I'm back!

I'm back after a fabulous week at From Our Hands ~ Creative in Peninsula, Ohio! 

I spent two days at home and work and then it was a quick two day trip down to my parents' home. Now I am back for a few weeks and can share all the fun that has been going on :)

I had to revisit a few of my discoveries from last year.

Maumee Antique Mall with 2.75 acres of antiques was a must see again.

I found a few antique treasures on this trip - all sewing related.

I loved this collection of antique mother of pearl buttons that someone took the time to sew onto a quilt and the price was right!

I was so thrilled to pull up to Mabel & Ethels's Quilt Shoppe and see the banner that they are featured in the newest issue of Quilt Sampler magazine! It wasn't out yet, but I can't wait to read the article!

They will be offering a tuffet class soon and look at the fabulous painted featherweight machines in the background!

The store was as beautiful as I remembered it and Mabel & Ethel are still just as sweet!!!

I think that their wool section might have grown...

And they are still packaging their fat quarters so beautifully!

Loved their t-shirts - gotta love some "me" time and some M&E time too!

I wish that they were closer! 

The t-shirt came home with me along with some fabric and patterns, but I realize now that I didn't take a picture!

After visiting with Mabel & Ethel, it was time to head the final leg to Peninsula.

The next morning it was time for my first class...

"Chalkware Cat" Sewing Caddy with Rebekah L. Smith.

I love the little pocket that Rebekah designed for the back.

It was such fun to take the class with so many friends ~ both old & new!

I was so happy that this year, several of my Bittersweet Sisters were able to join me!

(Nicki you were missed terribly!)

Aren't those big windows wonderful? Perfect natural sunlight for stitching!

Our morning class was over way too soon, 

But I did make a bit of progress on my kitty.

There is a lot more to share and at the end I will have a little giveaway so be sure to stay tuned...

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

~James 5:16

Blessings, Patti

From Our Hands & Hearts ~ The End

On our last day, it was time to do a little exploring...

First stop - Pine Cone Gift Shoppe in Uniontown, Ohio.

They specialize in American made and especially Ohio made primitives.

I highly recommend taking the ride.

Two little eggs painted by Rebekah L. Smith came home with me.

As did my first two pieces of Shooner Pottery - the bird with tulips and the spotted hare - a perfect remembrance of my trip!

The octagonal bird plate is by Stephen Earp.

After our little side trip, I decided that I couldn't go home without seeing a bit of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

It was just beginning to green up.

It was a lovely blue sky day.

You felt like you were out in the middle of nowhere until you had the occasional glimpse of the interstate that runs through the park.

The historic Boston Store built in 1836 was a great place to take a little break.

Then it was time to explore another path that led to this:

The very pretty 60 foot Brandywine Falls.

It's amazing how the moss grows on the rocks even with the constant roaring water.

It's also amazing how trees will grow wherever they can.

Little views of beauty all around.

But all too soon it was time to say goodbye.

I did make one final stop on my journey home when a billboard beckoned me.

Who can refuse a ginormous antique mall?

It was about the size of a Home Depot.

I could only allow myself 45 minutes knowing how many hours of driving I had ahead of me.

Needless to say I was in there an hour and a half and still didn't see it all.

I found a few treasures in my short time.

I never saw so many beautiful button collections.

This board of vegetable ivories couldn't be left behind.

Along with some pretty dark shell buttons and buckles and antique crochet trim.

This interesting treen box with original paint was another find.

I have no idea what it would have been used for.

I think the little indentation in the top is calling for a pincushion made of antique fabric.

And finally some antique shirting and some wonderful reversible wool - pink on one side and cream on the other.

Thank you so much for coming along with me on this lovely, yet long-winded journey.

I'll be back later this week with a little giveaway of trip souvenirs.

“Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him."

~John 3:17

Blessings, Patti