HENNY PENNY'S COUNTRY STORE

IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME...........

2011-06-11T10:23:00.000-07:00

...........since I last posted....over 2 months. Time really flies and I have had some major changes in my life and none of them good. Just 2 months ago I was loving my life and everything about it and then--- WHAM...the bottom fell right out from under me. Hopefully "GOD works in mysterious ways" will hold true in my case.

Having a busy Saturday today in the shop.
It's taking me 4 hours to get this post done.

I have 2 spots left for my LOCKERHOOKING CLASS this Monday evening the13th.
Time is 5-9.
The cost is $30 and includes the supply kit.
All you need is fabrics to match your decor or room or?
You will need 6 different fabrics in red OR blue OR any color cut into 1 1/2" x width of fabric strips. You will need 6 or 7 strips from each fabric.
You will also need 8 or 9 strips cut 1 to 1 1/4" x width of fabric strips from your border fabric.
For example, I used 6 different red fabrics and made my border black.

This cute Americana doll waiting to go home with someone this summer.

I finally finished this large star quilt. It is a Country Threads pattern that I made a few years ago using all homespuns. The one thing I did different is I made the backgrond behind the star light and the star is dark.

The pattern picture shows the background dark and the star light.

This is a stitchery that is my new motto. I want to "SIMPLIFY". I am going thru all my stuff and am listing many many things on my ETSY store and I am considering opening an Ebay store just to get rid of it all. I have been a collector of many many things over the years and I am done with moving and cleaning and rearranging and moving again.

Well, June 14th is Flag Day and my sale starts in the shop on Monday the 13th.

I AM OFFERING EVERYONE A 30% DISCOUNT ON THEIR PURCHASES UNTIL JULY 31.

I am wanting to make more room in the shop. As of right now I could not move another thing in. My storeroom in the back of the shop is stacked with boxes of stuff that needs to come out front.

I hope everyone enjoys their summer.

Have a lot of BBQ's.

Do a lot of weeding and planting.

Stay cool,

Susan

SPRING PENNY RUG CLASS......

2011-03-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

WHEN: Monday March 21, 2011

5 to 9 pm

COST: only $30

includes the wool kit, needle, thread and backing fabric.

You will need to bring a small sharp pair of scissors.

You will finish this project during classtime, hopefully.

I did this project in about 3 or so hours.

Also included in the price is a free pattern to go with the spring chick.

Please call soon to reserve your space in the class.

570-935-0233

I need to know ahead so I can make up enough kits.

HAPPY SPRING!

Mark your calendars.

All the businesses in Muncy are having

------------SPRING FLING OPEN HOUSE------------

Saturday April 9th, 2011

10am to 3pm.

LOCAL ARTISTS

will occupy the storefront next to me with handmade wares.

Lazy Meadows Alpaca Shop features alpaca products, yarn and more.

I will be having yummy things to sample and sip and

pick an Easter egg for special discounts on your purchase.

Herb plants will be in.

SPECIAL APPEARANCE by

-------THE EASTER BUNNY-------

Hope to see you here!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2011-02-14T09:13:00.000-08:00

Hope everyone has a great day.

Our weather here in NEPA sure has taken a turn for the better.

The outside thermometer read 50 degrees in the shade at 9 am.

WOO--HOO!

BLESS ALL YOUR HEARTS!

A nice heart quilt.

I used a precut 5" sq. fabric pack.

Little Teddy in a candy compote.

Button heart pillow made by one of my customers.

She made nine asssorted pillows to sell in the shop.

P.S. She bought her buttons from my button bowl!

FEBRUARY "END OF WINTER?" RED SALE

2011-02-05T09:48:00.000-08:00

!!!!!!!!!!!!!HAPPY WINTER !!!!!!!!!!!

                                                         !!!!THREE DAYS ONLY!!!!!
                                  HAVING A RED SALE TO CHEER EVERYONE UP
                                                  THURSDAY---FRIDAY---SATURDAY
                                                      2011---FEBRUARY 10---11---12

ALL FINISHED QUILTS

TABLERUNNERS

and TABLEMATS

10% OFF

                                                           RED FABRICS 20% OFF
                                                     BOOKS and  PATTERNS 20% OFF

                                                         ANY (precut) FAT QUARTERS
                                                                    BUY 10 FOR $10
                                                                  (must buy at least 10)

                                  YUMMY SAINT VALENTINE'S FAVORITE TEA
                                  ROSE PETALS--ROSEHIPS--LAVENDER BUDS
                                   HONEYBUSH TEA--HIBISCUS FLOWERS

Stop in and browse, sample some tea, join the bluework club or members can pick up Februarys block.

So ready to get winter over with.

Am making my spring list of herb plants and gardening chores.

!!!!HAPPY SPRING EVERYONE!!!!

BLUEWORK CLUB

2011-01-24T11:19:00.000-08:00

Here is the kit for the BLUEWORK CLUB that I have been talking about.

The kit cost is 13.95 and includes background fabric for all twelve blocks with some extra,

2 skeins of blue floss, two embroidery needles and your first pattern.

All you need to supply is a pencil, 6" embroidery hoop and small scissors.

All these patterns will feature a star(s) and different artwork each month.

In subsequent months, come into the shop to pick up your next pattern for only $2 (reg. price is $4).

I am offering a free demonstration on Sat. Jan. 29 at 9:30 am.

It will be just a short demo on transferring the pattern and some stitching and some ideas for finished items.

Kits and demo space are limited, please call or email to reserve your kit or demo space.

570-935-0233

iquilt@hennypennys.comcastbiz.net

Here in NE PA it is sooooooocold right now,

I am so looking forward to spring and warmer weather.

Even weeding the herb gardens sounds like fun right now.

2010-12-20T07:45:00.001-08:00

BRRRRRRR..........

2010-12-08T15:04:00.000-08:00

Here's one of the Elf Yourself dancers from yesterdays post. CUTE!

Hiding in the bushes.

Had some visitors into the shop today, they brought along some of that cold, white S__w.

ARE THESE KEWPIE DOLLS WITH WIGS?

2010-12-07T12:03:00.000-08:00

I have been searching the www for dolls similar to these

but am having no luck!

Does anybody know what they are called?

They almost look like kewpie dolls.

I found these sweet girls in a little tub of stuff.

I think I will make Santa hats for each and if I am ambitious enough maybe a

cute little Christmas dress.

I will put a hanger on the one (clown?) in blue and put him (?) on the tree.

Well, its noon west coast time and B from Turkey Hollow updated her picture trail, must go see.......

Elf Yourself Dancing Flash Mob Invades NYC

2010-12-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

DOOR PRIZES

2010-12-06T12:34:00.000-08:00

IN the email I sent to everyone I mentioned going to my blog to look at the door prizes, but, lo and behold I could not get onto my blog account. I finally figured it out today (of course it was something stupid). I put a comma instead of a period before .net. The open house was very well attended and it was a lot of fun. Everyone loved the food and drink (I served a Scandinavian spiced wine and lots of treats). This first door prize is 3 jars of instant tea....yummy!

THIS door prize is a set of 4 wood ornies....too cute!

HERE is a set of 3 Amish-made soaps (which I plan to carry in the shop), a trivet with 4 coasters and snacks on a Christmas dish.

THIS is a rustic birdhouse and there is a super pine scented jar candle on top of it (smells wonderful) and I went to Kitchen Kettle Village and got 6 sampler jars of jam and jellies to give as a door prize.

THANK YOU EVERYONE

for attending my Open House once again this year.

AND I would like to apologize to anyone who did not get my message about moving to Muncy.

I don't know why you didn't get my moving email but did get the Open House email.

-------HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE------

Susan

SO READY FOR FALL.............

2010-08-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

Spent the morning pulling weeds.
I think these weeds around here in NEPA are overachievers.
I can not keep ahead of them.

I have put down cardboard and then a thick layer of mulch and they just poke right thru....OR maybe they are growing right out of the mulch.

I love the fall season.. Have started to fill the shop with autumn hued quilts and dolls.

GHOSTS.......

GOBLINS.............

and WITCHES..........OOOOOOOOOH MYYYYYYYYY.

2010-07-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

-----------HAPPY 4TH OF JULY EVERYONE-----------

BE SAFE AND DON'T GET INTO TROUBLE

Not looking forward to the 90+ degree weather here in NE PA.

Cheffie from the restaurant where I work is having a bash and we'll be going

to his place for fireworks and beer.........yum!

Here is the finished Penny Squares block of the month.

Notice the hearts in every block.

Everyone should have the twelve blocks done by now.

For those of you who haven't picked up your final blocks, I'm holding them for you still.

I have a little bit of the red with hearts border fabric. I searched everywhere for just the right red

and had it in my shop the whole time.

You will need about 3/4 yard to do the 1" sashing and 3" borders and I will use the same

fabric for the binding.

Finished size is approx. 25 x 31" if you trim the stitched squares to 6".

After sewing, they finish at 5 1/2".

If anyone is interested, I would like to do a Penny Squares block of the month again.

This time, instead of hearts like above, I would like to do it with stars in every block

and in blue with an Americana theme.

Please email to let me know. Here's how it works for anyone unfamiliar with this project.

I put together starter kits with background fabric, floss, needle and your first pattern with instructions.

The fabric and floss is enough to stitch all twelve blocks. The cost for the starter kits is $12.

Then, every month you will be able to buy the next pattern for $2 (reg. price is $4) at the shop.

If you live far away, I can ship, but everything would have to be prepaid by check ( I don't take cards).

This is a fun little project that can be done in your spare time anywhere. The only things extra are an embroidery hoop and small scissors.

These can also be used as ornaments or sachets for gifts, etc.

FLORAL HEARTS MACHINE APPLIQUE CLASS

2010-06-25T14:41:00.000-07:00

So....I used some of the pastel hearts that I had leftover from the class kits and made a small wallhanging.

This one is all yellows....I'm on a yellow kick right now.

In class, we will learn to do the machine applique using very lightweight fusible interfacing.

Here is the supply list..........if you don't have everything....not to worry...we"ll share.

Irons and ironing boards will be provided

MONDAY....JUNE 28, 2010....6 - 9 pm...

STILLWATER CHURCH

Sewing Machine---threaded and in good working order (must have zig-zag or blanket stitch)

                                                    Open Toe Applique Foot (optional)

                                                     Spare Machine Needle size 75/11

                                                       Bobbins---1 extra pre-wound

                                                               Sewing Scissors

                                                         Pinking Shears (optional)

                                                                  Straight Pins

                                                        Seam Ripper (just in case)

                                                   Point Turner or Crochet Hook

                                                              Dark Tan Thread

I will also bring some extra fabric scraps and interfacing so we can practice before we really practice.

We are not doing an actual project.......just some blocks that you can use in a project.

This will be a short class. Bring a beverage if you'd like.

Anyone who hasn't paid yet...bring a check or cash along to class and Ann will take care of that part.

THANKS EVERYONE!

2010-06-24T09:39:00.000-07:00

PATCHES OF THE PAST

--------------FINISH IT UP-------------

You can't tell in the picture, the border fabric has just a touch of blue in it.

