May 24 – 31, 1999
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:
- Trunk Shows Explained — A member asks what a trunk show is, sparking a multi-day thread with descriptions of shop-based, guild-based, and personal trunk show formats from several experienced presenters.
- Quilt Kit History and Documentation Challenges — Discussion of why no comprehensive reference book exists for quilt kits, with members noting the thousands of unnamed manufacturers, relabeled products, and lack of company records.
- Redwork Lady’s Pacific Northwest Tour — QuiltFixer recaps a lecture tour through Oregon and Washington, mentioning quilt shops, guilds, and connections made along the way. (see the article on redwork and outline embroidery)
- Philadelphia Quilt Destinations — Phyllis Twigg asks for advice on seeing quilts and textiles in Philadelphia, generating recommendations including Finkel and Daughter, the Philadelphia College of Textiles, and area quilt shows.
- Reproduction Fabric and Indigo Sources — Christine Thresh seeks indigo print fabric to reproduce a circa-1885 family quilt top, and later thanks the list for a flood of helpful suggestions. (see the article on indigo fabrics)
- Card Catalog Cabinets as Storage — Members discuss whether old library card catalog cabinets are practical for storing quilting notions, with notes on the brass rod and drawer shape that limit their usefulness. (see the article on caring for antique quilts)
- Staples Fabric Dating — Laura Hobby Syler relays information from Marsha McCloskey about the Staples reproduction fabric line, noting it was introduced in 1995 with 13 original patterns in 8 colorways. (see the article on dating quilts)
- Quilt Display Equipment — Phyllis Twigg asks about telescopic quilt display stands, and members share sources and advice including photographic equipment suppliers and quilting conference vendors.
Date: Fri, 28 May 1999 09:05:40 -0500 | From: “Peggy McBride” <jlmpam [at] netins [dot] net>
Are you sure of the address for Peddler’s Wagon – the address and telephone no. I have is P.O. Box 109, Lamar, Missouri 64759-0109 417-682-3734 Peggy in Iowa
Date: Fri, 28 May 99 09:12:03 -0500 | From: Woodford <woodford [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com>
Please excuse my ignorance.
What exactly is a “trunk show”?
Thank you,
Barbara Woodford
Woodford woodford [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com
Date: Fri, 28 May 1999 10:34:25 -0500 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co [at] mail [dot] airmail [dot] net>
I contacted Marsha and here is her reply to your query.
Laura
>Staples were (was?) introduced in 1995 and production continues to the present (1999) The original group had 13 patterns in 8 color ways. There have been additions and deletions. So far there have been 31 patterns. The original group had 13 patterns in 8 color ways each.
>This Spring I have another line called “Shirt and Sweet” on a little lighter goods– of “shirting” type prints in various colors. At 0358 PM 5/21/99 -0500, Ann G. Hubbard wrote back to dating my fabrics. Does anyone know the reproduction date of Marsha’s Staples? I have a lot of her fabric, also. TIA Ann Hubbard still pretty here in lake of the ozarks
Date: Fri, 28 May 1999 09:54:10 -0700 | From: “Christine Thresh” <christine [at] winnowing [dot] com>
Sometimes I don’t pay close enough attention to the wonderful information that this list provides.
I am planning to reproduce an old quilt top that has been handed down in my family. The original cotton top is just to fragile to handle. An appraiser dated the quilt circa 1885. The pattern is streak of lightening. I need to find some indigo print fabric similar to the one used in the original. I really don’t want to buy antique fabric because I want this top to be everyday usable. I plan to make a label for the new quilt with a photo of the old quilt on it and the little information I have. To: see a picture of what I am looking for, please go to http://www.winnowing.com/indigo.html
Thanks,
Christine Thresh http://www.winnowing.com
Date: Fri, 28 May 1999 11:50:06 -0600 | From: Jocelyn <jocelynm [at] sw1 [dot] socwel [dot] ukans [dot] edu>
> Do any of you know where old card catalogs go when the computers come in? Is there a source somewhere?
The Lone Ranger takes them away…tada dump, tada dump, tada dump dump dump! <G>
I know this from being a volunteer at a library that was computerizing, and it was only after they were dumped that we discovered that the company that was hired to computerize the card catalog had omitted D-G.
Actually, the card catalog cabinets are not particularly useful as storage. There’s a brass rod that runs along the bottom of each drawer, and the cards are punched so that this rod keeps them from: falling out. So the drawer bottom is not flat, but has a ditch in it. You could remove the rods, but there’d still be the ditch. Others have found that fishing tackle cabinets and Hot Wheels car garages are great storage for littler notions. There are also many storage units that have small drawers like a card catalog. In the long run, unless you want a piece of fine furniture, they may cost less and give you more storage, since there are a lot of drawers in each cabinet and the cabinets usually have long legs (so, wasted space underneath).
