Ellen (our 72 year old fabric buying friend) Kim (Melanie's sister and genius entrepreneur), Me (Happy to be a tag-along fabric buyer and Melanie (My Sister-in-Law). Snapping a quick picture at the Liberty Bell...in between 5 million school kids on field trips.
I'm baaaack, from a fabulous week of fun in Pennsylvania. I went with this fabric buying bunch to buy fabric for Kim's growing business. What a whirlwind trip it has been! We've driven across the state twice, and seen amazing things. I'm so tired from it all, it's taken a few days to get back into the swing of things. I've missed so many posts it will take me forever to get caught up on my blog reading...I hate that!Let me first start out with the finishes. I managed to get 2 purses sewn before I left. The brown one I was still stitching at the 11th hour. I didn't want to get either one of them dirty, so I left them both home. Boring, I know, but it was one more thing to carry!
One of my new bags. This time I used drapery clips for the rings. (Just remove the clips!) Big rick-rack poking out the top adds a feminine touch.
New bag that matches my half sewn trench coat. "the Carmen Convertible Bag" by Serendipity Studio. Kay has great ideas, and this bag has a removable liner that you can take out and add to another bag without removing the contents. Cool huh. I ordered a black and white damask print at market to make another trench coat for spring. I know, I'm crazy...but I got caught up in the moment, and I had 3 people telling me it would be "stunning".
Day 1: Touring around "Independence Mall"
This is Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Do you recognize it from the movie "National Treasure"?
The Betsy Ross House.
With Siobhan's amazing instructions we took the "back roads" and saw how the Amish really live. Kim and I were ready to buy a farm and move to the East, However....I must say, even though there are many things I could really dig about Amish life, one thing would be a real problem for me, and that's vanity. Many of the Amish women have facial hair and not just a little bit! I think I would have to keep my razor, and a few other toiletries.
A quilt in the Museum and the "Old Country Store" in Intercourse, PA. I thought it was a nice museum with some gorgeous Amish quilts. It wasn't very big, but it was done really well. The quilt store here is amazing! Moda fabric for $6.50 a yard! I haven't seen prices like that....since I've been quilting!
Kim and I bought fabric to make an Amish quilt. Kim's not a quilter so I offered to piece her top for her. Hey, I got a buggy ride and free fabric out of it, so I'm game. I'm thinking about a sunshine and Shadow pattern. I think I'll end up designing my own quilt, to reflect the two quilts I really loved in Lancaster county.
I fell in love with this Mennonite house. All these beautiful quilts hanging up on the line! It reminded me of the Told in a Garden cross stitch patterns with the Amish houses and quilts. I'm definitely adding some of these patterns to my "To Do" list!
Here is the yard that goes with the house. Could you not just live here?!
The lady that owned the house sold quilts and a little fabric. I bought these two pieces from her to make a bag. Aren't they gorgeous! It surprised me that they were in her fabric selections. So different from what their quilts look like.
I splurged and bought this Pennsylvania Dutch lithograph. It's signed and numbered. I wish it was the real thing, but I can imagine that would be way out of my price range. It says, "courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice saying I will try again tomorrow."
Day 3 & 4: Surprised by Pittsburgh
One of my new bags. This time I used drapery clips for the rings. (Just remove the clips!) Big rick-rack poking out the top adds a feminine touch.
New bag that matches my half sewn trench coat. "the Carmen Convertible Bag" by Serendipity Studio. Kay has great ideas, and this bag has a removable liner that you can take out and add to another bag without removing the contents. Cool huh. I ordered a black and white damask print at market to make another trench coat for spring. I know, I'm crazy...but I got caught up in the moment, and I had 3 people telling me it would be "stunning". 
Day 1: Touring around "Independence Mall" This is Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Do you recognize it from the movie "National Treasure"?
The Betsy Ross House.I didn't realize what a tragic life she had, being widowed twice before she was 30. I admire her so much, and boy could this girl sew!
Day 2: Living the Amish life
Ellen and I were to cheap to want to go on this buggy ride. $30 bucks without tip, for an hour. It was raining, and I wasn't in the mood, but Kim insisted, and she paid for us, so we reluctantly went. (I'm making her a quilt, so this was my payment she said.) I'm glad I let her drag me along. We learned a lot about Amish and Mennonite life, and it was a beautiful carriage ride, in the rain.
