Look what I got in today's mail

Lori of homespunprims recently updated her site with fall items for sale that she made.  I purchased this three pumpkin pillow.  It is so cute; I love her use of ticking for the background.  Now, just where to put it.  Hmmm...

Maybe on the chair?  No, too small.

Maybe here?  No, too many pumpkins already.

(and to think those cute little boys in the photo are driving a car now!)

How about here?  Yes, just right.

Does this remind you of something?

I made this little quilt top a couple weeks ago and blogged about it.  Just yesterday, I posted this picture of my favorite quilt from crib quilt study center from AQSG.

 

 I know next time, I have to include some blue.

AQSG Seminar-Crib Quilt Study Center

On Thursday morning I attended the crib and cradle quilt study center presented by Debbie Cooney and Polly Mello.  They showed crib quilts from their collections that spanned about 100 years.   Both ladies are extremely knowledgeable and shared their expertise with us.  They graciously allowed us to photograph the quilts at the end of the session.  This reversible 4-patch was my favorite.  I love the colors and the simplicity of the four patch block.

Front

 Back

One of the interesting comments was that some of the pieces that we call crib quilts (because they are small) may not have been made to be used in a crib or cradle at all.  They might have just been small works of creativity on the part of the maker.   A few more photos

Ooh, and a pillowcase.  My lucky day.

AQSG Seminar

Sunday night football is on in the background.  I perked up when I heard 3rd quarter...but then I realized they did not mean third quarter of the 19th century.  I am back home after 4 days at the American Quilt Study Group Seminar in Cherry Hill, NJ, overwhelmed and very tired. I only had an hour drive to get home, so I can imagine how tired those long-distance travelers must feel about now. 

There were about 250 attendees at the seminar, 99.9% women.  The speakers, study centers, and social hours (which involved quilt displays of course) were great.  Along with the organized events, I really enjoyed the spontaneous discussions/viewings that broke-out in the lobby or hallway when someone pulled out an antique quilt or textile.  I met lots of nice people including fellow bloggers.

I will post more pictures in the coming days once I get organized.  Here is one to get started, a PA pillowcase owned by Joan H.  She brought it to show me, since she knows of my interest in pc's.  A small group gathered in the hallway to discuss this beautiful piece.  I think the dating consensus came to 1830-1850.  Check out the gorgeous chintz back.  Wow. 

Pillar Print Repro Fabric

A while ago I posted a pair of antique pillowcases that had a pillar print back.  I made special note of the squirrel because I found it amusing.  At the time, Kathie said she thought there was a reproduction of it.  Well, a little sleuth work by fellow blogger Susie found a supply of this fabric at www.fabricshack.com.  The collection is called Winterthur Toile from Andover.  I bought a yard of the reproduction to compare to the original.  It is a very close match, although not identical.  There are two different column types.  In the original the column capitols match up across the width.  In the reproduction, the column capitols are offset with respect to each other.  Also, in the original, the engraving lines are more detailed and rich.

Repro on the left, original on the right.

Field Trip DMV for the teens and shopping for me

It's been a big day.  I took my freshly-minted 16 year old twins to the DMV to get their driving permits.  They passed.  Since this represents yet another rite of passage for them, and translates into "I am getting even older", I took myself shopping.

I have been wanting to visit The Cinnamon Stick in Hereford, PA for some time.  It's a bit of a hike from here, about an hour drive.  It was well worth the trip!  What a charming store, all decked out for fall and Halloween right now.  They have primitives, antiques, and folkart.  Check out the Cinnamon Stick's blog.

Here's what I got, just in time for fall.

 The hooked rug is by Joanne McIllmurray.  Joanne is one of the artisans invited to the Mennonite Heritage PA German Folk Art show that I also participate in.

I

I pulled fabrics for a new project, this pile of fabrics is destined to become a nine-patch quilt.