Ohio Amish Country

I have been a bit sporadic in my posting lately, friends, and I do apologize. It seems like I just stay so busy with other stuff that posting falls lower and lower on my to-do list. I do remember how to quilt and operate a sewing machine and use a computer, so eventually I might get back to more reliable posting.

Here's an example of a day that took me away from home - and the computer. On Monday we drove to Coshocton to visit my FIL. Since Sunday had been Father's Day and we were at home enjoying visits from our daughters, we took Monday to go see Kevin's dad, Jim. He is in his late 80s and sees 2 of his remaining 4 children regularly. We live about 2-2.5 hours away, so our visits are less frequent. The remaining sibling lives in Florida, so we are lucky to see them once a year.

Anyway, off to Coshocton we went, and once we got there Jim suggested we take a ride. He enjoys looking at the countryside in Amish Country - we do, too! - so off we went. Before long, I was making a cheese purchase at Pearl Valley; they have the most delicious cheeses in as many varieties as you can imagine. Afterwards, we were just sight-seeing when lo and behold! We found ourselves coming into the little town of Charm.

Charm is the home of a fabulous quilt shop, you know. Miller's Dry Goods. It is a destination for many a quilter here in Ohio, as well as from out-of-staters, too. After my purchase, I selected a rocking chair on the front porch and visited with a woman from Savannah, Georgia, who was vacationing with her daughter.

My purchase?? Yes, let's get to that.

I love picking up one or two of their business cards -  shaped for English Paper Piecing!

This was what I needed to get. I'd been searching for a new thimble and had not found this one in any of my local shops. In trying to finish off the 6-pointed star quilt I have in the frame, I find that I am wearing out my old thimble.

In a bin of 1-yard cuts I made a wonderful discovery! A yard of this Lorraine fabric!! Too scrumptious to pass up! I will use this in my pre-cut project. Inner border? Yes, I think that would be fine, or maybe a middle border of 3, if I have the fabric on hand to do it. Wait and see; I will keep you posted.

And to prove the tremendous powers of restraint I possess of late, those two items were the extent of my spending. My determination to limit additional fabric purchases has taken firm hold of me; I rarely succumb to "the urge" to amass more. Working through the stash has been rewarding, so I think I will stay at it for awhile longer.

Last evening, I finished the binding on Abby's wedding quilt. We plan to go to Hillsboro this evening, so I will make arrangements today to meet up with them for a special delivery.

Happy Quilting, Friends!

Time is at a Premium

Since retiring in June 2009, I have been busier than I ever imagined. My promise to my DH and DD was to be a full-time wife and mother for the remaining 2 years of Emma's high school career, then consider going back to work, if needed or wanted.

So, the stay-at-home Mom experience is about to end in that Emma graduates in about a week and a half. In the fall, she heads off to college.

I did renege on my vow, just a bit . . . I worked part-time as an English instructor at a nearby branch of Ohio University. For the most part, however, I threw myself into being involved in Emma's activities. President of a booster club, bake sales, making costumes for the musical, attending every football game to see her half-time show, and the grandest gesture of all: I made her prom dress! (I'm still pretty proud of that accomplishment!)

I tell you all of this to account for why I can't seem to have time for blogging since last Thursday. I'd been doing pretty well for several days, but then all these things popped up!

Okay, so I spent last Friday in Ohio's Amish Country.

Miller's Dry Goods celebrated their anniversary with a 30% off sale, bringing quilters from far and wide to their doorsteps both Friday and Saturday. Two friends, Kay and Sherrie, and I (Sharon was unable to go!) joined in on the fun Friday, making some really awesome purchases.

Here's the rear of my van upon our return.

We stopped at Pearl Valley and stocked up on some cheese. This is what the 3 of us bought. We didn't go overboard, did we?

In my next post, I will show some of my individual buys.

Gotta run!
Happy Quilting, Friends.

Looking Forward

To a fun shopping day tomorrow, that is. I am lucky enough to live close to Amish country in Ohio - about 3 hours away. This weekend is the big anniversary sale for Mrs. Miller's in Charm, OH. Friends and former co-workers (we are all retired now!) will join me on a day's adventure to Amish country. I've looked forward to this for about 6 weeks, now. We made plans early!!

This is a shot from their website. It's a very extensive selection, for sure. I will no doubt do good things for the economy in Charm, OH. :)

The work on the batik purple and gold continues. No new pics to share, but I will have, I promise. These blocks are just too fun to make - I have to share the fun!

I follow several quilting blogs, as most bloggers do. One has struck a chord with many bloggers, myself included. Check out this call for pillowcases from Brown Quilts. I think quilters from around the country (and even around the globe) will heed the call from Carol. It's both a tragic and heartwarming story all wrapped into one! Prepare to become emotional. Really. If you ever felt like helping with a worthy cause, IMO, there could be few more worthy than this one!

Happy Quilting, Friends.