Archive for July, 2010

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24th Annual Quilt Exhibition at Billings Farm & Museum

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

We were invited to attend the Gala Opening of the 24th Annual Quilt Exhibition at Billings Farm & Museum on July 31, 2010. This display will be in place in Woodstock, VT (Rte. 12 & River Rd.) until September 26 and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Featured here is a sampling of the wonderful work of quilters from Windsor County, Vermont, representing many styles and design inspirations. This year, two of the antique quilts in the Billings Farm & Museum collection were offered as inspiration to quilters to make miniature spin-off designs. It was fun to see the different interpretations of the same theme. One old quilt was in the “Bear’s Paw” pattern; the other was in the Red and Green appliqué tradition using a white background. The quilt, dated 1830, was hand-quilted so closely that, at first glance, it appeared to be machine quilted, but I knew that could not be true, given the date!

Bear's Paw - antique

Antique “Bear’s Paw in Mud” from the collection of Billings Farm & Museum

mini-quilt by Joanne Sharp

“Thrift Store Bears” miniature quilt by Joanne Sharp, North Pomfret, VT

I love this quilt! It looks so spontaneous the way the edges of the quilt are treated, with just part of the “next” blocks showing. The colors are vibrant and fresh with congruent saturation of color in all fabrics. There is nice contrast between the blocks and the background. The sashings are just the right color to set off the rest of the quilt, and the miniature size of this quilt is charming!

wheat field

“Crop Circle: Etchihampton England, 11 August 2002″ by Joanne Sharp, North Pomfret, VT (same quilter as above).

This unusual quilt design caught my eye and invited me to read more to understand the inspiration of the quilter. She explains that it is based on the design seen in a wheat field in England. She created it via the method of “cut away” appliqué. This quilter has proven herself to be proficient at both piecing and appliqué!

This quilt, “Awaiting Spring,” by Elizabeth Allen of Windsor, VT, caught Jim’s eye. He likes its bright colors and large flower designs. The quilter was inspired by a class with Becky Goldsmith as well as a book written by her (unnamed).

group quilt

This beautiful quilt, “Treasures of Vermont” was put together by the Delectable Mountain Quilter’s Guild, Bethel, VT. It is colorful and attractive from a distance. Yet, close up, the beading and inking details are wonderful! I love the variety of techniques in this piece, especially the paper-pieced Robin. Delightful!

Black Bear

My favorite of the entire show is this miniature quilt by Mara Novak of Chester, VT. The quilt is machine pieced, machine appliquéd, machine embroidered, and machine quilted. I love her use of color and design. She states that the quilt was intended for use as a talisman against a visit from a real bear. She adds, “It didn’t work.”

Well, that concludes our review of “samples” from this year’s show. There are many other worthy quilts that are not shown here, so we encourage you to make a day of it, bring the family, and enjoy ALL that the museum has to offer. The Billings Farm & Museum is a delight in any season, offering tours of a Victorian farmhouse, horse-drawn rides, and the opportunity to view farm animals, close-up. They have a wonderful gift shop, and across the street are hiking trails that are part of the National Parks system. Of course, Woodstock itself is a mecca for tourists. Antique stores and antiquarian bookstores and other shops are located downtown. Not too far away is the Teddy Bear factory. This a four seasons resort town, and lucky are those who can call the town “home,” a beautiful place to visit!

Many thanks to the Billings Farm & Museum for all that they do to encourage and support quilters and the age old tradition of quilting. For more information, please visit their website or call 1-802-457-2355.

Patricia and James Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications – Don’t miss our newly-posted article about yo-yo quilts!

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Information Sought for Book About Sally Palmer Field

Saturday, July 31st, 2010

Judy Buswick is writing a biography of New England quilter, Sally Palmer Field. She would love input from quilters who took classes with Sally, or worked with Sally in other capacities related to quilting.

Judy is looking for stories and recollections to be sent to her via e-mail: jt.buswick@verizon.net Dates and quilt guild names, or shows, where Sally was present will be much appreciated.

Sally turns 88 on Aug. 3rd and getting mail is one of the pleasures she enjoys. If you would like to send a birthday card or note that would be lovely. She’s at 295 Fern Street, West Hartford, CT 06119-1170. To make sure the mail is directed in a correct manner, please address it to: Sally Palmer Field, c/o Howard Field (her son).

If you have been a quilter for some time in New England, then you will remember Sally Palmer Field as one of the founders of the New England Quilt Guild (now disbanded).