Day 2: Living the Amish lifeWith Siobhan's amazing instructions we took the "back roads" and saw how the Amish really live. Kim and I were ready to buy a farm and move to the East, However....I must say, even though there are many things I could really dig about Amish life, one thing would be a real problem for me, and that's vanity. Many of the Amish women have facial hair and not just a little bit! I think I would have to keep my razor, and a few other toiletries.
A quilt in the Museum and the "Old Country Store" in Intercourse, PA. I thought it was a nice museum with some gorgeous Amish quilts. It wasn't very big, but it was done really well. The quilt store here is amazing! Moda fabric for $6.50 a yard! I haven't seen prices like that....since I've been quilting!
Kim and I bought fabric to make an Amish quilt. Kim's not a quilter so I offered to piece her top for her. Hey, I got a buggy ride and free fabric out of it, so I'm game. I'm thinking about a sunshine and Shadow pattern. I think I'll end up designing my own quilt, to reflect the two quilts I really loved in Lancaster county.
I fell in love with this Mennonite house. All these beautiful quilts hanging up on the line! It reminded me of the Told in a Garden cross stitch patterns with the Amish houses and quilts. I'm definitely adding some of these patterns to my "To Do" list!
Here is the yard that goes with the house. Could you not just live here?!
The lady that owned the house sold quilts and a little fabric. I bought these two pieces from her to make a bag. Aren't they gorgeous! It surprised me that they were in her fabric selections. So different from what their quilts look like.
I splurged and bought this Pennsylvania Dutch lithograph. It's signed and numbered. I wish it was the real thing, but I can imagine that would be way out of my price range. It says, "courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice saying I will try again tomorrow."
Riding the "incline" tram to the top of the coal mine. An amazing view was to be had at the top!
I expected Pittsburgh to be a dirty, yucky, steel mill city, but those days are long gone. I was surprised at how beautiful and clean this city was. There were so many great things to do as well. Definitely a must visit city!
For $2.50 you can ride to the top of this area and walk around. The residence up here are lucky folks to have such a great view. There are restaurants, shops, and houses. It was a great way to pass the time. After looking at fabric literally All Day Long, it was a needed change of pace.
A fabulous view!
This is a new fabric line by Riley Blake Designs. They are in Utah. This is fabric for a pillowcase. I thought my DD would like it.
Quilt Market finds. It would be hard to post all of the wonderful things that we say at quilt market. There are quilting celebs galore, and amazing new fabrics. It's hard not to want it all! I didn't take my camera in, as I thought that would be a big no, no. But afterwards I regretted that decision, because I think it would have been okay. I met Amy Butler, Anne Sutton, Paula Prass, Lila Tueller, Jo Morton, Bate from Bate and Taylor, Scott Hansen (a promising talent, that is sure to hit it big), Jennifer Paganelli, and the list goes on. So amazing! I was bummed that the Blackbird girls weren't there. I was hoping to catch up with them.
I bought this pattern by Abbey Lane. It was done with pink and green. A great way to use up black and white Fat Quarters.
Clothworks fabric was selling these little table toppers. I thought this would be cute on my outside table.
Here is the progress I made on "Shores". I was only able to stitch on the plane, so I was happy with what I got done. This block is taking forever!
I expected Pittsburgh to be a dirty, yucky, steel mill city, but those days are long gone. I was surprised at how beautiful and clean this city was. There were so many great things to do as well. Definitely a must visit city!
For $2.50 you can ride to the top of this area and walk around. The residence up here are lucky folks to have such a great view. There are restaurants, shops, and houses. It was a great way to pass the time. After looking at fabric literally All Day Long, it was a needed change of pace.
A fabulous view!
