Just so you will not get the impression that I prefer to crab about those who are doing a slipshod job of things when it comes to quilt history, the study of old fabrics, etc., I’d like to mention that just now, I discovered a new blog that has been set up by Margo Kramer. She is a long time fabric enthusiast and vendor of reproduction fabrics. Her online listings of her “findings” and latest reproduction fabrics that have just been printed and which she has added to her collection for sale are a real treat to see, even if only small, enticing swatches are available.
One can go to her Reproduction Fabrics website and sign up for her newsletter. She always includes tasty tidbits of information that are enjoyable to quilters, from beginners to more skilled aficionados of the art. I am always delighted to find her latest newsletter in my mailbox.
Tonight, I learned something new: she states that “Cottonopolis” is the 19th century name that was given to the Manchester, England cotton processing and printing mills. That is a fascinating fact, in light of a lecture I heard in New Hampshire, a short time ago, in which the presenter compared the Manchester, England mills to the Manchester, NH mills. The Manchester, NH mills are still standing and have been designated for innovative uses while the Manchester, England mills were bombed out during World War II, and have been completely demolished since then.
Check out Margo’s site and have your credit card ready, if you are planning any projects that require reproduction fabrics. I can vouch for the fact that she prides herself on great customer service and quick shipping. She is one of the “good guys” upon whom one can always count to “get it right.” She was a fellow student of mine in 2001, when we both enrolled in the “History of Quilts” class, at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.
Keep up the good work, Margo!
Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications
