Patricia Cummings, just before her talk on August 3, 2007 at the Billings Farm & Museum in Woodstock, VT. She spoke about antique needlework in her collection, done in Outline Stitch embroidery.  photo by James Cummings

Patricia Cummings is an EGA (nationally) "certified master craftsman in quilting," as well as a  long-time quilter who has taught quilting. She is a well-published writer, in many venues, including her own books, magazines, and newspapers. She has had a column titled, "Pieces of the Past" in The Quilter magazine, since 1999. In February (2007) her work appeared, for the second time, in Material Facts, a magazine published by the Queensland Quilters, Inc. in Australia. The article, now online, is called, "Happiness."

Please scroll down the page to see a list of Pat's published articles and books.

A Much Abbreviated Artist's Statement

I enjoy designing and making quilts although, at the moment, I take great delight in researching and writing about textiles. My husband, Jim, and I like to attend (and photograph) quilt shows. We like to visit bookstores, antiques stores, and we live in an antique home, built in 1821. We enjoy old things, probably a good reason why we are still crazy about each other. No doubt, the reader will find lots of "pieces of the past," both verbal and visual, on this website.

Education and Experience

Patricia Lynne Grace Cummings, graduated from the University of New Hampshire, with honors. She was awarded a B.A. degree in Spanish, having earned 48 credits in her major, whereas only 32 credits were needed to fulfill requirements. Her minor course of study was Education.

In 1972-73, she studied at a small Catholic university, the University of Navarra, nestled in the rainy mountains of Pamplona, Spain, where she took courses in the History of Spanish Art and Spanish Architecture, and German, and earned a certificate of sobresaliente (A+) for her work.

At UNH, her undergraduate work included courses in the History of Latin America, as well as a graduate level course about the History of Spain, taken as an undergraduate. Pat has done graduate work in Education, and has also taken a distance learning class, "History of Quilts" at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

On the night that Pat was inducted into Sigma Delta Pi, the national collegiate society to honor Spanish scholars, she had the privilege to meet Jorge Luis Borges, a famous writer from Argentina who flew in from Argentina for this special occasion.

Before becoming a full time studio quilter, and a professional writer on topics of quilt history, she taught Spanish at the college level, and substitute taught in grades K-12. She has taught many classes in quilting techniques for guilds and Community Education, and has provided talks for groups. In the year 2000, after nine years of working toward the goal, she was certified by the Embroiderers' Guild of America as a "master craftsman in quilting."

In addition to being a prolific quiltmaker, Pat has written seven books, and countless articles for publication in magazines, newspapers, newsletters, and for this website. Quite often, she networks with others who are interested in the history of textiles and provides guidance and research assistance. She maintains two yahoo groups, one for people who are interested in quilt history, and the other for those who enjoy outline stitch embroidery.

FAMILY FILES

File with photos of Pat's late father and late mother, as well as a picture of some of their descendants at the grand opening of the exhibit about the late John E. Grace, founder of Utility Workers Credit Union, now renamed, Granite State Credit Union, at America's Credit Union Museum, Notre Dame Ave., Manchester, New Hampshire. The exhibit is based on  a book written by Pat to honor her Dad's life and his work.

File devoted to Pat's husband:  Jim Cummings

 QUILT HISTORY ARTICLES

prepared for The Quilter magazine, formerly called Traditional Quilter, www.thequiltermag.com

plus a few featured design projects by Patricia Cummings
James Cummings, photographer

The magazine issues listed below are in descending order, from the most recent one to the first, 2008 to 1999.

November 2008 - Finished and ready for the printer!

September 2008 - available July 15 - The Amazing Quilt Charts of Ellen E. Webster. 92-96. Our 59th article published in The Quilter magazine. www.thequiltermag.com

July 2008 - Quilts of the Matthew Harvey Homestead and Muster Field Farm Museum. 82-86.

May 2008 - This is New Hampshire! Four Generations of Needlework from the Lewis Collection. 92-96.

Cheater Cloth:  A Long Standing Tradition, March 2008, 40-43.

World War II Sweetheart Pillows, January 2008, 92-95.

War and Remembrance: A Christmas Pillow from World War II, Holiday Issue 2007, 94-97.

