September 28 – October 5, 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:
- AQSG Seminar Logistics in Lincoln, NE — Members compare travel plans, roommate offers, and meet-up times for the upcoming American Quilt Study Group seminar.
- Redwork & the 1901 Pan-American Exposition — A research thread on redwork quilt patterns depicting President McKinley, tracing how the design changed after his assassination at the Exposition. (see the article on redwork and outline embroidery)
- Solving a Mystery Quilt Frame’s “Swinging Arms” — After weeks of crowdsourced guessing, the list confirms that the mysterious swinging arms on a mid-1800s quilt frame connected to a now-missing cogwheel.
- Garden Angel Wall-Quilt Pattern Source — A member tracks down the source for the “Garden Angel” Block-of-the-Month wall quilt pattern for another member’s student.
- Burgoyne Surrounded Documentation — A member researching a Burgoyne Surrounded quilt with 1800s-style fabric gets pointed to a Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine article and clarifying questions about what kind of documentation is needed. (see the article on Burgoyne Surrounded)
- Odor Removal & Quilt Frame Craftsmanship — Continuing threads on removing musty smells from antique quilts and on the homemade, husband-built construction of old quilting frames. (see the article on stain removal)
- NAMES Project AIDS Quilt Volunteering — A member offers quilting expertise to the local NAMES Project (AIDS Memorial Quilt) chapter and asks about best practices.
- Ohio Star & Windmill Block Research — A student writing a paper on quilt blocks asks for historical information on the Ohio Star and Windmill patterns.
- AQSG Copyright Lawsuit Update — A recap, shared with permission from another list, of a copyright lawsuit involving pre-1990 quilts and a call for related quilts the list may know of.
- QNM Index CD & Website Navigation — Members discuss whether Quilter’s Newsletter Magazine still offers a comprehensive index for sale, and one member confirms the full index is downloadable from the QNM website.
- Phoenix Museum & NJ Show Venue Notes — A first-hand report on a fall quilt exhibit at the Phoenix Museum of History, alongside a description of the scenic Stockton, NJ show grounds along the Delaware River. (see the article on quilt museums)
Date: Sat, 30 Sep 2000 22:02:44 -0500 | From: “liz” <quilt97interconnect.net>
This website http://www.systel-systems.com/fbc/missions.htm is for the First Baptist Church of Attleboro. The following paragraph is from that site “We also host several community groups- Markman’s Step Forward Program (before and after school child care) AA Big Book Group, and Linsey-Woolsey Quilt Guild.” There is an email address where you can write for further info. I could not access http://cindycimoquiltdesigns.com/current.htm which is the Guild’s current schedule.
EKarenbeth
Date: Sun, 01 Oct 2000 15:18:15 -0300 | From: Barbara Robson <robsonbhdbis.ns.ca>
I was quite intrigued to read that there might be a redwork pattern of President McKinley. He was my Grandfather’s cousin. My Grandparents were in Buffalo on their honeymoon in 1901 and were to have tea with the President but unfortunately he was assasinated before they were to meet. I hope this pattern does turn up! Yesterday we had a quilt documentation day for the Nova Scotia Heritage Quilt Project. We did 42 quilts and one was particularly interesting. It was a scrap 4 patch with alternate plain muslin blocks. One of the fabrics was off-white with very tiny, tiny numbers repeated in a grid pattern. In one direction it read “1776” and in the other “1886”. The numbers appeared to: be dark brown in colour. The square the grid created was about 1/4″. The quilt is in excellent condition. It was made in Maine. It has been passed down through family and the current owner has lots of genealogical info which was terrific. She also brought in a beautiful bow tie quilt all made with indigo fabrics. Again in terrific condition and made by the same person. We were quite excited by both these quilts and the fabrics! I received my copy of “North Country Quilts” by Dorothy Osler on Thursday. I had a friend in England order it for me from the Bowes Museum and it took just 8 days to get here to Nova Scotia. I haven’t had a chance to read it yet but it looks wonderful…congratulations Dorothy! I was very fortunate to: live in “the North Country” for a year in the late seventies and get to know Dorothy. Our daughters were in the same class at school…small world! As always, QHL is fascinating and makes the world a smaller place! Barbara Robson Fox Point, Nova Scotia, Canada
