quiltersmuse.com Blog

In reading the University of New Hampshire Magazine that is sent to all alumni, I am shocked to learn that someone who was my best friend in junior high school, is very ill. It is with great fondness that I remember David Hersey of Deerfield, New Hampshire. We had a lot in common, mainly horses and guitar-playing. We attended 4-H together, and even played music for a town supper to raise money for 4-H.

Today, David is a victim of ALS disease. Most people would recognize the problem as Lou Gehrig’s disease. You can read this story online, along with the current theory as to how the disease may be contracted, and a possible link to lake and river algae bloom. The article is reprinted from the UNH publication, and can be read at: http://ossipeelake.org/news/2009/07/20/dangerous-waters/

David and I, and three others, won a trip to Washington, D.C. to the 4-H Congress. From left to right: Lydia Perry, Gary Nelson, Patricia Grace (me), David Hersey, and Mary Weiss. Year of photo unknown, perhaps 1965?

The school we attended, George B. White School, housed eight grades of students. The seventh and eighth grades were taught in one room by Mr. Anderson, the principal. Deerfield was much more sparsely-populated then, and a tight knit community. I can still remember the names of the other classmates, and I often wonder what happened to many of them.

I chuckle now about how someone squealed on David and I for holding hands during recess (a major crime, you know). However, it was no laughing matter at the time, as parents were notified about this “bad” behavior. Ha, ha! There are some things in life that I would never change.

It is good to know that David is learning Italian and engaging his mind in other intellectual ways. At every stage of life, we can learn and find something to enjoy.

This news has brought good memories to my mind of growing up in a small town where the people were genuine, and everyone was always willing to share produce, or to help the “other guy.” Of course, although I have not seen David in years, I will now keep him in my prayers. I give him credit for facing this new challenge with courage.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

Today, the former school is used to house the police station, a pizza place, and a few other businesses.

This is a photo of little more than a yard of Mikado fabric made at the Cocheco Mills in Dover, New Hampshire in the late 19th century. The same type of cotton print cloth was used in the creation of the Crazy Quilt that is in my collection.

I was lucky to be able to find this loose piece of cloth, that goes from selvage to selvage. The cloth has some small holes in it because it had been used as the backing of a tied quilt. This fabric has shown up, rarely, but in a few places across the country. Of course, it commemorates the operetta called, “The Mikado.” I thought you might like to see the piece of cloth that inspired the quilt.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

I have written and blogged quite a bit about the correct name of a terrific early quilt historian in New Hampshire about whom a talk was given by someone else at the International Quilt Study Center, and Boston University, in 2007.

More than one year ago now, I wrote a 355 page biography about the person in question and have copies of family ephemera such as her own letterhead and signature, among many other pieces of evidence that absolutely prove her first name was Ellen. I even have her birth certificate, census reports, copies of her published writings, articles about her, and other official papers, including her obituary. I saw her name for myself, on her gravestone. Her only known “nickname” was “Elly.”

As I said, I have proof beyond any doubt of Ellen Webster’s correct name, and even the presenter realizes that she had used a mistaken name for 10 years.

Tonight, I happened to look at the Univ. of Nebraska file again (the presenter’s abstract). They have now highlighted parts of Ellen Webster’s name, but have not changed or removed the wrong first name “Emily.” They do not explain the highlighting, leaving anyone to guess.

I guess they enjoy spreading false information. Shame on them! Double shame for being so obstinate about it!

The quilt historian’s name is and was, for all time, Ellen Emeline (named after her grandmother’s first name) Hardy (her maiden name) Webster (her married name). I completed a huge, genealogical study of ALL of Mrs. Webster’s family, going all the way back to England.

For my own edification, I have copied the file for my records. So, go see it for yourself. The file is located on the IQSC site, under Symposiums.

It is beyond my grasp of understanding as to why they cannot admit that a mistaken name was initially provided. Above any other error, the main thing that should have been changed was the faulty name. Yet, they play their silly games.

As another point of interest, I have wondered just how many quilt charts Ellen Webster created in the 1920s. She was busy working on a master’s degree until 1926, and many of her references are to Ruth Finley’s book which was not published until 1929.

Let me add this: The re-creation of an 1860s quilting bee did not “prompt” Mrs. Webster to begin her study of quilts or start her interest in teaching with quilts.

