May 19 – 29, 2005
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:
- Cat Mummies and the Log Cabin Pattern Theory — A tale of mummified cats wrapped in a Courthouse Steps-like pattern leads into a discussion of a (debunked) theory linking ancient Egyptian textiles to the Log Cabin quilt block.
- Sunbonnet Sue Quilt History Continued — The story of the “Sun Sets on Sunbonnet Sue” quilt is traced to quiltmaker Barbara Brackman and friends.
- Textile Word Origins: Blanket, Tweed, and Calico — Members trade competing etymologies for common fabric terms, correcting some popular but inaccurate word-origin stories. (see the article on cotton and textile terms)
- Identifying a Fabric Called Henrietta — A historical newspaper column on the fabric “henrietta” is shared in response to an earlier question about the textile.
- Dating a Tumbling Block / Star Quilt on eBay — Members admire and discuss a striking tumbling-block quilt with a hidden star design spotted for sale on eBay. (see the article on dating quilts)
From: “Cindy Brick”
Don, I’m sure I’m not the only one wondering…I lived in Austria for a while, and don’t think they were that hot on revering their cats and crocs! 🙂 These were from Egyptian tombs, right? Do you know where from? Inquiring quilt minds want to know! Cindy
BRICKWORKS & CLASSY GIRL books, kits, embellishments, and a little Hanky Panky!
www.cindybrick.com www.classygirlquilts.com
From: Jane Hall
I have spent some time researching the Log Cabin pattern, and among other places, found it on cat mummies in the British Museum. There is a good theory that when the Egyptian tombs were opened early in the 19th Century by both British and French, they found a lot of these animal mummies. Apparently they were funerary offerings for the dead, as we would send flowers (!). Not knowing what to do with them, large amounts were sent back to the UK and used as fertilizer. Some were ground up ahead of time, others bought by the truckload and brought to farms. Given the human predeliction to find patterning everywhere, it wouldn’t take much for the farmer’s wife to see how to arrange strips in this fashion.
There isn’t much “new” that you can do with geometric shapes….there are wonderful eight-pointed stars in tiled floors in Medieval cathedrals all over Europe and England. Ditto triangle designs on kneelers in Buddhist temples and on camel saddle blankets in Uzbekistan. They also get replicated in fabric as they are good designs. Jane Hall
From: “Linda Heminway”
I’ve just seen a photo of a reproduction quilt made by Salinda W Rupp around 1870 and want to know if there is a good photo of the original quilt on line where I could see it? I guess there is a book, kind of like the Dear Jane book on this quilt now? Is this so? Linda Heminway Plaistow NH
Not sure about on-line, but I’m almost certain Salinda’s quilt is pictured in “America’s Glorious Quilts.”
Karen Evans
From: Kathie Holland
The book out reproducing this quilt is called Nearly Insane http://www.nearlyinsane.com/ Kathie in NJ
From: “Merry Endres”
Yes. The book is called Nearly Insane. I have it and the blocks are really interesting. This is one of those projects I hope to attempt someday. I can’t remember the name of the book that features a picture- it’s something like Great American Quilts. I’m sure if you typed ‘Nearly Insane’ in a search engine, you would get a picture of the book with the patterns and probably links to pictures of the quilt as well.
Just thought some of you might like to know this in case you are in Raleigh, NC vacationing. I hope to get to see the show next week. I found this because I am researching 3 woven coverlets I recently purchased. They were made in NC. If anyone on the list researchs southern made coverlets I would love to hear from you privately. —-_palampore@_ (—-palampore@)
“As part of the Celebration of North Carolina Craft, proclaimed by Gov. Mike Easley for 2004-2005, the N.C. Museum of History is showcasing a changing selection of handcrafted items from its collection. The newest rotation of objects in the small exhibit Celebration of North Carolina Craft highlights 35 fiber and textile pieces made by North Carolinians during the 19th and 20th centuries. This remarkable collection of quilts, samplers, rugs, baskets and other objects will be on exhibit until Sept. 11, 2005. Admission is free. “
Off to sew on an 1840’s British officer’s uniform. It is wonderful felted red wool. My daughter made me really worry about the state of our educational system and our home today. She is in the 8th grade and is an academically gifted student. I showed her the coat so that she could say that she had seen such an item up close and personal. I told her what it was and she said, “How can that be? There were no British soldiers then.” I said, “What makes you think that?” She said, “That is when the Civil War was going on, and they didn’t have British soldiers then.” Being the co-owner of a Civil War business I just about died!!!! I told her that she missed the CW by 20 years, and did she think that when we defeated the British that their armies all went away? I told her that they had British soldiers in many other countries in the 1840’s. She was lucky her carpool ride showed up right then. My husband and I are stunned. I know that she has no interest in our business and history, but how didn’t some of that seep in at home and at school?????????? She has been to more CW battlefields than most adults….. Be still my heart. Lynn Lancaster Gorges Historic Textiles Studio New Bern, NC
From: “Charlotte Bull”
Hi, I thought some of you might be interested in knowing that one of us has a light hearted article on “being a thrifty quilt collector” in the current issue of McCall’s Vintage Quilts. It’s a special issue sold on news stands. Gail Ingram wrote a delightful piece. Some neat tales of special finds!