I’m curious to find out, though, what you decide on, so let us know!
Jocelyn
Jocelynm [at] delphi [dot] com
Date: Fri, 28 May 1999 18:58:12 -0400 | From: Alan Kelchner <quiltfix [at] mail [dot] jax [dot] bellsouth [dot] net>
you wrote
Above all, remember that we are all human — and there are no Quilting Queens of the World. (Although I have met some people who would disagree!)
Sorry, I had to laugh – I’m the King. Doesn’t a King beat a Queen? Or is that chess? I’m confused …….
Alan
Date: Sat, 29 May 1999 11:09:28 EDT | From: QuiltFixer [at] aol [dot] com
Dear Barbara, I don’t know the origin of the expression “trunk show,” but in the quilting world of speakers and programs, it means that the speaker is bringing actual samples of quilts, etc., in addition to her presentation. For instance, in my program I bring many “trunks” of linens and quilts to display and talk about.
Hope this helps to clears the meaning up.
Toni Baumgard
The Redwork Lady
QuiltFixer [at] aol [dot] com
RedworkLdy [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Sat, 29 May 1999 11:46:30 EDT | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 5/29/99 111028 AM Eastern Daylight Time, QuiltFixer [at] aol [dot] com writes
<< For instance, in my program I bring many “trunks” of linens and quilts to display and talk about. >>
and may I add to my friend Toni’s reply..my trunk is filled with a variety of feedsack items..bonnets, dresses for teenagers, shirt for son, ladies fashions, household items, baby clothing, and WALT DISNEY collectables…all made from colorful feedsacks, never to be seen again..the guests can see them ,touch them, feel them, examine them, enjoy them…that is why a lecturer, or like myself, a storyteller, provides a trunk show..to please the guests.
Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB http://members.aol.com/baglady111/ http://members.aol.com/baglady111/samples.html
Date: Sat, 29 May 1999 22:31:50 -0400 | From: “Store E-Mail Acct.” <qps [at] quiltingposs [dot] com>
My trunk show is a mixture of antique and contemporary quilts. I compare the new techniques vs the old, tell the stories I know about the quilts and do a question answer type thing. The trunk shows contents depends upon the lecturer. I can’t tell you how many people have thought I was bringing old trunks . . . . VBG I would love to bring the quilts in some of my grandmothers old steamer trunks, but those wheeled suitcases just make it too easy! VBG
Debbie in NJ www.quiltingposs.com
Date: Sat, 29 May 1999 21:08:27 -0500 | From: Mary Waller <mswaller [at] iw [dot] net>
Barbara asked, “What’s a Trunk Show?”. On the outside chance Barbara and someone else hasn’t heard this story…Ye Olde Quilt Shoppe advertised a famous quilter would have her trunk show one Saturday afternoon. A nice crowd turned out, and ooh’ed and aah’ed at the quilts. When the famous quilter asked for questions from the audience, one lady finally asked, “Well, your quilts are lovely, but when do get to: see the trunks?”
I’m almost ashamed to put my name to this, but I’ll confess. I plead justifiable insanity due to A) remodeling, B) leaving soon to go back East to visit the family (do not confuse this with a vacation!), and C) being out in the sun too long going to yard sales and gardening Mary Waller, Vermillion, South Dakota
Date: Sat, 29 May 1999 22:59:08 EDT | From: QuiltFixer [at] aol [dot] com
I should have added that whenever it is possible, I bring my big old trunk and have the quilts spilling out of it. Toni B.
Date: Sat, 29 May 1999 23:27:33 -0400 | From: Barb Garrett <bgarrett [at] fast [dot] net>
Another type of trunk show takes place at a quilt shop. A quilt shop contracts with a designer to be able to display for a period of time — 2 weeks, one month, whatever — samples from the designer’s books and/or patterns. The designer may or may not make an appearance, which allows the shop to feature the work of a person from the other side of the country without the expense of getting the person to her shop. Some shops have several trunk shows a year, while others will feature someone’s work during a special event, such as an anniversary celebration.
This type of trunk show allows the shop to have many samples without the work of making them, and samples always make a shop more inviting, and samples encourage sales of patterns and books. And if the show is only for a designated period of time, it encourages people to come during that time. The items generally arrive in cardboard boxes — as opposed to: trunks <grin>.
When I lecture my 60 doll quilts arrive with me in a suitcase — it was the easiest way to carry them. I never thought of them as being a trunk show, but rather just the visual part of my talk. Now, if someone asks, I have a fancier name for my props. It’s always good to look at things in new ways.
Barb in southeastern PA
<bgarrett [at] fast [dot] net>
Date: Sun, 30 May 1999 12:40:30 EDT | From: Kittencat3 [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 99-05-29 215000 EDT, you write
<<
Sorry, I had to laugh – I’m the King. Doesn’t a King beat a Queen? Or is that chess? I’m confused …….
