Although I myself am a non-quilter, within the past
year at Amish Country News, my eyes have definitely been opened to the
beauty of these masterful pieces. Each is a work of art in itself, handcrafted
by an individual who loves the color, design, fabrics and patterns.
On one particular day this winter (when all of
you were enjoying the warmth of your homes) I drove about Lancaster County and
was warmly greeted by some of these wonderfully talented ladies who shared with
me the art of quilting.
Hannah Stoltzfoos (Hannah’s Quilts,
Smoketown) invited me into her kitchen and as we flipped through some photos of
different special request quilts, she gleefully spoke of colors she likes to mix
into the patterns. As she chattered about this and that piece of fabric and that
color here and this color there, I pictured her scurrying down the aisles of a
vast fabric store, just as a little girl set loose in a candy shop!
A visit to Lucy Martin (Stone Hill Quilt Shop,
Denver) always brings me a grin. As I walked into the ground floor shop, I heard
Lucy’s footsteps on the stairs, but her little dog always beats Lucy by
welcoming me first! Within a few seconds Lucy herself greeted me with a smile
and welcomed my afternoon interruption.
With a lilt in her voice, Emma Witmer (Witmer’s
Quilt Shop, New Holland) sing-songed the name of each quilt I asked about,
and not only gave me the name, but a bit of background story as well. Emma
spread out her newest quilt pattern and shared the colorful fabrics for each
flower and each section of the design. I relished the delight with which she
spoke about her own designs, "To Your Heart’s Content" and
"Emma’s Garden," both inspired by the roses and flowers outside the
very shop.
Although she’s off the beaten path, a visit to
Katie Stoltzfus (Country Lane Quilts, Leola) was well worth the few extra
minutes. Things are always bustling at Katie’s house as she manages the many
joys of raising a family and keeping her quilters supplied with fabric, patterns
and other materials. She apologized for having to reschedule my visit, but the
lift in her voice indicated that yesterday’s family quilting session with her
sisters gave her the time to relax and renew her love for quilting.
Even though it’s almost supper time, Rachel
Smucker (Smucker’s Quilts, New Holland) was happy to see me. Her
daughters answered my endless questions until Rachel could sneak away from her
meal preparations. After I snapped a few photos of the quilts I had just helped
her spread out on a rack, Rachel was delighted with the previews I showed her
and wished she could use a shot of each and every quilt! A quilting frame is set
up in the corner, and I know she must wander downstairs to put in a stitch here
and there when she can find a moment or two.
The love of the craft sounded in each voice and
joy shone on each face as I was cheerfully escorted me about their shops! I
thank all these wonderful ladies for sharing the happiness of quilting with me
and teaching me to enjoy and appreciate the time, effort, energy and love poured
into each and every piece. I hope you find the time to experience the skillfully
handcrafted quilts and warm hospitality for which Lancaster County is known at
both these and the following list of shops (which I couldn’t cram into a one
day visit!)
- Amish Country Crafts, Bird-in-Hand, Ronks,
Strasburg
- Bird-in-Hand Country Store, Bird-in-Hand
- Dutchland Quilt Patch, Intercourse
- Glick’s Quilts & Crafts, Bird-in-Hand
- J&B Quilts, Strasburg
- Lapp’s Quilts & Crafts, Strasburg
- Lovina’s Stitchery, Strasburg
- The Old Country Store, Intercourse
- Riehl’s Quilts & Crafts, Leola
- Sylvia’s Quilts & Crafts, Bird-in-Hand
Amish Country News Feature Article by Carla
Wolfe (2000)