According to actual minutes of the faculty meeting at Wheaton College:

…Mrs. Webster certainly has spent a great deal of time and thought studying the various types of quilts and reproducing an enlarged square of at least forty of them. Such a hobby is certainly worthwhile, and the results beautiful and interesting. Her lecture was followed by tea. (New England Wheaton Club, Minutes, 1914-1932, vol. 7, p. 297).

You see, I do my homework. I don’t just blather off about something of which I have no knowledge.

I pray for relief from the terrible stubborn streak of some academics who feel the need to “shelter” others from their own mistakes!

Patricia L. Cummings who says, “Let the record speak for itself.”

I further say, a true scholar welcomes correction to their faulty notions.

Hmong-made baby hat from Thailand

One of the most charming ideas I have learned, during my study of Hmong people, is that they hold a traditional belief that all babies live in the clouds before descending to earth. In the world of the Hmong, there are myths that are retold from generation to generation, as is the same in our own American culture. The Hmong also very much believe in the Spirit World. Babies are prized possessions.

I don’t plan to get into a total discussion of that here. Suffice it to say that the colorful and well-decorated hats made for Hmong babies are intended to trick the dabs or evil spirits from snatching the baby’s spirit away. The hats disguise the youngsters and make them appear like little flowers from above or from a distance.

I feel very lucky to have procured this antique example of such a hat. My studies of the Hmong people have not ended with the three major articles I wrote (one of which is present on our website). I still have additional books to read.

One of the most interesting books I have read is centered around an epileptic child and her treatment in California, and how that treatment did not coincide with traditional Hmong approaches or thought. The book portrays a total culture clash and lack of understanding by the medical community, and their insensitivity, and the medical staffs’ notion that the family was being non-compliant with their prescribed treatments.

Monica Chiu, Ph.D., Associate Professor of English at the University of New Hampshire, and editor of Asian Americans in New England, wrote a lengthy analytical, scholarly paper in the Hmong Studies Journal about the Fadiman book that is well worth your time to read.

Having already read Anne Fadiman’s book, described above, called, The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down, I found Dr. Chiu’s paper to be most enjoyable and found myself agreeing with her, on every point.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

Chris Thiessen of Bolivar, Missouri writes:

I also have a story very similar to yours of Miranda. My mother had a small doll with a bisque head that had been given to her when she was eight years old by the Minister at her church. It was always kept in a trunk and I was not allowed to touch it. She would take it out and show it to me when I requested. It had no clothes either except for one small bootie that my Grandmother had crocheted for her. My mother always said it would be mine when she was gone. After she passed away, I did get the doll and I made a nice dress for her so she would not be naked! She sits in a place of honor in one of my glassed china cabinets. I never did give her a name.

Special doll, owned by Chris Thiessen

Chris added this family story:

