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Comments

99359

Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 15:10:08 -0800

From: Anne Scott <nzquilterxtra.co.nz>

To: qhlcuenet.com

Eileen Trestain posted regarding the new Quilt Digest book on silk

quilts.

I have not yet seen this however Hanne sought out quilts from all over

the world for her book so I am looking forward to seeing them. She used a

transparency of an old quilt of mine, which I purchased in Jodhpur, India

several years ago, and made from silk sarees many many years ago.

The colours have remained vibrant through the years. Sadly, much of the

fabric has perished to hang it - too much heat and dust. However I had

notecards made using the image so I could enjoy it every time I wrote a

letter!

Wishing you all a very very Happy Christmas and the best for the new

year/century.

Anne Scott

www.nzquilter.com

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 01:16:30 EST

From: SadieRoseaol.com

To: QHLcuenet.com

Subject: Quilt value/ where or how to sell??

Message-ID: <0.6a7b1a80.25888c3eaol.com>

Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit

I had a call from a man I know through business today, who is the

guardian

for an elderly lady. She is being moved into a care facility, and needs $$

to pay for her care. He said she has 5 quilts that she had made, which she

would like to sell, to help raise some $$. He doesn't know anything about

quilts, so took them to a local quilt shop. The owner there said they were

in "excellent shape, good quality work & very nice patterns". From his

description, they were probably made in the late 1920's or into the

'30's....colors he described supports that. He said they had not been

used.

I don't live near enough to see them. He was looking for suggestions of

anyone who could give him a good idea of the resale value of these quilts &

also where or how to sell them. He said that some nieces/ nephews had

offered to buy them for $100 each (but no more than that) ...but the shop

owner had indicated that at least one was worth $500 and she might be

interested in it. He feels he needs to sell them for as much as possible,

help pay for the lady's care.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. The quilts are in the SW part of

Wisconsin...any appraisers in this area?? Any suggestions on where or how

sell the quilts?? I told him I had a great resource group to ask!! I will

share your suggestions with him.

TIA, Karan from chilly Iowa

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 14 Dec 1999 23:30:05 -0800

From: "Christine Thresh" <christinewinnowing.com>

I do hope Laurel Horton's review of "Hidden in Plain View" can be posted on

Amazon.com. Her thoughtful approach and her credentials make her review

worthy of attention.

I was upset by the many, many gushing "reviews" of the book when I checked

the Amazon site. Many big grains of salt are needed there.

Christine Thresh on an island in the California Delta

http://www.winnowing.com/

------------------------------

Thanks, Judy, for the post from Elaine and I agree with her, from what

I've seen... I haven't finished it...have barely scanned it, but it came

yesterday. Anyone interested can get it through Amazon or order hrough

their local bookstore. "Silk Quilts:From the Silk Road to the Quilter's

Studio" by Hanne Vibeke de Koning-Stapel. Around $25.00 / Amazon=$23.96

Roberta

--WebTV-Mail-1322-101--

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1999 09:26:16 -0400

From: edwaintrepid.net

Help! Help!Help!

I sure opened a can of something when I sent a message on another Digest

that I had information about reviews on "Hidden In Plain View" I now have

about 6 messages from folks wanting copies of the reviews. What is the

protocol in dealing with this.

1. Can I forward the emails I have received as they are.

2. Should I paraphrase the thoughts in the two reviews that I have

received.

3. What kind of permission do I need from both who have sent me the review

- one from the person who originally wrote it, another a repeat of what

probably appeared on this digest. One came from a member of the digest but

not the author of the piece.

Help me out here please. I want to get the word out but not sure how to do

it.

Holice Turnbow

Designer, Teacher, Quilt Judge

http://www.quiltingstencils.com

--------------------------------

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 01:07:50 -0500

From: "J. G. Row" <Judygrowblast.net>

----- Original Message -----

From: John Cawley <cawleygoeaston.net>

To: J. G. Row <Judygrowblast.net>

Sent: Wednesday, December 15, 1999 3:30 PM

Subject: Re: Swatch books

> Hi Judy,

> I remember you talking about your swatchbooks sometime ago. I

haven't

> gotten ito that; I know that it would be a good thing to do. If you have

> the info handy I'd like to read it again. So much to do and I'm already

> old!

> Cinda

Cinda,

By swatch books, what I mean is that I cut a small swatch of all the

textiles I have, both old and new, and put them in notebooks, by date. I

buy the 3-ring baseball card sheet protectors, (Bev Dunivent put me on to

them) and so cut my swatches 2 1/2 x 3 1/2 to fit. Some, which need to be

bigger to see the pattern , (like cheaters, toiles, and chintzes, etc. ) I

cut to 8 1/2 x 11 and put them in the regular sheet protectors.

The contemporary fabrics I try to cut with the writing on the selvedge

intact so that a later historian will know that that is a Hoffman, or a

Mumm, etc. The date is sometimes printed on the selvedge. I cut those 4

8 and machine sew them, slightly overlapping, to cover weight stock, and

then slide them into the 8 1/2 x 11 sheet protectors.

Some interesting fabrics in older quilts I scan and print on a color

printer. Sometimes you can only date a fabric by what other fabrics go

with

it -- but you know that.

It is a fascinating facet of learning about antique quilts and a wonderful

teaching tool. And just plain pleasurable to sit down and page through

them

studying the infinite variety of the designs and colors.

For an interest so centered on textile design, don't you find it remarkable

that hardly anything is known about any of the people who did the

designing?

I'd love to know their names, how they got their training, what kind of

collections they kept for inspiration, whether they worked free-lance, or

were they on staff, and how much did they get paid? By the design, or by

the week? Were they valued, hard to find, easily replaced? Were they

mostly men, or were they women artists? What happened to their original

design sheets? Once the fabric was printed, were those tossed? (Much of

"Textile Design" are the guaches and not the actual textile.)

Laura Hobby Syler showed me one of her swatch books a couple of years ago

when I was visiting family in Texas and started me doing mine. I think

most

appraisers have been encouraged to keep swatch books as reference tools.

you have a collection of fabrics for restoration, and a contemporary stash

for new quilts, then you have the start of your swatch books.

As I approach the big 60 (baby brother keeps reminding me that I'll get

there 15 months before him) I am starting to think about how my family

should dispose of them, you know when. How morbid, but I believe I am

doing

something very valuable that should be preserved and go to the right place

or person. If I don't even know that, how will they? They know how

valuable my quilt collection is, but all the peripheral stuff needs to be

valued too. Marilyn Kowaleski's recent sale of "smalls"made me start

thinking about that.

I've just decided that I'm going to post this to the list besides to you

personally, and see if anyone else out there has any answers.

See where train-of-thought writing can lead you? To places you really

don't

want to go! This might be part of the Christmas-time depression that is

written about so often.

Judy in Ringoes, NJ

judygrowblast.net

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 11:30:59 EST

From: QuiltFixeraol.com

I have been asked to display my Redwork collection of Quilts at the San

Jose

Museum of Quilts and Textiles in the spring of 2001. I am looking for a

Redwork Red Cross Quilt that the museum might borrow during that time for

the

show. Do you have one that we may display? Or know of someone who does?

Any help appreciated. Toni B.

QuiltFixeraol.com

redworkldyaol.com

www.redworklady.com

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 11:45:30 EST

From: KareQuiltaol.com

I have been gone for 9 weeks out of the last 3 months and am almost caught

on all the back issues of QHL! Whew! On Nov 2 QHL # 302 someone had

Quilters

Bee digest written in the subject line. This is the first I had heard of

the

group. What is their specialty? How do you contact this group?

Karen A.

------------------------------

http://www.QuiltHistory.com.

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 15:50:53 -0500

From: Nancy Cameron Armstrong <narmstrattglobal.net> (by way of List Mom

<qrsalbany.net>)

Dear friends,

After sorting out my life, I am surfacing and looking forward to getting

involved again. Have had a letter just today from Fawn Valentine who is

"working on the copy edited manuscript for the West Virginia quilts

book." She expects publication in October 2000 from Ohio University

Press. Good news!

******************************************************

Nancy Cameron Armstrong

1109 160A St., White Rock, BC V4A 7G9;

or, PMB# 151, 1773 H. St. Suite 330, Blaine, WA 98230-5106

narmstribm.net Phone/Fax: (604) 538-7551

******************************************************

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1999 20:02:03 EST

From: KareQuiltaol.com

Just came across an article in Dec 13 USA Today (pg 31A) titled

" 'Gifts of the hand' last for more than a lifetime"

by Alcestis "Cooky" Oberg.

Quilts and quilting get mentioned quite a number of times. (yes, I'm

still

just a little behind in everything after 6 weeks away!)

Karen A.

No. Virginia

http://www.QuiltHistory.com.

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 06:43:29 -0600

From: Karen Bush <Birdsongworldnet.att.net>

HI out there! I was wondering if anyone had a copy of American Quilt, A

History of Coth and Comfort l750-l950 by Roderick Kiracofe that they'd

like to sell/trade for less than $40....I looked on Kris's site on used

books and didn't see it. It's probably one of those that No one would

want to part with, but , thought I'd give it a shot. It's on Amazon,

but, I just can't go the $42 right now. If you do, would you please

e-mail me privately??? This is a Great book I'd love to have in my

collection.

Otherwise, how IS everybody??? Are you tearing your hair out yet??

It's

starting to get a little frantic around here. Since I can't quilt

anymore, I'm tying quilts and forgot how satisfying it is to get one

FINISHED and Still look good really Quick! Made TWO king size quilt tops

and decided to go ahead and tie them,...and, they look just pretty darn

good if I do say so myself! (never thought I'd say THAT)

Ok....off to the races, ....(back to the sewing room)...THANKS! :) kb

Ebay Seller, User name:

karenbush-http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/karenbush/

http://www.idahoquilt.com "Quilt As Desired" the book of Basics and

Beyond of Hand Quilting...,

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 08:08:23 EST

From: QuiltFixeraol.com

In a message dated 12/16/99 7:34:53 PM Pacific Standard Time,

lwoodardhawaii.edu writes:

<< Can you post to the list the dates for your show? Thanks.

