Quilter's Muse Virtual Museum
Copyright 2002-2006, Quilter's Muse Publications. All rights reserved.
Patricia and James Cummings, Concord, NH
product review by Patricia Cummings
Nimble Needle Treasures, a popular publication for quilters, was begun in 1969 by its editor, Patricia Almy (Randolph), in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. At the time, there were only two competitors: Aunt Kate’s Quilting Bee, edited by Glenna Boyd; and Quilter’s Newsletter, edited by Bonnie Leman.
Today, the entire contents of all of the issues are now available via CD, in the interest of preserving the information that was presented in its pages by such quilt world heavyweights as Cuesta Benberry, Hazel Carter, Dolores Hinson, Ruby Hinson, and other contributors.
Not having been familiar with the original print version of this publication, the amount and scope of entertaining and informative reading is a pleasant surprise. Article after article contains timeless information that could have been written yesterday. Some reports highlight events that had just happened at that time, but which have become important milestones to quilt historians.
Take for example the landmark Whitney Museum quilt exhibit in 1971 mounted by Jonathan Holstein and his partner, Gail van der Hoof. Most students of quilt history would believe that this exhibit was the first in which quilts were hung vertically as “art.” Wait a minute. The NNT article cites a 1965 Newark Museum exhibit in which quilts were hung to demonstrate their relationship to paintings. Yes, surprise is around every corner on this CD!
In describing the goals of the quarterly magazine which had a six year, 24 issue run (1969 to 1975), Patricia A. Randolph writes the following:
Nimble Needle Treasures (NNT) was born of the desire to preserve the art of quilt making...
Each issue has traditional patterns, each presented within a context, historically. In one instance, Cuesta Benberry gives an overview of all of the known blocks associated with Christmas, and patterns for many of these blocks follow.
On the lighter side, writer Dolores Hinson, has fun with quilt block names, making up little stories using them. Some of the block names mentioned will be as new to you as they are to me.
There is so much more to say, but I will let you find out for yourself just how wonderful this new CD really is. Even the classified ads are interesting!
The articles are delightful! If you would like to see how far we have come in quilt circles, and yet how much we have stayed the same, this stroll back in time will be well worth the effort. In summary, all of the goals of Nimble Needle Treasures were achieved….and more. This is a wonderful item to add to your library!
For ordering information, please see: http://www.nimbleneedletreasures.com
©Copyright November 1, 2004. Patricia Cummings, Quilter's Muse Publications, Concord, New Hampshire. pat@quiltersmuse.com
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