Road Trip 2015

Paxico Kansas - Population 220

This month we took a road trip across the heartland of the USA.  The American Quilt Study Group held their annual seminar in Indianapolis Indiana.  I usually fly, but this year I had signed up to give a study center.  I had too much to bring along so we shopped our way there!

We left the Interstate for breaks and visited small towns off the beaten path.  Small town coffee shops and antique stores are all favorite destinations.  When they said thank you for the business, we could feel it.

Flint Hills area of Kansas

We find surprises ... while planning ahead we leave time for a little adventure driving.
There was the Native Stone Scenic Byway.  We stopped for lunch at a small local dairy/creamery that made cheese.  We enjoyed tree lined streets lined with stone houses.

We stopped at a Sparks Flea Market held twice a year in Troy Kansas.  The area was established around 1850.

I was hot and humid, but we found a few treasures and got in some good walking time.
After driving for hours it was a nice break.

Sparks Flea Market Building

One can imagine what the area was like by the buildings.  The buildings are now rented by the day to antique dealers who want more than an awning to offer their goods in.

Tin Ceiling and Crown Molding

I wondered what the future holds for the buildings.

Sadly, the buildings are probably not high on any conservation list.  The stories they hold, a way of life long gone - all fading away.

Warehouse Antique Shopping

We did visit larger antique malls.  Even these former warehouses hold stories of businesses and processes long gone.

Some buildings were several stories with large freight elevators - ideal for large furniture pieces and store fixtures.

You are probably here to read about the quilts...

Yes, I bought quilts.
Yes, I left many quilts behind.

Just as my quilting changes as the years pass, so does my quilt collecting.

I will share my purchases in future posts, we did buy many treasures.

This post will be for the quilts still out there waiting for new homes.

This quilt is simple half square triangles - simple setting - wonderful results.
Hand quilted.

I like pink used as a light neutral.

Racks of quilts for sale

Lovely fabric combinations

Temptations at every turn

Quilts that raised questions begging for research

(Freddie - grandma wanted you to keep the quilt)

With each rest break, we returned to the freeway reflecting on how fast paced

life is - and wondering where the future will take us.

I hope September has been good to you,

Happy Stitching - Dawn