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14th Annual Quilting Weekend Oct. 29-31 at Frost Valley Y

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

PRESS RELEASE

Frost Valley Y
For Children, Families & Groups
2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville, NY 12725
(845) 985-2291 www.frostvalley.org

Claryville, NY— ­ Frost Valley Y will host its 14th annual Fall Quilting Weekend from Friday through Sunday, Oct. 29-31, 2010.

This popular program offers opportunities for quilters of every ability level. Five of the region’s foremost quilting experts will lead workshops.

Kathleen Davies’ class it titled “Chop Suey.” This workshop is suitable for the advanced beginner. Participants will create a project by piecing small blocks that appear complicated, but aren’t. The end result is a quilt top made to any desired size.

Longtime Frost Valley instructor, Kris Driessen, will demonstrate how “Two Table Runners Teach Timeless Techniques.” Quilters will concentrate on perfecting basic quilting techniques and learning new ones while making small projects. Group members will make two table runners, a forget-me-not carryall and a tea tote.

“Super Star” is the workshop taught by Susan Jungerheld. Participants will create a Carpenter’s Star pattern that appears complicated, but is very do-able, making it a great project for both beginner and advanced quilters. Basic quilting skills will be reviewed during this class.

Katharina Litchman¹s workshop is dubbed “Two for One!” In this fun project, a table runner (or smaller) will be created and should be close to completion during the workshop. The front and back of the project will be worked on simultaneously, yet have very different appearances. This class is appropriate for all skill levels.

“Quilted Holiday Projects” will be the focus of Sherry Sega’s class. Participants can jump-start their holiday sewing with three easy weekend projects. A quilted tree skirt of table-topper can be made for any size tree or table. A folded star and scrappy lighted garland will also be created. These are easy project and they make great gifts.

Quilt Weekend visitors have the opportunity to sign up for workshops, in their order of preference. The slots will be filled in the order that reservations are received.

Quilters are welcome to spend the weekend at Frost Valley or they can attend classes as day guests. Those staying for the weekend have the choice of family-style, inn-style or hotel-style lodging. Rates are available for single and double occupancy.

In addition to improving quilting skills, the weekend presents a great chance for participants to experience the wonders of Frost Valley. Situated in the high peaks of the Catskill Mountains, Frost Valley encompasses 6,000 acres of unparalleled beauty. Each morning, class members can enjoy an optional walk for an inspirational start to the day. Workshops are held from 9 a..m.-noon. After lunch, afternoon quilting sessions follow until dinner. Evening programs are offered on Friday and Saturday. Workshops are held again on Sunday morning and the weekend concludes with the traditional “show and tell” after lunch.

For additional information or registrations, please call (845) 985-2291, or visit www.FrostValley.org

Frost Valley is on twitter at twitter.com/frostvalley

Frost Valley Y provides four seasons of outdoor educational opportunities for more than 35,000 children and adults each year of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. All Frost Valley programs incorporate the values of caring, honesty, respect, responsibility, inclusiveness, stewardship, diversity and community. The camp is just a 2.5 hour drive from metro NY / NJ.

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For additional information,
Denise Owens,
Director of Marketing and Communications
at (845) 985-2291, ext. 211

This public service announcement is brought to you by Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Words on Victorian Textile Banners

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Since writing the initial file, still in place below, I have been sent some lovely photos of the collection of Victorian Banners recently sold at auction by James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine.

17 Victorian trade banners

Seventeen Victorian trade banners

Close-up of

A close-up view of the “Indebted” Victorian trade banner

Bands of temperance

“Bands of Temperance”

Strike while the iron is hot

“Strike while the iron is hot.”

Sailing ship

A sailing ship

Victorian banner

A shoemaker’s banner

A second shoemaker's banner

A second shoemaker’s banner

Original Post

Much to my amazement today, the mailman delivered a note from a friend in the mid-West which contained a news clipping from the New York Times dated August 20, 2010. In a column by Eve M. Kahn, it is noted that 17 rare Victorian Guild banners that are fringed will be going on the auction block in Maine on August 26. These banners were most recently in the collection of the Maine Charitable Mechanic Association in Portland, Maine who is selling them to raise money for much needed repairs to their building. The group cites lack of adequate climate control for the objects as one of the reasons for the sale.

Each banner is very unique. In looking at an overall photo of these items, as shown in a photo at the site of the auctioneer, James D. Julia, Inc. of Fairfield, Maine, I jotted down some of the sayings that served to advertise various businesses:

1) “United in the Bands of Temperance we are Crowned with Honor.”

2) “May our carriage ever be: UPRIGHT
God speed the Plough”

3) “Bound by the Hoops of Economy
Driven by the Hands of Industry”

4) “Moulded from Patterns of Goodness & Truth
the Casts of our character need neither
Soldering nor Brazing.”

