American Quilt Store Blog

Mimi Dietrich

Fiona — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 03:34:00 GMT

Mimi Dietrich has quilted for over 30 years and has applied her extensive knowledge to write 15 quilt books, teach, and design fabric.   I should further state that she has published 15 quilt books which have sold over 500,000 copies.   Wow.

Here's her website: Mimi Dietrich!

And an image of Ms. Dietrich:

I have at least two of her books ("Quilts: An American Legacy" and "Quilts from the Smithsonian") and I have definitely given these and other books as presents to quilting friends.   Her books are great. For example, in "Quilts: An American Legacy" she presents images of beautiful, historic quilts from the Smithsonian along with her own designs. She then provides quilting instructions on her design. There are a dozen projects in this book! There's also a detailed section entitled Quiltmaking Basics for Patchwork and Appliqué. Great book, great images. The 1849 Jane Barr Quilt and Mid-1800s Appliquéd Quilt are simply beautiful.   The black-eyed susans in the background of her picture reappear in the quilt "Black-Eyed Susans" which is her designed quilt that goes with the Jane Barr Quilt!

Her site includes a Quilt Gallery of images from her books. Here are two images from her site:

"Quilts from the Smithsonian"                                        "Quilts: An American Legacy"

"Chesapeake Rose"                                                      "Wedding Quilt"

I think the "Chesapeake Rose" is absolutely gorgeous.

Ms. Dietrich's site does include an opportunity to buy her in-print and out-of-print (signed!) books along with cds and other items. So, there is a great way to get signed books!

Without question, she has dedicated herself to the Baltimore Album Quilt. She is a founder of the Baltimore Appliqué Society.   She's been teaching Baltimore classes for over 20 years. For anyone interested in these quilts, her book "Baltimore Quilts: Album Quilts from Start to Finish" is a must-have. Actually, anyone interested in appliqué would want her books, too, since her appliqué skill is incredible.

There's a link to the Baltimore Appliqué Society and I highly recommend going to their "What's New" section. In it you will find some wonderful articles and a list of related Baltimore quilts material.

AND, her site includes three free patterns. As it should be, one is a Baltimore! Here's the link:  Free Patterns!

Her site is rounded out by a number of links, notes on lectures and workshops she delivers, and a nice biography.

I hope you visit her site.

Best,

Fiona

Academy of Quilting - Online Classes

Fiona — Sun, 22 Feb 2009 04:37:00 GMT

The Academy of Quilting has only offered online classes since 2008 but its designer, Ruth Blanchet, has a wealth of quilting experience.

Ruth is a quilter, teacher and designer from New Zealand who has been quilting for over 25 years and teaching classes for a decade. In fact, she has been teaching online at Quilt University since 2001 and currently has ten classes listed on their site. Here's a picture of Ruth:

Here's a link to the Academy: Academy of Quilting!

Currently, the Academy has four classes listed online and offers each twice yearly.   Each class may vary in size and price but most are two to four lessons with a price about $9 US per lesson. Her longest class extends to six weeks. Each lesson is scheduled for a week but can be expanded a bit if needed. Ruth only teaches her own designs.

There is one class available for enrollment at this time:   "Mariner's Compass for Circle of Life" (2 lessons, $20, begins March 28, 2009). Another one just closed and will be available for registration again in April: "Getting Started in Quilt Art" (4 lessons, $36, begins May 30, 2009). What I like about her online classes is Ruth will list the essential information before you sign up in the "More Information" section under each class image. This way you'll know exactly how the class will develop and what is required. For example, here's further information regarding Mariner's Compass:   Mariner's Compass!

And, here are examples images for her "Quilt Art" and "Mariner's Compass" class:



There is a Forum where classes can be reviewed and you can interact with other students. Since this is all online, students from the US, Canada, New Zealand (of course!), Australia, South Africa, the UK, Germany, Italy and others have been part of classrooms. What a great way to extend your knowledge of quilting techniques and thoughts!

Ruth includes pictures and procedures for each lesson. She also uses video as a class aid. I think this is brilliant! You can see and hear each task and replay it as needed. I really do think students would appreciate video as an online aid.

You can also see a Gallery of student quilts, including some images from her two recent Christmas classes.

Her class list will expand this year to include technique for appliqué styles, a pieced design, a circular Bargello (I would love to see this one as Ruth has three beautiful Bargello designs at Quilt University), and two more Christmas patterns. She also expects to introduce these two quilts as classes: "Freedom" (a Bargello) and "Simply Sunflowers":



I like this website and think it's direct and easy to navigate. Ruth's images are beautiful and obviously she has the designing, teaching and quilting experience necessary for success!   And, I know she cares about her students and these classes. She logs onto her site throughout the day since she has a number of classes running at any time.

I hope you visit her site. If you do take a class, please post a comment here for others and include images of your quilts, too!

Best,

Fiona

Old Sturbridge Village

Fiona — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 01:35:00 GMT

I found this note on the Old Sturbridge Village site and I thought it applied equally well to students and everyone for this online and onsite village:

"Journey back to the New England of 1790 to 1840 where everyday Americans worked to build a new nation. Explore the rural landscape with historical buildings including mills, shops, homes, meetinghouses, a district school, farms, and nature trails. This was an amazing time in America’s history and your students can be a part of it!"

Old Sturbridge Village is located roughly south of Worcester, Massachusetts. It's a great place and their online material is great, too. Here's the website: Old Sturbridge Village!

If you'd like to see the village, click here: Village Tour! The link will bring you to the village and you can start viewing their grounds. I clicked on Shoe Shop (imagine!) and was astounded by the amount of information available on the next screen. There are over a dozen buildings here and you will definitely find yourself clicking around. I mean, they have a cider mill and a tin shop among others.

