October 13 – 24, 2006
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:
- Dutch, English and French Quilts — Karen Alexander describes back-to-back study tours and seminar lectures on 18th century quilts, and Celia Eddy adds her book on the subject and news that the Stead McAlpin archive is open. (see the article on quilting in Europe)
- Dating a Tree of Life Applique Kit — A best guess of 1980 for a Tobin applique kit quilt is checked against a 1987 example in a quilt book. (see the article on dating quilts)
- Starting a Quilt Documentation Project — Marsha MacDowell recommends using the Quilt Index core fields, and members compare library resources and cataloging software, including the New England Quilt Museum library. (see the article on state quilt documentation books)
- Finding Quilt Artists — A magazine asks for a list of working quilt artists, and members supply names, books, and websites, while Laura Fisher’s Country Living video draws friendly comments.
- Gee’s Bend Magazine Giveaway — Gloria Hanrahan offers her copy of the Smithsonian issue on the Gee’s Bend quilts, and requests pour in.
- Down East Cooking and Place Names — Members explain where the words Down East come from in Maine and North Carolina and trade clam chowder tips.
- Identifying Quilts and Auction Items — Members try to place a County Fair pattern from 1995 and discuss an 1889 crazy quilt signed by a president and governors that turned up at auction.
Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 07:16:58 -0400 | From: Pam Weeks (pamela.weeks)
Hi all!
Seminar WAS spectacular! I enjoyed seeing many old friends, making new ones, and particularly loved the signature quest created by the imaginative gift of a screened block of gorgeous fabric and a pen.
I need more help from this great group. I have more stuff on eBay, and need to know the date of the kit quilt I just listed. My best guess is 1980. Can anyone help with a better date? (my selling name on eBay is comfortcotton)
I’m having an interesting emotional time continuing to pursue my determination to get rid of most of my collection of quilt and textile related books and ephemera. Have any of you seriously downsized lately? I find some things very easy to part with, and others quite difficult. Of course, the books I own that are also in the UNH library are easy, some of the quilts were harder than others (more to come) but it’s the fabric that so hard for me to part with.
This makes me think that it’s always been about the fabric and less about the quilts.
Your thoughts on collecting and divesting?
best to all from chilly NH this morning. Must walk Miss Dog despite the chill!
Pam Weeks
Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 07:30:42 -0400 | From: Karen Evans
For me, it’s all about the memories. If the memories are good, it’s painful to get rid of something. If the memories are neutral or actively bad, I can’t wait to get it out of the house.
I had to sell the contents of my aunt’s house, and as much as some of it hurt, I kept telling myself that it was time for the furniture and antiques to go to someone else, that they’d served us well and we no longer needed them. It helped, surprisingly enough.
Good luck!
Karen Evans
Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 08:09:42 EDT | From: Palampore
To add to Pepper’s recipe….My mother-in-law, who was a true Outer Banks/Down Easter, would add cornmeal dumplings to her Clam Chowder. You just mix white fine ground cornmeal with a little water. Mix to make golf ball size balls and then smash flat with you fingers. Drop into the chowder when it is just about ready to serve. Boil slowly for about 5 or 10 minutes. This thickens it up a bit. Another way to thicken it up a little is to leave out the dumplings and just use a potato masher 3 or 4 times. You still want some chunks of potato, so don’t get too carried away. Pepper and I are very excited about this day of sharing at the Core Sound Waterfowl Museum http://www.coresound.com . The location of the museum, where the event will take place, is right across the sound from the famous and often photographed Cape Lookout Lighthouse. The museum is a new facility dedicated to the art of decoy making and to the unique life of the people who live on the lower Outer Banks of NC. Get out your map and look at the area between Swansboro and Ocracoke Island. That is what we call the lower Outer Banks. If any of you are interested in joining us, please let us know. Pepper and I will be glad to give advice about places to stay, etc. It should be a fun time! I am pea green with envy that many of you got to go to Conn. Since I couldn’t go,thanks so much for sharing. How was a bed rug viewed differently? Please tell more about the presentations, especially the woman from Europe. Those things will not be in Uncoverings. Off to do some restoration work…. Lynn Lancaster Gorges Historic Textiles Studio New Bern, NC
Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 09:04:51 -0500 | From: Gail Ingram (gingram)
Lynn,
I did not report menu yesterday because I couldn’t remember it. I had been so overwhelmed with cleaning and errands.
Today: omelette (faux cheese); mid-am: 2 prunes/small apple; noon or later: oatmeal (I try for this once a day); afternoon: orange; supper: ratatoille, chicken breast, slaw; later: grapes/raisens. Milk, coffee. Lots of water.
Yesterday was pretty much like that. Been too busy to think about eating. But definitely did not overdo it.
Because I pledged to myself at WW to begin exercise this week (didn’t say WHEN this week) today I get on treadmill; next week will, at last, add old Richard Simmons audio tape. It’s cool enough.
Naturally, I overdid it on rye crackers after WW because I hadn’t eaten since breakfast, so Tuesday was “unfortunate” day. Can’t buy those again.
I’m getting more and more serious as result of WW, though I’ve not really added up points daily. Intend to start that next week, now that this office is going to be finished (noon; before Mary leaves.) Next week, I hope to drop a couple of pounds. Have been keeping weigh-in list next to scales in bathroom, a good move. Of course, when someone comes, I make mad dash for bathroom to make sure I’ve put it in cabinet.
I cannot believe all I’ve thrown away. Or filed. What had taken up 4 file drawers not occupies 2.
Wednesday evening cold blew in. I threw extra quilt on bed and pulled Jackson up on bed with me from his bed on floor. Worked well. We warmed one another. Last night was not so good. Middle of the night, I deposited him back in his bed. He wiggled too much for me. Kept having hunting dreams.
