Date: 9/30/99 Time: 9:12 PM
Subject: History of quilting
E-mail Address: stfprf@iquest.net
Hi, I'm making a scrapbook for my Mother of all the quilts she has made. I would like to include some pages on the history of quilting in general and the history of some of the quilts she has made. She made one quilt,about 35 years ago of a girl with a hoop skirt type dress and bonnet on, facing to the side. Does anyone know the name of this quilt? I would also love to put some type of poem about quilters or quilting in the scrapbook if anyone knows of any. I will greatly appreciate any help. Thanks, Patty
I am making a wedding ring quilt for my friend who
is going to give it to her sister for a wedding gift.
I am attempting to find a history, or description/
significance of the wedding ring pattern to include
with the quilt. Please reply directly to me at
hillcom@netcom.ca. Thanks.
j. hill
hillcom@netcom.ca
I am a 3rd grade teacher and will be preparing a
special unit on quilting and how it ties in to
other subject areas (math, reading,
history/social studies, science, art, music).
If you have any information that I could pass
on to my students I would very much appreciate it.
Examples: history of different quilt patterns,
why certain types of flour was purchased by
quilters, history of quilting bees, etc.
I wish answers to questions posted were also
accessible. I think many of those answers would
be beneficial to me. Thank you for your help.
Laura
Found this at a site just now, thought it might interest some quilting history buffs.
http://quilt.com/History/BlockNames.html
Quilt Block Names
The interesting names given to quilt block patterns are rooted deep in the history of the United States. It is easy to see the influences upon quilters of the past by studying the names that they have given to their quilt patterns. The strong biblical influence is apparent from the large number of blocks with religious names such as Jacob's Ladder or Job's Trouble. The hardship of the pioneer can be seen from blocks with names such as the Rocky Road to California. The aspects of everyday life led to blocks with names like Churn Dash and Log Cabin.
Many quilt patterns have several different names. A pattern known by one name in New England may have had a different, more significant name to the quilter in the Midwest. Sometimes old names were changed for commercial purposes. Each generation of quilters adds its own variations to an old art form.
From Trades and Occupations
Anvil, Saw-Tooth, The Ship's Wheel, Carpenter's Wheel, Monkey Wrench, Water Mill, Chips and Whetstones, The Dusty Miller
Outdoor Life and Nature
Garden Maze, Autumn Leaf, Spider Web, Rolling Stones, Ocean Wave, Flying Geese
Square Dancing
Eight Hands Around, Swing in the Center
Political Influence
Clay's Choice, Whig Rose, Fifty-Four-Forty or Fight
Biblical Names
Job's Trouble, Job's Tears, Joseph's Coat, Jacob's Ladder, Wonder of the World, World Without End
Meredith in Canada
I am taking a class in the Chicago area to make the Kansas Trouble Guild's "Piecing the Trail to Kansas." Does anyone know if Lily's journal is real? It somehow seems too contrived to me - and I'm wondering if it was truly written in the mid 1800's. Is there any other information published about this quilt? It's certainly quite popular right now; I've seen it in several shops, and many are offering classes to make it. Thanks - Ann in Schaumburg, IL.
I was wondering if anyone could email me with the history of the Arkansas Traveler Quilt Block. I know the story of the Arkansas Traveler. But I want to know why the block is laid out the way it is etc.
TIA,
Judy in Ark
ps I am making this block for a homespun block swap and found out a special ed class at our high school is doing some indepth Arkansas history/memorabilia study this year. They put one of the blocks on their wall and would like this history.
I am interested in having a wedding quilt made for my soon-to-be husband and myself. How can I get information on the significance and history of the weddingring pattern? I am also interested in the history of quilting in America, particularly as it pertains to womens social groups.
I am interested in having a wedding quilt made for my soon-to-be husband and myself. How can I get information on the significance and history of the weddingring pattern? I am also interested in the history of quilting in America, particularly as it pertains to womens social groups.
Does anyone know the origins of fat quarters? Who started them, when, where, or why?
I am looking for an on line picture of the California Sesquicentennial Quilt. I saw it at the LA County Fair and have the b/w brochure of how it was designed etc but would like to refer friends out of state as to where they can see it in color and detail. Anyone Know where or if it is on line?
I was given the task of explaining why quilting is concidered a "venerable art form." And also to create my own quilting square. In order to do this, I need to incorporate the notion of independence in the past, present, and future into it. I can't seem to find the information that I need anywhere. Can you help me, please?!?!
i am just now getting around to this area of this wonderful quilt site,,,
purchased a book a while ago,,,,not sure where,,entitled,,STORY QUILTS,,& how to make them
by Mary Clare Clark
intro by shelly zegart
in it,,,are great ideas for story quilts,,,,showing some made generations ago depicting ,,in fabric,,special family events,,,or times of trials,,faith,,,,moving across great wilderness,,,etc,
thought i would mention it here,,
also included is step by step instructions for applique in such a traditional fashion
wonderful to see so many interested in quilt history,,,,what a wonderful site for younger quilters to come to,,,,to learn and pass along this great hobby and soul easing skill
loon
Hi my name is Ashley. I'm doing a report on American quilting history. I'm having trouble finding information on it. So if you would be so kind to help me out on it. I need to answer three
qustions:
1. Who started quilting?
2: How they got supplies?
3: Intersting facts
THANKS!