Laurie Woodard

Researcher

Hawaiian Quilt Research Project

http://openstudio.hawaii.edu/hqrp/default.html >>

The show will be in the spring of 2001. March 20 to May 20.

I will post up to the list in 2001. Toni B.

QuiltFixeraol.com

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 12:48:43 EST

From: LeahZieberaol.com

i, My name is Leah Zieber from Temecula, Ca.

I'm relatively new to QHL and I have never posted before. I know that this

is a serious site, but also feel that this story could be shared with

fellow

quilt historians and quilters. Hope it's OK to tell this short story...

My husband has been gone these past two week in Europe. I was unable to go

with him as we have four small children. I am very interested in quilt

history and quilt reproduction (i.e., reproducing antique quilts with

current

day fabrics). I thought that I may be able to have him pick up some unique

fabrics in France to be use in my projects. Being the dear that he is, he

took down some notes on the types of fabric I was looking for (cotton,

etc...), manufacturer names, and other important details. He found a store

that sold fabric, bought what he thought was the best in the shop, and

cheerfully called me to let me know about it. Knowing that fabric is at

least three time as expensive over in Europe, I asked him how much he paid

for it. It equated to about $18.00/meter, and he bought three meters. He

proudly announced that he had checked the side of the fabric when he got it

back to the hotel room and found that it was made by someone call "MUMM"

and

that he was sure it must be a great find. I giggled, and asked if it said

"Debbie Mumm"? He said, "Yes, how did you know? Is this a great find or

what?" I could only smile at his ignorance and love him even more for

trying to do something nice for me.

Oh well, I guess the provincial prints will have to wait for me to come

and get them.

Thanks for listening..

Leah Zieber in the very HOT and not at all Christmas Like Temecula, CA.

(Wish

it would snow!!!)

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 16:48:34 EST

From: QuiltFixeraol.com

In keeping with this idea, I am often asked about the reasons women used

very thin and seemingly flimsy white fabric for the background of Redwork

Embroidery. I think we cannot know if this was the only white fabric

available to them or if it was something "new" to them. Muslin tended to

very course and almost a creamy color in the early part of our century. We

may never know the positive answer to the question. Needless to say, after

all the hard work of embroidery, these squares on thin material did not

hold

up well with use. Toni B.

QuiltFixeraol.com >>

------------------------------

Date: Sat, 18 Dec 1999 19:07:56 EST

From: JBQUILTOKaol.com

One advantage to thin material is that you can lay it on a pattern & trace

over it.

As for holding up, I'm not sure these (or crazy quilts) were ment to.

Needlework was a diversion - a pleasant way to spend the day & have

something

to show off.

As you noted, there's no positive answer & motives differ by individual

even

today.

Janet

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 22:25:23 -0500

From: "J. G. Row" <Judygrowblast.net>

To: "Quilt History List" <QHLcuenet.com>, <LeahZieberaol.com>

Leah,

I had almost the same experience. One of my employees went home to Japan

for a visit and brought me "Japanese" fabric -- Hoffman! Her sister, whom

I've met only once, went out and found me a small packet of 14" squares of

old, used cotton kimono fabric, 6 pieces, folded, and tied together with a

ribbon. She hand carried all this back to the states in a shopping bag! I

thanked her profusely and never let on. I treasure the Hoffmans for her

thoughfulness, but the old kimono cottons are the ones I really loved and

wanted.

But before that, my Indian employee had gone home for a visit with $200.00

from me. She brought me 36, 1 yard pieces of silk, each one a different

color! And at least 5 or 6 cottons, hand blocked. I've just tonight

finished a baby quilt for her first child, born on December 7th.

Anjalee Jajoo. I love saying that.

Be thankful that your husband tried! Some don't. One of the oldest quilts

in my collection was found for me by my DH while I was out of town. He put

money down on it so the dealer would hold it until I got back. I've taught

him well, or he learned from leaning over my shoulder.

Sometimes you win, sometimes you come in second. I don't think anyone who

gets fabric from another person could ever be called a loser.

Judy in Ringoes, NJ

judygrowblast.net

>He found a store

>that sold fabric, bought what he thought was the best in the shop, and

>cheerfully called me to let me know about it. Knowing that fabric is at

>least three time as expensive over in Europe, I asked him how much he paid

>for it. It equated to about $18.00/meter, and he bought three meters. He

>proudly announced that he had checked the side of the fabric when he got

>back to the hotel room and found that it was made by someone call "MUMM"

and

>that he was sure it must be a great find.

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 10:32:12 -0400

From: edwaintrepid.net

Does anyone have the dates this company was in business? The only date

reference in the book I have is the statement "A Pioneer in Quality Since

1820" OVER ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SERVICE and then "The best in 1820 - The

best today" I assume then that Book 41 (which I have) is at least 1920.

Holice Turnbow

Designer, Teacher, Quilt Judge

http://www.quiltingstencils.com

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 10:48:12 -0400

From: edwaintrepid.net

A question has been posted on another digest about removing the blue lines

in an old quilt top. I answered it by saying that I know of no successful

way to totally remove them without damaging the applique. Does anyone know

of another way. I have always said that since the pattern was heat set,

that while it will fade in washing, it will never disappear entirely. Is

this correct as any of you have found. I saw a whilt-on-white quilt that

Xenia had that was made from the background of an old applique kit. It had

obviously been used and washed, but the blue lines were still faintly

showing.

Holice Turnbow

Designer, Teacher, Quilt Judge

http://www.quiltingstencils.com

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 23:03:04 +0400

From: Xenia Cord <xecordnetusa1.net

Holice asked about Virginia Snow Studios. I am not where I have those

materials, but as I remember, "Virginia Snow" was a personification used

by Dexter Thread Co., which was owned by Collingbourne Mills of Elgin,

IL sometime early in this century. The thread company sold all sorts of

fancywork items to be worked at home, as well as spool threads,

embroidery flosses, rug kits, hairnets and dental floss.

Virginia Snow Studios sold components for quilts, including stamped

fabric blocks. Although they were always shown in the VSS catalogs as

worked in a variety of prints (suggesting that the buyer would get those

prints with the background fabric), the "kits" consisted of stamped

background fabric alone.

Xenia

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 23:11:27 +0400

From: Xenia Cord <xecordnetusa1.net>

Well, what an interesting morning! Holice asks about those blue marks

on kit quilt backgrounds. In my experience, they don't wash out after

they have been in place a long time. And for the historicity of the

item, maybe that's good. It surely is one way of identifying a kit.

The white on white quilt Holice referred to is one I have where the

quilter took the background fabric from a kit and quilted on all the

marks (instead of doing the applique), creating a white on white.

When I got it, I was struck by the shape of the quilted flowers, which

seemed familiar to me. Sure enough, I also had that quilt in finished

kit form. When I looked at the back of the white on white in strong

light, I could still see the guidemarks for applique and quilting, as

well as the piece numbers for applique, stamped on the fabric. And I

have assumed that the quilt has been washed and even bleached several

times.

Xenia

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 09:15:39 PST

From: "Anne Copeland" <anneappraiserhotmail.com>

The interesting thing about those blue lines is that on embroidery pieces,

they will absolutely go away. I got a dresser scarf that was finished on

one side, but on the other side the lines had disappeared. I had to trace

the design and get it transferred onto the piece.

I think the ink staying on the fabric also depends on what type of ink was

used. The black ink on some kits never comes out. Some of the ones I have

had with blue markings on them have continued to fade, while others are as

strong as ever. Strange. Wish we knew the chemicals in the different dyes

that were used.

Also wish we knew more about the equipment that was used for the stamping.

What happened to it all? Where did it go? Perhaps it is still sitting

around in some factory out there. Also, what about the dies that were used

to die-cut pieces in the 30s. I wonder what happened to all of those.

Wouldn't it be interesting if they were still sitting around on some

factory's shelves? Those dies are heavy, and don't exactly disintegrate.

Many diemakers have a tendency to keep their dies forever, even when they

are no longer using them. I have been in many a factory (as a Quality

Assurance consultant) and have seen many of them with my own eyes. Cheers

and goodwill to all, Anne

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 20:35:28 -0500

From: "calico" <calicomagnus1.com>

I have two questions for everyone today--- 1. I need to find an e-mail

group like this one for the quilts, I used to belong to one about 2

years ago but got out. Anyone out there belong to an good one? Let me

know.

2. I am also in need of information on how to applique using an simple

method. I bought an kit for the Sunbonnet Sue and want to do it up.

But am not about to hand stitch all those pcs. Can this be done on an

regular sewing machine, and if it can how. I seem to remember something

about sizing or interfacing. Thanks for any help anyone can give me.

debi calicomagnus1.com

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 20:09:59 -0600

From: Karen Bush <Birdsongworldnet.att.net

well, I GOT It!!! Got the American Quilt book I was asking you all

about! And, THANK YOU for all the responses and Help I got !!!!

I was on the At&T home page looking for something else, (I Never get

that home page)...and lo and behold, there's a coupon for Barnes and

Noble for $l0 off anything over $40!!!!! DH said GO FOR IT! So...I DID!

HE even Paid for it! YIPPPEEEE...got it for $32.95 and that was WITH

postage!!!! I'll have it the same time this one needs to go back to the

library, so, I won't skip a beat, just continue on with my OWN book!!!!

