Shopping in South Fork

I usually make a shopping run to the South Fork community every four to five weeks. 

There are sometimes good finds at the discount stores or at the produce market.

The narrow winding roads can be challenging, not least because one can meet an over-loaded log truck, or overtake a variety of horse-drawn conveyances, bicycles, iron-wheeled tractors. 

I made a quick visit to Misty Mountain Sales late in July to purchase quilt backing [or 'lining' as it is locally termed] didn't drive up during August, although my favorite area greenhouse/nursery reopened for fall on the 12th.

When I announced my intention to make the rounds today J. decided he had an errand at 

Liberty Lumber Supply in the area. 

Our first stop was at Misty Mountain Sales. Its a favorite venue where I enjoy browsing even without a specific purchase in mind. The display of locally crafted quilts and furniture is inspiring and changes from time to time. 

Other than cleaning supplies we didn't find much to buy at the two discount stores, so settled for soft-serve ice cream from Sunny Valley Country Store, then 

a quick stop at Homestead Gardens for violas to set out in planters near the front door. 

Below are photos from Misty Mountain.

It has become increasingly problematic to transfer photos from my Canon camera to my PC. I have procrastinated in learning to work with iphone photos but it seems the time has come. 

We've seen several buggies in the S. Fork neighborhood that are fancier than the usual.

Note the embossed metal where normally there would be wooden sides.

I thought the horse was handsome!

The young woman preparing to drive away when we came out of the store was pretty with blonde curly hair tucked into her bonnet and wearing a blue-flowered dress.

A wall display of kitchen gadgets.

No power tools on offer, but all manner of hand tools and bits and pieces for home/farm repairs. 

This is my go-to place when I can justify new bakeware.

Much of it is sized to accommodate the feeding of large families.

Ready-made garments for sale. I've sometimes seen a Mennonite woman tending the store and working at her [electric] sewing machine to produce bonnets, aprons and simple children's clothing.

If you need to replace your wood-burning cookstove or are just setting up housekeeping, there are several in stock or you can choose to order another model shipped to the store.

We purchased our wood-burning heater there when we built our house.

Rocking chairs are a staple of Amish craftsmanship.

We have two with bent-wood frames purchased from an Amish man formerly living in our neighborhood. 

This one differs in the 'post' frame construction and the decorative horse's head etched into the back rest.

I was trying to unobtrusively get close enough to the quilt display to take photos.

The owners are fine with that, but the store was busier than usual with 'English' customers [probably tourists] as well as Old Order Amish and Mennonite shoppers.

The Amish don't approve of being photographed so I  meant to be discreet. 

The hand applique and hand quilting is very fine. Most of those quilts can be purchased for under $500. 

There are a few older quilts displayed for sale, some in pristine condition, some showing wear.

Two hexagon quilts, a Sunbonnet Sue and a pieced basket quilt.

As well there are some simpler 'every day' quilts, even a few small 'tied' comforters.

Each appliqued block in this quilt was slightly different. 

These fine quilts are hung behind a protective sheet of clear vinyl. 

Another appliqued beauty.

There were several wall hangings in different colorways created from diamond Log Cabin blocks.

These were new to the display.

I ducked into the aisle of canning supplies to take this shot of the check-out area. 

The proprietor's given name is 'Fairman.' He is chatty, knowledgeable about the items stocked, apparently well able to deal with a computer for placing orders.

I don't ask prying questions, but I gather that modern devices can be used in a business setting though not allowed in Amish or Mennonite homes.