Hall's Harbour Quilts - Handcrafted Quilts, Antique & Vintage Textiles, and Nova Scotia Folk Art in Hall's Harbour, Nova Scotia, Canada

Sunday, February 07, 2010

QUILTS OF LASTING VALUE

I'm sitting here at my desk this lovely late winter Sunday morning, the snow drifting softly down and not a sound to be heard. In my location 600 feet up on the North Mountain overlooking the rugged Bay of Fundy on one side and the lush agricultural Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia on the other, I am constantly reminded that my area is one of the oldest settled in North America, dating European colonization to the early 1600's and First Nations' settlement long before that. My home was built as the mountain land holdings of the New England Planters were opened in the early 1800's. The style of the house is that of a "full cape" and is found throughout Nova Scotia as a legacy of the New England Planters who emigrated from the original 13 colonies from 1760 on to fill the void resulting from the expulsion of earlier Acadian farmers in 1755.

My intense interest in social and women's history coupled with my high regard for built heritage and country antique furnishings has informed my work as a quilt artist, and over the past twenty years I have established a niche market in designing and completing quilts reflecting North American quilt history and heritage using reproduction fabrics and working entirely by hand using only fine 100% cotton materials. My quilts are in homes all over North America and Europe, and no two are alike.

The quilts I make vary in size from doll bed miniatures, through baby and toddler quilts, lap quilts and full sized twin, double and king/queen size; and run the full gamut from simple pieced quilts to complicated needleturn applique or a combination of the two.

A full range of colours and patterns is available for you to choose from if none of my finished quilts appeal to you. My huge "stash" of fine reproduction fabrics dating from the late 18th and through the 19th century is the envy of all my quilting friends and ensures that my quilts are one of a kind.

I think by the above information it is clear I am not making the sort of quilts that can be found just anywhere, but a unique one of a kind heirloom quality work of art that with proper care will last several lifetimes and will enhance your carefully chosen decor and your unique home and treasured belongings. My design skills and my colour sense assures striking and strongly patterned quilts, and my ingrained ethical business values means that no corners are cut in terms of quality.

Terms can easily be arranged to suit your budget. Quilts of this quality take upwards of 600 hours to complete but my feeling is that luxury like this can be affordable if I keep my prices reasonable and offer a choice of payment plans.

Attached are a few photos of current works both finished and in progress. Several have gone to their new owners but give an idea of the variety of my work. There is no obligation when you enter into pre-order discussions with me.

Above is an Amish style solid colours quilt measuring 60 inches square and reflecting the Amish love of bright colours combined in a bold and unusual manner. This quilt will be finished with very closely quilted feather garlands in a curving design that will complement the angular, geometric style of the quilt and will soften the bold colours.

This quilt "Flying Geese" was inspired by a quilt in the collection of the Pennsylvania State Museum which dates from the mid 1800's. My client and I collaborated carefully on the design and colour choices and the quilt is entirely handpieced and handquilted. As you can see, all points meet with impeccable smoothness. This accuracy in piecing is my trademark as I do not tolerate inexactness in my work. It is a king/queen in size being 88x104.

Above: Janet's Indigo Baskets, a small and very versatile quilt measuring 40 inches square - this quilt has a hanging sleeve to enable it to be used as a wallhanging, but would also make a lovely child's first quilt, a tabletopper or would look nice thrown over the back of a chair as is shown here on my old porch rocker.

My own design, using assorted indigo reproduction fabrics along with carefully selected prints from the 1850's. A truly unique quilt that subtly emphasises family summer holidays at the cottage.

Above is the very early stages of a quilt that will combine simple piecing along with complex needleturn applique in a subtly "folky" style - appliqued stars in the middle of the quilt, surrounded by an appliqued vining border of a basket of poppies and starflowers with perhaps a songbird or two. The fabric is muted flowers and paisleys and small geometric prints in soft reds, blues, beiges and tone on tones. Very understated fabrics to set of the naive and energetic design of the applique - the quilt will likely finish at around 75 inches square.

