Today, I uploaded a file with photos of a few of the miniature quilts I have designed. To see them and to learn more about them, please click on the following link:
http://www.quiltersmuse.com/miniature_quilts_photo_essay.htm
Patricia Cummings
Archive for the ‘Web Additions’ Category
Miniature Quilts Photo Essay
Tuesday, February 5th, 2008William Henry Harrison and political quilt blocks
Monday, November 19th, 2007Today, I have added to our website the second of a series of articles that feature quilt blocks and other textiles made to honor presidents and famous wanna-bees. This time, the focus is on just one person: William Henry Harrison. If one listened to his presidential opponent, incumbent Martin van Buren, Harrison lacked both education and class. That was simply not true and some of the quilt blocks diminished those charges by making fun of them, as would a good cartoon.
A “Harrison Rose” block, in the process of being hand quilted.
What I love about political quilt blocks is that they gave women a voice, at a time when they had no vote. After 1920, when women first were allowed to vote in the U.S., the tradition of making quilt blocks with a political bent simply continued.
While revisiting this article that I’d first put together more than three years ago, I began thinking about the political process in this country. I am struck by the fact that many of our nation’s leaders previously served in the military.
Our first president, George Washington, did so. Teddy Roosevelt and his “Rough Riders,” served during wartime in 1898, and Dwight D. Eisenhower distinguished himself during World War II. Harrison was known for fighting the Indians at Tippecanoe. In fact, the campaign slogan, “Tippecanoe and Tyler, too,” has a catchy ring to it.
In choosing those who have held military leadership positions, perhaps the voters think that their loyalty, love of country, and abilities as warriors, makes them apt candidates for the presidency.
Politics are ever intriguing, and though we may have a slightly imperfect system, we make a stab at fairness and the continuation of a democratic process of elections.
I hope you enjoy the article: Quilted Tributes to William Henry Harrison, Our Ninth President.
Patricia Cummings
Bluework Embroidery
Saturday, September 8th, 2007Today, I posted, to our website, Part I of a two part article on Bluework Embroidery. This is a modified version of the original article, which centers on American Bluework, and additional photos have been added.
Part II, European Bluework, is currently featured in The Quilter magazine, November 2007, and is available to purchase, in the U.S., at Borders, Barnes & Noble, your local grocery store, Walmart, JoAnn Fabrics, etc., or directly from the headquarters of the magazine.
Enjoy!
Patricia Cummings
Carol Godreau’s New Quilt Celebrates Her Family’s History
Tuesday, July 31st, 2007Just now, I have added a file to our website about Carol Godreau’s art quilt that depicts a Maine ship, built in 1874, of which a relative was the captain. For more details and to see this ingenious recollection of history, please visit the file associated with the “Grace Deering” quilt.
Pat
Hungarian Embroidery
Tuesday, July 24th, 2007This afternoon, I wrote and published a new article, about Hungarian embroidery. This evening, a member of my online list for outline stitch embroidery enthusiasts sent me additional images of a lace tablecloth she collected in Hungary, as well as some beautiful photos of places she visited there.
My writing and photos center on Kalocsa embroidery, visions of beauty. Hope you enjoy the article.
Tuesday – 7/23/07 – An account of Chris Thiessen’s trip to Hungary and her photos have been added, as well as a link to a site that sells kits of Hungarian embroidery.
Patricia Cummings
Busy as Beavers
Tuesday, May 15th, 2007Are you familiar with beavers? Humans often compare themselves to them. Beavers are dedicated to their cause of building dams to make homes to raise their young and to provide safe haven. Beavers are busy, gnawing down saplings with their sharp teeth and dragging the branches into the water, to do their work.
Only once have I personally laid eyes on a beaver. In fact, the animal was walking across my backyard, and at first, I mistook it for a large woodchuck, that is, until I saw its broad tail. I suppose that the flat, hairless, appendage is good for slapping mud between pieces of wood to help hold them together. Correct me if that guess if wrong. I’m no expert in wildlife, although wild animals have held a fascination for me, since childhood.