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Peach Pie

Thursday, July 29th, 2010

Today, a reader wrote to ask for a recipe for Peach Pie. I will give you the directions for my favorite filling and leave you on your own to make your favorite crust.

Peach Pie

Heat oven to 400 degrees. You will bake the pie at 400 degrees for 15 minutes and 375 degrees for 35 minutes.

Place 3 pounds of fresh peaches in boiling water, adding 6 at a time. After a minute or so, remove them, one at a time to a bowl, using a slotted spoon.
Cool the peaches, then peel and slice them. (Save the bowl full of peels, for now).

Melt 5 Tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add 1 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon almond extract, 2 Tablespoons of tapioca, and 1/3 cup flour.

Add 4 Tablespoons of peach juice from your bowl of peels.

Add mixture to crust and bake as directed above. Serve with vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream, if served cold. Enjoy!

Patricia Cummings

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Time

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Patricia Cummings - photo by Jim Cummings

A photo of Pat Cummings taken by her husband, Jim, a couple of years ago. Quilt and crocheted afghan made by her.

What is on my mind tonight? Time! It is 11:05 p.m.. I have tried going to bed but my head is full of “fluff,” like Winnie the Pooh, and I can’t settle in. My thoughts center on time as a commodity and how much time we waste, hoping for, planning for, and anticipating future events instead of living in the moment. When we are young, we want to be “older.” Little do we realize that when one succeeds in that goal, often the wish is to regain not necessarily youth, but the qualities of youth, such as being virtually pain free.

Think about how much time is wasted in waiting. How many times are you subjected to “elevator music” after being put on hold, when trying to call a doctor or other office? Think of all of the wasted time we sit in traffic, waiting for the lights to change, or backed up on a busy highway. Life is often a waiting game. To combat the problem of wasting time, I have taken up my husband’s practice of always bringing a book along, in the car or to any other place where “waiting” can be anticipated. I would bring needlework but it seems like too much work to get everything out for just a very few minutes. Reaching for a book is much easier.

The main consideration regarding time is that it is a limited quantity in anyone’s life. For those who consider themselves to be bored, and that would never be me, time passes slowly. However, for those who keep themselves busy, there seems to be a shortage of time. The funny thing is, the older we become, the less time there seems to be, and in actuality, that is truly the case.

There are experts in time management who can teach you how to multi-task to get more done in less time, and how to become more organized so that your time is used more efficiently. One idea is to have a paper-less environment, as much as possible. In that case, one does not have to keep moving papers from place to place. Everything important is stored on a computer. That is a fine idea… perhaps, except that some of us are rather addicted to paper.

For example, I treasure old ephemera like trade cards, old publications, magazines of any stripe, old newspaper clippings, in-hand photographs taken at a time before the digital age. All of that takes space, yet unless it is blown away by a hurricane, I plan to keep much of it. Books I can hold in my hand will never be replaced totally by e-books, as much as I love e-books and think that the ones I’ve personally created are very worthwhile, offering beautiful color images and a quantity of information not suitable to a print format, in some instances. (By the way, e-books are currently outselling regular books on amazon, I learned today!)

Getting back to my main topic of time, I have come to the conclusion that not every moment can be exciting. We all have to do chores in daily life that can be a drag. That aside, we can make an effort to make every minute count, even if that means a determination to enjoy life a little more and worry a little less. We are all headed in the same direction, after all, and we have only one life to “get it right.” Enjoy today!

Patricia Cummings

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U.S. Navy Retiree Writes Book About His 20 Year Career

Sunday, July 25th, 2010

Bob Rotruck

Robert R. Rotruck, Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Navy Retired

Robert R. Rotruck, Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Navy (Retired), has written a book about his 20 year career from 1959-1979. This 162 page autobiography, published as a paperback by Wheatmark, Inc., recalls incidents that made his life away from home both a challenge and a joy. Full of gratitude for the opportunities that the Navy afforded him, Rotruck aptly titles his book, Thank You, America: Autobiography of a Naval Career.

In all the time he spent in service, he recalls only meeting “a couple of bad apples.” In considering why anyone would choose to join the Navy, he says “It certainly wasn’t for the money or notoriety. It is simply because they swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States and to follow the orders of those appointed over them in their chain of command.”

This book is loaded with charming, insightful, and sometimes humorous stories. Turning points in the author’s life are noted, and one can readily see how the Navy helped to shape the man he became. This book is a page-turner. The reader is eager to read the next story! The author is now busy at work on his next book, an historical novel about Navy Seals. Writing seems to get in the blood!