The sashing fabric has thin red lines in it and really looks good with all the tans.

I thought that the quilt needed one more color in it and the blue is great.

It's just the right shade and the red is just enough to set off the rest of the reds.

The finishing kits are ready for anyone who has already paid.

Thanks to everyone who participated in this BOM.

Please let me know if you want to do another one for next year.

MY NEIGHBORS.......

2010-05-28T10:09:00.000-07:00

came to shop today.

A cute Amish couple who just married not too long ago.

They love my herbal tea and remedies.

This is a raised bed from early spring.

I have since planted some petunias and tomaoes

and already gave the french tarragon a haircut.

Will show another picture of everything in bloom in a week or so.

Please have a safe Memorial Day Weekend.

Enjoy the great weather and visit the shop when you are in the area.

Prim Blessings all...........

Susan

NEW GIRL ON THE BLOCK

2010-05-27T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well, here she is. Little Emma Rae.

She's 10 days old and about 11 lbs

Skip ahead and here she is at 9 weeks

and close to15 lbs.

Seems she was hungry.

Yes, she was born with all this hair and her Mama had tons of heartburn.

2010-05-13T15:02:00.000-07:00

It has literally been months since my last post.

I have been very busy with life in general and am just now getting a grip on things.

Our two boys went to the prom and my daughter came from CA for a visit and decided to stay and had a baby girl and they are staying with us while DD gets her life in order. I will post pics soon, but for now I am having my annual

"SUMMER OPEN HOUSE"

+++++++++++SATURDAY MAY 15 2010++++++++++

10 - 5

TREATS WILL BE SERVED AND A 10% DISCOUNT WILL BE OFFERED

ON YOUR TOTAL PURCHASE

STOP IN AND SEE ALL THE NEW ITEMS

FRESH HERB PLANTS WILL BE IN

STOP IN AND TRY SOME CAMPFIRE S'MORES

THIS IS A STRAWBERRY DAQUIRI DIP

BUT FOR THE OPEN HOUSE ON SATURDAY I WILL BE HAVING

A DELICIOUS MARGARITA DIP WITH APPLES

++++++++++YUM YUM++++++++++

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.........

LOG CABIN QUILT CLASS

2010-02-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

This is the Log Cabin Wallhanging that we will be making in the beginner quilt class on Feb. 27 and Mar. 6, 2010. We will cover quilting basics such as rotary cutting, 1/4" seams, chain piecing, nesting seams and pressing. On the second day we will cover putting the block together, the quilt sandwich, machine quilting and binding. As soon as I get word that you have paid for the class, I will send a postcard with the list of supplies and tools. And don't worry if you don't have every thing on the list. We quilters love to share.

This is a sampling of the fabrics in the kits. I have changed some of the fabrics due to limited availability of some of them. By changing some of the fabrics all the quilt kits will not be the same. I also saved 3/4 yd. cuts of most of them in case anyone wants to match the border and binding with the same fabric. And that is optional, you do not have to match the border to the quilt, it can be any fabric you would like.

HERE IS THE LIST OF FABRICS IF YOU ARE NOT GETTING A KIT.

one 3" strip of red or gold for the center block

one 2" strip of beige

3 1/2" strip of two different mediums

3 1/2" strip of two different beiges

5" strip of two different mediums

5" strip of two different beiges

6 1/2" strip of two different medium or darks

6 1/2" strip of one beige

You will also need 3/4 yard of a medium or dark fabric for the border and binding. You can match this fabric to a fabric used in the quilt or not.

I think we will finish eight log cabin blocks in the class (which is enough for a tablerunner) or you may finish another eight at home in the week between classes for the wallhanging.

Ann and I decided that you may pay for kits on the day of the first class, but I have to tell you...."first come, first served" because the kits have different fabrics and you will get first choice if you come to the shop to pay first. Joann...since you've already paid so you need to get here right away.

PARSON BROWN.......

2009-12-18T18:08:00.000-08:00

.................is waiting patiently for the snow to fly. Here in NE PA an inch or 2 is expected for tommorrow. That'll put a smile on his handsome face.

The baking is done for Christmas.

Now if only I could muster up the courage to do some shopping for gifts.

I am not a shopper unless it is for the shop.

I have been working at my day job for like 9 straight days and finally have a day off today.

And I have made the most of it, I put together several foodie gift baskets for a few customers,

made pumpkin dip mixes and turkey soup packs,

three different gourmet cocoa blends and

puttered around besides.

I'd like to go home and put my feet up and relax but that's not going to happen.

Next to my chair is a beautiful frasier fir with not a single light or ornament on it, so that's what I will be doing in 15 minutes.

Now just in case I don't have time to post (back to work tommorrow) in the next few days.......

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE .......Susan

SANTA..........

2009-12-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

............and his Snowbuddy hiding in the cupboard.

This is a sitichery pattern that I did with a combination of stitchery and applique in wool. See the potpourri? I call it "Gift of the Magi". It is a mixture of real frankinscense and myrrh with rosemary and other Mediterranean herbs. For the "gold" I put mini gold paper stars and gold tinsel glitter in. Almost sold out of this one.

This is another soap made by my friend Robin Weber. I call it "Gift of the Magi" also because it is very lightly scented with frankinscense and myrrh. And of course, a gold bow to top it off.

I have the shop all decked out for Christmas with 7 small trees and lots of lights and garland and primitive ornies and dolls, but when I go home at the end of the day......NOTHING.....we haven't even gotten our tree yet. There's that old saying about the shoemakers kids with no shoes. Well, that's our house.....me....the quiltmaker/crafter with not a one in sight. How sad!

