September 12 – 23, 2000
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:
- Dear Jane Block Names — Members discuss whether the block names in Brenda Papadakis’s Dear Jane book are original to the 1863 quilt or were created by the author for her classes.
- Marie Webster vs. Mountain Mist Patterns — An eBay listing sparks discussion about whether Mountain Mist appropriated Marie Webster’s quilt patterns for their batting wrappers.
- Textile Seminar at ASA Conference — Newbie Richardson announces a textile seminar for the American Society of Appraisers featuring visits to the Textile Museum, DAR, Renwick, and Smithsonian Flag restoration.
- Underground Railroad Quilts Debate Continues — Eleanor Burns’s forthcoming book on underground railroad quilts prompts questions about the historical basis for quilt block names in the slavery era, and Karen Evans reports on unanswered questions to Jacqueline Tobin. (see the article on Underground Railroad quilts)
- Hanging Sleeves for Antique Quilts — Two museums disagree on whether sleeve stitches should go through all three layers or only the backing and batting, prompting a conservator’s perspective. (see the article on caring for antique quilts)
- Smoke-Damaged Quilts — Members discuss wet cleaning vs. dry cleaning for fire-damaged quilts, with conservator Margaret Geiss-Mooney advising wet cleaning and warning against ozone treatments.
- Fabric Dye Bleeding and Color Removal — A red-and-white quilt’s dye migration launches an extended thread on Synthrapol, Dye Magnets, and prewashing techniques, including the challenge of reproducing historic double pink and Lancaster blue fabrics. (see the article on natural dyes)
- Researching Signed Album Quilts — A new member asks how to research names on an 1858 signed album quilt and receives suggestions about census records and genealogical resources.
- Quilt Auction Site Launch — Members promote the new Quilt Auction website and encourage listings.
Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2000 09:36:08 -0700 | From: Mary Lamb Becker <marylamb [at] mail [dot] execpc [dot] com>
Regarding the question on birthdays and plaids that might be suitable for translation into quilt pattern, I have a book Needlepoint Plaids by Marion Broome Pakula from Crown Publishers published in 1975. The author suggests using your telephone number for a one-of-a-kind plaid, provided you include the area code. You could get more details on how to design your own plaid using your birth date. Good Luck. Mary Lamb Becker
Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2000 20:15:54 -0400 | From: Gloria Infinger <gloria [at] nations [dot] net>
Hi everyone! Does anyone know where I can find information about a pattern or block called Lancaster Rose? It sounds very Penn Dutch. Thanks Gloria glorianations.net
Date: Tue, 12 Sep 2000 19:05:28 -0700 | From: Stan & Lenna <demsing [at] home [dot] com>
Hello All, I’m interested in doing research on Colonial Revival quilts. I’m already pursuing several avenues but would be grateful any text/articles/exhibit info/etc recommendations on this period and the quilts it produced. Thanks so much, Lenna in Arizona (where it’s HOT, HOT, HOT!!!)
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000 13:49:02 -0400 | From: Newbie Richardson <pastcrafts [at] erols [dot] com>
Dear Everyone, Hazel Carter and I (among others) have been organizing a textile seminar for The American Society of Appraisers. It is scheduled for Thursday Oct. 6th 12:30 pm to Saturday, Oct. 8th 6:00pm. We have been allowed to open it up to any non ASA members who might like to join in. It is not cheap: $400 – but I can offer a spare bedroom if you are too far away to go home night. The entire conference info is at the ASA home page at WWW.appraisers.org. Scroll down to the “Beyond Warp and Weft” entry and click on it for all details. We will be at the Textile Museum, the DAR, the Renwick, Wexchlers Auction Galleries, and tour the Flag restoration at the Smithsonian. Everything is metro accessible so you do not need a car. There will be presentations on historic needlework and embroideries, Amish and African American quilts, contemporary art quilts, Couture and historic Costumes, oriental rugs, Anatolian and Peruvian textiles, etc. Also, the Renwick is offering a seminar on African American quilts on Saturday – for free – if you wanted to skip the ASA offerings on Sat. morning. that info should be on their web site at www.si.edu, then click on the Renwick (American Museum of Folkart) which is part of the Smithsonian. Speakers include Hazel Carter, Nancy (Tuckhorn)Gibson, Sue Pierce,Jerry Adamson, Jim Keshishian, Alden O’Brien, Olive Graffam, etc, etc, and me (Newbie) too! I realize that this is short notice. But anyone in driving distance is welcome to park at my house and use metro (I live 2 blocks away from a major metro stop in Alexandria.) Please email me privately for more info. Best, Newbie RichardsonPast Crafts Studios Alexandria, Va pastcraftserols.com