Alan
Actually, the queen is the most powerful piece in chess – the king may be the piece that is checkmated, but its moves are very limited. Usually the only way to put the king in chess is to capture the queen.
Kings beat queens in most card games, though – )
Lisa Evans
Date: Sun, 30 May 1999 12:58:03 -0400 | From: “Phyllis Twigg” <ptwigg [at] radix [dot] net>
I will be in center city Philadelphia in mid-June for a couple of days and am wondering where to go to see quilts and textiles. Can anyone give me advice ?
Thanks,
Phyllis ptwigg [at] radix [dot] net
Date: Sun, 30 May 1999 16:27:23 -0500 | From: “Barry and/or Tammy Sikes” <bsikes [at] ktc [dot] com>
Does anyone know of any one book that discusses/catalogs the many kit quilts put out in the depression era. I see a lot of quilts out there that I know are kits, but it would be great to have a book identifying when each was put out, by whom, etc. I know there are some pattern books that give you the complete pattern for say 3 of Ruby Short McKim’s patterns so that you can replicate the quilt. I’m looking for more an i.d. book. Anyone ever seen one?
Tammy Sikes, Tea Rose Quilts & Gifts
Fredericksburg, Texas
Date: Sun, 30 May 1999 21:11:32 +0400 | From: Xenia Cord <xecord [at] netusa1 [dot] net>
One of the reasons that there are no kit source books is that there were literally thousands of kits out there, they were often manufactured by unnamed sources and marketed through a number of outlets under the signature names of the outlets themselves, and even the major sources, such as Progress or Bucilla have no records. And this is only the appliques. While we rarely recognize them as kits, nearly every pieced pattern (500 +) sold by the Ladies Art Co. of St. Louis was available in cut pieces and in tops or finished quilts, as well as in paper patterns. These would have to be classified as kits. Untangling that mess is difficult – as a practical matter it requires cataloging every different kit seen in kit or finished form, trying to determine who marketed or manufactured it, and then arranging them all in somo sort of order – and doing it all with very few catalog or published sources to refer to. Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Applique is the best (and possibly the only) cumulative source.
Xenia
Date: Mon, 31 May 1999 01:32:03 -0400 | From: “Judy Grow” <Judygrow [at] blast [dot] net>
>I will be in center city Philadelphia in mid-June for a couple of days and am wondering where to go to see quilts and textiles
Phyllis,
I don’tknow of anything special going on quilt-wise in Philly. Some of the trendy shops on South Street (in the single number streets) that sell handmade jewelry and furniture also often have contemporary quilts. There is also one famous antique shop in the lower teens on South (name is something like “So-and-so and Daughter”) that always has really good quilts. Sorry I can’t think of the name of the shop. Can any one help me out here? Of course the Philly Museum has some great early Quaker quilts, but they might not be on display in mid-June. But you can’t miss by spending a long afternoon there anyway!
Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
Date: Sun, 30 May 1999 22:45:46 -0700 | From: “Christine Thresh” <christine [at] winnowing [dot] com>
I want to thank the many kind QHLers who sent me information about finding reproduction indigo fabric. What a resource!
And, speaking of trunk shows — I really did find my two old family quilt tops in a trunk. Still have the trunk and it is now full of old family photos. I checked every single photo, going way back to the silvery kind in old frame boxes, and there was not one picture with a quilt in it. Darn. The tops are in cotton pillow cases upstairs in my sewing room. If we ever have a flood warning on our island I will haul the trunk upstairs.
Christine http://www.winnowing.com
Date: Mon, 31 May 1999 05:26:59 -0400 | From: Judy Kelius <judy [at] chesco [dot] com>
The shop is Finkel and Daughter – the Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science (http://www.philacol.edu) also has revolving textile shows that you might want to inquire about (but it’s not downtown – it is in the Mount Airy section, I believe – and the shows are usually not on quilts). If you are able to work it in, a trip to Lancaster County might also be interesting – the Heritage Museum in downtown Lancaster has only a few quilts on display but is still a great place to visit and learn about the Amish, Mennonite, and PA German heritage of this area, and the People’s Place in Intercourse has a museum of Amish quilts. The best place to see good quilts in this area is often a quilt show – the show in York this weekend had a slew of marvelous (and very expensive) museum-quality quilts (actually better than you see in museums) – wow! There was even a real Baltimore Album quilt and one small silk landscape piece that was just incredible.
– Judy Kelius in Frazer, PA
At 0132 AM 5/31/99 , Judy Grow wrote
> >I will be in center city Philadelphia in mid-June for a couple of days and am wondering where to go to see quilts and textiles
> Phyllis,
>I don’t know of anything special going on quilt-wise in Philly. Some of the trendy shops on South Street (in the single number streets) that sell handmade jewelry and furniture also often have contemporary quilts. There is also one famous antique shop in the lower teens on South (name is something like “So-and-so and Daughter”) that always has really good quilts. Sorry I can’t think of the name of the shop. Can any one help me out here?
