The SVAS held its first meeting in October 2011 at the County Library in Edinburg, VA. The purpose of the SVAS is to promote, educate, and most of all, enjoy the art of Applique. Various members teach workshops and share their knowledge of Applique.
The SVAS was invited by the Shenandoah Valley Quilt Guild to display items by our members at their quilt show in June 2014. What a beautiful display it made.
From time-to-time, the SVAS will work on special Applique projects. In 2013, in appreciation for meeting at the library, the SVAS made a beautiful quilt for the library to raffle off to raise funds for their children’s literacy programs. In just a few short months, the quilt raised $800.
In October 2014, the Virginia Quilt Museum requested the SVAS to reproduce the Botanical Album Quilt made in 1859 by Esther Matthews (1776-1866) for her grandson, Addison Blair Martz. Addison enlisted in the Virginia Infantry on April 18, 1861, two days before Robert E. Lee resigned his commission in the U. S. Army to follow Virginia into the Confederacy. The quilt illustrates a sense of local attachment because Esther chose 25 blocks of wildflowers and garden favorites native to Addison’s Virginia home. I think of Esther who was born during the Revolutionary war and died not long after the Civil War ended. What a privilege it has been to reproduce a quilt top made by this wonderful woman who lived and survived through so much in her lifetime. I believe that while Esther worked her Applique on this quilt for her grandson, Addison, that it brought her peace and comfort, as Applique brings to those who practice the art of Applique.
The Shenandoah Valley Applique Society meets on the third Tuesday of the month at the County Library in Edinburg, 514 Stoney Creek Blvd., from 1:00-4:00pm. At the present time, we have 15 members. There are no dues and all who are interested in the art of Applique are welcome. For further information, contact Jan Hood (540) 459-8118.
