Mrs. Miller's Dry Goods

A few Saturday's ago I stopped by a local business, tucked away in the quaint Amish town of Charm, Ohio. I browsed, took pictures and spoke with the owner and some of her employees, and I was mesmerized. The reason why I wanted to go see what it was all about was because last Fall I had a little chit chat with one of the employees about this business and was intrigued. This employee told me of how much fun she has at work and all the little perks she gets by working there. It sounded to me like they were a happy family there and it just felt warm and homespun to me, so I had to go check it out for myself.

 

I rarely travel to this quaint town called Charm anymore, it has become a town I once frequented on a weekly basis but now has become a place I go to mostly in my memory. We no longer live as close to Charm as we once did and usually when I leave our driveway I am headed in a different direction.

 

So when I say "I was sort of taken aback when I first arrived at Mrs. Miller's Dry Goods", that is exactly what I mean. I had no idea how much things had changed since I had last been there. When we were still Amish this was the place where I mostly shopped for my fabric to sew each one of my family member's wardrobes. I purchased fabric for dresses, shirts, pants, coats and jackets and even my daughter and my coverings. I made almost everything we wore out of fabric that mostly came out of this store. I loved to sew and going to Mrs. Miller's Dry Goods was always a pleasure when I needed more fabric. It filled up something inside of me as I walked through the aisles and touched the fabric and dreamed of what a dress could look like for my young daughter or myself, often contemplating purchasing a fabric that might be plain in color, but maybe have a texture, some design woven into the fabric, but usually adhering to the Amish rules and regulations on their dress code and making my purchase within the "ordnung" of the church.

 

As I paused in the doorway, the other Saturday, for a moment I remembered Mrs. Miller padding through her store, smiling, nodding "hello" as I entered her store and bidding me to "look around and if I needed help to ask". I could see the former set up plainly in my mind's eye and thought of how she and/or her two daughters were almost always there when one entered through the door. Mrs. Miller helped me countless times with my purchases, always friendly and patient, as were her two daughters, Katie and Mary. Quite simply, it was always a treat to enter their store and make my purchases.

 

One of the biggest changes I noticed as I stood there observing everything, when I first arrived, was the fabric that Amish folks might purchase to sew into dresses and pants has all been put in the basement and the top floor of the store has become a quilt and crafter's dream. I suspect many Amish ladies purchase their fabrics from their own, more local, Amish-owned fabric stores these days. There are many of those all around us. I can probably think of ten or so such stores nearby. And there are probably many more I don't even know of.

 

Some serious updates have taken place all over the two stores, each building has been tidied up, everything looks fresh, inviting, and well....homespun is a word I keep coming back to. I've been by the place since they've updated, but never paused to "notice" the changes.

 

Someone has a real talent and an eye for making sure folks know where to go. The signage around this business is like none other that I've ever seen. What a pleasure it was to be able to find things, know where to go and what to look for.  In my pictures you will see many of those signs. I was totally blown away with how organized everything was around there, both inside and out.

 

One of Mrs. Miller's daughters now owns the business. She and her husband have utilized EVERY corner of the property her mother used to own. The house Mary grew up in has been turned into a fabric crafter and quilter's retreat, called The Rural Thimble. The outside is beautiful and inviting. I have no doubt that coming here to spend a week or weekend quilting and crafting with one's friends would leave one inspired, refreshed and feeling accomplished by the end of the stay. I did not get to go inside the house because it had been rented out to a group during that time. You can click on the link I provided in this paragraph for more photos and information.  

 

The log cabin Mrs. Miller had built and lived in behind the stores has now been turned into lodging. You can find out more by clicking on this link if you would like to stay deep in the heart of Amish Country. There is a beautiful covered bridge going back to the log cabin and a creek running through the property which I'm sure you can hear from the porch of the cabin.

 

The first family home had been turned into the store many, many years ago and much later the family barn had also been turned into a store. Following you will see a lot of pictures I took that Saturday and will try to describe what each one is.

 

Speaking with Mary as I was taking my pictures I felt like I understood why this place had changed so much. I knew Mary when she was still a young Amish girl and much later I would see her out and about, but never got to really know her. In today's world she has blossomed into a confident businesswoman, calm, collected, friendly, trendy, and seems to have her thumb on the pulse of what makes quilters and fabric crafters tick. She isn't afraid to put money into the business and her employees and for that reason, I think, is why her employees speak highly of her and why her customers have such a satisfied smile on their faces and why those customers return when they need more fabric or inspiration. When I say inspiration, I mean "IDEAS". There are so many examples displayed throughout both of the stores, one can't help but get an urge to sew something. If you are in the mood to craft or quilt but are uninspired, I recommend a trip to this quaint little Amish town called Charm and a visit to Mrs. Miller's Dry Goods. It is a real treasure to go there and browse. I would say, if you are a quilter/fabric crafter you will want to carve out a half a day or more when you come for your first visit.

