Temperance Quilt Top
and Oak Leaf Block
From Rags to Words - Or How I Got Started As A Writer
by Patricia L. Cummings
March 25, 2007
A remnant of an old Temperance Quilt with "T" Blocks, and a scorched, but nicely quilted and appliquéd antique Oak leaf potholder, made in an unusual manner, are the two items that inspired me to begin writing about quilt history. I wanted to study how these two items were created, and then, I wanted to reproduce them, using fabrics as close to the originals as I could find.
People often ask me how I started writing about quilts and other textiles. To backtrack as few years, I had received a lot of excellent grades in English. In a sense, I suppose that I have been a writer for a long time, just not a paid one. I was a reporter for my high school newspaper, and later, one of the copy editors. During college years, I taught journalism at a summer camp for girls, and even generated a camp newspaper. When I belonged to a guild, I served as newsletter editor for awhile. However, it was not until I reached forty-eight years old that I was paid for any published writings.
Reproduction of a Temperance Quilt with Indigo fabrics, Chrome Yellow, Double Pink, Poison Green, and Brown fabrics, similar to those in the original piece. Made by Patricia Cummings, 1999.
Writing About Quilts
If one is inclined to write, it is always a great idea to stay with a subject about which one knows a lot. I had been a quilter for fourteen years before I wrote my first quilt history article. The inspiration came by way of the serendipitous purchase of a temperance quilt remnant, from the nineteenth century, found at a local outdoor antiques fair. I was set on fire to know more about the meaning of the piece, and more about quilt history, in general.
The quilt top had ragged edges, and loose ties hanging, because the layers of the quilt had been previously tied together. The piece has a rather large, turquoise color paint spill, and is badly faded, in places. I did not care. This was a genuine "piece of the past" that meant something to the quilter who made it, and for thirty (or was it forty?) dollars, I could own it! I called over to my husband, a.k.a. "Mr. Deep Pockets," (ok, just kidding), and asked if he happened to have that enormous an amount of cash with him. He handed over the dough, and as they say, "the rest is history!"
After reading about the history of temperance quilts, and after using the piece I bought as a model for making a finished, hand-quilted quilt, with reproduction fabrics, I wrote an essay, as well as directions for assembling a similar quilt. I sent the information and some slide photos to Traditional Quilter magazine, which at the time, was sub-titled, "the leading teaching magazine." Possessing a background as a teacher, I never miss an opportunity to share knowledge, and therefore, the magazine's sub-title appealed to me.
Start of a Career
The editor loved the photos of the quilt I had made, thought the directions were great, and and loved the story! After that article was published, she casually mentioned that if I ever had anything else to publish about quilt history, in the future, to let her know. That was a very encouraging request!
As it happened, soon after, we were browsing in an antiques store. I spotted an interesting, little, bound quilt square that was so charming, and so "different," I really wanted to buy it. The price was $20., and at the time, that amount seemed like a lot, if only because the item was stained from being used as a potholder. As I stood hemming and hawing to myself over the decision to buy it or not, an individual who had accompanied us on the trip, spoke up and said, "Oh, Pat. You don't need to buy that! You are so talented, you can just go home and make one just like it!"
Oak Leaf Potholder with Scorch Marks and a Double Pink binding.
I appreciated her enthusiasm for my talents, but when I arrived home, I felt cheated and remorseful. The next morning, was another "free" day, and my husband asked me what I wanted to do. I told him that I wanted to go back to that store and buy that particular item. He wanted to know why, since the store was clear across the state and an hour's ride away. I told him that I wanted to write about the unusual appliquéd piece, and that I wanted to reproduce it, and offer another article for publication.
Oak Leaf Pot Holder Reproduction by Patricia Cummings.
A Collector is Born
Since that time, I have had dozens of articles published in the magazine that has since changed its name to The Quilter and in other venues. Over the years, due to constant study, and exposure to more old quilts, in person, or in books, I have learned a lot more about history and quilt history. In the meantime, I have collected other items that I have reproduced and/or researched for my articles.
I am happy to say that during that in the year 2000, I was certified as a "master craftsman in quilting," through a national program, a goal for which I worked for nine years. To further enhance my knowledge, I participated in a graduate level course entitled, "History of Quilts," at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. I feel that my education in the study of textiles is an ongoing pursuit.
Writing: A Pursuit to Share Information
I write every day, whether it is a letter to a friend, a blog post, an article for the web, a post to an online list, poetry, or articles for publication in various other print venues. Research is all-consuming, and I enjoy sharing quality information and correct facts. I have been very lucky to have found some very unique quilts, coverlets, and embroideries that caused me to take up both needle and pen.
If you have wondered how I started with all of this, I hope that I have provided you with some insight and inspiration. I have made some wonderful friends, and I also continue to learn something new, every day. I would not trade what I do for all the tea in China.
Patricia
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©Copyright 2007. Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, NH. All Rights Reserved. Comments or Questions? Please write to: pat@quiltersmuse.com