Labels: customer commissioned quilts, Hall's Harbour, heirlooms, heritage quilts, Nova Scotia Folk Art Quilts, quilt artist

10:04 AM (0) comments

Saturday, October 10, 2009

Fall and Christmas Hours 2009

We had a hard frost yesterday; and today, although a beautiful day, is cold at around 35F or 2C as we measure it here in Canada. The air is completely still and the leaves are drifting down like a lovely golden snowfall. It's time to start thinking about my fall and winter hours. Although there are still a surprising number of people travelling the scenic back roads, I will be open only on weekends and holidays now unless you make an appointment or catch me by chance.
I'm hoping to get lots of things finished up for the Christmas season and will be posting as they are ready.
I have so many ideas for quilts right now that I know I will never get them all done, but intend to make a darned good try!
Check back often to view my completed items and as I list more vintage kits. My folk art collection is just about gone, but contact me if you are interested as I still have a few items left.

Labels: autumn, christmas open times, fall, Hall's Harbour, Nova Scotia folk art one-of-a-kind quilts, vintage quilt kits

9:32 AM (0) comments

Sunday, September 23, 2007

QUILT SHOW AND SALE - waiting!

Well, we've done it - Grace and I and our helpers on the bake table and refreshments beat have done all that can be done to make our 9th Annual Quilts at the Harbour Show and Sale a success. We now sit on the edge of a vacuum, not knowing and not being able to control whether it will be a success or not - we should be used to this helpless feeling - been there and done that 8 previous times and each time has been a success so that should tell us something - it doesn't! We go through the same angst year after year (smile). We have some new exhibitors this year and wish you could come and see.

For some reason the map of Hall's Harbour won't upload this morning, so if you need it to find the quilt show, scroll all the way down the page through the older posts and you will find it.

The quilt show and sale takes place Saturday September 29, 2007 from 10 until 5PM and Sunday September 30 from noon until 5PM. You can drop off quilts and other items for display and sale from 6 to 7:30 Friday September 28, 2007 and after 9:30 Saturday morning.

Remember, for those coming to browse or buy, admission is by freewill offering, refreshments are free and there will be a bake table.

All freewill donations, bake table proceeds and 15% of the sales goes to benefit the church - last year over $600 was raised.

Come out and enjoy a fall day in the country in a lovely small heritage church, among friendly welcoming people.

Labels: Hall's Harbour, quilt show and sale, Quilts at the Harbour 9

9:49 AM (0) comments

Saturday, September 08, 2007

NEWS! Quilts at the Harbour has a dedicated website!

I'm pleased to tell you that our annual quilt show and sale in Hall's Harbour, Nova Scotia now has a dedicated and permanent website thanks to my daughter's generosity in doing the "techie" stuff. It will be a community service site and to cover the costs of domain name and hosting will carry google adsense ads.

Check out http://quiltsattheharbour.com/ for news leading up to the event this year, and afterwards for lots of pictures of the show itself - I will make sure to bring along my digital as will friends and other participants and hope to make it feel like you are there.

The picture above is of a vintage 1920's or 30's hooked rug which was probably hooked on a Garrett's printed burlap - these were sold throughout Canada via Eaton's catalogue and also by mail order through Garret's offices in New Glasgow, Halifax and Boston. Spruce Top Rugs in Mahone Bay have copies of the definitive work on Garrett Rugs, showing all the variations and styles which were offered.

http://www.sprucetoprughookingstudio.com

A firm in New Glasgow has purchased all the old patterns which were warehoused there for many years - they are now re-publishing the patterns.

http://www.ragstorugs.com/ is where you can look at these old patterns.

All for now, folks. Please contact me either through comments or email me at: mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com if you need further information.

In addition, there will be several other vintage hooked rugs for sale in addition to quilts, and quilty things.

Labels: antique, Hall's Harbour, hooked rugs, quilt show and sale, retro, vintage

11:35 AM (0) comments

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

QUILT SHOW AND SALE - HALL'S HARBOUR, NS

Our annual quilt show and sale is just around the corner! "Quilts At The Harbour 9" will be held on Saturday September 29 from 10 to 5, and on Sunday September 30 from Noon until 5.