Bob’s book is available from three sources: amazon.com (see link below), Barnes and Noble, or in pdf form. To read book excerpts and to become a “fan” on Facebook, please visit his website:
http://www.thankyouamericabook.com

Visitors to Quilter’s Muse Publications website will recognize the name “Bob Rotruck” as a frequent guest poet whose work we were happy to publish! His poetry is still available to read in many files still posted there. To locate various pages, use the “search” function on the home page.

We wish Robert R. Rotruck, “Bob,” the best of luck in all of his future writing endeavors! God bless you, and God bless America!

Patricia Cummings

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Upcoming Programs and News from the Madison (NH) Historical Society

Thursday, July 22nd, 2010

July 22, 2010 – PRESS RELEASE

MADISON HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS “BUNDLES, GUT ROBBERS AND BEANS EVERLASTING” BY DICK FORTIN, THURSDAY, AUGUST 19, 2010, 7PM.

The Madison Historical Society presents “Bundles, Gut Robbers and Beans Everlasting” by Dick Fortin, on Thursday evening, August 19, 2010 at 7pm at the MHS Building at the corner of Village Road (Route 113) and East Madison Road. The program is free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted, and refreshments are served.

What was life like in the 1800 lumber camps? Who were these men who worked from sun up to sun down in this back breaking and dangerous occupation? “Bundles, Gut-robbers, and Beans Everlasting” includes a slide presentation and storytelling depicting the daily routines, the food the men ate and the antics of the 19th century logger. Tales of some of the more colorful characters will be told using lumberjack lingo and lumbermen songs.

MADISON HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESENTS “RANGER COMPANIES OF COLONIAL NEW ENGLAND” BY ADAM AND MARY SPENCER, THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2010, 7PM.

The Madison Historical Society presents “Ranger Companies of Colonial New England” by Adam and Mary Spencer, on Thursday evening, September 16, 2010 at 7pm at the MHS Building at the corner of Village Road (Route 113) and East Madison Road. The program is free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted, and refreshments are served.

The program is a wonderful presentation about units such as Roger’s Rangers and more during the period of King Philip’s War in New England, (c. 1670) through the French and Indian War, (c. 1750s). Ranger companies of this period were the forerunner of what we now know of as ‘special forces’. This intriguing program too has garnered rave reviews to packed houses! Although not specifically about firearms, Adam Spencer brings many objects pertinent to the program such as a musket, tomahawk, clothing and accessories of these fighting men of the colonial period. He comes dressed in 1740-50′s clothing as well.

MADISON HISTORICAL SOCIETY REACHES BENCH MARK FOR IT’S BUILDING RESTORATION FUND.

The Madison Historical Society is engaged in a ten year plan to restore it’s building located at the corner of Village Road (Route 113) and East Madison Road. The Executive Board is pleased to announce that an important bench mark has been reached since, to date, $25,000 has been raised for the Building Restoration Fund. This amount, combined with funds from the Town of Madison, will assist the organization in taking on its first major project, the renovation of the building’s foundation, scheduled for completion in 2011. Presently, the Executive Board is working on obtaining a detailed plan to move the building onto a new foundation approximately 6 feet away from the present location. The plan will address drainage issues and provide additional work and storage space. The foundation relocation will also give the MHS greater accessibility to the northern most property line.

The Building Restoration Fund was established in January 2007, and each year it receives a growing number of donations from members and the general public. Donors choose to designate their gifts toward the restoration of one of the Town’s most historic buildings, which once served as the Town School and Town Hall. The organization keeps these contributions separate from it general operating fund, whose income is generated from participation in the Old Home Week Craft Fair, the Blueberry Festival, the Madison School PTO Christmas Craft Fair, general museum sales and memberships.

White Mountains view

The White Mountains of New Hampshire have inspired many a painter and photographer. This photo was taken in the autumn by James Cummings, several years ago.

Over the past two years, donations to the Building Restoration Fund have also come through the sale of the book, Visions from a White Mountain Palette, The Life and Times of Charles A. Hunt, by Roy Bubb, a MHS member and museum docent. The book is available for purchase for $30 by sending a check with your request to the Madison Historical Society P.O. Box 505, Madison, NH 03849. In 2008, the MHS established an annual spring Flea Market, whose proceeds also go into the restoration coffers. The event was recently held on May 22, 2010 at the Madison Fire Station, and sincere thanks are extended to Chief Rick Judkins, Deputy Chief Richard Clark, and the volunteer firemen for opening their facility to our organization and for all their extra help. The Flea Market and Bake Sale generated over $300 toward the fund, and the MHS thanks those who rented space and tables as well as those who contributed baked goods.

