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Stitchbook: Histoire du Boutis Provencal

Thursday, September 2nd, 2010

We just received this newsletter notice from Stitchbook, a French magazine. They sent us some separate photos of stuffed and corded quilting, seen below. For those who speak French, I will include the message in that language. The translator device does not quite capture the intent of the message.

stitchbook logo

Bonjour

Septembre est déjà là, synonyme de rentrée, mais aussi de belles journées ensoleillées, de déjeuners sur l’herbe et de longues balades en forêt pour la cueillette des champignons et des mûres?

C’est également le temps des confitures qui ensoleilleront les petits déjeuners d’hiver et réjouiront les gourmands?
Alors pourquoi ne pas habiller joliment les pots, et broder sur le thème du verger, un joli cache couvercle en lin ?
Ce mois ci, notre dossier magazine vous emmène à la découverte du boutis provençal? cet art séculaire, tout en finesse, à la blancheur épurée, qui parait il n’y a pas si longtemps encore, les corsages et les trousseaux des jolies provençales. Vous deviendrez incollable sur son histoire et ses différentes techniques.
Notre rubrique bibliographie se met au diapason et vous propose une sélection d’ouvrages uniquement dédiés à la broderie blanche.
Et comme chaque mois, retrouvez toutes les dates des salons les plus proches de chez vous, notre sélection hebdomadaires des blogs « coup de c?ur » mettant à l’honneur vos talents créatifs, le nom de la gagnante du Top3 et bien sûr toujours plus de news sur l’actualité du fil.

Toute l’équipe vous souhaite une très bonne rentrée et de jolis moments créatifs.

Cordialement,

L’équipe Stitchbook

www.stitchbook.fr
http://www.stitchbook.fr/newsletter/html/images/b002.JPG

whitework in a hoop

This is an image of “whitework” being done in a hoop

cording

Long, straight lines become three dimensional when a piece of yarn is inserted into quilted channels with a long needle. This is called “corded quilting.”

A portion of a quilt and pillow covers that have been stuffed and corded

An image of a quilt and pillow covers that have been stuffed and corded

quilting bee

From the other photos I viewed, I gather that these ladies are having a quilting bee to re-create the antique treasure referred to simply as the “Tristan” quilt. This quilt is recently displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England, and is Europe’s oldest quilt.

We appreciate the chance to see these photos and share them with our readers. There is never a dull moment as quilters around the world pick up their needles to engage in this art that draws up closer together and breaks down the barriers of distance and language. To me, this is an incentive to further explore foreign language studies.

Please visit a file about this type of quilting that we set up several years ago:

http://www.quiltersmuse.com/wholecloth_quilts2.htm

My best,

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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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.

###

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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Quilt University Offers Classes for Every Taste

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

If you are looking for something fun and different to do this summer, why not consider taking a class at Quilt University? The classes are for those who want to learn outside of a traditional brick and mortar classroom. The lessons are sent, one at a time, are not graded, and yet working through them, one can discuss anything with fellow classmates or the teacher.

Just for fun, I recently signed up for “Math for Quilters.” The teacher is Dena Crain who lives in Kenya. Due to her international experience, she decided to include information about the metric system. The second lesson includes some “algebra.” Yes, we have been working with the Pythagorean Theorem of a square + b square = c square. I have heard this “saying” for years, but never applied it to the geometry of quilting before now. It’s rather a fun concept that allows you to determine the diagonal (base) length of a right triangle!

The teacher has gone to a lot of work to create reference guides and charts to aid in future projects for those who want to begin designing their own quilts. I am so glad I signed up! In fact, I am so happy that I saw another class that sounds great and I’ve signed up for that one, too! For a long time, I’ve been on the teacher side of the table, but there is always more to learn and at Quilt University, with its no hassle policy, broadening one’s knowledge is a joy!

Whether you want to learn to create pictorial quilts, or make a Bargello quilt, or learn how to use Electric Quilt software, Quilt University has a class for you, and so many more! For more information, visit: www.quiltuniversity.com You’ll be glad you did!

In October 2006, I prepared a feature story about Quilt University, an interview with Dean – Carol Miller, which is still on our website.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Quilt Artist Kathie Alyce Featured at Central Vermont Quilt Show 2010

Friday, May 7th, 2010

When we first walked in the door of the Central Vermont Quilt Show in Barre, Vermont, today, I was awe-struck by the colorful quilts of Kathie Alyce, quilter designer and artist. On display, in a special exhibit, were landscape quilts that she made, as well as other extraordinary pieces. One quilt was made in the shape of an artist’s palette, and about the same size. Kathie admits to being in love with color. We believe her!