For quilters, though, there's a pretty nice link to their 14 online collections: Quilts!   I chose the collection site because you might want to look into one of the other 14 areas online areas as well, such as Childhood or Foodways which include:


"Toy Lamb"                                                "Tea Kettle"

They have a large selection of textiles in their collection. Here are a few images from their 90+ images of quilts online:



"Appliquéd Quilt - Lily" circa 1850-1870                     "Pieced and Stenciled Quilt - Birds and Flowers"
                                                                                                    circa 1820-1850



"Wholecloth Blue Wool Quilt" circa 1780-1820                         "Pieced Red and White Cradle Quilt - Feathered Star Pattern"
                                                                                                                        circa 1860

This site has so much to offer. In their "Explore and Learn" section, they have roughly 30 sub-categories in their graphics area, Recipes from the Past (yes, I'm going to try Raspberry Charlotte), Heirloom Gardening and more. Interested in Washington Cake, Cranberry Sauce, or making candles then try their "Educational Programs".    They also have a Kids Zone with a nice historical FAQ and a bundle of simple (but historic) games.

As great as their site is, I do think this is one of those places that would be lovely to visit. It's grounds are pretty, there's much to do and you can focus on whatever interests you have. They do have an amazing number of activities including Discovery Camps, Crafts at Close Range, historical dinners and cooking instruction, Heirloom Gardening activities and more. It's a truly hands-on, teaching location. Like I referenced at the beginning of this article - I think kids and adults would both enjoy this setting.

Great site, very user friendly.

Best,

Fiona

Vermont Quilt Festival - June, 2008

Fiona — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 02:34:00 GMT

Wow, November was a busy month. Sorry I didn't have a chance to blog. I do have quilt images from three shows that I can upload this month, the first of them are from the Vermont Quilt Festival from June, 2008. I stayed in the dorms and took some classes while wandering around and seeing all the quilts. Great classes and show. Truly, a beautiful setting.

The Vermont Quilt Festival is New Enlgand's oldest and largest quilt show, with an attendance over 11,000. It truly is a wonderful show. This year there were almost 500 quilts on display with many classes for attendees. Each year the show also has a competition so there will always be a selection of similarly themed quilts on display.

This Festival abounds in quilting activities. There's something for everyone best exemplified by a list of their 2008 special exhibits: Hard Times, Fine Quilts; For the Love of Fabric: An Ann Bird Quilt Retrospective; A Class Act; Fabled Fibers: Art Quilt Enchantments; Variety is the Spice of Life; Barbara Olson: Wild Child; The Legacy of Florence Peto; Teacher's Showcase. Wow.

Here's the website for the Festival: Vermont Quilt Festival!

Next year's show will be situated in the same location and about the same dates: from June 19-21, 2009 at the Champlain Valley Expo in Essex Junction, Vermont.

Also, next year will be the first-ever juried show for this festival. 2009 is the 400th year since Samuel de Champlain discovered Lake Champlain. The Festival's website has particulars for those wishing to enter their competition entitled "The Lake We Share: Lake Champlain in History and Imagination."

Here are some pictures I took at the show of the quilts:


C103    "Pineapple Slices" by Jocylene Martel                                 C110    "TGIFF" by Janyce Broude



C111  "My Very Best Favorite Quilt!" by Janet-Lee Santeusanio      C119    "Wandering Ways" by Helen Irwin



C126    "Remembering Rebecca" by Jill Reid                               C127    "Arisen from the Stashes" by Elizabeth Pappius



C207    "Bits of Yesterday" by Linda Gilmartin-Hancock            C302    "Hearts in the Garden" by Wings Fall Quilter's Guild



C506    "Shades of Black and White" by Mindy Fitterman          C510 "Grandma's Christmas Quilt" by Lisa Noordergraaf



C709    "My Secret Garden" by Paula Higgins                                C803    "Exotica" by Molly Waddell



CM7    "By George, It's Amish!" by Sharon Shea Perry                CM14    "Mini New York Moment" by Pat Gaston

T13    "Expanding Star" by Judy Mathieson

The Festival had a selection of quilts on display by notable quilters and instructors such as Judy Mathieson above. I had some other images by John Flynn, Bobbie Aug and others but the images didn't come out well. It's unfortunate because I think you would have liked them.

Also, the Festival has a great link that details all the winners' names and addresses, their quilt title, and the award they won (with images available - just click on the title) at: 2008 Vermont Quilt Festival Awards!

Big Note: Right nearby is the Shelburne Museum, a wonderful museum dedicated to American Folk Art in a beautiful, bucolic setting. I'm amazed I haven't blogged about this museum yet. It's a true gem. I did blog about a wonderful book entitled "Enduring Grace: Quilts from the Shelburne Museum Collection" which shows a portion of this museum's collection. I'll blog about the entire museum in the next month or two.

Best,

Fiona

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Fiona — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 01:00:00 GMT

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has over 100 quilts in their collection but only a portion of their quilts and coverlets online. I have to warn you that this is the easiest online site to get distracted on.

Here's a link to one of their quilt sites: Quilts and Coverlets.

As well as a quilt image and a woven coverlet:

"Album Quilt", circa 1860 "Woven Coverlet", circa 1825

They have about 20 images available at this site, including an autograph quilt, a presentation quilt and a beautiful chintz quilt. You can hover over the images or click on them which leads to detailed descriptions and histories of the work.

In fact, here's another link to their site that includes these images AND a great history of quilting: Quilts!

