting out the pieces that still needed to be cut, there were 487 pieces to cut! She also had to buy more green and more yellow to go with the more pink that I had already bought. Thank goodness for reproduction fabrics! Of course I bought a lovely blue for the sashings, cause I want to use the quilt for my summer quilt in my own bedroom. This kit was not the quick project I thought it would be, but I love it anyway, and it is great to have it as a finished project and not just another UFO… I figure 70 years as a UFO is long enough! Jean Ann Eitel Editor, QUILT magazine Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk --- Date: Mon, 03 Mar 1997 13:38:16 -0800 | From: Sharon Harleman Tandy Tiffany, Other than questions of how well the textiles will stand up to stitching, use, and cleaning the only question remaining is what *you* want to do with the quilts. They are your property so it is your decision. Many times someone will have these same queries and they are told the only thing to do is to restore, or the only thing to do is to preserve, or to give to a museum. Each of us might do something different based on whether we are historians, restoraters, or curators. Once you have decided how you want to use them, then refer to one of the above mentioned people to find out how to do it. Sorry to sound like I’m on a soap box, but we get into these types of discussions often and this time I thought I’d state *my* opinion. Enjoy the quilts for their family connection, make your own decision, and, if you decide to have them preserved for future study and research, I am one of the quilt historians, Sharon Harleman Tandy, Quilts & Answers, in Boise, Idaho. --- Date: Mon, 3 Mar 97 13:51:50 -0500 | From: sue For those of you who may want to buy a copy of “No Time on My Hands”, I found it on the web at Amazon Books, (I have no affiliation and so on). They run a secure order page so I was able to use my credit card to order the book. It was discounted 20% so I paid $14.95, but of course I lost that in the shipping charge. I chose standard shipping so I’m not sure when I’ll actually get it. I’ll post when I do. I had to buy a copy of the book after reading about on on this list. My husband is from Nebraska & when I started discussing the sod houses w/ him, he told me about the remains of one on his grandparents farm in Sydney, NE. He doesn’t remeber any quilts at the house, though. (Of course, he probably wouldn’t have noticed if there were.) Just if anyone is interested, Sue Traudt —— Sue \[at\] ttsw \[dot\] com – S --- Date: Mon, 3 Mar 1997 14:09:03, -0500 | From: LWKB50A \[at\] prodigy \[dot\] com ( KEN AND TIFFANY REGAN) Hi! I recently returned from visiting family in Texas and discovered many old quilts and tops that have been packed away in a cedar chest for years. Two quilts: – 20’s appliqued butterflies, done all by hand. ( my ggrandm. got her machine in ’31) -30’s dresden plate, faded with a couple of worn spots Three tops: -churn dash with a very intense, bright red material. I was surprised the colors hadn’t faded. I was told that feedsacks were used. Not much thought given to color or placement of blocks, but in good condition. -unidentified pattern, background was a brown with small cream stars, feedsacks were used. -the last top is also unidentified, but good condition. Here are my questions: What would you do with the tops? Would you quilt them, leave them as is, display them as tops,etc.? I would appreciate any replies and opinions. TIA! A new collector of old quilts, Tiffany Regan in sunny Enid, OK LWKB50A --- Date: Mon, 03 Mar 1997 20:29:19 -0500 (EST) | From: LISA108 \[at\] delphi \[dot\] com I also saw a picture (I *think* it’s in the Smithsonian or the Met, but I’m not 100% sure) of a silk crazy allegedly made by a Quaker, with the crazy squares alternating with the plain quilted squares of gray silk. It’s a very, very early crazy and in excellent condition. --- Date: Mon, 3 Mar 1997 21:39:34 -0500 (EST) | From: Rose525 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com (by way of Quilting Heritage ListServ ) I was reading Sue Robinson’s letter about the quilt she was trying to restore. It was a grandmother’s flower garden. Look at the book “[Time Span Quilts.](https://amzn.to/4zdYAqA)” They explain a lot about restoring old quilts. This book is available from AQS or a lot of quilt stores. Rose525@ --- Date: Tue, 4 Mar 1997 00:41:32 -0500 (EST) | From: “Judy Grow” Tiffany asked about finishing some old tops she found. My reponse is to go ahead and finish them! Besides working on my own quilts my great joy is rescuing old tops and completing them. I have finished a top from the 1880’s in a pattern called True Blue, with wonderful brown, red, and orangey fabrics on a muslin and linen background. I found aGinny Beyer border print fabric in just the right colors and patterns (small paisleys) to add as a border, and an all-over print with a black background to use as a backing. I quilted it simply in diagonal lines and it looks perfect. On the backing I added a muslin label giving all the information I had on this quilt, including which fabrics I had added. I am now on the last border of a wonderfully cheery quilt top from the 20’s or 30’s. It is in the Nosegay, or Bride’s Bouquet pattern. Mostly green and lavender bouquets on muslin background, with bright yellow sashing with green setting squares. And then a wide yellow border, different color from the sashing, but close. I added no other fabric but muslin for the backing on this one. I was fortunate in that the antique dealer that I bought it from was able to tell me the names of the 2 women she thought made it. She bought it from the daughter of one of the women. The documentation I have written on the muslin backing follows– “I bought this ‘Nosegay’ or ‘Bride’s Bouquet’ quilt as a top on March 15, 1994 for $75.00 from Mrs. Johns of Harmony Barn Antiques in Harmony, New Jersey. Mrs. Johns told me that this top and two others that I also bought from her (an Indian Feather in browns and yellows, and a Blazing Star) were made by Elizabeth Mahoney and/or Elizabeth Teets of Lebanon, New Jersey. Mrs. Johns bought them from Elizabeth Burrell, the daughter of Elizabeth Teets. The quilting designs are mine. Quilting was started in the fall of 1996 and finished in March 1997. The quilt is filled with “Warm and Natural” batting. Judith Kaman Grow Ringoes, New Jersey.” This documentation was written directly on the muslin backing, and then quilted through, so it will never come off. What pleasure it gives me to work on these old, unfinished projects from some other quilter! But as an antique collector, preservationist, and restorer, I feel it is important to give these projects a real documented history, even if the only real names and dates start with mine. Judy in NJ judygrow \[at\] blast \[dot\] net --- Date: Tue, 04 Mar 1997 14:15:02 -0600 | From: R D Hi all – I recieve a monthly catalog from a discount bookstore. I had gotten on their mailing list after reading on a internet quilting group that they had some discounted quilting books. The very first book in this new catalog is:[ Legacy: The Story of Talula Gilbert Bottoms](https://amzn.to/4wXqMws) and Her Quilts. By Nancilu Burdick. A personal and family history of a Georgia woman born during the Civil War who produced over 200 quilts in her long life: combines passages from her diaries, old photographs, and pictures of the quilts themselves. 