What are some of your other passions and interests beyond swimming?

Originally posted by Swimmer Bill Hi Karen, When I lived in Manhattan, I was dating a woman from Germany who was studying at F.I.T. with a Fulbright Grant. She liked all types of different cultural foods and events, and had a particular interest in textiles. At the time, there was a well known quilt dealer named Shelly Zegart visiting New York from Kentucky, and she brought about 100 of her best quilts to a private showing in a brownstone apartment. My friend wanted to return to Germany with an authentic antique American quilt, and she dragged me along. When we were there, I was really drawn to the objects. One quilt in particular, a stunning New York Beauty from 1860, caught my eye because the pattern reminded me of a large Navajo storm pattern rug given to me by my Grandfather many years earlier. After much correspondance with Shelly, I purchased it. Now, more than 15 years later, I have a couple dozen very fine examples. I display them in my home because I have large wall spaces and tall vaulted ceilings. Not only are they very unique works of art, but they really help with the acoustics in large spaces. By the way, I think the people who actually make these pieces are the ones who are patient....I've never made one myself. Hi Craig, I have never been to the Mennonite relief sales. If they are in Pennsylvania, it's a bit of a trip from my home in the northwest. I do have several Pennsylvania Dutch examples in my collection, most notably an 1820's crib quilt featuring 54 gothic paper-cut applique snowflake blocks made of glazed cotton from the lining of men's clothing. It is thought to have been made by children. (pic attached). Where there are Mennonites (thanks for the good spelling. I wish this site had a spellcheck!) there are relief sales. there is one in Bloomington, IL but not as good as Penn. also, I think there is one in northern California. Call your local Mennonite church to check. They are really great. there is nothing as intense as an Amish quilt hand sown. I grew up with Norwegian great grandparents who were immigrants. They use to make crazy quilts. My mom hated them. She threw many of them away. Now I wonder what they would be worth. My mother also had a quilt made by one of her friends that was the history of this woman's family's move into Oklahoma. When my mom died, no one knew where the quilt was. I think one of her friends stole it.

Originally posted by Swimmer Bill Hi Karen, When I lived in Manhattan, I was dating a woman from Germany who was studying at F.I.T. with a Fulbright Grant. She liked all types of different cultural foods and events, and had a particular interest in textiles. At the time, there was a well known quilt dealer named Shelly Zegart visiting New York from Kentucky, and she brought about 100 of her best quilts to a private showing in a brownstone apartment. My friend wanted to return to Germany with an authentic antique American quilt, and she dragged me along. When we were there, I was really drawn to the objects. One quilt in particular, a stunning New York Beauty from 1860, caught my eye because the pattern reminded me of a large Navajo storm pattern rug given to me by my Grandfather many years earlier. After much correspondance with Shelly, I purchased it. Now, more than 15 years later, I have a couple dozen very fine examples. I display them in my home because I have large wall spaces and tall vaulted ceilings. Not only are they very unique works of art, but they really help with the acoustics in large spaces. By the way, I think the people who actually make these pieces are the ones who are patient....I've never made one myself. Hi Craig, I have never been to the Mennonite relief sales. If they are in Pennsylvania, it's a bit of a trip from my home in the northwest. I do have several Pennsylvania Dutch examples in my collection, most notably an 1820's crib quilt featuring 54 gothic paper-cut applique snowflake blocks made of glazed cotton from the lining of men's clothing. It is thought to have been made by children. (pic attached). Where there are Mennonites (thanks for the good spelling. I wish this site had a spellcheck!) there are relief sales. there is one in Bloomington, IL but not as good as Penn. also, I think there is one in northern California. Call your local Mennonite church to check. They are really great. there is nothing as intense as an Amish quilt hand sown. I grew up with Norwegian great grandparents who were immigrants. They use to make crazy quilts. My mom hated them. She threw many of them away. Now I wonder what they would be worth. My mother also had a quilt made by one of her friends that was the history of this woman's family's move into Oklahoma. When my mom died, no one knew where the quilt was. I think one of her friends stole it.