quiltersmuse.com Blog

Today, I just finished researching a new topic for publication, at the request of an editor. As always, I learned a lot! The experience has encouraged me to think about the field of textiles, its lengthy history, and how much there is to know about them. In my lifetime, I will never run out of related subjects to explore, and that is a “good thing.”

I was also thinking about Wikipedia and eBay and how helpful they are. They bring the world to our doorsteps, literally. While Wikipedia is prepared by humans and is not infallible, it is a point of departure. I pity the poor student who takes everything there as the Gospel Truth, as I have discovered glitches many times. However, I do believe that it is an attempt to share (what people think they know). Just be careful of remarks that are left hanging without substantiation such as a citation to a scholarly journal or to a well-researched reference book.

I am utterly in awe of eBay and other online auction houses. They bring history alive with examples and prices and photos. In addition, I can trade with people overseas. It’s rather neat to have packages arriving from Uzbekistan or England or Germany!

The more I know, the more I realize that there is more to know. Furthermore, there always will be. This is a great life for those who have a life of the mind and an inquiring spirit. I am a happy learner, and you get to benefit from articles that reflect what I have so joyously found out, and which I so happily share.

Have a good week!

Patricia Cummings

http://www.quiltersmuse.com

Toile de Jouy fabrics have a long history. This morning, we added photos to a file we posted this past weekend. Hope you enjoy it.

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

Patricia Cummings

This morning, I uploaded an article about Sarah Josepha Hale, an outstanding woman who was born in Newport, New Hampshire. She distinguished herself as an “editress” for many years, after having been widowed at a very young age, and left with five children to raise. Her story is as compelling today as ever, and it reveals glowing success in the face of challenge. I hope that you enjoy the article.

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

Patricia Cummings

Over the weekend, I had typed the words to an article about Hafiza Malikbaba and her work with Rubia and its attempt to bring literacy to Afghanistan via the sale of embroideries. Today, Jim scanned some of the slides we have of pillows, purses, and patchwork, and of Hafiza herself, one wearing her burqa, and we have now added all the photos to the article.

Meeting Hafiza and her translator, Rachel Lehr, was a highlight of the summer in August 2006. I hope that you enjoy hearing about her intriguing stories of her life and that of her family, “after the Taliban,” in the poorest country on earth.

Patricia

Today, Jim and I collaborated on a new photo essay:

Mammy Quilts and Other Black Memorabilia: Artifacts of Prejudice, or Not?

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

Hope you enjoy reading it!

Patricia

This year, as we give thanks around a table filled with the delectable food, please take a moment to think about the origins of the holiday. The pilgrims celebrated a Day of Thanks by fasting. George Washington called for a similar day in 1789. Our present American celebration has roots in the activism of one New Hampshire born woman, Sarah Josepha Hale. Widowed at a young age, she was “discovered,” due to her many poems and her brand new novel, at the time, Northwood.

With her five young children, she left for Boston to take the position of editor of Ladies Magazine. For years, she labored intensely to have the president of the United States declare an official Thanksgiving Day. President Abraham Lincoln agreed to proclaim such an annual holiday.

Of course, in the interest of time and space, I am leaving out a lot of details.

“N.H. Native Envisions Thanksgiving!” is an article that I wrote for Unravel the Gavel newspaper, November 17, 2006 (Volume 17, Number 10). As best I could, within the scope of available space, I have described Sarah Josepha Hale’s life.

This paper is available by subscription, and is also free to pick up at select antique stores in New England area. The article includes very special copies of colorplate illustrations from Godey’s Lady’s Book, the publication which Hale edited until two years before her death (at 91).

When I give thanks this year, I will remember my wonderful editors. They follow a long line of strong women who made a difference in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and are continuing to be the voice of women today. By their editorials and selections for content, they serve as trend setters, and the social conscience of our society.

Sarah Josepha Buell Hale: just one woman, but what an impact! Remember her kindly as you “break bread together.” The index page of our website now features a song that is appropriate for Thanksgiving, and information about a contemporary of Hale who gave us a Thanksgiving poem.

Pat