This is a new fabric line by Riley Blake Designs. They are in Utah. This is fabric for a pillowcase. I thought my DD would like it. Quilt Market finds. It would be hard to post all of the wonderful things that we say at quilt market. There are quilting celebs galore, and amazing new fabrics. It's hard not to want it all! I didn't take my camera in, as I thought that would be a big no, no. But afterwards I regretted that decision, because I think it would have been okay. I met Amy Butler, Anne Sutton, Paula Prass, Lila Tueller, Jo Morton, Bate from Bate and Taylor, Scott Hansen (a promising talent, that is sure to hit it big), Jennifer Paganelli, and the list goes on. So amazing! I was bummed that the Blackbird girls weren't there. I was hoping to catch up with them.
I bought this pattern by Abbey Lane. It was done with pink and green. A great way to use up black and white Fat Quarters.
Clothworks fabric was selling these little table toppers. I thought this would be cute on my outside table.
Here is the progress I made on "Shores". I was only able to stitch on the plane, so I was happy with what I got done. This block is taking forever!There's no place like home, but I love going on these vacations! I'm hoping to take my kids back to Philly next month, as it would be a perfect learning vacation.
Take Care all my bloggy friends. I love your comments!
Take Care all my bloggy friends. I love your comments!
10 comments:
What a packed entry. Love the bag with the ric rac trim. Cute idea.
I would love, love to visit the Amish area you to went to. It is on my vacation list.
Be sure to share your Amish quilt. That is on my quilt list too. I havent found a pattern I like yet. Know any good internet sources?
What a great post. Isn't Amish country the greatest? My father took us a few times (before I really appreciated the whole thing) when I was young. There is an Amish community in central Indiana too that is wonderful to go to and you can't beat the prices on fabric! Looks like you had an absolutely wonderful time. I'm so jealous!!!
You also bought some great stash - fabric and patterns! I can't wait to see some of these finished. These should definitely keep you busy for a while. What fun! And I love the lithograh you picked up!
You asked about patterns when you commented on my blog - yes, I do have some of those Amish oldies but goodies. Why don't you email me and we can discuss them further. I couldn't find your email or I would have sent one to you.
And you're making great progress on Shores. I know what you mean about the block taking forever. I felt the same way. I may pick it up today and start on Block 4. May be a push though - feeling good from the dental surgery now - but in a few hours - that could be a different story.
You know, before I really knew about quilt market, (last year) they had it right here in Portland! I could have gone… argh. Oh well right? Anyway, I am so happy you got to go! It looked like it was awesome. Your pictures are so nice. I love that Amish home, it really is beautiful to see. Welcome home :D
Woo! I'm so glad that you had such a good time! :) I love to see all the quilts that people have outside their homes--I love the house pic you took! Beautiful quilty stash finds, too. Great progress on Shores! YGG! I haven't been stitching on mine and need to, but am enjoying what I am stitching so I suppose that counts... right?! ;) I love love love the fraktur that you bought--what a fabulous saying! As my mother (who is visiting) said when I read out the saying to her, it'd be a great sampler verse!
Awesome post girl! I love the city photos--I'm a big Amish fan and often thought I could easily integrate into that lifestyle. BUT, if I can't have my facial Nair, then forget about it! Your stitching looks great and I love all the fabby you got. What a great trip. Thx for making me put PA on my "to visit" list!
I enjoyed catching up with your post and wow! such great buys you've had and thanks so much for sharing all the beautiful pictures!
Hope you are having a great week.
Fabulous post! Great pics and great stories. I know you had such a good time. Philly is a fun town to visit. Your children would love it!! Have a great stitching week! Hugs
Sounds like you had lots of fun!!
I wish i could quilt alas my sewing skills don't stretch that far, but i still like looking at the fabric and dreaming, lol.
Loved looking at your photos, thanks for sharing
Ok, I know this is ancient history, but I've just discovered your blog! lol! I can't believe you got to go to the Quilt Market!!!! Boy, do I envy you! You make wonderful quilts! And the Bent Creek Snappers! And and -- in short, I love your blog! And wish I'd gone to market with you! :D
I know I'm commenting on an old post, but couldn't resist. I love the PA Dutch fraktur print. I have two by the same artist -- and absolutely love them. I lived in the Philadelphia area for 7 years and was less than one hour from Lancaster county. I probably went out there about every 6 weeks or so to shop the outlets and the antique shops, as well as the fun Amish craft and fabric shops. I love being back in UT, but do miss those great experiences.
Nancy
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