A black, white, and gray quilt (seen on the left) is dedicated to the memory of her brother who met a tragic death in Keene, New Hampshire, when a deer jumped in front of his motorcycle. There is a purposeful tear down the middle of the quilt, perhaps to symbolize how he was ripped from her life. It is a touching tribute, along with an aluminum-foil-color, motorcycle and deer, applied in some manner.

Kathie Alyce - quilt artist

Kathie Alyce standing in front of a few of her quilts at the Central Vermont Quilt Show – 2010

The center piece of the special exhibit is a quilt, one of thirty quilts, that will be featured in a book, Flip Flop Quilts, to be released at the Houston Quilt Market in late October 2010. Kathie has developed a special hard plastic (or acrylic?) template tool that can be used to make a number of different quilts. The blue and white one, shown here, with her standing nearby, she calls the “Vermont Wedding Ring.” In a vendor space at the show, Kathy was selling her templates and quilt patterns.

I really enjoyed chatting with Kathie. At one point she said that a trademark of her quilts is curves. In viewing her various pieces, that statement rings true! From her website, I learned that she does commission work and also has some beautiful quilts for sale. In addition, she provides classes to groups.

Check out Waterfall Quilts The new book is being published by AQS (American Quilter’s Society). Congratulations, Kathy! Way to go! Please sign up on Kathy’s website if you would like to be notified when her book is ready for the public!

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Singer Featherweights

Friday, April 16th, 2010

Singer Featherweights are lightweight, easily portable sewing machines that are popular for quilters to take to quilt classes. I’ve had one since the early 1990s and it is my favorite machine of all times. It must be handled gently, oiled regularly, and have lint removed often, or there will be problems. Other than that, it hums along. Mine has a special (new) foot that has a 1/8″ seam allowance on the left side, and a 1/4″ seam allowance on the other side, making it perfect for piecing miniature quilts.

In recent years, a company has manufactured sewing machine oil with a long nozzle, perfect for reaching those hard to reach spots, when oiling the machine. Unfortunately, the bottle we had was barely used, when it developed a leak. The plastic housing was not durable enough. This week, at JoAnn Fabrics, we bought a similar contraption and have high hopes that it will work as well, and perhaps, last longer.

Somewhere in my notebooks, those ever-present volumes of collected tidbits, I printed out a paper from the Internet that tells how to determine the age of a Singer featherweight 221. If I recall correctly, mine was made in 1948. They are a mid-20th century phenomenon. The only (slight) drawback is that one needs to have the needle down and in the fabric before beginning to sew a line of stitches. It’s a matter of habit.

A lot of times, the old Black cases, used originally to house the machine when not in use, smells very bad. Some people have had good luck by putting a bar of Irish Spring soap inside the case and closing it for a month or so. In my case, I’ve saved the case, of course, but I went to Walmart and purchased a much bigger case that is large enough to hold bobbins, the electrical parts of the machine (foot pedal, etc.), and the sewing machine manual.

Nancy Johnson-Srebo from Pennsylvania, someone from whom I took a class on piecing miniatures when I was first getting started with doing that, wrote a book that contains all the information you would ever want or need to know about featherweights. She has collected a number of the machines herself, and is an expert at getting them to work properly. I could not find this book on amazon, which is a shame, as it is a good reference.

So that is the scoop on this dreary, cold, and rainy New England day. The Lilac leaves are opening, and there is snow on the ground. Go figure. Time to oil my machine and make it Purr again.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications – old things

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Coincidence or the Work of a Greater Force?

Friday, April 9th, 2010

Yesterday, on the spur of the moment, I decided to travel to another town to a quilt shop that always lifts my spirits. Looking around in the shop, with a vague notion of what I wanted to purchase, first I spotted some fabric that would be perfect for a border print, not a solid, but a tone on tone print that looks elegant… and it was on sale for 40% off the retail price!

Next, I spotted a must-have Chintz print with birds and flowers. I was going to settle for a yard of that, but decided to buy two yards (and will probably wish I’d bought more).

