Quilting woven into the fabric of the Amish

By Andrea Y. Finefrock

The sound of a local man pounding out a harness can be heard just as the Lone Star Quilt Shop comes into view. With over 1,000 bolts lining the aisles of the store, aspiring and seasoned quilters are sure to find the perfect combination of fabrics.

Those who enjoy sight-seeing will not be disappointed with the works of art carefully stitched to perfection. From the snow-white quilt applique featuring grapes in maroon hues and leaves in forest greens to the traditional barn-raising pattern in muted colors, the sight is an appealing one.

How-to books on topics ranging from basic to keepsake quilting and paper piece miniatures to trapunto techniques also are available, as are stencils and templates to equip the largest of quilting bees.

For the uninitiated sewer, quilts and wall-hangings of all sizes adorn the walls of the shop. The workmanship is shown in the intricate handiwork. According to employee Nora Schlabach, Lone Star usually has around 30 to 40 already-pieced and appliqued quilts in stock. Custom ordering a quilt to match a decor is popular, she added.

“The Alabama Star with diamond borders, the Log Cabin and applique quilts are the most requested patterns," Schlabach said. Star Spin is a pattern that is gaining in popularity, she added.

Besides quilts, some of the most popular items chosen by visitors include potholders, placemats, table runners, aprons and pillow tops, Schlabach said.

"If you don't like to piece a quilt together, we have already-made quilt tops," Schlabach said.

As an introduction to the basics of quilting or to finish a project in minimal time, Lone Star sells "Quilt Magic," a no-sew wall hanging. Fabric is tucked into foam using a quilt pattern. Popular with non-quilters, Quilt Magic also is a good project for children, Schlabach said.

Placed here and there are items including the Miller family cookbook, children's fabric books and shoes for the whole family. Seasonal women's jumpers, children's decorator dresses and child-size aprons that have room for a small tablet and several crayons are a few original items sold by Lone Star.

Schlabach said requests for custom-made quilts are welcome, with customers able to choose the fabric.

The Lone Star Quilt Shop is a family-run business owned by Ervin and Sara Yoder. It is located on County Road 77, next to Homestead Furniture, and is open Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.