I have a hundred things to do before the quilt guild meeting Monday and will have to fit it in aound my work schedule (I work everyday til then). So...must get busy sewing and pattern designing. Will take pics and post later.......

HAPPY HOLIDAYS everyone!

THE HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE........

2009-12-09T08:16:00.000-08:00

.......pictures.

Just one of several cookie trays.

Candy jar display

The angel tree

A little snow guy

A big snow guy

Christmas spice soap with star anise decoration

Plain Jane soap in a plain brown wrapper-too cute!

HO HO HO !

Wassail Spice packets---always a best seller with the wine sampling---WOOHOO!

A very big thank you to everyone who came to the Open House.

FALL QUILTED TABLERUNNER

2009-11-04T09:35:00.000-08:00

I made this tablerunner for fall. It took just a couple hours to put together and then an hour or so to quilt. I will have patterns and kits available this weekend in Christmas colors. I will post a pic when its done. The pictures do not do it justice, the colors are more crisp and contrasting in person.

OoooooooH NooooooooO!!!!!

2009-11-04T09:25:00.000-08:00

The time has come to put away all the halloween crafty stuff.....I do like to leave out some fall decor until Thanksgiving. Then the serious Christmas decorating starts in the store. I usually put up 4 or 5 trees (small ones) because I like to display all the ornaments. I had one of the kids go into the garage attic and bring down some boxes that I didn't know the contents of and........... lo and behold.....I spotted some Santas and Snowmen that I had made and frogotten about. Am anxious to unpack those boxes that have been in that attic since our move 4 yrs. ago. I'm heading outside to do some last minute cleaning up and putting some herbs to bed for the winter. Calling for freezing temps the next few nights.

BUBBLE....BUBBLE....TOIL and TROUBLE

2009-10-02T19:42:00.000-07:00

Today, Fri. Oct. 2nd, I surprised Judy at The Cinnamon Stick

for Witch"s Nite Out. I didn't tell her I was coming and she was surprised. I dressed in a hastily put together witch's outfit and drove the 91 miles. OMG----her shop is so awesome........all decked out in fall and halloween goodies. I picked out some neat ornaments and old fashioned orange tinsel. There were so many witches roaming around and a lot of cackling going on. What fun!!!! Judy....you are so clever and creative....I enjoyed myself immensely! Definitely a destination shop....and the shop next door, Homespun, lovely wools and all my favorite pattern designers. It was hard to pick just a few. Can't wait for the Christmas Open House.

POST HERITAGE FESTIVAL PICS

2009-08-12T11:24:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics of my stand when I participated in the Heritage Festival of our little town of Benton, PA.

I used my collection of traditional quilts that I have made over the years and covered all the tables. These are baskets of fat quarters all in small calico-like prints. I only brought things that looked like they were from that time period. I also had some enamelware buckets filled with rolled up wool, but I didn't get a picture of those.

The top shelf here is redwork patterns and supplies and the lower shelves are enamelware pans filled with an assortment of tea.

I travelled the back roads around our farm and gathered about 24 fresh herb bunches and displayed them in old blue mason jars lined up on the tables. This seemed a fitting sign.

Here are the herbs that were used during the Civil War in our area. I used wooden clothespins and attached tags with the herb name and what they were used for. Everybody thought it was pretty neat.

I also clipped lavender, chamomile, bee balm and mints from
my garden. My stand was very colorful and smelled heavenly.

COMPUTER CRASH

2009-08-12T10:59:00.000-07:00

Well........not really a crash but the next thing to it. I downloaded an ezine in April and really enjoyed the magazine and wanted to get the next issue. So I clicked on the website and when it came up something about hackers was on the screen. So.......dummy me thinks the computer forgot where it was going and I went for a second try on the website and same thing.....hackers. Needless to say........I got a virus....well, not 1 but 9 viruses. I was trying to get on Blogger and it (Blogger) would not let me in because the viruses were sending messages trying to infect more computers. Blogger sent me a note that said there was some unauthorized action going on and to protect the other users of the site I would not be allowed in. WOW! That is how I found out about the viruses because my computer was still working but everything was loading very slowly and getting slower everyday. So.......I installed an antivirus program (90 day free trial) and everything is good again. You can be sure after the 90 days I will subscribe.

HERITAGE FESTIVAL

2009-07-17T10:07:00.000-07:00

On Sat. July 25 from 9am-10pm and Sun. July 26 from 9am-4pm the Fishing Creek Confederacy Heritage Festival will be going on in the town of Benton. There will be civil war reenactments, a theatrical production, 1860's activities, professional musicians playing civil war music and period crafts and demonstrations. I will be there to showcase herbs used during the civil war. I will gather fresh herb bouquets and display them with a card with the then and now of herbal lore. I am also bringing some books on civil war quilts with fat quarters to sell and traditional rughooking and wool for pennyrugs. Everyone will be in period costumes and I am making a working day dress for one of the leaders of the group and my costume will be a little more fancy (because I am a merchant whose husband has died in the war and I took over his business as the village druggist) with a hoop skirt and zoave jacket with undersleeves and a reticule (which is a small purse hung from the waistband) and bonnets, of course. So........my shop will be closed on Sat. the 25 of July. Come visit at the festival.

UNCLE SAM & LADY LIB

2009-06-29T18:36:00.000-07:00

My friends and I would like to wish everyone a very happy and safe 4th of July. In our small town we have a bluegrass festival going on July 2-5 and it is very busy at all the restaurants and shops. I will have my shop open and won't be going to town until the evening. There is also a big fireworks show at midnight Sat. night (I think). I never find things out until the last minute. Anyways..........Happy July 4th........Long may she wave!

