Stitchbook: Histoire du Boutis Provencal

September 2nd, 2010

We just received this newsletter notice from Stitchbook, a French magazine. They sent us some separate photos of stuffed and corded quilting, seen below. For those who speak French, I will include the message in that language. The translator device does not quite capture the intent of the message.

stitchbook logo

Bonjour

Septembre est déjà là, synonyme de rentrée, mais aussi de belles journées ensoleillées, de déjeuners sur l’herbe et de longues balades en forêt pour la cueillette des champignons et des mûres?

C’est également le temps des confitures qui ensoleilleront les petits déjeuners d’hiver et réjouiront les gourmands?
Alors pourquoi ne pas habiller joliment les pots, et broder sur le thème du verger, un joli cache couvercle en lin ?
Ce mois ci, notre dossier magazine vous emmène à la découverte du boutis provençal? cet art séculaire, tout en finesse, à la blancheur épurée, qui parait il n’y a pas si longtemps encore, les corsages et les trousseaux des jolies provençales. Vous deviendrez incollable sur son histoire et ses différentes techniques.
Notre rubrique bibliographie se met au diapason et vous propose une sélection d’ouvrages uniquement dédiés à la broderie blanche.
Et comme chaque mois, retrouvez toutes les dates des salons les plus proches de chez vous, notre sélection hebdomadaires des blogs « coup de c?ur » mettant à l’honneur vos talents créatifs, le nom de la gagnante du Top3 et bien sûr toujours plus de news sur l’actualité du fil.

Toute l’équipe vous souhaite une très bonne rentrée et de jolis moments créatifs.

Cordialement,

L’équipe Stitchbook

www.stitchbook.fr
http://www.stitchbook.fr/newsletter/html/images/b002.JPG

whitework in a hoop

This is an image of “whitework” being done in a hoop

cording

Long, straight lines become three dimensional when a piece of yarn is inserted into quilted channels with a long needle. This is called “corded quilting.”

A portion of a quilt and pillow covers that have been stuffed and corded

An image of a quilt and pillow covers that have been stuffed and corded

quilting bee

From the other photos I viewed, I gather that these ladies are having a quilting bee to re-create the antique treasure referred to simply as the “Tristan” quilt. This quilt is recently displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England, and is Europe’s oldest quilt.

We appreciate the chance to see these photos and share them with our readers. There is never a dull moment as quilters around the world pick up their needles to engage in this art that draws up closer together and breaks down the barriers of distance and language. To me, this is an incentive to further explore foreign language studies.

Please visit a file about this type of quilting that we set up several years ago:

http://www.quiltersmuse.com/wholecloth_quilts2.htm

My best,

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Still More Words on Quilts: Sarah Smith

September 2nd, 2010

Sarah Smith quilt

The 17″ x 19″ quilt shown above is an example of a quilt that features a written poem on its surface. The poem was composed by a 4th grade student who happens to be the son of quilt artist, Sarah Smith of Maine.

Ancient Earth

by Eli Smith

(copyrighted 2008)

Tracks in the mud carry ancient history
Throughout the water of grizzly man
The tracks hold the hidden secrets of the ancient world
Treasures from beyond the beyond
The riches that time has forgotten
Ancient worlds lost in time forever

Sarah likes to include words on her quilts often.

Sarah Smith’s book, Thread Work Unraveled, is in its second printing:

To view more of Sarah’s inspired work, please visit her website: http://www.sarahannsmith.com Many thanks to Sarah for making up aware of her quilts!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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14th Annual Quilting Weekend Oct. 29-31 at Frost Valley Y

September 1st, 2010

PRESS RELEASE

Frost Valley Y
For Children, Families & Groups
2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville, NY 12725
(845) 985-2291 www.frostvalley.org

Claryville, NY— ­ Frost Valley Y will host its 14th annual Fall Quilting Weekend from Friday through Sunday, Oct. 29-31, 2010.

This popular program offers opportunities for quilters of every ability level. Five of the region’s foremost quilting experts will lead workshops.