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000 14:15:14 EDT | From: Linda <Feathrwate [at] aol [dot] com>
A friend who went to Nashville lately to the show, spoke with Eleanor Burns. Her next book will be on the underground railroad quilts. Has anyone on the list had opportunity to ask the authors about the names for the blocks, whether those names were common knowledge of many people during the 1840s-60s? Linda
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000 21:16:22 -0400 | From: Elizabeth Ginebaugh <eginebaugh [at] home [dot] com>
Hi all, Just had a question about block names on another list I’m on, and thought maybe this list could answer it. In the Dear Jane book, all of the blocks have names. Were those names created by Brenda Papadakis (author of the Dear Jane book), or were those original names found around the same time the quilt was made (c 1863)? I looked all through the Brackman Encyclopedia for those names & came up empty. Any suggestions for where those names came from? Thanks for your help,, Liz Ginebaugh
Date: Wed, 13 Sep 2000 21:19:13 -0500 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co [at] airmail [dot] net>
Yes, Liz, they were names that Brenda gave them. Names of her children…ie: Michael Motorcycle…..don’t have the book in front of me right now, but I know that many had special meanings to Brenda. Some look vaguely like traditional blocks, but Janes method or construction is so strange in some that they are “variations” on the theme. Laurawho’s DJ quilt has gone into retirement.
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 07:40:11 -0400 | From: Jeff Lesh / Sheri <jefflesh [at] netins [dot] net>
Those names were given by Brenda, about a third of those blocks are in the Brackman book ( in some form), but some seem to be original with the Jane Stickle quilt. The names of the individual blocks are named after students from early classes and family members. I do have a list of those blocks that are in the Brackman book, a lot of them are variations of a particular block. Also they are not listed in the book, but all of the triangles have been named, in honor of some who have been on the DJ list and have been active with sharing information, techniques, etc. in making this wonderful quilt. Sheri A Dear Janer from Iowa
Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 08:55:16 -0500 | From: Mary / “Avalon” <malthaus [at] idcnet [dot] com>
Hi Elizabeth, I am a Dear Jane *groupie*. The names were given as her original classes were stitching the blocks. She has now named all of the triangles most of which incorporate names of people on the listserv. Mary in Wisconsin
Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2000 17:05:39 -0700 | From: Kathleen Reyes
Hello All, I’ve been thinking about the seller’s comments in the quilt link below. I have noticed that some designers in the first half of the 20th C. did seem to compete with each other in publishing similar designs. Example: McKim’s Flower Garden and Foland’s Memory Bouquet. But the idea of one company stealing from another never entered my mind. What? Quilt industry espionage? Any thoughts onthis from the pattern collectors/historians on the list? Ever curious, Kathi in So. Calif. eBay item 436528198 This was the comment on Ebay: A knowledgeable lady has informed me of the following: THE QUILT YOU HAVE IS PROBABLY A MARIE WEBSTER QUILT CALLED MAY TULIPS. SHE DESIGNED THIS PATTERN IN THE EARLY 1920’S. THIS QUILT IS FEATURED IN THE BOOK A JOY FOREVER MARIE WEBSTER’S QUILT PATTERNS. NOW THAT I HAVE EXPLAINED THAT, THERE IS ANOTHER POSSIBILITY THAT THIS IS A MOUNTAIN MIST PATTERN THAT CAME FROM THE SAME TIME. MOUNTAIN MIST HAD A REAL BAD HABIT OF STEALING HER PATTERNS AND MODIFYING SLIGHTLY AND PUTTING THEM ON THE BACK LABEL OF THE BATTING WRAPPERS. BECAUSE THE STRIPS OF MATERIAL AT THE EDGES ARE SMALLER THAN MARIE’S I’M NOT SURE WHICH THIS IS. Click on the thumbnails to see closeups.
Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2000 10:30:47 -0700 (PDT) | From: Sarah Hedbert <qtqlt [at] yahoo [dot] com>
Thank you to all of you who have been so nice to write and welcome me to the list. I am not on the computer much, but I am home this weekend so taking advantage of the time. How do you all go about doing research on signed quilts? I have a signed album quilt from 1858 that I just bought, and I would like to researach the names. ALSO, don’t know how many of you are on the Quilt Auction mail list, but they just sent word of what sounds like a great day here in RI, below is text of the letter…November is a wonderful time of year here – colors are beautiful. It would be fun if some of you could come and we could meet there – the website tells more. Well, by for now. Sarah
Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2000 22:26:23 -0500 | From: Jocelyn
Sarah, RE: 1858 quilt The 1850 and 1860 census can help you, if you have an idea WHERE the quilt is from. If you know the origin (a church, say, or a town) you can try contacting them now and seeing if they have historical archives that might help. County historical societies might be useful. If you need a ‘coach’, I’d suggest asking someone who does geneology- they’re the real pros at digging up facts. No pun intended.
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2000 07:49:37 -0700 | From: Stan & Lenna <demsing [at] home [dot] com>
Hi All, I’m hoping I can get some feedback to help me solve a small dilemma. I am helping to install two antique quilts exhibits at two different local museums – one large and the other a smaller one. Both are using muslin sleeves, etc to hang. However, they disagree with each other as to the correct method of attaching the sleeves. The textile director at the larger museum says to sew the sleeve to the quilt going thru all 3 layers of the quilt itself (i.e. including top), using matching threads and large, even stitches (approx. 3/8″). Theory – going thru the top with limited piercing provides more support for the top fabric. In the various textile preservation, restoration, etc workshops I have attended, this is the method that I was taught. The other, smaller museum believes in attaching the sleeve by only sewing thru the backing and batting of the quilt. Thread would be the color of the muslin sleeve. Theory – don’t put any holes in the (antique) top, thus protecting it and allowing the back and batting to bear the weight of the quilt.Of course, I will proceed as each museum director requests (they are both pretty adamant) but I’d like to hear from others in the field and see if there is a general consensus on attaching muslin sleeves to antique quilts. Thanks for your assistance once again. Lenna, facing melt-down in Phoenix
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2000 11:46:19 -0500 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co [at] airmail [dot] net>
Lenna, go with what you know to be correct. Several years ago I redid all my own collection to go through all layers, after seeing the pulling that was occuring on those that were just stitched to the back and batting. Common sense should rule here
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2000 00:06:46 -0500 | From: Jennifer Perkins <qltrstore [at] harlannet [dot] com>
Hi! Had a call today from a lady with some smoke damaged quilts from a house fire. She wondered if she should dry clean them. They are 30’s-50’s, although I have not seen them. If they are strong enough would wet cleaning be best? How about if they are not strong enough to wash-would dry cleaning be acceptable or just as bad for them? Never run into this question before. Anyone have any first hand experience? Jennifer in Iowa
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2000 13:52:12 -0700 | From: Margaret Geiss-Mooney <mgmooney [at] home [dot] net>
In brief (hah! from a textile/quilt conservator?!), the short answer is yes, wet cleaning is best and as soon as possible. Dry cleaning is not an inherently gentler process (it’s done in a big horizontal rotating drum) and uses high speed and heat to drive off the solvent (which usually has detergents and perfumes added to the formulation that are left behind in the quilt). And don’t let them deodorize the quilts using an ozone treatment in any case – ozone is an extremely active oxidizing gas and can’t distinguish between a smoke molecule, a fiber molecule and/or dye molecule. Meg Geiss-Mooney Textile/Quilt Conservator in Private Practice Petaluma, California mgmooneyhome.net
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2000 23:21:34 -0400 | From: “Elizabeth Ginebaugh” <eginebaugh [at] home [dot] com>