RHUBARB PUNCH RECIPE

2009-06-27T09:05:00.000-07:00

Here is a clever use for an old spindle bobbin. I have a lot of them all with different colors of thread wound on. I put a simple bouquet (to match the thread) in the hole in the top and wound some rusty wire around the top with a loop for hanging. For a splash of color, a strip of homespun would look cool. Isn't she sweet? I like to make my dolls versatile. I will sew the hands together and then I have a place for a seasonal ornament such as now with the bouquet of daisies or a flag or both. In the fall she will look great with a small pumpkin tucked in her arms. At Christmas, I make stick trees and she can hold one of those.

So, a couple of months ago I promised a recipe for Rhubarb Punch. Well, I made some and am offering samples in the shop this weekend. It is delicious. My significant other keeps asking for some, so I made him a batch too! I have a cupful here next to the computer as I'm working right now.

RHUBARB PUNCH RECIPE

Simmer 1 to 1 1/4 cups sugar in 2 cups cold fresh water just til sugar dissolves (5 min.). Let cool and put into a large pouring container.

Simmer 2 lbs. (about 6 cups) fresh or frozen rhubarb* diced in 1/2" pieces in 4 cups cold fresh water about 10 min. covered.

Turn off the heat and let steep covered til lukewarm then strain into the large container with the sugar syrup you made earlier.

Add 5 - 6 more cups cold fresh water, refrigerate til cold---stir and ENJOY ! ! !

I garnished with fresh lemon balm and mint would be nice too! Let me know what you think!

*I have fresh rhubarb that I froze already diced in 2 lb. packs in the shop.

SCRAPPY BUCKEYE BEAUTY QUILT BLOCK

2009-06-25T11:40:00.000-07:00

This is the buckeye beauty block, but if you look close it is the jacob's ladder block x4. In most of the block patterns that I have looked at the the dark triangle is on the outside of the block---well---I liked it better on the inside of the block next to the dark 4-patch. So--what I am doing is packing the 3 colors together for each block and each pack will make two 6 1/2" jacob's ladder blocks. Each pack is also numbered so you can purchase them in order and not get any duplicates. There is also enough fabric for a scrappy border and binding. The pattern is free with your first pack purchase. And just make as many as you want, start and stop anytime. When I have enough blocks (12) made I will arrange them (3x4) into a top with the borders and binding. If I have enough people interested, I will offer a 2-3 hr. workshop on speed piecing--I can make 8 jacob's ladder blocks in about an hour.

SUSQUAHANNAH STASH DASH

2009-06-04T11:38:00.001-07:00

A selection of Christmas fat quarters.

A sampling of everyday fat quarters.

More fat quarters........hundreds to choose from.

The quilt shops in northern Columbia County in NE PA are having their first annual spring shop hop. It's called the Susquahannah Stash Dash. There are 7 shops involved and it runs from June 5-14. I am NOT involved in the shop hop so you don't need to come here with your passport, but during this time I will be having a fabric sale........fat quarters will be only $1 each, but you have to buy a minimum of 10 for that price..........Americana coordinated fabric packs will be half price.........Bolts and flat-fold fabrics will be 25% off the marked price..........20% off all quilt and doll books and patterns..........Please call if you need directions to the store 570-458-6968. There are written directions from different areas in the Apr. 03, 09 blog titled "A Nice Drive in the Country".

UNDERGROUND RAILROAD QUILT

2009-06-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

In Sept. of '08 an awesome group of four quilters formed the Northern Columbia Quilt Guild. Over the course of the last 10 months a wonderful woman, Lorraine, did a presentation and told stories about the underground railroad during the meetings. The blocks were drafted in 4 sizes by another wonderful woman named Carolyn. This is my version of the quilt. It looks a lot better in real time. I got to admire my handiwork for 1 week only because someone already bought the quilt. That would have been one I would have liked to keep, it was really beautiful and graphic because of the dark background. I made another one in pinks and browns in a different setting and size. It is on the quilt rack right now. After its done I'll get a picture and tell you THAT story.

MAMA SOW and PIGLETS

2009-05-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

My pictures are out of order. This is a pic of the garden after the brave little piglets (shown below) came for a visit. They rooted around in the mulch and disturbed the newspaper weed blocker. What a messs......thanks little guys! This spring our pig sow had a litter of piglets and they are the cutest little guys. Look at how tiny they are compared to the mama!

I think Mama is trying to hide or maybe she's just keeping her nose warm. Look how each little piglet is a different color. At about three weeks old the piglets were getting brave and coming out of the pen. They would go exploring in the barnyard and run at every noise.

Getting ready for summer! HIP HIP HOORAY!

SHOP IS SHUT APR. 18TH

2009-04-15T11:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a before picture of my herb garden. Isn't this old fence great. It was going to be torn down and burned so I rescued it. I cut it down to about 30" and knocked out every other slat. I told my husband I wanted it to look like its been in the yard for a hundred years....He said "you don't have to worry about that!" Now it looks good with our 100+ year old farmhouse.

I always use brown eggs for dying at Eastertime. I just love the way the colors come out with the brown undertones. They look so countrified.

The shop will be shut on Sat. April 18th. My son participates every year in the "Odyssey of the Mind" competition. The group from Benton placed 1st in the regionals with 348 points out of a possible 350. They are going to the state finals this Sat. I am going so I can get pictures. Evidently everyone was very impressed with the Walrus (my son) costume, which was made by one of the girls in the group. I didn't get to go to the regionals so am going this Sat.