It's in these articles that the Met's offers its readers the option to read furhter articles on similar topics. For example, clicking on "heyday of quilting" in the first paragraph will bring you to an article on the Arts and Crafts Movement in America. This new article's first paragraph has a link to "textiles imported to Europe from India" which is another great article. At the bottom of each page there are also links to similar topics.

It's endless, really.

The Met has so much available information available to their online readers that it is easy to happily wander around their site for hours.

Interested in 19th Century European Textile Production: Click Here! The Met has it all. Oh, and here's an image called "Bird" by William Morris. Wow!

There is another whole section online, the Antonio Ratti Textile Center, that has textile related material many people would find interesting. Clicking on their "Features and Exhibitions" section will lead you to a 2002 show they had for Candace Wheeler and some images of her 19th century fabrics, such as:

"Hollyhocks", 1876

For fun, there's a Carpet Hunt that includes a Carpet Collage which kids may like to play with. It's really cutting, pasting and colouring some images to make your own carpet. Could be quite fun on a rainy day.

The Met is massive and wonderful. They have so much online that's not just images, it's essays and histories and all the good background information that is so helpful.

Great site. Overwhelming at times but absolutely a treat.

Hope you visit.

Best,

Fiona

American Folk Art Museum - Exclusive Quilt Images!

Fiona — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 04:26:00 GMT

The American Folk Art Museum has an exhibit starting October 21 through March 15, 2009 entitled "Recycling & Resourcefulness: Quilts of the 1930s". The exhibit will include twelve quilts from the International Quilt Study Center & Museum and a number of quilts from the American Folk Art Museum's Collection as well as other items representing this theme.

The quilts include recycled materials - feed and flour sacks and mens ties for example - that quilters used to create their quilts during the depression. You have to admire ingenuity. There is also a rug somehow made out of Wonderbread bags, that I would love to see?! I think this will be a really fun, interesting and informative exhibit, especially for quilters that enjoy the quilts from this period and enjoy carrying on the time honored tradition of making scrap quilts, a personal favorite. I find that there is nothing more fun than looking at a pile of scraps and thinking "What can I make?"

Here's a link directly to their site: Recycling & Resourcefulness.

Courtney at the museum was kind enough to send two **exclusive** images of quilts that will be on display for this show. These images do not appear on the museum's website! I love these two quilts. The graphic design of both are truly outstanding. String quilts and log cabins are both patterns which I love to make as the design possibilities are endless.



String Quilt
Artist unidentified
1920 - 1940
Wool with cotton binding
75 1/4 x 65 in.
Place/Region: Possibly Kentucky
Gift of Jolie Kelter and Michael Malce
Collection of the American Folk Art Museum
1988.26.1
Photo by Gavin Ashworth, New York

Log Cabin Quilt: Courthouse Steps Variation
Samuel Steinberger, 1865-
1890 - 1910
Silk
Frame Dimension: 58 x 69 1/2 in.
Place/Region: New York
Gift of Cyril I. Nelson in honor of Robert Bishop,Director(1977-1991), Museum of American Folk Art
1990.17.8
Photo by Gavin Ashworth, New York

Also, I have included two images from the online link. There are 10 images online in total. Both of these quilts are from the International Quilt Study Center at the University of Nebraska:


"Postage Stamp Quilt", circa 1930, artist unknown              "Britchy Quilt", circa 1940, by Catherine Somerville

I definitely want to mention that this exhibit will be at their branch location at 2 Lincoln Square in New York City. Of course, if you're in New York you may also want to go to their Museum as well at 45 West 53rd Street.

For anyone that can attend this exhibit, please send back a comment with your thoughts. Also, I hope you enjoy the exhibit and their online images!

Thank you.

Best,

Fiona

Daughters of the American Revolution Museum

Fiona — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 01:08:00 GMT

Located in Washington, DC, the Museum for the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) have one of the most expansive collection of quilts in America.   Since DAR was established over a hundred years ago and many of the quilts were dedicated by their members they also have the provenance of the quilts which makes the DAR collection an invaluable draw to historical-minded quilters. The Museum is fortunate enough to have well over 300 quilts and almost as many coverlets in the collection.

Their online museum collection is located at: DAR Museum.

This seems like a great museum that I would like to visit. Their online museum does have links showing many of the collections the museum has to offer, such as their American Indian's Collection, the Presidents' Collection, and others.  I do wish, however, that they offered more images for their online guests. The printed material they present is excellent and interesting but at the end of each article I always wish I could see more of what they have.

The DAR does have a wonderful exhibit on right now: Return to Toyland! From October 3 through February 28, 2009 they will feature late 19th and early 20th century toys from their collection! I think this would be a fun one to visit. Here's an image from their online site - "Jumbo" from about 1904:

The DAR does have a few images from their quilt collection, such as at New Threads: Quilts and Costumes and Home and Country: American Quilts and Samplers in the DAR Museum. Below is an image from this second exhibit, an amazing album quilt called the "The Baltimore Album Quilt Top" from an unknown quilter.

The DAR continues to add to its collection, such as their new 19th century violin and rare and unique manuscript globe. Another recent acquisition is this beautiful 1853 quilt made by Ms. Mary Macubbin Waters:

Their new acquisition article does provide helpful information about this quilt and the quilter: Ms. Waters 1823 Quilt.

Normally, I like to write about museums and how they afford us the opportunity to visit in person and online and view their quilts. The DAR Museum has a unique focus in that I believe they cherish and reflect 18th and 19th century textiles, furniture, toys and many other of their 30,000 objects so many of which come directly from descendants of those involved (in some direct way) with the American Revolution.