Kathleen Davies’ class it titled “Chop Suey.” This workshop is suitable for the advanced beginner. Participants will create a project by piecing small blocks that appear complicated, but aren’t. The end result is a quilt top made to any desired size.

Longtime Frost Valley instructor, Kris Driessen, will demonstrate how “Two Table Runners Teach Timeless Techniques.” Quilters will concentrate on perfecting basic quilting techniques and learning new ones while making small projects. Group members will make two table runners, a forget-me-not carryall and a tea tote.

“Super Star” is the workshop taught by Susan Jungerheld. Participants will create a Carpenter’s Star pattern that appears complicated, but is very do-able, making it a great project for both beginner and advanced quilters. Basic quilting skills will be reviewed during this class.

Katharina Litchman¹s workshop is dubbed “Two for One!” In this fun project, a table runner (or smaller) will be created and should be close to completion during the workshop. The front and back of the project will be worked on simultaneously, yet have very different appearances. This class is appropriate for all skill levels.

“Quilted Holiday Projects” will be the focus of Sherry Sega’s class. Participants can jump-start their holiday sewing with three easy weekend projects. A quilted tree skirt of table-topper can be made for any size tree or table. A folded star and scrappy lighted garland will also be created. These are easy project and they make great gifts.

Quilt Weekend visitors have the opportunity to sign up for workshops, in their order of preference. The slots will be filled in the order that reservations are received.

Quilters are welcome to spend the weekend at Frost Valley or they can attend classes as day guests. Those staying for the weekend have the choice of family-style, inn-style or hotel-style lodging. Rates are available for single and double occupancy.

In addition to improving quilting skills, the weekend presents a great chance for participants to experience the wonders of Frost Valley. Situated in the high peaks of the Catskill Mountains, Frost Valley encompasses 6,000 acres of unparalleled beauty. Each morning, class members can enjoy an optional walk for an inspirational start to the day. Workshops are held from 9 a..m.-noon. After lunch, afternoon quilting sessions follow until dinner. Evening programs are offered on Friday and Saturday. Workshops are held again on Sunday morning and the weekend concludes with the traditional “show and tell” after lunch.

For additional information or registrations, please call (845) 985-2291, or visit www.FrostValley.org

Frost Valley is on twitter at twitter.com/frostvalley

Frost Valley Y provides four seasons of outdoor educational opportunities for more than 35,000 children and adults each year of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. All Frost Valley programs incorporate the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, inclusiveness, stewardship, diversity and community. The camp is just a 2.5 hour drive from metro NY / NJ.

###

For additional information,
Denise Owens,
Director of Marketing and Communications
at (845) 985-2291, ext. 211

This public service announcement is brought to you by Quilter’s Muse Publications

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“Peace Discovered”

August 30th, 2010

Our brook

“Our brook” is just a trickle in the summer

“Peace Discovered”

by Patricia Cummings

A bench of granite sits and waits
and the eager woman does not hesitate.
Together, they listen to the brook below,
and ponder how fast seasons come and go.

The stream it gurgles, spits and sputters;
This place on earth is like no other.
Goldenrod, in the breeze, is swaying;
Its roots cling tight; it won’t be straying.

A moment’s peace in the heat of day
Time away from the relentless fray.
A wish that summer could always stay;
and a prayer for peace, for just today.

The sound of a Bluejay, the voice of a child,
reminders of Nature, both carefree and wild.
The trees stand witness to this space,
A quiet spot, to find one’s place.

Patricia Cummings, pat at quiltersmuse dot com
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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More Fine Art Quilts with Words

August 28th, 2010

Art quilt with words

Diane Duncan of Calgary, Canada sent us a photo this morning of a portion of a 30″ x 48″ quilt titled, “2008 Retirement Angst” to which she has added words that reflect on the state of the Toronto Stock Exchange, at that time, as well as some quotes. Here you can see the statement, “You can be young without money but you can’t be old without it.” – Tennessee Williams.

Diane’s Art Sites

http://dianeduncan.blogspot.com/

http://picasaweb.google.com/DianeDuncan01

This “Sisters” quilt needs no more than the one word it features. This was made several years ago by Norma Schlager and depicts her and her sister.