Quilting Friends: I have just returned from a vacation in Australia and purchased some great Australian prints, 20 in all.
I am trying to hunt down authentic Australian patterns, not ones that migrated to them from the U.S.
I would like to make an Australian pattern quilt from Australian fabrics.
Any help or ideas where to get some patterns would be greatly appreciated.
Happy Quilting
Hello everyone!
I am researching patchwork and quilting for a school assignment, and I have some questions that I hope someone will be able to answer.
I was wondering - How does the Italian form of quilting called Trapunto differ from English and American patchwork?
Why were American women so insistent upon buying certain brands of flour?
Thankyou so much,
from City.
Hello Quilters! I am a pre-Med student in Reno, NV. Part of my schooling consists of English Comp. classes. This year we were presented with the assignment of writing a research paper. Since I've dabbled in quilting for the past 6 years I decided that I would do my paper on Quilting throughout the 20th Century. Does anyone know of any good sources for information regarding this topic? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. Even any stories that you'd like to share would be wonderful, however, make sure that you specify if I have your permission to use any excerps from it. Thank you again!!! Wendy
From Washington Post 9/2/99 Home Section:
Virginia Quilt Museum in Harrisonburg presents "Legacy" Saturday through Feb. 28, 2000. For the first time, the museum's entire collection of 84 quilts and tops will be on display. Dating from 1810, pieces include a Baltimore Album made in honor of a captain lost at sea, a tiny 1840 doll's quilt, and one made by a relative of Abraham Lincoln. 301 South Main St., Harrisonburg. Open Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays 1 to 4 p.m. Fee: $4, age discounts. 540-433-3818.
I am doing a school report in my geography class on quilting.My teacher said we had to pick a pattern of quilts and come up with that quilt patterns history. I was intrested in how the jacobs ladder pattern was used in the undergroung railroad as some sort of signal. If you have any information on the subject please, quickly send it to wcmiller@ix.netcom.com. its now tuesday. if you can get the information to me by today than thank you very much. If not then dont bother with this message
My website, QuiltEthnic, is a resource for information about quilts, quilters and quilting traditions of African-American and other diverse quilting groups including: African, Asian, Haitian, Latin/South American, Native American. It contains links to information from historical and tradtitional as well as contemporary perspectives.
A Site Update Notification function and a Site Search function have just been added. A bulletin/message board will be activated this week. <http://www.quiltethnic.com>
Gwen Magee
I bought a couple of old quilt tops along with other miscellaneous blankets and tarps at an auction sale a couple of months ago. Brought them home and washed them(!) - they were disgusting - took them apart with the hopes of doing something different with them. A friend was over the other night and we got looking at them as I had decided to give them to her as her aunt made them in the 1930's. Still had an awful musty smell to them as was smelling up my sewing room, even though they'd been washed and left out in the outdoors for a couple of days. Looked in the Barbara brackman Encyclopedia for identification of one of the quilts made up of only one block repaeated and the closest we could come was in the nine-patch section #1705. The only differnce with this block is - the two plain opposite corner squares are also half-square triangles,with the diagonal seam going the same way, so that the plain part is facing in towards the center, the same as the other two opposing corner squares.
Is there anyone who could possible help please? Hope the description is O.K.
I am making a good friend of mine a double wedding ring quilt for her wedding and I would like to also give her the history and the meaning behing the quilt. Could you help me out?
I have seen a quilt in this pattern in a history quilt book: Treasures in the Trunk. I would love to make a quilt with this design.
Can anyone help?
Thanks
Diana
I have these two suggestions:
The DAR in Washington DC
Try and get the book (if published) resulting from quilt documentation in VA. Quilting Books Unlimited in Batavia, IL
www.QBU.com should know if any was published.
I tried sending a message directly to you, but it came back. Anyway, here is that message.
You want pretty specific information, so I am not sure I can help you
entirely. However, here are some places to go.
(1) Smithsonian Institution http://www.si.edu
Scroll down to "textiles and quilts"
(2) "Grandmother's Quilts" at http://womenfolk.com
(3) http://www.quilthistory.com
A good place for links and bulletin boards
(4) http://quilt.com.com/quilt
That's this site. Go back to the main page and
there is an article on the history of quilting, scroll way down to the Quilt Library.
(5) http://www.rjrfabrics.com
They produced several lines of fabric based on specific historical
quilts. I think it is under "Reproductions". There is one quilt in
particular (Ann Robinson) that might suit your needs.
(6) There will be a new show on PBS called something like America Quilts
or Quilting in America. I couldn't find the exact website, but you can
probably find it at http://www.pbs.org
(7) You might also try www.quilting.about.com (formerly the Mining Company). More info, articles, and links.
Good luck!
I am a textiles teacher from Victoria, Australia.
My students are currently investigating the
history behind a number of the traditional
patchwork blocks. We would like information over
the internet, as part of skills development in
learning technologies. Much of the history comes
from America, originally with European links.
Can anyone add to my student's knowledge?
We look forward to any replies.
Sandra Jardine
I am a fifth grade teacher and I am interested in the history of the quilting in colonial virginia in the 18th century. I completed a course of study at colonial williamsburg and need to plan a lesson on quilting of that era. thank you
Please help me with the earliest dates of these blocks: Ohio Star, Honey Bee, Mexican Star.