As I passed a bin of thread for hand quilting, I spotted ONE spool only of YLI thread (which I love!). It was in the color needed for my current project, or so I thought. In bringing it home, it is the exact color needed! I could not ask for a better match. The thread find convinced me that a Greater Being was directing my steps, and anticipating my every need.

In addition, I was able to purchase the type of batting I prefer for wall hangings; and I picked up a package of Quilted Treasures transfer paper.

Upon leaving the shop, I knew that I had come to the right place and I did not think that it was a coincidence that I’d found every item I’d desired. Funny how everyday experiences can increase our faith in the Author of the Universe.

Today it is raining. I’ll be quilting.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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The Ever Persistent Question: “What Do You Do?”

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

I am always stymied to give a coherent answer when someone I don’t know asks me what I “do.” Like most professionals in the quilt industry, I wear many hats. The other day, I handed someone my business card that says, “Quilter’s Muse Publications” and provides contact information. She looked at the card, mystified, and said, “Oh, so you make quilts?” The answer was, “Yes, and so much more.”

This career had humble beginnings. I made my first quilt, one that I didn’t like much, under the guidance of a more experienced quilt shop owner. It was the “vision” of someone else, and one that was simply a practice quilt, as I look back. Much more was in store. Along the way, I acquired an addiction for buying every quilt book I ran across, many of which I have no use for now. They were for beginners. I soon realized that the same basic how-to information is contained in most magazines and books, a constant rehash, and sometimes an account that does not yield practical advice that one only learns by doing.

quilt block

This block design reminds me of “Spring.”

I’ve made more quilts than I can remember, on most days. I’ve lost count of them. Quite a few have been donation quilts or ones sent to other countries. I’ve been asked by many groups to give talks and I have traveled all over New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont to do so. I’ve been asked to serve as a quilt judge, something I really enjoy. I’ve prepared 70 articles for publication in one magazine, as well as other articles for magazines, newsletters, and newspapers. I gathered information for a large, unpublished report on old quilts, and have written a number of books on Redwork and Its History, Quilt Care, and Ellen E. Webster, quilt historian and her work. This blog has about 1100 entries, and my website is packed with very informative articles, recipes, and songs.

In addition, I do make quilts, though not to sell, and not for show. I make quilts to illustrate my writings, and to give to friends and family. So, you see, it gets a bit complicated when someone asks, “What do you do?” On some days, I am researching and writing. On other days, I am trying to expand the market for my products. On still other days, I am enjoying the company of the radio, or silence, while I carefully appliqué, quilt, or work on designing a new quilt. Often, I am looking up pattern names for old designs, or answering the many e-mails I receive each month.

I wish I had a more descriptive phrase that explained briefly ALL that I do. For now, I guess that the term “quilt professional” will have to suffice. Quilting and quilt friends, quilt stores, museums, and antique shops, and opportunities to teach about quilts, are my life. If anyone thinks that quilters or quilting is boring, they will have to think again. The history of quilts is the history of men and women who have quilted in the past, and there are many approaches one can take when studying the subject.

I really enjoy being a quilter! To that end, I wrote a song two years ago called “I Am a Quilter,” in honor of National Quilter’s Day which is celebrated on the third Saturday of March, annually, since 1992. Of all the occupations I have ever had, this “hobby” of quilting makes my heart sing.

Happy National Quilter’s Day!
Patricia Cummings, quilt professional
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Paper-Pieced Quilt for Autumn

Saturday, October 31st, 2009

Ever since purchasing the book, Paper Piecing the Seasons, by Stephen Seifert and Liz Schwartz, I have been a fan of their work. In April 2000, I began making a wall quilt that they call, “Country Roads Quilt.” I finished the quilt and gave it to my niece in California for her birthday in October 2000. I thought she’d enjoy the autumn scene in this quilt that I called, “Covered Bridge in Autumn.”

covered bridge in autumn

Design from the book, Paper Piecing the Seasons. Pieced by Patricia Cummings. (The photo shows this piece when it was still a quilt top, – and although you can’t tell from the photo, the quilt does have even borders).

I remember the fun I had making this quilt! Not as many landscape fabrics were available, compared to today. The hunt for the perfect fabric to represent tree colors, the stones, and other elements, was a joy!

Today, I discovered that the singular pattern for this quilt is still available at eQuiltPatterns.com, along with many other tempting designs for those who love paper piecing. To see a larger view, click here.

I have made only a few foundation pieced quilts but have always enjoyed them. This one was particularly fun as I made it with love and with the expectation and hope that it would be enjoyed by the recipient.

