As featured in Harford’s Heart.com Magazine, Oct-Nov 2023
Written by Mary Jane Roth

Local Quilter to Showcase Work

Mrs. Jeanne Kehl will be the featured quilter at this November’s “Autumn Ribbons Quilt Show.” The show will display the work of the members of Quilting on the Line Quilt Guild from the last four years. The guild, whose members draw from northern Harford and southern York Counties, selected to showcase the Jarrettsville resident’s quilts at this year’s show.

When speaking with Jeanne, it’s obvious why her fellow quilters chose to recognize her work. Although she has won ribbons at local fairs, public recognition is not important to her. It’s the personal connections she makes with her quilts and its recipients that brings the deepest satisfaction. Quilting for Kehl is a very personal experience.

Jeanne began quilting as an adult. After sewing clothing for her family for many years, she accumulated a lot of fabric. Thinking of other uses for the material, Kehl took up quilting. As she acquired more experience and networked within the quilting community, her reputation led to working on special quilts for other people. Kehl says her favorite quilts are those which she forms an emotional attachment. Finishing quilts started by deceased loved ones and memorial pieces are among those quilts with special meaning.  Beyond typical quilts, more lighthearted projects also leave their marks. Kehl has fond memories of quilts made from T-shirts and a fun one she made for her niece with ribbons won at equestrian shows. Another dimension of her expertise is repairing vintage quilts. Regardless of the project, a piece of Jeanne is in each one.

Mrs. Kehl and some of her quilts will be present at Quilting on the Line’s Quilt Show at Jarrettsville Gardens, 3825 Federal Hill Rd., Jarrettsville, MD 21084. The show will run November 4, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM and November 5, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM.  Admission is $10. Children 10 and under are free. The show will also feature a quilt raffle, vendors, silent auctions, knife and scissors sharpening, and a craft table. Refreshments are available for purchase from the fire company auxiliary. See www.quiltingontheline.com for additional information.