The rest of the issue is very serious and shares a number of quilts from the York County PA Museum. I’d really subscribe to a magazine that featured a different museum in each issue! We could visit every wonderful museum in the world and not leave home!
You who can travel are fortunate!
Re the cat mummy. At this very moment I have a cat wrapped up in an old double wedding ring quilt. Not dead, just sleeping! His favorite corner of the couch includes a folded quilt that he rearranges to suit his desires. Sometimes, like now, he totally crawls inside or under it. So I’ll tell him he is a model for a mummy! sorry…it’s a horrible day after a horrible night of severe thunder storms so I think he is still scared and needed comforting! However I refuse to let him have my antique Log Cabin quilt! An early 1960s quilt is as old as I consent to actually use. Isn’t that the Vintage cut off date? cb
From: “Junior/Peggy McBride”
The Sun Sets on Sunbonnet Sue was a quilt made by Barbara Brackman and some of her friends. Made as a joke, it developed a life of it’s own. Barbara carried it around for a number of years and showed it in her talks.
The quilt generated a lot of controversy and QNL got hate mail for publishing it.
However, the last laugh was that it was ultimately sold to a collector, for a very good price, and the makers shared the money.
Peggy McIowa
By the way, this information was shared during a program given by Barbara Brackman
Personally I’ve always disliked Sunbonnet Sue, Overall Sam, the Colonial Lady, and that whole tribe. Good for Barbara!
Karen Evans
From: Joan Kiplinger <jkip@>
Karen — LOL. I think it was the original appeal of Sue which caused her overuse and to go the way of Norman Rockwell art. I have a 2″ one-sided metal mold which slides onto a wood base. The figure is a side view of a bonneted girl with watering can, dressed in nile or jade or tea room green c late 1920s-early 30s or therebouts. I never realized it was Sun Bonnet Sue until joining this list. However, it has its charm and adds to the vase and pitcher display on a doll’s 1920 “mahogany” wash stand cabinet.
From: “avalon”
I believe a quilt with this theme was one of the quilts featured in the play “The Quilters“.
Mary
What does it means that the cat and crocodile mummy are “wrapped in Courthouse Steps pattern” made with different colors of fabric? Is the wrap a patchwork made of cloth? Thanks for clarification. Fawn Valentine
From: “Lucinda Cawley”
If you need a reason to come to Baltimore I’ll give you a good one. The Lovely Lane Museum is planning an exhibit featuring quilts with a Methodist connection November 3, 4 and 5. The centerpiece will be their own wonderful Baltimore Album quilts (see The Baltimore Album Quilt Tradition, pp. 82-89). There will be quilts from other Maryland churches. I’ll pass along additional information as it becomes available. Cinda on the Eastern Shore
From: “J. G. Row”
http://www.skinnerinc.com/asp/fullCatalogue.asp?salelot
Skinner is auctioning off a painting of a devastating fire at the Union Wadding Company in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, September 10, 1870.
The company has records from as early as 1771 and only recently closed; it rebuilt after fires more than once.
In 1860 two of the owners were names familiar to today’s quilters, John Cranston and Henry A. Stearns.
It is interesting that the company’s entire loss from the fire was estimated at $150,000 to $200,000, and the painting of that fire is estimated to bring $75,000 to $125,000 in June of 2005.
And just so it shouldn’t be a waste of you time (you know, not looking at quilts) you could also seek out lots 245, 116, and 115.
Costume people (Newbie) will want to look at lots number 191 and 211 for a type of hair ornament I’ve not seen before.
Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow@
From: adi hirsh
There is a good > theory that when the Egyptian tombs were opened early in the 19th > Century by > both British and French, they found a lot of these animal mummies. > Apparently they were funerary offerings for the dead, as we would send > flowers (!).