I think we missed a really good seminar. There just was no way I could make it, though. I got refunded, thank heavens. What with all the dying and my duties then and afterwards, I was emotionally and mentally drained. Don’t think I would have enjoyed it. What have you heard?
How is weather there? Used the tablecloth you sent at an ersatz party last weekend. We all pretended we could not recall such cloths. And of course the men, who pay attention to nothing, couldn’t. Have enjoyed it. And the little inkwell—such simple beauty. Love it. I have a couple of cut-crystal inkwells, but this has a special beauty. Am going to get another one when I get house cleared away and thought about.
How is high school this year?
Love, Gail
Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 14:51:03 -0500 | From: Gail Ingram (gingram)
*quote from Hazel Carter
Dear Readers of my Personal Life (by mistake),
I really typed in Palimpore. I know I did.
In case you wonder re the menu stuff, Lynn and I were doing a little buddy-plan help re healthy eating. Oh, and the Jackson I pulled up on the bed with me is Gen. Th. Jonathan Jackson, 18-pound rat terrier. Just fyi.
Actually, truth be told, I myself have starting Weight Watcher meetings, which I have found to be a hoot. Have had such fun. Unintended, I might add. One of my new WW pals is a Muslim architect from Venezuela (don’t ask), and she is in Ramadan right now, so those pounds are just coming off big-time. Her still pronounced Spanish accent precludes her pronouncing things like “triglyceride” in any way but one that sounds somehow sexual. Makes them seem so desirable. She has been a very successful weight-warrior, however, and is very forthcoming in meetings. She takes her scarf off to weigh. Another favorite is a person I know who judges all food ingredients in terms of Twinkies or Little Debbies. We had a little test last week (it’s like a class, only I’m not the teacher and get to “whisper too much” as I did in my student days) in which the leader had a word or phrase written on the flip-board and we were asked to identify its purpose and identify it as healthful or not. Everything that went up, Celeste would say, “Well, that’s not in Little Debbies, so I think it must be good” or “That’s in Twinkies and so it is bad.” She got 100.
Being curious, I read all the way through the point list of foods. Very thorough. In case anyone is interested, racoon and armadillo are less caloric than ‘possum.
Oh, and they give out little stars and other stickers for special accomplishments. And we all just clap for the receiver. Actually that is my least favorite part since it seems a little elementary, but there are those who yearn for the badges. Even a particularly good attitude can earn one a little square sticker. I have no stickers, as you might imagine.
And the things one learns. I, for instance, am particularly innocent of many tricks of the trade of getting into jeans that are, shall we say, snug. Everyone volunteered her own favorite trick. Most involved lying on the bed so the tummy “sinks” and zipping up the jeans. One member noted that holding one’s legs at 90-degree angle helped too. Another remarked that pulling the jeans half way on and them sort of stretching them with legs loosened them up. A learning experience.
Some members are, actually, inspirations. One, for instance, has lost 67 pounds! And has 50 to go. And loses weight every week evidently. Her husband is a deputy sheriff and he joined. Lost 20 pounds in 2 weeks. The person in Sheriff’s Dept who loses most weight in 6 weeks gets a significant raise, so he’s going for it. One man is a minister and committed to his flock to lose a given number of pounds. So he feels obliged. I’m guessing he’s using prayer unfairly, but I say nothing. He is quite chubby and needs all the help he can get. As do we all.
I like the way the leader asks what are really rhetorical questions (e.g., “Does weight loss affect cardio-vascular health?”) and we all just answer chorically, like first-graders. I liked the first grade, where all the answers were self-evident and easy.
It’s just one cozy little family. Easy to remember people’s names because everyone wears the same thing every meeting. I, for instance, wore a lined linen dress to the first meeting because of its lightness and the fact it required few undergarments to add weight. It is chilly now, but I’m still putting on those navy hose and that same dress, dumping my watch in my purse like everyone else, and wearing no jewelry.
Since I’m averse to name tags, I had never worn one until the last meeting when the minister came around and gave each of us one, aong with a pen to write our names. No excuse, so I wrote my name and applied the tag. As I was checking out of the grocery store later, I noted a man opposite me who had 4 (4!) boxes of Little Debbie oatmeal pies. I smiled and said, “Like Little Debbies, eh?” He said they were his weakness and they were on sale for a dollar a box. “I asked if he were a native Southerner, since this item seems ubiquitous down here,and he said yes he was, though he had been away for a few years, and he also liked moonpies.” We laughed and then he said, “But I can see why you’re not buying Little Debbies.” I asked why. He pointed to my name tag. I had walked all over that store wearing that stupid name tag. I suddenly imagined people saying, “Well, I guess she wants everyone to know she’s not going to pile up on the cookies or whipping cream.” Or, “Well, clearly, she is not a Lifetime Member.” The fellow was so amused at my chagrin that he volunteered to put the big bag of dogfood in my car for me. I let him. Felt I’d earned some good deed.
Such is my life here in the lovely state of Louisiana, which, I think, is also a state of mind.
Oh, and that last question? Lynn is not in high school. She is far to smart to still be taking h.s. Courses at her advanced age of 32. But her daughter is in high school.
So that’s my story. That’s my apology. That’s my hopelessness.
Gail ingram
Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 06:22:54 -0700 (PDT) | From: Stephen Schreurs (schreurs_ss)
I am wondering…about this term “Down East”. New England folk lore used the term to refer to Maine, usually coastal Maine, because (I heard) of sailing down wind in a north easterly direction from, say, Boston. I’ve never heard anyone else use the term. Just a curiosity. Forgive my posting off quilt history topic…
I went to seminar as a first – timer…was blown away by the amazing opportunities to see and learn, AND by the very easy time making new friends. There is so much to learn! Thank you to everyone who made it so worthwhile to make the trip, and fun besides! Susan Schreurs, Olney, MD
Date: Fri, 13 Oct 2006 16:13:26 -0400 | From: Judy Kelius (quilts)
Gail – your report is the “hoot”! Thoroughly enjoyed it . . . when I’ve attended WW, the meetings were not nearly as much fun as yours sound! Keep us posted – Judy in PA (where Tastykakes outsell Little Debbies)
From: gingham
Pam, I just found the same Tree of Life quilt in the AQS Gallery of Quilts Book 1849-1988 (blue cover) on page 75 and that quilt was made in 1987. So sounds like you are in the right ballpark.