Thanks again for all the help and Emails!!! Oh,...Is Xenia around?? I

don't have her email and wanted to send her one....??? kb

Ebay Seller, User name:

karenbush-http://members.ebay.com/aboutme/karenbush/

http://www.idahoquilt.com "Quilt As Desired" the book of Basics and

Beyond of Hand Quilting...,

=====================

Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 22:30:10 -0400

From: edwaintrepid.net

The Perforated Pattern Company is still in business. I've been to their

office/warehouse on about W 34th St in NYC. In fact the washable ink that

the pre-printed whole cloth quilts I designed is purchased from them. The

Colonial Pattern Co in (either St Louis or Kansas City) still prints the

individual blocks, could they have printing equipment that dates from years

ago. another possible company that I have not had a chance to check out is

a company around Greensboro NC that can print short runs as used in

applique kits. Some day I will be down there and will check them out.

Holice Turnbow

Designer, Teacher, Quilt Judge

http://www.quiltingstencils.com

Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 21:21:17 -0500

From: AZquilter9aol.com (by way of List Mom <qrsalbany.net>)

Gay, I'm with Xenia, please tell us more.

I have another question for any or all of our wonderful panel of experts, "If

you could only have 10 books on the history of quilting and textiles what

would they be?" I'm making a "shift" in my quilt book priorities to include

more with historical information and who better to ask what to include than

you on this list? I'd like to have a well rounded library in this area and

though I have some, I'd like your input on what to add next.

Thanks in advance,

Lois

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 00:11:14 -0500

From: "J. G. Row" <Judygrowblast.net>

Somehow I have subscribed to a notification service from the fabrics.net

site. Below I have forwarded to ya'll the lastest communique I received

from them, which includes a new column on vintage fabric. I found it

interesting and informative. There are clickable addresses in the body of

the forward to take you to the site.

----- Original Message -----

From: Jessie <jessiegridmar.com>

To: <judygrowblast.net>

Sent: Monday, December 20, 1999 2:43 PM

Subject: Fabrics.net Newsletter

> In this Issue:

> New Column: Vintage Fabric

> Happy Holidays!

> We have added a new monthly column this month called Vintage Fabric. Joan

> Kiplinger, an avid fabricholic and sewist, starts her column with an

article

> called "In Search of Warp Ends". She is incredible at researching and

> finding histories of vintage fabric. Here is an excerpt from her December

> Article:

> Indian Head -- in answer to questions for "Ask Andy" about this fabric,

the

> communications staff at Textron Inc., provided this information: the

Indian

> Head brand label has been known since the 1820s, the cloth manufactured by

> Nashua Mfg., Co., in New Hampshire. Textron, having just changed its name

from

> Atlantic Rayon Corp and seeking diversification, bought the firm in 1945

> meet the growing demand for postwar fabrics. In the early 50s, Textron

sold

> the Indian Head operations and a new company, Indian Head Inc., was

formed.

> The fabric was highly regarded and a popular seller.

> Elizabeth Dyer, Textile Fabrics, 1923, described the fabric as a heavy

> cotton muslin with more yarns and a smoother finish than many muslins;

> sturdy, substantial, warm, inexpensive. Used for white skirts,

petticoats,

> girls dresses and middies, boys' suits, men's nightshirts, aprons,

luncheon

> sets and table covers. Grace Denny, Fabrics, 1953, reports fabric was

> available in 36" and 44" widths for white; 36", colored. Fairchild's

> Dictionary of Textiles, 1996, lists fabric as a well-known cotton crash

> first woven by Nashua in 1831.

> My memories of this serviceable fabric are from the mid-40s to 1960. I

used

> it for summer casual dress and sportswear, including countless maternity

> shorts. I do not recall seeing it after that time nor have I yet found

any

> source stating its demise. It may be in a later Denny book which always

> features a glossary on the latest obsolete fabrics. If any of you know

when

> it was discontinued, email Joan at joanfabrics.net .

> Read more about Vintage Fabric at http://www.fabrics.net/joan.htm .

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 01:52:47 EST

From: Kathi2174aol.com

Hello All,

There is an intriguing quilt on ebay # 222180816. The listing has a link to

the seller's website, none other than Dr. G. Fry, author of "Stitched From

The Soul"

I'm interested to hear everyone's opinion.

The Happiest of Holidays to Everyone!

Kathi in Calif.

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 22:28:31 +1100

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 07:32:36 EST

From: aol.com

Among the "must have" books (for me, at least) are these:

Clues in the Calico - Barbara Brackman

Quilting - Averil Colby

The American Quilt - Kiracofe

Amish Quilts - Robert Hughes

Anything by Robert Bishop and his numerous collaborators

Anything by Janet Rae

Anything by Thomas Woodard

Hope this helps!

Karen Evans

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 09:37:40 -0600

From: Shirley McElderry <tigersouplisco.com>

I am sorry I goofed with yesterday's posting. Instead of saying the

Virginia Snow Studios Book #41 was "published in the late 1930's" I

should have said the "latter part of 1933." And although the Grandma

Dexter Books #36, 36A and 36 B are not dated, they were offered in 1932,

1933, and 1934 respectively.

The Virginia Snow Studios was the portion of Collingbourne Mills that

offered stamped needlework, etc. The Virginia Snow name was used from

1913 through 1938, when Collingbourne Mills/Dexter Thread Mills went

bankrupt.

Also: Gay, please keep the information coming on Wurzburg! We love it!

Shirley Mc from Iowa

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 22:59:31 +0400

From: Xenia Cord <xecordnetusa1.net>

This is my recommended reading list - I didn't exactly stick to the

defined limits, but there are plenty here from which to pick & choose:

Orlofsy, Quilts in America (dated but seminal)

Kiracofe, The American Quilt

Granick, The Amish Quilt

Brackman, Clues in the Calico

Trestain, Dating Fabrics

Adamson, Calico & Chintz

Montgomery, Printed Textiles 1700-1850 (O.O.P.)

Warren & Eisenstadt, America's Glorious Quilts (Museum of American Folk

Art holdings)

any volume by Waldvogel

any of the Symposia Papers edited by Jeannette Lasansky (Pieced By

Mother-2 vols, On the Cutting Edge, In the Heart of Pennsylvania-2 vols,

Bits & Pieces)

any/all of the now 20 volumes of research papers of the American Quilt

Study Group, in their annual journal Uncoverings, or Quiltmaking in

America, Beyond the Myths, (selected AQSG writings, ed. Laurel Horton)

Any/all of the state search volumes; some unevenness in quality, but

each is a learning experience.

Read on!

Xenia

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 18:14:53 -0500

From: "Ann N. Richardson" <pastcraftserols.com>

Dear All,

The more we learn about the manufacture and equipement used to produce

textiles and related items the better!

The Wars did a real number on the very sophisticated machinery used

to produce machine embroideries and very complicated brocades and

jacquard silks and cottons. When the factories were bombed in Italy and

elsewhere during WW2, there was not enough of a demand to rebuild them

after the war. In one market, the eklesiastical fabrics for Church

vestments and hangings, some factories were rebuilt. However, the

demand is greater than the output,(on purpose) so the price remainss

very high. When I was in charge of designing and making a complete set

of hangings and vestments for my Episcopal parish church some 12 years

ago I was beyond appauled that I had to pay full retail! None of my

contacts in New York could break the English trade agreements! They

were surprised,too! I have never prayed so hard as when I stood over

$235 a yd silk "Agnes Dei" brocade with a pair of sissors!

Remember, the machine for making net (the background of lace) was

developed in 1811 and was in full operation immediately. There were

lots of machines doing lots of textile embellishments very early in the

19th c. We who admire handwork need to remember that!

Newbie in Alexandria, Va. who got her groceries in ahead of the sleet

that comes tonight!

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 16:08:24 -0500

From: Karen Ayo <jlayogte.net> (by way of "Kris Driessen, Hickory Hill Quilts"

Another shop owner asked me about the silk thread frequently used these

days for applique, and whether it will cut cotton fabric over time. Do

y'all have any opinions on this topic? Has anyone ever worked with old

silk thread applique?

Kris

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 19:58:23 EST

From: SSQuiltaol.com

Thank you all for your kind words of interest in this topic. From some of

your questions sent to me I can see that I need to give a little background

information. Because I have lived with this my entire life I'm sure as I

relate this I'll leave holes in my information. Anytime it doesn't make sense

please ask for the missing links.

The F.A. Wurzburg Company began it's operation in the early 1920's in Grand

Rapids, Michigan. The "locals" always want to know if it is the same as the

Wurzburg's Department Store that was in Grand Rapids also. They were separate

companies owned by two different cousins in the same family. They had very

little to do with each other. My father, Garrett Raterink, got his first job

in 1924, cleaning the wood paddles that were used to stamp the quilt kits. He

worked his way up to become an officer in the company and purchased it from

the Wurzburg's in the 1940's when they ceased operations. During his years of

employment, he along with another man, invented the machine that produced the

first slotted quilting stencil but that's another whole series of stories.

From the time I was a little girl, my father shared with me the history of

his work in quilting. Along the way, he taught me how to operate all of the

equipment that was used to make the stamping masters, how to stamp the quilt

and embroidery kits, how to stamp and manufacture the quilting stencils and

just how the whole company operated. Every time we'd start something new he

would say "someone has to know how to do this when I'm gone" and one of the

last things he said to me before he went into the nursing home was that he

and I were the only one's who cared about this old stuff. I want to make sure

this information lives beyond both our years.

The Wurzburg Company was the largest producer of art needlework kits in the

country during the 1920's, 30's and 1940's. The quilt kits were only a small

portion of what they made. They sold their products through two national

showrooms (one in New York and one in Chicago) and through salesmen

throughout the country. They sold mainly to department and dry goods stores

but you could order by mail on a limited basis. They moved four times

throughout their years of operations and at one time occupied a five story

building the size of half a city block. The design area alone occupied one

floor and had a staff of 5 full time designers.