Just to set the record straight – these were not placed in the royal tombs, or any other human tombs for that matter. They certainly were not “put there as funerary objects of respect for the departed royalty” as the article quoted in another post claims. The cat was sacred to Bast, the cat goddess, daughter of Re and a wrathful, avenging deity. In the heyday of the Egyptian empire (the New Kingdom), some temples had a sacred animal – just one – such as the Apis bull, that was selected by various strict criteria (color, placement of spots etc) and revered until it’s death, when it was mummified and burried. In Graeco-Roman times (4th cent. BC and onwards) Egypt experienced a decline, both military and religious, and instead of a single sacred beast, temples started hosting these sacred animals by the thousand. All were, at death, mummified and burried in special underground cemeteries, sometimes miles long. The mummified animals included cats (sacred to Bast), ibises (sacr ed to Thot god of moon and wisdom,), and crocodiles (sacred to Sobekh, a nile god). As an Egyptian excavation permit requires the archaeologist to complete the dig down to the last detail and publish an excavation report, woe betide the poor scholar who stumbles upon one of these cemeteries – I visited one years ago – miles upon miles of dusty, sandy underground chambers filled with mummfied animals, each requiring proper registration and documentation. Ady in Israel, who studied egyptology in another life
From: Donald Beld
Yes, the cat and croc were Egyptian–New Dynasty–c 1200 B.C. I saw no cats at all in Austria–although I am sure they have them–but lots and lots of dogs.
As to how they form the pattern, I assume it is some type of wrapping–it clearly is small strips of cloth in different colors woven together in some way–not sewn, so it wouldn’t qualify as patchwork. Best, Don
From: Barbara Burnham
FYI (from www.baltimoreapplique.com What’s New page):
Baltimore Appliqué Society Project Proposal: Silent Auction for Lovely Lane Museum The Lovely Lane Methodist Church Museum has asked the Baltimore Appliqué Society to assist them with a quilt show which will include a display of four of their BAQs and quilts from other churches and museums in the area. The show will be from November 3 – 5, 2005, and continue on November 6, 2005, for church members only. The occasion for the show is to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the museum. At the February meeting, BAS members not only agreed to assist with the show but also to donate $1,000 for making silent auction quilts. Twenty-five blocks have been traced from the museum’s four BAQs. We will be making as many kits as requested, but you need to let us know by April 1, 2005, if you will be willing to make a one-block quilt. This is a great opportunity for all members to get involved in working on a museum project. Our goal is to distribute the kits by the April meeting or have them ready to mail. BAS will supply a picture of the block, background fabric, fabrics for the block and a pattern. After the block is completed, you need to complete the one-block quilt by adding a border, binding, backing and batting. All one-block quilts must be quilted. If you feel comfortable doing so, please ink any information provided that is on the original antique block. Also, make a label with your name, address, date and the name of the quilt from which the block originated. We will also need many volunteers to assist with the show. All BAS members involved with the show and/or making a one-block quilt will be able to purchase the patterns for half price. If you would like to be involved with this project, please contact Marylou McDonald 301-776-5086, Ann Christy 301-725-0876, Margo Cramer 301-498-6797 or Eleanor Layman 410-730-8293.
From: “sue reich”
This is from the New Oxford Item New Oxford, Pennsylvania May 14, 1925
Common Fabrics; How They Get Their Names Every one knows what a blanket is, but how many know that it got its name from Thomas Blanket, a famous clothier, who made blankets in Eng- land about the year 1840? And did you know that shawls first were made for floor coverings? Sala is the Sanskrit word for floor, and that is where we get the name shawl. Bandanna is from the Indian word bandanna, meaning to bind or tie. You see, the cloth is tied into knots when dipped into the dye, and this is what gives the clouded effect seen in the original bandanna handkerchief. Foulard was originally made for handkerchiefs only, and the name is French for “silk handerkerchiefs.” We have all heard the masculine ex- pression “to go down into his jeans” when what is meant is that he pro- duces the money.
Now, the word “jeans” has still a closer connection with money. It is the name for a Genoese coin, and in selling cloth, it was customary to say, “So mush for one jean.” That is how the name came to be applied to the familiar coarse woolen fabric used for men’s clothing. Momie, or mummy, a plain weave of flaxen or linen yarn, was originally the winding sheet or shroud of Egyptian mummified dead. Tweed, that familiar, rough, unfin- ished fabric of cotton and wool, usual- ly made of yarns of two or more shades, is so called because it was originally the product of weavers on the banks of the river Tweed in Scot- land.
