This was the view when I landed in Bloomington, IL yesterday.
Don’t let the camera angle fool you – this place is flat!
I love seeing how things are at every corner of this globe, It’s so different than my little part of North Carolina --
Where are the trees?
They have corn instead!
And I know they do a lot of cycling here because it IS so flat – it’s perfect for many things like farming ((Did I mention CORN!?))
Upon landing and grabbing my luggage, I met up with Marie who asked me what I wanted to do while I was here.
“Have you ever been to the Treadle?” she asks ---
“No, I haven’t” said I. “But I’ve heard it’s a place to be experienced!”
And so we went!
Little business center – pretty unassuming, right?
The photos here can’t even begin to have decent captions. I was keeping my mind open, knowing that if I kept looking I might find what I wanted ----
In here somewhere?
Don’t think I can get through here!
What was it I came here to find?
I found it!
I left with a bundle that was marked 1/2 price and a 1/2 yard of the cute sewing notions neutral just because it was cute.
There was so much STUFF in this shop that many would have a hard time finding their way through the aisles or know where to find what, but the owner was friendly, we had a great chat, and she knew where everything was and very helpful!
After a shopping adventure like this.we needed sustenance!
I’m in Culver’s Country!
And yes, we did!!
Mine was the flavor of the day – Heath Bar Crunch – YUMMMMM!!!
It was a great start to a great day in Bloomington, IL! There is more to follow, We took a trip to the David Davis Mansion! But my ride is picking me up soon and I need to hit send on this and get moving! I'll post those photos later ---
I'm on my way to a My Blue Heaven Workshop!
I wonder what TODAY’s Flavor of the Day will be? Hmmmmmmm!
Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful presentation last night - I so enjoyed it and loved seeing all your wonderful quilts. My friend and I left inspired and excited to make some of your quilt designs Have a great day with the gals from HAAQG.
ReplyDeleteI am certainly adding this shop to my someday list! What fun to did around and what treasures to unearth. Have fun today!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness! What a treasure hunt at the Treadle. I love the scissors fabric. Have a great day today!
ReplyDeleteHeavens above, I would certainly love to rummage around in that store, I would be there for hours. Enjoy your workshops etc.
ReplyDeleteLinda
I would love some of the fabric with the sewing basket. Do you know who makes it?
ReplyDeleteMy husband says Illinois is Chicago and one big cornfield :) It actually is a beautiful state. I have put The Treadle on my quilt shop bucket list.
ReplyDeleteHa ha, I've been to Treadle. Yes it is an experience to put it lightly. I used to stop there on my way to visit daughter in Springfield, IL. But like you said, the owner knows where every thing is- amazing. I remember the flatness of the land too.
ReplyDeleteSweet corn is probably still available too. The locals will know the best places for outa this world sweet corn.
That quilt shop is a picture of my mind! My house, quilting and life is all jumbled up just like that. But I do function (sometimes). Would love to go see it.
ReplyDeleteIf you like a stuffed full shop, really, really full, work Fieldstone House into your trip schedule. Located a few miles off Interstate 88 between Binghamton and Oneonta, NY. And yes, the owners do know where each fabric is. And you're slim Bonnie, you will be able to get thru the aisles. (probably)
ReplyDeleteWhen you are in Portland next time you need to go to Battleground north of Vancouver to the Country Manor fabrics shop. It is not quite as crowded but packed Full of Fabrics. You would love the Sale room in back. The Sewing Basket in Prosser Washington closer to me is another shop not to be missed! Any fabric you need you can ask and the owner knows where it is. That Heath Crunch looks Way Too Yummy!
ReplyDeleteBonnie, there is a Culver's at the Carowinds exit on I-77!!!Exit 90 I think, right at the NC/SC state line! Next time you are traveling south on 77 you should stop.
ReplyDeleteWe have ventured down there twice, just to eat and it is about 45 minutes from us. It feeds my WI memories!!!
We have a shop like that in Victoria BC, called Bib & Tucker. The staff knows where everything is, but is overwhelming when your just
ReplyDeleteGwen Denluck
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe Treadle reminds me of a store that used to be in the next little town over from mine....stuff, stuff, stuff. Move stuff, climb over stuff, dig through stuff to get to what you wanted. And yes, the owner of that store knew where everything was too. Have fun in Illinois!
ReplyDeleteI grew up not far from there. It is indeed flat, but there are areas of rolling hills and lots of trees. But, of course, you are right, everywhere you turn this time of year there is corn! I miss that area of the country -- just not the snowy winters!
ReplyDeleteYes! The Treadle! I have been there and I agree that it is amazing that the owner knows where everything is. I almost get claustrophobic when I am in there, however, that does not keep me from stopping when I am in the area.
ReplyDeleteI'm from next door in Indiana. Yep! Lots of cornfields here. When I lived in New Bern,NC, I complained about all the pines! Sure do miss the pines and the coast now!
ReplyDeleteSo glad you got to visit the Treadle. What an experience. I was on a Shop Hop last October with my cousin and we discovered that place. I can't wait to go back someday. Enjoy your trip.
ReplyDeletePat Bradford
tricia_bradford8@hotmail.com
Wow, The Treadle is a hoarder's idea of heaven! Guess you could spend hours in there unearthing goodies...ice cream was definitely needed after that treasure hunt!