Norma Schlager’s points of contact:

Blog: http://notesfromnorma.blogspot.com
Website: http://www.normaschlager.com
Also, see her work here: www.fiberrevolution.com

Rachel Roggel of Israel sent a bunch of links so that you may view her many quilts that have words:

square beads
http://www.roggel.com/Journals/2002/september.html

http://www.roggel.com/Journals/2002/january.html

http://www.roggel.com/Journals/2002/february.html

round beads-
http://www.roggel.com/Journals/2004/april.html

http://www.roggel.com/Journals/2004/february.html

Paul Simon series- buttons composing letters, letter buttons
http://www.roggel.com/PS/ps.html

I hope that you have enjoyed seeing these photos as much as I did!

Patricia Cummings, write to me at: pat at quiltersmuse dot com
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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The North Country of New Hampshire IS a Breath of Fresh Air

August 27th, 2010

Today, after days of rain, the sun was shining and we decided to travel to Colebrook, New Hampshire to take in at least part of the Moose Festival. Each year, there is a nice display of quilts in the local church and it is always fun to chat a bit with the ladies who put so much effort into setting up this annual event. Draped over pews were quilts from antique to modern. Right away, I noticed one antique quilts with 1940s fabrics in a Monkey Wrench pattern (a.k.a. Churn Dash and many other names). It has a “humility block” that was made incorrectly.

With sunlight streaming in the stained glass windows, the ambiance was cheerful and peaceful. At the front of the church were two quilts thought by the group to be worthy of special attention.

applique quilt

This appliqué quilt utilizes white on white fabric as a background. The brave quilter hand quilted her quilt, in spite of the inherent obstacle of trying to quilt through the gummy fabric. The motifs include special techniques such as ruched flowers.

Sunflower quilt

A local woman reportedly designed this quilt that features Sunflowers. I noticed the amount of quilting and the interesting ways in which she quilted this piece. Each Sunflower has 16 diamond shapes around the perimeter, much easier to draft than the 17 point diamond “Sunflower” that I once re-created from an antique quilt in my possession. The soft colors of this quilt and the wonderful brown fabrics to represent the “seeds” of the Sunflowers help to make this quilt very special. “Vine” motifs were used to quilt the outer border.

afghan quilt

This very creative “afghan quilt,” made by Terry Hurlbert, is 40 years old. The sign says that it was made as a gift for Phil and Dolly Lambert when they moved to South Hill. I’ve never seen anything like this before. Very interesting!

Patricia Cummings

Went there. Had to buy the Tee shirt. We wandered into the “Livin Life” shop at 119 Main Street in Colebrook and found this must-have Moose tee shirt.

When we got home, I asked Jim to take this picture, just for fun! I was tired and bedraggled and my clothes are wrinkled from all that sitting in the car. Colebrook is located at the uppermost reaches of the state of New Hampshire, not far from Canada. I had to buy a shirt with a moose on it. After all, a friend of mine always refers to me as “the quilter’s moose!” My friends will do anything to “get my goat!” The resident photographer for Quilter’s Muse Publications took the photo. He is a good kid. The rose beside me is a “miniature” rose that was a gift from a loved one. It is not so miniature any more!

The Local Scenery

I loved seeing the shadows on the mountains, ever changing. We noticed that the tramway was bringing people to the top of Canon Mountain, in the White Mountains. On the way up north, we passed lots of big green fields, some with large bales of hay, ready to be brought in, or covered. We saw Swiss steers, unusual to see in a state that usually only has Holsteins or Jersey cows. There were flocks of wild Canadian geese in the fields, and three really cute Donkeys in a fenced-in area.

As usual, the further you head north, the nicer the people are. Everyone we met today was most cordial. I loved getting a 30% discount price at the “Memos” bookstore at 906 Main St., Colebrook where I bought a book titled, Yvonne of the Amoskeag Textile Mills by Alice Daley Noyes. The Belgian Bakery in town has wonderful breads, Belgian chocolates and other delights. There was to be a parade, a chicken barbeque, and other events later. All in all, today was a much needed short break from constant work. When one works from home, one WORKS all the time! Cheers!

