Tuesday, January 7, 2014

KONA Blog Hop, Here I come...

Did you see all the great Kona projects?   We are certainly off to a great start with this hop.  I am so glad that I had the chance to join in. 

Thank you so much to Carol At "Just Let Me Quilt"   and  Madame Samm for all their hard work on this hop. These two worked hard through the holidays to make this all happen for us.

NOTE:   2 EXTRA DAYS WERE ADDED....YEAH!!


You know, when I fist signed up I was not sure what to make.  You see, I love applique, and coming up with something different.  Solids are always a problem for me.  I feel I have to have prints in somewhere. Anywhere! All growing up things were plain, so I just have to add prints (still have a hard time with  big, bold, bright prints though)
Then one day while Christmas shopping up in Paducah, KY.  I stopped at Hancock's to check out their Kona fabrics.  I came across these fabrics, and it came to me right away
:  


I was born in Pennsylvania and am PA Dutch.  I grew up around the Amish and Mennonite.  In fact, my best friends were Mennonite.  Anyway, I figured, what better way to show off the Kona fabrics, but to make an Amish scene.  

Out came the paper and pencil.  I came up with this to start:




Amish are very plain people.  They where plain dark cloths.  The women always fave a bonnet on, for they feel if something happens to them without a head covering, God will not accept them  They always have aprons on unless they are going to town, or church services. (Church services are shared in each others home followed by a meal)  None of their cloths have buttons, they feel that is a pleasure and not a necessity.  So they use pins, snaps and suspenders to keep pants up.  (also no zippers).  The children have chores starting at a very young age.  They also do not believe in giving fancy gifts.  For Birthdays and Christmas, they are given gifts of necessity.  Boys get tools to save for when they get older.  Girls, they have their hope chest that they fill. (or cloths)   Now, I did learn that PA Amish, is different than the OH, IL, KY, and TN.  It seems as each state has a different order.  So Since I was in PA, I know more of their order and ways.  Children under 4 do get certain toys.  The boys cannot have cars or trucks with rubber, and girls cannot have faces on their dolls.  But they do have swings, wagons, skateboards, roller skates, etc.  When driving through Lancaster County, it is not unusual to see an Amish Buggy with kids on roller skates or a skate board, holding onto the back.

OK, I am sure you are tired of reading, you did not stop by  for a History lesson on Amish.  Let me just end by saying that I am proud to have them as friends.

OK, now back to what I made....I took light green and light blue Kona fabrics and joined them to represent the sky and grass.  I had no idea at this time as to how big I was making anything so I made this a 20 inch square:


I made my patterns from my drawings and then used my 5 inch Kona squares to make my applique.  I appliqued them on by machine using monofilament thread.  That is when I cut it down to 16" X 17"  in size.  

I layered and quilted by machine.  I made horizontal lines for the sky and vertical lines for the grass.  I wanted to keep it simple for that is what Amish is.  So here is a picture of my "Stikken"  (Quilt).




I loved working with the Kona fabrics, but feel it would have looked better with printed grass and clouds.  But, it was fun to make, it brought back many memories.  Since we moved to TN we have gotten many Amish friends down here.  But I will always remember where I came from.  

Now, come join me, I poured you a cup of "koffee", 
(want melk or suiker?)  

                                                Two cups of coffee on white

Lets check out all the rest of the projects that were posted today. 

January 8


Hay, we are having so much fun that 2 extra days were added!
 Don't stop now, 
Come join me, here is the rest of the Kona Schedule:

January 9

January 10

January 13

January 14

January 15


January 16

January 17

January 20

January 21



Hope you enjoyed my Amish scene,

HAPPY QUILTING EVERYONE!

To get special designed quilts or to see my gallery, check out my site at: http://janesquilting.com

108 comments:

Anonymous said...

I loved the history lesson. I've spent a lot of time in the eastern PA area, around Kutztown, and also around Hershey and then Lancaster, so those are the Amish I know best, too, but the order really makes a difference. One thing I know about the TN Amish is that when they sell carrots to Bulk Foods, they are the CLEANEST carrots I have ever seen! And the fattest, too. =) I LOVE your design! You did a great job of every single part of it.

Judy B said...

What a wonderful Amish wall hanging! The colors are perfect. Thank you for sharing.

Kylie Lloyd said...

what a cute wall hanging.

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

Thank you for showing such a wonderful project and for sharing the information... Very interesting!!

Heather J said...

It is a wonderful wall hanging. Thanks for sharing.