Thanks in advance, Mary Wright
TSANGTERESA: I have a great reference book called "The History of the Patchwork Quilt" by Scnuppe von Gwinner. It starts thousands of years back in the Orient and discusses the history of quilting and patchwork in many different cultures. It was published in 1988 by Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 1469 Morstein Road, West Chester, Pennsylvania 19380. I don't know if it is still in print but I got my copy just a year or two ago. Hope this helps...
Monica in Maine
I would like to ask about quilting the following questions:
Where it originated?
By what type of people?
How they make quilting at different periods of times and the techniques?
What about the eqiupments they used at that time and any pictures would do. thankyou.
"54-40 or fight" was the slogan for James K. Polk's presidential campaign. It refers to an argument with Great Britain over where the northern boundary of the US should be. Supporters of "54-40" wanted the boundary established at 54 degrees, 40 minutes, which right around the current southern boundary of Alaska. Clearly, the 54-40'ers didn't quite win out, and as I recall, there wasn't much of a fight over it either. If my memory serves, neither country really had the troops to launch a war over the issue.
I have been searching for the name of a pattern
and possibly the pattern for this block. Please go
to <www.cjnetworks.com/~rcfletcher/unknown2.jpg>
Have you ever seen this pattern? Please email me
any information.
Does anyone know the history of this block pattern? I heard somewhere it was a slogan for a Presidential election. Which president?
I have just acquired a hand-pieced quilt top that my grandmother pieced in
in the 30's or 40's (I am guessing). It has not been quilted and has a fabric
that looks like would fade if washed. Otherwise the top is in excellent con-
dition. I would like advice on how to clean it or wash it. It is all cotton
made with the tiniest stitches I have ever seen. I would like to quilt it myself so
that it is still a "family-quilt" but would like to know if that is the smart
thing to do. Any help will be appreciated. Thanks, LaVerne
When I researched the Dogwood pattern I found 7 different patterns by the name of Dogwood. If the one mentioned in the previous post is not the one you are looking for, email me, and I will describe all 7 to you and when they were printed.
I have the patterns to most of them.
Has any one ever heard of the Iowa Rose Quilt?
I don't know if it is pieced appliqued or if it is just a quilting design I am getting ready to make a quilt with Roses on it and since I am from Iowa I would really like to get something like this in it please help if you can
Rosie/Iowa
The Dogwood pattern was a 1932 copyrighted quilt pattern of the Stearns & Foster,Mountain Mist Company according to their "Blue Book of Quilt Patterns". When I ordered my copy of the book, the Dogwood pattern was still available for $3.00. Many of their quilt patterns from the 30's, 40's and 50's are still available.
The Blue Book is a good look at the historical evolution of patterns that many people in the US (I'm from Canada) seem to remember from their childhoods.
They do have a website (sorry, I can't get there right now to copy/paste it), just type in either Stearns & Foster or Mountain Mist.
Happy Quilting, Meredith in Canada
Hi everyone,
I´m very interested in the history of patterns, their names and their meanings. Ist therre a book ir other information source, which tells me all (or allmost all) about these items and perheaps also tells the stories and myths growing aroud each pattern???
Please tell me.
Deliah, Colgne, Germany
Quilts and Quiltmaking in America now available on American Memory
The National Digital Library Program and the American Folklife Center of
the Library of Congress are pleased to announce the release of the
online presentation Quilts and Quiltmaking in America. There are many
ways to study quiltmaking, but one of the most rewarding is to look at
the kinds of quilts that were made in a particular time and place. To
understand the local picture, however, a researcher needs to know how
the local traditions compare with national trends or with local
traditions elsewhere. Quilts and Quiltmaking in America presents 181
segments from recorded interviews with quiltmakers and 410 graphic
images (prints, positive transparencies, and negatives) from two
collections in the American Folklife Center: the Blue Ridge Parkway
Folklife Project and the Lands’ End All-American Quilt Contest
Collection. The images of the quilts convey the range of contemporary
quiltmaking styles in the United States, while the recorded interview
segments provide a more in-depth portrait of quiltmaking within the
context of the quiltmakers’ lives and region.
The quilt-related information in the Blue Ridge Parkway Folklife Project
is significant because it represents in-depth interviews with a number
of quiltmakers within a limited geographic area during the
late-twentieth-century quiltmaking revival. Photographs and brief
interview segments were chosen from the collection by the project’s
consultant, Laurel Horton, to provide viewers with a guide to the story
of quiltmaking in the Blue Ridge. She selected six individuals who
represent a cross-section of the quiltmakers in the region at the time
of the project (1978) and selected photographs and narratives of both
historic and newly made quilts. Because the interview subjects present
a range of backgrounds, motivations, and aesthetic sensibilities, their
interviews reveal the difficulty of defining a single “Appalachian”
quiltmaking tradition. The quilts selected represent a range of
functional types, including utility bedquilts, elaborate special quilts,
and those made to sell at craft shops and flea markets. As a result,
the interviews and visual images demonstrate both continuing local
traditions and the influence of the national quilt revival.
In the years since it was created, the Blue Ridge collection has become
an important source of historical information. In order to enhance its
accessibility to researchers who may be hearing-impaired, unfamiliar
with the dialect of the subject or interviewer, use English as a second
language, or need clarification of quilt-related vocabulary or local
place names, all audio material in this online collection has been
transcribed by Ms. Horton.