Bluework: Classic Expressions in Blue: Part 2,  November 2007, 110-113.

Bluework: Classic Expressions in Blue Thread, September 2007, 88-92.

Bundling: A Courtship Ritual with Ancient Roots, July 2007, 86-88.

World Quilt Show- New England 2006, Review of an International Quilt Show sponsored by the Mancuso Brothers. May 2007, 94-97.

A Place in the Land: The Billings Farm & Museum, This article is about a working farm in Vermont that doubles as a history museum for agricultural implements and which has ongoing educational programs and an 1890 farmhouse. In addition, there is an annual quilt exhibit. March 2007, 68-71.

After the Taliban: An Embroiderer's Life in Afghanistan / Helping the Women of Afghanistan - Rubia: An International Outreach Project, January 2007, 52-55.  Read this article online

Little Tree Skirt, a Christmas decoration designed by Pat Cummings, perfect for apartment dwellers who do not wish to have a large tree, or for hospitals, etc. Holiday 2006 issue, 92-94.

Simple Gifts: The Shakers in America, November 2006, 88-92.

In Praise of Miniature Quilts, September 2006 issue,
82-85.

Kewpie Dolls and Needlework: A Fascinating Link, excerpt from Redwork Embroidery and Needlework Traditions in Europe and America, a book by Patricia Lynne Grace Cummings, (Concord, NH: Quilter's Muse Publications, 2006), July 2006, 70-72.

Toile de Jouy, (a study of the history of this type of fabric), May 2006, 78-81.

A Tour of Storrowton Village, March 2006, 70-74.

Craft Adventure 2005, January 2006, 76-78.

Presidents, Parties, and Politics Celebrated in Quilt Blocks, Nov. 2005, 68-71.

Real or Fake? Guidelines for Purchasing Authentic American Antique Quilts, September 2005, 82-85.

Exploring New England’s History: Quilts at the Remick Country Doctor Museum and Farm, July 2005, 54-58

An Old Sturbridge Village Quilting Party - May 2005, 102-105.

Quilts and Needlework with a Political Association, part 2,
March 2005, 84-88.

Making a Difference, One Quilt at a Time, Home of the Brave Quilts, January 2005, 27.

Martha Washington’s Needlework- January 2005, 74-77.

Stocking Tales: Christmas story and stocking Pat designed using Shadow Appliqué, 78-79; Directions: 80-81. Holiday Issue, 2004.

Molas: Indigenous Wearable Art of the Kuna Indians,
November 2004, 86-90.

An American Quilt Myth: The Secret Quilt Code of the Underground Railroad, September 2004, 72-75.

Willimantic and Sharon: Textile Tales of Old Connecticut,
July 2004, 96-100.

Gunboat Quilts, May 2004, 82-84.

Quilt Block Tributes to Our Ninth President:  
William Henry Harrison, March 2004, 92-95.

The Mill Girls of “Spindle City, January 2004, 74-78.

Gifts from the Heart (Crazy Quilt Miniatures), Christmas 2003,  80-82.

Blocks Inspired by the Bible: Part II, November 2003, 112-114.

Blocks Inspired by the Bible: Part I, September 2003, 68-70.

Victorian Trade Cards, July 2003, 98-102.

A Visit to Portsmouth: the Antique Quilts of Strawbery Banke Museum
May 2003, 62-66. (correct spelling of museum name)

Unfinished Quilt Tops and Blocks, March 2003, 70-74.

Coverlets from the 30s, January 2003, 64-67.

“Hot” Collectibles: Antique Irons, Winter 2003, 66-68.

Redwork: Something Old is New Again, November 2002, 96-99.

Feedsack Phenomena, September 2002, 64-67.

North Carolina Lily Quilt, July 2002, 84-85.

Louisiana Commemorative Crazy Quilt Block, May 2002,
36-39.

The Gossips: A Nineteenth Century Enigma, March 2002,
76-79.

Crazy Quilts in America, November 2001, 78-81.

Unraveling a Mystery: The Sarah Nunn McCrea Quilt,
September 2001, 64-67.

Antique Faux Doll Bed Quilt, July 2001, 62-64.