The MHS building got a much needed face lift last spring. New fencing was installed which accentuates the old granite posts. The building was also been freshly painted. A few of the back windows needed replacing, many were re-glazed, and all were cleaned. On the inside, we placed the glass doors on most of our exhibit cases. The MHS invites you to attend an upcoming program, and take a look at the improvements. The organization welcomes new members You do not have to be a Madison resident, and visitors to the MWV are welcome to join as well. Support a worthy cause to preserve local history, and for a fair price, receive our quarterly newsletter, containing topics of historical interest.

Save the date for these additional events during Madison Old Home Week, August 7- 15, 2010:

MHS Blueberry Fest, August 8, 2010, 6-7pm.

MHS Museum Open House, August 10, 2010, 2-4pm.

For more information, contact:

Robin M. Tagliaferri
Publicity Secretary
Madison Historical Society
PO Box 505
Madison, NH 03849
(603) 662- 8158
ferreirarobin@yahoo.com
http://madisonhistorical.us/

This announcement is brought to you courtesy of Quilter’s Muse Publications

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“Aunt Jemima’s Quilt”

Wednesday, July 21st, 2010

From the book, Rhymes and Roses, copyright 1895, Frederick A. Stokes Company.

section from an old Crazy Quilt

This is a photo of a portion of an old Crazy Quilt for those of you who are not familiar with this Victorian style quilt.

“Aunt Jemima’s Quilt”

by Anonymous

A miracle of gleaming dyes
Blue, scarlet, buff and green;
O ne’er before my mortal eyes
Such gorgeous hues were seen!
So grandly was the plan designed,
So cunningly ’twas built,
The whole proclaimed a master mind –
My Aunt Jemima’s quilt.

Each friendly household far and wide
Contributed its share;
It chronicled the country side
In colors quaint and rare
From belles and brides came rich brocade
Enwrought with threads of gilt;
E’en buxom widows lent their aid
To Aunt Jemima’s quilt.

No tapestry from days of yore,
No web from Orient loom,
But paled in beauteous tints before
This strange expanse of bloom.
Here glittering stars and comet shone
O’er flowers that never wilt;
Here fluttered birds from worlds unknown
On Aunt Jemima’s quilt.

O, merry was the quilting bee,
When this great quilt was done;
The rafters rang with maiden glee,
And hearts were lost and won.
Ne’er did a throng of braver men
In war clash hilt to hilt,
Than sought the smiles of beauty then
Round Aunt Jemima’s quilt.

This work of art my aunt esteemed
The glory of the age;
No poet’s eyes have ever beamed
More proudly o’er his page.
Were other quilt to this compared,
Her nose would upward tilt;
Such impudence was seldom dared
O’er Aunt Jemima’s quilt.

Her dear old hands have gone to dust,
That once were lithe and light;
Her needles keen are thick with rust
That flashed so nimbly bright.
And here it lies by her behest,
Stained with the tears we spilt,
Safe folded in this cedar chest –
My Aunt Jemima’s quilt.

This poem refers, no doubt, to a Crazy Quilt of the late 19th century. While I enjoyed most of the poem, I just about shrieked at the ending. The thought of a Crazy Quilt folded in a cedar chest was so alarming! To read tips about properly storing quilts and fabrics, please read my book, Straight Talk About Quilt Care II, available on CD as an e-book, and sold on my website or at amazon.com

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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World War II Quilts: A New Book by Sue Reich

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

The colors of Red, White and Blue are predominant in the new, patriotic book by Sue Reich that honors the textiles made during the most astounding war… ever! The author provides dozen of quilt examples, photos of ephemera, and photos of individuals to accompany the marvelous text she shares. Individual fabrics, close-ups of old quilts, and poetry add to the mix of images. Very unique items are included, such as the embroidered record of Aldora Howe’s son’s service in the Coast Guard, during World War II. This large quilt measures no less than 75″ x 100.”

