Mary’s Favorite ‘30s Quilts Book Review
By Bonnie Ouellette
Title: Mary’s Favorite ‘30s Quilts
Author: Mary Koval
Suggested Retail Price $14.95
Review By: Bonnie Ouellette
I was quite tickled when I was asked to write a book review for my
friend Mary Koval’s latest quilt book. Mary and I met very much by accident in Paducah about 5
years ago. Mary was manning her booth of antique quilts and textiles in a space in downtown Paducah
during the AQS show, when I approached her with questions about where to find one of her competitors.
During our conversation, we both realized that perhaps we could have a business relationship with me
acting as a picker for her. I had already been collecting and selling antique quilt related items
to other nationally know dealers. Although our transactions are not very frequent, we have remained
in frequent contact.
Mary and her husband Joe have been buying and selling antiques for over
30 years, however, their specialty has become antique quilts and all the incidentals used in the making
of quilts. We all know how addictive collecting fabric can become and that happened to the Kovals as
their business grew, their personal collection also grew. Mary chose her very favorite quilts from her
private collection to share in this book.
Mary has dedicated this book of quilts to her namesake, Lydia Minnie Mary
Buddymeyer, “Grandma Buddy”, because the quilts in this book remind her of how her Grandmother always
made her smile.
When I am asked to review a book or product, I feel a responsibility to
use the product or book in as many ways as possible. So, I decided to make two of the quilts from the
book using very contemporary fabrics.
The “Circling Geese” quilt is made in all pink and rose batiks against a periwinkle
background. I found the directions very detailed, accurate and complete. Mary mentions that the pinwheel in the
center of each block looks like it is made to spin by the flight of the geese. This quilt is quick and quite
stunning and can be attempted by a quilter of any ability with ease.
The “Confetti Baby Quilt” I made in all light, medium and dark blue batiks. I think
it produced a very rich look. This quilt lends itself to all sorts of innovative approaches besides the use of
vintage or reproduction fabrics. Because of the dependable accuracy of the instructions, this quilt can be made
easily by a beginning quilter.
The Kovals reside in Schellsburg, PA in a converted 1847 church. Besides her antique
business, Mary is a highly regarded quilter, teacher, lecturer and fabric designer. She has designed several large
reproduction lines of fabric for Baum Textiles and will soon introduce a line of antique Christmas fabrics for them.
Ask for this book at your local quilt shop.
“Mary’s Favorite ‘30s Quilts”
By Mary Koval
ISBN 1-885588-56-9
32 pages, $14.95
Chitra Publications
www.QuiltTownUSA.com
©2004 Bonnie Ouellette, Seneca, SC
“On The Road” Reporter
www.theQuilterCommunity.com
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