Date: Sun, 1 Oct 2000 17:20:27 EDT | From: SadieRose@
Help!! I have a student who is looking for a pattern for a “Garden Angel” wall quilt. She thought I had brought a book or magazine with a pattern or photo in it, with an “angel” figure in the middle surrounded by gardening things. Don’t know if this means plants/flowers or tools?? I have looked through books & some magazines & haven’t found anything. Does this ring a bell with anyone?? She thought this was in the last 2 years. If you have any suggestions, please let me know!! TIA, Karan from Iowa
Date: Sun, 01 Oct 2000 19:16:41 -0500 | From: Jocelyn <Jocelynm@>
> Please, what proportions of Clorox to water do you suggest? How > much rinsing > needs to be done? And where did you find out this information? > Was it from > the Dye Magnet manufacturer? Or from someone who tried it? Margaret, Proportion a good big dollop of Chlorox in a sinkful of water. Rinsing until the Dye Magnet is almost white again. I found it out by accident…I was trying to bleach some old linens in the sink, and tossed in the Dye Magnet ‘just in case’…came back later and the Dye Magnet had bleached, too. No sign of dye anywhere, in the water or on the linens, although I wouldn’t do THAT again!<G> The magnet continues to work, and is getting darker and darker. Someone checked up and found that the Dye Magnet manufacturer doesn’t claim that there’s a ‘secret formula’ treatment of the cloth, and there’s been speculation about whether a plain white washcloth might work as well. ) But whatever about it works, it didn’t seem to be affected by its Chlorox bath.
Date: Sun, 1 Oct 2000 21:24:26 -0400 | From: [from unknown]
Hi QHL After hearing from dozens of people across the country trying to help us solve the mystery of the “swinging arms” on a mid-1800’s quilt frame we found, we believe we have the correct answer the arms are there to connect to a cogwheel that is missing from the the frame. To fully understand what I speaking about go to the website www.Wykesfamily.eboard.com and at the bottom of the page is the note on the frame. In that note is the full explanation and an old picture of another frame similar to that one the has a cogwheel. Thanks to all who helped! Debbie Wykes Monroe, MI
Date: Sun, 1 Oct 2000 23:12:50 -0400 | From: “Gail Tilton” <gailtilt@>
The “Garden Angel” is one of the Star Patch Angel BOTM series. They are 16″ blocks with sashing that forms stars. My friend gave me the following info from the package “Folk Angel Applique Blocks” by Cabin Fever Designs Robin Pandolph, 208 Lazy Hollow, League City, TX 77573 Phone 713-332-2959 Gail Tilton Airville, PA
Date: Sun, 01 Oct 2000 21:05:58 -0700 | From: Kathleen Reyes <kwiltlvr@>
Hello List, The following was sent to me by a quilting friend. I could not resist sharing the sage advise! Kathi in So. Calif. Our version of Fall has started ———————————————] Sun, 1 Oct 2000 024810 -0700 (PDT) From: LotsaUFOsaol.com Subject: preparing yourself for sewing Tips on preparing yourself for sewing from a 1949 Singer Sewing Manual “Prepare yourself mentally for sewing. Think about what you are going to do… never approach sewing with a sigh or lackadaisically. Good results are difficult when indifference predominates. Never try to sew with a sink full of dishes or beds unmade. When there are urgent housekeeping chores, do these first so your mind is free to enjoy your sewing.” “When you sew, make yourself as attractive as possible. Put on a clean dress. Keep a little bag full of French chalk near your sewing machine to: dust your fingers at intervals. Have your hair in order, powder and lipstick put on with care … if you are constantly fearful that a visitor will drop in or your husband will come home and you will not look neatly put together, you will not enjoy your sewing as you should.”
