quiltersmuse.com Blog

My heart is heavy this afternoon after learning of the death of my favorite journalist and political broadcaster. Tributes were pouring into the nbc.com station and announcements were airing immediately to report his sudden collapse while preparing for his Sunday show, “Meet the Press.” Customarily, I looked forward to watching the show each week. Tim Russert knew the right questions to ask, and was fair-minded and respectful of all of his guests, even those with whom he disagreed.

He always seemed to come up with appropriate quotes from newspapers, as a lead-in to further questions. I never enjoyed politics until I got “hooked” on his show, and I always especially appreciated the words of his guest, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, who would occasionally be invited to share her thoughts.

Tim, we miss you already. I burst into tears upon hearing this sad news. Your passing has left big holes in the hearts of those who knew you, and who faithfully watched your program. It’s a shame that you never had the chance to see this election become finalized, but your life is a reminder to us, to do the very best we can and then, like you, be remembered well.

Patricia Cummings

When we woke up this morning, it was raining. There was a dampness that sets into one’s bones, in this kind of humid, not quite summer weather. All day, I’ve been putting my sweater on, and taking it off. I dragged around all morning, not in high energy mode. About noon time, I perked up. E-mails with page proofs for my next article had arrived in my mailbox. Hurriedly, I downloaded the files and printed them in color. The page layouts exceeded my expectations and the photo choices by my editor are absolutely superb.

This particular article will be available in July (in the September 2008 issue of The Quilter magazine). www.thequiltermag.com I am proud of the uniqueness of the topic and I am thrilled to be able to present one of New Hampshire’s earliest quilt historians.

The magazine article is five pages long. While it is absolutely terrific to be granted that many pages, I believe that anyone, who reads what I’ve written and sees the photos, will have a strong desire to learn more, and more there is!

For months now, I have been doing extensive research and so far, I’ve created a huge document of 50+ pages of text, and 200+ more pages that have full page photographs. Yet, my research work continues, and every day, I still have more to add!

In the course of the last six months, I have contacted people all over the country, and many times, they were able to answer a question or point me in the direction of someone who might know. Museum officials have taken time out of their busy schedules of setting up new exhibits, etc., and have returned phone calls and e-mails. I have a renewed faith in the willingness of people to extend themselves, when a good cause is at hand. Members of historical societies, libraries, and universities have gone out of their way to be helpful. The end result is an amazing accumulation of facts and information about the life and the work of one woman, as well as some guest essays.

As always, publication seems too far away. Today, I am just sharing my elation with you! More details will be forthcoming within the next month. In the meantime, I’m basking in the joy this article brings me, personally, and the anticipation of the happiness that reading it will bring to others. In fact, the feeling is like waiting to give someone a special present at holiday time.

When my research is complete, we hope that the museum will sell the CD we are going to make, as a fund raiser, with all of the proceeds going to the museum. The CD will contain many photographs, not just the objects they own, and all of my written work. In my opinion, this information is just too valuable to hoard.

Perhaps, sometime very soon, I’ll be able to announce further good news. I guarantee you one thing, this upcoming article in The Quilter will be well worth the wait!

Patricia Cummings

I know. I know. Whenever the “A” word is mentioned, some people run for the hills. Why? If you don’t know how to appliqué, it can be downright scary to upright individuals. However, with just a little instruction, anyone can be on their way to (even) creating their own designs. Remember, if a design can be drawn, it can be appliquéd. When I have taught appliqué, I’ve chosen to teach buttonhole stitch appliqué (if the stitches are placed close enough together, this technique is called “Broderie perse“). The other technique I simply love is Needleturn Appliqué.

The Appliqué Society is a very large group of women who meet, worldwide, in small groups. Once every year, there is a convention with classes, a show, etc. There is a website where anyone can be inspired; and there is a wonderful print newsletter with book reviews, special features, interviews, profiles with teachers and designers, free patterns, and more.

I look forward to the newsletter, and often contribute articles to it. My latest one is titled, “Celtic Knotwork Designs” in which I explore their history, show a Celtic Knot Wall Quilt that I made, and a Celtic Cross memorial in New Brunswick. In addition, I offer a list of resources so that folks can find more information about doing this kind of appliqué.

With quilting, as with everything in life, it is important to keep an open mind. Remember the Little Engine in the children’s story book? “I think I can, I think I can … ” Keep that in mind and you’ll soon be on your way.

Check out: www.theappliquesociety.org

or call: 1-800-597-9827

You’ll be glad you did.

Patricia Cummings

I have been thrilled to learn that Granite State Credit Union is going to open a branch in my home town. Why, you ask? Well, in 1945, while World War II was still in progress, my father founded Utility Worker’s Credit Union which changed its name to Granite State C.U., and expanded its charter to include all of New Hampshire residents in the early 1970s.

For months now, I have watched as the building went up. It is painted a pretty yellow color. My Dad would have liked it.

In spite of there having been a misfiring during an unauthorized police training session, in the building, in which an officer was hit but not hurt, let’s hope that the training will be beneficial, should any funny business happen there.

I am so proud of my Dad and the ideals he for which he stood. He was generous, sincere, intelligent, and he truly had clear goals: to raise a decent family, teach people how to successfully and responsibly handle money, and earn his eternal salvation (which I certainly think he managed to do).

Right now, Manchester, NH is the nearest place for me to do business with the Credit Union. So, this will be a boon to have an office nearby. We’ll save gas money.

So far, I’ve heard no details about the opening, just that it will open in June. Well, it’s June, and I’m “all ears.”

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

Update on June 5, 2008:  It’s open!

Patricia Cummings