In the 1960's the stamping masters and instructions for all of the art

needlework items not directly related to quilting were dumped in the Kent

County Dump when my parents moved into their current home. Daddy and I have

cried more than a few tears looking back on his taking those trailer loads to

the dump but he did save the quilting things and for that we can all be

grateful. My family still has, here in Grand Rapids, the perforating machines

that make the stamping masters, the stamping masters for all the quilt kits

and the equipment to stamp them, the machines that cut the quilting stencils,

the salesman's sample books that show the quilt kit line, all the company

record books for cutting, embroidery, model making, payroll, etc.

If you have Barbara Brackman's Encyclopedia of Applique you might want to

make these notations.

Page 149, illustration 73.5 is a Wurzburg quilt produced for Herrschners.

Page 150, illustration 74.15 is Wurzburg #3581 quilt produced for Herrschners.

The Overall Boy companion quilt is 12 designs and quilt #3589

Page 152, illustration 75.17 was produced for Herrschners.

illustration 75.4 was produced for Herrschners.

Page 155, illustration 80.12 is Wurzburg kit #3577 and was titled Floral

Basket.

illustration 80.15 was produced for Herrschners and was

titled Spring Bouquet.

Page 160, illustration 82.21 is Wurzburg kit #3564 Marie Antoinette

illustration 82.22 is Wurzburg kit #3575 Spring Bouquet

illustration 82.24 is Wurzburg kit #3566 Rose Bouquet

Page 161, illustration 82.25, is Wurzburg kit #3555 Formal Garden which was

their most popular kit and available in two sizes.

Page 167, illustration 82.994 is Wurzburg kit #3603 Dogwood

Page 169, illustration 85.12 is Wurzburg kit crib design

illustration 85.17 is Wurzburg kit Kiddies Ride

Page 170, illustration 85.42 is Wurzburg kit Old Woman in the Shoe.

illustration 85.44 is Wurzburg kit Little Red Riding Hood.

Page 171, illustration 85.49 is Wurzburg kit Cinderella

Page 172, illustration 86.42 is Wurzburg kit Three Little Kittens

illustration 86.52 is Wurzburg kit #3579 Bunnies

Sorry I don't have all the kit numbers committed to memory but I do know a

Wurzburg design when I see it.

Gay Bomers

http://www.QuiltHistory.com.

------------------------------

Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1999 19:53:11 -0800

From: Nancy Cameron Armstrong <narmstrattglobal.net>

See our Top Twenty!

VERY LONG POST

Dear friends,

Hope this posting will be so useful that you will not object to its

length. I looked it over carefully and although it was created way back

in 1992, I think it contains most of the titles that are still "the

bibles" of quilt history. Actually, I considered a couple of years ago

contacting these same quilt experts and asking them if they would make

any revisions to their lists in light of the last seven years of

publishing. I know several of them subscribe to this list. Perhaps we

might hear from them, if they have any current thoughts they wish to

add???????

Please feel free to print out the list and spread it as widely as you

care to.

CANADIAN QUILT

STUDY GROUP

Guide #1

Building a Quilt Library:

Top 10 Titles for the Study of Quilts

from Seven Quilt Historians

Edited by Nancy Cameron Armstrong

During the CQA/ACC week at Thunder Bay, in 1992, I had the opportunity

to talk at length with many of the new CQSG members and although there

was much interest expressed, many were wondering where to start with the

vast body of literature that has already been published. I asked if an

article with booklists from "the experts" would be useful? "YES,

PLEASE!" was the universal reply. The request I mailed was "a list of

the first 10 titles you would buy (or if out-of-print, try to locate

somewhere) if you were trying to build a collection for the study of

quilts."

The replies were first published in COVER STORIES, Volume 4 Numbers 2,

3, and 4 (Sept and Dec '92, and Mar '93). Several of the lists

contained original publication dates for titles that are now available

in reprints; where there are reprints, of which I am aware, the reprint

information is included. Some titles are out-of-print; these titles may

be available in libraries, or-with luck-searches at second-hand stores

may bring results. Although there are many titles that appear more than

once, the lists are reproduced in their entireties to help underline the

importance of the titles that are suggested time and again. For

example, Quilts in America, now readily available, appears on all but

one of the seven lists. For those just beginning a collection, you may

want to focus your first purchases on those titles held in high regard

on several of the lists. And remember ... these lists were first

requested in 1992. With the high volume of outstanding quilt history

publications in the recent years, a new request might well include some

of the newer titles. Certainly, all of the AQSG UNCOVERINGS would

appear.

Cuesta Benberry provided two lists; the first is a "top ten" or "basic"

list, the second is a list of some of her "favorites" with added

suggestions about building a quilt library. You will note that each

reply contains more than 10 volumes, and I must admit as a librarian I

knew that each would be tempted to latch on to the word title and add

just a few more of their favorites that could not be omitted! Now,

let's hear from our seven experts ...

Cuesta Benberry "A Baker's Dozen of Recommended Basic Quilt Books."

Over the years, hundreds of quilt books have been published, many of

them quite valuable for quilt historians. Especially useful are the

various catalogues of quilt exhibitions, museum collections, quilt

patterns, quilt identification guides, state quilt search project books,

quilt history texts, books featuring quilt works of a single individual,

quilt encyclopedias, the research volumes of AQSG, the Oral Traditions

Project, and the Quilt Digest issues. In building one's personal quilt

library, it may be a serious mistake to arbitrarily exclude all of the

quilt manuals or "how to make" quilt books, especially if those books

contain original designs and new techniques. In the future, the manuals

may serve as authentic records for tracing the origins and the dates of

various designs and techniques that will appear on later quilts.

Among the hundreds of available quilt books one may possibly collect, I

believe there are a dozen or so basic texts that should be represented

in a quilt historian's personal library. Just as flour, sugar, eggs,

and milk are essential ingredients to be found in a baker's kitchen, so

are the following books basic to a quilt historian's library.

1. Bowman, Doris. The Smithsonian Treasury: American Quilts. Washington,

D.C.: Smithsonian Institution, 1991.

2. Brackman, Barbara. An Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns. Reprint

ed. Paducah, KY: AQS, 1993.

3. Dunton, William Rush. Old Quilts. Catonsville, MD. By the Author,

1946. (out of print).

4. Finley, Ruth. Old Patchwork Quilts and the Women Who Made Them.

Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott, 1929. Reprint ed. McLean, VA. EPM, 1992.

5. Hall, Carrie and Rose Kretsinger. The Romance of the Patchwork Quilt

in America. Caldwell, ID: Caxton Printers, 1935. Reprint ed. New York:

Dover, 1988.

6. Kobayashi, Kei. Shelburne Museum: the Quilt. Tokyo: Gakken, 1985.

7. Orlofsky, Patsy and Myron Orlofsky. Quilts in America. New York:

McGraw-Hill, 1974. Reprint ed. New York: Abbeville Press, 1992.

8. Peck, Amelia. American Quilts and Coverlets in the Metropolitan

Museum of Art. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Dutton

Studio Books, 1990.

9. Peto, Florence. American Quilts and Coverlets. New York: Chanticleer

Press, 1949. (out of print).

10.______________. Historic Quilts. New York: American Historical Co,

1939. (out of print).

11.Robertson, Elizabeth Wells. American Quilts. Studio Publications,

1948. (out of print).

12.Safford, Carleton and Robert Bishop. America's Quilts and Coverlets.

New York: E.P.Dutton, 1972. Reprint ed. New York: Bonanza, 1985.

13.Webster, Marie D. Quilts: Their Story and How to Make Them. Garden

City, NY: Doubleday Page & Co., 1915. Rev. ed. Perry, Rosalind Webster.

Santa Barbara, CA: Practical Patchwork, 1990.

* * * * * *

Cuesta Benberry "Favorite Quilt Books." For the past 30+ years I have

accumulated a massive library focused on my quilt interests. In fact, I

no longer consider the collection a library. I now think of it as an

archive because of the varied nature of the holdings. In my archive are

thousands of quilt and/or quilt-related books, journals and magazines,

quilt photographs, prints and slides, a couple hundred quilt scrapbooks,

countless paper cutting quilt and quilting patterns, various original

hand-written historical documents, and quilt ephemera. All items

collected with great love and care were meant to build a vast storehouse

of quilt information. To be asked to choose ten favorite quilt books

was a difficult task because I cherish each book in the collection.

Ordinarily, my favorite books would be determined by the research

project on which I was working at the time. If, however, I omit

specific projects from my thinking, and list the books I just like and

find extremely interesting, the following ten books come to mind.

1. Christensen, Erwin O. The Index of American Design. New York:

Macmillan, 1959.

2. Ferrero, Pat, Elaine Hedges, and Julie Silber. Hearts and Hands: the

Influence of Women and Quilts on American Society. San Francisco: Quilt

Digest Press, 1987.

3. Fitzrandolph, Mavis. Traditional Quilting: Its Story and Its

Practice. London: B.T. Basford, 1954.

4. Grudin, Eva Ungar. Stitching Memories: African-American Story Quilts.

Williamstown, MA: Williams College Museum of Art, 1990.

5. Marston, Gwen and Joe Cunningham. Mary Schafer and Her Quilts. E.

Lansing, MI: Michigan State University Museum, 1990.

6. Orlofsky, Patsy and Myron Orlofsky. Quilts in America. New York:

McGraw-Hill: 1974. Reprint ed. New York: Abbeville Press, 1992.

7. Waldvogel, Merikay. Soft Covers for Hard Times: Quiltmaking and the

Great Depression. Nashville, TN: Rutledge Hill Press, 1990.

