Well, this is certainty exciting news isn’t it ? Now, what should you be doing about this grant offer?

Doc Day can seem a bit scary. I mean, anyone can fill out the forms, gather a committee, plan the day, but the scary part is : Where are you going to get a qualified person to help identify and catalog these quilts? I know Teddy Pruitt is a wonder when it comes to her knowledge of quilts, but she can not attend every Doc Day in the state.

How about asking Barbara Bracken to help out? I guarantee she can be at every Documentation Day. How is that possible? Her book, An Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns, can be on hand for help. My copy is from 1979 and is published by Prairie Flower Publishing. Barbara has republished the book since then because it is so popular. Every guild needs to have a copy in their library. If yours does not, now is the time to get a copy.
The book simple to use. A visual reference, as well as cross-reference to patterns, is provided in an easy to use format. The back of the book gives information on the origin of many patterns plus a listing of quilt names that can be cross-reference as well. This is a valuable and extremely interesting book.

Eileen Jahnke Trestain can come to your Doc Day too. Dating Fabrics, A Color Guide, 1800-1960, by American Quilter’s Society, has color pictures of fabrics. It shows print styles, provides written information on pre-1830 fabric through the 1960’s. There is a Glossary that I found extremely easy to understand yet provides the information you want to know. Another good reference book for your guild. Eileen has another book on fabrics found after the 60’s, but if you can afford only one, I suggest you go for the first book.

With these two ladies helping out on Doc Day, you can relax. Of course, any additional books with information on quilt designs would always be a welcome addition to any Doc Day. If you have questions or know of a good reference book, let me know and I will be glad to share the information on the web site or in the newsletter.

Most of us know the names of a few blocks and that is fine. With Barbara and Eileen helping out, all you have to do is ask. What more could be asked for but expert advice from the best? So, now is the time start gathering reference information.
You want to beat the other guilds to the best value on Amazon.com, right?

 
If you have questions, contact me at: chenry@atlantic.net
SunRays January 2008