11.24.07
Posted in Reader Questions at 10:50 am by Administrator
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
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Posted in Uncategorized, Unsolicited Advice at 1:27 am by Administrator
A word about online translation devices: they don’t work, folks. If you really want to translate anything to another language, consult someone who is a proficient speaker of the language. Otherwise, some of the results could be downright embarrassing to an upright individual. I cannot share the details of a situation that has just come to my attention. Just a word of caution: If you are thinking of using such a system, “don’t.” Most especially “don’t,” if you are a student. It could result in an “F,” or make you look like the rear end of a horse.
No language system is superior to that of man. The reason for that is that language is super sensitive to inflections, tone of voice, and mood of the speaker. This is where the Internet can sometimes fall short. When we try to interpret even our own language, sometimes we “read too much into” the printed word.
Words themselves cannot be translated word for word into a foreign language. That simply does not work. When you want something done right, consult someone who has the knowledge to help you. That’s all I’ll say on the matter. Just thought that I should let you know … for whatever that is worth.
Patricia Cummings
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11.23.07
Posted in Musings at 3:10 am by Administrator
Americans are consumers and “consuming” is good for the economy. Tomorrow, the annual tradition of celebrating “Black Friday” will occur. That is the day after Thanksgiving when some people will rush to the stores to take advantage of sales offered by retailers, in the hope of helping their businesses to end the year in the “black,” rather than the “red.” Great discounts will be offered on computers and electronics and probably other things for those willing to get up very early and arrive at stores well before the crack of dawn.
I feel liberated. We do not get very involved with the consumer aspect of Christmas. Jim and I do not even buy gifts for each other. We tried doing that, years ago, but it always was just an exercise in frustration. We both prefer to pick out our own clothes, I’m allergic to fragrances, and I do not wear much jewelry. Furthermore, in lieu of exchanging expensive items during the holidays, we decided to give each other permission to buy whatever we want, all during the year. I am happy with purchase of books or fabrics or textiles. Neither of us is extravagant, and the decision to buy anything is weighed carefully. That agenda works for us.
Needless to say, tomorrow morning, you will not find me at a mall. In fact, you may not see me shopping anywhere, during the entire holiday season. I can buy whatever I want online or on eBay. That suits me just fine! I also plan to make some gifts.
As always, I will purchase a few gifts because it is a joy to give someone you love something you think they will like. Every year, it is becoming more difficult to figure out what to give that won’t be a duplicate, and that will be welcomed into someone else’s home.
One wonders what to send to people who are far away. Would they appreciate a calendar, or do they already have five of them for next year? Would they like candy or chocolates, or are they on a diet? Would they like a quilt, or would it not quite match their decor? Should music be sent or would it be the kind of music they like? The situation gets to be a crazy one that is very mindboggling.
Not to sound like Scrooge, but it would not hurt my feelings to receive nothing. You’ve got it. Nothing. Nothing except good wishes and possibly time spent. As one gets older, one realizes that “time” is all that life really is. Time is a gift we give. Time is an irreplaceable commodity. Every minute of our life is already predetermined in the Book of Life, and we know not when our last breath will be taken. Phone calls and visits are appreciated. They are a gift of time.
As a recipient of time, there’s no need to feed it, stroke it, or save it for a rainy day. You have to use it now. Funny how the human mind goes. We always think that when we take our leave of someone, we will see that person again. The final gift my brother every gave me was to stop by on Christmas Eve with a box of pecan turtles because he knew that I like them. I never saw him alive again. His thoughtfulness and his gift of time is what I will remember the most, whenever I think of him at all. That includes the long telephone conversation, just before he died of a massive heart attack. That night, he seemed so reluctant to hang up the phone. Now, I have an inkling why. He was sharing the last bit of his life with me.
Anyone can spend money. Consider giving the gift of your time to someone you know, or even someone you don’t know. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, a hospital, or a nursing home. There are so many good things to do with time. Save your money. This holiday season, give an irreplaceable commodity, your TIME.
Patricia Cummings
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