Saturday, August 21, 2010

My vacation is winding down...lots of quilts to show you

It's back to work in a couple days.  We had a nice family trip to Washington DC, Saturday through Wednesday.  We visited many of the usual spots but the highlight for me was the Library of Congress.  We had taken a tour of the Capitol and at the end the guide recommended that we visit the Library of Congress, which is easily accesible by an underground tunnel from the Capitol.  I didn't see any books, but I saw one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen.  Polished white marble staircases, mosaics, paintings, sculptures.  It was breathtaking--they don't build them like that any more. 

After the Washington trip, I visited two local quilt exhibits.  The first was at the Schwenkfelder Library and Museum in Pennsburg, PA.  They graciously allowed me to take photos; here they are:





I'll make that 9-patch fit no matter what...

My favorite

With matching pillow cases.

Unusual for three reasons--they cases are quilted, they are lined with a print fabric (I have only ever seen plain white lining) and they have a scalloped edge.




Love the nine patch in the center of the log cabin.


A top; love the border.


Later quilts--1930's to 1950's
The other exhibit I visited was at the Allentown Art Museum.  The quilts were from the museum's collection and were quite stunning.  No photos allowed unfortunately.  It was worth the trip, although the admission was a little pricey--$13 for me and $11 for my son.  Now you might be wondering why my son went.  Well, I wanted some company on the hour drive to Allentown so I bribed him by promising to stop at the L.L. Bean store just south of Allentwon on the way home.  We did stop and got a big suprise.  Kate and her "eight" were there being filmed buying a back pack.  It took a long time and one of the older kids was having a meltdown.

13 comments:

  1. Sounds like you had a nice time and the quilt pictures are great!

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  2. Awesome pictures! Glad you had a great vacation.

    Liri

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  3. I like the Feathered Star pillowcases. Have never seen anything like that.

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  4. That nine patch in the center of the log cabin in different, and great;) I would love to be able to see some old quilts like this in person;) Glad you had a great time;)
    Happy Quilting!!

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  5. Ann,
    You've been busy! Sounds like some great adventures. Love the quilts.

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  6. This is a wonderful post, Ann! The first picture of In Praise of Dutchy Quilts---is lovely. Applique is one of my favorite methods of quilting. The others are fabulous--Thanks for sharing.
    Now, it is home again, home again, jiggy-jiggy dee!!! Hugs, Carolyn

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  7. Oh my goodness! What beautiful quilts. I love the scrunchie nine patch! That really makes me smile.
    Love DC and the Library of Congress!

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  8. Oh, how I'd love to go to all the places you and Ruth and others get to go! But I'm sure that will never happen, so I'm very grateful that you share the wonderful stories and pictures with all of us. Thanks so much! ---"Love"

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  9. Thanks for sharing the photos from the exhibit.Just love that yellow princess feather, and the log cabin, but then that cute little nine patch!! All yummy.

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  10. beautiful, beautiful quilts
    how long is that exhibit running I would love to come down and see that beautiful princess feahter quilt and pillowcases!
    and the nine patch log cabin perfect for me, you know I love nine patches and log cabins together just so me!
    ok, so what Kate handling the situation with the meltdown?
    Kathie

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  11. Oh what wonderful quilts. I went to see the winterthur collection today - talk about open mouth wonder! Sorry but I had to laugh about one of the oldest ones having a meltdown. It is good to hear others have kids who have meltdowns!

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  12. What a lovely collection of quilts. I also like the princess feather quilt. Also the Lone Star, it's so bright and clean and pretty.

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  13. Thanks for sharing these photos. Love them all--there is definitely something in the PA water that makes great quilts. Glad they let you take photos, wish more did, it is a great way for them to publicize their collections and makes people interested in catalogs and visiting. I've finally added a PA quilt label for all mine on my antique blog.
    http://utahquiltappraiser.blogspot.com

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