Baltimore Album Quilts

In her early 20's, my friend Joan took a dressmaking class at a local Singer store and discovered that she really liked working with fabrics.  It wasn't until she met a woman on vacation somewhere who had a quilted purse, that Joan learned she had an interest in quilting.  The lady who owned the quilted purse told Joan about a quilting magazine which later she purchased.  When Joan started experimenting and putting blocks together, she knew she had found what she was looking for. After talking a few classes and finally trying applique, Joan knew she had "come home."

Joan created this Poe's Baltimore Album.  Baltimore Album quilts were a special style that was developed in Baltimore between 1840-1850. Joan stated, "We are very  proud of our 'albums'.  Most appliquers want to make one, but they are intricate and sometimes daunting."

Baltimore Album Quilt created by Joan Zelinka

Joan enrolled in a 13 month long class, quilting a block a month.  In the designing, picking out fabrics stage, she remembered the Edgar Allan Poe died in Baltimore in 1849.  Joan decided to put a reference to one of his stories, the poem "The Raven"', in each block.  She painted a silhouette of him in the center medallion. A picture of this quilt was later published in the Baltimore Sun.

Creative applique block which includes a raven!

Baltimore Album Quilt

Joan also mentioned that after a hard day at work, she can spend many relaxing evening with her fabric and needle. There can be a certain rhythm to sewing and Joan has often wondered if the calming effect (that has been scientifically studied) is not related to prayer, chanting or other religious ritual.  Lastly Joan mentioned that many quilters have commented that their "work" was their escape or salvation!

Handcrafted Baltimore Album Quilt by Joan Zelinka

 Look for future blog posts about Joan Zelinka's handcrafted quilts!