The Portal in Philadelphia, PA

November 3, 2024

The Portal was installed in Philadelphia's Love Park in October, 2024. The Portal connects 4 cities;  Vilnius, Lithuania, Lublin, Poland and Dublin, Ireland. The portal opens to each city in 3-minute loops. The purpose of the Portal is to "build bridges instead of walls," suggests Michael Nemesis, the city of Philadelphia 's 2026 director. 

For more information: Smithsonian Magazine

When I first saw it on the Evening News I was fascinated. 

• How does it work? Webcams are used to connect with other cities in the world, "each one is equipped with a small camera above an eight-foot tall screen displaying live video" 24/7. 
• Can we talk to each other? No, a visual experience
• What's the purpose? "all meet as humankind together." 

My initial reaction is I have to see this! I have't been to Love Park in years and questions about logistics surfaced. 

• Parking - https://en.parkopedia.com/parking/underground/love_park_garage/19102/philadelphia/?arriving=202411051400&leaving=202411051600#google_vignette  Couldn't be easier, the Exit from the garage was in Love Park facing the Portal.We paid 25.00 for the time we were there.
• Safety - to enter the garage to leave, we needed to scan our parking ticket. Everything was clean and plenty of parking spaces on a Saturday afternoon.
• Dinosaur Costumes- I had a scathingly brilliant idea to wear our inflatable dinosaur costumes. Doesn't that sound like fun, what do you think??

I soon realized that we would need a helper/spotter. Visibility is an issue when wearing these costumes and we really didn't know what we were getting into at the Portal. Scathingly brilliant idea scrapped, and visit postponed.

Our son, Adam,  came home to visit the following weekend and Pan B was enacted. We would drive into Philly, check it out and enjoy the day.

My first impression is that I expected it to be bigger. Everyone was friendly, kind, and considerate, family party like atmosphere. Young people,  kids, strollers, couples, seniors, all races and sizes--laughing, chatting, offering to take pictures for each other.

I remarked that I thought there would be a security/police presence. My New York savy son pointed out several standing observers facing the crowd that I hadn't looked at twice. 

We joined everyone else in taking pictures.

As expected the visual wasn't always the best and given the different time zones, the crowd ebbed and flowed. (it was around @12;30-1:30 pm in Phila.)

Since it was visually interactive, people in both cities danced, mimicked actions, signed, held up signs, waved, etc., 

When these young men started congregating, there was much speculation as to what they would do, the crowd cheered when they held up cans of beer!

I wasn't able to differentiate each city, the crowd cheered each time the screen changed and they seemed to know based on markers in the picture and obviously knew more than I did. Not knowing did not take anything away from the experience for me. The expectation is that it will be moved in a few days to a new location in the city. 

Discussions about the Portal have since been suggested:

1. If you could step through it would you? (irrespective of Visas, passports, etc.,) Could it retrieve you like ebooks, etc., and recall you?
2. If it could be a vehicle for Time Travel, would you go forward in time or backwards to a particular time period or event?

I would not go forward, I have fewer years ahead of me than behind and I'm not sure I want to know. 

I definitely would go back - not sure where or when and does it have to be in my lifetime? 

Something to ponder, how about you???

Could't leave without a Love Park picture. If you have the opportunity to visit, I recommend it. A new and fun experience!

#theportal #theportalinPhilly

The World's Fair Quilt

 

World's Fair Quilt (The Elm Creek Book Series, Book 23) by Jennifer Chiaverini. New York, William Morrow, 2025. 336 Pages. Publication Date April 21, 2025. ***

In this latest novel in the series, Sylvia and Sarah are concerned with the financial status of Elm Creek Manor. Needing repairs including a new roof and not wanting to increase the tuition of the retreat for quilters, requires creative means to acquire money. Brainstorming brings back memories for Sylvia of another time in her life when her family faced financial difficulties. Teenagers Sylvia and her sister, Claudia, collaborate to design a quilt for the Sears National Quilt Contest for the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition (Chicago World Fair). With a grand prize of $1,200—more than the average annual income at the time, Sylvia and Claudia overcome their sibling rivalry long enough to finish the quilt and enter it in the contest. When Summer asks to borrow the quilt for an exhibit at the Union Hall in the Waterford Historical Society, Sylvia struggles with her feelings and memories associated with the quilt.

Chiaverini provides another glimpse into life at Elm Creek Manor and the 1930s. Fans of the series will embrace this new book in the series and the continued saga of Sylvia and her family. There were 24,000 entries in the contest and the reader is drawn into the creative process and angst of the short timeline to complete the quilt. Quilters will empathize with trying to create a unique quilt while conforming to the contest guidelines and rules. Chiaverini weaves a compelling story of friendship, resilience, and family. I love when I enjoy the story and learn something new. 

