Suz

GeriB, my grandfather was a master carpenter. He would run nail through his hair for the lanolin also. He said by doing this, the board would not split.

Ioftheneedle

My husband and I have traveled to Ohio to an Amish area on occasion and have attended their auctions. We came home with 3 king sized quilts. Two are Trip around the world- lone star. They don't appear to be washed. Question: Why do quilters wash quilts as soon as they are finished new material? I have never have. Just asking.

sewvicki

I used to work with a lady who had an antique business on the side. She claimed that the faint pencil marks were desirable by quilt collectors. As far as running needle thru my hair, I am such a klutz, I would most assuredly poke myself in the head with the needle. I am very fortunate that I live in Lancaster County, PA which is, indeed, Amish country. Many beautiful quilts are created here by both Amish and Mennonite ladies. An added blessing is a large number of quilt shops. A virtual quilter's paradise!

tranum

I would often run diaper pins through my hair if they gave difficulty going through cloth diapers.
I watched a You tube where the quilter would drag her thumb and forefinger along her nose then wipe her thread with same fingers before threading her needle.. She thought the oil on her skin helped. I’ve not yet tried this.

SusieQOH

Mavita- the Amish use solid colors only- not only for quilts but their clothes as well.

JustAbitCrazy

Amish made quilts for sale do use prints, though. And I have been to some Amish owned quilt shops with gorgeous fabrics, many prints just as in any other quilt shop, with an up to date computerized cash register, too.

SusieQOH

Yes, their shops have lovely fabrics of all kinds. I was referring to what they wear and make for themselves.

mic-pa

as sewvicii said, Lancaster Pa. is a total paradise for us quilters. I live north of that an make a trip at least once a yr. down there to hit all the shops. So many ideas and quilts to see. And their quilts are not all plain. They use many different prints of fabric.

maviskw

Yes, they make quilts out of prints, but these are not for themselves. These are for sale.

svenskaflicka1

when was a kid, that's how my dad taught me to "grease" the joints in a fly fishing rod--twist it in the crease of the side of the nose, and there's just enough natural oil to be able to get the rod together and apart without struggling. it makes sense to use available resources--and we are out first available resource!