Sandra Starley Moab, Utah professional quilt appraiser, teacher, artist ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
need to know the date of the kit quilt I just listed. My best guess is 1980. Can anyone help with a better date? (my selling name on eBay is comfortcotton) Pam Weeks
From: Karen Alexander (karenquilt)
My apologies to Bridget Long for mangling her name in my last post — several times 🙁 (At least I was consistent!)
Karen Alexander
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 09:39:39 -0700 (PDT) | From: karenquilt
My cup runneth over as a result of AQSG following so closely on the heels of Deb Roberts’ French textile study tour. Eighteenth century French, Dutch, British and American quilts and fabrics all in a period of three week?! (I think I died and went to quilt history heaven!) At the AQSG seminar I was not able to get into An Moonen or Briget Long’s study groups, but I was able to attend their quilt “contrasts and comparisons” lecture/slide show of Dutch and English quilts. What a marvelous learning opportunity to see slides of quilts from both Britain and Holland at the same time. The intense immersion into 18th century textiles and quilts o f the past 4 weeks really opened my eyes to the enormous similarities and cross fertilization of fabric and design in patchwork that took place in the 18th and 19th century between France, Britain, Holland, and colonial America. (Upon returning home I saw even more when I pulled out Schnuppe von Gwinner’s book “The History of the Patchwork quilt” as well as An’s 1992 book “Quilts: The Dutch Tradition.”) Being able to view first ha nd the 18th century swatch books at the museum in Mulhouse in eastern France (Musee de L’impression sur Etoffes) three weeks ago was also a real eye opener for me personally about 18th century textile production and how much the different manufactures in different countries copied each other from time to time in pattern/design/style and color.
That room full of thousands upon thousands of swatches of brilliant bold colors and sophisticated contemporary designs has altered forever my perception of what I had thought was “so” in fabric availability in t he 18th century. (The swatch books at the museum were mostly from France but a some were also from the UK and some from Germany and Spain as well.) We were shown a similar swatch book at Sturbridge (somebody help me with the date on that one; apparently I didn’t record the date in my notes). In addition, BH&G’s “American Patchwork & Quilting” magazine just ran an article “Making Old New Again” on page 35-39 in the Dec 2006 issue ab out Ron and Margo Krager’s 1830’s Dargate French swatch book which they h ave used for the reproduction of their new Dargate Botanicals line.)
The substantive research we are privileged to hear and view each year at the AQSG seminar is phenomenal. An and Briget have now created a visual framework in my perception and understanding of 18th century quilts from their respective countries. The influence of both on early American quilting is to be expected but is still so exciting to see in such a vivi d manner. Then I read the 2006 BQSG and AQSG’s Uncoverings all the way home on the plane!! The two journals dovetailed nicely this year. (Both even had papers on Norwegian quilting!) I was particularly startled and excite d to see the detail photos of the coverlet (courtesy Institute of Continuin g Education, Madingley Hall, Univeristy of Cambridge) showing Broken Dishes pieced from printed fabric and small embroideries done to just fit the opposite triangles. (See page 33 of “The Blossoming of Patchwork” in the 2006 BQSG published papers, Issue #7.) We had just been shown a VERY similar coverlet of the same design in Sturbridge collection on Sunday afternoon with the little embroideries in the opposite triangles of Broke n Dishes!
In addition to all of the above, I met so many wonderful new people this year at AQSG! And got to see all my previous study group friends from Virginia as well, though it’s getting harder and harder to find time to visit with each person anymore because there are so many of us now! But I love how the seminar events mix and match us, giving us a chance to continually meet and visit with different people. Yes, I came home stuffe d to the gills indeed!
Now I am all fired up for our very first Western Washington Quilt Study Group meeting Sunday morning at 10:30 at the LaConner Regional Library!
Karen Alexander Lopez Island
www.quiltershalloffame.org
Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 16:21:19 -0400 | From: Judy Kelius (quilts)
I recently found a quilt pattern called “County Fair,” designed by Marty Freed for Quilts & Other Comforts in 1995. It seems to me that I have seen a very similar antique quilt in a book and wonder if anyone can help me identify it. I checked a few of my reference books with no luck. I am interesting in learning – if there really is a similar antique quilt – how close of a rendition this is. I posted a photo on the eBoard under Quilts. Thanks! – Judy
Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2006 13:41:34 +0100 (BST) | From: CELIA EDDY (celia.eddy)
Karen,
My book, Quilted Planet, contains full-page colour reproductions of both Dutch and English quilts – with accompanying text. The illustrations of Dutch quilts were, of course, provided by An. Just thought I’d mention this, and hope you don’t think I’m being ‘pushy’, because Von Gwinner is very good but there’s more detail and information in mine.
