September 30 – October 8, 1997
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:
- Compiling a List of State Quilt Project Books — A member gathers a comprehensive list of state quilt documentation project books for a quilt shop’s reference collection. (see the article on state quilt documentation books)
- Which Quilt Dating Reference Is Best? — Continued debate over the merits of different quilt-dating reference books, including Jeana Kimball’s ‘Red and Green Quilts.’ (see the article on dating quilts)
- Baptist Fan Origins in Appalachia — A member recalls growing up in the Kentucky/Tennessee mountains and the Baptist Fan pattern’s ties to local church quilting traditions.
- Substitutes for Silence Cloth and Table Felt — Suggestions for materials to use in place of hard-to-find silence cloth and table felt, including Thinsulate insulation.
- Quilt Exhibits in Washington, DC — Members report on quilt-related exhibits worth seeing in DC, including reproduction quilts on display at the DAR Museum. (see the article on cleaning antique quilts)
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 04:38:37 -0700 | From: Laura Hobby Syler
(by way of Quilting Heritage
I believe the Meller-Elffers book was out of print, but they did another run. I did have it in stock, but it is presently backordered. (I think maybe I had better call again today, eh?) As far as I know, it is still $85 retail, but I do discount that, of course.
Kris http://www.HickoryHillQuilts.com/heritage.htm
Phyllis Twigg wrote: > > In reply to Cindy’s question regarding a good book for beginning to > study fabric dating, I would suggest Textile Designs( 200 Years of > European and American Patterns for Printed Fabrics Organized by Motif, > Style, Color, Layout, and Period) by Susan Meller and Joost Elffers, > 1991. It’s available at libraries. I’ll probably end up buying a copy > sooner or later. > > Phyllis
Phyllis and all:
It is my understand that the Meller-Elffers book is now out of print. I know that the price has increased by at least $10 since last year. Can anyone confirm? We were also told that Clues in the Calico (another good book to learn about dating fabrics) was out of print and Barbara Brackman assures us that that information was incorrect.
Laura
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 08:08:49 -0500 | From: Laura Hobby Syler
I am attempting to help Country Calico’s Quilt Shop (where I work and teach) compile a list of all the state quilt project books that are available, soon to be available, and those that may even be out of print.Since they come from so many different publishers, I’d like any help locating as many as possible. I have Texas (both vols.), Maryland, Illinois, Nebraska, and Kentucky, and the Mormon Migration books at my fingertips in my own collection. I may have more, but thought I’d post to the list to see what else you are aware of.
Please post privately and once compiled I’ll let ou know the results.
Thanks everyone.
Laura
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 09:28:00 -0400 (EDT) | From: Tmauvlus [at] aol [dot] com
Hi All, I am a super-lurker, and seldom post, but I need to jump on the debate as to which books are good teaching tools for dating. I bought the Meller-Elfers book – for what, maybe $70.00? I’ve found it totally worthless – IMHO, please understand, I have friends who really like it. But for the price, it is quite a gamble. If you are a rank beginner, and can have only one book, get Clues in the Calico. Barbara just told me she’s in the third printing and that it will be available.
I am now offering a three hour workshop on dating quilts, so all this is fresh info. Of course, Orlofsky’s Quilts in America is great, as is Kiracofe’s book. Good luck. Would be glad to have anyone E-mail me privately. Teddy Pruett, Certified Appraiser
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 08:59:42 -0500 (CDT) | From: fschott [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com (The Schott Family)
Well, I finished the block once. In terms of color it’s Gorgeous, however it is not completely square, and I was SO careful. It is really possible to be perfectly accurate.
Today I will try again, either with freezer paper, or paper piecing. I think I figured out how to paper piece it.
I lost a couple of triangle points from the Ohio star portion when I sewed on the burrs, but the burrs themselves were almost perfect. Putting in that elongated triangle to make it a square block was a very tricky thing.
Nancy Schott
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 11:14:54 -0600 | From: Terri Ellis
Hi to all – I have to agree with Teddye. I also purchased the beautiful, expensive book, and only look at it occasionally. The best way to study old fabrics is to look at as many old quilts as possible, which is a perfect excuse to go to all the antique stores, quilt shows, flea markets, etc. as you can! Brackman’s book is excellent, and I have heard that Eileen Trestain’s book on old fabrics should be out within the year, hopefully. Terri Ellis, AQS certified appraiser also.