The Lands’ End collection provides a different but complementary window
into late-twentieth-century quiltmaking. This online presentation
documents the 181 state and national winners of contests sponsored by
the company in 1992, 1994, and 1996, and reflects a sampling of
excellent design and technical skill characteristic of prizewinning
quilts during this period. This collection is important because it
represents a large number of quilt images from all across the country
and because it includes statements provided by the makers in surveys
about their quilts. The Lands’ End contest winners represent a wide
range of quiltmaking activity, from highly traditional to innovative.
This addition to the American Memory Historical Collections can be
accessed at the following url:
<http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/qlthtml/qlthome.html>
The mission of the Library of Congress is to make its resources
available and useful to Congress and the American people and to sustain
and preserve a universal collection of knowledge and creativity for
future generations. The goal of the Library's National Digital Library
Program is to offer broad public access to a wide range of historical
and cultural documents as a contribution to education and lifelong
learning.
Please direct any questions to NDLPCOLL@loc.gov
Has anyone ever heard of an Amish grief quilt? My mother is a counselor and attended a workshop where the speaker had one. It was done in black and shades of purple. I have not been able to find any reference to this type of quilt in several books on Amish quilting. Would appreciate any information anyone could give me.
Hello. I am looking for any information someone
might be able to share with me concerning a quilt I
have. The quilt is dated 1880 and called a Mariners Compass
Quilt. It was also marked on the tag when I purchased it,
"Farmer's Delight- Only Found in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia".
It looks similiar to some of the older Mariner
Compass Quilts I have seen. It is completely done
in reds and tans with a small edging of black.
Their are 8 red and 8 tan trinagles alternating
around a circle. They are then completely circled
with 108 tiny alternating red and tan triangles.
Each 'Compass' sits in a square that is made of
three 'bars' alternating in tan, red and tan. There
is a red border completely surrounding the nine
compass blocks(and then the small black edging)
I just wanted to know if anyone has ever heard
of the Farmer's Delight and if that is a true
statement. Thank you for any help and if possible
please email me. Take care!
Kassie :o)
I'm hoping to locate a book that gives the stories behind the various quilting patterns; most particularly the Amish pieced patterns. Does anyone know of such a book? Also, I'd like to know what, if any, superstitions are attached to various quilting patterns. Thanks, Vickie.
ARDCO metal templates have been around since the early 1970's, but when did the first of them go up for sale? Anthony DiCheseri of Rochester, NY made the first, but can anyone set the date of the first templates for sale? Thanks in advance, Ron.
If someone knows of a site on the net that has a picture of an Amish Bride Quilt please let me know. Someone has asked me to make one for them and I'm not familiar with the pattern. Does it go by another name? Thanks, Judy
I did some reasearch and found 12 patterns by the name of Hourglass. In Brackman's book, clues in the Calico there is an hour glass pattern, itis one of the oldest patterns around. In fact a quilt from 1726, in the book, has the hour glass pattern.
In looking in my references, I found 12 different hourglass patterns. The oldest pattern I found was referenced in Barbara Brackman's book, Clues in the Calico. The McCord quilt dated 1726 has the hourglass pattern in it. This was the simplest pattern out of the 12. The pattern is 4 triangles.
I would appreciate any information as to the history of the hourglass block (or anything else about the hourglass). Thank you in advance.
Which tree of life are you looking for? The cut out trees from Chintz or the pieced pattern?
Barbara Brackman's Clues in the Calico says the following:
Tree of life design is one of earliest patchwork patterns, late eighteenth century seamstresses cut limbs and leaves from chintz to construct the flowering trees. A few decades after the cut-out chintz trees fell from fashion, before the Civil War, trees of pieced triangles began to appear.
This is the pieced pattern Tree of Life.
Many of the periodicals and books from 1920's to present include this pattern in them.Here are just a few, Capper's Weekly, Good Cheer Quilting Patterns from Oklahoma Farmer Stockman, Romance of Patchwork quilt by Hall, Standard book of Quilting by Ickis. So appears pattern has been around a long time.
A history of quilting can be found on this web site- Wide World quilting page. Just go back to main page and scroll down to the very bottom
I am a adult ESL student in a English school. My teacher asked that every one in class gave a presentation. I am going to show them the quilt I made. At the same time, I'd like to introduce a brief history of quilting to my classmates. But I have no idea. Where can I look for some information about history of quilting? Can someone do me a favor? My name is Xiaoli. Thank you.
I recently purchased a quilt that was done in a
crazy quilt pattern. How do I go about getting it
authenticated? I believe it may be a wedding quilt
since there are joined rings all over it. There
are also two sets of initials, MB and GB and the
date 1892. It also has some anchors so I'm think-
ing maybe the man was in the navy. It also has a
fan design and a horseshoe. It is all done in
silks, velvets and satins. There are a few places
where the material is wearing thin, but other than
that it looks like it could have been made last
year, that's how good a condition its in. Any info
about how to research the age and possible
original owners would be appreciated. I am in NC
and have tried calling the museum but have not had
any luck. Thank you
there is an excellent book called "calico & chintz: antique quilts from the collection of patricia s. smith". i ordered it from the smithsonian museum site and it's wonderful. on the left side of the page (about 9X11") is a picture of the quilt, then on the right a real good close up where you can see the fabrics. very little text, mostly the documentation of the quilt. all the quilts are pre-1850 and i would recommend it highly for anyone interested in fabrics and quilts of the period.