 

I am sure positive Mrs. Miller would be happy and satisfied with all the changes Mary and her husband have made to the business. When I left there I was smiling and felt something inside of me, something happy and homespun and wanting to return when I have more time. I enjoyed the memories of the old and the face of the new. I'm so glad I went and I'm so happy to feature Mary and her business in my "Real People" section on my blog.

 

 

On a side note...I wrote about traveling to this business via horse and buggy and about an incident that happened to me on the way home that day. You can read about that adventure by clicking here. It was hair-raising and a real life adventure for sure!

 

 

When you first arrive, you can't help but take note of the signs.

 

Two stores. Quilt Barn and Fabric Store.

 

The Quilt Barn. There are comfy rocking chairs under the porch, I have a feeling a lot of men have found their way to that porch and those chairs whilst they wait on their ladies. The hitching post in front of the barn is still used by the Amish folks who come to shop.

 

The Fabric Store, formerly their home and years ago fashioned into Mrs. Miller's livelihood to support her family.

 

A shot from a different angle of both stores.

 

The lazy sidewalk connecting the store and the quilter's retreat, The Rural Thimble.

 

The porch of The Rural Thimble. Cozy quilter's retreat!

 

Full view of The Rural Thimble.

 

Inside the fabric store, you will find many nooks and crannies, each one thought out, keeping the customer's experience in mind. Here you can sit down and quilt! Yes, right there in the middle of the store you can experience quilting and I'm sure if you don't know how to quilt, one of the very friendly employees or Mary, herself will gladly give you some tips and pointers.

 

Some quilts hanging on the walls. So beautiful!

 

Amanda, Mary's daughter, and her grandmother's namesake. She was working on a project for school she said. Amanda is a typical teenager, friendly, wanting to make sure her hair was nice and neat before I took her picture and when I asked her if she will one day take over the store she smiled and nodded her head and said "probably".

 

Button, button, whose got the button? Here is a wash sink filled with buttons. You can sit down and explore the buttons, feel them, play with them, find some you like or need, get them weighed and take them home. Mary told me that kids ask to come here to play with the buttons. It is simply the coolest thing...ever!

 

One little nook right in the middle of the store has bakery cases Mary purchased from at an auction that had been part of Norman's Bakery from Millersburg, Ohio. Norman's Bakery was the bakery to go to in the 60's and 70's. Mary has recycled those cases into a nook a display that holds all kinds of shapes and sizes of fabric. The squares are called "layer cakes", the rolled up ones are called "jelly rolls" and on and on. You will want to visit this little nook and check out the cases. Very innovative and quaint and a part of the local's history. A few more bakery pictures follow. Enjoy!  

 

Examples hanging on the walls, with pre-cuts in packages ready to be purchased and taken home and crafted on your own sewing machine.

 

 

There are kits available for each month, and an example of each month is displayed, weaving their way around a wall on a laundry line. I chose to photograph August, because in the dead of winter, this looked so summer to me. And August is the month I was born in, so why not?

 

A chalkboard resides inside the entrance door and there are specials listed. I like the little hearts floating around. You can tell the folks who work there all care about the details and making the experience happy and fun and inspiring for their customers.

 

As I paused by this display I heard someone say, "Fat quarters, it's not a body part!" I looked around and saw a cute and chipper young lady walking through the store with a customer. Sue Yoder also has her thumb on the pulse of this business and is friendly and outgoing.

 

A bit earlier Sue had yelled at me from across the store, "Hi Lue! I read your blog!" I was confused for one little second when I heard her say that. It is still humbling for me to know folks actually read my words that I post on here.

 

But it also feels good.

 

I like Sue! What a precious young lady! We got to talk for a few moments before I left the store and I just. like. her.

 

Okay, back to the fat quarters display. Mary explained that fat quarters are 1/2 yard pieces cut on the fold and are 18" x 22" square pieces. They are typically used for pillows. She said because they are cut this way the customer doesn't have to purchase a whole 1/2 yard of fabric. It becomes economical for her customers.

 

These photos are of the inside of the fabric store. There are bolts and bolts and bolts of fabric. It is an amazing sight to behold when you are actually there.

 

Here is Sue helping a customer.

 

I forgot this lady's name. I'm sorry, but she was so friendly, as are all the employees there. I asked her if I could take a picture and she willingly obliged.

 

I love this wall hanger. It just spoke to me. If I had a western style room, I would purchase this and bring it home.