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 13:09:57 -0400 (EDT) | From: BrickWks1 [at] aol [dot] com
In a message dated 97-09-29 21:55:29 EDT, you write:
<< Another note on the fan quilting design:
That older, well-worn quilt I found inside my 1900 string-pieced top is tightly and uniformly quilted in the fan design. During a brief look locally, Sharon Newman, set the date of the older quilt (a cheater top, no less) c. 1830-1870.
Carla in Lubbock on my son’s sixth birthday >>
You know, I have found the fan quilting pattern on so many country quilts from Texas that I’m beginning to mentally name it the “Texas Fan,” rather than “Methodist” or “Baptist Fan!” Texans, do you agree with me?? Was outline quilting practiced to any extent, instead, on antique pieces? Just curious. Cindy Brick
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 17:18:44 -0400 | From: “Judy Grow”
Thanks for the kudos. I think this idea can be published as a book. Perhaps someone else would want to fly with it — not me. I’ve already had two books published, back in the 1970’s. The first was “Creating Historic Samplers” and the second was “Classic Needlework”. Each took a year of intensive research and work, and even though both made Better Homes and Gardens book club, and Book of the Month Book Club Crafts Lists, they paid me about $.50/hour of work. (I’ve bought copies of those books this year for twice the original selling price). I’ve got a business now that brings me a darn good living. Quilting is my therapy and my art. I wouldn’t want to spoil that.
I might go ahead and do it for my own pleasure, but if someone else wants to do something commercial with it, they have my blessing. I’ve already got my ISBN numbers in the Library of Congress. Just give me credit somewhere for the original idea.
And anyhow, how could anyone draw out an idea that took me two paragraphs to explain well enough for you to know the entire process into book length? And who would be dumb enough to buy it? Judy in NJ judygrow [at] blast [dot] net
———- > From: AkamiWA [at] aol [dot] com > To: Judygrow [at] blast [dot] net > > This is the most fantastic idea I have heard of in a long time, my framer > will be glad to see me, my own creations framed. I just love this idea. You > might even be so busy framing for other quilters you won’t have time to > quilt. > > Now why don’t you sell this idea to Zippy Publishing? I used to get their > quiltlist, one of my friends sold her PP pattern to them. I think their > magazine is called Foundation Piecer.~Phys
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 17:49:38 -0400 (EDT) | From: BBMorris [at] aol [dot] com
I grew up in the mountains of SE Kentucky and E. Tennessee, went to a Baptist church and never heard of “Baptist Fan” quilting until I moved back to GA 13 years ago after 25 years away. My great grandmother called it “shell” quilting. I never knew that there was any other way, except diagonal lines, to quilt a quilt until after I took some quilt classes in Arizona in the early 70’s. Interesting how names of patterns and designs change from area to area.
Barbara in GA
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 19:07:22 -0400 (EDT) | From: Baglady111 [at] aol [dot] com
I am constantly doing battle with the post office, commonly referred to the the pony express because of bulk mail being sooooo slow, and the fact that I think the @#%(*^%#@pony is grazing on my newsletters..I have problem areas and every issue, I get calls/letters that once again the ‘pony’ has grazed..I send one off regular mail and IT ARRIVES!!! ANOTHER MIRACLE..well how’s this one..I live about 4 miles from the postal center..I mailed my check to cover my bulk mailing..IT NEVER GOT THERE!!!! here I am fighting for mail not making it from PA to IN< IL< OH..and it can’t make it four miles away!!! thought this would give you a laugh!! Jane of THE FEEDSACK CLUB..