There is no doubt about it. The mothers and sweethearts that stayed at home cheered the “boys” with letters and packages, while doing the work of the men, in factory jobs they’d left behind. This hardcover book, published by Schiffer Publishing in 2010, is a charming look at a variety of textiles, not just cotton quilts. War was on the minds of all who lived through that period. Who could escape it? Service banners were hung to demonstrate that one or more “stars” (sons) were serving in the Armed Services.

The first thing I noticed about the book is that it can be considered “eye-candy,” yet, in delving into it, one can readily see that it represents a whole lot more than just pretty pictures. If you want to understand the War a little bit better, acquire this book as a permanent record of some of the ways that patriotism and love were expressed via textiles. This book was worth the wait!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Help Requested in Identifying Fabric

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

We just received a note from a reader. Not having a ready answer, we turn to “other” experts! The fabric in question appears to be an “original” fabric, not a reproduction fabric.

Black girl with umbrella fabric - to i.d.

Our reader is looking for more information about the fabric described below.

Hi Pat,

My name is Patti Schneider and I live in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I’m a Texan by birth (and heart) and my family has lived in Texas from the beginning of time. Anyway, I love your blog “Quilter’s Muse” and I am an admirer of reproduction fabrics. I am writing to you to see if you can help me to identify a piece of fabric from a quilt that my Grannie and her mother pieced by hand back in the 30’s/40’s that my 86 year old aunt just gave me. I have tried doing searches for it on the internet under “girl w/umbrella, negro girl w/umbrella in the rain,” etc… with no luck. I’m hoping with your extensive knowledge in quilts and fabric’s you might have an idea. I’d love to find the history of all the pieces in this quilt. I adore it! It is just the quilt top and I plan to hand quilt when I find the right backing for it. Anyway, any help you may give will be much appreciated.

Thanks, Patti

Dear Patti,

It must be a thrill to receive a handmade quilt top that was pieced by your grandmother. Good luck with tracking down all of the fabrics. That can be an ambitious task when looking at a scrap quilt!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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“Ugly Quilts”: Quilting for a Purpose

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

A few years ago, when a friend invited me along to another friend’s home to work on “Ugly Quilts,” I was taken back by the term and wondered why anyone would want to make an “ugly” quilt. I soon learned that the name represents quilts made of this and that, including old tee-shirts, curtains, bedspreads, drapes, old ties, and leftovers from quilting projects, as well as leftover batting and blankets. No textile is value-less in this project. It is a good way to recycle AND aid a homeless person at the same time. You see, these textiles are assembled and tied together to make sleeping bags, ugly enough so that they have no resale value (so they won’t be stolen to sell for money), but warm enough to shelter someone from the cold.

Even if you are not interested in assembling a quilt of this kind yourself, there are ways you can help. The obvious way is by donating money to buy the toiletries and warm socks that are stuffed within the quilt. Another is by sending old ties to the organization that can be used to “tie up” the sleeping bag during the day.

For more information, just Google “Ugly Quilts” or visit: http://www.uglyquilts.org/ or http://www.reese.org/sharon/uglypict.htm Alternately, you can start an “Ugly Quilt” group in your own community.

The homeless are the most forgotten of our society, until they become a nuisance of some kind. In my own community, last winter they hung out at the public library, dozing in the chairs, and trying to stay warm, at least during the day. Quilters are always trying to find ways to help others, and this would be a nice program idea for guilds. Quilters make neo-natal quilts for hospitals, to place over neo-natal units to block light from the sensitive eyes of newborns. They make wall quilts and bed quilts for hospital wards, and quilts to brighten nursing homes. There is always a greater “need” for quilts and there are always spots that can be brightened by the work of our needles, but let’s not forget the least powerful among us, those who are just happy to keep from freezing when the weather turns cold. “My Brother’s Keeper” program has come up with at least one solution.

God Bless!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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The Invisible Among Us

Monday, July 19th, 2010

Today, as we approached one of the busiest intersections in our fair city, we spotted a bedraggled young lady. Her blond hair was hanging in heavy curls but looked matted and had debris hanging on it. She was in a dress. At least that is the quick impression that stuck in my mind, and she wore short socks, and shoes. Her legs were completely black and blue, suggesting that she has been the victim of abuse or violence.

Her dog, who looked like a mongrel, was rooting for something in the grass beside the sidewalk. The temperature outside was heating up. We had a short break in the heatwave. The day was not as hot as those of the last week, but the overcast sky was being replaced with bright sunshine, beaming down on the duo. Her message to the world, scratched on an old piece of cardboard in Black marker, revealed that she was “Just Travelin’ Folk, No Money, No Food.”

