Bedford, PA- Home of the National Museum of the American Coverlet
Laszlo Zongor explains the system of Jacquard Loom(see below) and the punched holed cards, each card a single line of weaving.
A two hour drive from Pittsburgh. My book club had a fun and memorable getaway weekend trip. We stayed at the Historic Bedford Resort.
Sunday, Joan and I went to see the National Museum of the American Coverlet- housed in a beautiful Historic Common School. A coverlet is a woven bed cover, although there were some floor coverings, too. The coverlets display changes every four months. We learned a lot about the history of the coverlets with our knowledgeable guide explaining the differences. The last photos are of the gift shop where you can purchase reproductions of the antique designs and fabric for quilters.
from the National Museum of the American Coverlet
The Museum and Museum Shop are open daily, year round.
Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Admission is $6 ($5 for age 60 and over). Kids under 12 are free. Group rates available.
Laszlo Zongor explains the punch cards used in the Jacquard loom.
If you have a coverlet, you can bring it to Melinda and Laszlo Zongor and they can help date it and identify the weaving method.
The Jacquard Loom
There are looms and spinning wheels on exhibit.
Oh wow! That is so interesting and the photo’s you took are gorgeous Ruth! Thanks for sharing hon.
*hugs*
April 23, 2012 at 4:46 am
Very interesting. Where do you find these places?
April 23, 2012 at 6:15 am
a wonderful tribute to this art!
April 23, 2012 at 6:15 am
We have been to the Bedford Springs Resort a couple of times. They have a fabulous Mother’s Day Brunch. It is so relaxing there. An old fashioned place.
Never knew to go to the coverlet museum, though. Interesting discovery! Great photos!
April 23, 2012 at 6:33 am
A beautiful series, and very educational.
April 23, 2012 at 6:48 am
Love those coverlets! Thank you for the lovely photos and information!
April 23, 2012 at 7:01 am
Thats a good story. I always look for weaving experiences when I travel. Everybody needs fabric for so many reasons.
April 23, 2012 at 7:38 am
Looms and the intricate patterns they produce are fascinating. Seeing that stack of cards only adds to the wonder of it all. Thanks, Ruth, for taking us along.
April 23, 2012 at 9:23 am
What a special weekend away with friends
April 23, 2012 at 10:00 am
That looks so cool.
April 23, 2012 at 1:01 pm
Wow! What a beautiful collection of pictures. Great way to dedicate this post to such a wonderful art form.
April 24, 2012 at 2:27 am
Love the close-ups of the coverlets, great texture.
April 24, 2012 at 7:49 am
Wonderful post. I had heard Bedford, Pa is a beautiful place to visit and may go there one day. Your photography is amazing.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
April 24, 2012 at 9:41 am
Gorgeous photos, Ruth! I love museums and this one is beautiful!
April 24, 2012 at 4:07 pm
That guys almost as photogenic as the young ones you keep, ahem, running into!
April 24, 2012 at 6:45 pm
What a great post! Very interesting! Love the coverlets and the bolts of cloth…
April 24, 2012 at 8:39 pm
These are amazing, Ruth! And you are such a talented portrait photographer! Seems like Lazlo really knew his stuff! Love this whole post!
April 25, 2012 at 12:56 am
Mr. Laszlo Zongor looks like quite a character! His looms are truly stunning.
May 3, 2012 at 9:08 pm