This thread is interesting to me since a friend had her house burn this summer, and her sewing room got the brunt of it ( We washed all the fabric to see what was salvageable, and also washed a quilt top carefully. That came out fine except for three heat/scorch marks, which blended in pretty well. The last quilt we have to take care of, is a tabletop crazy quilt, with satin, velvet, and lace. Any suggestions as to how to tackle this one? Thanks in advance, Liz
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2000 23:27:23 EDT | From: KANSIER1 [at] aol [dot] com
There’s a good article on smoke damage in the November issue of “The Quilter Magazine.” The title of the article is “Saving Quilts When Disaster Strikes.” It talks about the fire that Terry Clothier Thompson had and how she cleaned her quilts. I picked the magazine up today at Walmart in their fabric department. If you can’t find the magazine, they do list a website (www.thequiltermag.com). Keeping the Traditions, Kathy Kansier Ozark, MO
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2000 23:56:23 -0700 | From: Margaret Geiss-Mooney <mgmooney [at] home [dot] net>
Yup! All three layers stitched through evenly (I like to use 100% cotton embroidery floss – over 400 colours (!) to choose from, softer twist – 2 – 3 ply).But not stitches as big as 3/8″ each. Meg Geiss-Mooney Textile/Quilt Conservator Petaluma, California mgmooney [at] home [dot] net
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 18:52:09 +1000 | From: Lorraine Olsson <sven [at] pnc [dot] com [dot] au>
Hello All, Deb Roberts has gone to a good deal of trouble it seems to give us a a quilt auction site. Lets get together and post a few pieces. I have learned how to use my Digital camera (yes, Suzie H! finally) and have listed a couple of quilt tops. I will add more each day if others will get into the spirit and join in!! It does not have to be a huge item but lets get together and make the site a bit more colourful. Fiona, your books and patterns looked good. Deb is willing to help you get your listings up and running (ok, I know this from experience)
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 07:25:28 EDT | From: Karen Evans [at] aol [dot] com
For those who were following this, Jacqueline Tobin has not sent me a further reply to date. I sent her around a dozen specific questions about the research in Hidden in Plain View and received only a general response. It has been over two weeks. Should I receive further replies, I will forward them to the interested. Thanks – Karen Evans (note HIPV is for sale at, of all places, Hartford Seminary’s bookstore. Why it’s there I haven’t dared ask).
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 23:00:58 -0400 | From: Alan Kelchner <quiltfix [at] mail [dot] jax [dot] bellsouth [dot] net>
My quilt budget won’t handle this today, but boy, what a quilt! Drool over the fabrics ….. http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=438313436 Alan CLick on the thumbnails to see this up close.
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2000 22:21:25 -0500 | From: “Karen S Bush” <Birdsong [at] worldnet [dot] att [dot] net>
I’ll second that! I’m behind in listing, but, did really well with my auctions on there so far! There was quite a bit of traffic last week, seems like it’s slowed down a bit. But,…it WILL pick up and I’ll have a listing on there tomorrow night, just as soon as I get off the puter and Finish it! ) kb Hello All, Deb Roberts has gone to a good deal of trouble it seems to give us a a quilt auction site. Lets get together and post a few pieces. I have learned how to use my Digital camera (yes, Suzie H! finally) and have listed a couple of quilt tops. I will http://www.karenbushquilts.com Member of TAS-The Applique Society http://www.thequiltauction.com/index.cfm
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2000 16:17:50 EDT | From: LeahZieber [at] aol [dot] com
Hi all, Just a quick post to ask if anyone as any advise on what is a “must see” in Lowell and Sturbridge area. I will be going next week to see my quilt at the ATHM (it won honorable mention for the bed quilt category in the Cocheco Quilt Contest). I will be in Lowell for two full days and in Sturbridge area (staying in Brimfield) for two days. Please post privately in response and thanks in advance. Leah Zieber LeahZieber [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2000 00:16:55 -0500 | From: Jennifer Perkins <qltrstore [at] harlannet [dot] com>
Alan, thanks for pointing out that quilt on e-bay! I love those fabrics-hope whomever bought it will use it to inspire a fabric line! I want that fairy fabric!! Jennifer in Iowa P.S. Thanks for all the smoke damaged quilt responses!
