Pennsylvania earned its nickname “The Keystone State” because it was central to the founding of America—geographically, politically, and philosophically. This is one of those states I’ve actually learned about!
Pennsylvania was the third state to ratify the Constitution in December 1787. But in my memory, this is where it had all began. Independence Hall is where both the Declaration of Independence (1776) and the Constitution (1787) were debated and signed. I’d had the place on my “want-to-visit” list for a very long time before we found out our way to Philly. Unfortunately it was a Sunday and the sites were all closed, so we took pics of Independence Hall, wandered over to see the Liberty Bell, with its famous crack.
While in Pennsylvania, we drove out of the way to get to a place that had long been marked on my map: Coatesville. I don’t have any relation to the founders, but it was fun taking my pic with all the signs that had my name on it!
While there, we stumbled onto a commemorative site for 9/11 in Coatesville. Turns out the steel mill there had been the one to create many of the steel girders that remained after the World Trade Center buildings fell. As gleeful as the visit had been, it ended on a very somber tone.
Quilt Block
Pennsylvania is one of those states that are heaped in quilt history, so not suprisingly it has a few blocks in its honor. I chose this “Pennsylvania” block (also called the Honeymoon block) for its very traditional look, made a little more modern with the reshaping of it. Originally a square block, I made it into a 6 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ block based on the states size.
It’s a great block to practice chain piecing on, especially with a “leader/ender” and a quarter inch foot. It’s kind of a shame there’s only one of them! I also learned on this block that the Stripology Squared ruler makes those slices way more accurate and speedy.
Quilt Shops
The Olde Country Store (Intercourse, PA) website
Log Cabin Quilt Shop (Bird in Hand, PA) website
The Sewing Box Quilt Shop (Meyersdale, PA) website
What are your favorite quilt shops or places to visit in Pennsylvania? Tell me all about them.
Happy sewing!
There is so much to see and do in Pennsylvania. Ohiopyle in the Southwest has a beautiful river to go rafting on. Fallingwaters is a Frank Lloyd Wright house that is built over a stream and you can hear the water from all rooms in the house.