Date: Mon, 2 Oct 2000 08:43:30 -0400 | From: “Roger Applegate” <rbappleg1@>
Does anyone have reference to a Burgoyne Surrounded with a light background. I would prefer that this quilt be have fabric similar to fabric during the middle 1800’s. (if I can find a picture of one during that time period. Western Pa Brenda
Date: Mon, 02 Oct 2000 07:50:01 -0500 | From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.co@>
Brenda, I’m sorry, part of your message may have been omitted, I’m confused….. Are you looking for documentation on the block name? Physical documentation on a quilt from the mid 1800’s? or are you seeking a BS quilt from that time period. TIA for the clarification. Laura At 0843 AM 10/02/2000 -0400, Roger Applegate wrote >Does anyone have reference to a Burgoyne Surrounded with a light background. >I would prefer that this quilt be have fabric similar to fabric during the >middle 1800’s. (if I can find a picture of one during that time period. >Western Pa Brenda
Date: Mon, 02 Oct 2000 04:50:47 -0400 | From: “J. G. Row” <Judygrowrcn.com> (by way of List Mom <qrs@>)
Debbie, I don’t know why I didn’t think of the sticks being tension locks for cogs. I’ve got an old quilting frame as well, obviously made by a husband for his wife. He made the cogs from used circular saw blades, and of course the sticks hanging on the outside of the frame fit into the cogs to keep the tension on the quilt right where you want it. My frame looks nothing like yours, so I couldn’t see the similarity of use. I’ve tried using the frame, but my quilting stitch suffers from not being able to always quilt right to left and top to bottom. Also from not having a space to keep it up all the time. Mostly I use it for decoration at my guild shows. I hope you’ll be able to use your new frame. It shouldn’t be too hard to have new wheels cut.
Judy in Ringoes, NJ <mailtojudygrowrcn.com>judygrowrcn.com
Date: Mon, 2 Oct 2000 09:24:42 EDT | From: Dhcreatives@
RE PAN AM REDWORK You are correct redwork blocks of President McKinley were available at the 1901 Pan Am Exposition. There were two versions of the McKinley block the rendering of McKinley remained the same but after the assassination, the caption changed from just his name to “Our Martyred President.” There was also a square of Mrs. McKinley, of President Roosevelt (who succeeded him) and Mrs. Roosevelt as well as the Temple of Music where McKinley was shot and the buildings of the Fair. A list of 59 penny squares available at the Pan Am and explanatory text appears in my book RED &WHITE AMERICAN REDWORK QUILTS & PATTERNS on pages 38-39. Hope that you will find this helpful. Deborah Harding
Date: Mon, 2 Oct 2000 13:52:17 EDT | From: KareQuilt@
This is a rather long post from the Art Quilt Network List about a lawsuit in a NY court that some of you may have heard about. I got permission to repost it here. Karen Alexander Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2000 091032 -0500 From: “Loomis, Kathy ” <Kathy.Loomisus.wmmercer.com> Subject: My quilt adventure You may recall messages posted to the list in July about a copyright lawsuit and trying to locate quilts made before 1990 that fit a certain profile. I was surprised to realize that a quilt made for me in 1961 by my grandparents fit all six of the criteria they were looking for, and corresponded with Bonnie Browning at AQS about this. Well, yesterday I talked with the lawyer on this suit and they want desperately for my quilt to be used in the trial. “But there’s a problem,” the lawyer said… “we can’t get the quilt into evidence unless somebody will be there to testify about it. Would it be too much of a hardship for you to come to the trial?” Hmmm, how much of a hardship are we talking about… turns out the trial is in New York the week after Thanksgiving. So apparently I will be getting an all-expense-paid vacation, which with any luck I can stretch out to get some free time too. By the way, the lawsuit is being brought by an importer who has been making traditional-looking quilts in China, against Pottery Barn, which also imports traditional-looking quilts. Apparently the importer, a woman whose name I was not familar with, says that she owns the design of pastel solid lemoyne stars, straight set and no sashing. Pottery Barn asked for summary judgment (i.e. the judge would say this is ridiculous and throw the suit out without a trial) but it was denied, so now they’re going to trial. Interestingly, the Pottery Barn quilts don’t even resemble the original quilts very much, according to the lawyer — PB has variable stars and a different border treatment. I’m fascinated as to how this will play out. kathy in KY
Date: Wed, 27 Sep 2000 09:10:32 -0500 | From: “Loomis, Kathy ” <Kathy.Loomisus.wmmercer.com>
You may recall messages posted to the list in July about a copyright lawsuit and trying to locate quilts made before 1990 that fit a certain profile. I was surprised to realize that a quilt made for me in 1961 by my grandparents fit all six of the criteria they were looking for, and corresponded with Bonnie Browning at AQS about this. Well, yesterday I talked with the lawyer on this suit and they want desperately for my quilt to be used in the trial. “But there’s a problem,” the lawyer said… “we can’t get the quilt into evidence unless somebody will be there to testify about it. Would it be too much of a hardship for you to come to the trial?” Hmmm, how much of a hardship are we talking about… turns out the trial is in New York the week after Thanksgiving. So apparently I will be getting an all-expense-paid vacation, which with any luck I can stretch out to get some free time too.