Many women have wondered just what panne velvet really meant. The word “panne” is simply the French word for plush. And the name is ap- plied to a wide range of stain-faced vel- vets or silks that show a high luster which has been produced by pressure. Pique is French for “quilting.” Orig- inally it was applied to a cloth woven in diamond-shaped designs to imitate quilting. When used to designate our familiar corded cloth the name is real- ly a misnomer. Chenille is French for “caterpillar,” so that when applied to the well-known cloth with the fuzzy, fluffy face, the name is most appropri- ate. Chenille is used sometimes for dress goods, but more generally for curtains and table throws.
I don’t knoiw how accruate this all is but it was in print in 1925. sue reich
From: Joan Kiplinger
Sue — the name for tweed is a misnomer.. Per the Harris Tweed Association — Named coined by an error in 1831 when someone mistook the Scots word tweel [twill] for tweed.. Not named after the River Tweed in Scotland!
From: “Lynne Z. Bassett”
Some of it’s accurate, some of it’s not. The statement that “blanket” comes from a clothier in the 1840s is ridiculous. ‘Tweed” actually came out of a misreading of “twill” (I was just reading about this, actually). “Bandanna” does in fact, come from India and is their word for tie-dyed. I must say it would raise my eyebrows if I heard someone use the phrase to “go down in his jeans.”
Must get back to work. Thanks for the diversion, Sue!
Best, Lynne
I seem to recall that “blanket” is fairly old…does anyone have a date? Didn’t know that about tweed, though it certainly makes sense.
Other place/name-based terms:
Paisley (from a town in Scotland) Calico (from Calcutta, from which many early calicoes were exported to Europe) Holland (a fine linen, from the old term for the Netherlands) Arras (a town in the Low Countries renowned for its tapestries) Isabella (a dun color referring to, disgustingly enough, the color of the chemise worn by Queen Isabella of Spain during the Reconquista – she vowed that she wouldn’t change it until Granada had surrendered, and ended up wearing it for over a year *ew*)
I won’t even attempt to describe the origin of “caca dauphine,” but I think we all can guess…
Karen Evans
From: “Lynne Z. Bassett”
I’ve made the mistake of saying that “calico” was derived from “Calcutta,” too. (Did you pick this up from me, Karen? I published it in _Northern Comfort_ and was mortified when someone who knew better pointed out my mistake.) In fact, Calcutta, which is on the eastern side of the Indian subcontinent, was not even founded in the 17th century when calicoes began to be exported to Europe and the American colonies. “Calico” is derived from “Calicut” on the western side of the Indian subcontinent.
I just checked some early inventories, and the term “blanket” appears at least as early as 1611.
Best, Lynne —
From: Kathie Holland
I have been lucky enough to have collected all the past issues of Uncoverings from the AQSG except 1987 if anyone has a copy they would like to sell would you please let me know. Thanks ! Kathie in NJ
From: “Lucinda Cawley”
My twin-separated-at-birth Suzanne Cawley signed us up for “Arts of the Pennsylvania Germans” sponsored Heritage Center of Lancaster Co. The focus was on the decorative and folk arts of some of the distinctive PA German communities. QHL was well represented, both at the podium and in the audience. Candace Perry spoke on the “Fraktur and Textile Traditions of the Schwenkfelders.” I am very interested in fraktur, but it’s not the focus of the quilt lists so I’ll only say that the Schwenkfelders produced some masters.. Candace is planning an exhibit on Susanna Heebner (one of the few female practitioners of the art) later this summer.
On the subject of needlework Candace showed slides of random motif Germanic samplers (far less disciplined than the English variety) and the incredible Berlin work township designs featuring stacked houses, giant rose bushes and huge spaniels that a group of Schwenkfelder girls in Montgomery Co., PA created in the 1850s. Trish Herr’s topic was “Ornamental Branches-Moravian School Girl Arts.” Checkout Trish’s book on the subject; it’s wonderful. We got a good intro to the Moravians and the settlement at Lititz. I was fascinated to learn that the Sisters traveled between the three Moravian female academies (Bethlehem, Old Salem and Lititz) taking their design ideas with them.
Beginning in 1804 the Lititz school began accepting boarding students and their high standards of education benefited girls from the Caribbean to the Northwest Territories (Ohio not Canada). Peter Seibert, the President of the Heritage Center, speaking on “Amish Arts,” stressed that the Amish must be understood in the context of late Victorian rural life. Amish art and customs are a continuation of late 19th century traditions. He showed us delightful examples of birth records (meant to be framed and hung) and book plates done by Amish scriveners. Clark Hess, who literally wrote the book on Mennonite Arts, showed slides of treasures which have come to light since his book was published.