As usual, we are planning a bake table, free refreshments, an exiting "gently used" table of bargains for quilters and the opportunity to meet friends, compare quilting ideas and perhaps purchase a quilt that will become a family heirloom.We expect there will be some vintage hooked rugs for sale as well as lovely family heirloon quilts for display only.

If you would like to display a quilt or two (or more!!) please email me for particulars. We would love to hear from you, too, if you have quilting fabric or books or notions to put on the gently used table.

If you want to come and enjoy looking at a large variety of lovely quiilts in a wonderful small country church dating to the 1840's pleae come along. Your free will offering and a percentage on items sold will go to benefit this lovely small rural church. Last year we were able to raise approximately $600 for that purpose.

For a map giving directions to Hall's Harbour scroll down this page - the show will be held in the West Hall's Harbour United Baptist Church on West Hall's Harbour Road. Watch for the bright OPEN banner and our sandwich board sign. Wheelchair accessible and washroom facilities. Bus tours welcome!

Labels: Hall's Harbour, Quilt show

7:13 PM (0) comments

Home About My Quilts Antique & Vintage Textiles Links of Interest Contact Information Welcome to the website of Hall's Harbour Handcrafts, located close to the ruggedly beautiful Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia, on Canada's East coast. My quilt studio is in my 1820's heritage home, surrounded by trees and wild gardens. Enjoy the peace and serenity which inspires my work. Visit the nearby fishing village of Hall's Harbour where you can observe the action of the world's highest tides. Visit artists' studios, hunt for antiques and sample seafood and lobster. If you wish to stay a while, there are several bed and breakfasts in the village and lots of other things to do and see nearby. If you cannot visit my studio in person, rest assured that my custom quilts are made in the traditional way - entirely by hand every step of the way. They are made of the finest available 100% cotton materials in a smoke-free home, and are truly one-of-a-kind.	Sunday, February 07, 2010 QUILTS OF LASTING VALUE I'm sitting here at my desk this lovely late winter Sunday morning, the snow drifting softly down and not a sound to be heard. In my location 600 feet up on the North Mountain overlooking the rugged Bay of Fundy on one side and the lush agricultural Annapolis Valley in Nova Scotia on the other, I am constantly reminded that my area is one of the oldest settled in North America, dating European colonization to the early 1600's and First Nations' settlement long before that. My home was built as the mountain land holdings of the New England Planters were opened in the early 1800's. The style of the house is that of a "full cape" and is found throughout Nova Scotia as a legacy of the New England Planters who emigrated from the original 13 colonies from 1760 on to fill the void resulting from the expulsion of earlier Acadian farmers in 1755. My intense interest in social and women's history coupled with my high regard for built heritage and country antique furnishings has informed my work as a quilt artist, and over the past twenty years I have established a niche market in designing and completing quilts reflecting North American quilt history and heritage using reproduction fabrics and working entirely by hand using only fine 100% cotton materials. My quilts are in homes all over North America and Europe, and no two are alike. The quilts I make vary in size from doll bed miniatures, through baby and toddler quilts, lap quilts and full sized twin, double and king/queen size; and run the full gamut from simple pieced quilts to complicated needleturn applique or a combination of the two. A full range of colours and patterns is available for you to choose from if none of my finished quilts appeal to you. My huge "stash" of fine reproduction fabrics dating from the late 18th and through the 19th century is the envy of all my quilting friends and ensures that my quilts are one of a kind. I think by the above information it is clear I am not making the sort of quilts that can be found just anywhere, but a unique one of a kind heirloom quality work of art that with proper care will last several lifetimes and will enhance your carefully chosen decor and your unique home and treasured belongings. My design skills and my colour sense assures striking and strongly patterned quilts, and my ingrained ethical