By the way, the lawsuit is being brought by an importer who has been making traditional-looking quilts in China, against Pottery Barn, which also imports traditional-looking quilts. Apparently the importer, a woman whose name I was not familar with, says that she owns the design of pastel solid lemoyne stars, straight set and no sashing. Pottery Barn asked for summary judgment (i.e. the judge would say this is ridiculous and throw the suit out without a trial) but it was denied, so now they’re going to trial. Interestingly, the Pottery Barn quilts don’t even resemble the original quilts very much, according to the lawyer — PB has variable stars and a different border treatment. I’m fascinated as to how this will play out.
kathy in KY
Date: Mon, 2 Oct 2000 16:25:34 EDT | From: Palampore@
I saw an item on Ebay which is —-“Civil War Redwork Quilt Kit Complete #449615532”. I am curious about this. Are the Redwork CW images in a book on Redwork and I just haven’t seen it? Has anyone seen such a kit for sale elsewhere? I know a woman who would love to have one to make for her grandson but she wouldn’t really want the quilt material, batting, etc. that this offers. She would just be interested in the Redwork Patterns of CW symbols. Would be most appreciative of any help. Thanks! Lynn Gorges (Historic Textiles Studio, New Bern, NC)
Date: Mon, 2 Oct 2000 20:42:14 -0400 | From: “John Cawley” <cawleygoeaston.net>
At Quilters Heritage in Lancaster last April the Lyles had a wonderful redwork quilt for sale that many images associated with the assasination of President McKinley. Besides a portrait of the president there were images of exhibition buildings and other historical figures of the day. Cinda on the Eastern shore
Date: Mon, 02 Oct 2000 20:30:30 -0400 | From: Alan Kelchner <quiltfix@>
Question – I’ve offered my quilting know-how to the local chapter of the NAMES project (the AIDS quilt). At the reception yesterday (the opening of their quilting room), they were showing me the two machines that were donated (both work!). The Kenmore had a handbook, but the Singer 9005 didn’t. Does anyone have access to the handbook, and if so would you copy the page with the oiling points? I’ve been looking for a Singer web page, but haven’t located it yet (dealers, Featherweight owner pages, etc., but no Company itself). Thanks. — Alan Kelchner Skitzofrenya Quiltworks http://skitzofrenya.artistnation.com
Date: Mon, 02 Oct 2000 21:23:16 -0400 | From: Chasta Jenison <chastaj35@>
I am writing a paper on quilt blocks and I was wondering if you had any info on Ohio Star or Windmill. I would greatly appreciate it. I am a current student at CMU. ThanksCHasta chastaj35 [at] yahoo [dot] com
Date: Wed, 04 Oct 2000 01:29:36 -0400 | From: HOPESANDY@
Looking for someone who can help with repairing some of my antique scrap quilts. Sandy Roberts HOPESANDY [at] aol [dot] com
Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2000 08:33:43 EDT | From: SadieRose@
Brenda was looking for info on the Burgoyne Surrounded quilt a few days ago…I have finally located an article I remembered in Quilter’s Newsletter magazine on the history of this pattern, which included a pattern, too. This was in issue #287, November 1996, pgs. 24-27. QNL also ran a pattern in issue # 70, according to my old Index. Unfortunately, that issue is AWOL….which reminded me that I really need to reorganize my magazines!! I have a complete collection of QNL, but I have a tendency to pull out an issue to look something up, and then not get it put back ) Which brings up my question, QNL used to periodically offer a complete Index of patterns, articles, etc. for sale. Then for a long time, they just had the pattern index in the December issue. I see they are advertising a CD with patterns from the last 5 years – does anyone have this disk & what do you think of it?? What I really want is a CD with the old comprehensive index….I have the magazines for the articles & patterns!! Happy Stitching, everyone!! Karan from Iowa, where the leaves are starting to turn
Date: Thu, 05 Oct 2000 14:18:31 -0300 | From: family.chisholmns.sympatico.ca (Sara Chisholm)