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 19:17:30 -0400 | From: “Miklos B. Lukacs”
Hello everyone, I also am a collector. I collect Precious Moments Figurines. I am not a very logical collector, I have only what appeals to me. One is a skinny boy lifting a dumbbell-reminds me of my son. That type of thing. I also collect thimbles. Mostly the china ones. Lately I have branched a bit into the metel(silver) thimbles. I think Jean Ann, that you have either a very interesting home or a sort of cluttered. I only say that because I have been in homes that were of the country type of decor and thought how charming they were. If I tried to create the same look-it would be very cluttered. Speaking of clutter-that is my sewing room. I am working on a Dear Jane quilt. I am finishing my Piecemakers quilt. I am starting my Christmas sewing I have gone on too long. Connie L>
Date: Tue, 30 Sep 1997 19:44:33 -0400 (EDT) | From: Pat Sloan
I would like a copy of Jeana Kimballs book ‘Red and Green Quilts’. Does any one know of a shop that has it, or does anyone have a copy they would be willing to sell/trade? Thanks…Pat
Pat Sloan …. psloan [at] capaccess [dot] org ………. Herndon, VA, USA
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 1997 09:01:15 -0400 (EDT) | From: Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] com
Thanks to the numerous ones who took the time to write with suggestions of where to buy a dragon’s eye, also known as fly’s eye, and Fresnell (fray nell) lens.
After many phone calls and trips to various stores, no one here in town – Toys R Us, Walmart, art supply, office supply, quilt shop, fabric store, hobby shop – hardly anyone had even heard, never mind carries, the dragon/fly-eye, Fresnell lens, or a similar product. At Project Nature, the clerk dug around in a drawer and gave me a child’s version of something similar – that a previous customer had left behind months ago. It works more along the line of a kaleidescope and blurs the effect.
Several people mentioned the craft catalogs, and Marje sent the following info which I’m passing along to anyone else interested: “The product you are looking for (I think) is called a Multi-view lens and is available from Connecting Threads Fall 1997 catalog. Their phone number is 1(800) 574-6454. Reference source code 741000 to get them pointed to the right catalog and the item number is 80371. >>
I have a Connecting Threads catalog and my Multi-View Lens (allows you to multiply your block by 25 to see how it looks set into a quilt) should be here shortly. Finally! No affiliation with C/T, etc. . . .
Thanks again for all the recommendations!
Elisabeth
Date: Wed, 01 Oct 1997 06:50:03 -0700 | From: Nancy Cameron Armstrong
Dear QHLers, Crashed again and now … after 5 hours last night (6:08 to 11:15) struggling with many patient and helpful IBM techs and my computer, I am on the web again with the “compatible” new dialer,but sans everything from my previous web life e.g. address book, bookmarks, and all mail folders. This time they are gone for good; not sure that was necessary, but IT IS DONE and now will rebuild all. I hope I have everyone’s E-mail address with whom I have had correspondence. I don’t believe there should be, but f there is someone who is expecting to hear from me about “something” please let me know. Will be at home Wed & Thurs and leaving for Missouri, and Kansas on October 3.
See you in Lawrence! nca (in very rainy BC)
—
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 1997 09:16:06 -0500 (CDT) | From: fschott [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com (The Schott Family)
Just an update on the pine burr block. I checked the magazine pattern (should’ve done that first) and discovered that it is incorrect. For example, somehow you are supposed to put together 3 squares of 2 and 1/8 inches each (without seam allowance), and come up with a square which is 6 and 1/4 inches – just not possible.
So, I drafted my own pattern in a little bit larger size and will attempt putting it together with freezer paper. I was going to try paper piecing, but I’ve never done that before and really couldn’t figure out how to make it work.
Nancy Schott
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 1997 11:16:20 -0400 (EDT) | From: Quilt97 [at] aol [dot] com
Since silence cloth/table felt is not available at my local fabric stores, what suggestions does anyone have to make pot holders heat resistant?
Thanks!
Elisabeth
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 1997 13:36:02 -0500 (CDT) | From: fschott [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com (The Schott Family)
mattress pads.
Nancy Schott
Date: Wed, 01 Oct 1997 21:05:58 -0400 | From: Rob Holland
(by way of “Kris Driessen, Hickory Hill
The following stories are in Planet Patchwork’s Virtual Quilt Newsletter, Issue #19, being published today to subscribers:
— Guild Profile: The Greater San Antonio Quilt Guild, Inc.
A force to be reckoned with in this west Texas City, the GSAQG, Inc. sponsors a large show and has its own “Operations Center.” Find out how they do it, and why.