5) “Strength, Convenience, Beauty,
the great desiderata
in Civil Architecture.”

6) “When History’s page
no date can give
Of Empires overthrown.
Our country’s deeds
and ours shall live
In Monumental Stone.

There are others. If you are interested, you may want to take a look at the auctioneer’s website. The lot is expected to sell at $125,000. or more.

I am so appreciative when friends send me interesting tidbits of textile history like this. The general public is dismally unaware of our collective and rich textile history.

As ever,

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Marie Webster’s Quilt Patterns Celebrated in Cake Designs

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Anyone who has looked at the history of quilting at all, will have come across the name of (the late) Marie Webster of Indiana, book writer and pattern maker. Her former residence now serves as home to the Quilter’s Hall of Fame. Below is a link to a blog entry about the cakes made in her honor.

http://thequiltershalloffame.blogspot.com/2010/08/second-round-of-marie-webster-birthday.html

Patricia Cummings, Quilter’s Muse Publications
(By the way, Marie Webster is not related to Ellen Webster, the subject of my biography).

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Drafting for the Creative Quilter

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Sally Collins has just published a new book, Drafting for the Creative Quilter, that sounded like one that would be nice to add to my library. I like reference books. I may not need it today, but sometime along the line, any book of this kind comes in handy. I was not disappointed when the book arrived from amazon. One of her other books I did not purchase right away and when I decided that I just must have it, I had to pay dearly for it on the secondary market. So, I’ve learned a lesson. If you see a book or fabric that you really think you might want, do not hesitate. Both go out of print, sooner than you think!

I really enjoy buying books from amazon because they arrive in a “brand new” condition, not in a worn state as you are likely to find in some shops (for the same amount of money, or more)! This is the reason I also like books on CD. They are not shop worn or previously handled.

If you ever thought that you might like to try drafting your own pattern, Sally gives you all the information you need to do so! Projects are included in the book. For more information, check out the amazon listing below.

I think that you will find this a very useful addition to your personal library of quilting books or for your guild library!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Words on Textiles

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

I love words! No doubt about it! I really like textiles that have words whether they are printed, painted, assembled with buttons that have letters, monogrammed, in Calligraphy, silk screened, flocked, stenciled or embroidered. Did I miss anything?

handkerchief

“Twinkle, twinkle little star [...].”

Do you have any quilts or embroidered items or any other textiles, with words? Or, have you seen any antique examples? I have seen a number of these types of textiles. One of them was a Crazy Quilt that had lines of the Lord’s Prayer, all over its top surface?

I am curious. If you are “game,” let’s have fun comparing notes. Please send a description and photo of your item(s). In the meantime, I will look around and see what information I can find about this topic. Send any information to: pat@quiltersmuse.com Thanks! If I can gather enough interesting information, I will publish it in a file on my website for all to enjoy.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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The Constant Quilter Quilt Shop

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Yesterday, when I was on my way “to somewhere else” and had an appointment I needed to honor, I stumbled upon a quilt shop that I did not know existed. No wonder. I rarely travel that road. The name of the shop is The Constant Quilter. Actually, the sign out front that first caught my attention was “Antique pickers needed.” Downstairs in the old farmhouse, there is room after room of bolts of fabric, patterns and threads. Upstairs is an antiques shop!

The place is run by a mother-in-law, a quilter who has relocated to the area from New York, and her daughter-in-law, who loves antiques. I had a lot of fun browsing through the cases and rooms full of absolute treasures. They have a quick turn over of merchandise it says on their Internet site.

The shop is located on Route 11, just 3 miles east of Andover, New Hampshire, very easy to find. Parking is in the back of the shop. This shop is a treasure. I am sure that my car will be headed in that direction again soon, when I have more time to browse. Quilt classes are available, as well as machine quilting services and sewing machine repairs. Enjoy! Their phone number is (603) 735-4100. http://www.constantquilter.com/

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Lost Heroes Quilt on Display until August 27

Wednesday, August 18th, 2010

Announcement from the Wright Museum

Dear Quilt Enthusiast:

The Wright Museum of WWII History in Wolfeboro will be exhibiting the Lost Heroes Art Quilt through August 27.

This important memorial is touring the U.S. to honor our fallen heroes who have died in the service of our country since 9/11. The Wright Museum in Wolfeboro is the only N.H. venue on the schedule. It is here through August 27 before moving to its next venue.

Information about the Lost Heroes Art Quilt project:

http://heart2hand4art.com/lostheroesartquilt/firstpage.htm

Any effort you can take to make your fellow quilters aware of this important exhibit will be greatly appreciated!

Sincerely,

Mark Foynes
Executive Director

Wright Museum of WWII History
P.O. Box 1212, 77 Center Street
Wolfeboro, NH 03894

603/569-1212

Visit www.wrightmuseum.org

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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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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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