I understand, although I have not yet tried it, that the complete index is now online at the Quilter’s Newsletter website – and you can download and print a copy free of charge. They are at quiltersnewsletter.com and the details are in Mary Leman Austin’s Needle Notes at the start of the Oct 2000 issue. Let us know what you think if you try it. Sara in sunny Nova Scotia
Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2000 13:37:36 -0400 | From: “John Cawley” <cawleygoeaston.net>
I meant a QHL sign. Cinda
Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2000 13:36:08 -0400 | From: “John Cawley” <cawleygoeaston.net>
I suggest that we try to gather on Sunday morning at 715. By that time we will know where breakfast is served at the Nebraska Center and it will give us time for multiple cups of coffee before the program starts at 830 a.m. How about I try snagging a table or two and doing a “Norma Ray” with an AQSG sign? I’m sure we’ll have many encounters before then. Looking forward to Lincoln. Cinda on the Eastern Shore
Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2000 17:09:16 EDT | From: KareQuilt@
Another post shared with permission from another quilter/quilt list that I thought you all would like also. It continues to excite me to see the impact quilt designs and quilting vocabulary have on the culture at large. I have a growing file of clippings from magazines and newspapers where the journalist has employed “quilt language” as metaphor for something else going on in the day to day events in our culture. Karen Alexander Recently the St. Louis Post Dispatch (Sept.18,2000,St. Clair-Monroe County Edition) had an article with this title “MetroLink stations’ designs will be based on quilts made by area artists.” by Doug Moore The public transportation system in St. Louis known as MetroLink is expanding across the river into the metro-east, or Illinois, area. As part of an Arts in Transit program, the new stations are going to “reflect the diverse heritage and history of St. Clair County.” The plan involved having area artists design quilts that “in their patterns capture the culture, history and heritage of each community along the route.” Artists competed with their designs and one quilt was chosen for each station. “The design of the quilts are then used to create terrazzos — a mosaic-like artwork made of small chips of marble or stone and set in concrete– at each Metrolink station platform. The quilts will become part of a traveling exhibit promoting the light-rail system and the region.” The Arts in Transit people were working with committees to find quilt designs that reflected the individual communities where the stations will be. They want the quilt designs in the “welcome mat program to serve as an identifier for passengers when they step off the train…we want them to have a sense of what the community is about when they look down at that welcome mat.” The article was accompanied by a photo of one quilt designer and one of her two quilts chosen for the project. “The quilt for Emerson Park incorporates images of three women who have impacted that area–Lessie Bates Davis, Ceola Davis, and Katherine Dunham. The border contains Indian arrowheads to reflect the Native American culture. ” The article also states that the MetroLink “began as a partnership of artists, engineers and architects to make the ride both functional and eye pleasing,” and the stations already in use in St. Louis each have distinctive artistic features. But the quilt design is new and for the Illinois stations. It is nice to see that public officials recognized the potential of quilts to: make transportation “aesthetically pleasing.” Also the use of local area artists was a nice touch of multicultural acknowledgment. The county applied for a $175,000 state grant that included other efforts to make the towns along the new route “recognize the need to create a common vision,’ as well as make each town special by their quilt designs. Submitted by Patricia Cunningham O’Fallon, IL
Date: Wed, 04 Oct 2000 18:20:14 -0400 | From: “Jan Drechsler” <quiltdoc@>
