Hi Friends!
Two of my favorite timeless treasures have always been old houses and antique quilts.
The chance to admire both, in a peaceful, charming setting
is always a wonderful treat for me!
A few weeks ago, I enjoyed a special visit to the
9th Annual “All Around the House” Quilt Show,
at Fischer Farm.
The main farmhouse was built by the Fischer family in the 1920s. Over the years, it has been lovingly restored,
telling the story of this hardworking, Midwestern farm family.
The original 1838 homestead was built when the Fischer family immigrated from Germany.
The Milk Barn and other preserved buildings offer a glimpse of farm life between 1838 and 1930.
For one glorious weekend each Spring,
Fischer Farm invites quilters and quilt lovers to gather here.
Over 100 quilts were carefully hung on all of the walls throughout the farmhouse.
Some of the quilts are original to the Fischer family.
Many more have been shared by private collectors and local quilters for display during this show.
Several of the quilts were for sale during the show.
(I would love to give credit to each of these quiltmakers.
Please let me know if you can help identify any of the talented people who made these quilts!)
It was so delightful to slowly walk through the farmhouse admiring all of the
beautifully preserved woodwork, floors, and furniture.
Admiring the antique quilts was truly the ‘icing on the cake!’
(I wished that I could reach out and touch each quilt,
but of course, these treasures can only be touched by their owners.)
White-gloved volunteers shared a fascinating ‘bed turning’ presentation.
As they carefully turned back each layer of quilts on the antique bed,
they paused to tell the story of each quilt.
It was so interesting to see how the styles, patterns, and colors changed over the years.
Most important of all, each quilt held a story!
This Embroidered Baskets quilt belonged to Esther Fischer (1904-1999), who grew up in this bedroom.
She became a teacher and taught at the nearby, one-room Fischer Schoolhouse.
Esther lived in this farmhouse until she moved in 1986.
There were tears in my eyes as I heard the story of her special quilt.
The soft fabrics, muted colors, and delicate stitches of antique quilts always warm my heart.
Oh, the family stories, hopes, and dreams that have been thoughtfully stitched into each quilt!
Although I am not a quilter, I have always had a passion for quilts.
As I was growing up, I watched my mother lovingly create a beautiful quilt, block by block.
I will always remember all of the love that was handstitched into her beautiful sampler quilt.
I have enjoyed visiting quilt auctions, quilt shows, and quilt shops for so many years.
A small collection of Amish and vintage quilts adds such warmth to our home. Each one holds a wonderful story of how it came to be part of our home. I often think of the countless hours the quiltmakers worked designing, cutting, piecing, and quilting each treasured work of art. “Grandmother’s Flower Garden” will always be my favorite traditional quilt pattern!
As I admired the timeless beauty of each quilt,
I had the chance to talk with several of the talented quilters.
They were all so welcoming,
while sharing their passion for quilting and teaching me more about antique quilts.
Although I explained that I am not a quilter, just a quilt-lover,
they invited me
to come to their twice-weekly gathering of quilters.
At that moment, I discovered what makes quilts such timeless treasures ~
it is the quilters themselves,
and the love that they stitch into their works of art!
As I left the farmhouse, I followed the path to the old barn,
filled with antique quilts, vintage linens, fat quarters, and quilting books for sale.
All of the friendly quilters continued to share more
about their beloved art.
To thank each of the quilters for their kindness,
I shared the happy news
that fabrics designed by Susan Branch are now available online.
Quilters will absolutely love Susan’s charming, hand painted designs!
⚛⚛⚛
Although I didn’t purchase any quilts or fabrics at the quilt show,
my heart was filled with wonderful inspiration!
I soaked up lovely color combinations and designs to bring into my papercrafting studio,
where I love making little paper-pieced ‘quilts’ on my handmade cards.
What an inspiring morning it was!
Ever since the quilt show, I have been thinking about how
writing a blog is a tiny bit like making a quilt.
Bloggers create a handmade
patchwork of stories,
stitched with the warm comments of their readers,
pieced together from all parts of the world,
with patches of
wisdom, memories, and joy.
These delicate threads hold us all together
through good times and bad times,
sharing the present and remembering the past,
always comforted with love.
Petals.Paper.SimpleThymes is two years old today!!
I’m ‘sew’ grateful
for all of the warm friendships
that our little blog has stitched together.
Each of you
helps to piece together our stories,
with warmth and love…
and tied with heartstrings!
♡♡
Thank you so much for stopping to visit today.
Warmest hugs!
♡Dawn
P.S. One of my very first blog posts was about the 2014 “All Around the House” Quilt Show at Fischer Farm. ♥ Do you have a favorite post or type of story that you really enjoy? ♥ I’d love to hear your thoughts!