Yes, busy as beavers we all seem to be, torn between work and more work, things to do, things that can wait a little while longer, and things that are pressing. Use of time is always a trade-off. If we do “this,” then often, we don’t have the time, or the money, to do “that.”
Well, this week we have some new and unexpected delights at Quilter’s Muse. Bob Rotruck, a retired Navy man, has sent us some very lovely poetry that he wrote. One of the three poems, “The Quilt,” is located on the main Poetry page, and the other two are located on “Poetry page 2.” I hope that you take the time to enjoy them.
In other news, I have set up the rudimentary beginnings of a yahoo list for people who are interested in Outline Stitch Embroidery, in all of its manifestations. Please consider joining us.
In addition, I have posted a new (antique) Bluework pattern to the Free Patterns page, and a new (antique) line drawing for Outline Stitch Embroidery to the front page of the website.
Today, I will be washing some fabrics and pressing them so that I can begin to re-create the “Scenes of Childhood” quilt that is presently in the collection of the Shelburne Museum. I’ll be working from a pattern prepared by Froncie Quinn.
Wherever you are today, and whatever you are doing, I hope that you will count your blessings, and whether you choose to do “this” or “that,” I hope that you will stay as “busy as a beaver.” As the Shakers says, “Hands to Work, Hearts to God.”
As always,
Pat
Pillow Shams for Mother during Time of War
Sunday, May 13th, 2007This being Mother’s Day, I decided to post a “Mother” pillow sham, close-up shot. The words say, “All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my Angel Mother.” This type of pillow was sent home during WWII.
Whether or not you are a mother, I hope that you have enjoyed a happy Sunday. I rearranged the front page of the website a bit, adding to it and subtracting from it. I also pulled a few weeds until my allergies got the better of me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear a dish of ice cream calling my name. 
Pat
Chalk Talks
Monday, April 30th, 2007I have just written a new file about the topic of “Chalk Talks.” These appear to have been most popular in the early twentieth century. I have been intrigued with the name. If anyone hears of some other person who is known for this kind of illustrated instruction, I’d love to hear more!
Pat Cummings
New Lambs at the Remick Museum
Friday, April 27th, 2007Today, we were sent new photos of lambs recently born at the Remick Country Doctor Farm & Museum. One is on our front page, and the other is on the Remick Museum New Announcements page.
I remember how delighted my grand nephew, George, was to visit the Remick Farm. He had never been around farm animals…at all, being a city boy from California. He was only two years old, at the time of the visit, but he certainly got a big kick out of the cows, steers, and horses, and other animals. In fact, my niece’s husband had never seen farm animals before, in person, so he was quite fascinated.
Just now, I posted a photo of our grandson, Patrick James, on the front page. He is now four months old. This is his “beach bum” picture.
Hope you enjoy the new photos. I’ve been right out straight, so I have nothing further to add today. Hope you are well and happy! See you later!
Pat
On Friendship
Wednesday, April 18th, 2007Someone once stated that if a person has one or two really close friends in a lifetime, then they have done well. Friendship, like any relationship, is a two-way street. I am blessed to know many people, and to like quite a few of them very much. I am equally blessed to have a husband who is a friend, and to have more than my fair share of close friends.
At certain times, I have known and liked individuals with whom I no longer have any contact whatsoever. There were no problems in the relationship, but it just so happened that our friendship was circumstantial.
People come and people go. Sometimes we physically move away, and at other times, we just grow in other directions so that whatever it was that brought us together in the first place, seems inconsequential.
When we are going through a rough time, or have suffered a personal loss, be it a loved one, a financial trial, or even a lessening of good health, that is often the test of a relationship. True friends stand beside each other, come what may.
While we are on the topic of Friendship, I’ll mention that today I have set up the 10th section of the “Sweetheart Pillows” article. The topic? Why, Friendship Pillows made during WWII. I have a feeling that I shall be adding much more to that article. Visit “Historical Articles,” from the link on the Home Page, to view a list of the various sections of this ever-growing discourse.
