Is this heaven?
No, it’s Schellsburg, PA and the home of Mary Koval (expert on antique quilts, collector, dealer, author and fabric designer for Windham). Last Saturday I joined members of the Baltimore Applique Society (BAS) at Mary’s home for an exclusive look at some of the exquisite quilts from her collection and a chance to shop from her vast inventory of vintage fabrics. I took loads of pictures, but no notes so forgive me if I have little information about the quilts pictured here. The red applique quilt pictured above is from Cecil County in Maryland. I think some of the BAS members present will be doing some research into the names inked on this beauty. I can’t wait to see what they turn up.
The fabrics in this pieced quilt are the same fabrics in the applique quilt above. Mary has designed some great 19th century reproduction reds from these two quilts.
This is another treasure that Mary has used for fabric inspiration. I just love the soft colors of these browns, blues and pinks.
Here are two more very old 19th century quilts. The backing on the one above is a homespun but is of very nice quality. Mary gave me the dates on both of the quilts and, unfortunately, I cannot remember the exact dates but am pretty sure they were pre-1850. I am amazed at the quality of the colors in both.
What a treat to see the origins of some excellent reproduction fabrics. Mary also gave us a preview of a new line of Baltimore Album reproductions coming out this August. For those of you who love mid-19th century applique it will be great. Seeing the document quilt and the fabrics she was spot-on with colors and pattern. Even more exciting quilt news…Mary is opening a shop in Bedford, PA, where she will be stocking both new and old fabrics! Look for that later this spring.
You are lucky! What awesome quilts!
Wow! Those quilts are gorgeous!!!
Taryn ~ I so wanted to go on that trip with the BAS, but just couldn't fit it into the schedule. Thanks for sharing your pictures!
Looks like heaven to me! Lucky you!!!
what a wonderful assortment of antique quilts – thank you so much!
Lucky you! Thanks for posting the pics of these great quilts. Maybe Mary's new store will be open by our next trip out east. We can always make one more stop!
I'm so jealous! It was a wonderful visit for you! I would love to be able to see some antique quilts like that!
Lucky you!! The quilts are beautiful and seeing the in person must have been amazing!!!
Time for a road trip! When does the shop open?
Oh my, Taryn! It really was a treat, we can tell:) Thank you, thank you, thank you! xo
I was wishing all day on Saturday that I was there too.
Would love to go to her shop, any hotels in the area?
Kathie
Thank you so much for sharing those wonderful quilts. They are all exquisite. I can't believe how good they look after all this time.
Beautiful, beautiful quilts, lovely old favourtites…I love these old reproduction quilts.
Julia ♥
What beauties! Each and every one is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing. What stories they could tell.
Jayne
I especially like the red & white quilt in the first photo. Mary Koval spoke at a program I attended about 8 years ago. She showed several antique quilts. She is very knowledgeable when it comes to them.
Beautiful, beautiful quilts, I love these old reproduction quilts. Thank you so much for sharing them.
Oh yes that is heaven! Those quilts are so beautiful 🙂 Christine