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.