07.13.08
Posted in Uncategorized, Religion at 11:17 am by Administrator
In the nineteenth century, one small town in New Hampshire had only one Meetinghouse/Church that all of the denominations shared. How did they do that? They would take turns. The Baptists, Unitarians, Congregationalists, and others, would set up a schedule with various ministers “supplying,” the word they used for “presenting” a sermon. There were sometimes two services per day, on Sunday, and different suppliers each week.
This shows the cooperative spirit of early New Englanders. No one had to have the whole pie; just a piece of it.
Ultimately, it is of no consequence to which brand of religion you ascribe. The Methodists will not break through the line at the Pearly Gates any sooner than anyone else. In fact, those who feel superior just because they belong to a certain religion, should think again. Loving God and your fellow man is key to spiritual continuity.
Whether you are a member of “the Church of the Divine Looney,” or no church at all, you are just as loved by the Author of the Universe. To acknowledge that life-giving force is to realize something greater than ourselves that reaches beyond sometimes narrow-minded and exclusionary ideology.
I wish you a Happy Sunday! I hope that your day is quiet, reflective, and creative. Unlike some sects who only sit and read the Bible all day on Sunday, I personally believe that some creative work, such as quilting, on this day, honors the Life Force by which we came to be. Every stitch taken, by hand, can be a meditative experience.
Whomever your “Supplier” is this Sunday, whether it is a church official or simply a Christian radio station, remember that your right to hear any sermon is related to “free speech.” Just for a moment, stop to think of the magnitude of those two words. Remember, too, those souls now gone to rest, who shared one, common, white church with a steeple, and who had room in their hearts and tolerance for those whose religious beliefs were just a little bit different than their own.
Patricia Cummings
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07.09.08
Posted in Uncategorized, Antiques, Quilt History at 12:20 pm by Administrator
The bed cover you see above was languishing in the corner of an antique store and begging me to purchase it. Actually, my first impression was that I did not want it. As any two color quilt would, it photographs well. The tufts of yarn that hold it together create a secondary interest. The main motif, for some reason, reminds me of a Ship’s Wheel. However, I have not had time to research any published names for this pattern.
We purchased this on the same day that we bought the spanking clean, never used, nineteenth century, sixteen-patch, hand-quilted quilt from a Connecticut estate. The two textiles are decidedly different in workmanship, but one quality that they share in common is that are both finished. That’s a good word - “finished.”
Nineteenth century browns, double pinks, and chrome yellow prints were used to create this 19th century gem.
Hope you enjoy seeing this kinds of pieces of the past.
Patricia Cummings
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07.08.08
Posted in Uncategorized, Quilt History at 2:17 am by Administrator
Good mail consists of something I have ordered, a present that is sent to me, or anything other than an ad. Today’s mail brought three books about Medieval textiles, and The Quilter magazine!
Some folks received their copy on Saturday, and today, I’ve been receiving nice e-mails and phone calls from some people who thoroughly approve of the article. Only I know that I’ve discovered some fascinating additional material since some of the photos were published. Those couple of updates will be on the e-book that will be marketed via CD by the museum.
I just keep learning more each day, and adding information. At some point, soon, I’m going to have to “call it a wrap” as they say. There are more than 300 pages already.
The nicest thing about research is that I learn so much. First I find one piece of a puzzle, then another, then another and all the pieces end up making the whole story.
Some facts that are discovered may, at first, not seem to quite fit. Yet, in the end, every piece of information is significant and adds up to the whole view.
This project has meant more to me than any other research project I’ve ever done. I became so wrapped up in trying to find out everything I could about Ellen Webster, and in the end, I realize that the more I learned, the more I truly like her and admire all she did.
This labor of love, and I do not say that lightly because I have been running around the countryside to do some of this research, or I’ve been reading or writing for 10-14 hours per day since March, with the exception of three days that I can recall. Even when I was struck with a (temporary) case of Bell’s Palsy in April and May, I was still here at the computer, working as best I could.
I am so happy that everyone I asked for information was so ready to lend advice. It may seem like a trite saying, “It takes a village,” but in this case, it has taken a number of “villages” for me to be able to round up some really neat brain candy. Do you get excited when you learn something new? I certainly do! Oh, and of course, the magazine is showing 12 images of more than 200 and they will all be on the disc. I’m sure you will want to add both the magazine and the CD to your collection.
This particular work is really hard to describe because it is so comprehensive. With the MLA Style Manual, in hand, I am just starting to create a Bibliography. All I can tell you is that “I’m dancing as fast as I can!” I can’t wait to get this information into your hands, so that you can enjoy it. I’ll keep you posted, and if I seem to harp on this subject, it’s because it is a totally riveting one and I’m so happy to be able to share all that I’ve learned.
Patricia Cummings
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