Teresa Bitler 2022-12-07 08:53:03
Since the mid-1800s, Amish quilters have transformed fabric scraps into works of art. Today, their quilts can sell for thousands of dollars and are passed down as cherished family heirlooms. The tradition of making quilts in Pennsylvania’s Amish communities began out of necessity. Families needed to keep warm during the winter, and ever practical, the Amish stitched leftover fabric by hand into blankets. Because the process was labor-intensive, women often invited neighbors to help, giving rise to quilting bees—social events where women gathered, gabbed, and stitched. Initially, Amish quilts featured strips in simple patterns, but over the years, the designs evolved into more elaborate and colorful creations. Log cabin, diamond in the square, sunshine and shadow, basket, and dahlia became popular designs, and patterned materials occasionally made their way into the finished quilts. Today, many Amish women sell their finished quilts out of small quilt shops in their homes, and you can find authentic quilts at specialty stores throughout the state. In Intercourse, The old Country store sells locally made quilts as well as fabric and patterns. Similarly, Mary Lee’s Fabric shop in Allensville sells Amish quilts and quilting supplies. Both also teach quilting classes. Can’t make it out of the city? Quilters Depot in Pittsburgh offers a good selection of traditional quilts. If you’re looking to make your own masterpiece, stock up on quilting patterns, fabrics, and sewing notions at specialty stores such as Heirloom Quilting in Brookville, The sewing Box Quilt Shop in Somerset, or Friendship Star Quilt Shop in Sayre. STITCHES IN TIME A Barn Quilt Trail Through Franklin County Get inspiration for your next project when you travel the farmland and forests of Franklin County along this barn quilt trail. You’ll discover frontier settlements, Civil War sites, serene churches, and historical barns accompanied by unique quilt square designs that tell a story from the past. Follow the trail to discover more than three dozen quilt squares, some inspired by traditional quilt patterns or family designs. Scan the QR code to read the guide and learn more. Barn Quilt Tour Road Trip
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