I was fascinated by Stephen Scott’s presentation “Pain Clothing-Uniformity and Diversity.” Scott, a member of the Old Order River Brethren, had examples of the clothing of the various plain sects. It’s a lot easier to understand what “broadfall” pants are when you’re looking at a pair, or the difference between a frock coat and a sack coat when you can compare the real thing. Seeing the various permutations of the four part costume (similar to the clothing of Puritan women) worn by the Amish (short gown, skirt, apron, kerchief or cape) was fascinating. For instance in Lancaster the apron is always black, in Indiana the apron matches the dress.
The Old German Baptist Brethren wear bright colors but still the four part outfit (all in one piece with the cape and apron attached). This was fun! Also fun was watching Suzanne in a buying frenzy. Her collecting interests are more wide- ranging than mine and I just followed her around all day Sunday learning about coverlets, vintage clothing, daguerreotypes and other interesting topics. We both like goofy sewing accessories and found some good ones.
Suzanne does a wonderful talk called “Granny’s Scrap Bag” about things one might make from leftover fabric and she’s always looking for new goodies. Thanks to Xenia I recently acquired a quilt top inscribed in fraktur letters. At the Mennonite Historical Society I discovered that some of the names were of members of the White Oak Church of the Brethren in northern Lancaster Co. (near Weaver’s Dry Goods if you go to the Lancaster quilt show).
Before leaving for home on Sunday I decided to see if I could find a graveyard near the church. I was in despair to discover that the church is a 1970 mega-church with nary a grave in site. I was about to comfort myself with the recollection of the beautiful drive through a part of the county I don’t know well when an old man came to see what I doing alone in the church’s mammoth parking lot. He sent me to the old church about a mile away with a lovely old cemetery. Just inside the gate were my people waiting for me: Gibbles, Hersheys, Schrieners, Grabills in adjoining plots. It was one of those amazing experiences that make me think these people want to be remembered. I spend a lot of time in cemeteries and they can make you a bit strange.
It was the perfect end to a great weekend. Cinda back (briefly) on the Eastern Shore
My daughter, Nora, redeemed herself yesterday after school. She said, “I know that the CW was around 1863. I just got confused. I am so used to you always working on Civil War uniforms I didn’t know why you were calling the uniform British, when I knew the British didn’t fight in the CW.” I was glad that she redeemed herself. The best part was that we then had a nice discussion about history and she got to learn about the British army. She was however very wrong on her Rev. War dates. Hopefully we now have that straight. But yes, we do need to make history more of a priority. Thanks for the notes. Lynn in New Bern, NC
I must say it would raise my eyebrows if I heard someone use the phrase to “go down in his jeans.”
Yeah, but we must remember what the phrase would mean “now” vs what it meant “then” is a whole lot different! Have a great day all! Babette
From: Gail Ingram
I am happy for Nora, Lynn, but then she was motivated: her peace at home depended on her learning.
A nation cannot remain coherent without a sense of its own history. It forgets what “equality” and such mean and what the cost of maintaining them was. This is particularly true in a pluralistic nation such as ours.
Historically, the schools of a nation have been institutions that helped pass on to the next generation the values and experiences of past generations. Our schools fail abysmally in this regard. Every single test prove that. What we could not afford to accept in math, science, or English, we tolerate in “social studies.”
Everyone should be aware that the trend in the nation’s public schools is to begin the study of American history in high school with the close of the CW. The reasoning is that students already know the first part because of having had it in the 7th grade! Ask any teacher whether this is true.
gi
From: Karen Alexander
A couple of QHL members have recently shown interest in the process of nominating someone to The Quilters Hall of Fame so I thought I would share this process with the entire QHL list. Please be aware: nominations MUST come from the public. The Board of QHF does not nominate people. We need YOUR input to make it happen.
Just in case you have our new book (“The Quilters Hall of Fame”), there is a nomination form on page 157. You may xerox this nomination form several times and distribute to those who want to participate in the nominating process with you or send me your street address and I will mail a form to you.
Nominations come from the general public. In the nomination process we ask the person doing the nominating to explain in writing why the individual should be so honored — i.e. how she/he has made outstanding contributions to the world of quilting. Also include a comprehensive resume for your nominee and supporting letters from at least three (3) but no more than ten (10) people stating succinctly (not in generalities) why they recommend tha t this person be considered. Five copies of each of the above items should be mailed to reach The Quilters Hall of Fame no later than Sept 1st of each year.
A detailed comprehensive curriculum vita or resume should be sufficient. Yo u may include examples of what the nominee has accomplished but it is not required. However, if you choose to include such items, you may include copies of newspaper or magazine articles about the nominee; articles she/he has written; program books of exhibits she/he has curated, etc. These materials will not be returned but will stay in the QHF research archives.