Best wishes Celia
karenquilt wrote: My cup runneth over as a result of AQSG following so closely on the heels of Deb Roberts’ French textile study tour. Eighteenth century French, Dutch, British and American quilts and fabrics all in a period of three week?! (I think I died and went to quilt history heaven!) At the AQSG seminar I was not able to get into An Moonen or Briget Long’s study groups, but I was able to attend their quilt “contrasts and comparisons” lecture/slide show of Dutch and English quilts. What a marvelous learning opportunity to see slides of quilts from both Britain and Holland at the same time. The intense immersion into 18th century textiles and quilts of the past 4 weeks really opened my eyes to the enormous similarities and cross fertilization of fabric and design in patchwork that took place in the 18th and 19th century between France, Britain, Holland, and colonial America. (Upon returning home I saw even more when I pulled out Schnuppe von Gwinner’s book “The History of the Patchwork quilt” as well as An’s 1992 book “Quilts: The Dutch Tradition.”) Being able to view first hand the 18th century swatch books at the museum in Mulhouse in eastern France (Musee de L’impression sur Etoffes) three weeks ago was also a real eye opener for me personally about 18th century textile production and how much the different manufactures in different countries copied each other from time to time in pattern/design/style and color.
That room full of thousands upon thousands of swatches of brilliant bold colors and sophisticated contemporary designs has altered forever my perception of what I had thought was “so” in fabric availability in the 18th century. (The swatch books at the museum were mostly from France but a some were also from the UK and some from Germany and Spain as well.) We were shown a similar swatch book at Sturbridge (somebody help me with the date on that one; apparently I didn’t record the date in my notes). In addition, BH&G’s “American Patchwork & Quilting” magazine just ran an article “Making Old New Again” on page 35-39 in the Dec 2006 issue about Ron and Margo Krager’s 1830’s Dargate French swatch book which they have used for the reproduction of their new Dargate Botanicals line.)
The substantive research we are privileged to hear and view each year at the AQSG seminar is phenomenal. An and Briget have now created a visual framework in my perception and understanding of 18th century quilts from their respective countries. The influence of both on early American quilting is to be expected but is still so exciting to see in such a vivid manner. Then I read the 2006 BQSG and AQSG’s Uncoverings all the way home on the plane!! The two journals dovetailed nicely this year. (Both even had papers on Norwegian quilting!) I was particularly startled and excited to see the detail photos of the coverlet (courtesy Institute of Continuing Education, Madingley Hall, Univeristy of Cambridge) showing Broken Dishes pieced from printed fabric and small embroideries done to just fit the opposite triangles. (See page 33 of “The Blossoming of Patchwork” in the 2006 BQSG published papers, Issue #7.) We had just been shown a VERY similar coverlet of the same design in Sturbridge collection on Sunday afternoon with the little embroideries in the opposite triangles of Broken Dishes!
In addition to all of the above, I met so many wonderful new people this year at AQSG! And got to see all my previous study group friends from Virginia as well, though it’s getting harder and harder to find time to visit with each person anymore because there are so many of us now! But I love how the seminar events mix and match us, giving us a chance to continually meet and visit with different people. Yes, I came home stuffed to the gills indeed!
Now I am all fired up for our very first Western Washington Quilt Study Group meeting Sunday morning at 10:30 at the LaConner Regional Library!
Karen Alexander Lopez Island
www.quiltershalloffame.org
Celia Eddy The Brown House Fleming Place Maryport Cumbria CA15 6ES Tel: 01900 814959
Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2006 19:41:24 EDT | From: Palampore
The area in Carteret County that is called “Down East” is Northeast of Beaufort and Morehead City which would have been the 2 commercial ports the fisherman used. Most of the towns in that area could only be reached by bo at until the 1920’s or 1930’s. My mother-in-law, who was born in 1911, told about riding the mail boat to Beaufort to be in a spelling bee and about her fath er taking them on his fishing boat to Beaufort to shop a few times a year. Thewas an extremely isolated area. It will be very interesting to see the quilts that were made prior to 1920 due to that isolation. I think the “wind” woul d have affected their boat travel in that area in the same manner that it di d those in Maine. This is what I found about the term “Down East” —- “The Down East magazine FAQ explains the origin of the term: “When ships sailed from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston,_Massachusetts t o ports in Maine (which were to the east of Boston), the wind was at their ba cks, so they were sailing downwind, hence the term ‘Down East.’ And it follows that when they returned to Boston they were sailing upwind; many Mainers st ill speak of going ‘up to Boston,’ despite the fact that the city lies approximately 50 miles to the south of Maine’s southern border.” The Coastal Plains region of _North Carolina_ (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Carolina) is also recognized as “Down East,” and is known particularly for the High Tider accent, a dialect remnant of Elizabethan English that wa s once spoken in colonial Carolina. Combined with a slow southern drawl, the dialect is indigenous to the lowland areas of North and South Carolina.” Many TV stations love to call all of Eastern NC “Down East”, but it really only applies to the lower Outer Banks and not really Bogue Banks, even thoug h the people originally from there speak with the same accent as those NE of Beaufort. The ocean beaches on that island face south, not east. End of geography lesson. To tie it into quilt history….I think that geography does play a role in it all. Lynn Lancaster Gorges
Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2006 19:52:52 -0400 | From: Sharon in NC (patchworksecrets2)
Pepper can you give me some ideas of places I could make room reservations and attend this event? Dear Hubby managed to come home yesterday after a week in the hospital with a mild heart attack on Wednesday. He is only 46, if what we thought was good health, only a few pounds overweight and exercises…. so this was a major surprise and a wakeup call. . As a result I got him to agree to take it easier and do some things we keep putting off “til next year” now.. This would be a great retreat for us when there are no farm chores pending!!
Sharon in NC
—– Original Message —– From: “Pepper Cory” pepcory To: “Quilt History List” qhl Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 6:20 PM Subject: [qhl] Winging it on quilt documentation-recipe included!