176 pgs. --- Date: Tue, 4 Mar 1997 17:31:42 -0500 (EST) | From: Sandy7827 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Good-day to everyone, My heart is sadden by this, there had been to 2 quilts from the Dallas North Park Mall office. The full story and the pictures of them is on a Website. The request is that you print three copy and give them to your friends, newsletter, quilt shops and your next guild meeting. Let see if we all can help, and get them back home to the peoples that lost them. I know I will be doing all I can. Thanks for any help with this. Sandra ( Quilting Frenzy) Summer has arrive in Texas --- Date: Wed, 5 Mar 1997 06:29:08 -0500 (EST) | From: Qltldy10 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Hi Listmates- I unexpectedly will be in Washington DC this Tuesday with a few free hours midday (actually from ~10:00-3:00). Afew weeks back there was conversation here about the DAR programs, but I don’t remember what was said about the regular display. Has anybody been to the Smithsonian this week? In my few hours, where can I see the largest display of quilts? Any place other than those two? I will have a car, so could travel a short distance. Many thanks for your help- Beth in Maine —————————— --- Date: Wed, 5 Mar 1997 07:31:35 -0500 (EST) | From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com A TREASURE IS RIGHT!! would love to see pictures of thme..and I know I’m askinga dumb question..selling any?? also, if you need to repair any..let me know if you need feedsack pieces..Jane --- Date: Wed, 5 Mar 1997 07:48:40 -0500 (EST) | From: Atsuko Ohta I’d like to share the information of a quilt festival in Japan which is annualy held in fall. The International Quilt Week Yokohama ’97 will be held from November 6 to 8 at Pacifico Yokohama Exhibition Hall. This festival is organized by the Quilt Week Executive Committee consisting of 8 quilt-related companies. In this festival, there are many quilt exhibitions, merchants malls, lectures & workshops, charity auctions, quilters’ party, etc. With this event, the Quilt Contest is held and it’s open to quilters from around the world. Total prizes are over 3 million yen and there many prizes. To enter the competition, send 2 slides of a quilt(maximum 2.5 x 2.5m) and an entry form.The deadline is the end of June, 1997. Those who pass the first judgement will be notified to send their quilts for the final judgement with the entry fee of \\5000 which includes the insurance and return shipping. The Miniature Quilt contest is also held. To enter this, send a quilt of 50 x 50cm with an entry form and the entry fee of \\2000, by the end of September. To get an entry form or information on this festival, please write, send fax or e-mail to: Quilt Week Competition, c/o Patchwork Tsushin, Co., Ltd. 5-28-3 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113 Japan fax:+81-3-3815-7662 or 3816-4467 or 3816-5530 e-mail:tsushin \[at\] viq \[dot\] com If any of you would attend this festival, please let me know. I’d love to meet you in person. Atsuko Ohta a\_ohta \[at\] viq \[dot\] com or aoota \[at\] tokyo \[dot\] 104 \[dot\] net —————————— --- Date: Wed, 5 Mar 1997 21:33:33 -0500 (EST) | From: QuiltLine \[at\] aol \[dot\] com I am looking for information on a 30’s fabric called “Cleona Cotton”. It is mentioned in Hope Winslow’s quilt pattern book (c1931). It mentions that it is a vat died cotton, available in ginghams and other prints. Thanks, Quiltline \[at\] aol \[dot\] com —————————— Quilts of Provence: The Art and Craft of French Quiltmaking, by Kathryn Berenson. Pub. at $45; EGH price $31.50. Heirloom Machine Quilting by Harriet Hargrave. Pub. at $19.95 (pb); EGH price $7.95. Homage to Amanda: Two Hundred Years of American Quilts, by Edward Binney. Pub. at $16.95; Date: Thu, 6 Mar 1997 11:04:01 -0500 From: gridgees \[at\] algorithms \[dot\] com Re: Quaker Quilts One book which I haven’t seen mentioned on this subject is called, “Quilted for Friends: Delaware Valley Signature Quilts, 1840-1855.” (I believe it originated as a museum catalog of an exhibition in Odessa, Delaware.) Although the title doesn’t suggest it, there are quite a few Quaker quilts featured in the book. In fact, Plate III is a color photo of one of the quilts currently in the Brandywine Valley Museum exhibit! The author is Jessica F. Nicoll, and it was published in 1986 by the Henry Francis DuPont Winterthur Museum, Winterthur, DE 19735. The Winterthur Museum has a book catalog available, and the last time I saw it, this book was still listed in it. The signature quilts book is only about $7. And, re: Terry Thompson Xenia, please let us know as soon as you find out the extent of the damage to Terry’s collection. I would be happy to chip in a few vintage fabrics to help her start to rebuild. Merry in southern New Jersey gridgees \[at\] algorithms \[dot\] com --- Date: Thu, 6 Mar 1997 12:06:45 -0500 (EST) | From: KirkColl \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Terry Clothier Thompson’s apartment was destroyed last week in a fire. By some miracle, the fire actually burned the buildings on both sides of her apartment, and her’s was left standing but soaked in water and soot. Yesterday she unearthed the last of her quilts from the soggy mess and is now washing them all in hopes of saving them. The ones that were damaged by water, soot, and smoke were the ones she has made over the years, not her antique quilt collection which was stored in the studio acorss the street. However, she is now technically homeless, and is staying part-time with Barbara Brackman and part-time with her sister while she looks for a new place to live. Barbara is taking her phone calls until Terry has a new place. When I spoke to Barbara yesterday, Barbara was on the couch with a broken leg, the result of an earlier fall on the ice. She hasn’t even been able to get up to see Terry’s apartment because of her leg. When I asked what we could do long distance for Terry, Barbara said “send money.” Terry had no insurance and while she may be able to rescue some of her quilts, all of her furniture, clothes and personal belongings are basically destroyed and she has to set up a new place to live and replace almost everything. She relies on her income from quilt teaching and quilt making for a living and the fire has brought everything to a halt for now. The Quilt Heritage Foundation