ReplyDeleteReminds me of Obies near Lancaster Pa! You need to wear a hardhat when you go in her store. Bolts of fabric piled to the ceiling and one way aisles, but she too knows her inventory. Oh do I miss Culvers in Wisconsin!
ReplyDeleteOhio, Indiana and Illinois are known as the 'Corn Belt'. Corn is a heavy feeder and uses lots of nutrients, so Soybeans are grown the next year to replenishment the soil :)
ReplyDeleteTreadlle is a store for me! I would love digging through to find treasures. But I survive in chaos so it wouldn't bother me the way it might others. Thank you for sharing your experience there. Also all the info on David Davis and his house. Have fun in Culver Country!!
ReplyDeleteBonnie,
ReplyDeleteHere are some "corny" facts from University of Illinois Extension:
"In 2006, McLean County produced almost 62,000,000 bushels of corn with a yield of 182 bpa. Our record county yield is 185 bpa. As a state we produced about 18% of the nation's corn crop. If you load the entire IL corn crop on a box car train, the train would extend from here to Hong Kong, or about 7600 miles long! If we took the McLean County corn crop and lined it up by kernel, end to end, it would circle the earth almost 1200 times! We could take a left turn and travel to the moon and back 60 times with that same county yield!"
We have a Sweet Corn Blues Festival in Uptown Normal, Illinois. Lots of fun.
Now you are ready for Illinois corn trivia :)
Bonnie as of today I am not a fan of 3M Sotch Brite
ReplyDeleteThey have a pop up ad no "x" in the corner and it covers your whole blog text and moves to stay covering when I scroll
ER ER ER er er
So I can't read your blog I use an iPhone I had to open your blog in a new page and well er er er
I'll do what I have to to read your blog but 3M as much I do like and have bought their products just might become the # 1 on my do not buy list soon
Colleen
My sister lives in Normal/Bloomington and every time when I come home for Christmas, I visit the Treadle to stock up! Last time I brought $$ from friends and stocked up on sale fabric for them too! So glad you got to experience it! My nieces come along and play hide and seek while I'm shopping. As you can now well imagine, it's a great place for that! Enjoy your time in Illinois!
ReplyDeleteOMGosh! That looks like a quilting hoarders' paradise!!! I'd have to take it in increments stepping outside periodically to take a breath!!! LOL!
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie, Just a short note to say we thoroughly enjoyed meeting you at the lecture Thurs. night. It was worth the long drive to see your quilts in person, experience the Treadle shop and have a chance to see you in action. Thank you. Hope to see you next year closer to home.
ReplyDeleteINTERNATIONAL CONCEPT OF WORK FROM HOME
ReplyDeleteWork from home theory is fast gaining popularity because of the freedom and flexibility that comes with it. Since one is not bound by fixed working hours, they can schedule their work at the time when they feel most productive and convenient to them. Women & Men benefit a lot from this concept of work since they can balance their home and work perfectly. People mostly find that in this situation, their productivity is higher and stress levels lower. Those who like isolation and a tranquil work environment also tend to prefer this way of working. Today, with the kind of communication networks available, millions of people worldwide are considering this option.
Women & Men who want to be independent but cannot afford to leave their responsibilities at home aside will benefit a lot from this concept of work. It makes it easier to maintain a healthy balance between home and work. The family doesn't get neglected and you can get your work done too. You can thus effectively juggle home responsibilities with your career. Working from home is definitely a viable option but it also needs a lot of hard work and discipline. You have to make a time schedule for yourself and stick to it. There will be a time frame of course for any job you take up and you have to fulfill that project within that time frame.
There are many things that can be done working from home. A few of them is listed below that will give you a general idea about the benefits of this concept.
Baby-sitting
This is the most common and highly preferred job that Women & Men like doing. Since in today's competitive world both the parents have to work they need a secure place to leave behind their children who will take care of them and parents can also relax without being worried all the time. In this job you don't require any degree or qualifications. You only have to know how to take care of children. Parents are happy to pay handsome salary and you can also earn a lot without putting too much of an effort.
Nursery
For those who have a garden or an open space at your disposal and are also interested in gardening can go for this method of earning money. If given proper time and efforts nursery business can flourish very well and you will earn handsomely. But just as all jobs establishing it will be a bit difficult but the end results are outstanding.
Freelance
Freelance can be in different wings. Either you can be a freelance reporter or a freelance photographer. You can also do designing or be in the advertising field doing project on your own. Being independent and working independently will depend on your field of work and the availability of its worth in the market. If you like doing jewellery designing you can do that at home totally independently. You can also work on freelancing as a marketing executive working from home. Wanna know more, email us on workfromhome.otr214429@gmail.com and we will send you information on how you can actually work as a marketing freelancer.
Internet related work
This is a very vast field and here sky is the limit. All you need is a computer and Internet facility. Whatever field you are into work at home is perfect match in the software field. You can match your time according to your convenience and complete whatever projects you get. To learn more about how to work from home, contact us today on workfromhome.otr214429@gmail.comand our team will get you started on some excellent work from home projects.
Diet food
Since now a days Women & Men are more conscious of the food that they eat hence they prefer to have homemade low cal food and if you can start supplying low cal food to various offices then it will be a very good source of income and not too much of efforts. You can hire a few ladies who will help you out and this can be a good business.
Thus think over this concept and go ahead.