Hello friends, You get a bright idea and then the dang thing snowballs. Such is the evolution of Quilt Appreciation Days at a local museum here in eastern coastal North Carolina. For a glimpse of the museum and its unique perspective on coastal NC life, go to its website at http://www.coresound.com/ . In February 2007 a bunch of us interested in preserving and applauding the crafts of the distaff side are proposing a two-day event. While the local women have always woven fishing nets, this bash is about, you guessed it, quilts. We’re hoping that people will bring in their family quilts, get them photographed, and have the last church quilting bee in the area set up their old-time frames and sit-n-stitch. People will get to talk to anthropology students who’ll have the rare opportunity to record the Downeast dialect (which sounds Cockney when spoken by a fast speaker) and stay to have ‘dinner on the grounds,’ the term for a picnic lunch. Being February it will be heartier fare. Here’s a freebie recipe for a local delicacy—-broth-based clam chowder. Downeast NC Chowder 2 Dozen clams, shucked; reserve juice 1 lg Onion, diced ? lb Good fatback, diced substitute 1/3 lb good smoky bacon 3 m -4 md ‘Ice’ (Irish) potatoes, cubed.
Lots of coarsely ground black pepper. One can clam juice. Other mild-tasting seafood optional. Render out the diced fatback or bacon and fry till crisp. Remove pieces and reserve. Sauté onions in the grease. Add the potatoes and coat well. Add pepper and clam juice, supplement with another can of clam juice. Cover and simmer gently about 15 minutes. Add clams (which you will have chopped), cook about 3 minutes. At this point you can add other seafood if you like. White fish like flounder and shrimp are great in it. Serve this in deep soup bowls and top with crisp bits of bacon and serve with light (yeast) rolls. This is the way they’ve made it down home for more than 100 years. It ain’t fancy, but oh my is it fine! What I’d appreciate from my more knowledgeable QHL comrades: advice and comments on what you’d do if this was your special event. We do need a simple documentation form and any other advice would be appreciated! Thank you for your support Pepper Cory
Date: Sun, 15 Oct 2006 23:04:03 -0400 | From: Louise (ltiemann)
Hello, can anyone recommend some library software that could be used to index a collection of quilt ephemera? I have an extensive collection and would like to make it available for research purposes, but I want to catalog it. Any suggestions would be helpful. Thanks, Louise
Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 04:29:14 -0400 | From: Marsha MacDowell (macdowel)
Hi Pepper,
We get calls frequently from folks who want to start a quilt documentation project. We are urging them to use at least the core fields of the Quilt Index. The entire set of fields was built upon quilt documentation projects from across the U.S. There is also a sample form you can download. If you use these, it opens the door for your collected data to someday join the Index. http://www.quiltindex.org/about.php#compfields
Marsha
Marsha MacDowell, Ph.D. Curator of Folk Arts, MSU Museum Project Co-Director, The Quilt Index Professor, Department of Art and Art History macdowel http://www.museum.msu.edu
From: “Pepper Cory” pepcory To: “Quilt History List” qhl Sent: Wednesday, October 11, 2006 6:20 PM Subject: [qhl] Winging it on quilt documentation-recipe included!
<CLIP> Hello friends, You get a bright idea and then the dang thing snowballs. Such is the evolution of Quilt Appreciation Days at a local museum here in eastern coastal North Carolina. In February 2007 a bunch of us interested in preserving and applauding the crafts of the distaff side are proposing a two-day event. While the local women have always woven fishing nets, this bash is about, you guessed it, quilts. We’re hoping that people will bring in their family quilts, get them photographed, and have the last church quilting bee in the area set up their old-time frames and sit-n-stitch.
What I’d appreciate from my more knowledgeable QHL comrades: advice and comments on what you’d do if this was your special event. We do need a simple documentation form and any other advice would be appreciated! Thank you for your support Pepper Cory
Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 13:30:28 +0100 (BST) | From: CELIA EDDY (celia.eddy)
I’ve posted a message on BQHL, which I know a lot of you will see, but in case there are others, and because I believe there may be an American side to the story, here’s what I said:
I visited the Stead McAlpin archive yesterday and am happy to confirm that, contrary to rumour, it IS open. Indeed, it has been moved to much more spacious accommodation on an upper floor and work is on-going to arrange and categorise the fabrics.
Visits are possible, but only groups of ten maximum, AND there will be a small fee. Anyone within travelling distance who would like to visit, please contact me and if I get ten applicants I’ll arrange it.(If I get more, I’ll arrange another visit as well.)
While I was there, Alan James, the volunteer who is working on the archive at present, showed me some newly uncovered records which related to the making of what were described as ‘quilts’. There were also some examples of these textiles among the fabric ‘documents’ and they were, effectively, bed-sized pieces of fabric patterned with a centre motif(s) and borders, ready to be quilted. In effect, they would be ‘whole cloth’ quilts. What’s more, I learned that somewhere in the records there is reference to the quilts being actually quilted and finished on sewing machines brought into Steads specially for the purpose. I haven’t tracked down chapter amd verse on that one but am on the trail.The mystery is: what has happened to these quilts as I’ve never come across quilts matching that description in other collections.
It is suspected that these ‘quilts’ would have been made to commission for affluent clients, perhaps even exported to America or Japan (which was a market for Steads products at one time). Has anyone seen quilts matching the above description?
Celia
Celia Eddy The Brown House Fleming Place Maryport Cumbria CA15 6ES Tel: 01900 814959
Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 09:36:40 -0500 | From: Kim Baird (kbaird)
What time period are you referring to, and what type of fabric: cotton, silk, or other?
Kim
—–Original Message—– From: CELIA EDDY Sent: Monday, October 16, 2006 7:30 AM To: Quilt History List Subject: [qhl] Textile Archive in UK
It is suspected that these ‘quilts’ would have been made to commission for affluent clients, perhaps even exported to America or Japan (which was a market for Steads products at one time). Has anyone seen quilts matching the above description?
Celia
Celia Eddy The Brown House Fleming Place Maryport Cumbria CA15 6ES Tel: 01900 814959
Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 05:28:20 -0700 (PDT) | From: Anita Loscalzo (aloscalz)
Hi, I’m posting this to the list for our librarian.