Sears National Quilt Contest for the 1933 Century of Progress Exposition (Chicago World Fair) - http://barbarabrackman.blogspot.com/2023/03/chicagos-1933-quilt-contest-updated.html

https://journalofantiques.com/features/sears-national-quilt-contest/

I received a copy from Netgalley to review. 

Jennifer Chiaverini is the New York Times bestselling author of thirty-three novels, including critically acclaimed historical fiction and the beloved Elm Creek Quilts series. Jennifer graduated from the University of Notre Dame and earned her MA English Language and Literature from the University of Chicago. She, her husband, and their two sons call Madison, Wisconsin home. 

For more information - https://www.jenniferchiaverini.com.

Follow me on IG at flamazing_books

#bookstagram #quiltsfiction #siblingrivalry #chicagoworldfair @netgalley #theworldsfairquilt #elmcreekquiltseries

All Mid-Atlantic Shop Hop - August 2024

 

Month two - August

August 27th -  I discovered I own this 4.5 inch square template. Perfect for trimming the squares. If you have a rotating cutting Mat, it works even better.  I'm searching for a pattern to highlight the squares. I was able  to purchase the larger Mid-Atlantic square and I am looking forward to receiving additional squares for completing a region. I am still puzzled as to the size of those blocks.  Stay tuned...My final post may be on the finished product!

August 26th - 45 shops visited and I am calling my Shop Hopping finished. It was a wonderful experience traveling with my husband and a friend to visit so many shops. Most of the shops were new to me and I can't wait to visit them again. A few shops are local to me and are my favorites. Everyone was so nice and friendly, I hope this becomes a yearly event. Thank you to everyone who organized this Event and to those shops who participated.  The Facebook Group is an additional source of support and information. 

I decided to mail my Passport early, I sent it registered mail,  no signature required.

$5.58, not inexpensive, however, worth it for my peace of mind! Expected to be there by Thursday, Aug. 29th. 

August 3

Today's shop is Burkholder Fabrics and one I haven't been to in awhile. Holiday fabric is on the front displays as soon as you enter the store. There are many sale fabrics and those aisles are crowded.

In addition to my block and sticker, I was invited to choose a fat quarter from a basket.

August 2nd! My 73rd Birthday!

One more shop to complete the North East Region , what better way to celebrate my birthday?

Many different kinds of fabric - cotton, dress fabric, vinyl, etc. 

I bought an orange and black neutral fabric, love it!

We had a delicious meal at Harrison House (diner)  in Mullica Hill. 

Two sections completed, I may be finished for now. August is a busy month!

#allmidatlanticshophop2024 #allmidatlanticshophop

All Mid-Atlantic Shop Hop July 2024

All Mid Atlantic Shop Hop 

Part 1 - July 2024

I saw this magazine in a Quilt Shop and I was intrigued!  6 patterns inclosed, 96 participating shops, sign me up!

End of the first month,  42 shops visited! I wish I had taken more pictures and better notes. 

Some observations and musings:

For Organizers 

• A few squares are cut close to the black line, not even an 1/8 of a seam allowance. I didn't start noticing until halfway into the Hop. One shop owner who ran out said that she was shorted on what she ordered.  She had me fill out a self- addressed envelope. I've already received the square, great customer service!

* It has been pointed out to me that the patterns in the magazine require the blocks to be trimmed to 4.5 inches, so the black line is not the sewing line. 

For Shops

• Greet Hoppers and point out where the restroom is.
• Have a handout with local eateries (you know you are going to be answering this question multiple times a day.)  Can be a typed half sheet of paper, most can look it up if you provide name and address.
• Sue Schaefer suggests "indicating if the shop is accessible for shoppers with mobility concerns." 
• Be open when you say you will be open (we understand that emergencies can happen)
• If you have a shop pet, indicate it on your shop listing. A paw print will let allergic shoppers know.
• Be organized - set up a small section at checkout or a table to the side with a sign helps enormously.
• Goodies bags are not required, but are appreciated. Especially mini water bottles, chocolates, etc.
• Have clear signage indicating sales and specials. 
• Do not discuss other hoppers when you have customers in your store. I visited one store where the employee asked me if I wanted a picture with their display . I said sure and then heard her later making fun of the shoppers who were taking selfies and posting in the FB Group. Not kind and I felt very uncomfortable. 

For Hoppers

• Be cheerful, appreciative and supportive of the shops
• If you can afford it, try and buy something at each shop (I bought fat quarters for two different quilts.)
• Ask if the employees mind if you take pictures. The answer was always yes, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
• Carry your own shopping bag. It's really nice when shops provided one, but I declined their paper or plastic ones. The shop pays for them. 