In 1979 a Selection Committee of five was formed from quilters and knowledgeable persons from across the USA. This committee generally includes representatives from the traditional and art quilt worlds, as well as the quilt history and museum world, and changes over the years.
After September 1st, the committee begins their study of all nominations submitted that year. There may be a consensus immediately but if not, the results are posted to the committee and they deliberate via e-mail until they come to a final conclusion with a majority vote. In addition, we have a special consultant who is aware of those nominated and gives her/his own informed overview of the contributions that each nominated individual has made.
Once the Selection Committee has come to a conclusion, the name is then sen t to the Executive Committee of the QHF Board of Directors for approval or disapproval.
A nomineeB9s name may stay in the pipeline for up to 5 years. If we have received no additional information or letters from the quilt world concerning said individual in those five years and the individual has still not been selected within that time frame, the name is B3retiredB9. However, the person may again be considered in the future but the nominating process would have to start all over again in the same way as described in paragrap h one above.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Karen Alexander
— Karen B. Alexander President-elect The Quilters Hall of Fame P.O. Box 681 Marion, IN 46952 QHF Office: quilterscomteck.com Personal: karenquilt@ WEBSITE: www.quiltershalloffame.org <http://www.quiltershalloffame.org/>
From: “Velia Lauerman”
Methodist quilting, aka seed quilting was done on a Ole World Santa from a recent pattern and displayed at Sauder Village, Ohio possibly in 2000. Seed quilting was done in Texas when my mom and grandmother quilted with left over cotton from the fields. In the 20’s they would gather left over cotton and pat it together on a table into a sheetlike batt. The seed quilting is done with a little bite stitch and back then into the batting. Where did Methodist quilting come into the picture? Maybe you can find out at the Methodist meeting. My sister is Methodist but doesn’t know.I have tried in vane.
From: Joan Kiplinger
To go one step further on the name and the coinage — according to the Modern Textile and Apparel Dictionary, 1973, the name jean comes from Genoa [Janua, Génes]. In the 14th and 15th centuries the Jàne was the English name for a coin of this city.
From: Joan Kiplinger
A friend of mine who is a ATHM member sent me the following press release from the museum. I thought it might be of interest to the list:
AMERICAN TEXTILE HISTORY MUSEUM BOARD APPROVES STRATEGIC PLAN FOR MUSEUM’S FUTURE
LOWELL, May 23 – In a move to address its national vision and operational budget shortfall, the board of trustees of the American Textile History Museum voted to accept an aggressive action plan recommended by the museum’s strategic planning committee at the 2005 annual meeting held Friday, May 20. According to Jan Russell, trustee and strategic planning committee chair, the action plan includes accepting a $1 million challenge grant from an anonymous out-of-state donor to keep the museum open; putting the Dutton Street building up for sale on the condition the museum can lease back part of it from the buyer; cutting back museum operations; launching a campaign to raise $3 million for its endowment; and continuing to explore major east coast locations where it could better access a national audience. “Our chief responsibility is to make sure our collections are cared for and our financial resources have proper stewardship,” said Russell. “As we address our operational budget shortfall which extends beyond what the museum generates from earned revenues, fundraising and endowment returns, we need to think in terms of how the actions we take now will positively effect this museum in the next 20 to 40 years.” The trustees noted that the specific actions will be formulated by the museum’s president/CEO Michael J. Smith in collaboration with the board. Commenting on specifics, Smith said the museum will reduce its operating budget for the 2006 year. “Beginning October 1, 2005 the museum will be open for general visitation Thursdays through Sundays,” said Smith. ” However, we will maintain the current schedule of Tuesday through Sunday for school services and youth programming,” he said. “We are at a critical time in the museum’s history,” said new board chair McAvoy. “With the help of our supporters, staff and volunteers, I am confident that we can strengthen our mission and vision by making the best use now of our resources and conserving our assets which include our unique collections and an endowment to preserve them, as well as our fully paid for Lowell building.” Smith said “everyone at the museum very much appreciates all the expressions of moral and financial support that have come from members, donors and the textile and apparel community over the past month. With this continued suppport and energy, we look forward to reaching the goal of a fully energized and financially healthy American Textile History Museum that achieves its mission of telling America’s stories through the art, science and history of our textiles for a broad national and international audience.”
From: “Betsy Golden”
I am fairly new to the list; and I’m fascinated with all I am learning aboute textiles and quilts. I am planning to be in the Baltimore, MD area the first week of June.Can anyone suggest museums or other resources related to quilt and textile history? Thanks in advance for your help.