Anita ————- Are you looking for quilting research materials? The New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, MA has a library with thousands of books, magazines, and articles on quilters, quilt making and quilt history. For example, among our magazines, we have a complete set of Quilter’s Newsletter and the index, almost all the state quilt documentation project books, all the Uncoverings volumes, Mountain Mist patterns, catalogs of quilting exhibitions in the U. S. and abroad, etc.
Although our card catalog is not yet available online, our volunteers offer personal research assistance by phone, letter or e-mail. Anyone can request information. Since we are not a public library, requests should come directly to us, not through interlibrary loan. Information is mailed out promptly and we charge just $.10 per page for copying in black and white or $.25 per page in color plus postage.
We also encourage AQSG members all over the U. S. to join our Museum and borrow books and videos from us by mail. NEQM membership is $40 per year for adults and $25 per year for students and seniors 60 and over. If you live outside New England, you can take $5 off your annual membership fee. And if you belong to a quilting guild that supports our museum, you can deduct another $5 each year.
Museum members can borrow any number of books and videos, keep them for one month, and return them by mail. The post office has a library rate even lower than the book rate. We ask you to send a check to reimburse us for our outgoing postage when you return your materials.
Please use our website at http://www.NEQuiltMuseum.org for more information about our Museum. There you’ll find membership information, a membership form to print and mail with your check, and more details about our library. To contact us for research assistance, e-mail me at
Questions
Or phone us at 978-452-4207 X 15. The Museum is open to visitors Tuesday through Saturday, from 10am to 4pm and Sunday afternoons from noon until 4pm. We’re looking forward to hearing from you.
Martha Supnik New England Quilt Museum Library Volunteer and Webmaster
http://www.nequiltmuseum.org
Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 11:52:13 -0400 | From: Lucinda Cawley (lrcawley)
I had planned to stay home for a while, but the weekend promised perfect weather for “leaf peeping” on the Skyline Drive in VA. The added attraction was the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley’s exhibit of Valley quilts “Pieced in Time.” The Museum is in Winchester at the north end of the Valley. I was hoping for more emphasis on the history, people and culture of the Valley. Most of the exhibit space is devoted to the fine and decorative arts collection of the museum’s founder. However, the quilt exhibit is just fine. There is no catalogue but you get a very attractive check list in color. The quilts date from 1850 to an Album made in 1991 as a fund-raiser for the VA Quilt Museum. The 1850 quilt is a not-quite Baltimore-style Album made in Augusta Co., VA. It has 16 blocks in only two Designer One-type patterns: 8 woven baskets with book and bird and 8 wreaths with triple bow knots. The border is a much more primitive floral vine and there is a 4.5″ wide fringe. There has to be a story behind this quilt. Another Augusta Co. quilt, c. 1865, was a Whig Rose The Rose has a double Sunflower center (nothing simple for this lady) and the border is composed of 7 one inch wide strips with strips appliquéd at the corners to give a woven effect (really neat!). A Streak of Lightening with Flower Baskets (Rockingham Co.) made about 1880 of double pink, yellow, purple and green reminded me of the strong German influence in the Valley. It might almost have been a PA quilt (high praise indeed from me). Another great Rockingham Co. quilt is a Tulip and Reel (green, double pink, and yellow) alternating with Trip Around the World blocks (brown, cheddar, pink, green, grey, yellow and green). All the fabrics are prints except the brown and cheddar. The inner border is half square triangles. Also from Rockingham is a fascinating Sampler crib quilt from the 1880’s which belongs to the VA Quilt Museum. The 20th century is represented by a cheery Nine Patch made from feedsacks, a Poppy kit, a delicious Postage Stamp in sherbet colors. If you find yourself in the D.C. area between now and Jan. 14, 2007 Winchester is only about an hour away. An overview of the quilts of VA is available in “Quilts of Virginia 1607-1899” by the Virginia Consortium of Quilters. It’s a beautiful book (published by Schiffer). Cinda briefly on the Eastern Shore
Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 12:20:30 -0700 (PDT) | From: Joan Stevens (jstevens6268)
I have been asked by a national magazine, to give them a list of currently working “Quilt Artists”. I’m afraid my interest has always been in historic quilts so I have let any references to newly made quilts go in one ear and quickly out the other. This is a famous magazine not typically associated with quilts but they would like to start a column featuring a different creative quilter each month.
If you are a quilt designer or know of one you think would like to be on the list, please respond to me privately with any suggestions. Thanks in advance –
Joan Stevens
Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 13:31:22 -0700 (PDT) | From: Laura Fisher (laurafisherquilts)
A physical therapist who once came into my shop said–as I whined about how tiring it was folding and unfolding all the textiles, and I was sure I was shortening my life, and I really should be going to the gym instead, etc etc etc.–that unfolding and opening the quilts out wide to show was absolutely the best cardio vascular exercise there was, and I was probably adding 10 years to my life!!
Check out a new thing on the computer–Country Living On Demand –live action “articles” on all kinds of topics. They interviewed me about quilts (click on collecting) and it has just been posted.
Though I wore a fabulous (and bargain) blue suede shirtjacket over a crisp white shirt, how is it that all I can see is that white bulge near my waist, and the six chins descending?!! Couldn’t any one of the myriad production assistants have told me to button up?!! Anyhooooo, this is an interesting concept–the magazine on line–as if we aren’t already hunched over the computer too much as it is. Fashion designers are going to have to modify tops to accomodate the increasing curve of our upper backs……
Anyone in NYC this weekend, several antiques dealers in my new location–the Hayes Warehouse at 305 East 61st Street — are together hosting an open house from 11-4:00 on Saturday. Stop by, as we are usually open only during the week.
Laura Fisher
Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 17:35:04 -0400 | From: J. G. Row (judygrow)
Laura,
I was a music major in college and it was well know then that orchestral conductors were the longest lived people in the music community. They got that constant upper body aerobic exercise. Many of them were/are conducting well into their 80s. So, keep flapping those quilts. Allegro vivace!