>Of course the Philly Museum has some great early Quaker quilts, but they might not be on display in mid-June. But you can’t miss by spending a long afternoon there anyway!
>Judy in Ringoes, NJ judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
Date: Mon, 31 May 1999 08:16:59 EDT | From: JBQUILTOK [at] aol [dot] com
>I will be in center city Philadelphia in mid-June for a couple of days and am wondering where to go to see quilts and textiles.
Several years ago, the company I was working for sent us to Philadelphia to test a system. We worked evenings when the computer was available. So one of the guys & I did the tour of historic homes. While it didn’t focus on quilts, there were a few very old ones. And this placed them in context with the furnishings of their period.
Janet
Date: Mon, 31 May 1999 08:33:02 -0400 | From: Judy Kelius <judy [at] chesco [dot] com>
At 0526 AM 5/31/99 , Judy Kelius wrote
>. The best place to see good quilts in this area is often a quilt show – the show in York this weekend had a slew of marvelous (and very expensive) museum-quality quilts (actually better than you see in museums) – wow! There was even a real Baltimore Album quilt and one small silk landscape piece that was just incredible.
Oops – I meant to say an ANTIQUES show, not a quilt show!
Date: Mon, 31 May 1999 09:07:36 -0400 | From: “Phyllis Twigg” <ptwigg [at] radix [dot] net>
Hi All,
I would like to buy a telescopic stand for displaying quilts. I understand these come from photographic equipment supply stores. Photographers use them to: hang the backdrop for pictures. Does anyone know of an online source ? Or a catalog or chain with good prices ?
Also, I imagine these stands are not all created equal. We have one at our guild which has a crosssbar that is problematic. Does anyone have experience with what qualities to look for in a good stand?
Thanks,
Phyllis Twigg
Annapolis, Maryland ptwigg [at] radix [dot] net
Date: Mon, 31 May 1999 09:43:40 EDT | From: RBCochran [at] aol [dot] com
Phyllis–
We (Heritage Quilt Project of NJ) ordered what is called a background paper hanger from B&H in NYC. What we have is the Morris MBH-500 portable background holder which comes with 2 four-section tripods and a carrying case (very handy). We also have an extra crossbar. The prices were discounted, service was quick. B&H web site is bhphotovideo.com. (No affiliation.) I went to a local photo store to look at their catalogue before I ordered. There are many variables–e.g., three- or four-section tripods, max length of crossbar, height, weight of hanger and weight it will support, etc. I had originally seen another quilt person with one of these paper hangers, so I got a chance to look at hers, too, and noted that the manufacturer was Morris. When I called Morris they sent a list of preferred dealers, and the nearest for me was B&H. So I called and got a catalogue from them. OUrs is easy to set up and displays the quilt nicely–easy for photography, too, except if you’re outside and a substantial wind comes up!
Good luck.
–Rachel
Date: Mon, 31 May 1999 10:10:02 -0700 | From: “Beverly Dunivent” <bevquilt [at] sprynet [dot] com>
As for “a book on kit quilts” Anne Copeland and I have written such a book! We just have never have been able to have it published. The publishers have encouraged us but say they don’t think enough copies would sell. At this point Anne and I have decided that if all else fails we will self publish. We will keep you posted. In the meantime our paper on the subject was published in Uncovering 1994 and Xenia Cord’s paper on kits was published by them in 1995. These are the publications of AQSG, The American Quilt Study Group and both journals are still in print. Beverly Dunivent
Date: Mon, 31 May 1999 14:37:14 -0600 | From: Sharon Harleman Tandy <harleman [at] micron [dot] net>
Phyllis,
Hi again! I bought my own stand about a year and a half ago. I went to: the best (oldest and best known, for quality and service) camera shop in Boise, talked to the salesman/manager, looked at catalogs, checked out the stands’ height and reach (with quilts sizes in mind), and prices. Ended up with one much stronger than our guild’s, which would go higher and wider, yet be easier to handle. Of course, it was about 10-15 years newer, too. Spent about $350 and am very happy with it. If only one person is putting up the quilt, it’s a bit slow–a little up on one side and then the other, etc., but otherwise I wouldn’t part with it. Just got it back yesterday from a small show I did, and will use it as one side of my booth at the Baker City q. show in July. I bought large pieces of black felt when on sale at JoAnn’s, put in a 4″ casing, and a 5″ drop/tuck near the top to pin to and use it to photograph everythinb except black-edged quilts. The pictures (whether slides, polaroids, or snaps) come out so much better, especially outside, with the sun at a very oblique angle, early in the morning. Sharon.
