In Awe at NQA

It's impossible to describe the amazing masterpieces here at the National Quilting Association show in Columbus, Ohio, so I'll share a few pictures and let them speak for themselves (though the pictures can't begin to do them justice).

How about something fun, to start?

And something fanciful?

I love the colours and applique on this quilt...

But wait till you see how small the blocks are!!

Here's another mini.

And yet another.

Yikes!!

And these just took my breath away.

I have to admit, when I look at these works of art, that after the awe and asking, "how'd she do that?", I mainly feel depressed. These quilts are so incredible... I could quilt a million years and never create anything a fraction as perfect as these. I have to remind myself that we each have our niche and to just enjoy and be grateful for the gifts we've each been given. Can anyone else out there relate?

My Heart is in Amish Country

The next day, we headed to the Heart of Ohio in Springfield, the largest antiques mall in the US. And they weren't kidding!

Here's Row #1 of 8 (I think!).

Driving through Loudonville, we found this cabin which had been moved to the park.

It was built by Morgan Workman, a minister in the 1840s, and his wife.

They had 11 children in this cabin (can you imagine?) and his wife Jerutia died at the age of 40.

We found this cemetary next to the Methodist church in the town,

with grave stones dating to the mid 1800s.

We kept driving and found this combination quilt and harness shop.

We must be in Amish country!

These quilts were displayed inside the shop--just gorgeous!!

We saw Amish kids on their bicycles.

Covered bridges.

Amish women.

Lots of quilts!

Amish buggies.

I think it was laundry day.

We even found an Amish drygoods store.

Upon further exploration, we stopped at this metal-craft store.

It's amazing how the craftsmanship turned simple aluminum into works of art.
This is the inside of the shop.

Hubby Ben, next to the Amish "Hummer" (world's biggest Amish buggy)

in the shop.

Then, it was off to Lehman's Hardware in Kidron.
The store sells anything and everything the Amish community could need.

They even had quilts!
Now that's a hardware store I wouldn't mind shopping at!

Another stop--Hershberger's Farm.

Completewith buggy rides for the kids.

And Big Ben (the horse), next to Ben (my hubby).

Ben got up close and personal with the goats in the petting zoo.

They even had a zorse!

(Combination zebra and horse).

And finally this quilt/fabric shop.

I loved their slogan!

Hi from Ohio

After flights lasting from 6:30 am from Vancouver to 6:15 pm (Columbus) and driving another 1 1/2 hours, we arrived in Hillsboro, Ohio where we spent the night. On Saturday, June 12, we drove to Georgetown, Ohio, to Joy Hanselman's lovely shop, "Schoolhouse Quilts". She had arranged the quilts from my "Country Comforts" book around the store and had set up a table and chair for me to sign my books
Shop owner Joy (on my left) and Wilma, her assistant, became instant friends.
Her shop had a wonderful display of fabrics and antiques. I had to go shopping!
In spite of the incredible thunder storm, quilters started arriving for the book signing.Joy told us about this great antique shop in Ripley, Ohio. We headed there right after the book signing ended at noon.

The shop got its name from its previous life--as a piano factory. This beautiful piece was on display in the entry.

Then we drove up to Mt. Orab, where we found this great shop.

I think these were intended for decorative purposes, but, when you gotta go...

Then, it was off to Waynesville, Ohio, the "antiques capital of the midwest".

And finished off our day with the best soft pretzel. Yum!

In between road trips

One of my most favourite emails to receive is when someone has made one of my patterns and they share a picture with me. Shop owner Jo-Ann of Cock-a-doodle Quilts in Toronto (http://www.cockadoodlequilts.com) sent me this picture of her friend Nancy's version of my Old MacDonald's Farm pattern which she sells in her shop. Didn't she do a great job?
This Friday, hubby Ben and I will be flying to Ohio for another road-trip/working vacation. I've never been to Ohio but have heard there's lots of wonderful primitive and antique shops to be discovered. If you know of any I shouldn't miss, please let me know! I'll be doing a book signing at Schoolhouse Quilts in Georgetown on Saturday morning (June 12th), and also plan to attend the National Quilting Association show in Columbus from June 17th to 19th so if you live in the area, please drop by!