My first impulse was to wonder what drug addict or pimp put her up to such shenanigans. I couldn’t help but think of the mother who once held her in her arms and wished the very best for her baby girl. I also wondered if she’d end up as another statistic in the crime log, picked up by the “wrong” kind of gentleman, ready to give her a ride to nowhere.

Where has she been? What has happened to her? Is this schtick just an act? Or is she for real? Where does she belong? Or, where is she traveling to?

We are all co-travelers on this planet. Many of us like to remain anonymous. We wonder about the “what ifs.” What if she has a knife or gun? What if she is not who she appears to be: helpless? What if this is a scheme?

Like many people, I’ve lost faith in the system, as there is not much provision for those who are out on the street, or down on their luck. Most people drive past a situation like this, not because they don’t care, but because they know that they could never give enough. The young lady represents part of a broken establishment that includes many of our veterans who are also homeless.

Who is responsible? I don’t know. There are many causative factors for homelessness that exceed even the simple lack of money. Some folks just want to drop out of society, do not want to keep an apartment or other housing, or are trying to escape a bad relationship. Others are simply mentally-ill.

Most people would drive by this girl, as we did. I have no answers but the thought of her and her little dog, standing outside in the scorching heat bothers me. I hope that no harm comes to her. The lessons of life are sometimes tough. Sometimes, people have to learn them on their own.

Patricia Cummings

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Michigan State University Acquires Cuesta Benberry Collection; Symposium Scheduled

Monday, July 19th, 2010

JULY 19, 2010

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT: Lora Helou (helou@msu.edu), Communications Manager, Michigan
State University Museum, 517-432-3357

MSU MUSEUM SYMPOSIUM CONNECTS COLLECTIONS, RESEARCH AND QUILT HISTORY

MSU MUSEUM, EAST LANSING, MICH. — Michigan State University Museum
announces a major event this fall: “Unpacking Collections: The Legacy
of Cuesta Benberry and a Symposium on Using Quilt History
Collections, ” to explore the connections between using collections in
making or studying quilts.

The symposium is set for Oct. 8-10, 2010 in East Lansing, Mich., and
is planned in conjunction with an exhibition that showcases examples
of materials from the Cuesta Benberry Quilt History Collections that
were recently acquired by the MSU Museum.

Scholars and creative artists use private and public collections of
objects and archival materials to inform their work. What do they
collect? Where do they find collections and how exactly do they use
them? What do they do with the collections when they are done? How
have they been inspired by collections? What obstacles do they
encounter when building or using collections? These questions and
more will be explored in the MSU Museum symposium.

“We were wonderfully surprised and honored that Cuesta Benberry’s
collections have come to the Michigan State University Museum,” says
Marsha MacDowell, MSU Museum curator and MSU professor of art and art
history. “Research-based collections like hers are critical to still
under-studied but important aspects of quilt history and of African
American art and cultural history. We know that this collection of
primary materials will enable scholars here on campus and around the
world to benefit from Cuesta’s trail-blazing work and to carry it
forward. Her collections and others held at the MSU Museum allow us
also to examine the importance of building and using collections in
creative, scholarly, and educational ways,” she adds.

To download the symposium brochure and to register by mail or online,
go to: http://museum. msu.edu/Events/ cbsymposium/

Noted individuals who have used collections in their scholarly and
creative work and will speak at the symposium include Lauren Cross,
Kyra Hicks, Carolyn Mazloomi, Patricia Turner,and Merikay Waldvogel.
In addition there will be a showing of Cross’s film The Skin Quilt
Project film, book sales, author book signings, and an information
session on using The Quilt Index (www.quiltindex. org); “Sit and
Stitch” with quiltmakers and “Sit and Share Collections” with quilt
history collectors; and a reunion of participants in the African
American Quiltmaking in Michigan Project. Optional symposium package
add-on activities include “Behind the Scenes” tours of the MSU Museum
African American and African Quilt Collections and an opportunity to
have your quilt documented for the Michigan Quilt Project/The Quilt
Index.

Self-guided tours of the exhibition Unpacking Collections: The Legacy
of Cuesta Benberry, An African American Quilt Scholar, and the
concurrent Dear Mr. Mandela, Dear Mrs. Parks: Children’s Letters,
Global Lessons (an exhibition produced by the Nelson Mandela Museum
and the Michigan State University Museum in collaboration with the
Keeper of the Word Foundation) will also be available.