DeborahGun said...

this is absolutely brilliant - you are very talented :-)

Julie said...

I loved the history lesson and your quilt is just stunning. That applique is quite fancy. The scene is so sweet and I think the solids actually work well for the background althoug I understand what you mean typically being a tonal person myself. Oh and I noticed my link was wrong! That's Sew Julie should be... http://thatssojulie.blogspot.com please hop on over and check out what I made too!

Shari said...

Melk no suiker please. Stupendous stikken...love the people, love the colours! Great project, thanks so for sharing!

Sparky said...

I loved the Amish lesson…you know I have always admired their way of life..the simplicity yet such hard work…They take such pride as you did in creating this wall hanging or topper…YOU are a gem!

Sparky said...

I loved the Amish lesson…you know I have always admired their way of life..the simplicity yet such hard work…They take such pride as you did in creating this wall hanging or topper…YOU are a gem!

Sparky said...

I loved the Amish lesson…you know I have always admired their way of life..the simplicity yet such hard work…They take such pride as you did in creating this wall hanging or topper…YOU are a gem!

Marian said...

I do not think you needed the printed fabrics, the idea of the quilt is seen. If an Amish woman had made it, it would have no prints anyway, so I'd say you did great. I like it, and I got it :)

Hugs

Geta Grama said...

I loved the story, Jane. I admire your talent to draw. A very beautiful quilt. Who will receive it?

charlotte said...

What a cute scene! And I really enjoyed the Amish lesson. I love learning about different people. Thank you Jane, you did a wonderful job.

JoyceLM said...

Lovely wall hanging - thanks for sharing.

Nana B said...

I have always been interested in the Amish way of life, so thank you. Your quilt scene is lovely.

Elizabeth Coughlin said...

Very pretty with beautiful applique!

Dorian said...

You did a really nice job on your scene! And I enjoyed the history lesson. Thank you.

Marjorie's Busy Corner said...

OH wow!! I visited Pennsylvania not that long ago!
had a wonderful time...your project is stunning!!!!

Judy Cooper Textile Artist said...

Very creative! Thanks for sharing.

beaquilter said...

what a cute scene!

Purl Buttons said...

Quite charming. I always enjoy applique. It was easy to see how you got your inspiration.

Teatime Creations said...

Thank you for the Amish story. Love learning about reasons behind living. Early on when I quilted I made a mistake in the pattern which I did not notice until all the work was done. Someone told me at that time that an Amish quilt always has a mistake delibertly stitched in because only God can make perfection. Do you know if that practice actually followed or is that just a tall tail?
What a beautiful quilt you created.

Britt-Inger said...

Thank you so much for sharing the story about Amish to us. And such a wonderful Amish scene you have painted with fabric and threads. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us.

Mara said...

So very interesting, I always loved stopping at the road side stands of the Amish in PA.

Leah said...

What a great scene. It looks wonderful in solids.

Calicojoan said...

I do so love those who can sit down sketch out a design and stitch it up! What a great quiltie. I wish you could share that talent of drawing with me! LOL! Great job!

VickiT said...

What a great post with such interesting information. Thank you for the lesson. You did a beautiful job creating your little quilt. It is such a great project and very well done also with you creating your own drawings to use.

Teresa Quilts said...

Jane, I really enjoyed the history lesson. The Amish have always been an interest to me. Love your wall hanging, too. It looks awesome!

StitchinByTheLake said...

I so enjoyed your comments on the Amish. My sister lives near an Amish store and I love shopping there. Your quilt is lovely...I'm so jealous that you can pick up a pencil and just draw that! Blessings, Marlene

sew.darn.quilt said...

Your wallhanging is lovely and nicely detailed. Thank you for sharing your talent and experience.

sew.darn.quilt said...

Your wallhanging is lovely and nicely detailed. Thank you for sharing your talent and experience.

Sherry VF said...

What a beautiful wall hanging. It captures your Amish & Menonite impressions perfectly. svonfumetti at yahoo dot com

Lana said...

My question is...IS THAT FOR SALE??? I am in INSTANT LOVE!
Amazing!

Jeanne Gwin said...

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful knowledge and talent with us.

Needled Mom said...

You have captured the Amish so beautifully in your piece. Nice job.

Cathy's Chatter said...

I love Amish history! The highlight of my year back in 2011 was taking my mom through Lancaster county. Of course we did the touristy stuff but got off the beaten track to see the REAL country. My mom said it best when she said "Cathy, I know what you want, you want to go sit in their kitchen and talk with them" Yup, she was right! How neat you drew up your photo and then brought it to life in fabric! A talent only God can give! Thanks for a wonderful start to my day!