Remember, “To have a friend, be a friend.”
Yours in friendship,
Pat
Turtle Tales
Tuesday, April 17th, 2007This morning, I wrote a story, “The Turtle: A True Story.”
This afternoon, I added another turtle story sent in by Julie Liebendorfer, and additional graphics.
Patricia Cummings
Postcard Quilts, and Announcements
Saturday, April 7th, 2007For two years in a row, Tamara, my friend in Germany, has sent me a postcard quilt, about this time of year. Last year’s quilt features chicks, and the one she sent this year has the image of a church. They are both very lovely miniature works of art.
I hope that you will visit our web page that has just a small number of the photos that Tamara has sent me over the years. Jim just added a photo of these recent gifts. I am blessed to have talented and generous friends, and I am humbled by their kindness to me.
Tamara shares her love of quilting by teaching ladies how to quilt at a church nearby. As an emigrant from Ukraine to Germany, life has its challenges, but in spite of any adversities, Tamara’s artistry and dedication to making beautiful objects, shines clearly. I hope that you enjoy seeing her work as much as I enjoy showing it to you.
Other Announcements
I have made only one postcard quilt, in an inspired moment. I remember how much fun it was to create it, and I hope to make another sometime.
This morning, before we left for Rhode Island, I added two additional photos to part 3 of my “Sweetheart Pillows” article devoted to “Mother Pillows.” One of the photos is an exquisite image of a WWI pillow top, in a personal collection.
Our grandson, Patrick, was a little fussy today because he has teeth coming in already, at three months old. Jim took some photos, so I’m hoping the camera is not broken now, since I’m in a few of them.
The recent total snow accumulation for Concord, NH, on April 5, was nine inches. In Rhode Island, daffodils were seen blooming along the roadside, and lots of Canadian Geese were gathered around any waterway or puddle. Alas, back home tonight, there is still snow in our yard, but it is melting fast.
Have a terrific holiday weekend!
Pat
Charlotte Croft’s Quilt: “A Journey of Leaves”
Wednesday, April 4th, 2007Yesterday, we posted a new file, thanks to Charlotte Croft of Vermont who sent us more information about a quilt that she entered into the Billings Farm & Museum annual quilt show in 2006.
The quilt is called, “A Journey of Leaves,” and the images are based on the leaf collection she acquired during a cross country trip. To me, the quilt, and her writings about it, represent her life, her happy marriage to Bert, a professional forester, and also the “leaves” that have been added to their “family tree” with the names of their children and grandchildren.
In addition, she has built in some symbolic, patriotic fabric strips related to September 11, 2001, one of the days of her cross-country trek. I love this quilt!
Every day, each of us turns a new “leaf” on our personal journal that is the history of our own life.
Many thanks to Charlotte and to all of the other people who have so kindly and so graciously shared their lives, their work, and their photo images with us here at Quilter’s Muse Publications.
Enjoy!
Patricia
Historic Embroidered Girlhood Samplers
Wednesday, March 28th, 2007Good evening,
I have just published an online file entitled, “Historic Embroidered Girlhood Samplers.”
For some time now, I have had a keen appreciation of these items from the past. I hope that you enjoy the information in the article.
Patricia Cummings
Another Song Added
Tuesday, March 27th, 2007I like the spirit of the song, “Rally Round the Flag,” written in 1862, during a time of low spirits for Union troops. The tune is upbeat, and the words show the determination of purpose that when the war was done, no man would remain a slave. In the end, countless lives were lost, but a new nation had been shaped.
The United States has a long history of fighting against tyranny. Isn’t that at the very core of our democracy? Every day, we all struggle to maintain the freedoms we have, and to reach a point where we are all living in peace, as individuals, as families, as communities, and in the greater world.
This song spoke to my heart, and like two other “war” songs that I recorded recently (“Mrs. McGrath,” and “Johnny, I Hardly Knew You,”), I play them because they are meaningful to me, and I hope, educational, for you.
Click here to access the Song Playlist.
Have a great Tuesday!
Patricia