Members of the Great Lakes African American Quilt Network, the
Lansing Sisters in Stitches, and Flint African American Quilt Guild
will serve as volunteer hosts and will have information on their
organizations.

The symposium is being organized by the Michigan State University
Museum and has been supported by a major grant from the Salser Family
Foundation with additional support from the MSU Museum Studies
Program, MSU Department of Art and Art History, MSU Women’s Resource
Center, African and African American Studies Program, MSU Office for
Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives, and the MSU Residential
College of Art and Humanities.

For more information about the exhibition, visit
http://museum.msu.edu/Exhibitions/Current/TheLegacyofCuestaBenberry. html

The Great Lakes Quilt Center at the Michigan State University Museum
Michigan State University Museum’s Great Lakes Quilt Center continues
the Michigan Quilt Project documentation project, initiated in 1985;
has completed major documentation projects on Michigan
African-American quiltmaking and North American Indian quiltmaking;
is currently engaged in a documentation project on South African
quiltmaking; has a collection of over 700 quilts, a strong collection
of quiltmaking ephemera, and a library of over 2000 quilt-related
publications; and regularly mounts and tours exhibitions of quilts.
Michigan State University Museum partners with the Alliance for
American Quilts and MATRIX: Center for Humane Arts, Letters, and
Social Sciences Online to lead the development of The Quilt Index
(www.quiltindex.org) and Quilt Treasures
(www.centerforthequilt.org/treasures). For more information about the
collections and programs of the center, go to
http://www.museummsu.edu/glqc/

The Michigan State University Museum
The MSU Museum is Michigan’s natural science and culture museum and
the state’s first Smithsonian Institution affiliate. The MSU Museum
– accredited by the American Association of Museums — collects,
preserves, studies and interprets cultural artifacts and natural
history specimens, with collections numbering more than 1 million in
four buildings on the MSU campus. The MSU Museum is committed to
education, exhibitions, research and the building and stewardship of
collections that focus on Michigan and its relationship to the Great
Lakes and the world beyond. Learn more at: http://museum. msu.edu

Arts and culture at MSU
Arts and culture at MSU play a critical role in nurturing the human
spirit while contributing to a richer quality of life. Museums,
galleries, and gardens along with libraries, historic sites, and
performance spaces provide a catalyst for cultural exchange of
diverse ideas and inspirations. At the same time, audiences on
campus and around the world take advantage of academic and research
outreach programs such as public broadcasting, online resources, and
publications. Find out more at http://artsandculture.msu.edu.

###

This announcement is brought to you as a courtesy of Quilter’s Muse Publications.

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“It’s a Long and Winding Road” – Develop Your Own Personal Compass

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

The compass is a very old instrument to aid in navigation using the reference points of North, South, East and West. A more sophisticated instrument of the 21st century, the GPS indicator, can assist drivers or hikers in reaching a destination. Both types of geographical indicators are external. On the other hand, each of us carries our own internal compass, a device that is unseen and inaudible but accompanies us throughout life. For lack of better words, I will refer to this as a moral compass or personal compass.

long, winding road

Life is a “long and winding road” – photo by James Cummings, taken in Shelburne, VT.

This internal indicator, like the voice of the GPS device, can be ignored. If only we pay attention to it, our moral compass can help guide us to right and wrong behavior and whatever is in our best interest. When we make a mistake, this personal compass tries to redirect us to make a different choice in the future. Many times, just like the GPS instrument, we will have to reconfigure our path.

Every human has the ability to know when their actions are an insult to the Author of the Universe or an assault on Nature. Humans are funny. They often engage in behaviors that are detrimental to themselves and other living things. If the mean, little boy who stands torturing his chained dog with a power spray of cold water would listen to his own sense of morality, he would know that his actions are wrong and would stop. For some reason, bullies of every stripe get a kick out of pushing around those who are weaker than themselves, or those whom they can easily dominate.

Some men, ineffective in their own lives because of their own deficiencies, enjoy verbally and physically browbeating their wives and children. Some of the more famous celebrities make news due to their reprehensible behavior of threats, violence, name-calling, or bigotry. Oh yes, alcohol can be blamed, in some instances, but often drinking is just an excuse, not a reason.

As a shocking aside, along the same lines of thinking about persecution by bigots, I heard a song (on PBS television) sung by jazz singer Billie Holiday (1915-1959) about “strange fruits hanging from a tree.” The song, of course, refers to southern lynchings of Blacks, in past years. Those killed were a “lesson” to others, and a result of an illogical lack of moral sense: people caught up in the group mentality that calls for action before thought.