Carol Swift said...

What a great post...thanks for sharing that info. Your quilt is beautiful with all the details and quilting. Great use of solid Kona...love it! Thanks for hopping with us! :O)

Vickie said...

I enjoyed every word about the Amish way of life, your wall tribute to the life style is perfect....I enjoyed visiting your blog...Thanks !

Robin said...

Great job Jane!

Sheila said...

Love your Amish wall hanging, I have always been fascinated by the Amish so enjoyed your little history lesson . Thanks for sharing !

Lou said...

Beautiful job and thanks for the lesson:) I love learning about the Amish. Here in Texas we have some Mennonites but that is all different:)

Anonymous said...

Your wallhanging is so full of beautiful little details, I love it. The cat, the woman hanging up the clothes, the birds, just a lovely scene! You put a lot of time in the quilt, thanks for your effort, I really really like it! Greetings from Switzerland, Judy

Agnes B. Bullock said...

Simply beautiful

Brandy said...

The simplicity of the fabric fits so well with their culture though! I think you did an amazing job, thank you for sharing with us!
~Brandy

Carla said...

From drawing to finish, just incredible. You have such talent. Great history lesson. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

What a sweet, pictorial quilt. I love the simplicity of it - great job!

Nini said...

Lovely wall hanging - thanks for sharing!!!

Linda said...

I also love applique and yours is gorgeous! I love it! And I enjoyed learning more about the Amish n Pennsylvania.

Amanda Murphy said...

I really enjoyed reading this post and finding more about your background. The quilt is beautiful! And so personal!

Amy, a redeemed sheep said...

Oh!!! How marvelous!

Unknown said...

Love the colours and very interesting thanks for sharing

Patty Howe said...

I do love learning more about the Amish, especially from someone that knows what they are talking about. I like your quilt, well done.

Brenda said...

Great lesson and I love your wall hanging! My fathers family is Pennsylvania Dutch I am from Indiana where most of my family live. We were all members of a Lutheran church but actually had family members that are/were of the Old Order Mennonites. Which of coarse is a lot different than the Amish live. Thank you for sharing. Interesting post.

Bethany said...

Your wall hanging is fantastic! I have family in eastern Ohio, and when we go to their house we always drive past horse and buggy's. It is so fascinating to learn about the Amish.

Janarama said...

Wonderful quilt. I enjoyed reading your post.

Bobbie said...

Jane- I LOVE your quilt! Great Job!

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Your scene turned out very cute.

Kathy H said...

Very interesting and great quilt. the kona seems perfect for it.

DebraKay Neiman said...

I really like your Amish Scene. I also petted your kitty while I was here. As a new quilter, solids are less scary to use. I am loving this hop. Happy New Year from Oklahoma, USA. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

Marcy said...

Of course Amish. The Amish are amazing people. You created a wonderful wall hanging.

Createology said...

I have enjoyed your story of Amish traditions and your friends. I think you have created a wonderful tribute quilt to their simple yet loving way of life. Thank you for hopping...

Lorna McMahon said...

I, too, enjoy applique! You did a great job! Those solids do justice to the design and the big red barn gives a nice punch of colour. Love the little dog and cat. What a wonderful addition!

Emily C said...

Very nice. I love the art element to your quilt.

Margaret said...

Loved your lesson on the Amish. Brings back memories when I used to paint ceramics and we had some Amish figurines. I never painted a face on them and my grand daughter asked me why. when I told her the Amish didn't have faces on their dolls she thought they didn't have faces. When we went to Indiana to Shipsawanaa a Amish town a horse buggy was coming towards us . My grand daughter yelled out grandma they do have faces I saw them.I laughed so hard. . Love your quilt block.

JuliaP said...

Wonderful use of using solids. Thanks for sharing your project and the mini history lesson!

baukje said...

Your work is beautiful and thanks for the Amish history. And please koffie met melk en zonder suiker.....

maggie said...

I used to visit Lancaster Pa and so so enjoyed Amish quilts.
Your wall hanging really captures the area. Well done.
cheers
maggie

maggiemine42@gmail.com

Diana @ Red Delicious Life said...

Such a great use of Kona solids, and I loved the history lesson as well!

Audrey said...