8. Webster, Marie. Quilts: Their Story and How to Make Them. Garden

City, NY: Doubleday Page, 1915; Rev. ed. Perry, Rosalind Webster. Santa

Barbara, CA: Practical Patchwork, 1990.

9. Wilton, Countess of. The Art of Needle-Work from the Earliest Ages.

London: Henry Coburn, 1840.

10.Woodward, Thomas and Blanche Greenstein. Twentieth Century Quilts,

1900-1950. New York: E.P. Dutton, 1988.

From my experience, I would like to say a little about building a quilt

library. Be open-minded and receptive to any print information

containing the word "quilt"; collect it! Even if one knows the

information in a specific item is spurious, it is still worth

obtaining. Incorrect information has value to the historian, as it is

prime evidence one can use later when building a case that holds an

opposite viewpoint. Do not be intimidated by the size of another

person's quilt library. No one has everything printed about quilts! I

have seen others' collections that at best could be described as

miniscule. Yet in those tiny collections I have seen materials I not

only have never seen before, I also did not know of their existence. I

can truthfully say I have never seen collections of any size - huge,

moderate-sized or tiny, where I did not find something about quilts

absolutely new to me. There is a tremendous amount of print information

about quilts in existence. Collecting is also an act of preservation

that should be encouraged.

Barbara Brackman "My list of 10 books for Quilt Study ...

1. Brackman, Barbara. Clues in the Calico: A Guide to Dating and

Identifying Antique Quilts. McLean, VA: EPM, 1989.

2. _________________. Encyclopedia of Appliqui. McLean, VA: EPM, 1993.

3. _________________. Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns. Reprint ed.

Paducah, KY: AQS, 1993.

4. Finley, Ruth. Old Patchwork Quilts And The Women Who Made Them.

Reprint ed. McLean, VA. EPM, 1992.

5. Meller, Susan and Joost Elffers. Textile Designs: 200 Years of

European Patterns. New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1991.

6. Montgomery, Florence M. Printed Textiles: English and American

Cottons and Linens, 1700-1850. New York: Viking, 1970 or London: Thames

and Hudson.

7. Osler, Dorothy. Traditional British Quilts. London: B.T. Batsford,

1987.

8. Schoeser, Mary and Celia Rufey. English and American Textiles from

1790 to the Present. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1989.

9. Set of Jeanette Lasansky's Pennsylvania Symposium papers. Lewisburg,

PA: Oral Traditions Project.

10.Set of Uncoverings. San Francisco: AQSG.

Dorothy Cozart "What an assignment! As you can see by my early

reply, I couldn't get it off my mind until I had decided on the first

ten titles I would buy if I was trying to build a collection for the

study of quilts. You will notice that I underlined "titles" because

that phrasing allowed me to cheat a little. My list does contain only

10 "titles," however, there are actually 23 books on my list. I could

never leave all of the Uncoverings or all of The Quilt Digests off any

list of "must-haves." I do believe that any one interested in a good

overview of quilt history for the 19th and early 20th century could not

go wrong with my list. So, having made my apology, here is my list, in

no particular order."

1. Quilts in America, Patsy and Myron Orlofsky (New York: Abbeville

Press, 1992).

2. Baltimore Album Quilts, Dena S. Katzenberg (Baltimore: Baltimore

Museum of Art, 1981).

3. Printed Textiles, Florence Montgomery (New York: Viking, 1970) out

of print.

4. North Carolina Quilts, Ruth Haislip Robinson (Chapel Hill, NC:

University of NC, 1988).

5. Uncoverings 1980-1990, Sally Garoutte and Laurel Horton, editors (San

Francisco: AQSG).

6. The Quilt Digest 1-5, Michael M. Kile, editor (San Francisco: The

Quilt Digest Press, 1983-1987).

7. Hearts and Hands, Pat Ferrero (San Francisco: The Quilt Digest Press,

1987).

8. Crazy Quilts, Penny McMorris (New York: E.P. Dutton, 1984).

9. Clues in the Calico, Barbara Brackman (McLean, VA: EPM, 1989).

10.Quilts in Community: Ohio's Traditions, Ricky Clark, George W.

Knepper and Ellice Ronsheim (Nashville, TN: Rutledge Hill, 1991).

Katy Christopherson This assignment is, like that of identifying one's

favorite quilt, an impossible task.

1. The question of a single "how-to" book gave no trouble; if "only

one," The Quiltmaker's Handbook by Michael James (Englewood Cliffs, NJ:

Prentice-Hall, 1978) is it. One could learn on a desert island what to

do. And knowing how, whether one does it or not, is relevant to the

study of quilts.

2. Quilts in America by Patsy and Myron Orlofsky (New York: Mc-Graw

Hill, 1974) should be read for its scope. (New York: Abbeville Press,

1992.)

3. The Pieced Quilt: an American Design Tradition by Jonathon Holstein

(New York: NY Graphic Soc., 1973). Though the author has questioned the

scholarship himself, it is the watershed introduction of the quilt as

having significance as an aesthetic statement.

4. Hearts and Hands: the Influence of Women & Quilts on American Society

by Elaine Hedges, Julie Silber and Pat Ferrero (San Francisco: The Quilt

Digest, 1987). One of the first efforts to relate the quilt to the

quiltmaker.

5. Quilts and Other Bed Coverings in the Canadian Tradition by Ruth

McKendry (Toronto: Discovery Books for W.H. Smith, 1979) should be

reviewed because of the clear link there revealed between patterns often

seen as "American" which this suggests were part of the American scene

prior to the Revolution and the great expansion to the West within the

states.

6. Quilts in Community, Ohio's Traditions by Ricky Clark, George W.

Kneper, and Ellice Ronsheim (Nashville, TN: Rutledge Hill Press, 1991)

is the selection from among the quilt projects. Loyalty might have

suggested that I simply select Kentucky. However, reasons for any

choices equally defensible, varied so much. Additionally, it is clear

that any serious student will read them all. I put the "best" on slips

of paper, scrunched them up, tossed them around and then over my

shoulder. Finally, I reached back and picked one up.

7. Of the older books: there is no real basis for choosing one over the

other from among the work of Bacon, Finley, Kretsinger and Hall, Peto or

Webster. But one should be looked into.

8. Uncoverings. If the study has acquired focus, that should be the

basis for selecting one of the series which has been issued annually by

the American Quilt study Group since 1980. Reveals what serious inquiry

demands.

9. Always There: the African-American Presence in American Quilts by

Cuesta Benberry (Louisville, KY: The Kentucky Quilt Project, 1992). The

significance of this study lies in its setting the quilts of this

culture in a total context. Work over the last decade by anthropologists

has often emphasized the African link at the expense of the American

reality, and this brings balance to the inquiry. This should also serve

to alert the student to so-called "genres" of quilts and suggest some

scepticism of the over-easy attribution of cause without proof which

characterizes some studies.

10. The QUILT: Stories from the NAMES Project by Cindy Ruskin and Matt

Herron (New York: Pocket Books, 1988). A document of a time, a plague,

and of the role of the quilt as catharsis. It is a compelling part of

the entire story.

11. and 12. At this point frustration sets in. Two more in particular

vied for inclusion: Brackman's Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns

(Paducah, KY: AQS, 1993) and The Freedom Quilting Bee by Nancy Callahan

(Tuscaloosa, AL: University of Alabama, 1987). And think of what may be

in process!

Virginia Gunn The "assignment" is a great idea and the kind of thing

I really like to think about. Recommended titles for a "Study of

Quilts" collection.

1. For an overall study of quilts as artifacts of material culture:

Patsy & Myron Orlofsky, Quilts in America. Reprint ed. (New York:

Abbeville Press, 1992)

2. For an overall view of social history connected to quilts, with a

slightly feminist perspective: Ferrero, Hedges. and Silber, Hearts and

Hands. (San Francisco: The Quilt Digest Press, 1987).

3. For an overview of the most recent findings related to quilt study: a

complete set of Uncoverings, papers of the American Quilt Study Group

(San Francisco: AQSG).

4. For understanding of regional research set in a larger perspective:

In the Heart of Pennsylvania Symposium Papers and Pieced by Mother

Symposium Papers, edited byJeannette Lasansky. (Lewisburg, PA: Oral

Traditions Project).

5. To get turned on to what is happening and has happened around you:

the state project report for your state or the state nearest to you if

your state has none. For example: in my case, living in Ohio, Ohio's

Quilts in Community, by Clark, Ronsheim, and Knepper. (Nashville, TN:

Rutledge Hill Press, 1991). For Canadians: Ruth McKendry, Quilts and

Other Bed Coverings in the Canadian Tradition. (Toronto: Discovery Books

for W.H. Smith, 1979).

6. For introduction to the wonderful material that emerges from oral

history: Buferd & Cooper, The Quilter's: Women and Domestic Art (New

York: Doubleday Anchor, 1978)

7. For introduction to the fascinating world of quilt patterns: Hall &

Kretsinger's. The Romance of the Patchwork Quilt. Reprint ed. (New York:

Dover, 1988) This is, of course, a classic with emphasis on midwestern

depression patterns, but it gets one "turned on" to these items. When

addicted, you would need to add works such as Barbara Brackman's,

Encyclopedia of Quilt Patterns. (Paducah, KY: AQS, 1993).

8. For introduction to the important area of quilt-related textiles: If

fabrics intrigue, Meller & Elffers, Textile Designs (New York: Harry N.

Abrams, 1991) is a terrific new book.

9. For an understanding of the rewards of "digging deeply" into the

study of one style of quilt: the classic, Dunton, Old Quilts

(Catonsville, MD: By the Author, 1946) and more recent, Granick, The

Amish Quilt (Intercourse, PA: Good Books, 1989).