A NICE DRIVE IN THE COUNTRY

2009-04-03T08:05:00.000-07:00

I tried to put my map here but a message kept coming up--internal error-- so there's no map. I will type in the directions from different areas. And if it's raining like today, bring an umbrella, it is a bit of a hike from the parking to the shop.

From Rt. 42 and points west: In Millville take Rt. 254E about 5 miles, turn left onto Austin Trail, go approx. 5 miles, turn right at stop sign, go 1 mile, we are on the right, across the street from the Jackson Baptist Church.

From Rt. 487 and points east: south of Benton, take Rt. 254W about 5 miles, at the stop sign turn right, go 1/4 mile and turn right onto Austin Trail, go about 5 miles, turn right at the stop sign, go 1 mile, we are on the right, across the street from the Jackson Baptist Church.

From Berwick: take Rt. 93N to Orangeville, turn right onto Rt. 487N, follow directions from Rt. 487 above.

From Bloomsburg: take either Rt. 487N or 42N, follow those directions above.

From Benton: off of Rt. 487N. turn left onto Market St. follow Market St. out of town, over West Creek Bridge it is now called Distillery Hill Rd., follow Distillery Hill up the hill, at the T follow the road to the right. Keep going approx. 3 miles, cross over Green Creek Rd. and go UP the hill (not right and down and not left and backwards) UP the hill. The road now is called Derrs Rd. Go approx. 3 more miles and you will see the Jackson Baptist Church in front of you, we are on the left, approx. 5-6 miles

From Rt. 118 and points north: take 487S to just north of Benton and take a right onto Waller Rd., go a few miles and take a left onto Green Creek Rd., go 2 or 3 miles and take a right onto Piper Rd., go 2 or 3 miles and at the stop sign, we are on the left.

These are the easiest directions and once you are here you will no doubt find shortcuts to take home. As my friend Carolyn says....all roads lead to Derrs.

THE OLD FARMHOUSE

2009-04-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I brought in the last 10 or so boxes to unpack. I love this old farmhouse. It suits me. I have rearranged the quilt fabric room for the third time. I think it works now. I spent the whole day (tuesday) emptying out the garage so I could sweep and mop. I am going to divide it into an antiques room and a plant potting room. It has 11 foot ceilings and the walls are all panelled. The quilts will have plenty of hanging room. Hope to get some pictures soon so you can see.

Our new address is 353 Derrs Rd. Benton, PA 17814 (the parsonage across the street from the Jackson Baptist Church in the Village of Derrs). Please call for directions....we are only 5 miles from the old location.

New phone # is 570-458-6968. It took the phone co. 2 weeks to connect the phone.

Picked out a room upstairs for scrapbooking. Now I just need some furniture for it.

Set up the quilting machine in another upstairs room. It has a view of the parking lot so I can see arriving people.

New hours are Monday thru Saturday 12-5 and Thursday til 8 pm. Other times by chance or appointment. Closed Sunday by order of the church!

Please check the blog frequently for changes or closings and goings on. Hope to see you soon!

THE OLD SHOP IN TOWN

2009-03-05T07:29:00.000-08:00

Click on the picture to get a close-up of the quilts.

I have officiaolly started to move. I have been mulling over in my mind the pros and cons of leaving town and opening my shop in the country. The pro column is about 15 items long and the con column is only 1 item (location). This is a pic of the town shop. The dilemma is that I am located behind another building and as people drive by on the main road they have no idea I am even back there. When the store in front of me is closed, no one sees my shop out back (and they close for the winter). I think I lose a lot of business with no road frontage. And my overhead is very high for this small town. The pro column at this shop is 1 item long (location, but not really a good one) and the con column is 12 items long (probably more). I have been searching for a place on Main St. for a few months now and nothing has been going in my favor. I read a book called "The Secret" last year and one of the main issues with this book is that "you make your own destiny" and "if you think it, it will happen". I really believe that and here's why: When we first moved to the little village of Derrs, the parsonage next door to us sat empty and I thought to myself "what a neat place that would be for my shop!" WELL--wouldn't you know, when I asked at church one Sunday about a month ago...."What do you think about moving my shop into the parsonage"? The response was a big YES--the only yes I have heard for months. So, I'm thinking that my thoughts from 4 yrs. ago are going to happen. I have signed a contract with the Jackson Baptist Church and will be moving into the parsonage this month. The parsonage is located only 5 miles away and a very nice drive in the country. It sits on an acre and a half with room for gardens and a greenhouse. The attached garage will make a great classroom. I teach all kinds of primitive handwork and need the room. I'm looking forward to all this new space!

These are the Summer girls. I make a life-size doll for the porch every season.

Thank you Patti from Brickhouuse Crafts for your kind comments.

UNCLE SAM GOES TO FLORIDA

2009-02-28T12:28:00.000-08:00

A friend was in and saw my Uncle Sam pieced and quilted wallhanging and wanted her sister (in-law?) who lives in Florida to see it. The sister (in-law?) decorates her home in Americana. So here, in all his glory, is Uncle Sam. Enjoy!

SPRING AT LAST ?

2009-02-27T07:33:00.000-08:00

Bunny on a stick peeking out of the daisy patch.

Paper-pieced tulips wallhanging. Bright and colorful.

Cutest ever bunny in a box with carrot garland.

DODGEBALL TOURNAMENT

2009-02-27T06:30:00.000-08:00

OFF CONSTANTLY TEAM....awesome!

Check out the monkey!

Winding up for the throw!

COSMIC PANDAS TEAM......cute!

