A TRIP IN SEARCH OF .........

 

During the holiday season, hubby and I

took a trip to Pennsylvania,

in search of something that I have been looking for

 for good five years.

The beautiful, embroidered, fine antique wool fabric,

 I use on many of my creations.

 

It is VERY, VERY hard to find and can be quite pricey.

 

 

It was TIME to hit the road.

After we had exhausted all the other areas around us

(and yes, I have been on E-bay too many times),

we thought of Adamstown, in P.A.

It claims (and I swear it probably is) to be the

Antique Capital of the country.

 

We allowed for a three day journey, and I believe we

went to every antique store or mall in the vicinity.

First we went to Renninger's in Kutztown.

Lots of fun !!!!!

 

After that off to the Zionsville Antique Mall.

I literally and figuratively got lost in that

wonderful mall.

I spend hours finding great things,

alas, not what my heart desired most.

No matter, it was just the first day....

 

By the time I got through it all, it was 9:00 PM,

and time to leave.

 

We stayed in nearby Readding.

The next morning we had a big breakfast to make sure

we had the strength for all the antiquing to come.

And since it was right across from the Marriott,

we went to McDonald's.

Well, I have NEVER been so surprised!

It was not your average décor, oh no.

It was done really interesting,

starting with neat clocks all over the walls......

 

 

.....all the light fixtures were unusual......

 

 

I loved the art pottery.

Every piece I could have taken home.

 

Searching for the "little girls room",

was another surprise.

Stars everywhere !!!!1

 

Even in the Ladies Room,

topiaries to boot.

 

Nothing like this in our area, or anywhere else I have been.

Anybody out there have anything like this?

Just one other interesting experience while traveling.

 

But the search for the elusive fabric was still on.

 

We ended up in Adamstown.

You really need time to see it all.

We went from place to place, and nothing.....

I was about to give up....

AND THERE IT WAS !!!

 

After I had nearly done all of the last mall, I came upon

two booth filled with the most charming

antique dolls clothing,

 and everything to do with antique dolls.

 

Other antique items were mixed in as well,

 and after some looking, in a corner, on a rack,

tightly pushed together,

there they were.

Seven skirts ( this used to be under ware).

I could not believe it!!!!

And I must confess,

tears came involuntarily.

I was that happy.

 

While checking out, the lady behind the counter told

me that the owner of the booth had another location

in Adamstown.

 

We scooted over there (almost closing time)

and here we found this charming little village.

It brought back memories of Germany.

 

 

 

It is off the road a bit, and we would not have found it easily.

We met the owner of the shop, a charming lady,

who informed me that she had more of the woolen skirts, etc.

I should come back the next day.

 

And that we did!

But first a little stroll through this cute village setting....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loved all the wrought iron work.

 

 

Hubby and I felt at home.

I think he wanted to move there.

 

 

We went to have lunch at the Black Angus,

which is right across through the arch.

There is a restaurant, not fancy, but with great food.

You can actually see them bake breads and

other goodies.

Of course we brought 5 different breads home with us.

Delicious !!!!

They also sell cheese.

 

Outside there were pretty murals.

 

 

And so, strengthened, we went back to my favorite shop

 

Plum Pudding Antiques Etc.

 

 

 

Janet Diefendorf, the owner,

greeted us warmly, and she was not kidding....

she had lots more wonderful clothing,

all with embroidery, lace, tucks etc.

She had been up late the night before washing

 and ironing it all.

How sweet is that!

While I got to choose from all the goodies

she had hung carefully on racks in the garage,

the hubbies were talking.

I felt like a kid in a candy shop.

Nothing like this has ever happened before.

I bought much, much more.

 

JACKPOT !!!!!

 

Janet, thank you so very, very much !

 

It will make its way into my new creations.

(All the dolls you see on this blog are spoken for)

 

So many of you love these fabrics,

and now I can make new things again.

 

 

Here are some of them....

They take my breath away....

To think people actually wore these pretty things under clothing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed coming along.....

I am inspired, and am working on the next "babies".

 

I'll let you know when...

 

Meanwhile,

I wish you happy winter month.

Stay healthy and warm.

 

God bless,

Evi

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR HOME TO YOURS !

 

 

Welcome to our holiday home this year.

 

I have only decorated a few rooms.

There has been very little time to get it all done,

but I am happy and in the mood.

 

The weather here in the North-East has

certainly made us feel like it is winter,

even though it is still fall.

Snow has been falling, and between the two storms

we were up to twelve inches.

We are expecting warmer weather,

but I think we will still have a white Christmas.

 

Along with children and grown ups,

even dollies are waiting for Santa to come.

 

 

So here is a little tour of how I made our home feel like

 

CHRISTMAS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

My snow people are feeling perfectly happy in this weather.

 

 

 

Sheep are warm in their woolly coats.......

 

 

....and mom is holding her baby close to keep her warm.

 

 

 

Owls have nested again.

This time in the entrance foyer-breakfast room.....

 

 

......and sweet books are there to read.

 

 

The living room is light and airy.

(Light makes me happy)

 

 

Santa is on his way with his reindeer.

Wonder what he will bring?

 

 

The mantel a bit different this year.

The little stars dangling from the twig star

spell "wish".

We have only one wish this year

"HEALTH"

 

I believe that is the most important thing.

Everything else will follow.

 

 

Our beautiful Frazier fir tree is a bit different  this

year too.

I used chandelier crystals, icicles, birds, nests,

stars and shimmering bird cages.

 

The tree sparkles and glistens.

 

 

A little snow girl made by Pat Castka

is bearing a gift.

 

 

I never realized how many different trees I had.

It truly made a virtual forest.....

 

 

 

....with a cute chalet.

 

 

And of course my pillow, inspired by a Pottery Barn version

a few years ago.

 

 

Last winter I made this cutie.

I actually kept her.

(Paula love, you will have to wait a little longer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of my earlier, and larger snow gals.

I love the beautiful antique fabric I used

for her dress.

 

 

The porch looks pretty for winter.

 

 

 

I love crows.

Don't ask me why, I just do.

The are actually very funny. I feed them scraps and it is

amusing how they all interact.

So needless to say, I collect vintage decoys.

At a show recently, I got to talk to a customer who bought

one of my crow dolls.

She loves them as much as I do.

She told me an interesting thing.

When a crow passes away, they all mourn.

Did not know that.

 

 

Mine look quiet happy sporting their new ribbons.

 

 

I recently purchased these

candy canes made from wire and fabric.

When I put them into the jar, they made this

heart.

 

 

 

 

 

Natural, light and airy with some glitter.

I like it!

 

 

 

Our sons favorite Santa.

Made many moons ago, and still loved so much.

 

 

 

I purchased this sweet little angel a long time ago.

Don't remember the artists name.

It is a tiny treasure.

 

 

 

 

My wish for everyone...

 

May angels guide you and keep you safe.

 

 

I like to wish everyone happy holidays.

May all your wishes come true in the new year.

 Most of all, we wish for peace on earth.

May the wars stop, and all serving our country

return safe and sound.

 

God bless,

Evi