Patricia Cummings

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Human Nature in the Face of Catastrophy

August 26th, 2010

Human beings are never prepared for catastrophies, or so it seems. In spite of the heavy rains and wind in New Orleans, not many people could foresee the disaster that we now refer to simply as “Katrina.” With the roads of New Orleans flooded, as well as most houses, the rest of the country watched helplessly as television coverage captured some of the scenes for us.

Helicopters swooped from the sky to lift people from rooftops. The National Guard deployed to the area, and all of the local police, fire and rescue units were mobilized. The sobering truth is that, due to miscommunication, people presumed to be looters were shot by the police. Some were not looters, at all! Some officers truly believed the rumor that Marshall Law had been declared, when it had not.

Last night, I watched (part of) a television show that outlined the specific behavior of some law enforcement officials. When called upon to assist a (Black) man who had been shot, the authorities saw an opportunity to beat the two men who reported the problem, viciously. Then, they drove the victim, bleeding to death in the back of the car, to a remote location where they allegedly set his car on fire. When the crime scene was discovered, much later, the man’s skull had been removed. It is suggested that this was an attempt to tamper with evidence.

Multiply this scenario, and expand it into other unsavory situations, and you will begin to understand the true face of disaster. Of course, this criminal case is but a brief look at the tragic end of only one person’s life.

I have lived long enough to understand the group herd mentality that goes into the creation of mass hysteria and bad behavior on the part of those who are “supposed to be” role models. It is not that long ago that the incident of My Lai occurred in Vietnam. It stands out in my memory because I wrote an essay about it in Spanish for a college paper, when it was fresh news. A whole village of innocent women, children and old men were brutally slain by American soldiers to whom they posed no threat. The commander was court-martialled and spent some time in prison in the U.S.

In other instances, people are not killed directly, they just are not given financial aid that has been collected in their behalf. Somehow, the money goes astray into the pockets of the unscrupulous agents who have collected the funds.

Two art quilters, recently featured on this blog and on our website, have depicted the concept of the “Seven Deadly Sins” in their work. Greed is one of those sins. One quilt is geared specifically toward remembering “Katrina.” The artist states that the people of New Orleans suffered greatly and are continuing to endure pain because of that hurricane.

You know, humans would like to think that they are a cut-above the animal world and that they do not succumb to the pack mentality. To readjust your thinking, just look at the followers of Hitler and the millions who were slaughtered due to his insanity. That is not so long ago. While one lone wolf might be less likely to attack, a half-dozen will not hesitate to tear apart any prey.

The story of the murder of the bleeding man who needed medical intervention in New Orleans represents a greater moral question. Should one always adhere to chain of command protocol, even if following orders will have a bad outcome that is essentially unjust and unlawful? Food for thought…

Patricia Cummings

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Hurricane Katrina Remembered with Quilt

August 25th, 2010

Katrina quilt

Quilt made by Wendy L. Starn

Artist’s Statement:

“Although Katrina missed my part of the state and Rita did not leave much physical damage, both hurricanes had lasting effects on the entire state, both financially and emotionally. Scientists have linked rising global temperatures to increasingly violent storms. Who do we blame? The phrases in red list a few likely culprits, but the words in green are the underlying causes: the seven deadly sins and a few extra. Will civilization change its ways before the entire planet is devastated?”

Tell all the Truth but tell it slant
Success in Circuit lies
Too bright for our infirm Delight
The Truth’s superb surprise

As Lightning to the Children eased
With explanation kind
The Truth must dazzle gradually
Or every man be blind—

Emily Dickinson c. 1868

Read more: http://splendiferousfiber.blogspot.com/search/label/Global%20Warning#ixzz0xf4kGs5G

Wendy L Starn
Alexandria, Louisiana
http://splendiferousfiber.blogspot.com/
http://public.fotki.com/wlstarn/
http://www.etsy.com/shop/splendiferousfiber
http://www.artfire.com/users/splendiferousfiber
http://www.handmadelouisiana.com/
http://cfalart.blogspot.com/

Art quilts can be a means of expression from joy to angst. However, art quilts also can be enjoyed for what they are and have no inherent deeper meaning. All quilters enjoy the manipulation of color and design. Pure color delights the senses. At this writing, 20 art quilters have responded with fantastic examples of their use of words on quilts. I shall continue to share any future information received with you. This call for quilts has far exceeded my imagination!