Every year at about this time the BENTON JR/SR HIGH SCHOOL has a dodgeball tournament. My 2 boys are always on separate teams and It is such a competition between the two teams. This was the first year I actually went to watch. It is sooooo much fun for the kids and for the audience. I couldn't believe how much fun it was. The OFF CONSTANTLY team came into my shop to use my work table to gussy up their t-shirts. The t-shirts are white and they add graphics and nicknames, I liked CREEPER and POP-O TART alot, but they were all really creative and original. My other boys team was something about COSMIC PANDAS and they came in to cut their stencils and were going to Max's house to paint their shirts. The teams consist of 6 players and the object is to not get hit by a ball thrown by the opponent. There are 3 balls in play at all times. Its really fun when the opposing team gangs up on one boy and he has to dodge 3 balls at once. The OFF CONSTANTLY team had a gorrilla (SMURF PAPA) on their team and everyone was yelling "Kill the Monkey". What a riot!! The tournament lasts about 3 hours and we had to stay to the end because OFF CONSTANTLY beat every other team and had to beat the TEACHERS TEAM. The teachers won!

PENNY SQUARES REDWORK CLUB

2009-02-27T05:17:00.000-08:00

So, in February I started a PENNY SQUARES REDWORK CLUB. Here's how it works--buy the starter kit for $11.95 and then every month for the next eleven come in for a new pattern. At the end of eleven months you will have 12-5x5" stitched blocks to make into a small wall hanging. The kit includes enough muslin for 12 doubled 8x8" squares to do your stitching on and some fabic left over for a few extra squares, floss for 12 blocks, needles, and your first pattern. The next 11 patterns will be available the first week of every month and will cost $2.00 each. I have figured out the cost of 12 patterns at the reg. price of $4.00 would cost $48.00 for the year plus the cost of fabric and floss. In the CLUB, the cost for the year is $34.00 which INCLUDES the materials. Such a deal...a savings of approx. $21.00! ! You can start or stop anytime you want and also do additional projects with the patterns. I made a lavender sachet ot of one patterns and framed the angel. Very cute.

This is a picture of the first pattern and the following months includes patterns of CAT & MOUSE FRIENDS--A BEAR with a balloon--A SALTBOX with willow trees-- A CANDLE in a pan with potpourri--A TINY PENNYRUG--FLOWERS AND 6 MORE all with a heart theme.

ONE WEEK

2009-02-09T07:08:00.000-08:00

So I must be the worst blogger in all of blogging history......I just cannot motivate myself to keep up with it on a daily basis. Or even weekly...Or even monthly. I have a shop that I run myself, and I make all my own products. It is a lot of (fun?) work....Why, just last week I made 10 lbs. of Chai tea (my own recipe that everyone loves), 3 herbal teas for medicinal purposes, I made 2 flannel baby quilts and quilted them, quilted 3 large custom made wallhangings, made a paper-pieced four leaf clover quilt square and two blocks in the Underground Railroad quilt for the Northern Columbia Quilt Guild meeting tonight, started a new PENNY SQUARES REDWORK CLUB and am now stitching the models for the patterns, did all my paperwork for income tax filing (depressing!), took down the Christmas tree (finally) and am trying do do some spring cleaning in the shop and at home. Between all of that, I drive the kids to their sports and after school activities and games, cooked for a church function Sun. afternoon And just last night, listened to my husband gripe about how I don't do anything!!!!WHEW.............

FALL in NEPA

2008-10-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying some absolutely beautiful weather here in Northeast Pennsylvania. The trees are changing colors and our small town is getting ready for the annual Halloween parade on the 28th of Oct. It is in the mid 70's temperature wise so I'm postponing bringing in the tender perrenials. I did move them onto the porch because we had frost a couple nights ago. I have made some neat autumn dolls and quilts where they are for sale in my ESTY shop. Just go to hennypennys.etsy.com to see more.

HARVEST GATHERINGS OPEN HOUSE

2008-08-14T07:30:00.000-07:00

HENNY PENNY'S COUNTRY STORE

230 Main Street (out back)

Benton, PA 17814

570-925-5204

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HARVEST GATHERINGS

OPEN HOUSE

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SATURDAY...........OCTOBER 4, 2008........10 - 5

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TRICKS and TREATS

FALL DOLLS and DECORATIONS

PUMPKINS and GOURDS

DISCOUNTS THROUGHOUT THE STORE

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HENNY PENNY'S COUNTRY STORE is located in a small town in NE Pennsylvania. When you come to visit make a day of visiting the antique stores, shops and restaurants. SEE YOU SOON !

HANDWORK CLASS LIST

2008-08-13T20:25:00.000-07:00

PUMPKIN PENNYRUG

This class is all about learning the basic stitch and working with wool. We will make the pumpkin panel and it is your choice as to how you finish it. I made this one into a pillow. Other options include making it into a tablerunner, tablemat, purse or small wallhanging. There are samples of other projects to inspire you in the shop.

I will have kits available or if you have wool, I will have a supply list when you pay. Payment assures you a seat in class.

Date: SEPT. 10, 08........... Time: 5-9

Class: $20.00 includes pattern.............. Kit cost: $10.00

CHRISTMAS TREE STITCHERY

If you have ever done any cross-stitching, this class will be a cinch. We will start with learning the basic stitches and getting your design on the cloth. We will make the tree panel and then you can decide how you would like to finish your project. I framed mine in a distressed black frame. Other options include mini wallhanging or pillow. I have other samples in the shop for inspiration.

I will have kits made up if you need one, or you will get a supply list when you pay. Payment assures you a seat in class.

Date: NOV. 5. 08.................. Time: 5-9

Class: $20.00........................ Kit cost: $6.00

LOCKERHOOKED CANDLE MAT

Lockerhooking is fun and fast. Once you know the shortcuts, it goes fast. And be cause you start with the finishing, there is no finishing! Does that make sense? Anyways, we will make a small mat using strips of fabric in one color family. This one is done in shades of red, they look too pink in the pic.