has set up a “Terry Thompson Fire Fund” at Norwest Bank, 1919 Douglas St., Omaha, NE 68102. If you would like to make a donation, send it directly to the bank. Please send it with a note including your e-mail address. Because we want every penny raised to go to Terry, we’d like to send thank you notes by e-mail to save the postage and stationary costs. You can also send a note and/or a donation directly to Terry c/o Barbara Brackman, 500 Louisiana, Lawrence, KS 66044. Barbara said they will both be in better shape by the time they come to Omaha in September to speak at the Quilt Restoration Conference. Feel free to make copies of this post and share them with other quilters who might like to help. Thanks for your time and support. Nancy Kirk Quilt Heritage Foundation P.O. Box 19452 Omaha, NE 68111 QuiltHF \[at\] aol \[dot\] com --- Date: Fri, 7 Mar 1997 00:45:25 -0500 | From: “The Welte’s” , “QHL-Digest” , In the small amount of time that my message was posted to lists, I have already had an enormous response to my initial post about KY quilters being flooded. Many offers of fabric and notions came pouring in (no pun intended in light of the situation). But it will be a while before we can act on this locally, initial clean up alone is expected to take a month to six weeks, the Ohio will not be back in her banks until Monday morning. I will post to the lists next week where and how to send donations. That will give me enough time to contact local guilds/county extension agents about coordinating this. I plan to distribute this via the county guilds and also put something in the local papers so I don’t miss a quilter who may not be a member of a guild. I will also acknowledge ALL donations received so that you will know just where your gifts went. Spring (end of March/early April) sounds like a great time for flood victims to get a care package of fabric – hope that the summer will bring better things. I am printing and keeping all the well wishes to copy and put with the fabric. It always helps to know just how widespread help and prayers are. Will be in touch soon. God Bless all of you. These quilters will be so touched by your generosity. Diana Welte in Maysville,KY Date: Sat, 8 Mar 1997 06:46:04 -0500 (EST) From: AJSNGS \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: The American Quilt Message-ID: <970308064604\_-2108408345 \[at\] emout15 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> Hi all, Recently when browsing online somewhere I saw the book “The American Quilt; A History of Cloth & Comfort” being sold for a very discounted price. Now when I am going back to find it, I can’t remember where I saw it! Do any of you know where this is being sold at a discount? I checked Kris’ list at Hickory Hill but it wasn’t there. If anyone knows where I might find this at a discount, please post to the list, or e-mail me privately. Thanks, Nancy in VA AJSNGS \[at\] aol \[dot\] com --- Date: Fri, 7 Mar 1997 01:03:50 -0500 | From: “The Welte’s” A big public thank you to Bonnie Cook of Trumansburg, NY who posted the initial suggestion for fabric help to our flooded KY quilters. Although I have volunteered to coordinate things since I live here :-), Bonnie was the one to get out the word for specific donations on the lists. Her name will definately be on every care package as such generosity deserves recognition. I was so busy sifting through multitudes of messages that I forgot to put her name on my second post to the list. I’m sorry, Bonnie, you deserve more than this thank you can ever convey. In friendship, Diana Welte Maysville, KY --- Date: Fri, 7 Mar 1997 06:22:32 -0500 (EST) | From: AJSNGS \[at\] aol \[dot\] com I have to agree with Kris and Jane, who got us started on reading all these books??? But it is fascinating isn’t it? I love to read about the quilts, but the lives of all these women who faced such hardships is really amazing. The story that particularly sticks in my mind, is the story of the woman (from Treasures in the Trunk) who walked to Oregon because she and her husband were too poor to afford a wagon, and she pieced quilts as she walked!!!!! Put the pieces in a little pail she carried over her arm! Well I can tell you, if I had to walk to Oregon, I would not be piecing quilts as a I went!?!?!?!?@#$%^@#$ I can’t imagine that sort of truly amazing woman! Have a great day! Nancy in VA Date: Fri, 7 Mar 1997 06:32:39 -0500 (EST) From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: Re: QHL: Legacy Message-ID: <970307063238\_-1272182947 \[at\] emout07 \[dot\] mail \[dot\] aol \[dot\] com> --- Date: Fri, 7 Mar 1997 11:21:20 -0500 | From: “The Welte’s” I am busy setting up a place and contacting people that will make up a local distribution network for donations of fabric and supplies. While you are collecting for the KY Quilt Flood Relief, please do not forget to set aside an extra box and extra money for fellow quilter and quilt restorationist, Terry Thompson of Lawrence KS, who lost everything this week in a tragic fire. Contact KirkColl \[at\] aol \[dot\] com for more information. An address and information for the Ky effort will be posted at the first of the week. Thank you for sharing the wealth. May God reward you one thousandfold. In friendship, Diana Welte in Maysville, KY where we have crested and the river is receding! --- Date: Fri, 7 Mar 1997 16:46:01 -0500 (EST) | From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com thanx, nancy,,I am going to try one more box stored..and PRAY it is in there..but i have doubts..Jane --- Date: Fri, 07 Mar 1997 17:58:00 -0600 | From: LAURA SYLER Nancy: I got the Posters on the Quilt Heritage Foundation/Quilt Rescue Squad today. They look wonderful. Camille left me a message that “No White Gloves Needed” was shipped today and I should have it by Mon or Tues at the latest. I am going to the Dallas Arboretum tomorrow and do a demo on restoration and will take the posters. Things are looking great. Let me know if I need to pick you up at the airport. If anyone needs info on the Dallas Show and the Quilt Restoration Society/Quilt Heritage Foundation give me a shout Laura —————————— --- Date: Sat, 08 Mar 1997 01:20:31 -0800 | From: Hi All , I am sooo glad that Terry C. Thompson�s apartment & more importantly she is o.k & that her Antique Quilt Collection is unharmed . Could you please pass my message onto Terry : here�s hoping all will be well for you soon . Nancy , though here in Australia , I would dearly love to help . So how should Aussies help ? Please let me know—a Telegraphic Transfer ? Thanks, Hiranya Loder nomad1 \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net Sydney, Australia. --- Date: Sat, 8 Mar 1997 06:46:04 -0500 (EST) | From: AJSNGS \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Hi all, Recently when browsing online somewhere I saw the book “The American Quilt; A History of Cloth & Comfort” being sold for a very discounted