Stars, Swallows or Doves?

Miles were driven yesterday -

It was just a GET OUT OF DODGE (or Mouth of Wilson) kind of Thursday and instead of running errands close by, went further afield to break away.

Through Independence and Galax, through Hillsville and on to Floyd.

It was time to show my support of small business and get some different scenery for myself as well.

The day was beautiful – and provided the perfect opportunity for lunch on the patio at a small mom & pop restaurant (Hint – go EARLY there will be no one anywhere near you so you can safely eat.) and enjoy someone else’s cooking for a change.

I was happy to see nearly EVERYONE masked up and respectful of others, keeping their own cooties to themselves.

And – there was a 3 story antique mall in Floyd that really beckoned.

Were the place bustling I may not have gone in – but it was empty.  And it had been a long time – So VERY long – since I had the pleasure of just browsing.

My mask and I went in.

I became captivated by this signature quilt.

Who are these people?  Is there a date here somewhere?

I am unsure of the name of the block - it's based on an 8-pointed star where each of the large diamonds is a 9-patch of smaller diamonds.

Frank Foster, Mrs. Foster and someone named John K.

Hattie Struble.

Beautiful piecing and oh, that quilting!

Can you see the feathers in the border?

Dr. E. E. Major -

And someone has spilled the inkpot!

G. W. Simmons.

Mrs. Simmons

And still no date can be found.

More Simmons family -

Mr. & Mrs. Bradway.

And lovely feathered wreaths between.

There was no date.  The only message was on the price ticket stating that it was from the late 1800s, early 1900s and had been received from someone else also not associated with these folks – All of these signatures, no date – no location given.  Evidently that info all stopped when someone dumped the inkpot!

String block happiness!

And just that little bit of cheddar for the win!

Each block is almost a catalogue of just a few fabrics.

Wouldn’t you love to know what these scraps were from?  Dresses, blouses, skirts, curtains?

And the size and matching up of cornerstones is highly overrated!

Can I just share here how HAPPY it made me to be out examining vintage quilts?  Did any of these makers live through the 1918 pandemic?  Would their thoughts have been like ours during that time?

Caution and hope combatting fear, depression, sadness and loss?

Schoolhouse Fabrics!

And yes – it’s the whole schoolhouse!

In 1831, Floyd County was established and was named for Governor John Floyd. Governor Floyd was a native of Montgomery County, the parent County of Floyd.

Reflecting early and strong commitment to education in the community, the Jacksonville Academy was established in 1846. It served students from Floyd and surrounding counties. The Jacksonville Academy was located in one of the two buildings that is now Schoolhouse Fabrics.

(Floyd was previously named Jacksonville after Andrew Jackson, and then changed its name to Floyd after governor Floyd at a later date.)

Retail therapy of 2 half-yard cuts.

Now Schoolhouse fabrics is 3 floors – and if the pandemic is a sign of ANYTHING – it is that people are doing more sewing and crafting at home to keep themselves happily occupied in good causes.

The fabric selection provided only really slim pickings. Neutrals down to nothing – and that is my main go-to for fabric these days as I have plenty of colors on hand to play with.

I had to laugh – and should have gotten a photo – there were TWO pieces of flat fold millennium Y2k fabrics on the counter with other flat folds.  And I laughed out loud.

If this is an indicator of how old your merchandise is, and if it hasn’t sold by now – it likely never will go.  That fabric is 21 years old.  Still priced at $6.99.

The notions room was also very sparce – so many empty pegs on the pegboards. The supply chain is struggling, everywhere.

So all the way home – that thinking of selling off my stash idea?  I’m thinking twice on that.  Maybe I’ll just keep working from what I have until the supply comes back around.

Another must stop -

Miller’s Deli & Bakery in Woodlawn, VA.

This is a Mennonite store with great bulk foods, canned goods, lovely baked items and more.  I picked up some local Hillsville blueberries, some pickled cauliflower (Delicious and all for me as the DH won’t eat it. LOL!) And TWO handmade scrubbies.

I love these crocheted scrubbies – they do the job and rinse and wash well.

Another way to support small business.  This shop is independently owned.  There are some cute antiques and a smattering of fun kitchen items inside the shop.  It’s a great browse.  There were not many there, and everyone was mask clad.

All in all, the day out made me feel that we can still do the things we need to do.  We can support the businesses that need our business to survive.  We can enjoy the drive, the sunshine, the scenery -

We can do it easily by wearing a mask, keeping hand sanitizer in your purse, being respectful and kind of others, and make our visits as short as possible.

I feel restored today.  Not so much like the same 4 walls are closing in.

I was home in time to make 3 more string blocks foundations.

2 of them were appliqued last night.

3rd one about half-way done -

So I’ll need more for tonight!

And into the weekend we go. 

How are things shaping up for you?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Carolina chain quilt from my book Addicted to Scraps on sale in the Quiltville Store for just $15.99!

Hold your loved ones extra close, this world is a crazy place, and there is much sadness happening right now.

But we who love can shine the light!

Have a wonderful Friday!