I'm interested in any information on how to tell when a quilt was made. I bought a quilt at an auction and I'm curious about the history of it. Any suggestions?
I am looking for the history of the "tree of Life" quilt pattern. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Dolores
Barbara Brachman's book Clues inthe Calico has a short reference on the Cathedral Window quilts.
I am assuming you are talking about the one where you fold the edges over and it is not quilted.
Brackman says variations of this pattern have been seen back to the 1910's but quilts from this pattern don't seem to exist until the 1960s or 1970s. I remember my mother doing this in the 1970s.
If you want a history of the pieced pattern Cathedral Windows, (not the one that is folded) email me.
I need some help, please. I am doing a demo on the Cathedral Windows quilt and I would really like to know the history of this pattern so that I may share with my fellow guild members. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Sally
Any pattern with a good center can be a friendship quilt. Many old ones still exist and can be found in museums. They were popular from 1939 to 1850, maybe even a little later. These patterns were believed to have started out east, then slowly made their way around. It became popular again about 1925 and is still popular today.
Chimney sweep, and album are two good patterns but there are many more.
This is one of my favorite type of quilts and we still make these today. In fact, we have a trade going on now using the 9 patch, to make a friendship quilt.
Hope this helps, email me if you want to know more.
I want any info on the history of friendship quilts and the various patterns (especially if any are regional) they come in.
Thanks!!
Has anyone ever heard of the lincoln quilt? supposedly made by either his wife or his mother? Would like to know anything about its history. Thanks
For the person who is looking for information on Underground Railroad(Sorry I forgot your name) Look for the show put on by Seven Sisters. "Seven Quilts for Seven Sisters" Is is a group of black sisters who tell of the story of quilts and the underground railroad, history, folk lore etc. They do it with stories and songs. A great show. They were just in Cold Spring Village again this year. They have been doing this all over the New Jersey area, Librarys and gguild meetings. I don't where they will be next, but keep those eyes and ears open.
Always quilting
One stitch at a time
Donna in LEH, NJ
dltquilt@juno.com
I am interested in popular quilt patterns from the 1920's,1930's and 1940's. Please email me with
quilt block names that you may know of. Thank You
for your time. :-)
I am researching info on Underground RR quilts. I am in process of reading "In Plain View" but would to know where I can find info on quilts made by African American women during the civil war. Are there any shows planned in PA, DEL. or NJ area with quilters knowlegable about this subject? Thanks.
Claire, Chalfont, PA
Researching history of African-American quilts. Seeking contact person for Daughters of Dorcas and Sons organization, in Washington D.C., founded by Mrs. Viola Canady.
Many thanks for your help.
S. Cox
I will be teaching 7th grade math this year and my partner will begin the year with Kansas history. So, we are looking for information on the history of quilts/quiltmaking (especially in the midwest) around the 1800's to coordinate a math/history unit. Thank You. Elaine
I have an antique friendship quilt signed and dated by many people from Nashville and Liberty, Tennessee in 1886 and 1887. I am looking for someone to help me track down some of these families and addresses in these towns. Any interest???
Help!!! I'm looking for interesting stories in what women used for templates. Also, unique methods and materials (other than old clothes) used to put together quilts. I can't find any resources that explains what was used before our modern tools were invented. Examples: my grandmother used cardboard templates for the Sunbonnet Sue Pattern. I've heard of using newspaper in quilts and don't know why. I want to use a few ideas for demonstrations at the local quilt show this fall to tie in with the millenium theme. Thank you.
If you are looking for a great site to bookmark for quilt blocks, try this one:
http://home.sprynet.com/~mrmago01/quilting.htm
That is the home page, then go to Block Index.
Well laid out and fun to look at the 188 different blocks!
Meredith in Canada
Hi from rainy Alberta, Canada! Sure hope this rain clears up for our annual Calgary Stampede starting next Friday!
To the query of the Alabama State block, I have the following block book - a must have, IMHO -
The New Quilting and Patchwork Dictionary, by Rhoda Ochser Goldberg, 1988, Crown Publishers, New York.
I picked up my copy on a trip to Montana at the Barnes and Noble Book Store, and it is reasonably priced at $15.00 US.
There are two Alabama blocks shown in this book - one called Alabama and the other Alabama Star Beauty. Unfortunately I do not have a scanner. I did do a search of several block sites on the net, but did not find anything under the title Alabama.
Good hunting!
Meredith in Canada
Hello Quilters, I'm doing this posting for a friend of mine. She is looking for a pattern or templet for the Indian War Bonnet. If anyone has this information would you please contact me at pebo48@aol.com. I would appreciate it.
Thanks
Dear Quilters ~
Is there a historical Alabama state quilt block?
I've not been able to find one, and need it for making
my own antique Alabama quilt.
Thanks - keep stitchin'
J.
Try the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell, MA, for back issues of quilt magazines. When I was there a couple of years ago they had boxes of them and sold them for a quarter per mag. And even if you aren't looking for magazines GO TO THE MUSEUM anyway. That's where I fell for quilting. I had always watched my Mom and her friends quilt, but it wasn't until I went to the museum that I realized: This isn't just sewing. This is part of women's history!
