When Research Collides!

I’ve been researching Pennsylvania/New Jersey Chintz quilts to see if there is a basis for a regional quilt style theory. (If you’d like to re-read, follow the link to article 1, article 2, article 3). I’ve also been researching the origination of Anne Varley reproduction fabric, one of my favorite Dutch Heritage fabrics in a Quaker Woman's Sewing Suitcase. (Here is the link to check out that article.) So, imagine my surprise, joy, and pleasure in finding one of the original fabrics in a chintz quilt!

The style of the chintz quilt fits the regional style I’ve been studying. So, when I found the block with the Anne Varley fabric which was found in a Quaker sewing collection…I was thrilled to learn that the block made by Mary Ann Bond was also a Quaker woman, but from London. Her Uncle was a younger brother in the family and decided to immigrate to Pennsylvania. Hence the connection of London to America.

After examining the individual blocks more closely, it became clear that the Anne Varley fabric had been used in multiple blocks. Was the quilt made by a Quakers Ladies Meeting sharing fabric or by a professional adding the names later? I hope whoever buys the quilt, will do the remaining research on the names and connections to learn more.

But the Quaker Woman's Sewing Suitcase also had other fabrics, including this one with a beautiful vase. This led me to another quilt from New Jersey which was a Quaker friendship quilt made in 1843. This Album Quilt is located in the Conner Prairie Museum Textile Collection in Indiana. Do a little research and…Oh the places we will go!

If you'd like to have your own Anne Varley reproduction fabric, simply follow this link to our Etsy shop.