Friday, March 15, 2013

Two Tickets to Paradise

Actually, just a driving trip to Paradise, Pennsylvania.  But it was just what I needed.  I took the day off work and the day off writing.  I took a road trip out to Lancaster to the quilt show that is going on this weekend.  I wanted to see the signature quilts on display and was happy to get there just as Sue Reich was starting her gallery talk on her signature quilt exhibition.  It was so interesting to hear the stories behind the quilts researched by Sue.  She wrote a book on the topic.  I have it (and all her other books too) and recommend it highly.

Now for Paradise--it's a small town just to the east of Lancaster.  One of my favorite shops is Paradise Village Antiques.  This is a cozy shop filled with primitives and textiles, just what I like. 



I found a real treasure there today.  A set of two  pillowcases, a bolster case and sheet all embroidered with the name Leah Speicher 1929.  According to the tag, these came out of an Amish house sale in Gordonville, PA.  All the pieces are in pristine condition, probably made for a hope chest but never used.  Similar Amish pillowcases are pictured in Patricia Herr's book Amish Arts of Lancaster County.  While they are not patchwork pillowcases, I still love them!


 
Also in Paradise, I visited the rather large Cackleberry Farm Antique Mall. 
 
Far from cozy, this is one of those huge multi-dealer places with long rows of glass cases and booths.  This is the first time I stopped in.  There is SO much stuff, I move quickly through most of the rows.  Today I found one booth with sewing and doll related items that grabbed me and drew me in.
 


 
I found a couple treasures to bring home.
 
A tiny doll cradle, just 3 inches high.
 A spool case.  A label on the back reads No. 34 Novelty Spool Case Patented Apr. 29, 1879.
 The front open likes a roll-top desk.  The thimble sits on a wooden peg that is shaped like the thimble.  The pin cushion is attached.  The spool case stands 9 inches high.  I just love it.


The case is sitting on a piece of late 19th century cheater cloth.
I love that too!
 

9 comments:

  1. I am so jealous! I LOVE the little cradle and the spool case! The pillowcases are lovely! I feel the urge to go to some antique shops. Hee Hee!

    ReplyDelete
  2. All of your finds are beautiful. I really love the spool case.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sounds like a fun day, and one you've earned! ---"Love"

    ReplyDelete
  4. Fantastic finds. Glad you had a good day!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a terrific trip - so many fabulous things! Glad you enjoyed yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Thanks for sharing your finds. I love them all and am glad you didn't leave them behind. They have found a good home!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love your finds. I think the spool case is my favorite.

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a fun post! You sure found some wonderful treasures. The little crib is charming and that spool case is to-die for! I've never seen one like it.

    ReplyDelete