A good rule of thumb is to avoid using the words “never” or “always” when discussing anything, but particularly, quilt history. There will be someone who will take you to task and find the exception to the rule. Recently, someone stated that quilt frames that lift to the ceiling were never used in New England. I remembered seeing one, in a museum, although even the museum officials in the small town museum, don’t recall that particular display, if indeed, they even know to what I refer.
Yesterday, I received word from a friend in Vermont that her friend used a wooden frame that lifted to the ceiling, when not in use. It is a practical thing to do, when one is short on space. I don’t have as many details as I would like, as I have not asked any other questions yet.
I queried an architectural historian, via a message to his wife, but have heard nothing from that arena.
Not to belabor a point, or try to say that another historian is wrong. I just questioned the idea as it doesn’t seem logical that quilt frames of this type were never used here. The verdict is not in. For me, it is just a point of intellectual curiosity.
Patricia Cummings
pat@quiltersmuse.com