And that is fascinating about the Log Cabin being used in Egypt. I recently bought the Quilt in a Day Log Cabin book, and loved all the different block layouts. I didn't realize it was such a versatile pattern! I learned that the center square is traditionally red to symbolize the hearth of the home. I've been looking all over the web for other historic/traditional info on this block. Anyone got any ideas? Thanks! Gillian.
Hello, I'm new to the List and am excited that I
have finally found a forum for questions, discussions,
etc., on antique quilts and quilt history.
I've been doing some research on the proper way to
store antique quilts, and would appreciate your
suggestions/comments on the following:
1) If stored rolled around a wooden dowel, what
can I use to cover the entire "roll"? Would a
large cotton bedsheet do?
2) If stored folded: how often should I unfold and
refold the quilt to avoid creasing? Since moth
balls should not be used, what commercial products
can be used that will not damage the fabric(s)?
Should the product be wrapped first in a cotton
pouch or cloth to avoid direct contact with the
quilt?
I currently store my antique quilts, folded, inside
individual cotton cases (similar to pillowcases)
inside a linen closet. I have an antique trunk I'd
like to have refinished, and am thinking of later
storing the quilts inside the trunk. Any
suggestions?
Years ago I bought some unfinished crazy-quilt pattern
blocks assembled from pieces of silk, satin, and
brocade fabric. Some of the pieces have frayed,
split, or are stained. (I don't know the date(s)
of the fabric but would guess 1940s-1950s.) I'd
like to have the fabric repaired, the blocks
assembled into one piece, and the finished product
quilted. I'm not sure whether I should try to
repair the pieces myself (I thought I'd use men's
vintage silk ties), especially since I'm not much
of a seamstress.
Should I have the pieces appraised first? Should
the repair work and quilting be done professionally?
Can anyone recommend someone who specializes in
quilt restoration? I would welcome any suggestions
on how to go about repairing these blocks and
finishing the quilt piece.
I am looking for a store or supplier who can help me get the MacPherson tartans in cotton. I have found several who specialize in wool but for quilting purposes, I would like to work with cotton. If any one can help me find them, I would really appreciate it. I want to make a type of hierloom quilt for my family. There are four tartans in all. The tartans are the Dress MacPherson in ancient and modern or the Hunting MacPherson in ancient or modern. I live in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada if that helps the search. Thank you for any help you can give me. Debra.
Hi. THis is my first posting to a chat ever! I just bought a quilt today and was hoping that some of you might have some info on it... It was labelled as made in the 1940's in Oklahoma; A
"children's signature quilt" with both boys' and girls' first and last names embroidered on it with their ages, from 6-12 years old. Each name is embroidered in the central cross of a
14-inch pieced block, made up of 2" squares of solid and patterned fabrics. The prints look forties-ish to me but I'm not expert. The work is slightly crude but it is in good condition, and
it is lovely colors. IT is for a twin bed. The back is solid pink, in good condition. It doesn't look as if it has ever been washed since you can still see the inking on the squares underneath
the names. Can anyone out there tell me anything about this quilt, its possible history, roughly how much it might be worth, did the kids themselves do the work or was it their moms,
etc?? I am very intrigued by it!
I have just inherited a shoe box full of old
fabric and partially completed blocks. Is there a
source (either book or webpage) that would help me
to determine what vintage this fabric and blocks
are? Whoever hand-pieced the blocks did an excellent
job. I'd love to complete the blocks, unless it is
preferable to leave them as is, but I want to go
about it the right way. Any input is much appreciated.
Christine in Canada
This weekend there is a quilt show at Cold Spring Village in Cape May, NJ. There will be Seven Sisters there. It is a group of Black women showing their quilts and telling you about black history and how they were conected to the under ground railroad. Did you know that they never quilted in a straight line? They believed that evil traveles the straight line, so all quilting is done with curves. Just a piece of info I remembered from the last time I saw the show.
Always Quilting
One stitch at a time
Donna in LEH Twp, NJ
dltquilt@juno.com
There's much quilt history at this page:
http://www.quiltersbee.com/qbqhisto.htm
And, as for the Underground Railroad, Hidden in Plain View is very interesting, and it also lists many books in the bibliography that could help.
Belinda
You may want to read Hidden in Plain View. Very interesting story.
A friend of ours is crazy about quilting. she has made the most beautiful quilts for us. The only thing that she doesn't know is the history of quilting.
The question is: can somebody send me a mail describing the history of quilting?
Greetings
Fred
I am looking for hand-quilting designs from
the 1930-40's. Does anyone have any information
as to where I can find them or purchase them? I
want to finish a reproduction Butterfly quilt, and
I am having trouble finding designs.
Thank you!
Can anyone give me resources for a study on the history of quilt patterns being used as signals for escaping slaves on Underground Railroad routes?
The secret drawer is a Kansas Star Pattern.
This is all I could find out about it.
Could not find anything about Rebel Path or Coat of many colors.
I bought a book of 50 quilt blocks for 50 states and was surprised to see the one for Oklahoma. I thought it would be Road to Oklahoma, but it wasn't. Does anyone know the history on the Oklahoma block?
Linda in OK
I would like to know if anyone has any ideas of a fabric company called Vat Colors and when it was produced?
does anyone know anything about an Amish-looking
quilt design that I have heard called Dutch Star?
It looks like a large complex multi-faceted
geometric star, perhaps made up of four identical
blocks rotated and joined together.