price. Now when I am going back to find it, I can’t remember where I saw it! Do any of you know where this is being sold at a discount? I checked Kris’ list at Hickory Hill but it wasn’t there. If anyone knows where I might find this at a discount, please post to the list, or e-mail me privately. Thanks, Nancy in VA AJSNGS \[at\] aol \[dot\] com --- Date: Sat, 8 Mar 1997 07:11:10 -0500 | From: quiltmag \[at\] mindspring \[dot\] com (Jean Ann) thanks to everyone who sent me contact names for the Baltimore Applique Society. Now I discover there is a quilt show in Maryland just when I will be there. I feel like I have died and gone to heaven! For those of you in the Washington, D.C. area, I want to let you know that my quilt guild, the Southern Comforters, is having our annual show on March 15 from 10 to 5 and March 16 from 11 to 4 at the Belair Staff Development Center at 3021 Belair Drive in Bowie, MD. In addition to quilts, we’ll have vendors, a silent auction, a raffle quilt, demonstrations and lectures. Lots of talented quilters in the group. Jean Ann Eitel Editor, QUILT magazine Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk --- Date: Sat, 8 Mar 1997 07:11:10 -0500 | From: quiltmag \[at\] mindspring \[dot\] com thanks to everyone who sent me contact names for the Baltimore Applique Society. Now I discover there is a quilt show in Maryland just when I will be there. I feel like I have died and gone to heaven! For those of you in the Washington, D.C. area, I want to let you know that my quilt guild, the Southern Comforters, is having our annual show on March 15 from 10 to 5 and March 16 from 11 to 4 at the Belair Staff Development Center at 3021 Belair Drive in Bowie, MD. In addition to quilts, we’ll have vendors, a silent auction, a raffle quilt, demonstrations and lectures. Lots of talented quilters in the group. Jean Ann Eitel Editor, QUILT magazine --- Date: Sat, 08 Mar 1997 07:18:55 -0800 | From: nomad1 \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net Dear All , Found my little Gumdrop Anika playing with my stash of fabric . Initially I freaked out within me , then noticed her sheer joy at seeing the variouse colours & prints . So I restrained myself from chasing her out of my space . It got me thinking…..yes I do , do it at times !! How early can I pass on a love of quilts ? Has anyone on QHL heard stories —Oral History ( ? ) of how young children were when introduced to Quilts ? What did they first learn to do long ago ? Was it a Nine Patch square , doll quilt ? Admittedly Anika will only be 2 years young next month—-but still I like to forward plan !! Would love to hear stories of learning Quilting as a child . Please post to QHL as I am sure others would find this interesting too . Thanks so much , Hiranya Loder nomad1 \[at\] ibm \[dot\] net Sydney , Australia , where Autumn is chasing away the hot weather P.S Cinda thanks for your email , I did reply , did you receive it ? The system has been playing pranks on me so just checking ,as I have not heard from you . --- Date: Sat, 8 Mar 1997 11:57:42 -0500 (EST) | From: SadieRose \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Our local quilt guild, Keepsake Quilters (NQA Chapter IA#499) is sponsoring it’s 2nd bi-annual show, “Treasured Keepsakes” March 21-23 in Waterloo, Iowa (northeast corner of the state). We would like to invite everyone to join us, especially if you will be coming to Cedar Falls for the NCAA Wrestling Tournament. Take a break from the wrestling & view some great quilts!! There will be signs posted from the UNI-Dome to the Quilt Show location. We will have 200 quilts on display, including our “Things With Wings” Challenge Quilts, also a Lunch Counter, Mini Quilt Silent Auction, Raffle Quilts, Demonstrations & Make It, Take It mini classes, lots of Door Prizes, and a Merchants Mall. The show will be held at Tama Hall on the Hawkeye Community College campus, 1501 Orange Road, Waterloo, IA. Show times are Fri., March 21, noon-6 pm; Sat. March 22, 9 am – 5 pm; Sun. March 23, 10 am – 4 pm. Admission is $2.50 for Adults, $1.00 for Children (no strollers, please). If you would like more information, please e-mail me privately at: SadieRose \[at\] aol \[dot\] com --- Date: Sat, 8 Mar 1997 18:20:51 -0500 (EST) | From: QuilterB \[at\] aol \[dot\] com (by way of Quilting Heritage ListServ ) Well, I just started receiving this digest a week ago although I have been trying to receive it for awhile (Thanks to Kris and Sue, I do now). Anyway, I am thrilled to be here as I came to quilting because of lifelong interest in sewing and because of my memories of quilts from my childhood. As a teenage (many, many years ago), I convinced my mother not to give away a Victorian crazy quilt done by my great, great grandmother. She relented and I have it now along with a few other quilts, some of which are in dubious condition. Additionally I found a letter written by the minister who married this same woman to her first husband. It seems that my great, great, great grandmother had wanted to keep the word “obey” out of the ceremony! My great, great kept it in. She was married four times (she was born in about 1835) and until recently I had assumed she had outlived them all. Wrong again. As soon as I retire, I am going to try to research more about this woman who made this beautiful crazy quilt. I understand that the state of Massachusetts has no quilt research project. This quilt was made in Waltham (documented on the quilt) and I hope that someday a project will arise. There are a couple of others I have that I know came from Mass. Anyway, when I first started quilting, I just wanted to do another crazy. Still haven’t done that but am fanatic quilter and also interested in geneology. As others have said, I love reading the historical books as I believe they portray so much of the history of woman and art in the US. I also have managed to accumulate quite a bit of 40’s, 50’s cottons and am interested in dating cottons of that era — Barbara B’s book only goes through about the 40’s. I am interested in any other books that might help in the identification of cottons. One of the quilts I have, my mother said was found in a barn in Mass. I believe some of the cottons are quite old (from BB’s book), and suspect that the quilt was made from someone’s “book of blocks”. The blocks were found in the 40’s and I suspect my grandmother and mother backed them and machine quilted them. I guess I am an archivist at heart and want to know more about the women that made these quilts. Look forward to some excellent discussions in this forum Beth Brandkamp --- Date: Sat, 8 Mar 1997 18:24:25 -0500 (EST) | From: CookinCo \[at\] aol \[dot\] com (by way of Quilting Heritage ListServ ) Hi! I am new to the list and I am very interested in learning abot antique quilts, etc. Is there a good book to read on the subject. Or perhaps someone can sned me some pointers. I have some basic questions like: How old does a quilt have to be to be considered historical. How do you go about obtaining an idea of the historical dollar value. How should these quilts be treated? (re: laundry and storage). Is an handpieced top more valuable if it is left alone or should I quilt it? I have been quilting myself for about 4 years. And I have inherited several quilts that were handed down through my family. I am also interested in buying “antique quilts” and am wondering what I should look for in an older quilt or quilt blocks. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. --- Date: Sat, 8 Mar 1997 18:24:25 -0500 (EST) | From: CookinCo \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Hi! I am new to the list and I am very interested in learning abot antique quilts, etc. Is there a good book to read on the subject. Or perhaps someone can sned me some pointers. I have some basic questions like: How old does a quilt have to be to be considered historical. How do you go about obtaining an idea of the historical dollar value. How should these quilts be treated? (re: laundry and storage). Is an handpieced top more valuable if it is left alone or should I quilt it? I have been quilting myself for about 4 years. And I have inherited several quilts that were handed down through my family. I am also interested in buying “antique quilts” and am wondering what I should look for in an older quilt or quilt blocks. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. --- Date: Sat, 8 Mar 1997 18:48:20 -0500 (EST) | From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com The MUSEUM at the FASHION INSTITUTE of TECHNOLOGY opened an exhibit Feb 25th running til April 19 entitled DREAMS on PAPER, A History of Home Sewing of America. Hours are non til 8pm Tues. thru Fri and Sat 10am til 5pm..ANNA LUE COOK collector/historian has feedsack items on exhibit. If anyone attends I woul really enjoy a report on the show and if any pictures taken of the feedsack portion would be GREATLY appreciated..Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB. --- Date: Sat, 8 Mar 97 20:02:50 -0800 | From: beth\_novak \[at\] om \[dot\] cv \[dot\] hp \[dot\] com Item Subject: cc:Mail Text I’m looking for information on the kinds of home dyes used to color sacking around the turn of the century. Is there a book that explains this? Does anyone have recipes? I would like to replicate the process with old sacking that I have. When replying, please include your e-mail address! Thanks! Beth\_Novak \[at\] om \[dot\] cv \[dot\] hp \[dot\] com --- Date: Sat, 8 Mar 1997 20:42:51 -0500 (EST) | From: BBMorris \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Jane I think I have identified my mystery quilt that my great-grandmother made. I finally unpacked another box of quilt books today and my copy of Barbara Brackman’s book was in it. I decided to look at it one more time. This time I started at the front and went page by page. It is “Irish Chain”, #282.5. I think I was looking in the wrong categories before. I’m not sure what she called it. I will still send you a photo of it as it is very scrappy and the back is feedsacks. Barbara in GA Date: Sat, 8 Mar 97 20:02:50 -0800 From: beth\_novak \[at\] om \[dot\] cv \[dot\] hp \[dot\] com To: QHL \[at\] cuenet \[dot\] com Subject: QHL: Historical Home Dyes Message-Id: Item Subject: cc:Mail Text I’m looking for information on the kinds of home dyes used to color sacking around the turn of the century. Is there a book that explains this? Does anyone have recipes? I would like to replicate the process with old sacking that I have. When replying, please include your e-mail address! Thanks! Beth\_Novak \[at\] om \[dot\] cv \[dot\] hp \[dot\] com --- Date: Sun, 9 Mar 1997 00:18:04 -0500 | From: Gail Wagner There is a neat 1868 Double Irish Chain on the ebay auction web. Anyone who would like to look at it or bid, the site is The current bid is $102.50 and the auction ends 3-10. I have no affiliation with the quilt or ebay – just visit there often and sometimes bid on things. Gail in dry(for the moment), springy Atlanta --- Date: Sun, 9 Mar 1997 05:19:26 -0500 (EST) | From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com For Barb in GA, I’ll be anxious to see if I can identify teh top’s pcs as sacks..if the texture of the fabric doesn’t clarify it then I’ll possibly recognize the prints..and I can always send the photo to other members who will whelp as well..see if there are any areas on the fabrics in the top that have a run of little holes on edges..you might have to examine the edges closely..gently pull your seams and look close to the seams..the string used to sew the sacks together left holes when removed. Women yesteryear did the same thing we do today..they would prepare the feedsacks to be ready for use..they would removethe string from the bag..hence the holes as cotton does not heal..then after the bag was open, they wash the bag to remove the residue of the content, (flour/sugar/nuts/beans/etc) press the bags, fold, and stack/store them til they wee going to use them..much like what quilters do today, purchase, wash, press, fold, stack their fabric. With the businesses wanting their advertsing/companyname on sack, or the contents printed on the bags..the woman scrubbed on a washboard, bleached, boiled, worked very hard in getting the print OUT..and when they couldn’t remove it totally, they would turn the printing to the inside if using for a quilt lining..that’s why you will see printing backwards on an antique quilt lining..and you’ll take it to a mirror to read it.. In the sewing of the bags, they would sew down one side, across the bottom, up the other side, FILL THE BAG, and then sew it shut..and often teh sewn top would resemble a wave affect..like you woudl draw the ocean or hills in teh background. Thi is an easy form of identification whether the line of holes curve or are straight..they’ll remain there for ever..I’ll look forward to the photos.. THE FEEDSACK CLUB 25 S. STARR AVE. #16 PGH., PA., 15202 --- Date: Sun, 9 Mar 1997 05:26:35 -0500 (EST) | From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Beth, when you say “sacking” in your request for home dyes, are you referring to plain feedsacks? Are you a member of the AMERICAN QUILT STUDY GROUP? If not, I would be happy to contact them, or you can email them at AQSG \[at\] aol \[dot\] com \[dot\] Various members write papers on subjects and that may very well be a subject covered. I can also refer you to various members of THE FEEDSACK CLUB who have dyed feedsacks or know of articles written on the subject. I can also put your request in my newsletter and see what response we would receive..I have close to 700 members so surely we would hear from someone..Jane --- Date: Sun, 9 Mar 1997 05:44:14 -0500 (EST) | From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com I am seeking the address of Rob at Planet