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2000 11:48:58 -0700 | From: Yvonne Jones <ayjones [at] tacoma [dot] nwrain [dot] net>
What is the double pink that you like the best? I like Seaweed by Diana Leone, Penny NII, 1870’s Collection for P.B.I do not know when I purchased it. It could be in the last year but I fear maybe as much as 5 years ago. I did get about 3 yards but wish I had more. I can not find anything I like as much. Many of them are tea died. I must have over a dozen examples of the “real” double pink from the 1800’s and that is why I am so picky. Why is it so hard to reproduce it like the original??? Yvonne
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2000 16:48:53 -0400 | From: “Jeff Lesh” <jefflesh [at] netins [dot] net>
I just finished a wallhanging size quilt, that happens to be red & white. I needed to rinse it to get out some markings for the quilting. I washed it w/Orvus in cold wash and cold rinse. The red was a Jinny Beyer and had been prewashed. Of course you know what happened, the red bled some, not terrible, but migrated to the white. I wasn’t too upset, because I have heard of others using the Synthopol, so I ordered some of that and washed it last night per the directions of 4 capfuls for 1 laundry load and it doesn’t look any different. I have never dried the quilt in the dryer, only line dried, so the dye is not heat set. Anyone have any suggestions on where do I go from here, or my last resort was to overdye it with tan, which I know would really look OK, just not what I had planned. ) So I need one of you experienced fabric gurus to give me some insight here. Thanks, Sheri
Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2000 09:25:49 +1000 | From: Lorraine Olsson <sven [at] pnc [dot] com [dot] au>
AND!! Why is it that we don’t see the fabulous Lancaster blue, or double blue, reproduced. I have only been looking for about 5 or 6 years, but I have not seen aa goodone yet. Lorraine in Oz (If there is one hiding out there, please let me know)
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2000 19:12:08 -0400 | From: “Phyllis Twigg” <ptwigg [at] radix [dot] net>
Sheri, when I prewash a fabric I find it necessary to do so in a white sink where I can see with my own eyes that that the absolute final rinse is clear, clear, clear!! A quick rinse in not foolproof, either. Some fabrics don’t start bleeding until they’ve been soaking for 5 minutes. I think that many times folks throw the new fabric into the washing machine and consider it prewashed and safe. One complete washing machine cycle is not always enough. If you have ever washed the South African indigoes you know that some fabrics take MANY rinses before they stop bleeding. Phyllis Twigg
Date: Fri, 22 Sep 2000 21:48:02 -0500 | From: EKarenbeth / “quilt97” <quilt97 [at] interconnect [dot] net>
quilt97interconnect.net > I think it was on Alex Anderson’s TV program, Simply Quilts, that I heard that a red fabric may rinse clear, but the final test is washing it with a piece of white fabric. Some reds may rinse clear but run when touching a lighter-colored fabric. So the fabric-touching test is necessary, at least for reds. EKarenbeth
Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2000 01:30:05 -0500 | From: Jennifer Perkins <qltrstore [at] harlannet [dot] com>
Well, with the problem with fabric bleeding, and you might try putting a Dye Magnet in with the quilt so it will soak up the extra dye in the water. Try it with that and the Synthrapol again and see what happens. Dye Magnets are available at WalMart and similar stores with the laundry detergents. I use one with all my wash now, and will never wash a quilt without one! I have a problem with a quilt I am restoring in that I can’t get the vintage replacement fabric to fade! I’ve tried boiling it for an hour in the Fabric Fading Kit stuff. No change. Then I cut a small piece off and soaked it for an hour in straight bleach. No change. I’ve been hanging it out in the sun for a week and a half-no change. This stuff is good-a light blue chambray-why can’t they make all fabric this way??? Any good ideas on getting it to fade??? Thanks! Jennifer in Iowa
Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2000 05:07:01 -0500 | From: Karen S Bush <Birdsong [at] worldnet [dot] att [dot] net>
If that’s the same as Prussian Blue, I SECOND that!!! What a Wonderful shade and can’t find it ANYWHERE! o kb AND!! Why is it that we don’t see the fabulous Lancaster blue, or double blue, reproduced. I have only been http://www.karenbushquilts.com Member of TAS-The Applique Society http://www.thequiltauction.com/index.cfm
Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2000 08:22:35 -0400 | From: Judy White <jawhite [at] courant [dot] infi [dot] net>
> Jennifer, there are those strange pieces of old (and new)fabric which simply will not change color. You can cook them all day, eventually making kleenex, but they just won’t fade. I don’t know why. Judy White – Ct where fall is falling
Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2000 07:23:32 -0500 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co [at] airmail [dot] net>
texas_quilt.coairmail.net > Ok, So if the quilt is basically “lost art”
Date: Sat, 23 Sep 2000 10:30:04 -0700 | From: Christine Thresh <christine [at] winnowing [dot] com>
I ran across this “fact” while searching the web for other things The following statement was presented on the web site http://www.sos.state.mi.us/history/museum/techstuf/civilwar/quilt.html with no attribution “Quilts were also used as markers in the underground railroad. Those with the color black, when hung on a clothesline, designated a safe house. A drinking gourd was also used to symbolize the Big Dipper which points to the North Star. Runaway slaves followed the North star to find freedom.” …………………….. The site is for the Michigan Educational Assessment Program Social Studies Content Standards These so called facts are going to be perpetuated just as George Washington cutting down the cherry tree is considered “Fact.” Christine Thresh on an island in the California Delta