I will have kits for the basic supplies, which you will probably need, and I can put together a fabric kit if you need one. A supply list will be available with your payment. Payment assures you a seat in class.

Date: OCT. 15, 08.................. Time: 5-9

Class: $20.00.............................Basic kit cost: $10.00..... Fabric kit cost: $12.00

CLASS POLICY...........
Preregistration and payment is required to assure you a seat in class.
All classes are on WED. nights. Classes are small.
We will have tea and cookies.
Refunds will be given up to 7 days before a scheduled class.
You will learn everything in class, so if you don"t finish during class time, you will be able to finish at home. I am always available at the shop during the day for help.
Please NO children or non-participants.
Questions? call--570-925-5204 or email--hennypennyscountrystore@jlink.net

ANNUAL WATER BATTLE

2008-08-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

Every summer our small town of Benton in NE Pennsylvania has a carnival and parade. There are firetrucks from surrounding communities lining the street as far as the eye can see. I didn't count but there must have been about 20 companies in the parade this year. With sirens blasting, the mayor goes by in a sports car throwing out candy for the kids along the sidewalks. Everyone comes out to bombard the firemen with water balloons and the firemen reciprocate with their water hoses from the trucks. It almost seems like an unfair fight, but you can't even believe the amount of water balloons hitting the firemen. The kids really have a lot of fun. This year the water battle was on Aug. 2nd.

Fire trucks lined up far down the street.

Some boys getting ready for battle

This guy probably spent days stockpiling his balloons, each of these bags are filled with water balloons

College hunks looking for unsuspecting targets

Broadcasting by the local radio station

The balloons are flying! ! !

The local police is the first target and nobody passed up this opportunity to bean the cop car

Watch out for the fire hoses! ! !

HERB JAR WALL

2008-07-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

It seems that no matter how big my herb orders are, I'm constantly running out of stock. I made a Headache Relief Tea, but had to first order 3 herbs. After I finished making a large jar of the loose herbs, I ran out of 2 more different herbs ands wouldn't you know, someone came into the shop and bought the whole 10 oz. jar of herbs. So now, I'm out of headache tea and am out of 2 of the herbs that go into the tea.

I can not get everything I need from one company, so when I put in my herb orders I must have paid out $50 in shipping charges. That is absolutely outrageous. Maybe I should start growing my own, but then I'd have to spend all my time in the fields and I'd rather be sewing!!

Here's a picture of one of the herb walls in my shop. I must have about 160 medicinal herbs, about 90 culinary herbs, probably 60 or so herbal teas, and 20 (?) green and black teas. It really has to be seen to be believed.

GARDEN OF WEEDS

2008-07-24T10:54:00.000-07:00

I started this herb garden 2 years ago and have been adding to it and last year it looked really good. I don't know what happened but the weeds have really taken over.
Some of the weeds are 7 feet tall.

My feverfew (which should only grow 2-3 feet) grew to 5 feet. It is very leggy though. I cut all the feverfew and am going to put it in a patch by itself where it will self-sow and can grow wild. It took over a good 8 foot patch of the garden.

There are 2 other very large bushes in this garden that have expanded. One filled in a good chunk of space by runners and crowded out my hyssop and licorice plants, so those are gone to the big herb patch in the sky. The other bush grew so tall and wide, it also over shadowed some herbs and they are gone. We had hooked a tow strap to these bushes in order to pull them up and transplant them, but the bushes didn't budge and the 4" wide strap broke.

It took a couple of days to weed the garden. Most of the weeds pulled right out of the mulch, root and all. I think the mulch was full of weed seeds. I decided to move the rest of the herbs into another harb garden for safe keeping and will rorotill this garden under and start over. Don't know yet if I should move the garden away from the two bushes or set fire to them.

THE FAMOUS "NECKTIE QUILT"

2008-07-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

I spent the whole winter making this quilt. Patti brought in a bagful of neckties and asked for a cutom-made queen-sized quilt using the neckties. I dumped the ties on my workbench and looked at them, moved them around, looked at them some more......no idea what to do with them.

Took them home, counted them, moved them around, looked some more.......finally after about 2 months, hand appliqued the ties to background squares.

Had to buy fabrics, but didn't quite know how to match fabric to the ties because all the ties were different colors and styles. So I bought the fabrics to match each other and didn't worry about matching the ties. It is certainly a one of a kind quilt.

There will never be another quilt like this one....past, present or future...........

2008-02-20T12:00:00.000-08:00

Its a very cold day here in PA. I saw this little girl sitting in a corner of the shop with her Kitty and had to snap her picture. Made a great Immune Boosting Tea for the cold days ahead. I'm going to take a bit home and let Husband try it first. Can't wait until spring...will be planting a small herb garden in front of the shop. Since I have an upstairs balcony I will plant nasturtiums in pots and let it trail over the edge. I'll put a picture in a future blog. TA-TA for now...........Susan

2007-12-27T07:50:00.000-08:00

Had a very busy season in the shop and am now expecting things to calm down. I have a lot of quilting to get done. Also am looking forward to making a newsletter full of shop information and new items to sell. I am going to try to load some pics on the site. I made a new snowman and want to show him off. TA-TA FOR NOW. SUSAN

HENNY PENNY'S COUNTRY STORE

2007-12-21T10:06:00.000-08:00

GREETINGS PRIMITIVE and COUNTRY FRIENDS........Just signed on with blogspot and have no clue. I will be muddling through for a couple of days to get my bearings. Please be patient! Susan