So nice chatting with you in Farmington.
J. G. Row
>A physical therapist who once came into my shop said … that unfolding and >opening the quilts out >wide to show was absolutely the best cardio >vascular exercise there was, and I was probably >adding 10 years to my >life!!
Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 18:36:47 -0500 | From: Gail Ingram (gingram)
Laura, oh sure, we could all be anorexic-looking like the editor of “Country Living.” I guess.
Well, maybe not.
But please note HER little technique (I bet, for disguising a crumplely or scrawney neck): the twirley wool scarf she wrapped about her thin body. It’s warm here again, and I have to tell you, she made me feel uncomfortable.
I thought your video was interesting, particularly that Depression era California quilt.
Also enjoyed the story of the beginning of your shop. I remember visiting that first shop and considering offering myself up for servitude, just for the pleasure of being around the quilts and other folk art. I think yours was the first real antique quilt shop I encountered. So stimulating and encouraging for someone interested in historical quilts.
Thanks for calling attention to the Country Living site.
Gail Ingram
Date: Wed, 18 Oct 2006 07:25:53 -0700 (PDT) | From: Judy Schwender (sister3603)
Refer the magazine to the quilters in Shaw’s “The Art Quilt.” Also, “Art Quilts: A Celebration,” Mornu, Cusick, and Aimone, eds., published by Lark Books. And, online go to the website of the Studio Art Quilt Associates: http://www.saqa.com/. Judy Schwender Paducah, Kentucky
Joan Stevens jstevens6268 wrote: I have been asked by a national magazine, to give them a list of currently working “Quilt Artists”. I’m afraid my interest has always been in historic quilts so I have let any references to newly made quilts go in one ear and quickly out the other. This is a famous magazine not typically associated with quilts but they would like to start a column featuring a different creative quilter each month.
If you are a quilt designer or know of one you think would like to be on the list, please respond to me privately with any suggestions. Thanks in advance –
Joan Stevens
Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2006 08:20:57 -0400 | From: Judy Knorr (jknorr)
Thanks for sharing the information about your video for Country Living, Laura. I really enjoyed seeing it and listening to what you had to say. In fact, I was so busy listening to your talk that I forgot to look at the “white blouse” and had to go back and take another look! Guess quilts are more important than fashion! Judy Knorr
Date: Tue, 17 Oct 2006 22:19:12 -0700 | From: Karen Alexander (karenquilt)
My husband and I are flying to Prague on Nov 4-Nov 12 to participate in the recording of a gospel concert with the African-American conductor-composer Julius P. Williams (whom we have worked with once before when we sang with the Reston Chorale of Northern Virginia) and the Dorvak Symphony Orchestra of Prague. Does anyone have any quilt contacts in the Czech Republic at all, or in Prague itself? Do you know anyone that does? Have you visited any textile museums there?
Thanks,
Karen Alexander
Date: Thu, 16 Nov 2006 21:06:00 -0800 | From: Alan (alan)
The obvious start is to search on the internet.
You can go to http://www.alanrkelchner.com, I’m one of these people, along with historical stuff. Also you can go to QuiltArt.com .
Short list of big name artists incluse Jane Sassaman, Michael James (have you seen his current work? – wow), Nancy Crow, Pat Styring, James and Susan Shie, Liz Berg, Yvonne Porcella, Robbi Joy Eklow, Caryl Breyer Fallert, Ellen Oppenheimer, Katie Pasquini Maupassant, Libby Lehaman, to name a few.
Also, you might want to check out the magazine QuiltingArts.
Hoppe this gets you started.
Alan
>I have been asked by a national magazine, to give them > a list of currently working “Quilt Artists”. I’m
Date: Thu, 19 Oct 2006 22:29:15 -0700 (PDT) | From: karenquilt
Stumbled across this auction house item. No affiliation – Karen Alexander
from the auction description eBay Item number: 320033510623 1889 Governor’s Quilt Antique, Crazy Quilt Signed by President Benjamin Harrison, His Cabinet, Their Wives, and the Governors of U. S. States and Territories Date: c. 1889 (hand-signed between 1889 and 1890) Dimensions: 106.5 x 92.25 inches Signature: Signed by President Benjamin Harrison, His Cabinet, Their Wives, the Governors of U. S. States and Territories (including some Indian Territories), some additional state officials and their spouses, and the names of five church congregations; at least 63 legible autograph s of individuals.
From: ARabara15
I seem to remember that this quilt was sold on eBay about 5-6 years ago.
Donald Brokate
From: Velia Lauerman (velialive)
Try thelibrarything.com and look at our stash for buy borrow brouse for velia on groups or westernwaynecountyquiltingguind and let us know if this might help. velia luerman
From: Lucinda Cawley (lrcawley)
A few weeks ago there was a question about a quilt engagement calendar for 2007. The Baltimore Appliqué Society has a beauty. Go to their website http://www.baltimoreapplique.com/ and click on “what’s new.” It has photos of 25 different Balt. Albums, excellent commentary and details which compare different versions of the same block, for example, red baskets, eagles, cornucopia. They only printed 2,500 hundred so don’t dawdle. I have no affiliation here (I freely confess that I was born without the appliqué gene). Not quilt related but still wonderful is the exhibit of costumes made for movies at Winterthur. This was so much more interesting than I expected! The garments are works of art. Cinda on the Eastern Shore
Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 | From: Gloria hanrahan (gloria)
I have my copy of the Smithsonian with the Gees Bend quilts. If anyone on the list would like to have it before it goes to the thrift store bag, please drop me a note.
