Saturday, March 6, 2010

my weekend adventures....

I decided yesterday to go to the quilt show in nearby Lebanon, Ohio. It’s only about half an hour drive from where I live. I no longer quilt (not that I ever did that much), but I love to go to quilt shows to look at the old and new quilts and all the wonderful fabrics. Often one or two exhibitors have a few old sewing tools, so that’s an added attraction.

The city of Lebanon, which was once a popular stagecoach stop, was laid out in 1802. The Golden Lamb, established in 1803, is the oldest inn in continual operation in Ohio. Over the years many important people, including 12 US presidents, have stayed there. Even today you can go there for dinner or to spend the night. Each room is named after a famous guest. You can take a virtual tour of the Golden Lamb here and see the beautiful antique furnishings.

The quilt show was a block away at the Warren County Historical Society Museum. When you enter the museum, you are in the Village Green which transports you back in time with displays of lovely storefronts. Some of my favorites are the millinery, the clock, and the silver shops. It’s fun to stare in the shop windows and imagine life as it once was. Upstairs are some display rooms including several devoted to the Shakers. Click on this link to see some of the displays.

Here are some of antique quilts that were on display.

Here's a view from the second floor. (You can see the roof tops and a bit of the quilt show below.)Here's another view from the second floor. Not a great photo, but at least you can get a glimpse of the quilt show below in the Village Green.
Here is a better view looking down at the quilt show....sorry about the issues with the lights. There didn't seem to be a way to avoid them.Here's a view of one of the rooms on the second floor--just wish the quilt on the bed would show up better.I couldn't resist a photo of the lady of the house. This also gives you a better glimpse of the quilt on the bed.Look at what I found--this darling elephant, a tiny threadwinder, and some old bone buttons. If you saw the elephant, would you have guessed his purpose, or would you have thought him to be a child’s toy?
Pull his tail, and you’ll discover a tape measure.
Look how cute he is with two dogs I already have.I decided to take advantage of the glorious weather and visit some of the many antique shops in Lebanon. I didn’t find anything in my jaunts, but I thought this sofa looked very inviting as a place to stitch. What a wonderful pattern!! I’m not sure if the shop owner would have welcomed me to sit and stitch, but I didn’t have any stitching with me anyway.
I can’t believe that I went out again today, this time to an antiques show. Tom has been out of town for over a week, and I think I must be getting restless. I found a few more treasures, but they will have to wait for another day.

On the needlework front, I have completed assembling my new class kits for Missouri and have also been working on my PowerPoint class presentation. I’ve even gotten in a few stitches on the L. Haworth sampler, and I’ve been dreaming about Mrs. Waddelow and her future. I’m thinking of a basket with more needlework accessories. Wouldn’t that be fun?
I hope you're enjoying your weekend!

6 comments:

Barb said...

Hi Ellen,
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I used to live in Louisville and my sister lived in Cincinnati. We made many fun trips to Lebanon to a favorite antique show. I now live in Seattle and she lives in West Palm Beach but I do miss those trips to Lebanon. We had several lunches at the Golden Lamb. Thanks again.

Jules said...

That sofa does look inviting! I agree that the pattern is great. It looks like you had a great time at the quilt show. Don't fret too much about the lighting issue. The one picture where the lights "star" adds to the photo, I think.

Laurie in Iowa said...

Thanks for sharing your photos of the quilt show, the Golden Lamb and your playful new tape measure. Who would have thought???

Nancy said...

What a fun day you had! I love the look of the town you visited - it's very charming! And, I love old quilts. I have never been a quilter, but I think the vintage ones give the same comforting feeling as vintage linens. You found some wonderful treasures!

Margaret said...

Thank you for the lovely pictures! I enjoyed seeing the quilt show vicariously this way! I do think we get restless when our spouses are away.

Anonymous said...

What a fun and interesting post. Loved your handy and adorable tape dispensers!