“My great-grandmother, Eliza Jane Kendig, made a number of log cabin-style quilts around 1900. The quilt I have was made from used cotton—probably from used clothing. It was handed down through my family—from my Grandmother Scott to my mother to me. It’s a generous twin size and I have used it well. When the back showed wear, I put a new backing and binding on it—right over top,” says Hagar Scott, a Garden Spot Village resident.
Hagar’s log cabin quilt is one of eight heirloom and well-loved quilts that will be on display in the Garden Spot Village Chapel as part of the Quilt Fest, scheduled for Saturday, September 28, from 9am to 3pm and hosted by the Garden Spot Village Quilters.
“It has been fascinating to learn about the heirloom quilts that my neighbors have,” says Sally Mittelstadt, a Garden Spot Village resident and event coordinator.
Hagar’s cousin, Eliza Scott Dering (also a Garden Spot Village resident), also has a quilt made by their great-grandmother, Eliza Jane Kendig. The quilt, estimated to be approximately 150 years old, will also be on display. The queen-size quilt is a Court House Steps Variation and is documented by the Chester County Historical Society.
Another quilt slated for display is a 100-year-old Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt, owned by Bertha Hawk, a Garden Spot Village resident. Bertha says, “The quilt was made for my mother, by my Grandmother McCammon as well as her family, neighbors and friends. The quilt was made from fabric scraps donated by the ladies. After my mother married, she put the unbound quilt in a trunk and moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming. She bound it and gave it to me when I married in 1975, in Pennsylvania.
An Irish Chain quilt, dated to the mid-1800s will also be on display. It is owned by John and Jeanne Bomberger, Garden Spot Village residents. Jeanne says, “It was handed down through John’s family—his paternal grandmother’s side.”
The quilt display will also include contemporary quilts and quilted items made by the Garden Spot Village Quilters. This display is just one part of the day-long activities planned for Quilt Fest.
Feature Presentation by Local Art Historian Gloria Mast
Local art historian Gloria Mast will offer two presentations:
10am – The Esprit Quilt Collection: Discover how Lancaster County Amish quilts influenced international fashion design by Esprit. Gloria will delve into the fascinating story of these quilts and their global impact.
1pm – The Quilts of Susie Riehl: Learn about the life and work of Amish watercolor artist Susie Riehl (1948-2023), whose art was deeply inspired by Lancaster County. This session will include a display of items from a private Susie Riehl collection, offering a rare glimpse into her artistic legacy. Three of the quilts featured in Susie’s art will be on display; the quilts were made by Verna Mast Glick and are owned by Garden Spot Village Resident Shirley Wenger.
Event Highlights
Quilt Sales: Attendees can explore an impressive array of quilts and quilted items, and purchase their favorites to take home. (Displayed in the Village Park)
Quilting Demonstrations: Watch skilled quilters demonstrate piecing, hand quilting, and comforter knotting. Then, join the action and help knot comforters. (Hosted in the Village Park)
Susie Riehl Art Display: A personal collection of Susie Riehl artwork will be on display, as well as the quilts that inspired the famous Lancaster County paintings (Displayed in the Chapel as well as in the hallway outside Share and Care)
Shopping and Dining: Browse Linden, Share & Care and the Artisans Corner and discover a unique selection of gifts, gently used household items and handmade gifts, art and collectibles or enjoy a delicious meal at Garden Spot Village’s Refresh Coffee Bar or The Harvest Table.
Train Room Open House: The Garden Spot Village Train Room will be open from 1:30-4pm. Bring the children in your life to discover a miniature world with incredible details and Talk with Thomas.