Date: Wed, 01 Oct 1997 23:00:17 EDT | From: jbsews [at] juno [dot] com (Joan F Brown)
Hi all, To use in pot holders, and table pads, use Thinsulate brand insulation. It comes with a scrim on one or both sides. You can get it at JoAnn Fabrics, and other such stores, just ask for it . Joan sew much to do, sew little time
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 97 23:28:58 PDT | From: John & Cinda Cawley
Does anybody know of anything quilt related going on in Washington? Columbus Day weekend I’m leading the family in our annual Civil War excursion. This year it’s John Wilkes Booth’s escape route. I will try to get to the DAR; there’s always something wonderful there. Although why they are not open on Sat. I do not understand. Last year on Columbus Day I saw Calico and Chintz at the Renwick. I know it’s too much to hope for anything like that again in this lifetime, but I’ll be grateful for any “quilty” suggestions. I don’t want to shop; I want to see. Many thanks. Cinda who went today to the top of the highest mountain in the Poconos (I was the only person there) and looked at PA having an absolutely glorious fall.
Date: Wed, 1 Oct 1997 23:43:08 -0400 (EDT) | From: QuiltCat26 [at] aol [dot] com
Pat –
I would think that you could obtain a copy of Jeana Kimball’s “Red and Green – An Applique Tradition”, ISBN: 0-943574-68-4, from That Patchwork Place, Inc., PO Box 118, Bothell, WA 98041-0118. It’s a wonderful book published by them in 1990. I would think that it would still be available. If you can’t find it, let me know. Maybe one will turn up in the Grand Rapids area. Several of my friends have copies, and I’m quite sure the book is still easily accessible.
No affiliation with That Patchwork Place.
Nancee – Grand Rapids, Michigan QuiltCat26 [at] aol [dot] com >^,,^<
Date: Thu, 02 Oct 1997 06:55:17 -0700 | From: Lynn & Debbie CUPP
Red and Green by Jeana Kimball has been out of print for at least a year that I know of. You may want to post on the Quilters Traders Newsletter (I think that is the correct name) that you are looking for that book.
You may also want to post on Pat Knox’s Missing Fabrics Page. She has posts from people who are looking for books and are often successful finding them this way.
Debbie
Date: Thu, 2 Oct 1997 08:27:56 -0400 | From: debatqps [at] juno [dot] com
Any 100% cotton batting. I use two layers.
Debbie in NJ
Date: Thu, 2 Oct 1997 14:44:39 -0500 (CDT) | From: fschott [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com (The Schott Family)
Does anyone know how you could go about getting reproduction fabric made from fabric in an old quilt? I have some that I’d really like to be able to work with, but the only way to have it would be to cut it out of the quilt – horrors!
Nancy Schott
Date: Thu, 2 Oct 1997 15:17:14 -0500 (CDT) | From: fschott [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com (The Schott Family)
So I broke down and bought the above book – Keepsake Quilts has it in their catalog. I haven’t looked through the entire thing yet – it just came this afternoon, but between me being a history/genealogy/fabric lover and my daughter being a fine arts major I figured we could use it. What I would give to have some of that fabric1!!!!!! – but it’s way before my time. I think it’s a beautiful book.
Anyway, on the subject of make your own: Several years ago I took a color course, and one of the assignments was to take all your fabric and separate it into colors. I had never done that before – the object was to inventory what we had. So I started a book. After I separated my fabric, I cut a little square (about 2″) off each piece and, by color, glued them into a spiral notebook. After awhile I began to see this as my own fabric history, and I began making notations about the fabric and what I used it for (for example: I might make notes like “Rachel’s quilt,1996” or “from Mom for my birthday”, etc.) Now, whenever I buy fabric (which is never often enough), after I wash it, and while I’m pressing it, I just automatically cut off a little piece and put it into the book. As I was looking at Meller & Elffers, it struck me that, in a way, I’m making a book like that for myself.
