A Sampling of Recent Letters from Readers
We receive a lot of e-mail requests for information. Sometimes, we have a ready answer and sometimes, we are stumped. In this blog entry, I’ll share a few of those letters. If anyone has additional information or ideas about any of the topics, please contact me by responding in the “comments” section below or by writing directly to: pat@quiltersmuse.com
Original Message from Eugenia-
Hello,
I would like to learn to work with Redwork patterns and get information that I can on it. I would like to make a Redwork quilt, sheets and pillow slips or pillowcases and I was wondering if you can point me in the right direction. ~Eugenia~
Dear Eugenia,
Redwork is just one form or rather color used in outline stitch embroidery. I would suggest that you read all of my files about Redwork on our website, including my free Redwork books that contain hundreds of designs. We also have a “free patterns” page with additional motifs. I run a yahoo list for outline stitch embroidery where we share photos and ideas. You can visit eBay to look at their many auctions, even if it is just to get an idea of new and old pattern designs.
Check booksellers for books in print about Redwork. Visit your local quilt shop or other store that sells individual patterns. Look through sewing catalogs, and needlework catalogs such as that of Herrschener’s. Old magazines are another source. The American Quilter’s Society has published a few books about Redwork, such as one by Willa Baranowski about Penny Squares, and another by M. Cunningham about Presidential Redwork blocks. The Kirk Collection currently has a CD of 90 Redwork designs for sale.
Take a class in Redwork embroidery. Check with your local museum. For example, the Wenham Museum in Massachusetts has some reproduction Redwork patterns for doll quilts for sale in their museum shop. There are countless places to access antique Redwork. Those resources just listed are only a few, but they are at least a start. Good luck! ~Pat~
Original Message from Charlotte:
I am looking for an old Leeward’s catalog crib quilt. It was a 1930ish, 40ish quilt with a pussywillow on it and the pussywillow buds were kittens – have you seen one? ~Charlotte~
Dear Charlotte,
Sorry, I have not seen this design. ~Pat~
Another note came from Abdul. His brother sells old textiles in Pakistan and he told me to let him know when I was planning my next trip there so he could provide contact information.
My answer was this:
Dear Abdul,
Thanks so much for contacting me. While I enjoy seeing and learning about textiles from all over the world, I do not travel. The textiles of Central Asia, Pakistan, India, and Russia are beautiful! ~Pat~
As you can see from this sampling of letters, diverse queries arrive in my mailbox. The one I am still smiling about, quite awhile later, was a letter from a young Italian man who was looking for an older woman who would support him, and who lived in Florida or some other seaside community where he could go surfing. It was such a cute letter, I wondered if it was “for real.”
Have a wonderful day!
Patricia Cummings
http://www.quiltersmuse.com