If the news about some Islamic countries is true, then Muslim men have no problem in stoning people to death or finding any excuse to “off” women or severely punish them. To Westerners, their actions are barbaric. As usual, the motivation for violence is all about individual power and maintenance of hierarchies. Power can kept by intimidation and persecution: by making others “stay in their place.”

The only true freedom lies within each individual’s experience of the human condition. Though incarcerated, humans can transcend their temporal surroundings through memory, prayer, and visualization. When prisoners of war are kept in solitary confinement, their own brains full of hope and faith can be a primary source of survival.

To sum up, external compasses will help us to reach one geographical point or another. A moral compass has a far greater purpose. It aids us in becoming our own point of reference, and our own guide to determining what is right and wrong. This subjective, visceral index that we all carry may be unseen but can be experienced, just the same, if only we will listen to our best selves.

Whether you head north, south, east or west today, listen to yourself. Consider how your choices could impact the quality of the rest of your life. Even the best hand-held compass cannot provide that information, and no scientific device will ever be as important as your own moral compass. Unspoken hunches and sensibilities are your constant companions. Listen to them! They speak volumes!

In life, we all take a few wrong turns, but there is always a chance to “recalculate,” even without a GPS system.

“Don’t worry. Be happy!”

“It’s a long and winding road.” – The Beatles

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Crafted Lives: Stories and Studies of African American Quilters

Friday, July 16th, 2010

Crafted Lives: Stories and Studies of African American Quilters by Patricia Turner, (Jackson: University Press of Mississippi, 2009), with a foreword by Kyra Hicks, is a book that has graced my bookshelf for months without my opening it, until tonight! Knowing how quickly book titles go out of print, when I come across a title that sounds pertinent to quilt history, I usually try to acquire it.

Sometimes, I just don’t have the time to do as much reading as I would like, but remembering that Patricia Turner was reported to have shared some comments about the Underground Railroad and purported quilts that helped slaves to safety, I decided to turn to that chapter to see what she said.

I was not disappointed. She presents a very balanced view, ending her remarks with a description of how she teaches her students to authenticate topics related to the Underground Railroad. Describing slavery as an “egregiously dehumanizing institution,” she exclaims that the “Underground Railroad can be an enormous source of pride to anyone who wants to find noteworthy achievements embedded within the ‘peculiar institution’.”

She states: This is the truth that undergirds the legend that quilts facilitated the escape of slaves. The sources I train my students to use don’t authenticate a quilt code. They do, however, affirm that nineteenth-century African Americans were enormously creative and courageous.

Finding these statements was a pleasant experience! Now, I hope to read the rest of Turner’s book that explores the “creations and wisdom” of nine quilters.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Cuban Quilting

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

Today, I received an e-mail inquiry from someone in Florida who wishes to know more about Cuban quilts. In an online Google search, I found a letter by the late Cuesta Benberry, renowned quilt historian, written in the year 2000. It mentions an exhibit that was to be set up in Buffalo that year to represent the book, A Communion of the Spirits by Roland L. Freeman. She adds that four Cuban quilts, rarely seen in the United States, would be included in the exhibit. Freeman’s book is an amazing compendium of the work of African-American Quilters, in a broad view never before presented. It was published by Rutledge Hill Press, now out of business, and features many wonderful color photos of quilts and their makers.

The following article is the first specific reference to Cuban quilts that I’ve located. The Miami Herald features an article written by Fabiola Santiago in which she describes a book called MATANZAS: THE CUBA NOBODY KNOWS by Miguel A. Bretos. Matanzas is a location much closer to the United States than Havana and a significant number of Afro-Cubans live there. Evidently, Matanzas is a city hub brimming with Cuban Art, unique dance forms, and other points of culture. The city has been nicknamed the “Athens” of Cuba. Ms. Santiago mentions that a woman named Tia Niquita is “renowned for her quilts.”

http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/05/02/1606410_p2/finally-matanzas-gets-some-respect.html

I asked Kyra Hicks, quilt historian, if she knew of any Afro-Cuban Quilts. She responded with the following book link that is for a self-published book about Hilda Simmons, a quilter from Cuba.

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1239098

If anyone hears of other examples, please let me know.

Patricia Cummings, pat@quiltersmuse.com
A song I recorded a while ago: “Cuando Sali de Cuba”

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