Nancy Schott
Date: Thu, 2 Oct 1997 18:05:19 -0400 (EDT) | From: Qltldy10 [at] aol [dot] com
I was in DC earlier this week, and didn’t find anything out of the ordinary. The quilts at the DAR are Baltimore albums from the 1970″s and later. No antiques. American History had about 8 out, same as I saw in March (I think the one in the showcase was different). Two modern quilts at the Renwick. There was a viewing of slave made quilts up in Baltimore, but that was just last weekend. Did anybody go?? Beth in Maine
Date: Thu, 2 Oct 1997 19:25:27 -0400 | From: “Phyllis Twigg”
Although the quilts currently on display at the DAR are not old, they are magnificent reproductions of the Baltimore Album quilts (and similar style) which were made by members of the Baltimore Applique Society. Some are easily visible and others are on huge sliders that you pull out of the wall. Also, the DAR just came out with boxed patterns for the “Mary Mannakee Quilt” circa 1850. It’s an album style quilt with “folkart quality of the applique and fine technical execution.” The quilt was once(in 1916) cut up for drapes and then sewn back together. If you call Nancy Tuckhorn at the DAR (202) 879 – 3241 you may be able to find opportunities to see more of their collection.
If you get near Bowie, MD (not far – east of D.C.) there are some wonderful old quilts in the Cinnamon Tree Antiques shop in Fabian Houise, 8519 Chestnut Avenue ( historic section of Bowie) (301) 464-6777.
Date: Wed, 8 Oct 1997 22:10:37 -0400 | From: Karen B DeNicola
Okay, forget I mentioned this Dove in the Window pattern! After a lot =
of wild goose chasing & not finding this pattern, I made one up, myself. =
But apparently I was simply not looking in the right places–which are, =
according to informed sources: just about any quilting encyclopedia =
(I’ve never seen one of these, I blush to admit); or Ruby McKim’s book =
101 Patchwork Patterns, page 58; or the Kansas City Star in 1929 and in =
1936.
–Karen DeNicola
Date: Wed, 8 Oct 1997 00:58:47 -0400 (EDT) | From: BEVPEV [at] aol [dot] com
Very interesting comments in the digest today. I always look forward to
reading it.
I am pleased that Anita Shackleford is an instructor at the conference. I
met her and saw her work at the AQSG conference in Paducah and am looking
forward to buying her book this week in Lawrence.
As for the cutting away of the background, I believe this is not a new idea.
Some of the applique quilts I have seen were stuffed, or not quilted within
the applique work, but were, in most cases, not several layers thick either.
Julie Silber (where are you???) exhibited a fabulous applique quilt at the
American Museum of Quilts and Textiles last March in the Farewell to Esprit
show that had reverse applique …just another way to solve the problem of
too many layers.
Thanks to Kris who is trying to keep us on track, Cinda for input on
exhibition in Pittsburgh and SadieRose for TV Guide. All are helpful.
Regards…Beverly
Date: Wed, 8 Oct 1997 09:47:28 -0500 (CDT) | From: akcruz [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com (Alfonso & Alice Cruz )
I’m working on a Rose of Sharon applique quilt which has
a pink muslin backing. There are two holes which need replacement
fabric. On this particular quilt, the color is uneven in
intensity and is a very pale pink.
My questions:
Was this pink muslin available commercially, or was there
some natural dye, easily available, which was used?
If I decide to dye fabric to match, can anyone suggest some
ideas for matching this pale color – brand recommendations,
dyeing techniques, etc.
Thanks!
Alice Cruz
The Quilted Chile
akcruz [at] ix [dot] netcom [dot] com
Date: Wed, 08 Oct 1997 13:46:04 -0700 | From: Sharon Harleman Tandy
On second thought, I am sending this to all, as it might very well be of
general interest.
Dear Gail,
May I suggest you contact Suzi Hokonson; she is based in Spokane,
Washington, is available for workshops, has brochures, demonstates at
shows, and has a reasonably priced book to offer. (No affiliation, etc,
though we have met and I enjoy talking to her.) She would be a super
candidate for a quilt guild workshop. You may contact her at: Suzi
Hokonson/ 1315 W. Woodside/ Spokane, Wa 99208-4264/ 509-326-2216.
Quite honestly, her work is so beautifully presented and far, far,
different from any other type of quilt block/needlework framing that I
have ever seen. Her techniques are simple to understand, easy to do,
and, as far as I can tell, (I’ve done matting and framing and have been
an artist) entirely her own design. Her methods when used on something
special are beginning to be known as the method which can upgrade the
item into the category of art work. Sharon, Quilts & Answers, Boise,
Idaho.