10. For those who are visually and aesthetically oriented (I seem to use

over and over again):Safford and Bishop, America's Quilts and Coverlets

Reprint ed. (New York: Bonanza Books, 1985) the visuals here remind us

of how far we have traveled since this work emerged in the 1970s; or,

... (I find it hard to limit myself to 10) a set of The Quilt Engagement

Calendars. I like to have lots of overall views of quilts to compare to

things I run up against.

Ruth McKendry This is an interesting idea, but it is difficult to

know what is in print at any one time. These are the quilt and textile

books I found most useful when I was researching my book Quilts and

Other Bed Coverings in the Canadian Tradition (Ed. note: This title has

an extensive bibliography with which those studying Canadian quilt

history should be familiar). I used, as well, several early quilt

pattern books, account books from village stores, and various history

books containing references to early quilting, such as Samuel

Strickland's Twenty-seven Years in Canada West, (1853; reprint

Edmonton. M.G. Hurtig, 1969), 295-296. Also, I obtained information

from many, many quilters, some of whom are no longer with us.

1. Burnham, Harold B. and Dorothy K. Burnham. Keep Me Warm One Night.

Toronto: University of Toronto, 1972. (out of print)

2. Colby, Averil. Patchwork. London: B.T. Batsford, 1971. (out of print)

3. _____________. Quilting. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1971.

(out of print)

4. Finley, Ruth E. Old Patchwork Quilts and the Women Who Made Them.

Reprint ed. McLean, VA. EPM, 1992.

5. Hall, Carrie A. and Rose Kretsinger. The Romance of the Patchwork

Quilt. Reprint ed. New York: Dover, 1988.

6. Holstein, Jonathan. The Pieced Quilt, a North American Design

Tradition. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart, 1973. (Ed. note: US

publication omits North in title. Both are out of print).

7. McKim, Ruby. 101 Patchwork Patterns. Reprint ed. New York: Dover,

1962.

8. Montgomery, Florence M. Printed Textiles, English and American

Cottons and Linens, 1700-1850. New York: Viking, 1970. (out of print)

9. Orlofsky, Patsy and Myron Orlofsky. Quilts in America. Reprint ed.

New York: Abbeville Press, 1992.

10.Safford, Carleton L. and Robert Bishop. America's Quilts and

Coverlets. Reprint ed. New York: Bonanza Books, 1985.

Merikay Waldvogel This is a good idea. I'll be anxious to see what

shows up on the lists. If I were trying to build a collection for the

study of quilts, these are the first ten purchases I would make:

1. The complete set of Uncoverings (Volumes 1-12). San Francisco: AQSG.

These volumes offer a wide range of topics with extensive notes and

bibliographies.

2. Brackman, Barbara. Clues in the Calico; a Guide to Identifying and

Dating Antique Quilts. McLean, VA: EPM, 1989. Contains well-researched

facts about quilt styles, construction, and fabrics.

3. Brackman, Barbara. An Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns.

Lawrence, KS: Prairie Flower Pub., 1979-1984. Book is unwieldy, but it

is an invaluable resource for information on published patterns. (Ed.

note: Reprint ed. Paducah, KY: AQS, 1993 is not unwieldy).

4. Montgomery, Florence. Textiles in America, 1650-1870. New York:

Norton, 1984. Well-researched material on the development of the textile

industry.

5. Affleck, Diane L. Fagan. Just New from the Mills: Printed Cotton in

America. North Andover, MA: Museum of American Textile History, 1987.

6. Osler, Dorothy. Traditional British Quilts. London: B.T. Batsford,

1987. Written and researched by a native-born English quilt authority.

7. Orlofsky, Patsy and Myron Orlofsky. Quilts in America. Reprint ed.

New York: Abbeville Press, 1992.

8. Ferrero, Pat, Elaine Hedges, and Julie Silber. Hearts and Hands: the

Influence of Women and Quilts on American Society. San Francisco: Quilt

Digest Press, 1987. The best overview of the sociological aspects of

quilt history.

9. Lasansky, Jeannette. In the Heart of Pennsylvania: 19th and 20th

Century Quiltmaking Traditions. Lewisburg, PA: Oral Traditions Project,

1988. Important articles of Crazy quilts, appliqui quilts, and

fundraisers. Good example of oral interview form, too.

10.Cooper, Patricia and Norma Bradley Buferd. The Quilters: Women and

Domestic Art. New York: Doubleday Anchor, 1978. This book set me off on

my great quilt research adventures when I read it in the 1970s

******************************************************

Nancy Cameron Armstrong

1109 160A St., White Rock, BC V4A 7G9;

or, PMB# 151, 1773 H. St. Suite 330, Blaine, WA 98230-5106

narmstribm.net Phone/Fax: (604) 538-7551

******************************************************

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 10:14:07 EST

From: QuiltFixeraol.com

<< It has taken years of cajoling to convince the pickers with whom I trade

let me see quilts before they toss them into the washer and dryer. >>

I have to jump in on this good comment from Mary. I have had to turn down

purchasing so many Redwork Quilts because they were incorrectly washed and

the result was faded, running color and broken embroidery. I try to tell

people to worry less about the yellowing and only gently remove the

accumulated dirt if necessary. Lightners and Brighteners while so called

"safe for colors," are NOT safe for old Turkey Red cotton embroidery thread.

Toni B.

QuiltFixeraol.com

redworkldyaol.com

www.redworklady.com

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 16:56:54 -0500

From: "John Cawley" <cawleygoeaston.net>

Last Saturday I was in Annapolis. I have to drive 45 miles to the quilt

shop, but it's really a treat because it involves crossing the Chesapeake

Bay Bridge--glorious scenery. Anyway, Annapolis is looking like something

our of Dickens. Actually the town center pre-dates A Christmas Carol by

fifty years. All the lovely 18th century buildings are hung with greenery

and ribbons. What thrilled me is that the Maryland State House, the oldest

state capitol building in the U.S. where George Washington resigned his

commission as commander of the American forces following the Revolution has

an exhibit of quilts celebrating the holiday season. The first floor on the

building is filled with quilts and poinsettias. The accompanying brochure

contains a message from the First Lady of Maryland thanking, among others,

our own Phyllis Twigg. It's great to see quilts and quiltmakers getting

this kind of attention. This is the fifth annual Red & Green & Blue

exhibit.

C-Span has been rerunning their marvelous series on the U.S. Presidents.

Yesterday they were at the James Monroe Museum in Fredricksburg, VA. The

curator showed an unfinished quilt top made by President Monroe's daughter

Maria. It was English pieced hexagons in an arrangement of lozenges. The

papers were dated 1828-29. Family history tells that she had been working

on the quilt when her father became ill, put it aside and never finished it.

I've been looking at some books that belonged to my father. One

directions for a quilt fair, described as "a new and striking church

social." Included is a "Quilt Game," questions such as "What quilt would

yatch-owners choose? (Ocean Waves)."

My other find is The Masterpieces of the Exhibition. It's the second

volume of an illustrated catalogue of the Centennial Exhibition in

Philadelphia in 1876. I have no idea where vol.. 1 is, and boy, do I wish I

knew. Almost every page has an exquisite engraving of some item displayed

at the Exhibition.

One plate shows six print patterns from the American Print Works in

Fall River, Mass. They are similar to the reproductions in the Lowell

Collection. The text explains that taste has improved within the "past few

years...When our grandmother's were girls young creatures thought themselves

very fine indeed if they were attired in robes on which impossible peacocks

and birds of paradise...were displayed... Within the recollection of many of

us, dresses were covered with great sprawlings in glaring, ill-contrasted

colors, such as none but a savage of today would delight in. Now we have

patterns such as these--neat, carefully designed, with proper regard for the

color-effect, and altogether pleasing and attractive to the eye." What

would the author think of our enthusiasm for the Barbara Brackman

reproductions and the joy with which we welcomed the Calico and Chintz book?

Plus ca change!

Merry Christmas everybody.

Cinda on the Eastern Shore

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1999 16:50:49 -0600

From: Laura Hobby Syler <texas_quilt.comail.airmail.net>

Yes, yes, yes!!!!! It will cut the cotton, as will polyester thread! I'm

suspicious even of cotton covered poly threads. I've done too many repairs

over the last 5 years not to stand on a soap box and shout "DON'T DO IT"!!!

Some of you may remember that I work closely with Pat Campbell (Jacobean

Applique) We had several conversations with LOTS of people in Houston. Pat

uses only the fine machine embroidery thread (Mettler) and uses my

experiences to tell her students to beware! One person tried to convince me

that since cotton and silk were both natural fibers that they would

"meld"????? Well, it is super fine, and does come in tons of wonderful

colors, and does almost go invisible, but I can get invisible applique

stitches with *quilting thread* if I hold my mouth just right <G> All I

know is that I'm tired of having hysterical quilt owners call me convinced

that someone snuck in their guest bedroom and slashed their MIL's quilt.

Amazing how it is just along the sewing and applique lines!

NOW, when I work on antique crazy quilts that are embroidered with silk

floss, granted that it's 100 years old, but with only a little brushing

with a soft bristle brush the silk thread totally disintergrates!! Not a

good thing......IMHO....Silk is a wonderful fiber, but not where this is

concerned.

Laura

At 04:08 PM 12/21/1999 -0500, Karen Ayo wrote:

>Another shop owner asked me about the silk thread frequently used these

>days for applique, and whether it will cut cotton fabric over time. Do

>y'all have any opinions on this topic? Has anyone ever worked with old

>silk thread applique?

>Kris

>http://www.QuiltHistory.com.

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 24 Dec 1999 00:26:09 -0500

From: "J. G. Row" <Judygrowblast.net>

>Another shop owner asked me about the silk thread frequently used these

>days for applique, and whether it will cut cotton fabric over time. Do

>y'all have any opinions on this topic? Has anyone ever worked with old

>silk thread applique?