Betsy Golden
From: Joan Kiplinger
For those keeping track of bias tape information and chart, see new column and chart below which are now live. 42 brand names have been added plus a cross reference listing of brand names by manufacturer. Tapes include Canadian and UK brands. Seems each day there is a new brand which pops up.
joan http://www.fabrics.net/print/joanbiaschart1001.asp
http://www.fabrics.net/joan1001.asp
From: louise-b
Judy Hopkins in her “Rotary Roundup,” pp. 128-129, has illustrations and directions for Crow Foot, and other tacking techniques. One of these stitches is the Methodist knot; there is also a Mennonite tack. I have used the Methodist knot on several quilts and it is fun to do and moves along fairly fast. Heavier threads, such as perle cotton, etc., are used.
Louise Bequette — in mid-Missouri
From: Sandra Starley
Thought someone might like to see this simply stunning quilt.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll
At $4,000.00 it is slightly out of my budget, but one can dream. The hidden star design is wonderful, just a beautiful quilt. Sandra Starley in Utah
From: Joan Kiplinger
A month or so ago, I believe it was Andi who was asking about a fabric called henrietta in regard to a quilt display. Thought you all might enjoy seeing henrietta in action. What was it like to be getting on in years before flappers changed the world?? Well, if you were remotely approaching 50-ish in the 1890s, you were called elderly, not a sr. citizen, and were given a particular set of rules as to what was proper to wear both in style and fabrics. New column now live — Some Costumes for Elderly Ladies from the Ladies Home Journal, 1895.
Joan www.fabrics.net/joan.asp
From: “Candace Perry”
Interesting to see this, as a woman brought a very sinmilar quilt in for me to look at awhile back — though without the hidden star. I wonder why he thinks $4000? Candace Perry
From: elpaninaro@
Wow! New seller. Can anyone vouch for this dealer? I really like this…
Tom.
From: Mary Persyn
Seeing the discussion of the term “blanket” on the digest this a.m., I went out to the shelf and pulled the OED. It lists various forms – blenket, blankette, blankett, blanquet, blanchet, blancket – and gives the source as Old French blanc (white) + dim. suffix -ette. The first date given is circa. 1300 Beket 1167 “Blak was his cope above; his curtel whit blanket.”
There is also a parenthetical statement – (The Thomas Blanket to whom gossip attributes the origin of the name, if he really existed, doubtless took his name from the article.)
Just dawned on me not everybody knows OED – Oxford English Dictionary. Every profession has its “slange.”
Mary from beautifully sunny, but a little chilly, Valparaiso, who is really looking forward to Virginia Gunn’s seminar in Lincoln on “Century of Quilts in Womens’ Lives.”
— Mary G. Persyn 219-465-7830 Associate Dean for Library Services School of Law Library Valparaiso University 656 S. Greenwich St. Valparaiso, IN 46383 Mary.Persyn@ Fax: 219-465-7917
From: Dana Balsamo
He has some other beautiful quilts and textiles, but he is really reaching at the high end of the spectrum as far as price goes. He may have that kind of customer base (but why you bother selling on eBay, then?), I know, I sure don’t!
My best, Dana
From: Judy Knorr
As a recently retired teacher I can only say “AMEN” to Gail and her comments on what history is taught. Actually, lots of informaiton is being skipped over completely or lightly touched these days in order to prepare students for tests!! I am a Home Economics teacher who spent my last 3 years teaching careers, self esteem, entrepreneurship, etc, etc. All students will be lliving on their own during their lives and certainly need to know how to select nutritious food, prepare some basic meals, do some basic care of their own clothing and perhaps, understand a bit about child development! It’s sad to see what children are NOT getting in school these days. Couldn’t help making a statement about education today. Tkhanks for listening. Quilt people have such diverse interests!! Judy Knorr
We are so fortunate to have Cinda who never misses anything in her reports of events she attends. I have only a minor comment on a couple of typographical errors.
I got a chuckle out of your reference to “pain people.” Obviously everyone understood it was “plain people,” our Anabaptist groups here in Southeastern Pa. wouldn’t want anyone to think that QHL was saying unkind words about any group!
Also the Moravian Girls School in Lititz was opened to boarders in 1794 not 1804. They actually began the school for the Moravian children in 1748. Now that is old!
Hope Cinda attends the Schwenkfelder symposium on “Cotton in PA German Life” so we get a report on that. QHL will be well represented with Candace, who made it all happen, Barb Garrett on the subject of feedsacks, also Nancy Roan on quilt fabrics of Southeastern Pa., Pat Keller on the transition of household textile production to industrial consumption, and Susan Greene on costume. My guess is that you might be able to still squeeze in and reserve a space. How about that Candace?