Date: Wed, 8 Oct 1997 16:06:04 -0400 (EDT) | From: KirkColl [at] aol [dot] com
A quick note while I catch my breath. The Quilt Restoration Conference was a
great success. It was great to see so many people with QHL stickers on their
name tags!
The day after the conference I flew to LA to tape Simply Quilts — did a
segment on quilt restoration. It will start airing this fall, but I don’t
have the dates yet. The “field trip” for the segment is on Eileen Trestain
appraising quilts at Paducah. Eileen just had a beautiful little girl names
Carolina Nicole for those who know her. We started the restoration on one of
Alex’s quilts to use on the show, and she sent us home with another — a
brand new quilt that is on the cover of her book! Someone got paint on it on
the set. Whoever thought we would be restoring 1997 quilts so quickly.
Leaving for Houston on the 19th. We’ll be in Booth 1167 at Festival — all
the way to the back just behind the Gazebo. I could use some extra help in
the booth on several of the days if anyone is planning to be there and wants
to work for a few hours (or many <G>). We’re bringing lots of vintage and
repro fabrics plus lots of quilts including an 1830’s pillar print that’s
pretty special. Drop by and say hi.
Just put up lots of new pictures of reproduction fabrics on our web site —
trying out a new format. Let me know if you like it.
See why I’m out of breath? But I sure enjoy taking a few minutes everyday to
hear all about what everyone else is doing.
Nancy Kirk
The Kirk Collection
http://www.auntie.com/kirk
Date: Wed, 8 Oct 97 15:56:54 PDT | From: John & Cinda Cawley
Audrey in Sedona wants to know if anybody goes to as many quilt exhibits as
I do. I don’t know, but if anybody does she doesn’t talk about it as much
as I do. I confess; I’ve been to the exhibit of quilts of western PA in
Meadeville. There is a book: Threads of Tradition: Northwest PA Quilts,
ISBN 0-9659939-0-6. It’s available from the Crawford Co. Historical Soc. in
Meadeville for $19.95 plus s/h. The project director is Marianne Woods
(814)724-8198. Maybe Kris could get the book if you’re interested. It’s 96
pages, lots of color pictures, stories about the quiters and local history.
Lorraine, Denise (my co-authors of Saved for the People of PA) and I
made this pilgrimage because we need to look at more antique quilts made in
PA west of the Alleghenies. Our feeling is that they are very different
from the 19th century quilts we see here in the east. This area of
northwestern PA is still quite isolated and a hundred years ago would have
been even more so. The exhibit confirmed that idea. There was no hint of
the PA German color palette which is such an enormous influence in
southeast and southcentral PA. This was not true of the quilts in the Pgh
exhibit, I’m not sure that the exhibit at Meadeville or the book gives an
accurate sampling of the quilts made in the area. It seems that a great
effort was made to give each county which participated in the project equal
space and there isn’t much attention paid to trends or what makes quilts
from the area special. We saw in both Meadeville and Pgh what seemed like a
disproportionate number of the type of signature quilts (such as my Keystone
Friendship quilt made in Indiana Co. not too far from this area) in which
most of the design comes from the arrangement of the signatures rather than
piecing or applique. Unfortunately there was no way to tell if this was a
curator’s choice or if people in the area really did make an awful lot of
these quilts.
There are 45 quilts in the exhibit; it’s definitly worth seeing.
I’ve told you before my rule is: I wouldn’t hesitate to go ten miles to
look at a quilt, so it makes perfect sense to go 500 miles to see fifty.
Actually this was 671 miles round trip. PA is a big state (no comments from
those west of the Mississippi, please; we residents of the 13 original
colonies have our own sense of space).
Cinda in Scranton
Date: Wed, 08 Oct 1997 15:32:34 -0800 | From: Deborah Hopkinson
Just wanted to officially announce to folks that illustrator James Ransome
and I will be doing a picture book, scheduled for about three years from
now, called Under the Quilt of Night. It is an underground railroad story
that DOES, for better or worse, perpetuate the myth of the dark centers on
log cabin quilts, it’s mentioned briefly. So, thanks for all your helpful
comments!