I'm not a pro appliquer by any means. I've been doing applique off and on

for just over a year. Because everyone was touting the glories of silk

thread, I bought spools and spools, and cursed every time I put it in the

needle. It just wasn't fun working with it, and it frayed at the needle's

eye no matter how I moved it along or how short I made it, or what brand of

needles I used.

But, even just using a neutral color, like beige, or grey, it did tend to

disappear, no matter what the color of the cloth. And that's what we are

all after -- disappearing stitches.

Then, at the Restoration conference in Omaha I bought a spool of natural

colored Lacis 100% cotton thread, 140/2 for $3.75 a spool of 500 yards.

This thread is extremely fine and was sold for restoration work. I think it

was Mary Hanson who told me to try it for applique, and I did.

It is terrific! Because it is so fine it tends to disappear, no matter

what color you are working on (especially if you use the "ladder" stitch).

And, it doesn't fray and break at the needle's eye. I find the 500 yard

spool very economical. And, I don't have to lug a whole lot of other spools

of thread around with my portable project.

I wish it came in a darker color though, even grey. Maybe I'll try coloring

it with a pigma pen before I stitch. Has anyone ever done that?

Anyway, I'm sold on it. The Kirk Collection sells it.

Anyone want to buy a whole lot of YLI silk thread? And some of the other

popular brand?

Judy in Ringoes, NJ

judygrowblast.net

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 09:23:00 +0200

From: Ady Hirsch <adamroninetvision.net.il>

I'm no expert, but if I may, I'd like to add the European angle to the list -

1. Jannet Rae, "The Quilts of the British Isles" (1996) - an excellent

vloume covering the history of British quilting.

2. Quilt Treasures of great Britain - The Heritage Search of the Quilters'

Guild (1995) - the equivqlent of the state quilt research project,

fascinating and well researched.

3. Kathryn Berenson, "Quilts of Provence", 1996.

I think one should also include some well researched books on applique. Two

come to mind:

4. Jennifer Faulds Goldsborough - Lavish Legacies - Baltmore Albums and

elated Quilts in the Collection of the Maryland Historical Society (1994) -

the name says it all.

5. Ricky Clark - Quilted Gardens, Floral Quilts of the Nineteenth Century

(1994).

For a folkloristic approach to modern day (well, relatively speaking)

quilting I'd also add

6. John Rice irwin, A people and Their Quilts (1984).

Merry Christmas and a happy New year to all

Ady in Israel

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 07:39:01 EST

From: JBaumg5539aol.com

Hi !

I am resending this a bit late .Seems like my messages never get through

Karen I got my copy of American quilts and coverlets from Peddlers wagon

.Good service and good price

Leah ,real Provencal Fabrics are $40 or more a meter in 1.50 wide (is it 60 "

? ) not $18 .If you come to France let me know and I will tell you where to

go and buy (or is it see ? ) them .BTW there is a very interesting exhibition

in Mulhouse (Alsace ) at the Musee des Impressions sur Etoffes on quilted

items from Provence made with fabrics printed in Alsace or Provence .Also a

wonderful Indiennes from India . Mulhouse is only 170 km from Strasbourg and

easily reached by train for those of you who will come to Europa Quilt this

spring . The exhibition is really outstanding and the rest of the Museum is

also very interesting .About 45 kms west of Mulhouse is another Museum (Musee

de l' Impression textile et du Costume ) wich is very interesting too .They

have dresses and suits displayed in a very nice setting ,a very interesting

film on how the printing on fabric was done and how it evolved along the 19th

c and I think the temporary exhibition on Indiennes may still be on .It is

set in one of the royal Manufactures wich produced some of the very best

fabrics in the 18-19th centuries . Near by is the Boussac factory (fabrics )

and a shop where you can get fabrics with very good discounts (but not so

much for quilts ). You need a car to get there but i think trips will be

organised from Strasbourg to that place by Quilt Europa .

Happy Holidays to all of you on the best list ever !!!!!!

Daniele in Paris

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 08:13:00 -0500

From: "jawhitecourant.infi.net" <jawhitecourant.infi.net>

I'm so glad to hear that someone else doesn't like silk thread. I

thought there was something wrong with me. I bought three spools of the

stuff and can't stand it. I tried several times to use it to applique,

thinking I just had to get used to it, but finally I went back to my

regular thread. When I first began quilting, there were people using

silk thread to applique who said it was the best thing since sliced

bread, and that was 16 years ago so I think these things just come up

every once in a while. Anyway, there must be a use for the stuff

besides sewing with it.

Judy White - Ct

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 08:29:52 -0800

From: "Julia D. Zgliniec" <rzglini1san.rr.com>

Dear QHL,

I have enjoyed the book lists everyone has sent, being a bibliophile myself. To

the list I would add a good reference textbook on textiles. I got an excellent

one at a used bookstore. It is:

Encyclopedia of Textiles by the editors of American Fabrics Mag.

ISBN -0-13-276568-3

It was "discarded" by one of the community college libraries in San Diego.

I have several others too. They can be had for a minimal investment and are very

useful for discussions of various weaves, types of printing processes and industry

jargon.

May you all enjoy the Peace and Blessings of the season and may our computers all

work post Y2K because I enjoy our list so much and would miss our wonderful

discussions. The recent ones have been so good. Everyone knows something.

Regards,

Julia Zgliniec

Ady Hirsch wrote:

> I'm no expert, but if I may, I'd like to add the European angle to the list -

> 1. Jannet Rae, "The Quilts of the British Isles" (1996) - an excellent

> vloume covering the history of British quilting.

> 2. Quilt Treasures of great Britain - The Heritage Search of the Quilters'

> Guild (1995) - the equivqlent of the state quilt research project,

> fascinating and well researched.

> 3. Kathryn Berenson, "Quilts of Provence", 1996.

> I think one should also include some well researched books on applique. Two

> come to mind:

> 4. Jennifer Faulds Goldsborough - Lavish Legacies - Baltmore Albums and

> elated Quilts in the Collection of the Maryland Historical Society (1994) -

> the name says it all.

> 5. Ricky Clark - Quilted Gardens, Floral Quilts of the Nineteenth Century

> (1994).

> For a folkloristic approach to modern day (well, relatively speaking)

> quilting I'd also add

> 6. John Rice irwin, A people and Their Quilts (1984).

> Merry Christmas and a happy New year to all

> Ady in Israel

------------------------------

Date: Thu, 23 Dec 1999 12:12:28 -0500

From: "John Cawley" <cawleygoeaston.net>

This list is what used to be called in Catholic school "an occasion of

sin." I should be getting ready for the trip to Upstate NY this afternoon;

instead I'm roaming thru my still unorganized bookshelves trying decide what

books I would put on my list. I'd like to suggest some of my favorites.

Of the State Books:

New Jersey Quilts 1770-1950, Cochran et al.

History from the Heart: Quilt Paths Across Illinois-Ebert

Quilts in Community: Ohio's Traditions-Clark et al.

Kansas Quilts and Quilters-Brackman et al.

Each of these books looks at quilts as part of social history rather than

just showing pictures and telling the quiltmaker's story.

I think we should read Finley and Webster because they kept the flame alive

and are the source of so many of the popularly accepted myths.

For Purpose and Pleasure and Small Endearments-both by Sandi Fox

Traditional British Quilts-Osler

Soft Covers for Hard Times-Waldvogel

Twentieth Century Quilts-Woodward and Greenstein

Textile Designs-Meller and Elffers

What an embarrassment of riches we have. I hope you all have more on

Christmas Day.

Cinda on the Eastern Shore

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 24 Dec 1999 08:12:34 +0200

From: Ady Hirsch <adamroninetvision.net.il>

>Ooops - forgot to include this in my last post - re silk versus cotton, I

do quite a lot of applique. Many years ago, a dear friend, who used to be

an embroidery and craft teacher, gave me a few dozen spools of English made

silk she brought with her of this country in the 50ies. This was "best"

silk used for hand embroideries, and you should have seen happened to it.

In fact, that's my main reason for sticking with cotton - the silk turned

brittle and literally "broke" into bits. I know in all probability I won't

be around 60 years from now :-), but I certainly do not want my quilts

falling apart! I find the Mettler embroidery cotton very satisfactory, and

their range of colors is quite large.

>Happy holidays

>Ady in Israel

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 24 Dec 1999 08:15:41 -0800

From: "Laurette Carroll" <Robert.J.CarrollGTE.net>

Merry Christmas QHL

>This was "best" silk used for hand embroideries, and you should have

>seen happened to it.

>In fact, that's my main reason for sticking with cotton - the silk

turned

>brittle and literally "broke" into bits.

Does any one have any experience with silk thread in antique quilts?

Crazy quilts or earlier?

My one and only crazy quilt has some shattered fabrics but the silk

embroidery remains intact and seems strong.

I remember seeing an exhibit of centuries old Chinese clothing, many

made of silk and they were in excellent condition. Many had

embellishment in silk and gold threads.

I wonder if the silk thread made these days will shatter as the silk

fabric of the Victorian period or will it remain strong as the earlier

silks have.??

Of course some cotton threads also become weak, I remember my Mother

always testing the thread by pulling on it with one hand while holding

the spool with the other. If it broke easily she would toss it out.

Is anyone getting something quilty for Christmas? Tell us about it.

I came across a wonderful early chintz top, and bought it for myself as

a Christmas gift! It is made of large squares of several different

chintz fabrics all set on point. Mostly browns.