Whatever you do today, take joy in your work. We pass this way only once.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Frost Valley YMCA in Claryville, NY Hosts Quilting Weekend – Oct. 30 – Nov. 1, 2009

Thursday, October 8th, 2009

Claryville, NY. Frost Valley YMCA will host its 13th annual Quilting Weekend, designed for quilters of all ages and abilities, from Friday through Sunday, Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 2009.

quilt example

Close-up view of a quilt from a class taught at Frost Valley YMCA

Six renowned quilters: Katrina Litchman, Kris Driessen, Sherry Sega, Kathleen Davies, Anne Foland and Bob Silverman will present workshops. All of the instructors have taught classes at previous Frost Valley weekends.

Bob Silverman teaching a student in 2008

Bob Silverman instructs a student in this file photo from 2008 at Frost Valley YMCA

Lead instructor Katrina Litchman will give a class titled, “Art Quilting.” Participants will enter into the world of free-form composition and learn the art of spontaneous quilting.

Kris Driessen’s workshop will be called the “St. James Star.” Class members will construct Flying Geese blocks using the Quilt-in-Day Ruler, and will then create star blocks and set them on point. The final product is a lap quilt. A perfect class for confident beginners looking to improve skills.

Quilted Jackets will be the focus in Sherry Sega’s workshop. All levels of quilters will enjoy transforming creating a unique quilted jacket from a sweatshirt.

A “Crazy Quilt Class” will be offered by Kathleen Davies. Class members will learn to use silks, satins and velvets to create pieces with a traditional appearance or gain more modern looks with cotton.

Frost Valley quilt - 2008

A participant in Frost Valley quilt classes in 2008

“All This for a Nickel” is the theme of Anne Foland’s workshop. This course will offer four patterns that can be sewn using only five-inch squares. The work will be structured toward participants’ ability levels.

In Bob Silverman’s “Scrap Basket Quilts” workshop, scraps that all quilters accumulate will be used to create a quilt using all squares, rectangles and half-square triangles with no triangles to sew. This class is perfect for the “confident beginner.”

Fall Stream in Frost Valley

A fall stream in Frost Valley

In addition to the expert instruction, Frost Valley’s Quilting Weekend, provides a special retreat in the Catskill Mountains. Lodging options include dorm-style, inn-style and hotel-style. The weekend retreat package includes lodging, meals and one weekend workshop. Day guests are also welcome for workshop instruction and lunch.

Check-in for the weekend begins at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, followed by an evening program.

Quilting vendors will have their booths open throughout the event, including goods from Woodstock Quilt Supply and Quilt Bug Quilt Shop.

A complete materials list will be sent to quilters prior to check-in. Participants at the Quilting Weekend will also have ample free time to explore the Frost Valley and enjoy its many season program offerings.

Frost Valley YMCA is located at 2000 Frost Valley Road, Claryville, NY 12725.

Celebrating its 51st year in the valley, Frost Valley YMCA Camp and Conference Center in the Catskill Mountain High Peaks is open every day through four seasons, welcoming school children, family, group and business retreats every week from September through June. The camp is just 2.5 hours drive from metro NY/NJ and about 1 hour from Kingston.

For additional information, please contact Carmel Dorn, Registrar, at (845) 985-2291, ext. 205, or e-mail: info@frostvalley.org.

This is a public service announcement brought to you by Quilter’s Muse Publications Photos were provided by a representative for Frost Valley YMCA.

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Postcard Quilt

Wednesday, September 30th, 2009

Here is an image of a postcard quilt sent to me by my friend, Tamara Shpolyanska, a certified Master Quilter and quilt teacher from Ukraine. She sent this to me, in two pieces that I needed to assemble to have a finished project. I just got “a round tuit,” and completed it this week.

She has sent me four other postcard quilts, one of which needs an edge binding. I see I have my work cut out for me. Perhaps a skinny piece of left over binding would do just fine. Yes, very skinny!

I love Tamara’s artistic vision. Her quilts, large and small, are all wonderful! I am blessed to have some very special friends and she is certainly one of them. Here is the scan of the postcard. The back of the quilt features her personal stamp/ and her name in Ukrainian, as well as a personal message to me, her signature, and the date.

Postcard quilt from Tamara

This small piece features a pansy and fancy fibers. It looks very elegant, in person! She sent it as a gift for St. Patrick’s Day, in 2006.

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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