 

You can purchase crafting fabrics in the Quilt Barn. Flannel, Homespun and Minkee. I knew there was flannel, but I had never heard of the other two, but I found out they are very popular fabrics and a whole room in the barn is dedicated to these fabrics.

 

Here are Tagalong Blankie's. They are made with the Minkee fabric.

 

Minkee fabric is. so. soft!

 

Mary told me how she and her husband go to auctions and garage sales and "find" interesting displays for the store. you will find everything from bakery cases, to cribs to antiques in both stores displaying fabric and products.

 

Homespun display.

 

Barrels of oil cloth so one can make raincoats.

 

Who would have thought???

 

Not me! I was totally impressed.

 

The little orange coat is a perfect size for a little girl. I could just envision a little girl walking to school on a rainy day in her trendy homemade raincoat!

 

Here in the front room of the Quilt Barn is the original hay mow.

 

This is the perfect display for chicken pin cushions.

 

SO ADORABLE!

 

The Quilt Barn has a beautiful open stairway going upstairs and up there you will find the quilts and a ton of items made by mostly Amish ladies. It is one way that Amish ladies can bring in a little income and is a way that widows are able to supplement their support. I know Mary's mother, Mrs. Miller, helped out the widows in the community by giving them quilting or other fabric craft projects to sew. My own mother in law quilted many a quilt for Mrs. Miller when she was still able to quilt.

 

 

 

Toaster covers. Mary said they are a popular item.

 

Yep, a whole, real open buggy resides in the upstairs of the Quilt Barn! It is that big up there!

 

These dolls are displayed on the open buggy. Don't they look..mischievous?

 

Unique displays.

 

A bed in the middle of the Quilt Barn, holding a very pretty quilt. I love these colors. Greens are my favorite colors and so it really caught my eye.

 

A close up of the middle of the quilt. See how puffy? I wanted to just lay down for a spell and feel the comfort.

 

But I didn't.  

 

I want to come back and pick out some of these area rugs for my home. Mary said some Amish man makes them and she has them in her home and they are fabulous! She said she can wash them and they always hold up. I'm sold! I want some for my mud room and my kitchen....and maybe my laundry room...hmmm? I better stop.

 

How! Beautiful!

 

An close up of one of the area rugs.

 

Quilts hanging in the background. Lots and lots of quilts. If you are in the market for a beautiful quilt that will become an heirloom...this is the place to go. I'm sure if Mary doesn't have it there, she can get one made for you. She has connections throughout the Amish community and can get you what you want.

 

On the outside of The Quilt Barn, beside the entrance door, is a small door that the family horse would look out of in the summer time. I remember him hanging his head out of there when I would stop by to make my purchases. If I remember correctly, the horse's name was Tony, but not quite sure.

 

Sue! What a pleasure! Like I said, she seems to have her thumb on the pulse of this wonderful business and just look at her smile! Her personality just oozes friendly and fun.

 

Getting to know Sue made me wish I had time to get to know more of Mary's employees and feature more of them here. I did meet Sue's mother who also works here. She is Amish and a widow and also very friendly and helpful. My friend from church, Dorothy, is the one who told me about how much she loves her job and all the amazing things happening here. Hi Dorothy!

 

Meet Mary!

 

What a lovely lady!

 

I just know her mother would be so proud of her if she could see what Mary has done to with the business.

 

The covered bridge going over to the cabin.

 

The view of the cabin through the covered bridge.

 

The creek.

 

The cabin. If you are wanting a wonderful place to stay, here is an idea! Doesn't it look lovely and comfortable and calming?

 

A map hanging on The Quilt Barn wall. You can see the surrounding area.

 

I hope you do..."Come In".

 

I didn't get the half of what is there.

 

I didn't want to.

 

Even if you don't quilt or fabric craft, it will hold your interest and it is an experience you don't want to miss. Also, if you want your male counterparts to travel with you and they are completely disinterested in stopping/browsing here, there is a place called Keim Lumber just a hop, skip and a jump from Mrs. Miller's Drygood's door and your family can go there and they will be mesmerized for hours. I promise. They have a café, so food and drinks are available for the hungry and thirsty ones, and there are plenty of restrooms if one has to "go", and besides the essentials, Keim Lumber has everything else under the sun, or so I've been told.

 

For more information on Mary's businesses, please visit Mrs. Miller's Dry Goods to learn more. You can also visit her Facebook page here.

 

If you liked this blog post and would like to read more, I invite you to browse my blog and also stop by my Facebook page and "like" it so that we can remain in touch and get all my updates on the blog. I am in the process of writing a book and so that is something to look forward to one day if you are a reader. I am working on a novel, but I have a couple other ideas grinding their gears in my head, so who knows what I will finish first?? I loved having you here and hope you stop by some more.

 

Find me on Facebook @ Looking in my Rear View Mirror.