Little Yo-Yos, May 2001, 68-69.

A Master Craftsman’s Journey, May 2001, 60-62.

Jacobean-Style Table Runner, March 2001, 66-68.

Hexagon Charm Quilt, November 2000, 18-21.

Dresden Plate Doily, September 2000, 60-61.

Gay 1890s Mini, July 2000, 50-51.

Anvil Variation, May 2000, 56-57.

Covered Bridge in the Winter - Fabric Postcard, March 2000, 14-16.

Acorn and Oak Leaf Block, January 2000, 60-61.

#1 - Classic Quilt Blocks: T Blocks Revisited, September 1999, 46-48.

The Quilter magazine is published by All-American Crafts, Inc. and is sold at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Walmart, grocery stores, and discerning quilt shops. To subscribe, visit: www.thequiltermag.com or call (800) 940-6593, (U.S. phone lines only).

Fabric Trends magazine -

The Spring 2008 issue of Fabric Trends magazine featured an article, "A Brief History of Paisley" by Patricia Cummings.

Books by Patricia Lynne Grace Cummings

Four of the following quilt or needlework books have been uploaded to our website. Those with a * in front of their names are now available as free e-books, online.

*Just for Fun Redwork Book, (Redwork patterns). (2003) Now available online.

*Straight Talk About Quilt Care: Display, Cleaning, and Storage of New and Antique Quilts and Needlework. (2005) - now available online, with updated text and larger photos.

*Emma's Quilt, (Antique Redwork patterns). (2003)

*Redwork Embroidery and Needlework Traditions in Europe and America. (2006)

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Not Available Online

Redwork Renaissance: 49 Designs from an 1893 Coverlet, Third Edition, (2006). Individual copies available by special request. $24.95, personal check or Paypal payment, in U.S. dollars, shipped to U.S. addresses only. For more information, write to:  pat@quiltersmuse.com

Profile of the Life and Times of John E. Grace, Credit Union Founder and Organizer. (2006)  This book resulted in a museum exhibit.

In addition, Patricia compiled an unpublished report about the quilts of the New Hampshire Historical Society entitled Quilts of the NH Historical Society: A Study, 1993-94 (This was intended for Curator use only; copyrighted, but not published).

Our Articles and Photos Published by Other Publications

Additional articles of ours that have been published or reprinted in newspapers and magazines, besides The Quilter, include:

Fabric Trends (2008):  "A Brief History of Paisley" - Spring edition

Country Handcrafts (1994)

Miniature Quilts magazine

Material Facts magazine (Australia) - twice (2006, 2007)

NeedleArts magazine

A newspaper in Sherbrooke, Canada

In the $100,000. Quilting Challenge magazine (2007)

and in The Citizen's Companion, a living history/Civil War magazine tailored to civilian reenactors, ("Gunboat Quilts" - June/July 2007, 25-28, with photos of Civil War Era quilts, not Gunboat Quilts, provided by Barbara Brackman.)

An Op-Ed. article that Pat wrote was published in the New Hampshire Union Leader newspaper. (2006)

An interview with Pat was published in Needle News: A Publication for Book Loving Needlework Enthusiasts, Volume 10, Issue 2, Summer 2007, 6-7, and one of Pat's book reviews appears on page 11.

Pat's writings and Jim's photos consistently have been published in UnRavel the Gavel newspaper, and in The Appliqué Society Newsletter.

In addition, we have served as consultants to others who are engaged in writing books, newspaper and magazine articles, and/or scholarly papers. Our advice was sought for a DAR publication titled, "Home and Country," and for a booklet about feedsack cloth written by Darlene Zimmerman.

We are frequently contacted for use of Jim's photo images, some of which have appeared on other history sites, online, and in the book, Vintage Fabrics by Joan Kiplinger.

One of Jim's photos recently has been published in a new book title, Quilting for Embroiderers, by Country Bumpkins in Australia, to be available in May 2008.

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Come Back Soon

Jim and I both hope that you thoroughly enjoy the diversity of our website, that you learn much, and come back often. We strive to provide quality content. Thanks for visiting!

~Patricia and James Cummings~

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