They do seem to care about their objects and understand that visitors do want to interact with these items to appreciate them and learn from them. The DAR offered a Quilt Camp this summer for two weeks where children could learn about appliqué and hand quilting and then view the quilts at the museum. What a great concept. For younger children (ages 5-8), they also have a class on finding shapes in quilts.  They offer many programs for children to let them experience folk arts, colonial history, and other interesting things: Educational Programs.

If you're in Washington, I do think you'd like their exhibits. Here's a calendar link in case you're traveling that way: DAR Calendar.

And, for fun, I want to include another quilt image I found on their site, it's called "Key Counterpaine Quilt". Imagine the work involved in creating this:

Best,

Fiona

Quilt University - Online Classes

Fiona — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:48:00 GMT

Maybe you don't live near a quilt store that has classes. Maybe there isn't a quilt show coming up near you. Maybe you'd like to take a class but just can't find the right one? Well...there is a great website for anyone who wishes to take an online quilt class: Quilt University.

Over 20,000 students have taken classes at Quilt University (QU) since 2000 and their website does seem to be very user friendly. Their site offers over 120 online classes. Some of these classes are offered twice a year, some once. The list of their classes beginning in the next few weeks is located Quilt University link above. Each class is identified by name, instructor, skill level, supply list, cost, dates of lessons, and an image and detail of the class's "quilt" goal.

For example, here's a direct link to a new class they're offering by Daphne Greig of Canada: Ripless Paper Piecing. This class begins lessons on October 3, with another lesson on October 10 and then October 17. The class finally closes on November 8. Here's an image from the class:

The QU site has a wonderful student orientation section that explains how the classes work (they range in duration from two to six weeks and cost between $18 and $72). There is a course catalog with lots of helpful information. What I think is really wonderful is that the site offers a class road map to help you decide which classes and in what order you could take them to best develop your skills. Really smart idea.

They have the following class categories: Patchwork & Piecing, Appliqué, Garments & Accessories, Embroidery Modules, Quilting & Surface Embellishment, Dyeing & Painting, Computer-Aided Quilt Design, Pictorial Quilts, Design & Color, Paper & Foundation Piecing, and Other.

AND, they offer you a free, sample class to see if you would like taking an online class. It's called "Border Crossings" and it's a two lesson class. Here it is: Free Online Class! To me, that's a nice offer.

They have over 30 faculty members from all parts of the globe. For example, Helen Marshall of New Zealand teaches three classes, including one entitled "Wheel of Mystery". I did have a great opportunity to spend some time with Ms. Marshall when her "Wheel of Mystery" book came out. She's great. Here's an image of her quilt for this class:

There are so many instructors offering so many classes online at this site. I think readers of this blog would probably also be interested in a class entitled "Jane Was Nuts" by Carol Miller since the class in an outgrowth of the popular book "Dear Jane" by Brenda Papadakis. Here's an image of the quilt for that class:

"Jane Was Nuts" opens on October 3, here's a direct link: Jane. Ms. Miller teaches 12 classes online and was one of the founders of QU!

There's a Student Commons area where students can connect and discuss books, products and classes. They even have a link to the winners of their online student contest that shows a dozen quilts. And there's a whole section of quilt images from students under the Student Gallery section.

This site offers a lot. I think everyone would also like to look into their Library as well since it offers quality information for reference material. They also have a nice FAQ section. And a newsletter!

I think they have a very approachable and very useful website. I do think they offer a great service. I also think they have thought out a great process to not just offer quilting classes but also to build a community (classes, forums, library, newsletters, contests, student images online).

And this is where I think their website truly shines - the community they've built in their Forum sections in the Student Commons. I think anyone thinking about taking classes at QU should take a look at the Student Lounge, Product Review, Book Reviews, Finishing School (for UFOs), and the Dyeing Forum. Everyone interacting there is interested, supportive and involved. The first few threads I read had quilters helping each other from different parts of the world (one thread had a Canadian and an Australian gushing about how great these QU classes were to a quilter in America). Another thread was a discussion about Pigma pens and another about particular threads. I can think of no better confirmation of how good these classes must be than the enthusiasm I read there.

Great site. Great concept.

Best,

Fiona

(Late note: Anyone taking their classes - please post a note here on your experience and I'll put up your comments for our other readers.

Enduring Grace: Quilts from the Shelburne Museum Collection

Fiona — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:32:00 GMT

"Enduring Grace" Quilts from the Shelburne Museum Collection" by Celia Oliver with Froncie Quinn is a wonderful book divided essentially into three sections - historical research, quilts from the museum, and five patterns from the museum collection.

Here's an image of the book:

The first section of the book concerns the founder of the Shelburne Museum, Ms. Electra Fabemeyer Webb. Ms. Webb's passion for collecting make the rest of the book possible. It was her actions that made this museum and its massive collection of quilts, textiles, costumes and so many other decorative items available.

Ms. Oliver continues her book by including so much information in the section "American Quilts in the Home". This is the section that history and quilting buffs will treasure. Chapter headings such as "Textiles in Colonial America", "The Emergence of Block Set Patterns in American Quilts" and "The New Century" are among the 13 chapter titles. This historical perspective is a great read and filled with so many beautiful images of quilts, tables, drawings and other evocative images that help present the subject matter. Details are never left out.

I've just realized that for some reason, my book always opens to the Whole Cloth Petticoat Quilt, Serpentine Rose and Vine Pattern, circa 1780-1800. And this is just one beautiful image among hundreds that appear throughout this book.

Like in it's next section, which I know quilters will love. There are about four dozen images from the Shelburne Museum's quilt collection. Each image is in full colour and includes details particular to each piece. The images are grouped by date and span 1780 to 1950. So many stunning quilts.

