Here we are friends, the last stop on the Apple Farm blog hop with Penny Rose Fabrics. Before I share my story about Apple Farm, I want to thank all of the ladies that joined me over the last two weeks and that so graciously shared their creativity with all of us. My heart grew with each stop … inspiration, joy, nostalgia, community and so much heart in every stitch. I am so thankful to each one of you. And thank you to everyone that followed along with us … for every like, heart, kind note left – all your support … thank you!!
Apple Farm takes me back to a simpler time and place … my childhood. I grew up in small town where most of us knew each other. Friends would come and go without calling ahead. My grandmother always had a dessert ready to greet a friendly face. I would ride my bike til the sun set. I could play outside with a jump rope and hopscotch for hours. The pace was slow, the days seemed longer, and to me it was magical. My favorite time of year has always been Autumn. When a crispness hits the air … my heart lights up for what’s ahead. Fall festivals, changing leaves, apple-picking … Thanksgiving (and then of course, Christmas!!).
One of the things I looked forward to every year in September, as a child, was our county fair. I loved walking up and down the aisles gazing at the winning art, canned foods, quilts, pies and more. First place, grand prize, best in show … ribbons of many colors. I remember my elementary school would enter our art in the county fair … that was really BIG to me. The one year I remember most was about 1st grade, my teacher entered my scarecrow made out of construction paper and colored with crayons. I lived and breathed for making things as a child … always have. And when I spotted that blue ribbon on that scarecrow for the first time at the county fair … it was the most magical thing in the world to the 7-year-old-me.
My thoughts on Apple Farm were based on these memories. That small town girl in my heart emerged. The innocence of bears in aprons and sweet farm animals we love – and pigtails, picnics, happy times, sunshine and simpler times. That’s Apple Farm to me.
For my stop on the hop today, I wanted to recreate those memories at the county fair, in my head. I started with show ribbons … and apple pie. Every Apple Farm needs some apple pie, right? I thought it would be fun to give away an apple pie, too – in the spirit of this line and the coming season. So I asked around for favorites … something that could be special delivered.
After taste-testing apple pies (tough job, I know!) — I found the “First Place” winner. A handmade pie company, making each pie from scratch with simple ingredients, stole my heart with their Peninsula Apple Crumb pie. I could even custom order it with a special message written in the crust. How much fun is the crust on my pie below? And it truly is one of the best apple pies I’ve ever had. Even Oprah and Country Living rated it a favorite pie company. This scrumptious pie (well not this pie, because it’s long gone, but a fresh one of your choice from Grand Traverse Pie Company. ha!) is one of the giveaways going on over at my Instagram page @elealutz until midnight MST tonight. Be sure to stop by!! There are a few hours left to enter!
And at the county fair in my dreams, there would be sweet farm girls, pigtails, apples, baby animals and a barn. And so I brought that to life … making a modern day version of an Apple Farm romper and fun, frilly dress — and the sweetest little girls this side of the Mississippi to play in the sunshine.
These two sweeties were just precious in their Apple Farm fabric clothing. The romper is in the pink Chickadee print and made with the darling Ruchie pattern and the dress is made from the red plaid and daisy print (with bits of green Chickadee) made from the Shortcake dress – both from the lovely pattern company, Little Lizard King.
And every county fair needs handmade quilts. Dreaming of hayrides, campfire snuggles, kissing under the stars – the sweet things September brings. I thought the Knock, Knock Who’s There Quilt from Pretty Playtime Quilts would be perfect for this. This range makes the sweetest little country houses. A touch of brown for chimneys and rooftops. And this gem is from a talented local friend and quilter, Jeannie. Do you see those gorgeous apples in the quilting she made! I nearly melted when I picked it up from her. And I love gingham on the binding and the fussy cut bears in the doors! We made this one into a mini perfect for on the go using four of the house blocks.
And last … every county fair needs lots of show prizes. So there is ONE more giveaway … the “Grand Prize” to share. There are a few hours left to enter this giveaway, too – over at Instagram @elealutz This prize includes a fat quarter bundle of Apple Farm and a copy of my book, Pretty Playtime Quilts. I’m giving away TWO of these prize packages – two chance to win. AND – of course the PIE. I’d love to send one of these prizes to you!! Grab a friend and head over to enter!
Well, this is the end of my thoughts and inspiration for Apple Farm. And the end of the Apple Farm blog hop … sigh. All the stops on the hop were full of so many wonderful projects and ideas. I am inspired and ready for Autumn. How about you? Thank you so much, again, for stopping by and for your support with this line – and thank you to this wonderful community of ladies that joined me on the hop. If you haven’t spotted Apple Farm in your neighborhood, please share it with your local quilt shop friends. The website and Instagram page of the ladies joining me on this hop are below … please stop by for second and thirds … sending them lots of hearts and sweet notes.
Until next time, friends! xoxo Elea
8/8/16 Jemima @tiedwitharibbon www.tiedwitharibbon.com
8/8/16 Anorina @sameliasmum www.sameliasmum.com
8/9/16 Kimberly @fatquartershop www.fatquartershop.blogspot.com/
8/9/16 Bridgette @thefamilyhearth www.thefamilyhearth.com
8/10/16 Taunja @taunjalynn www.carriedawayquilting.com
8/10/16 Nadra @ellisandhiggs www.ellisandhiggs.com
8/11/16 Shari @doohikeydesigns www.doohikeydesigns.com/blog/
8/11/16 Heidi @fabricmutt www.fabricmutt.blogspot.com
8/12/16 Lindsey @fortworthfabricstudio www.fortworthfabricstudio.blogspot.com
8/15/16 Ange @alittlepatchwork www.alittlepatchwork.wordpress.com
8/15/16 Lauren @transientart www.transientart.com
8/16/16 Jessica @euphoria_jessica www.euphoriajessica.blogspot.com
8/16/16 Kristyne @prettybyhand www.prettybyhand.com
8/17/16 Melissa @ohhowsweetco www.ohhowsweet.com
8/17/16 Sedef @downgrapevinelane www.downgrapevinelane.com
8/18/16 Faith @faithessenburg www.saranaave.wordpress.com
8/18/16 Veronica @vividfelicity www.vividFelicity.wordpress.com
8/19/16 Megan @dollyhenryau www.dollyhenry.blogspot.com
8/19/16 Amanda @jedicraftgirl www.jedicraftgirl.com
8/19/16 Elea @elealutz www.elealutzdesign.com
Oh Elea, I sure enjoyed this post. I could just picture you at the fair, wide eyed and full of hope and enthusiasm. It’s just a precious memory. I think we should all spend time reflecting on those little joys we experienced as children. They are probably around us as adults but we miss them! It was a sincere pleasure to be part of this hop. Your fabric always “takes me back” and also makes my heart happy! Well done and thank you for this sweet, sweet line!