I know we have a lot of readers interested in Amish quilts and many with experience buying them.  We’ll be hearing more soon on the subject from Janneken Smucker, author of the upcoming Amish Quilts: Crafting an American Icon, including a chance to ask Amish quilt questions. In the meantime, reader GamGam recently left an insightful comment full of tips for Amish quilt buyers.  I thought any…
Back in June I shared a little of what I learned from Janneken Smucker’s talk on Amish quilts at the Elizabethtown Amish conference. During her talk, Janneken shared numerous examples of Amish-made quilts which defy assumptions (such as quilts with white backgrounds or elaborate embroidery). Likewise, quilts that Amish produce for today’s consumer market often differ from expectations (solid colors, simple patterns, dark backgrounds) of what…
Countrylane Bakery & Gifts 4224 S 450 W Berne, IN 46711 Countrylane Bakery & Gifts (Adams County, IN) I am visiting Amish communities in northern Indiana this week.  Yesterday I was in Adams County for a little while. I needed a pie for a dinner later in the evening in Lagrange County, and so embarked on a bakery expedition. I first stopped by R & E…
This is technically a repair shop (Mullet’s Repair Shop in northern Indiana) but they make a popular stove used by Amish.  The reader who sent these photos in notes that Mullet’s Repair “are the makers of the Mullet Coal Stove which is without a doubt the most commonly used stove in the community.”  The Mullet Coal Stove brochure: Inside you’ll find technical and safety info. The…
Country Style Deli @ The Markets at Shrewsbury 12025 Susquehanna Trail Glen Rock, PA 17327 (717) 235-6611 How about a few photos today from Country Style Deli at the Markets at Shrewsbury (York County, PA). This deli is run by the Riehl family, friends of mine from Lancaster County. Amish markets are typically open for business 3 days per week (Thurs-Sat), though some stand owners…
Tom shares a few photos from an Amish welding business in the settlement at Clyde, New York. Tom describes Schmucker Welding as a “Nice new shop with two very long power shafts and more belts that I have ever seen in one place.” Shafts and belts can be used to operate a variety of shop tools. Â But welding takes “real” power. Â Unlike other Amish-engineered tools,…
M.L. Shetler, Watchmaker 7676 Route 62 South Dayton, NY 14138 Among the many Amish cabinet makers, quilters, and contractors, you occasionally come across specialist businesses which fulfill a niche need or focus on some throwback trade which relatively few in society handle. Taxidermists or shoe repair shops come to mind as examples. Today we have a look at an Amish clock and watch restoration shop,…
Attention green-thumbers–here are some photos from an Amish greenhouse near Summerhill, New York (Cayuga County): “It is getting so the Amish are all over the place,” Â observes Tom. Â On this trip he traveled through Amish communities including “Romulus, Marathon, Summerhill, the Swiss in Clyde and finally North Rose”–just a few of the 40+ Amish settlements in New York. About these photos: “The folks that run…
Today Tom has some photos for us of an Amish tarp shop in Conewango Valley in New York. Though we just had a look at odd Amish jobs, I wouldn’t place tarp shops on that list, as they aren’t that unusual, and can be found in many communities. If you didn’t know better you might find yourself impressed by this Amishman’s taste in recreational vehicles… …and his boat…
Sam Miller Shoe Repair & Sales East off route 414 on Clyde Hunt Corner Road just north of Clyde NY. Look for a sign at the corner. The shop is on the right hand side of the road (first Amish place). Tom lends a hand again today with some photos of an Amish shoe store in Clyde, NY. Buggy parking. Where Amish re-boot. A Singer…