AROUND THE FRAME
Marvin Moehle an expert on ethnic costumes of Central Europe, and the Balkans recently spent two days at the Macedonian Museum and Born Again Quilts restoration studio. Traveling from his home in Granite City, Illinois, this Waynedale News subscriber and avid reader of “Around the Frame” came to assist in the identification of the village of origin of the museum’s costumes and to increase his knowledge in the care and dating of American quilts at the BAQ studio.
Marvin travels all over the world, collecting and documenting the customs and traditions of folk costumes and shares his extensive collection at museums, universities, and organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada. I was a fascinated pupil as Marvin viewed the various costumes and could immediately tell me what village they came from, the meaning of woven designs, the significance of the costume sleeves, and walked me through the bridal costume of the village of Drachevo, Macedonia. At the completion of the assessment, Marvin made the recommendation that there are enough costume pieces to be able to exhibit costumes from the regions of Macedonia that are now a part of Greece, Bulgaria and the new Republic of Macedonia, which up to the early 1990s was a part of Yugoslavia. He showed me how to identify a woman’s region by the type, style and manner in which she wears her scarf. The symbols are subtle, but are evident if you know where to look and how to interpret them.
Next it was time for Marvin to enter the world of quilts and quilt restoration. Restoration is a common bond between us. Many of his costumes are wool, which makes them susceptible to insect infestation. Ditto wool quilts.
Marvin was particularly struck by a large red, green and yellow four-square appliqué piece. The stitching so fine, it blends into the fabric. Circa 1850-1875 he was amazed at its age and excellent condition. Marvin plans to come back to Fort Wayne and assist the Macedonian Museum as it prepares to improve its costume exhibit.
If you have a question about quilting/quilt restoration call Lois at 260-515-9446 or email her at bornagainquilts@verizon.net Web site: www.bornagainquilts.com
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