But then there's still more!

Froncie Quinn has created five patterns from quilts in the museum collection. The patterns include wonderful instructions, supply information, notes, images and details on how to recreate each quilt. I think this is a great addition to the book and really gets you involved in the collection.

So, a wonderful book stuffed with information and activities. I really think you'll like this one, I've re-read it many times.

Best,

Fiona

Calico Man: The Manny Kopp Fabric Collection

Fiona — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 01:13:00 GMT

"Calico Mann: The Manny Kopp Fabric Collection" by Bobbie Aug and Sharon Newman with Paul Kopp is a wonderful find I believe you will enjoy if you enjoy looking at fabric swatches, especially older ones, as much as I do. Here's an image of the cover:

Mr. Kopp's father, Manny, was a fabric designer, lecturer and collector. He amassed the amazing collection of swatches that are presented in this book under chapters entitled Stripes, Calicos, Indigoes, Leno Weaves, and Poor Brothers' Salesman Samples among others.

There is a touching and informative foreward by Mr. Paul Kopp and then only a few short pages by Ms. Aug and Ms. Newman which provide important historical information on the Kopp swatches. But the book really is concerned with presenting hundreds of historic swatches in a direct and beautiful manner. The book states that there are over 1,300 swatches inside dating from about 1830 to 1925.

There are no projects in this book. Just stacks of swatches, detailed with dates and some notes. This collection must be so wonderful to view.

I keep thinking of the care Mr. Kopp must have taken to have emassed such a collection. It is evident in the notes by his son and so evident in the expansive selection of fabrics in this book.

If you love textile history like I do you will truly appreciate this book.

Best,

Fiona

Barbara Brackman - Fabrics from 1770 - 1970

Fiona — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:32:00 GMT

These two books are out of control! If you care about quilting history and antique/reproduction fabrics you really do need to seek out these two books by Barbara Brackman. To be fair to me, it's difficult to reduce the volume of information available in these two books into a few paragraphs but I'll try.

The first one is entitled: "America's Printed Fabrics: 1770 - 1890", here's an image:

At the outset of this book, Ms. Brackman says that this is an instructional book and it truly is. Beyond the standard issue of introducing and explaining terminology (like blotch ground or roller printing) the book itself is presented as a friendly seminar or course that guides you through fabric and its history in America from the 18th and 19th century.

The book is stuffed with images of fantastic quilts like my favorite, the antique quilt of stars in a zigzag or fence rail set circa 1840 to 1860 (or the Turkey Tracks, or the chintz ones, or...there are honestly many) as well as stereograph images, images from Godey's Lady's Book from 1854 and Harper's Weekly from 1859 - all in the span of two pages! And the writing, of course, is top notch.

There are eight projects available in this book, such as the pretty "Rising Sun" which tie so nicely into the historical information made available in this book.

And then there are the dozens of examples of antique and reproduction fabrics. So many gorgeous fabrics.

So...once you work through this book get ready for the next one: "Making History: Quilts & Fabric from 1890 - 1970". Here's an image:

I'm trying to figure out if I like this new book better than the first book and I can't decide yet. I mean, it has a chapter entitled "Fabric of the Atomic Age". How great is that!

This book includes nine projects such as the lovely "Two-Step". It is also full of so much incredible history, ranging from Patterns in the Mail, to the Colonial Revival and Cold War Era Quilts. If you like the 1930s to 1950s, you'll be as interested in her sections on these fabrics as I am. And then there's the section on the Vienna Workshop which includes an image of the "Textiles of the Wiener Werkstatte" by Angela Volker - another book I'd love for my book shelf.

Of course, the book includes so many antique and reproduction fabrics that it makes it a pleasure to leaf through let alone read through.

Like it's predecessor, this book is well worth a read. Both books cover significant historic events in fabrics and quilting and do so by including so much particular information relayed by presenting the reader with personal stories, memorable images and fabric swatches to illuminate the idea fully.

I highly recommend both for your bookshelf and think you'll enjoy them thoroughly.

Best,

Fiona

Barbara Brackman - Facts & Fabrications

Fiona — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:05:00 GMT

I haven't blogged about books in a little while so I thought I'd present some books by Barbara Brackman that are must haves if you're interested in reproduction fabrics and American quilting history.

The first book "Facts & Fabrications: Unraveling the History of Quilts & Slavery" is a fascinating book that I often look through and reread sections as soon as I've opened the book. I think I read through this book in one sitting but I have gone back to it routinely. Here is an image:

The book includes 20 blocks and eight projects (such as "Beauregard Surrounded" which includes riveting historical notes). The projects includes information on material you'll need as well as substantial instructions as well as optional ideas.

The blocks each show block size and creation method and each includes a historic background. Images are everywhere - pictures, drawings, quotes and other references highlight each block's section and indeed the book as a whole. Titles for the 20 blocks include "Aunt Dinah: A Block to Recall Americanization" and "Catch Me If You Can: A Block to Recall Escape". Each block, of course, is its own mini-project you can make.

There are also images of striking quilts as well, such as the beautiful "Rocky Road to Kansas" made circa 1890 to 1920. By the time you've reached this block, the twentieth, I think you'll appreciate how wonderful this book is and how much historical information is jammed into its pages.

Great book, full of so much history and many projects. I do hope you take a look at it. The edges of mine are well worn through.

Best,

Fiona

Barbara Brackman

Fiona — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 04:00:00 GMT

I thought I would start a new blog category called "Authors Online" and I thought a great way to start would be with Barbara Brackman.