Gloria
Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 | From: Mitzioakes
I would like your copy of the GB publication (probably a bit too late). I am studying these quilts as the Shelburne Museum is having display there next year and I am a volunteer in the quilt building and feel I better know more about these projects. Mitzi Oakes
Date: Mon, 23 Oct 2006 23:10:10 -0800 | From: mopalka
At 08:00 PM 10/23/2006, you wrote: >gloria
Gloria, hopefully it isn’t already gone? Susan
Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 12:18:23 -0400 | From: Laurel Horton (laurel)
Excuse me, but this is a message for Margareta Faust:
Yes, I can do it. My replies to your message are being refused. See you soon.
Laurel
Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 10:11:22 -0700 (PDT) | From: catz
I put the Smithsonian article, along with a pane of stamps in my copy of the Gee’s Bend book .. along with any other articles I come across. Just something fun for the future I hope. Marie Johansen Friday Harbor, Wa
Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 09:59:31 -0800 | From: Gloria hanrahan (gloria)
Thanks for all the requests. It’s already on it’s way out.
I listed a request on my local Freecycle for that issue of the Smithsonian, so I’ll keep the other names if I am lucky enough to get some I’ll pass them on. People in other communities might try posting on their Freecycle and see what comes up.
Gloria
Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 19:21:31 EDT | From: Sandy7827
Evening Everyone, Since I love to collect antique quilts, my recent purchase has me very excited. Just received this in the mail, so now I’m trying to find out what pattern it is, and as must information on as I can. This is the quilt on Ebay I have:
Item:180035816928
I did check in Barbara Brackman book I believe it might be a chimney sweep pattern, but I’m sure. Could anyone give me their opinion on this. I sure would appreciate it and a big thanks.
Sandra in Illinois
Every gardener knows that under the cloak of winter lies a miracle…a seed waiting to sprout, a bulb opening to the light, a bud straining to unfurl. And the anticipation nurtures our dream. ~Barbara Winkler
Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 | From: Alice Kinsler (alicek)
Today I rec’d an e-mail from Barbara Brackman who said, “Alice. A friend wrote and said she needed a quick summary of the facts about quilts and the ugrr to prevent a friend from making a total fool of herself in front of the guild. I realized that a short fact sheet would be helpful to many people, so I wrote the attached up. Do you think people on QHL would be interested? I didn’t copyright it. I figure people could just copy it and use it to help clarify thinking and prevent myth spreading.”
I did think that all of you would be interested, as this topic certainly comes up again and again, both on- and off-list. I don’t know how to post an attachment to QHL, so I’ll include the text here (sorry about the length). If you want it in her formatted document, please e-mail me off-list and I’ll be happy to forward the Word document to you that was an attachment to her e-mail. Alice in Central California
Fact Sheet
The “Quilt Code”
A hot topic in Black History is the story of quilts and the Underground Railroad. Americans eager to discuss slavery are fascinated by tales of quilts used as signals in the dangerous journey to freedom. The connection between an American folk art, a mysterious secret code and the adventure of the Underground Railroad has created an enduring tale that is fast becoming a part of American legend. The quilt code has joined other appealing but false stories like George Washington chopping down a cherry tree or Betsy Ross designing the first American flag.
Countless school curriculums include how-to instructions for a quilt made in the secret code. Museums feature symbolic quilts in exhibits dedicated to slavery. Historians often are asked questions:
$B,((B Is it true that quilts were hung on clotheslines to signal escaping slaves of a “safe house”? $B,((B Were quilts read as maps to tell escapees the route to safety? $B,((B Did runaways use quilt patterns with names like the Double Wedding Ring or the Drunkard$B!G(Bs Path as code to communicate escape plans?
The fact is that we have no historical evidence of quilts being used as signals, codes or maps. The tale of quilts and the Underground Railroad makes a good story, but not good quilt history.
$B,((B The Double Wedding Ring, Sunbonnet Sue and most of the other quilt patterns supposedly used as code did not exist before the Civil War.
$B,((B While escaped slaves recorded signals such as whistles, songs and lanterns as useful in communicating on the run, absolutely no first person accounts of using quilts as signals exist.
$B,((B Women in slavery made quilts; we have much historical evidence and many surviving quilts. People remembered using quilts in escapes, but they were used to warm fugitives or protect them from view. They did not serve as code.
What harm can a charming yet false story do? You be the judge. But do realize that we are teaching a generation of children false history. And by focusing on this connection we ignore our national obligation to learn about the true and less charming stories of slavery.
Feel free to photocopy this sheet to help spread the truth about the myth.
Barbara Brackman 2006 Author of Facts & Fabrications: Unraveling the History of Quilts & Slavery
Today I rec’d an e-mail from Barbara Brackman who said, <x-tad-smaller>”</x-tad-smaller><fontfamily><param>Arial</param><x-tad-smaller>Alice. A friend wrote and said she needed a quick summary of the facts about quilts and the ugrr to prevent a friend from making a total fool of herself in front of the guild. I realized that a short fact sheet would be helpful to many people, so I wrote the attached up. Do you think people on QHL would be interested? I didn’t copyright it. I figure people could just copy it and use it to help clarify thinking and prevent myth spreading.”
</x-tad-smaller><smaller><x-tad-smaller>
</x-tad-smaller></smaller></fontfamily><fontfamily><param>Arial</param>I did think that all of you would be interested, as this topic certainly comes up again and again, both on- and off-list. I don’t know how to post an attachment to QHL, so I’ll include the text here (sorry about the length). If you want it in her formatted document, please e-mail me off-list and I’ll be happy to forward the Word document to you that was an attachment to her e-mail.
Alice in Central California
Date: Tue, 24 Oct 2006 21:31:53 -0700 | From: Leah Zieber (leah.zieber)
Just finished, and thouroughly enjoyed the recent article by Rabbit Goody and Jill Maney – “The Humble and Elegant Blanket” found in the December 2006 issue of Early American Life. Wonderful article of woven blankets.
I recommend it!
Leah Zieber