Thanks to Wendy! Additional examples of her work appear in a file on my main website: http://www.quiltersmuse.com Enjoy!

Patricia Cummings, Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Yet More Words on Fabrics and Quilts

August 25th, 2010

Becky Wolsk wrote to us today and sent some images of textiles to which she has added words! Being a writer and a quilter, it is a natural thing to do!

Black and White Sights

Becky Wolsk is a writer who is based in Washington, D.C. She states that she “moonlights as a quilter and vice versa.” She reveals that she began integrating writing and quilting through cloth books that she calls “patchbooks.”

Black and White Sights - patchbook

This messages superimposed on these black and white fabrics are: 1) “Flurry of paper clips,” and 2) “Letters on keys unlock mysteries.”

Patchbooks allow her to stitch together words, pictures, and fabric, “so each page doubles as a patchwork quilt.”

bones quilt

In a quilt titled, “Time Heals All Bones,” she uses “handwritten captions and raw-edge applique to make a conceptual connection between quilt-stitching and bone cells stitching back together after an ankle fracture.”

cross sections of bones

Becky is currently writing The Text Isle Patchwork Cookbook, which she is illustrating with patchwork and applique. She plans to publish it in 2011. The online home of her cottage industry is www.textislepatchwork.com

For her essay-lists on the intersection between writing and quilting, please go to this link in particular:
http://www.textislepatchwork.com/Library_of_Lists.html

We are pleased to feature Becky’s work here. To see more of Becky’s examples, please visit her website!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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More Words on Quilts and Other Textiles

August 25th, 2010

Here are some more examples of textiles with words on them.

embroidered Iowa hanky

This hanky from Iowa is delicately embroidered with the names of the major cities there. At the time I was collecting hankies for an article that was published in The Quilter magazine, I also found a similar hanky, no doubt manufactured by the same source, that was a map of New Jersey. Since then, I have given away both of these items to friends.

overtowel from Germany

Seeing this photo makes me smile. Jim made the wooden hanger for this German overtowel. Recently, a friend came into my kitchen and said, “What does the saying on the towel mean?” I replied, “Cook well.” Indignantly, she said, “Why do you have that hanging there? You know that Jim cooks well!” Indeed, I can attest to that as the smell of pot roast is winding its way up the stairs, at the moment! I am lucky, indeed, to have a man who loves to cook! By the way, if you haven’t checked it out yet, please visit his cooking blog. He works really hard at making additions to it, frequently!

Many more European textiles, including Redwork splashers with words, are featured in my book, Redwork Embroidery and Needlework Traditions of Europe and America. The expressions have all been translated for you, courtesy of friends at the European Commission.

Honest Abe block

The honesty of Abraham Lincoln is celebrated in this quilt block, part of a larger tribute quilt that I made.

political cartoon by Don Beld

Politics and Redwork come together in this block created by Don Beld, one of four political cartoons that he stitched in Redwork embroidery. Published here with his permission.

On Windy Whispers, an original design by P. Cummings

“On Windy Whispers,” based on the words of a song “Redbird’s Wing” by folksinger / composer Bill Staines, one of New Hampshire’s own!

I often add (my own) lines of poetry to quilts but do not have any photos of those, at the moment. The wall quilt above is one that I thoroughly enjoyed designing to capture some of the imagery as described in one of Bill Staines’ original songs. With his permission, I used my computer to print the words of the entire song on fabric and I attached it to the back of the quilt so that those going to the quilt show might be able to begin to understand my choices of fabric and embellishments.

I hope you have enjoyed these additional files. Be sure to visit the wonderful art quilts on our website. The links are listed on the home page.

Patricia Cummings, photos by James Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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