Ms. Brackman is a noted quilt historian, author, and fabric designer. Her name appears extensively in the quilt world.  I did write a blog article about the Spencer Museum of Art's exhibit that she organized as well.

Here's an image of Ms. Brackman:

Her website is quite clean and effective: Barbara Brackman. It's divided into sections that will interest everyone, I believe, especially antique quilt and reproduction fabric fans. Her main page does include current information and a featured quilt with notes.

First, there's the books section that covers her range of books. Unfortunately, some of these books are out of print but there's hope that at least one of them may be reprinted since she is working on updating it. I'll admit to owning almost three-quarters of her book list. I just got hold of the newest one "Making History: Quilt Fabrics from 1890 - 1970" and am avidly reading through it. Personally, I'm holding out for Christmas to see if Christopher finally gets me a copy of "Clues in the Calico" and (or) "Quilts from the Civil War" (I should point out that last Christmas he did give me six really good quilt books). I haven't seen either of these two books up close but I bet they're great. I haven't added books to this blog site for a while so I think I'll write about a couple articles in the next month on some of her books.

Here's an image of her new book "Making History: Quilt Fabrics from 1890 - 1970":

Next, there's a section on her Underground Railroad Club, which I figure many quilters would be quite interested in.  This is a brilliant concept - for one annual payment you're provided Ms. Brackman's monthly patterns, access to related web links, a monthly article by Ms. Brackman, and more. I'm not currently signed up for this Club but I can see my status changing on that one.

AND THEN: She has an online quilt dating game! It's updated most weeks and for those of us who love antique quilts it really is a treat. Again, pretty smart.

Finally, Ms. Brackman has a great section called "Hot Topics" that includes a list with links of antique quilt exhibits across the US. For example, I just found out there's a wonderful exhibit in Hartford that includes the oldest dated pieced quilt in America (the "Anna Tuels" quilt from 1785) and a good number of other antique quilts. It's on from August 30, 2008 to January 25, 2009. I do plan to go to this exhibit and they do allow natural light photography so I'll take some photos and post a blog article for everyone. There are about a dozen exhibits and lectures listed on this page as well as the answers to the quilt dating game.

So, a great site through and through - informative, helpful and fun. If you're traveling within or to the US, you might want to double-check her site to see if there are any shows where you're going.

I hope you visit her site.

Best,

Fiona

Spencer Museum of Art

Fiona — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 02:45:00 GMT

I wish I had blogged about this one earlier this year: the Spencer Museum of Art has an exhibit entitled "Quilts: Flora Botanica" on this year from July 12 to October 12. This themed exhibit targets the generation and genesis of patchwork patterns. The museum is located in Lawrence, Kansas - right between Kansas City and Topeka.

The exhibit includes 30 quilts, chosen by Barbara Brackman in collaboration with Susan Earle, the museum's curator of European and American Art. Ms. Brackman is the museum's honorary curator of quilts. Additional items from the museum are included in the exhibit illustrating the context in which the quilt was made.

In addition, the exhibit has included work by local quilters and a pair of quilts by Rose Kretsinger - a Quilter's Hall of Fame inductee. Ms. Kretsinger's quilts are absolutely stunning and true treasures. For example, one of her quilts was selected to be in the 100 Best American Quilts of the 20th Century. I believe the Spencer has twelve of her quilts!

Here's the link to their exhibit: Quilts: Flora Botanica.

As well as one image from the four available online:

Christina Hays Malcom, "Sunflower Quilt", c. 1820

Bill Woodard at the museum allowed me to show the images but I am only showing one because I think everyone would really appreciate the other three that are there. I love the quilt above, it's beautiful. One of the four quilts online is a Rose Kretsinger quilt. I figure that will encourage everyone to click to the museum's site. That quilt, and the other two, are stunning as well. You'll need to click on the small images to have a large image appear, complete with some history on this quilt.

Mr. Woodard also informed me that Ms. Brackman's July talk was so well attended that she will hold another Gallery Talk on September 11 at 5:30 in the Kress Gallery. I would go in a second if I were in town so if you do attend I think you'll really enjoy it (and are quite lucky!). Anyone that attends, please feel free to send a comment back to this article for everyone else.

This looks to be a really smart exhibit. Great theme, wonderful quilts. You'll see on the link that the museum has a number of simultaneous talks and demonstrations in collaboration with this event.

The museum's site is also well laid out and easy to navigate, I recommend you roam around it. I did find another quilt show from 2005 that you may also be interested in: Quilts: A Thread of Modernism. Two quilt images are available at this location.

Hope you enjoy their site!

Best,

Fiona

The American Folk Art Museum

Fiona — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 03:21:00 GMT

I think you'll enjoy the website for the American Folk Art Museum because it has so much information not only about quilting but about American Folk Art, a wonderful source of inspiration and appreciation. What is folk art? I'll include a link to their site that explains it so well: Folk Art Explanation.

I'd like to also point out that they are located in New York City in a great building. The building itself has won a number of architectural awards since 2001 including Best Building in the World awards. Talk about commitment!

They do have many quilts available to view online as part of their past, present and future exhibits information. Each section online provides helpful information on the topic along with the quilt images. Clicking on their online images will allow a larger picture to pop-up with quilt specific details.

NOTE: All images appear from the collection of the American Folk Art Museum.