Funny how I always pick the perfect gift for myself!! ;-))

Happy Holidays,

Laurette Carroll

Southern California

Look to the Future with Hope

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 24 Dec 1999 10:35:34 -0800

From: "Melissa Devin" <mldevinaa.net>

To: "QHL" <QHLcuenet.com>

Subject: Silk and Thread

Message-ID: <010401bf4e3d$aaad02e0$2000a8c0d2sys.com>

I am sure glad that there are so many people of experience and expertise on

here! I had never thought of silk disintegrating in time--or having it be

so strong as to cut into the fabric like poly does! I will be ordering

thread from The Kirk Collection next week (and strongly suggest that my

quilt shop start carrying it!). I would hate for my hours of applique

(well, I am slow... so that is part of the problem :-) to either cut into

the background or applique, or to have the silk just disintegrate. I want

my quilts to last well beyond my years!

Melissa

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 24 Dec 1999 12:58:14 -0600 (CST)

From: Marcia Kaylakie <marciakeden.com>

Merry Christmas one and all!

This is about Beauvoir, although quilt related and a very sneaky way to tell

you all about the bowl game!

If you have not been to Beauvoir in Biloxi, Mississippi, I advise a trip

there. This is a home of Jefferson Davis and his family and is delightful.

The museam contains many wonderful artifacts, especailly Mrs. Varina Davis'

sewing items, needlcases, thimbles, beading items, dresses, and the like.

There is also a wondrful, but very used red and green aplique quilt made by

one of the soldiers' wives of the time period. I wish the preservation on

the quilt was adequate, but it is not at all. Very nice, though! And

Beauvoir was a nice break from all the hustle and bustle of the Mobile Bowl

game. We stayed at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi, about 1 hr. from Mobile. It is

a casino, resort and spa! Yup, just the thing one needs before the holidays!

So, TCU stunned'em again in a bowl game.This time E. Carolina went down in

defeat (sorry, all you Pirate fans) and we had a blast with 6 college kids

joining us for 3 days! However, I am much too old to pull all-nighters,

which is what ended up happening after the game! So I am paying the price

for that today.

Chris had the 4 points after, always a nice ending to a game.

Well, off to make the traditional Bouche de Noel for tomorrow's dessert!

Marcia Kaylakie

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 24 Dec 1999 16:19:21 EST

From: JQuiltaol.com

if you go to

http://www.beauvoir.org/

you can take a virtual tour of the home and grounds...the tour

pictures/slides change very slowly..so be patient..

the only thing that made me a uneasy about the site, was the cap for sale,

in the gift shop, that had a confederate flag with the saying"keep it

flying",on it, ..i'm sure,the sight of that flag brings back painful memories

for african-americans...just as, i'm certain, the swastika flag of germany

if painful for Jewish people to see..

jean laino

Date: Sat, 25 Dec 1999 16:23:14 -0600

From: Jocelyn <Jocelynmdelphi.com>

To: Laurette Carroll <Robert.J.CarrollGTE.net>, QHL <QHLcuenet.com>

Subject: RE: silk thread & stuff

Message-id: <NDBBJLADELJGOILEFPGPGEBJCAAA.Jocelynmdelphi.com>

Content-type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit

My one and only crazy quilt has some shattered fabrics but the silk

embroidery remains intact and seems strong.

I remember seeing an exhibit of centuries old Chinese clothing, many

made of silk and they were in excellent condition. Many had

embellishment in silk and gold threads.

I wonder if the silk thread made these days will shatter as the silk

fabric of the Victorian period or will it remain strong as the earlier

silks have.??

Laurette,

The Victorian silks shattered because they were made with metal salts as a

sizing agent, to make them nice and 'rustley'. The thread wouldn't've been

treated in the same way, since there was no benefit to having it treated.

Older Asian silks weren't treated with metal salts, either, so they have

survived in good shape.

Date: Sun, 26 Dec 1999 15:09:24 EST

From: EllynLKaol.com

I hope everyone here on the list has had a nice holiday with friends and

family. I had the flu but went home-- where everyone had the flu so we

coughed, wheezed, groaned and sneezed in passable harmony!

I got one interesting gift from my best friend... I'll try and describe it

here and see if any of the resident experts here can guess what it is or what

it was used for.

It's 18 inches long, 2 inches wide, made of rough wood with rounded "spear

point" tips. It's two-sided, with the two long, skinny halves doweled

together at either end. The dowels are about two inches long and about 2 1/2

inches in from the points. The whole thing is wound with about 27 yards of

an old indigo print that looks to be teens or twenties. It's about an inch

wide, folded in half. I thought it could be an edging; it's cut on the grain

and not on the bias; nor are the raw edges turned under as for bias tape.

Just folded over. It's not a continuous piece; has about two joins in it.

I think it's some sort of bobbin and I guess it's just wound with edging

trim... maybe it's a store display bobbin for dry goods??? Does this sound

familiar to anybody? It's a wonderful old artififact with loads of character

and I love it. I'll enjoy it more if I can be sure of what the darn thing is.

Any takers?

Best,

Lauri Klobas in Pacific PaKarendes, California where it hasn't rained for over

a month and a half

------------------------------

Date: Sun, 19 Dec 1999 22:04:58 -0800

From: The Schott Family <fschottix.netcom.com>

A good group for quilts is the one run by rootsweb. To join, send

"subscribe" in the subject to <QUILTING-L-requestcrafts.rootsweb.com>

Nancy In CT

calico wrote:

> I have two questions for everyone today--- 1. I need to find an e-mail

> group like this one for the quilts, I used to belong to one about 2

> years ago but got out. Anyone out there belong to an good one? Let

> me know.2. I am also in need of information on how to applique using

> an simple method. I bought an kit for the Sunbonnet Sue and want to

> do it up. But am not about to hand stitch all those pcs. Can this be

> done on an regular sewing machine, and if it can how. I seem to

> remember something about sizing or interfacing. Thanks for any help

> anyone can give me. debi calicomagnus1.com

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 23:01:37 -0500

From: "J. G. Row" <Judygrowblast.net>

Xenia,

My McCalls Quilting Mag just came, and I was fascinated with the wonderful

coverage of your group's nine-patch challenge. Every quilt was wonderful! It took

me a while 'cause I look at the images before I start reading, but then I

saw your name attached to one of the quilts on the first page. Great

looking quilt! Congratulations!

Judy in Ringoes, NJ

judygrowblast.net

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 08:45:06 -0500

From: "Store E-Mail Acct." <qpsquiltingposs.com> (by way of List Mom

<qrsalbany.net>)

Hi Holice,

I have 3 other books in my lists by this company under the name of Grandma

Dexter, all called Grandma Dexter's Appliqui & Patchwork Quilt Designs and

then numbered - #36, #36A & #36B. I also have a page from this series

called Patchwork Designs from #36.

None of my books have dates but they are from Grandma Dexter, Collingbourne

Mills, Inc, Elgin, IL.

Debbie

Quilting Possibilities in NJ

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 11:25:48 EST

From: SSQuiltaol.com

I'd like to try to answer some of the questions Anne posed about the quilt

kits and their manufacturing from the 1930's. I can't speak for all

companies

that produced kits during that time period but do have information about

the

Wurzburg Company who produced kits under their label and also for many

others. Wurzburgs used only ink in black and white. It was a wax based ink

that was purchased in block form and thinned by hand with mineral spirits

needed. The ink came from Perforated Pattern Company in New York. They were

still in business as of the 1980's when we last purchased ink blocks from

them. The stamping was done on a padded surface on large tables,about the

width of a ping pong table and at least that long because the background

fabric was stamped in it's full 36" width and the quilt's length (ie. 84").

The process which is very much like silk screen printing and went like

this:

the pad was laid out on the table, it looks just like the machine quilted

furniture blankets used to move furniture. The quilt's background fabric or

whatever color they were stamping was laid on top of the pad. The "stamping

master", which is a perforated pattern with the design to be stamped was

centered over the fabric, weighted down at one edge on the table so it

would

stay in position. The opposite edge of the paper pattern was rolled around

wood slat and clamped so the pattern would be laid down and lifted again

and

again until they had stamped all the fabric pieces they wanted. The

stamping

ink was spread near the weighted end of the stamping master across it's

width

and a "wood paddle" which looked like a piece the baseboard you see in your

house today was used to drag the ink across the pattern and allow it to

seep

through the perforated holes in the pattern. The stamping master would be

lifted, the fabric removed and another piece laid in it's place and they'd

repeat the process. When finished, the wood paddle and stamping master

would

be cleaned with mineral spirits until all traces of the ink was gone. The

pattern was then rolled and stored until needed again. There are wood

paddles

and roller slats in a multitude of sizes because you only used them a

little

wider than the fabric pieces you were going to stamp.

The equipment from the Wurzburg company does still exist. The dies from the

die-cut quilts exist also but I feel I've been pretty long winded for one

post. If there's interest I'll post again with more information on the

equipment and dies.

Gay Bomers

Grand Rapids, MI

------------------------------

Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 13:05:48 -0500 (EST)

From: quiltsnbearswebtv.net (Roberta Geanangel)

I know what happened to some of the equipment used prior to WWII, it

became scrap for use during the war years. Some interesting machines and

equipment in all fields of production were deemed outmoded and put to

what was,at that time, a *better* use.

Roberta

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Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 12:47:27 -0600

From: Shirley McElderry <tigersouplisco.com>

The Virginia Snow book #41 was published in the late 1930's. The first

ad I found for this book was in the October 1933 issue of Needlecraft

magazine. It was also mentioned in Grandma Dexter's book 36 B and in the

catalog from Virginia Snow 1933-34.

The whole topic of this company is quite fascinating. From the Western

Thread Co in Elgin IL in 1907 through the Collingbourne era, the Dexter

buyout, and then later LeeWards catalog.

The Dexter company was indeed in business in 1820, but in Pawtucket, RI.

This company was acquired by Collingbourne's (from Illinois) in 1927.

Shirley Mc from snowy and cold Iowa