My mother was born in 1908 in Oklahoma. Her parents were married in Missouri in 1893 and traveled to the Oklahoma Territory by covered wagon shortly after their marriage. Her father was a US Marshall for a time. My mother used to tell a particular story of when my Grandfather had been up for three days without sleep capturing a man who had committed murder. He was so tired and had to have rest to continue on with the prisoner to some place that had a jail. (I should have listened closer in those days). He brought the prisoner to their home, tied him in a kitchen chair and my Grandmother stayed up all night with a shotgun, guarding the man while my grandfather slept. I have always been interested in genealogy and have traced my mother’s family back to the 1600’s in Southeast Virginia.

~~~

Thanks so much for writing to us, Chris. We love to hear from readers. Your doll is precious!

Patricia and James Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications, See our new file about a doll named “Miranda,” that inspired this e-mail response. A link is located on the front page of our site.

As many of you know, I often make quilt blocks for illustrative reasons for The Quilter magazine. After all, it is impossible to own every possible kind of quilt that I might want to write about, and there are literally thousands of both pieced and appliqué quilt patterns. In this Sampler Quilt below, I have combined blocks that were “hanging around the house,” waiting to be made into something. I have based my color decisions on the Charles Ives Color Circle as described in my new article about Color Theory.

Sampler Quilt, designed by Patricia Cummings, using traditional quilt blocks. This is in the process of being hand-quilted.

Every block has a history of its own. I am fond of how these colors work together and I like the design layout. I made my fabric and block choices and placements, as I went along.

When I cut two borders too short by 1/4″, I remedied that by adding an extra piece of fabric that says, “Die Gedanken Sind Frei,” a German phrase (and the name of a song) that means that one’s own thoughts are “free.” There are no mistakes in quilting, just situations that call for clever remedies!

I asked Jim to take a photo of this quilt today so that I will feel guilty enough about it not being finished and will resume work on it. I’d really like to finish this quilt!

No matter what kind of quilt I could put together, it could not equal the magnificence of God’s creations of which I am always in awe. For example, a leaf just blew onto our windshield, and I saved it.

This leaf is a harbinger of autumn, already. Just yesterday, I noticed that the wild Goldenrod plants were beginning to show yellow in their composite flower-heads, another sign that the fall season is not that far away, according to old Yankee thoughts.

An artistic rendition of a leaf, by “God.” Be inspired by Nature. In quilting, it is our greatest teacher!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications, our main website that features the new article on Color Theory – Part I

In the book I wrote about Ellen Webster, I mentioned a company that made oilcloth. Oilcloth has become the buzz word in textiles and everyone is wondering what it is and how to make it at home, or if they can make it at home. A new company, Spoonflower, has had requests for this type of cloth, and provided this link on Facebook:

Oilcloth

If you are not a member of Facebook, you are missing out on some great social networking. It is a fine place to keep up to date with what your favorite friends are doing, and to meet new friends. People often post video links, tutorials, links to their blogs to see photos, hear music, or learn about their organizations. The more you network, the more fun you will have.

I have a personal page on Facebook, and Quilter’s Muse Publications also has a page where you can sign up to be a “Fan,” so you won’t miss any of the latest announcements.

The more we all use Facebook, the more we know, particularly, if our friends post quality information, which mine, do!

On another matter, Jim Cummings is busy posting new recipes, everyday, and providing photos or outline stitch designs. Check out his Vintage Cookery Blog.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

I am in the mood for Irish music this week so have just posted two more songs: “The Rising of the Moon,” and “Mrs. McGrath.”

You will see that a lot of traditional Irish ballads have “war and turmoil” at their center. It is heartening to know that I come from a sturdy race who were not afraid to stand up for themselves.

When I posted the term “Fighting Irish,” yesterday, Jim had to look that up. He found a number of references including current sports teams, especially the football team at Notre Dame. Other references include the Irish regiments who held back General Robert E. Lee’s forces at one of the major Civil War battles. It is speculated that Lee himself gave them the name, based on their ferocious and brave fighting, no holds barred.

The etymology of words and terms is most interesting and I provide that knowledge, whenever I come across it, as you will see in another of these Irish music files.

If anyone has any photos of Ireland that they can legally share with me, please send them to pat@quiltersmuse.com and I will add them to these music files. I would especially appreciate landscapes, seascapes, and photos of architecture.

Enjoy!

Happy to be Irish,

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

They call the Irish “the Fighting Irish.” There is a reason for that, and if you look at Irish History, you will find that Irish Music is very much linked to oppression by the English, religious disputes, and the rich v. the poor subsistence farmers. The great discrepancy comes between the industrialized North and the agricultural Republic of Ireland.

I grew up viewing the videos on television of school children throwing rocks at other kids of a different religious persuasion. It is clear to understand that hatred in ingrained by parents and passed from generation to generation.

Well, between yesterday and today, I have recorded two Irish songs, “The Ould Orange Flute,” and “The Wearing of the Green.” In both, I do not use an instrument other than my own voice because I want you to hear the words clearly.

I have much more to learn about Ireland but my studies of it so far have been enlightening and grand. Let me remind you of an exhibit of Irish quilts that we saw and photographed for The Quilter magazine a few years ago, when they were shown at the Craftadventures Show in Springfield, Massachusetts, along with many Irish-themed crafts. It was a delight to be able to see what Irish women are making today.

“… and still I’m on my way,”

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

Today, I have added two new files to my website:

Color Theory I

“Miranda” – the Non-Fictional Story of a Memorable Childhood Doll

Both files are accessible from the home page of our website, linked below.

I feel very productive. Getting these files together helped to take my mind off of the physical pain I am experiencing, and you get to benefit! I hope you enjoy these.

Patricia Cummings
http://www.quiltersmuse.com