"A Legacy in Quilts: Cyril Irwin Nelson's Final Gifts to the American Folk Art Museum", an exhibit that just ended in February, 2008 (click for A Legacy in Quilt Link). Mr. Nelson was a trustee of the museum and developed a wonderful collection of quilts. Really, really wish I had attended this exhibit. Only ten of these beautiful quilts are currently available for viewing online, such as:


"Nine Patch Variation Quilt", Artist Unknown, c. 1835        "Holly Hocks Quilt", by Eva G. Rex, 1944

Another exhibit entitled "Midwestern Amish Quilts" (Amish Quilts) ended in July, 2009. I do think so many of the Amish quilts are striking in their use of color and presentation. I would love to spend time in Ohio and Pennsylvania just to travel around and see all the different, smaller museums and stores that aren't online. Image what's out there.... This exhibit by the American Folk Art Museum must have been beautiful and a true treat to attend. Here are a few of the seven examples available for viewing online:


"Ocean Waves Variation Quilt", Artist Unknown, c. 1920        "Sailboats Quilt", by Amanda Lehman, c. 1960

And then they had this great exhibit they simply called "Blue" (Blue Link) back in 2005. This exhibit presented various folk art pieces from the eighteenth century through the present day, including quilts. This would have been another thoughtful and bright exhibit to attend, I really wish I had been able to attend this one. The link does include a few quilt images, like the one below which is so beautiful:

"Reflection", by Kathyanne White, 2001

My mother would have loved this exhibit.

The Museum has the image and story of the 9/11 National Tribute Quilt but if you want to see the quilt in person it's located not in their museum but in their branch location at 2 Lincoln Square. The quilt includes blocks from all 50 states as well as a number of countries and measures 8 feet by 30 feet. It has 3,466 blocks and the museum provides further details about this memorable quilt (9/11 National Tribute Quilt).

Looking to the future, they do have an exhibit that begins on October 21, 2008 through March 15, 2009 that I know I will put every effort at attending: Recycling and Resourcefulness: Quilts of the 1930s. A dozen quilts will be on view from the International Quilt Study Center & Museum (previously blogged about, thank you!) that will showcase innovative quilts, such as:

"Hexagons Quilt", Artist Unidentified, c. 1935

The reason I'm rather convinced we'll go to this one is the Museum has a Mark Rothko exhibit on at the same time and he's one of the few painters that Christopher really likes. So, I'm hoping a trip to New York City during the winter is in the works!

I think this museum has a wonderful website and they are active in presenting their material online. They really seem to care about their subject matter and I think it shows. They do seem to present new, varied exhibits often.

AND, great news: Courtney at the museum notified me that they are working to have ALL of their quilts available for viewing online! As soon as I hear that this has been accomplished (no small feat) I will update the blog for everyone.

Hope you visit their site: American Folk Art Museum. They have so much interesting and well presented material - and not just on quilting! Also, hope you visit them in person if you're in NYC.

Best,

Fiona

City & Guilds - Popular Patchwork

Fiona — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:58:00 GMT

Popular Patchwork has a very extensive online collection of quilting articles and ideas. They have projects, blocks, events, techniques and so many other categories and constantly add to their articles.

A trip to their site is well worth a visit: Popular Patchwork.

I thought I would link you to three of their online articles about City & Guilds coursework over the past few years. What I liked about each article was how the writers offered their ideas and tips while also noting that the student in a City & Guilds course would also have to work directly with their tutors.

1. What a Bind! by Davina Thomas

Davina reviews different corners and bindings for the completion of a quilt: mitred, butted or rounded corners and straight cut binding vs. bias cut binding among other items. Great directions. Here's a couple of images from the linked page to give you an idea of the topic:

Figure 4: Making a long strip of bias binding

2.  Foundation Piecing by Pauline Lindsay

    A great article on foundation piecing including tips on construction, materials, and designing your own blocks. The article includes a number of great ideas and direction on the benefits of foundation piecing. Here's an image from the article:

After Sun by Gaynor Messenger.                                                        Figure 1 Foundation pattern - back of block

3.  Machine Quilting by Davina Thomas

    Davina Thomas writes about machine quilting including machine fed quilting and free machine quilting. She includes many tips including tips on techniques and using free quilting. Here's an image from the article:

Jane Munns quilt Beach Huts uses free machine quilting for the background of each block

These Popular Patchwork articles also ended with a general review of the City & Guilds classes that I think is quite informative:

"City & Guilds is possibly the best qualification a quilter can obtain. Awards are offered at a range of levels from introductory to advanced and each level will enable you to work on and develop your skills. There are four qualifications at four different levels. Level 1 is a thirty hour course 7722, and has two modules. If you are ready to go beyond the basics, Level 2 courses 7822/7823 are ideal. This certificate consists of two units working across a range of media including patchwork and quilting. The certificate takes 120 hours to complete - usually one class per week for one year. If you're starting out at Level 3 on courses 7922/7923, you'll be expected to make more demanding items as well as develop your skills in observation, recording and research. You'll have the opportunity to explore new techniques and innovative ideas. One design unit and one craft unit must be completed. This normally takes two years part time study to complete. To learn more about the City & Guilds P&Q course, call 020 7294 2800. Alternatively, visit the website City & Guilds"

Hope you find each of these articles as interesting and informative as I do.

Best,

Fiona

City & Guilds - WS Touchbase

Fiona — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 02:21:00 GMT

There are many quilting and patchwork classes available at local shops and at quilt shows. I thought I would start a blog section regarding classes available online since not everyone can get to the shows or have a shop nearby.

The first one I'll blog about is an online course offered by Chris Hammacott of WS Touchbase.

I met Chris in Malvern this past May and she was enthusiastic about quilting and teaching. She has taught textile courses for over 29 years and is a City & Guild tutor. In fact, her stumpwork course was the first City & Guilds stumpwork course to be offered by distance learning.