I just finished reading a book about the Amish in Lancaster County so I really enjoyed the background. Your little quilt is a wonderful representation of Amish ways. There are memories tucked into every stitch I am sure. Thanks for sharing.

LJ said...

Loved hearing your story about the PA Dutch. In Iowa, there are many communities of 'Amish' with many of the same ideas on living life. They are such a hard-working group of people and I admire that quality. What a lovely original quilt that will remind yourself of the many sweet memories you had growing up.

Shanna said...

I love not only the history you shared but your wall hanging, very nicely done! Thank you for sharing. Now you said you are PA Dutch, how do you think that influences your quilting?

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What a great wall hanging and thanks for the information!!

M-R Charbonneau said...

A beautiful tribute to a wonderful heritage. Thank you for sharing it with us!

CeLynn said...

Thanks so much for the history lesson,I did not know much of this. Thank you also for sharing your very special project it is one of a kind.

tink's mom said...

I enjoyed the history lesson and love your quilted picture of your memories. Great job.

Sally said...

This is wonderful!!

Cindy said...

Milk and sugar for me! :)
I love your little appliqued wall hanging....and the creative story of how you came to that design.

Terry@ a quilting blog said...

Thanks for sharing your quilt and the Amish lesson. My hubby and I visited Lancaster and the surrounding area many times when we lived nearby.

Unknown said...

Lovely. thanks for sharing!

sandra said...

Thanks Jane for the history lesson, we have the Mennonites up in Canada and they are quite similar.We live in Stratford and see the bug guys all the time on road.Your quilt hanging of the Amish is lovely, thanks for sharing

Patty said...

Very nice work - thank you for sharing!

Jeneta said...

That's amazing! Love your post and particularly your quilt.

LittleHouseontheDairy said...

Love the way you made those solids tell a story

Beth said...

Cute quilt. Thanks for sharing.

Just Quilt It said...

I think your quilt is just perfect. I live close to Arthur, IL, and we have Amish and Mennonite. As a matter of fact, our home was built by Mennonites. Their craftsmanship is perfect. What a great job you have done of depicting their everyday life. This is a very special quilt.

ritainalaska said...

marvelous! love this kona quilt scene! have enoyed your post tremendously!

Anonymous said...

Lovely quilt! -- soparkaveataoldotcom

Farm Quilter said...

Love your quilt and the little lesson on the Amish. Living close to Hutterites I am interested in their society and beliefs as well. Thank you!!!

WhoMom said...

The scene is beautiful and peaceful (pieceful, hee, hee). You did such a lovely job putting it together. Hailing from the Pacific Northwest I don't know much about Amish in real life, but my daughters highlight on their 8th grade East coast trip was an Amish town.
Thank you for sharing.

Kathy MacKie said...

Thanks for the inspiration, I love how everyone is so different and unique.

Joanne said...

This is very creative and very well done! You sure are one talented lady. I teach at a Mennonite shop in Ohio and much of what you say is the same here. Thanks for sharing your creation with us. :-)

Anonymous said...

Love the scene and the lesson. You are very talented.

Rachel said...

Very neat! You do such pretty applique scenes. I think only using solids was very fitting for this piece.

Tiffany said...

Wow. This is incredible. Thanks for sharing!

Anonymous said...

What a darling little wall hanging. You should have won a spot today.

Paula@TheSassyQuilter said...

What a perfect project for the solids! Simply amazing work. I love visiting PA. I was so sad to hear the Old Country Store closed:( My first time here at your blog and am excited to visit back.

lauraluvsloons said...

thank you for the wonderful blog and story about your Amish routes. Your quilt interprets your story and sketches perfectly.

Lisa said...

What a lovely quilt! I enjoyed the information on Amish it is very interesting to learn about others!

gpc said...

What a great wall hanging, and a great way to keep a memory! :)

JessicaK said...

You created a fantastic scene.

apple blossom said...

lovely Amish quilt. nicely done

MalinisQuilts said...

WOW! this is so adorable!
Love it!

OhioLori said...

Thank you for sharing a lil' history about Amish. I live in Ohio, and we have many that live in our area...we have afovorite lil' store we shop at now & then. Thay are great folk's around here.

Love you wallhanging...it is Awesome!

jan said...

That is so adorable. I love that your drew and designed it yourself.
xo jan

Cheryl said...

I love your amish quilt! I don't do applique but you have inspired me to try it.

Katherine said...

Sweet Amish wall hanging!

Just Sew Sue said...

You clever lady. That is simply beautiful and true to the Amish tradition of simplicity.