Any info and/or pattern would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Nancy McConnell
Ohio star is a very old pattern. Check Barbara Brackman's book Clues in the Calico. I would look for you but I loaned mine out.
I too inherited 2 quilt tops, hand stitched "during the war" by a grandmother I never knew. They were aged and the fabrics are defenitely 30's and 40's. I had a terrible house fire and what wasn't destroyed was smoked and soaked. They weren't burned but stunk and were full of black soot. So - put them inside a pillow case, seperately, put them in my washing machine on delicate with woolite. Tossed them briefly in the dryer on air only and hung them inside over a rack to dry. I pressed them out and they look better than they ever have since I have had them. No distress from the washing, no pulled seams, etc. Now I am more interested than ever in squaring up the sides, adding a border and handquilting them myself (which is what motivated me to take a quilting class 10+ years ago, never got to those!)
I know "purist, quilt conservationist" will be apalled at my method. But - it worked for me!
Good luck!
Am looking for a block pattern and proper set up for what my granny once called "a coat of many colors", or if by chance it's called something else. Anyone's help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Jerry in West Virginia
:-)
Am looking for a block pattern and proper set up for what my granny once called "a coat of many colors", or if by chance it's called something else. Anyone's help will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Jerry in West Virginia
:-)
Looking for "Paddington bears" quilt patterns. If you know of a source, please post or email me. (If this sounds dumb, my wife made me post it).
Does anyone know the history behind or the origins of this block please?
Please Help! We are looking for information and/or patterns for Rebel Path and Secret Drawer quilt blocks. I have been searching the net, but have found nothing. Thanks in advance!
Does anybody know how I can get hold of back issues of Quilt Digest?--I am interested in the articles on quilt history they contain. I have found a very few in the local library but other than that, I've drawn a blank.
Many thanks for your help--
Hi from Canada. I need some help and input from our American quilting friends to the south. I would like to do a Civil War repro quilt (DH is a Civil War buff) and recently picked up several repro prints while on vacation in Montana. I have read that many of the quilts made for the soldiers at the time were very long, up to 7' long and very narrow, so that they could be bedrolled to carry and fit the cots (if they were lucky enough to have them). I also read that they sometimes took larger quilts and cut them into two pieces to give to two desrving soldiers. I have done some research on the net, but as you might appreciate, living in Canada we don't bring in a lot of books about Civil War Quilts, nor the repro fabrics to make them. Are there any block patterns that you know to be representative of the era? The only block that I would think is directly related to the war is Sherman's March, but that's just a guess. Any info would be appreciated.
Meredith in Alberta, Canada
I had a quilt made for me about 35 years ago.
It was done by hand front and back. It's never been used and has been stored in plastic. The only thing that's happened is that it has discolored slightly. Could this be worth something or is it simply an heirloom.
Does anyone know what those "medallions" that people hang over their barn or garage doors are really called? And is there a place to buy them? Thanks.
Where can I acquire high quality photographs of quilts? I would like to look at some on the web and select one for an image on a book cover, for a new book of poems, by the American poet Billy Collins, to be issued in England. Where are the websites with images of quilts from the Shelbourne Museum, or the Museum of American Folk Art, or any other large public collection?
I need info on the history of Robbing Peter To Pay
Paul. I know that there is a variation called
Dolly Madison's Workbox.
I will be in Chicago in August and want to visit Indiana and buy supplies that I have been told are only available in Amish stores.Can anyone tell me the areas where I might find this type of store.Several years ago I saw an all white fabric with preprinting on it that comes from the Amish communities. I have read about Shipshewana and Nappanee, but there is no mention of places to buy materials etc. This is reputed to be an old method or technique. Thank you in advance for your help. Sandy
We are looking for books about quilting history (especially about blocks)to use for articles in our quilting magazine.
Can anyone help?
Elsbeth van Dinther/The Netherlands
HELP!! I am looking for a pattern almost like Sunbonnet Sue EXCEPT her skirt is made with a fan pattern, and she has a shawl and a ribbon bonnet. She is also holding a group of flowers. Please can anyone help?? Thank you Gail
I received some antique quilting stencils and I would like to determine when they were made. The stencils were hole-punched onto paper sheets, 2' by 1 1/2' in size. There are several stencils on each sheet. The stencils are very ornate - some of them look like Battenburg lace. My mom received these 10 years ago from a 85 year old women and these stencils belonged to the woman's mother who was a missionary and was widely traveled. Any help in dating these would be greatly appreciated - also would like to know if it would be worth publishing them so quilters could have authentic stencils for reproduction quilts? Thanks so much for your help, Carmen.
How do you laundry old quilt tops. I have two of my
grandmother's hand pieced tops andwant to finsh and
repair them. They are probably from the 30's or
40's fabric. One has a stain on the white background
and is very lightwieght. Both have been stored in
my cedar chest for some time. Thanks for any help
gwen
I went to the San Jose Museum site, but didn't find anything regarding pattern history or info. Did I miss is somehow. Are there other sites on the net describing the history of quilts and the patterns used. Thanks
Isn't it interesting about the log cabin and pineapple patterns? Has anyone seen any others?
I have seen the Log Cabin pattern used in the mummy
wrappings of cats in ancient Egypt. They also used the
pineapple pattern. These pictures can be found in books
on mummies. It really threw me for a loop when I saw this!!
Tracy in OKC
I am trying to locate any articles on Civil War and quilting for a friend of mine. I am really interested in those I can access via the internet.
