A Paradise of Patchwork in Lancaster, PA

Today was the opening day of the American Quilters Society Show in downtown Lancaster. I attended with two friends – not because we are quilters, but because we appreciate art and wanted to see the quilts on display.

Within the first twenty minutes, I felt like my eyes could not possibly take in any more color. This is a universe with its own language and beauty. There are fabrics from around the world (I especially loved this blue and yellow pile from France and could imagine what I could make with it), quilts spanning the centuries and made from all over America, and state-of-the-art long arm machines that look nothing like the sewing machine I have!

This booth is Hinkletown Sewing Machines - located five minutes from our inn.

Actually, many of the vendors are located within several miles of our inn, others hailed from Texas, Missouri and Kansas.

Even if you don’t plan to take any classes, the joy of seeing all of the quilt entries is worth the price of admission. But the different techniques, styles, patterns and the unending color schemes are mind-boggling.

Some of my favorites didn’t make first or second place, but I’ll share them with you here...
Called The Little Juggler, I love the colors here...be sure to double click on the picture to enlarge it.

Double click to read the name of this quilt and apprecaite the quiltmaker's sense of humor.

I have always loved quilted jackets, and watching the parade of women with their jackets was fascinating – each one seemed to get prettier. By the time we made it to the third floor, I wanted one—badly. Well, not badly enough to devote the time required to quilt one...that will have to wait for a day when I’ll have more time for hobbies other than running a bed and breakfast!

The show will continue for three more days. That’s time enough to make your plans and head to Lancaster. If you go, wear comfortable shoes – the show spans four floors at the Lancaster County Convention Center and Liberty Place. At the Convention Center, I recommend using the escalators to avoid the lines at the elevator. There is cushy seating in the lobby of the Convention Center....you’ll be looking for it later. If you stay with us, I’ll share my secret parking places – within easy walking distance of the LCCC.

If you happen to head out on Thursday, there’s a free party for all quilters at Mulberry Art Studios from 6:00 pm to 8:30pm. I’ll be there – our bed and breakfast association, along with its partners, is hosting it. There will be lots of food, beverages, music, free shoulder massages—and yes, more quilters and quilts.