Before I go any further I’ve been reminded that I forgot to post where I was in the sending of book orders.
I was in such a hurry to get out the door yesterday that I didn’t check exact invoice numbers, but it’s pretty safe to say that if you placed your order in the month of June, it’s on its way.
And that’s all the updating I’m really going to be able to do this trip. I know I run myself ragged, and it’s starting to take a toll ---aka the bulging disk in my back pressing on the nerve, causing leg pain that I just force myself to work through.
I may or may not be able to spend extra time sitting to mail out while on the road. Something tells me I should be laying on my frozen peas more. This morning my doc is sending a prescription to a local pharmacy here to help with the pain until I can get the epidural injections.
Boy is that a downer note to start this post on! Let’s switch gears, because I have something SO SO neat to show you!
When Mary & her hubby Joe bought this lovely old 1830’s brick building to refurbish as the home of Mary’s Quilt Shop --- it was a, well – a MESS! So much restoration to do, but Joe is the right guy to do it, and I caught their vision as we toured the inside while under construction. I remember Mary explaining to me “The Quilt Shop will be on this side…..and on THIS side – there will be a bakery. And upstairs….((Imagine this as we are climbing rickety stairs to what seemed like an attic above)) is going to be the retreat center ----"
Now, there is history behind the retreat center ---the upper floor was originally above a bar/saloon – oh, it had been many things in it’s 180+ year history ---and this upper floor had been known as the local “Bordello”. In fact when I toured it with Mary, you could see that the area was divided up into 8 closet sized “cribs” ---just large enough for a single cot, and a pole with a peg for hanging your clothes!
Let me tell you, it does NOT look like that anymore! It’s beautiful!
There are two floors of newly remodeled retreat space! This is one of the common areas – a lovely sitting place that bids you to gather with friends and new quilt-acquaintances.
The sitting area boasts the original brick, freshly painted white and opens up into a lovely kitchen/eating area so you have all the comforts of home as you stitch! This soft green around the door frames and windows and shutters has become my new favorite color. It looks so fresh! And it’s not a new color, it’s actually historically correct for the time period this building was built.
Imagine breakfast at this table! The retreat center has room for 11 – you and 10 of your closest quilting buds!
Who’s going to take turns making meals?
((If you don’t want to cook there is a very cool pizza joint right across the street!))
Off the main sitting room is a lovely large room with lots of natural light that can easily be turned into a King Sized suite ---it has it’s own beautiful bathroom attached. I caught this room before the vintage quilts were put on the beds for today’s guests who are arriving this morning! The retreat center is full for my visit in Bedford. 11 lucky ladies get to stay above the quilt shop. FUN!
Brand new bathrooms with sparkling fixtures, all the comforts of home!
A gorgeous stair case will take you up to the retreat center from the quilt shop below.
The upstairs rooms have a beautiful shared bath –it even has TWO showers so the “waiting in line” is shorter – but it’s RETREAT time! Who is going to fight for the early shower? Not me! I’m a jammie girl!
Cozy rooms with comfy beds, adorned with Mary’s beautiful vintage quilts. Which one would you choose to sleep under? Lovely 1930’s applique, all hand quilted?
More vintage patchwork! Flying Dutchman in the foreground, and Goose in the Pond by the window ---
Lovely quilting! What was it I said just yesterday about PINK!?
((I’m still seeing pink everywhere and loving it!))
Close up detail on the Goose in the Pond. This is hand quilted, folks! The wreaths in the cornerstones are so intricate! And I love how she has quilted the patched blocks too! This is circa 1930 also, all solid fabrics.
There are small vignettes featuring quilts made from Mary’s own fabric lines –and favorite items from “days gone by” that really add a personal touch for history lovers.
Another bedroom boasts a lovely sunny window seat, and a bed with more applique and a deep scalloped border.
Who wouldn’t have sweet dreams under this lovely?
A large center basket in applique is the focal point of this vintage quilt!
Who’s hands worked so diligently to stitch this beauty? It’s magnificent!
Room for Three!
You and two friends can share this room, all adorned with antique blue and white quilts! Which one would YOU choose?
Do you see that this sunflower quilt has spots of pink in it here and there?! Pink “IS” the new white, you know? :cD Oh, I love this…the quilting is SO intense!
A dramatic “Robbing Peter to Pay Paul” and a Classic Double Irish Chain complete the trio of quilts in this room, both of which make me itchin’ to be stitchin!
I know the ladies staying here for Tonight’s lecture and tomorrow’s workshop are going to have a ball in this beautiful new space. If you are ever near Bedford, PA --- contact Mary’s Quilt Shop about booking the retreat center for your next get together!
And if you are anywhere near here tonight, I want to invite you to my lecture and trunkshow, being held at the Bedford American Legion Hall --- it starts at 6pm! I hope to see you here!