Could someone please explain to me about what reproduction fabrics are?
I am fairly new to the Fabric talk and don't know what they are.
Thanks Debra from Texas
Hello. I am interning at the Daughters of the American Revolution in Washington, DC and am working on a quilt exhibition that will focus on the historical precedents for art quilts. I was wondering if anyone knew when (and why) the quilt began to go from being a bed cover to a wall decoration? When did quilts go from being viewed as objects of craft to being viewed as art? (Or is there no difference between art and craft?)
Any information about this topic would be very helpful. Thank you.
-Tiffany RePass
Many have requested information about the history of quilt patterns, etc. There is a wonderful source at the San Jose Museum of Quilting and Textiles in San Jose, CA. They have a web site and I will post the address. It's very informative and perhaps you can find what you're looking for there. Good luck.
http://www.sjquiltmuseum.org
Sondra in Sunny (finally!!!!) California
There are a number of book out regarding the history of various patterns. Check your quilt store or try your library or contact a quilting guild in your area. If you have a specific pattern, maybe we can help you right here. or email me too.
Could someone tell me where on the web I might find info regarding the history of specific quilt patterns? Thanks in advance. BE
Barbara, If you're not going to quilt the quilt, I would suggest squaring up the top with your rotary equipment first. Then find a backing fabric compatible with the fabrics in the top and just back it the same way you would any other quilted quilt, by backing and binding it. If I can help you any further just e-mail me privately and we can work this out for you. Stay in stitches Betty from Pa.
I have a question regarding a vintage quilt top that I've purchased. I would like to know how to go about putting a backing on the quilt top to stop further deterioration of the fabric around tbe edges or please tell me a way to perserve this quilt top.
Thank you kindly for any advice,
Jennifer
I want to make a quilt celebrating the 200th anniversity of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and am looking for pieced quilt patterns representative of 1800 (1803) era. I've looked in Barbara Brackman's book and Northern Comforts but was wondering if there are other resources that would give me additional ideas. I've been collecting reproduction fabrics and would like a scrappy-looking quilt. We have a relative (John Shields) that was on the expedition and the quilt will hopefully become special in the family. Many thanks for your help.
Thank you all for your help. That is the right one. I homeschool my children, and I think quilting is a wonderful way to make history lessons more interesting (and math). We just ordered the book "The Quilt Block History of Pioneer Days" by Cobb, and it sounds like another wonderful historical resource. You're right, we all need to understand how people suffered and dealt with their problems in the past (rather than just learning that "the civil war was from 1861 to 1865" as they teach us in school). If we see that others survived worse situations then we can have the courage to get through our own problems --and perhaps do a little quilting along the way :-)
Belinda in AK
In answer to the questions on the earliest blocks, Check Barbara Brackmans book The Encyclopedia of Pieced Patterns. There are patterns I believe, from 1810- I don't have my
book handy, but any good quilt shop will have it, and probably your public library may have it . A lot of quilt guilds may have it in their library.
Quilting as a whole goes back much further into ancient China and and other cultures, but mostly as a padding for under chain mail and other military costume. If I can be of further help please let me know . Lyn in Sac.
Dresden Plate is an old and very pretty pattern. It is very versatile in the ways it can be put together. It is in "Pieces of the Past" one of my favorit books by Nancy J. Martin from that Patchwork Place. They have a wonderful website that I found thru links from wwqp. You can also find variations of the dresden plate in many books that contain block designs. It does make a great scrap quilt and is a good one to take along and hand piece. stay in stitches
I read this book a few months ago. I was fighting a strange infection that led me to the emergency room more than once. Once I started feeling a bit better I went to the quilt store, purchased some sunny fabrics and started a quilt with a pattern I found in this book (the hourglass/bowtie/pinwheel pattern). I had to guess on the sizes, but making the quilt top (in four days!) did more for healing me than any of the drugs or rest I was ordered to take. I am working on quilting it right now and it lifts my spirits everytime I work on it. Can hardly wait to see what it does for me when I am able to use it. It is my Freedom quilt.
On another note. Does anyone have info on the Dresden Plate pattern? I have always admired it, but i know nothing about it.
Cheryl in Edmonton.
The book "Hidden in Plain View" was also written by Professor Raymond Dobard from Howard University. He was the driving force for the book. It's a well written book. I bought an extra copy and gave it to the Middle School library where my children attend. Our children need to learn as much as they can about the Civil War. I attended parochial schools and just learned about this facet of the Civil War...and I'm well beyond 40!!!! The schools I attended didn't want you to face the suffering, etc., that wars brought. Very sheltered and I'm truly enjoying learning through my children!
I recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as my DD and I have.
Sondra in soggy Calif.
I believe you are looking for this. Hidden in
Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the
Underground Railroad By Jacqueline L Tobin
Does anyone know the name of the book that was recently published about the history of quilts used in the underground railroad? I know I've heard that log cabin quilts with black squares in the center were signs that the house was a stop on the underground railroad, and my daughter and I just read the picture book "Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt", and now she wants to learn more about the use of quilts in this manner. Thanks for any help.
Belinda in AK
Anyone know of a source for the oldest patterns known in quilting? or is there a book which describes the oldest known quilts?
Looking for a source that describes common patterns in 1820s and what materials were used.
Thanks
World Wide Quilting Page * WWQP History Bulletin Board