Judy really didn’t adequately explain the beauty of the NJ Quilt Show site and its surroundings. Stockton is a tiny town of ancient stone houses which sits right on the Deleware River. This part of the Deleware is very unspoiled. Just across the bridge to PA, the old canal has a tree covered towpath which always is a delightful amble. From the NJ side, the ridges on the PA side provide a scenic and peaceful view. On Sunday, you may see (and hear) an old steam locomotive with its passenger cars rumble by the town and mill, giving rides to tourists. While they do not stop in town, it is only a short drive to ride the train. The last time I went to the show, I believe that Judy may have given me a special door prize, although she denied it!!! Oh yes, there are also the wonderful quilts. Can you tell I am still homesick? — Jan Drechsler in Vermont Quilt Restoration; Quilting teacher http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bobmills/jan.html
Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2000 17:59:32 -0700 | From: “Stan & Lenna” <demsing@>
The Phoenix Museum of History is presenting a small, but interesting quilt exhibit Oct. 28 – Dec. 31, 2000. I spent 2 days working with their antique quilts, attatching sleeves, etc. The four I worked on are WONDERFUL. A pristine album quilt from the 1850’s with signatures dating back to 1846. A beautiful mid 19th century Whigs Defeat, a mid 19th century Scrap Triangle (original pattern – some what medallion like) and a sweet little 1890 crazy quilt with a wonderful oversized print backing of beautiful pink hollyhocks. Additionally there are several contemporary quilts. Read on QUILTS PAST AND FUTURE Oct. 28-Dec. 31, 2000 Mon – Sat 1000-500 p.m. Sun. 1200-500 p.m. 105 N. 5th Street Phoenix AZ 85004-4404 602.253.2734 “This exhibit features the Quilts Across America Project, a traveling quilt from the American Craft Museum in NYC. Also included are selected historical quilts from the Phoenix Museum of History’s permanent collection and quilts from the Phoenix community. Special adult and children’s quilt creativity workshops are scheduled for November and December. Check with the museum for times and dates.” There is supposed to be a video available on quilt/textile preservation and repair/restoration by a local textile conservator – I think that’s what is covered. Hope to see you there. The album quilt alone is worth the visit! Lenna, in still hot Arizona
Date: Wed, 4 Oct 2000 22:34:51 -0400 | From: Mary Beth Goodman <mgoodman@>
At 155 AM +0000 10/5/00, QHL-Digest-request@ wrote > Which brings up my question, QNL used to periodically offer a >complete Index of patterns, articles, etc. for sale. Then for a long time, >they just had the pattern index in the December issue. I see they are >advertising a CD with patterns from the last 5 years – does anyone have >this disk & what do you think of it?? What I really want is a CD with >the old comprehensive index….I have the magazines for the articles >& patterns!! LOL thanks for the chuckle. I saw that ad and I thought, I don’t think I’ve ever made any thing from a QNM pattern, but I’d buy a CD of all the cover and gallery quilts in a flash. I sent them an email along these lines and they replied back promptly saying it was already in the works but no date of release. So perhaps if you drop the editorial staff a note from the QNM web site you will get your wish too! While I’m de-lurking for a moment, I’ll announce that we’ll be having Brenda Papadakis teaching about Dear Jane quillts at NYQuilts! this May. Details and more info pending at our web site. Mary Beth Goodman http://www.nyquilts.org http://www.quiltr.com
Date: Wed, 04 Oct 2000 23:11:34 -0500 | From: Jennifer Perkins <qltrstoreharlannet.com>
I’ll be there! If anyone still needs a place to stay, I have a room to myself, would be glad to share! Jennifer in Iowa
Date: Thu, 5 Oct 2000 10:57:37 EDT | From: Cml791@
I’ll be there and maybe I can get my friend Stephanie also. This will be her first AQSG seminar and she is a lurker on QHL. Carolyn in N. Texas
Date: Thu, 05 Oct 2000 08:11:39 -0700 | From: “Julia D. Zgliniec” <rzglini1@>
Dear QHL, Thank you for posting the QNM site and for information regarding the Index. I did download the whole index and it was very simple once I found the page that had it. When you go to the site, click on the icon of the magazine on the banner bar. It will take you to the page for clicking the download. Worked like a charm. You can save in on your computer or print it out. I did not want any more paper so it is on my computer. Good luck, Julia