Not only are some of my favorite shops included, I am always up for visiting someplace new!

The Shops are divided into Regions and are giving stamps to be added to a passport. Additional prizes will be given for completing a region. Each shop is giving out a block with their name on it and some are giving additional optional goodies. 

My husband and I started in the East Central Region with Bear's Paw Fabrics as our first stop. What a delightful shop! A large selection of fabric including Tilda Cotton Beach. 

The Quilted Nest

What a whirlwind it has been visiting all of the Shops. Thankfully, I have a very indulgent husband who likes to drive and is all in!

We woke up on Sat. morning (July 13th), packed an overnight bag and headed to the Central Region. Bob chartered our course and first stop was Artistic Artifacts in Alexandria, VA. I saw fabric here that I didn't see elsewhere, very beautiful and artsy, look for the colorful lighthouse!

Next stop...The Quilter's Study in Fairfax VA. Very busy shop with many different fabric lines. My sister is collecting the Ghastlies, an Alexander Henry fabric line and this store had it! I was able to FaceTime her and purchase what she wanted.

Stayed at the Winchester Hampton Inn and may have heard a few conversations at breakfast about binding and matching colors.

July 14th 

The Scrappy Apple

Charlotte's Cottage Quilt Shop

Capital Quilts

Patches Quilting and Sewing

Sew N Sweep

July 20th 

Byrne Sewing

Sew Jersey

Seamless Sewing Arts

Sew Jersey has Christmas in July fabrics as you enter the store!

Seamless Sewing Arts has a large collection of Tilda fabrics, unique Robot patterns and Featherweights for sale.

July 22 - Bob came home from playing golf all morning and was ready to hit the road - Material Girls in LaPlata, MD. He's Crazy! Off we go! Naturally, we hit traffic - we were close to closing time, so I called to make sure that they would be open. Four hours later, we enter the nicest Quilt Shop.  The ladies were so gracious and even recommended a place to stop for dinner - a restaurant by the railroad tracks. I finally had a crab cake dinner and it was delicious. 

July 24th!

Today's Shop Hop - North Central Region

Serendipity Stitch, New Bloomfield

The Fabric Center, Carlisle

Half Moon Handwerks, Camp Hill

and a return to In Stitches Quilt Shop in Womelsdorf where I purchased one of the larger blocks. Thanks Anne for Driving!

Serendipity Stitch 

The Fabric Center

Half Moon Handwerks

Last stop In stitches Quilt Shop - a return visit for me.

I was finally able to purchase the larger block.

July 26th!

Today's Shop Hopping completed the Central Region !

Sew N'Place , Fayetteville, PA 

Stitch - N- Time, Greencastle, PA  - Aurifil 11.99 a spool

Simply Stashing, Littlestown, PA - had stickers, but were out of blocks, will mail when she gets them.

Danner's Bernina Shoppe, Hanover , PA TILDA and signs indicating the weekly challenge, FLAMINGOS

Snyder's Sewing Center , Hanover, PA

Simply Stashing recommended Dutch Country Diner in Hanover for lunch, delish!

A quick stop for vacation snacks in the UTZ factory store in Hanover, a bargain and fun!

Wrapped the day up with Handel's ice cream in Downingtown and there was no line, perfect day!

Sew N Place has a coffee shop attached to it, win-win!

Stitch -N-Time was so welcoming!  They have an area set up for pictures/selfies! Aurifil is the best price that we saw in any of the shops, 11.99. 

 

Simply Stashing Fabric and Quilts

Gorgeous fabric and quilts. I loved Granny's Garden stacked plates and dishes. Unusual and beautiful!

We received a recommendation for lunch, the Dutch Country Dinner. My hot roast beef sandwich and cole slaw was delicious!

We took a side trip to the Utz Factory Outlet Store to stock up on snacks for vacation.

Danner's Bernina Shoppe made it so easy to find the Weekly Challenge! (pink signs)  And they have flamingo fabric, a favorite for me!

Last fabric store - Snyder's Sewing Center. 

It's a wrap for the day...Too tired to cook, Handel's Ice Cream in Downingtown for dinner. I can't believe there was no line, a first for us. 

July 29th! 

Closer to home and my go to shop...  The Old Country Store in Intercourse, PA.

There is a table set up outside with these cute signs, choose one and take a selfie!

The Quilt Shop at Miller's has beautiful quilted objects, gifts, quilts, stencils, notions, etc.

One of the many unique things about this shop is that they support local Quilt Guilds in their fundraising efforts. Middleton Piecemakers have created the beautiful items for sale this month. 

For information on the Shop Hop, click here

#allmidatlanticshophop2024 #allmiadtalanticshophop