What a Thursday!

There's just so much to report for yesterday; where do I begin?

Once every quarter, there is a store in my area that practically wholesales fabric, so that quilt shop owners, home sewists/designers, and the hobby online fabric seller (like me) can acquire fabric bolts to then sell retail. Their sale began yesterday, and I picked up just a few fabrics this time.

That is a black and gold print on the left, followed by an Anna Maria Horner! Next to it is a green print, then white Kona, then an Alice Kennedy line! The Anna Maria Horner and Alice Kennedy fabrics will go in my Etsy shop, hopefully sometime this weekend (along with some other fabrics). While there, I met a young woman. We began talking, and I found out she designs beautiful little girls' clothing, as you can see in her Etsy shop, Momi Boutique. Her blog is here.

On our way out, a couple of ladies with whom we sew and quilt walked in. Since they were on their way to the Mennonite Relief Sale preview (as were we), we waited around a bit, then we all left together. Once a year, Mennonites hold a Relief Sale in April here in PA (I'm told there are others in other states, as well). Amongst an assortment of things, they auction a huge number of quilts. (I have always been so impressed with how Mennonites work quietly behind the scenes, much like Salvation Army, to do what is necessary in times of crisis. I don't know if I've ever met two organizations of believers so entirely devoted to being His hands and feet for His people). In March, they preview some of those quilts, and they also sell a number of things, including donated quilt related items and even some quilts. Apparently, those who donate quilts will either designate them for the auction, or for regular sale. So, at the preview, we saw some wonderful quilt tops, quilt blogs, fabric, and even old quilts.

I purchased three quilts. This one was only $4!

Granted, the quilt is a bit stained. But it is hand quilted, and huge! It is in the washer even now as I type this; let's see if any of those stains come out. If they don't, so what? We will use it for picnics, around the house--that is, if my younger daughter, who is already attempting to claim it, allows anyone else to use it. :)

I purchased this one, also $4!

We figure this quilt was so inexpensive because of the yellow "pack" in the middle of the quilt. Perhaps this is missing a stork, who is supposed to be holding the pack on its bill? The pack is unattached to the quilt on the sides, so the fact that it is empty is easily remedied; simply insert a small toy or stuffed animal, to complete the gift for a baby to come. (We know a number of pregnant ladies.) It has a few stains on the back; I will wash this one soon, and see if any of the stains come out.

I then hit the mother lode. I found this antique--antique--quilt! It was made in c.1910.

It is not in pristine condition, but it is still in very good condition, I think, considering its age. This is HEAVY. The top is pieced wool, and it is hand tied (it is much too thick and heavy to quilt).

And it was only...$25!!! I almost felt guilty!

I have my friend E to thank for this. When I walked in the doors to preview the quilts, I discovered signs that informed me that they did not accept credit/debit cards. Since I do not like to carry cash around, and I didn't have any checks (where, praytell, is my box of new checks?), I knew my ability to shop was limited. Yet E saw my dilemma and unhesitatingly opened her purse and handed me a $50 bill. I was stunned; I don't know her that well yet, but she didn't even give it a second thought to front me some cash--unasked--until I could repay her today. But she is that kind of friend, already. She takes time to patiently talk to me, my children, really anyone interested in quilting, about the art. She absolutely loves it, and wants to make sure that she passes on all of her knowledge to the next generation of quilters.

After we left the preview, we then went to get some lunch.(If you're ever in Ephrata, PA, you must go to the NY Pizzeria. We didn't even get pizza. But it was GOOD.) E (and A) allowed us to tag along with them on their usual quilt shop run in this particular region. So, we literally shopped 'til we dropped!

We started at Ten Thousand Villages. We then proceeded to Weaver's, where I purchased some great pink fabric. I have been wanting some yardage like this for a quilt or two for the girls.

We then went to Brubacker's before heading home. Know that it was late afternoon when we got back, and we'd left the house before 6 AM. It was a day of a lot of driving, and we were tired. I didn't purchase at every shop where we went (but E and A did). But I now know where their haunts are in that neck of the woods. Thanks, ladies.