I’ll have time to work on a note before then and hopefully this new book
about African American quilts by Jackie Tobin will be out by then.
Deborah Hopkinson
Date: Wed, 08 Oct 1997 16:52:09 -0600 | From: Elizabeth Richards
There are many ways to frame flat textiles. A simple one we use at the
Conservation Services is to cover acid free matt board. Coroplast or
FoamCore with fabric (e.g. washed muslin). It’s a little tricky to get the
corners flat but you can do it with a flat spatula. The fabric is stitched
together on the back. You line the grain of the fabric up with pins, stuck
into the ends of the board. (It’s rather like wrapping a present only being
very careful with the grain.) The textile is then stitched to the front
with a curved needle.
The edges of the sample will show and if this botheres the owner a matt
board could be cut by a framer that would just come over the raw edges of
the textile.
The textiles are framed behind glass with a spacer between the textile and
the glass. This prevents the textile from being squished by the pressure of
the glass. The backing on the framing should be an acid free material like
Coroplast – not regualr brown paper.
–
Date: Wed, 8 Oct 1997 17:59:44 -0500 (CDT) | From: Nancy Evans
At 11:32 AM 10/8/97 1000, you wrote:
>Greetings everyone,
>
>I am seeking assistance concerning the framing of quilt blocks.
>
>There must be several of you who subscribe to this list you have framed
>quilt blocks and could share some of the tips and techniques with me, or
>point me in the direction of some good articles in quilt magazines that may
>have been written on the subject.
>
>Please reply to me privately. I appreciate any assistance that can be offered.
>
>Gail Wilson
>Blackheath NSW Australia
>
>The SCQuilters Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
><http://www.kcbbs.gen.nz/users/pandora/faq.txt>
>
>
>
>
Gail – is there a reason for a private reply? If not (and this request is
going to the list), I would really like to see the answers, as I suspect
others would. I, too, have a quilt in for evaluation right now that is
headed for the “framers”, because it is not repairable in any economic
sense, and I had to talk fast to get them to think about something other
than pillows!
Right now, I’m leaning toward a matted framed piece, with perhaps a photo of
the maker inset into the matting, in one corner. What have others done, and
I’m wondering what to look for as far as the acid-free products, glass, etc
that can be used. May be doing about 15 of them, so I really may need some
help, too!
TIA!
Nancy Evans – Nebraska Quilter
Date: Wed, 08 Oct 1997 16:17:48 -0700 | From: Cindy Tittle Moore
I have a question…I am essentially a newbie quilter with a number of
inherited quilts that I would like to restore in some fashion or
another. I do not believe anything is of such historical value as to
merit conservation instead, and after reading through Cognac’s book
(thank you all for the recommendations), I have some ideas of what I
could do with some of the quilts. (It was interesting, I have an
example of each of the types of quilts she discussed — one with very
little damage, mostly a single fabric that disintegrated probably due
to dye, a nice but severely damaged quilt, and a “violated” quilt
where one side was folded over several times, obscuring a pieced star,
to form a new binding, plus a crazy quilt with the fragile “shattered”
silk… very interesting reading.)
My question is this. As an inexperienced quilter, I do not know
whether I have judged the condition of the quilts correctly. Is this
what an appraiser does? Ideally, I’d like to have someone come in and
look at them (or I take the quilts to her, whatever), and tell me when
they think it was made, what condition it’s in, if there’s historical
value I do not suspect, etc. Then I could make my decision on what to
do with the quilts with more confidence.
For example, there is one quilt with a disintegrating background, but
the applique flower baskets in good shape, so I was thinking that a
nice sentimental sort of thing to do would be to take out the good
applique baskets, bind and frame them individually as wall hangings
and distribute to the assorted descendents of the woman who made it as
an heirloom piece each could enjoy. But I don’t want to take apart
a quilt without being sure that’s the best thing for it.
And I do understand this is a multi-year project. I am in no rush. I’m
happy to research and develop my own skills on the assorted projects
I’ve started before touching these quilts.
Anyway, is that the sort of service a quilt appraiser performs?
Thanks,
–Cindy
tittle [at] netcom [dot] com
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