Trish Herr
Hello. Julie Silber here trying to solve another mystery. We have a quilt in our collection that I was thinking was original/unique. However, some time back the Very Sharp Barb Garrett alerted me to a 19th century quilt on eBay with appliqued “Birds of Paradise.” She had the keen eye to notice how similar the eBay quilt was to our quilt, which she had seen in a museum exhibition.
We bought the Bird of Paradise quilt #2 from eBay a year or so ago. Now we want to know if this particular bird is common, or if anyone is familiar with it at all. I believe that our first Bird quilt (#1) was made in Pennsylvania, circa 1880.
Photos of both quilts can be accessed:
#1 is at jdemeter.mystarband.net/birdbeauty.jpg jdemeter.mystarband.net/birdbeautydet.jpg jdemeter.mystarband.net/birdbeautydet3.jpg jdemeter.mystarband.net/birdbeautydet5.jpg jdemeter.mystarband.net/birdbeautydet7.jpg jdemeter.mystarband.net/birddet18.jpg
And #2 is at jdemeter.mystarband.net/birds.jpg jdemeter.mystarband.net/birdsdet1.jpg jdemeter.mystarband.net/birdsdet3.jpg jdemeter.mystarband.net/birdsdet5.jpg
Any input from you knowledgeable people would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Julie
From: “Kathy Moore”
Kathie Holland wrote that she’s looking for a 1987 copy of Uncoverings.
I’m in need of the 1986 issue. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Kathy Moore Lincoln, NE
Some time ago I recall an extensive discussion on the desireability of Singer Featherweight machines but I am looking for information on a Singer 301 Lightweight that a friend of mine recently purchased. She called Singer but was unable to get any information other than it was a Model 301. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Beve Pevarnick from beautiful South Lake Tahoe where we are waiting for Spring to come and STAY!
We have more than enough room — as our meeting room can accomodate 75 easily. And a marvelous lunch, catered by our Palm Schwenkfelder Ladies Aid, awaits the lucky attendees. I’ve heard rumors of homemade vegetable soup… Anyway, the symposium is ONLY $30 includes the catalog of the exhibition, lunch and snacks, and the superb roster of speakers. JUNE 25, 2005 at the Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center in bee-yoo-tiful Pennsburg, PA, minutes from the Quakertown exit of the PA turnpike, an 1 1/2 more or less from Lancaster, and an 1 1/4 hours from the city of Brotherly Love, if in fact the Schuylkill Ex-way is easily navigable. Also a very easy drive from New York & Maryland. The exhibition, catalog and symposium are sponsored by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. THANKS TRISH!!! (oh, and Cinda is amazing, I do agree). Candace Perry www.@ (which is currently being updated, I fear)
From: palampore@
Several months ago I wrote to the list asking about a metalic fabric shawl I have. There was a piece on ebay a while back that gave me all sorts of info. Here is a quote…… “Assuit cloth is a cotton mesh fabric embroidered with hammered metal pieces. The metal is wrapped around the mesh, and the ends are hammered under to hold the piece in place. This type of cloth, produced since biblical times, is named for the Assuit region of Egypt, where it originated. Assuit shawls were popular souvenirs brought home by Americans who visited King Tut’s tomb, which was opened for tourists in the early 20th century. The shawls are still being produced today, but they do not have the substantial weight and quality of design found in the earlier pieces. Garments fashioned from Assuit cloth are much harder to find than shawls. In the 1920’s, a grand Assuit coat like this one was a status symbol. It meant that you were wealthy enough to make the Grand Tour.” quoted from VintageTextile.com I just wanted to give you a name to go with this. Have to go do wet cleaning and photography. Lynn Lancaster Gorges, New Bern, NC
From: “Candace Perry”
LYNN!!! WOW! I am thrilled to see this as there was a shawl in my grandmother’s effects and I always wondered about it. She DID take the Grand Tour, was a wealthy deb from St. Louis who attended Miss Porter’s School in CT. I’ve also seen the in museum collections and could never figure them out. Sadly, my grandfather blew all her money, so there’s no Grand Tour for me! (we loved him anyway…) Candace Perry
From: Judy Schwender
The Museum of the American Quilter’s Society is in need of the 1989 issue. Judy Schwender Curator of Collections / Registrar MAQS
Kathy Moore <kathymoore@> wrote:Kathie Holland wrote that she’s looking for a 1987 copy of Uncoverings.
I’m in need of the 1986 issue. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Kathy Moore Lincoln, NE
