Vacay 6.0

Hanging Out in Kankakee

Alex needed to print/sign (in blue)/scan/submit some business documents early this morning, so he located a FedEx Store just 3 miles from a quilt shop north of Kankakee.  So thoughtful of him!

In addition to the R-B-R license plate, I was still searching for the exact Moda Grunge I need to finish a project. I was successful at Top Shelf Quilts in Frankfort, IL!

I also found a beige batik that may work in my String Bean quilt, and a purple that is a potential border candidate for Tropical Trellis. Up to this point I had been very focused on "need-only" purchases. Then I turned around and saw the Kaufman tree panel (designed by Avery Tillmon) and how it was bordered with a complimentary tree fabric and blue sky fabrics .... need I say more?

Top Shelf is a lovely little shop in an out-of-the-way suburb of Chicago. The selection was limited, but excellent, and the staff went WAY above and beyond in helping me spend more cash!

The FLW house tour of the day was the Bradley House in Kankakee.

Bradley House, Kankakee, IL

It is believed this house (and its next door neighbor) are the first Prairie Style homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright over 100 years ago. This home was originally built for another wealthy industrialist but went through a succession of owners through the years, including a couple of property trades -- for many years it was a bird sanctuary, for a time it was offices for lawyers and an architect, and for over 30 years it was the very upscale Yesteryear Restaurant and Inn. Like many Wright homes, this one was purchased and restored by a foundation that now offers tours and special events.

Dressing Room

With a special $5 donation we were allowed to take interior pictures. My favorite space was the dressing room with all the built-in cabinetry. (Second favorite was the soapstone sink in the kitchen.) 

Again, an excellent tour led by a well-informed guide.

 

We're in Springfield, IL tonight. The Dana-Thomas house is on the agenda tomorrow. I've seen it twice before and never get tired of it. I've also picked out a quilt shop (or two) to hit before we get to St. Louis tomorrow night.