Here's a picture of Chris at work:

I should have taken a picture of her at her stand at Malvern, as well. I will next time so you can see her work. It's obviously quite good because she has been asked to design a range of whole cloth quilting kits for the National Museum of Wales this year!

Here's a link to her website: WS Touchbase.

Her website offers a number of online City & Guild courses on the following topics: embroidery, stumpwork embroidery, machine embroidery, silk painting, and patchwork & quilting. There are a number of levels available for each course.

Each level is divided into a number of modules and each module costs £90 (though there are discounts when you purchase a section of modules at once). Modules can be completed on your schedule so if you find yourself busy you can complete the modules at a slow pace. Or, if you're really interested in the subject and have the time you can complete each one quickly. Chris said one of her students recently completed a full course in record time (a few months if I remember correctly) because they were so driven. Other folks take years if they want a slower pace.

Like all good sites, Chris's includes her profile, a FAQ, and a good number of images that show pertinent information. There is also a guide to basic crochet by her friend Carol Reynolds available.

Hope you visit her site.

Best,

Fiona

Museum of Florida History

Fiona — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 00:31:00 GMT

The Museum of Florida History is located in Tallahassee, in case your travels take you in that direction. They have compiled a list of over 5,000 quilts created in Florida but they don't have all 5,000 quilts available online - image if they did!

They do, however, have about two dozen quilts available online at:  Museum of Florida History. They include information on these quilts including quilt type and maker, size, color selection, date of creation and other details (like the Chandler-Davis citrus packing house crew of Lakeland, Florida made a Friendship Quilt in 1938). And Lakeland's a great place, right next to famous Polk City, Florida.

Here are a few of their online quilts:

Hearts and Gizzards patten (c. 1907)            Trenton Block Variation (c 1920-29)                            Rob Peter to Pay Paul (1928)

Their online quilts range from about 1830 to 2000.

Pretty good site, I hope you visit. Also, the site does have many easy links to other parts of the museum which includes so much great history on Florida. Well worth a look through if you're going to visit.

AND, if you are visiting I should mention that the Lisa Barton at the museum notified me of the following:  Their upcoming 27th Annual Capital City Quilt Show: Through the Looking Glass. The annual quilt show features beautifully crafted quilts from members of Quilters Unlimited of Tallahassee. Visitors can qualify for a chance to win the "opportunity quilt" which is given away at the close of the exhibit or bid on silent auction items throughout the run of the exhibit. Museum Main Gallery, free. The dates of the exhibition are August 28 - November 9, 2008.

So, there's a free quilt show in Florida for late summer and through the fall 2008. Travel and quilting. Pretty good to me.

Best,

Fiona

The Louisiana Quilt Documentation Project

Fiona — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 05:05:00 GMT

If you're interested in quilts, quilt histories and an incredible and interactive website I have found a site that you'll love. To me, this is a great rainy day site - trust me, you will wander this site for some time because there is so much material and quilt information here. Okay, maybe not just for rainy days but you will want to dedicate time for this one.

Thermos of tea ready? Check. Stack of shortbread cookies? Check. Okay:

The website reflects historical information on quilts and spans centuries of quilting. The project includes reasearch work done in 1987 through 1990 as well as their recent quilt research. They have over 2300 quilts available for viewing online reflecting decades (centuries, really) of quilts! FYI: They use the Brackman numbering method for their quilts.

But this site isn't just about the massive amounts of viewable quilts. They go into detail about their program, their research, and offer links and information about viewing and preserving quilts. Their section on About Quilts is a must-read.

AND they have three incredible sections in their "Features" area entitled:

1.    Maggie Skipwith Smith (12/12/1874-2/16/1957)
2.    African-American Quiltmakers in North Louisiana: A Photographic Essay
3.    The Fabric of Family: Preserving the Parker Family's Quilting Heritage

Just as an example, the Maggie Skipwith Smith article details the quilter's incredible ability to craft a quilt of 7,820 pieces! When you read the article I think you'll be as amazed as I was. Here's an image of her amazing quilt:

So, if you are interested in perusing their massive online database you can Search Quilts and look at the entire catalogue (that grows routinely) or put in specific information. I typed in 1900 +5 years and was afforded about 75 quilts to look at including Dresden Plates, Irish Chains, Wedding Rings, Lone Stars and many others.

Here are some I picked to show you, you can click on the image for a larger view and details on the quilts:



Over 500 quilts came up when I typed in 1930 +5 years. What a database!

I believe you'll enjoy their website. Here's the link: The Louisiana Quilt Documentation Project.

I should also point you to their Resources section that includes a number of great articles. The one thread that definitely runs through this site is Dr. Susan Roach. Her articles are great and I think you'll appreciate the information she makes available.

Best,

Fiona

The Wade Hall Collection at the University of Kentucky

Fiona — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:32:00 GMT

I think I found online one of those wonderful sites you don't expect and would love to find in person. The Wade Hall Collection at the University of Kentucky has over 100 quilts and displays about 65 of them at any given time.

Dr. Hall collected these quilts over thirty years, all from within 100 miles of his location. Most of them are from the Ohio River Valley so the quilts reflect a regional and historic setting.

I have a few examples of these quilts:



"Circle of Heats" circa 1940                                                    "Grandmother's Flower Garden" circa 1930



"Strip Hexagon" circa 1930                                                                "Blue Basket" circa 1930

I really would love to spend an afternoon in this museum. They have a good number of quilts online and each one can be clicked on for a bigger version for viewing.

They also provide some details on the quilts and a history of the museum as well.

Even though I showed four quilts from about 1930 some of the quilts online date back to about 1850.

Here's a link to their site: The Wade Hall Collection.

Great site. Hope you visit.

Best,

Fiona