business values means that no corners are cut in terms of quality. Terms can easily be arranged to suit your budget. Quilts of this quality take upwards of 600 hours to complete but my feeling is that luxury like this can be affordable if I keep my prices reasonable and offer a choice of payment plans. Attached are a few photos of current works both finished and in progress. Several have gone to their new owners but give an idea of the variety of my work. There is no obligation when you enter into pre-order discussions with me. Above is an Amish style solid colours quilt measuring 60 inches square and reflecting the Amish love of bright colours combined in a bold and unusual manner. This quilt will be finished with very closely quilted feather garlands in a curving design that will complement the angular, geometric style of the quilt and will soften the bold colours. This quilt "Flying Geese" was inspired by a quilt in the collection of the Pennsylvania State Museum which dates from the mid 1800's. My client and I collaborated carefully on the design and colour choices and the quilt is entirely handpieced and handquilted. As you can see, all points meet with impeccable smoothness. This accuracy in piecing is my trademark as I do not tolerate inexactness in my work. It is a king/queen in size being 88x104. Above: Janet's Indigo Baskets, a small and very versatile quilt measuring 40 inches square - this quilt has a hanging sleeve to enable it to be used as a wallhanging, but would also make a lovely child's first quilt, a tabletopper or would look nice thrown over the back of a chair as is shown here on my old porch rocker. My own design, using assorted indigo reproduction fabrics along with carefully selected prints from the 1850's. A truly unique quilt that subtly emphasises family summer holidays at the cottage. Above is the very early stages of a quilt that will combine simple piecing along with complex needleturn applique in a subtly "folky" style - appliqued stars in the middle of the quilt, surrounded by an appliqued vining border of a basket of poppies and starflowers with perhaps a songbird or two. The fabric is muted flowers and paisleys and small geometric prints in soft reds, blues, beiges and tone on tones. Very understated fabrics to set of the naive and energetic design of the applique - the quilt will likely finish at around 75 inches square. Labels: customer commissioned quilts, Hall's Harbour, heirlooms, heritage quilts, Nova Scotia Folk Art Quilts, quilt artist 10:04 AM (0) comments Saturday, October 10, 2009 Fall and Christmas Hours 2009 We had a hard frost yesterday; and today, although a beautiful day, is cold at around 35F or 2C as we measure it here in Canada. The air is completely still and the leaves are drifting down like a lovely golden snowfall. It's time to start thinking about my fall and winter hours. Although there are still a surprising number of people travelling the scenic back roads, I will be open only on weekends and holidays now unless you make an appointment or catch me by chance. I'm hoping to get lots of things finished up for the Christmas season and will be posting as they are ready. I have so many ideas for quilts right now that I know I will never get them all done, but intend to make a darned good try! Check back often to view my completed items and as I list more vintage kits. My folk art collection is just about gone, but contact me if you are interested as I still have a few items left. Labels: autumn, christmas open times, fall, Hall's Harbour, Nova Scotia folk art one-of-a-kind quilts, vintage quilt kits 9:32 AM (0) comments Sunday, September 23, 2007 QUILT SHOW AND SALE - waiting! Well, we've done it - Grace and I and our helpers on the bake table and refreshments beat have done all that can be done to make our 9th Annual Quilts at the Harbour Show and Sale a success. We now sit on the edge of a vacuum, not knowing and not being able to control whether it will be a success or not - we should be used to this helpless feeling - been there and done that 8 previous times and each time has been a success so that should tell us something - it doesn't! We go through the same angst year after year (smile). We have some new exhibitors this year and wish you could come and see. For some reason the map of Hall's Harbour won't upload this morning, so if you need it to find the quilt show, scroll all the way down the page through the older posts and you will find it. The quilt show and sale takes place Saturday September 29, 2007 from 10 until 5PM and Sunday September 30 from noon