For the Cumberland Times-News
Cumberland Times-News
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GRANTSVILLE — Spruce Forest Artisan Village is hosting an antique coverlet evaluation on Aug. 7 from noon to 3 p.m.
An antique coverlet is a type of bedspread made usually of cotton and wool with geometric shapes or figures such as animals, plants and other objects woven into it. Most of them were woven during the 1800s. This traditional art form is part of Maryland’s history. They were woven on looms at home or at a professional weaver’s workshop. Early coverlets were made of hand spun and dyed wool, often blue or red, but when people had other dyes available coverlets were made in a rainbow of colors. Patterns and the colors used varied by region and by weaver. The invention of the jacquard loom, a professional weaver’s tool, made ornate patterns possible.
As part of a Maryland Traditions Grant for individuals involved in continuing traditional Maryland art forms, two local weavers and Spruce Forest Artisan Village are hosting a coverlet evaluation for Western Maryland and neighboring communities. Coverlets will be photographed and information about them will be recorded. Melinda Zongor, curator of the National Museum of the American Coverlet in Bedford, Pa., and author of Coverlets and the Spirit of America will be on hand to give in depth evaluation and insight on the handwoven treasures. There is not a lot of information on who did the weaving and where coverlets were made in our area.
Coverlet owners from Maryland and nearby Pennsylvania and West Virginia are welcome to participate. Any information about who owned the coverlet and where it came from will be helpful in evaluating the textile. Participants’ coverlets will be photographed and discussed. The evaluations will be done in the air conditioned village church. A $5 per coverlet donation will go toward supporting other community events at Spruce Forest. For information or questions, call 301-712-5886.
