CELEBRATING A MILESTONE
Scouring antique shops and flea markets it is a real find to unearth a friendship quilt. Popular in the 1800s these autographed quilts are a snapshot of the women who made it and the woman the quilt honors.
Friendship quilts were . . .
Halloween is in the air!
As leaves blaze and crisp air acts as a harbinger of the cold dark days ahead young and old hearts turn to the joys found in autumn days. There is however one small segment of the population who fears this time of year more . . .
Whitley County Country Quilters
Last week I traveled to visit the Whitley Country Quilters at the Columbia City United Methodist Church in Columbia City. About 45 quilt enthusiasts gathered to share their latest projects, finds, triumphs and travails.
Co-owner . . .
A call out of the blue
Recently I received a phone call from Helen Bunnell my 7th and 8th grade home ec teacher from Ben F. Geyer Junior High. Over the past few years Helen and I have bumped into each other at the Johnny Appleseed . . .
Macedonian Costumes: A convention hit!
Over Labor Day Weekend the Macedonian Patriotic Organization of the United States and Canada held their 89th annual convention in Dearborn, Michigan. The MPO, founded in Fort Wayne in 1922, is the oldest . . .
Women’s art show
benefits SCAN
Dear Readers:
Currently I am up to my eyeballs in preparations for the Macedonian Patriotic Organization’s 89th annual Convention. So this week’s column comes to you from Macedonian-American artist and elementary . . .
International Left-handers Day Celebration:
a BAQ tradition
. . .
Quilters Celebration 2010
This year’s Quilters Celebration proves to be exceptional. I share the experience with my good friend Robin. Robin and I met in the terminal of Fort Wayne International Airport in late August 2005. Alone in the terminal we . . .
SPEAK AT A GUILD; MAKE A NEW FRIEND
Last week it was my privilege to speak to the members of the Appleseed Quilters Guild on the topic of quilt restoration. I mentioned to President Mary Ann Skinner, I’d be more than happy to perform an autopsy or . . .
July 15-17 are the dates for this year’s Quilters Hall of Fame Celebration. The historic Marie Webster House in Marion, Indiana is the setting for the annual event. Jean Wells Keenan will be the 40th honoree to be inducted into the Quilters Hall . . .
Boy was there a revolt at the Eubank home after my last article. MEOOOOOW! PHHHHHHT! “How dare you write an article about ‘Woofers’ when June is National Adopt-a-Cat Month”, they throw a hissy fit. Each of our feline fur children (FFC) has . . .
Restore a quilt; Renew a dog
Over the past six months, thanks in part to this column, the Journal Gazette article, and the WBCL radio interview, I have been overwhelmed by the response. People call, email, invite me to speak and visit . . .
The Harlan UMC Quilt Show
What is better than attending a quilt show? Having the opportunity to speak at one! Such was my pleasure on April 10 when I gave the lecture “Ten things to ask yourself before starting a quilt restoration.”
Sometimes lecture . . .
FOR THE LOVE OF MAGGIE
I met Maggie Silverman in the summer of 1979. Recently graduated from college and without any decent job prospects, I volunteered for the Win Moses for Mayor Campaign. At HQ I meet Maggie who along with husband Manny were well . . .
String-A-Long Quilt Guild Show a Success
March 27 dawns bright and sunny-perfect weather for a jaunt to Valparaiso for the String-a-Long Quilt Guild Spring Show. The best part of the day is that I am sharing it with two of my cousins. Cousin Sue . . .
COSTUME EXPERT VISITS MACEDONIAN MUSEUM AND BAQ
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 . . .
Matching solid fabrics
When it comes to restoring quilts, one of the hardest things to do is to find solid replacement fabric in sufficient quantities that exactly match the pieces you are replacing. Although the fabric wheel goes around and comes . . .
The Laundry Yoda
If a quilt stain wreaks havoc on quilt scheme and you want it removed, proceed with caution.
The last article mentions someone who had a disaster that could have been prevented. A lady calls me and asks what can be done with her . . .
Out Spot, Out!
Okay, you’ve tried your hardest to keep your quilt stain-free, or perhaps you picked up a quilt or top at a flea market and it is stained or soiled. What to do? Take a deep breath, and critically look at the piece. How distracting . . .
Out, Out Damn Spot! (Lady Macbeth)
Now you’ve found the appropriate vintage or reproduction fabric for your restoration project you’re ready to start, but wait! Your old quilt or top is stained, whatever should you do? It depends.
Let’s discuss . . .
WHEN NOT TO USE VINTAGE FABRIC-PART TWO
19th century silk
Ahh the Victorian Age, the mid-to late 1800s! Think Scarlett O’Hara and her lavish ball gowns. Think of the Victorian crazy quilt craze that peaked in the last quarter of the century. Made . . .
When not to use vintage fabric
Happy New Year to all and may your quilting time bring you peace and relaxation.
Your quilt is in need of fabric replacement. Some vintage fabrics disintegrate for a reason and should not be used. Do you remember the Tupperware . . .