There are still beautiful old log structures in many places around the valley but sadly we lose more each year. I have watched buildings “deconstructed” and shipped off to far away places and have seen others simply fall from neglect. We used to spend time wandering around and taking pictures in our local ghost town at Balaclava but there’s not much there anymore and what is standing is unsafe. I do still enjoy looking at these old log buildings while out driving the countryside and I wonder what stories they have to tell.

The last project for the Edge of 17 Shop Hop is a tote bag (featuring a log cabin picture on the front and a log cabin block on the back) and is available at Algonquin Sewing Center, 2096 Petawawa Blvd. between Pembroke and Petawawa. Cyndi has even ordered in special handles (unfortunately they didn’t arrive in time for the picture!)

Algonquin Sewing Center is an independent quilting, knitting and counted cross-stitch store. It is also a product “Dealer of Excellence” for Husqvarna-Viking sewing machines and sergers. The shop has been around for over 25 years and serves customers from all backgrounds and many parts of the country. Their huge, bright classroom is considered the heart of the shop. Cyndi’s motto is “we have it all for you and if not, we’ll get it”. Make Algonquin your first or last stop as you travel the “Edge of 17”.

Tomorrow’s post-the full quilt and stories about the blocks that didn’t end up as projects.

Hop starts Wednesday, hope to see you!