until 5PM. You can drop off quilts and other items for display and sale from 6 to 7:30 Friday September 28, 2007 and after 9:30 Saturday morning. Remember, for those coming to browse or buy, admission is by freewill offering, refreshments are free and there will be a bake table. All freewill donations, bake table proceeds and 15% of the sales goes to benefit the church - last year over $600 was raised. Come out and enjoy a fall day in the country in a lovely small heritage church, among friendly welcoming people. Labels: Hall's Harbour, quilt show and sale, Quilts at the Harbour 9 9:49 AM (0) comments Saturday, September 08, 2007 NEWS! Quilts at the Harbour has a dedicated website! I'm pleased to tell you that our annual quilt show and sale in Hall's Harbour, Nova Scotia now has a dedicated and permanent website thanks to my daughter's generosity in doing the "techie" stuff. It will be a community service site and to cover the costs of domain name and hosting will carry google adsense ads. Check out http://quiltsattheharbour.com/ for news leading up to the event this year, and afterwards for lots of pictures of the show itself - I will make sure to bring along my digital as will friends and other participants and hope to make it feel like you are there. The picture above is of a vintage 1920's or 30's hooked rug which was probably hooked on a Garrett's printed burlap - these were sold throughout Canada via Eaton's catalogue and also by mail order through Garret's offices in New Glasgow, Halifax and Boston. Spruce Top Rugs in Mahone Bay have copies of the definitive work on Garrett Rugs, showing all the variations and styles which were offered. http://www.sprucetoprughookingstudio.com A firm in New Glasgow has purchased all the old patterns which were warehoused there for many years - they are now re-publishing the patterns. http://www.ragstorugs.com/ is where you can look at these old patterns. All for now, folks. Please contact me either through comments or email me at: mailto:janet@novascotiaquilts.com if you need further information. In addition, there will be several other vintage hooked rugs for sale in addition to quilts, and quilty things. Labels: antique, Hall's Harbour, hooked rugs, quilt show and sale, retro, vintage 11:35 AM (0) comments Tuesday, August 28, 2007 QUILT SHOW AND SALE - HALL'S HARBOUR, NS Our annual quilt show and sale is just around the corner! "Quilts At The Harbour 9" will be held on Saturday September 29 from 10 to 5, and on Sunday September 30 from Noon until 5. As usual, we are planning a bake table, free refreshments, an exiting "gently used" table of bargains for quilters and the opportunity to meet friends, compare quilting ideas and perhaps purchase a quilt that will become a family heirloom.We expect there will be some vintage hooked rugs for sale as well as lovely family heirloon quilts for display only. If you would like to display a quilt or two (or more!!) please email me for particulars. We would love to hear from you, too, if you have quilting fabric or books or notions to put on the gently used table. If you want to come and enjoy looking at a large variety of lovely quiilts in a wonderful small country church dating to the 1840's pleae come along. Your free will offering and a percentage on items sold will go to benefit this lovely small rural church. Last year we were able to raise approximately $600 for that purpose. For a map giving directions to Hall's Harbour scroll down this page - the show will be held in the West Hall's Harbour United Baptist Church on West Hall's Harbour Road. Watch for the bright OPEN banner and our sandwich board sign. Wheelchair accessible and washroom facilities. Bus tours welcome! Labels: Hall's Harbour, Quilt show 7:13 PM (0) comments	Recent Posts: QUILTS OF LASTING VALUE A Non-Commercial Christmas Progress/Tobin Tree of Life Vintage Quilt Kit Lavender Sachets are ready! SMALL TRADITIONAL WHOLECLOTH QUILTS Another Project Finished! Paragon Cross Stitch Quilt Kit "Rose Brocade" Fall and Christmas Hours 2009 Quilts at the Harbour 11 wrap up Hall's Harbour, Nova Scotia - Quilts at the Harbou... Archived Posts: July 2005 August 2005 October 2005 December 2005 June 2006 September 2006 October 2006 November 2006 December 2006 March 2007 July 2007 August 2007 September 2007 October 2007 November 2007 December 2007 January 2008 February 2008 March 2008 April 2008 June 2008 July 2008 August 2008 September 2008 October 2008 November 2008 December 2008 May 2009 June 2009 July 2009 August 2009 September 2009 October 2009 November 2009 December 2009 February 2010