Patchwork..also, was’nt there a young lady thru QHL that was offering a new service related to quilts/history/articles? Both of these new services (her’s and Rob’s) require a small fee..please email me privately..unless you feel others are seeking this info also..Jane --- Date: Sun, 9 Mar 1997 06:11:08 -0500 (EST) | From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com I was recently lecturing in Austin TX and had a wonderful experience and visit with a noted award winning quilt teacher (and feedsack collector) KATHLEEN H. McCRADY..Kathleen has taken so many awards/ribbons/ it is staggering and is a well known name in TX as well as across the country..behind Kathleen’s home is a smaller builing that is a QUILT HISTORY STUDY HALL..what a FUN! place..it is here that Kathleen holds free classes (donations appreciated) in history/dating sessions, conservation , restoration & repair sessions, appraisals and the study of vintage fabrics… For the history/dating sessions..Kathleen useds a collection of quilts/blocks/quilt tops, and other media. These 4 hour sessions will cover time periods from 1840-1970. These visuals will give you a more in-depth study of quilt histroy. Class is limited to 8 to 10, no fee, but depending on the time frame you may be required ot bring a brown bag lunch..for info send a sase to the address I’ll list below.. Conservation, Restoration & Repair: (on individual basis) Evaluating of old quilts, conservation, and restoring/repairing old quilts. Appraisals: bu apppointment $25.00 a quilt Vintage Fabrics: limited amt of vintage fabrics, including feedsack packets.. Kathleens credits include, 50 yrs of quilt making, charter member of the AUSTIN AREA QUILT GULD, past president and board member, board member of the American International Quilt Assoc., invitational exhibits in Australia, Japan, Netherlands, Austria, England & France. Certified AQS quilt appraiser, member of Professional Appraisers Program, and more. If you live near Austin, in Austin, will BE IN Austin, visit this remarkable museum..and meet Kathleen..what a fun experience..write her at 2205 Pasadena DR Austin, TX 78757-2232 512-452-6947 Please include a lsase for a reply..and because this is a ‘free’ study group..please make a donation..nOT REQUIRED..but a nice ‘thank you’..and tell her I said, HI..Jane --- Date: Sun, 9 Mar 1997 06:56:08 -0500 (EST) | From: AJSNGS \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To Gail in Atlanta and all others, I took a look at the quilt on the ebay auction….it is a beautiful Irish Chain! Take a look! The quilting looks pretty too, even in the picture. Current price is $112.50. No affiliation or anything, just someone who checks out ebay often. Nancy in VA Remember, the item # is rtv666 --- Date: Sun, 9 Mar 1997 10:37:50 -0500 (EST) | From: Pat Sloan I started to teach my neice when she was 4. We did a 4-patch with large squares. This was by hand, and she did not have the concentration to work on it for very long. I switched to letting her select fabric for her quilt. This was much easier. She placed the squares in the order that pleased her and I did the sewing. She was afraid of the sound of the sewing machine. She now lives across the country from me…..so no more lessons. Pat Sloan …. psloan \[at\] capaccess \[dot\] org ………. Herndon, VA, USA --- Date: Sun, 9 Mar 1997 11:11:53 -0500 (EST) | From: JZgliniec \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Dear Beth and all, I can recommend two books that deal specifically with fabrics from mostly the 40’s and 50’s…a few earlier decades are included for context. They are : Fabulous Fabrics of the 50’s (and Other Terrific Textiles of the 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s. Gideon Bosker. Michele Mancini. John Gramstad. Chronicle Books. San Francisco. ISBN 0-87701-811-1 Fun Fabrics of the 50’s. Joy Shih. Shiffer book ISBN 0-7643-0173-x Both are still in print (I think) and were available from http// Regards, Julia --- Date: Sun, 09 Mar 1997 11:38:22 PST | From: josiem \[at\] tekstar \[dot\] com Hi to all: Sometime back someone posted a URL for a Library of Congress/WPA website about quilters/depression era and earlier. The pieces on the site were written by WPA writers and it was just wonderful stuff. I have lost all my bookmarks in a computer switch and wonder if anyone can supply me with this site? Thanks if you can! Jo in Minnesota --- Date: Sun, 9 Mar 1997 12:28:15 -0500 (EST) | From: QuiltLine \[at\] aol \[dot\] com OOPS, I hit the delete button in error before I could read your message on my request for informaton on Cleona Cotton in Hope Winslow’s book. Please, Please re send your letter. I promise to be more careful next time! Quiltline --- Date: Sun, 9 Mar 1997 12:40:11 -0500 (EST) | From: SadieRose \[at\] aol \[dot\] com I have been adding to my collection of the “UNCOVERINGS” books, which are the printed version of the research papers presented at the American Quilt Study Group annual seminars. What I Love about these papers is that they are carefully researched and documented….not a re-hash of the “quilting myths” that get repeated a time or two, and suddenly are considered fact. You can get a brochure, listing each volume (started in 1980, there are 17 now), with the contents and authors, from the AQSG (AQSG \[at\] aol \[dot\] com). The 1986 UNCOVERINGS (volume 7) contains an excellent article by Jessica F. Nicoll, “Signature Quilts and the Quaker Community 1840-1860”. If you are interested in the Quakers and the quilts they made, this would be “required reading”. The 1984 UNCOVERINGS (volume 5) contains an article by James Liles “Dyes In American Quilts”. He is (was?) Professor of Zoology at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and worked with a group of quilters to create a quilt from his naturally dyed fabrics. An article about this project can be found in Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine, issue #211 (April 1989). I know he also wrote an article on this topic for the NQA’s “Quilting Quarterly” magazine- but can’t tell you when. Hope this will inspire you to start adding the UNCOVERINGS volumes to your book collection. They are short on photographs (to keep printing expenses down)- but long on excellent information on a variety of quilt history topics! Are you making special plans to celebrate National Quilting Day- Saturday March 15th?? These plans should probably include either M&M candies, or OREO cookies (I have heard both called the “official” quilters treat). Happy Quilting!! Karan (SadieRose \[at\] aol \[dot\] com) from cold but sunny Iowa --- Date: Sun, 9 Mar 1997 12:51:23 -0500 (EST) | From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Ok, now it’s MY turn to ask YOu, Nancy..how do I get to ebay and I’m guessing it is a quilt auction?? J --- Date: Sun, 9 Mar 1997 14:44:07 -0500 (EST) | From: AJSNGS \[at\] aol \[dot\] com To Jo in Minnesota: Here’s the WPA site online: I got into this just to check and make sure it was the correct place. It looks different than it did last time I got into it. Let me know if you found what you are looking for. Nancy in VA AJSNGS \[at\] aol \[dot\] com —————————— --- Date: Sun, 9 Mar 1997 21:18:48 -0500 (EST) | From: JQuilt \[at\] aol \[dot\] com (by way of “Kris Driessen, Hickory Hill Antique Quilts” ) (by way of Quilting Heritage ListServ ) Come and celebrate National Quilt Day, March 15, 1997.. Bring yourself and your camera to the Bi-annual quilt show of the HAVQG( Hands Across the Valley Quilt Guild) Quilt Show…Quilts, Vendors, Quilt Appraisals When…the weekend of March 15 &16, 1997 Where…. In the LeFrak Gymnasium of Amherst College,on Pleasant St. in Amherst Massachusetts Hours : Sat & Sun 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Admission $4.00 Adults… $1.50 for children 12 yrs and under If you would like a small flyer with printed directions to the show…send a SASE to My Favorite Quilt Shop 65 University Dr. Amherst MA 01002 --- Date: Sun, 09 Mar 1997 21:37:30 -0500 (EST) | From: LISA108 \[at\] delphi \[dot\] com Here are a few good books on old quilts: Averil Colby – =Quilting= and =Patchwork= Anything by Carter Houck, Thomas Woodward, and/or Robert Bishop =America’s Glorious Quilts= (anthology) Gail Binney Winslow and Edward Binney – =Homage to Amanda= Janet Rae – =Quilts of the British Isles= These are just a few…check out the crafts section of the local bookstore, and have fun. There are also historical articles from time to time in most of the newstand magazines like Quilt, Ladies Circle Patchwork Quilts, and Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine. Good luck – hope this helps! --- Date: Mon, 10 Mar 1997 02:13:16 -0600 | From: LAURA SYLER LISA108 \[at\] delphi \[dot\] com wrote: > > Young girls began learning to sew and quilt *very* early, sometimes as early > as four – basically, as soon as they had the coordination to handle the needle. > Sewing was a survival skill, and the sooner a girl could learn to make her > own clothes, the better. Many old samplers were embroidered by six and seven > year old girls. > > I didn’t learn to quilt until I was 21, but I began to embroider when I was > seven or eight. Among my earliest memories is sitting in my grandmother’s > living room, playing with fabric swatches and arranging them in pretty patterns. > I couldn’t have been more than two or three…and now I’ve made about four > dozen quilts and have spent the last eight researching and recreating pre- > colonial techniques. If your daughter is starting early, encourage her. You > won’t regret it, even if she has to rip out half her early stitches. As for learning at a very early age….I recently did some restoration work on a crazy quilt “signed” by the “quiltmaker” Nelle Allison Evans, and her mother, Edverda McCarty Evans. The quiltmaker traced her hand print, stitched with silk thread and according to family history, her mother wrote her name. With the family Bible for documentation,and the date on the quilt, 1893 she would have been 4 years old. Many of the “designs ” on the quilt are very definately learning samples..button hole stitches in the middle of a piece of wool, inside curved lines, outside curved lines. Lots of bugs, spiders in all stages of expertise. --- Date: Mon, 10 Mar 1997 06:29:22 -0500 (EST) | From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com I envy you, Lisa, quilting at 21..I was around 44/45..I often felt ‘deprived’ about that..wondered why it hadn’t been sooner “look what I missed all these years”..and yes, young girls learned early..in Colonial days little girls did not go to school, I am given to understand. Only boys received an education..Little girls stayed home and was taught to sew a very fine line..the 9 Patch was a favorite..the mother always had a scrap bag from sewing clothing for the family..she would keep the larger pieces of scrap for herself..most likely for quilts and also for patching..she wooudl give the child the smaller pieces.. Because the pieces were small she would make small things..and she had to be VERY careful because if she ruined anything..there was no more scraps..this was her schooling..it taught her her math (three across and three down) colors, and sewing well..this was her form of education..adn it would basically be a utility quilt..easy to make..goes fast..that was important on those days as well..thank you Lisa for your post and the opportunity to add to it..Jane --- Date: Mon, 10 Mar 1997 06:49:06 -0500 | From: quiltmag \[at\] mindspring \[dot\] com (Jean Ann) Well.. I don’t know about “those days”. But I learned to sew when I was 3. I have three sisters and my mother taught us all how to sew when we were about 3. She still tells the story of how my sister sewed her applique to the background fabric AND her dress when she was only 4 years old. I was sewing on the machine when I was 7 (and yes, we had electricity…LOL). It was an Elna and was one of the first machines with zig zag and decorative stitches. I can remember that it weighed a ton and it was a funny pearlized green color. By the time I was in high school I was making all of my own clothes and designing a lot of them too. I had lots of experience cause I can remember designing and making doll clothes when I was 5 and 6 and yes I can remember back that far! I also made little doll quilts for them. I made my first baby quilt when I was 19, for my own first baby. Havent stopped with the quilts since! This means I have been quilting and sewing for over 50 years. but dont ask me for how many years over 50, cause I’m not telling. I taught my own children to sew when they were very small too. A 3 year old can sew some squares together for a four patch or a nine patch. Jean Ann Eitel Editor, QUILT magazine Let’s Talk Quilting: dal.net IRC – /join #quilttalk --- Date: Mon, 10 Mar 1997 09:18:35 -0500 | From: gridgees \[at\] algorithms \[dot\] com (Merry May) OK, here’s a challenge for everyone….. Recently DH and I took a much-needed break and went to Williamsburg for a few days (it was wonderful!). Anyway, while we were there, we were conversing with one of the ladies in one of the shops. She had a little kit there with ladies’ “personal needs” items in it, like a small pair of scissors, thimble, ear spoon, etc. (I forget what they used to call them, but it wasn’t a chatelaine.) Here’s the “challenge..” Somewhere in the midst of the conversation, I said something about ladies using the ear spoon to remove wax from their ears and then using the wax on their sewing threads. I know I didn’t make this up, but my question is, is there any documentation on this habit? The woman said that several other people have mentioned this, but they (Colonial Williamsburg) haven’t been able to find any evidence of it. Am I just perpetuating another myth, or what? Does anyone know anything about this topic, or can you steer me towards a book or something? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks! Merry May gridgees \[at\] algorithms \[dot\] com --- Date: Mon, 10 Mar 1997 12:06:43 -0500 (EST) | From: BrickWks1 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com << >Dallas Quilt Celebration ’97 March 21,22,23> Dallas World Trade Center 2050 Stemmons Freeway, NOTE:location change from last year, 2 blocks south. We will be back at Market Hall in ’98 & ’99. >> DON’T MISS the Quilt Rescue Squad Days!! They’ll be held Sat. March 22 (all day), and Sun., March 23 (afternoon only) This is your chance to bring in your quilt and have experts informally appraise it, suggest repair and restoration techniques, including what materials are needed, etc., and record it for the national files of the Quilt Heritage Foundation, for only a small fee. Formal appraisals are also available. The Quilt Rescue Squad is a part of the non-profit Quilt Heritage Foundation. Members of the Squad are on the lookout to preserve as many loved-but-damaged quilts and other textiles from the garbage heap. Rescued quilts will be repaired and sold at auction to help raise money for scholarships to restoration classes, or kept in the QHF’s permanent collection for access to researchers, historians, teachers and interested quilt-lovers. Those quilts who are too far gone will become “organ donors,” and their usable parts kept to repair other quilts. Come learn more about this intriguing group while you watch the Quilt Rescue Squad in action! See you at the Dallas Quilt Celebration….or call me at 1-800-959-4259 for more info on the Quilt Rescue Squad’s activities! Cindy Brick --- Date: Mon, 10 Mar 1997 13:32:22 -0500 (EST) | From: Qltrathart \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Just catching up on digests from this past weekend and had to re-read Jean Ann Eitel’s post from Saturday which included a blurb about my guild’s quilt show this weekend. At first I thought she was a member I didn’t know about, but realized on reading it again that it was information she pulled from another source. I’ve been busy with the quilt show preparations and totally forgot about posting on QHL. I’m sorry. Here’s the info: My guild’s quilt show is this coming Saturday and Sunday. If you are in the metro DC area please come and join us. some great vendors will be there! The Southern Comforters of Bowie, Maryland present our annual quilt show “Fans of Friendship” March 15 & 16, 1997 March 15 has been designated National Quilting Day by the National Quilting Association. Come join us to celebrate our quilting heritage. Belair Staff Development Center, 3021 Belair Drive in Bowie, is the location of the show. Belair Drive intersects with Md. Rte 450. Signs will be posted on Md Rte. 197 and 450. Hours on Saturday are from 10 AM to 5 PM and on Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. An admission of $4 is requested. Over 100 quilts will be on exhibit. “Helen’s Star”, featured on the cover of Mimi Dietrich’s new Smithsonian book, *Quilts: An American Legacy*, will be on display. Joan Blaylock, author of *Quilted Landscapes*, will be discussing use of color in quilts. In addition, there will be antique sewing machines, demonstrations of quilt making techniques, and vendors offering quilts, fabric, and supplies for sale. A children�s area will offer children, and others, the chance to have a hands on experience in quiltmaking. At the close of the show on Sunday, this year�s fund raising quilt will be raffled off. It�s a beautiful queen sized fan and floral appliqu� quilt made by our members. Proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets benefit local charitable organizations. For additional information, contact Helen Johnston at (301) 249-6810. e-mail Qltrathart \[at\] AOL \[dot\] com --- Date: Mon, 10 Mar 1997 13:57:48 -0500 (EST) | From: BrickWks1 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Sometimes these deteriorate when they’re part of a patch on a quilt or top… I have had good success backing that fabric section with a professional fusible. Solves the problem, stops the deterioration…and still can be quilted through fairly easily. DON’T use Wonder-Under…you must get professional stuff. Which will be available soon from Kris’ new catalog of restoration supplies! Cindy Brick --- Date: Mon, 10 Mar 1997 15:23:05 -0500 (EST) | From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com GGG+GOOD GRIEF GAL..I just thought of something..SOMEDAY SOMEONE will read that magazine and see that and it will be documented that that is what quilters did..just ad YOU read this somewhere..THAT’S WHAT PEOPLE WILL THINK OF US!! That we graduated from ear wax to head grease..J --- Date: Mon, 10 Mar 1997 15:32:20 -0500 (EST) | From: Baglady111 \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Well, I had better back up and explain my post.. Merry May had posted about documenting ear wax being used for quilting..I had emailed her privately about another matter and added that I had read in a quilt mag years ago a tip from a woman who said she would let her hair get dirty and then when quilting she would run the needle and thread thru her greasy hair..the thought turned my tummy but the ear wax was as bad..hence the post you will have read..I forgot to send it privately..but DO THINK about this..picture seeing a beautiful photo of a fabulous award winning quilt..maybe a Baltimore Album..adn someone will say, “gee, it’s hard to believe that the maker of that quilt would have cleaned out her ears and sat with long greasy hair to create that masterpiece..”.. I can also see millions of quilters all running around tearing labels off the backs of their quilts so that hundreds of years from now our “legacy’s can’t be traced to a name!!” I apoligize for this silliness..it’s been a long day!! Anonymous.. --- Date: Mon, 10 Mar 1997 16:11:17 -0500 (EST) | From: AJSNGS \[at\] aol \[dot\] com Oh Jane, you DO make me laugh! But I must admit the thought of anyone cleaning out their ears in order to use it on their quilts/thread was more than I could handle! But I WOULD like to know if it was true!… Nancy in VA --- Date: Mon, 10 Mar 1997 20:45:46 -0500 (EST) | From: LISA108 \[at\] delphi \[dot\] com EARWAX???? Oh, lord…I don’t even want to think about it….:) Actually, I think it’s probably a legend. *Beeswax* has been used to stabilize quilting thread for several centuries, and was used to coat the edges of applique pieces so they could be stitched into place from at least the 14th century. Earspoons have been used since Viking days to remove earwax, but I truly can’t imagine it being used on quilting thread…besides, how many people produce so much earwax that it would be practical? A much more likely use for the little spoons would be either for snuff or for salting food in the absence of a shaker. Far be it from me to contradict Colonial Williamsburg, but I just can’t see it….