A wild and wacky look at quilts made from recycled items, many of questionable character. How to work with old blocks and tops – and how to decide whether or not you should alter them – how to make the most of the good, the bad, the ugly, and the totally unsalvageable! Trunk show of befores and afters, do’s and don’ts, and really weird stuff. This is strictly for fun, but audiences say they come away with great ideas. Laughs galore! This program has been performed for national audiences, and sold out in Paducah! One hour trunk show.
"Way Down Yonder: Quilts of the Deep South"
Is there a typical southern quilt, or do regional variations exist? How did the War of Secession affect quilts in the South? What are the societal influences that make these quilts unique? Can you really date a quilt by the presence of cotton seeds - and just what does a cotton seed look like, anyway? Discover the world of the rural southern quilt and make the connection between truck tires, walnuts, and "nickel bakker sacks." One hour slide and trunk show.
" Gilda Guildmember Goes to Appraisal School"
How do you know if your quilt is worth a fortune, or if you should let the dog have puppies on it? We will discuss the discretionary factors that make antique quilts more - or less - valuable, and study market factors, collectability, provenance, and dating. Does that new quilt you just completed have any value other than the cost of the materials? You may be surprised at the answer! Learn how to value your own work. Actual quilts will illustrate the arguments for and against value. Discussion of care, cleaning, storage, shipping, insurance, and more. One hour trunk show.
"If These Quilts Could Talk"
Well, they actually do! Have you wondered about the history of that quilt you bought at a yard sale? Did Grandma leave you a quilt? How old is it? Is there anything special or notable about it – better yet, is it VALUABLE?? Do you want to divide your quilts among your offspring, but want to be fair in the distribution? If you enjoy watching the "Antiques Road Show", then this program is for you! Teddy will tell you everything she sees in your quilt, and share tidbits and trivia concerning fabrics, patterns, or interesting things that were happening historically when your quilt was made. On occasion, she can even tell you where your quilt came from! Guild members bring their own quilts for this program.
"Miz Scahlett's Quilts: A Field Guide for Civil War Re-Enactors"
You probably know that you would not find a Double Wedding Ring quilt on an actual civil war battlefield, nor in a private home in the 1860's. But exactly what did the quilts of the civil war era look like? This program discusses styles, patterns, colors, and fabrics from 1780 through 1865, giving the re-enactor guidelines and a handout for purchasing or replicating a quilt that is historically correct. Lots of real quilts in this lecture! Teddy will appear in accurate (reproduction) period clothing if requested by host group. Great lecture for quilt guilds as well.
LECTURES ARE $350. ADDITIONAL EXPENSES INCLUDE 50 CENTS PER MILE BOTH WAYS. (IF GAS KEEPS GOING UP IN PRICE, IT MAY BE $1.00 PER MILE BY THE END OF THE YEAR.)
"Dearest Mamie, I Can No Longer Weep..."
This one woman drama in three acts explores the brutal realities of the War of Secession and the effect it had on the Southern woman at home. Meet Mamie Carolina McPherson as she shares her thoughts on life - and quilts - before, during, and after the war. The hardships you will witness are based on actual diaries, letters, and newspaper accounts of the time. Discover what substitutes were utilized when everyday items were unobtainable and how women coped with the life of deprivation that was thrust upon them when the civilization they knew was gone with the wind. Miz Mamie appears in historically correct clothing and shares authentic quilts. Prepare yourself for a program that is informative but intense. One hour. Or a little longer, depending on how the battles go.
** This lecture is not being actively pushed - I mean, offered - at this time. However, intense pleading and an obscene amount of money might talk me back into the 1860's with three costume changes. It truly is a fascinating play, if you enjoy severe depression. The truth was not pretty.
MIZ MAMIE IS $600 BECAUSE SHE IS A SAD, HEARTBREAKING PAIN IN THE NECK AND THE COSTUMES ARE HEAVY AND I'VE GAINED WEIGHT AND CAN'T GET INTO THOSE COSTUMES ANYWAY. GIVING THAT PLAY MAKES ME SAD AND I HAVE TO GO OUT AFTERWARD AND HAVE CHEESECAKE TO MAKE MYSELF FEEL BETTER AND GET BACK INTO THE 21ST CENTURY.
