Last summer while in Wisconsin for a quilting retreat I was able to visit the Country Sampler Quilt Shop in Spring Green. Not only was the shop incredibly beautiful with gorgeous displays, samples, and fabrics, but there was also a wonderful classroom area in the back of the shop. A class was going on, and several of the women had their sewing supplies in beautiful vintage suitcases which were wonderfully restored with decorative papers on the outside and had beautiful crafted fabric interiors.
Of course I fell in love with every single case, and was excited to find out that the maker of the beautiful cases, Jean Elliott, was there attending the class!
I was able to get on Jean’s waiting list to have my own case made, and even though I knew it would be several months out, it was absolutely worth the wait. We corresponded via e-mail through the fall, as Jean searched for the perfect pictures with which to create my case.
As you can imagine I fell in love with this as soon as it arrived.
The gathered pocket in the lid actually has two sections for storage. And Jean also made a beautiful pincushion as well.
It’s going to be so fun deciding what to store in the case. I mentioned to Jean that I would be posting about her beautiful case. If anyone is interested in having one made, please leave a comment or email me, and I’ll forward your information to Jean.
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Mary Huey says
That is lovely! I have a "shop" friend who uses vintage suitcases in her booth during local quilt shows — brings all her merchandise in them, uses them for the display backdrop, and then packs back out in them!
Melinda says
I would love to know more about the cases. Please pass my info to Jean. I love yours!
moosecraft says
Gorgeous! What an absolutely perfect way to repurpose!
Debra @ Life is a Stitch says
Oh my goodness! Love, love, love it! Yes, please, pass along my info to Jean! Thanks so much for sharing your new case!
Deb says
OH, WOW!!! i'm definitely interested in jean's info! those suitcases are AMAZING!!!! thanks for sharing!
edie says
Add my name to the list of those interested in more info. I too have been to Country Sampler, and agree it is an amazingly inspirational and beautiful shop. My credit card begins to quiver the minute we cross the Wisconsin state line!
WoolenSails says
That is a beautiful case and a fun idea for storage. I have seen them used a lot lately and reproductions in the stores.
Debbie
Chris says
What a great idea for hauling sewing supplies to quilting retreats and classes! Please forward my name to Jean also. Thanks for the inspiring post!
Rita says
Please send me more information about this case. It's beautiful.
Andy says
You're a lucky girl! That case is amazing!
SuperMomNoCape says
That is such a fun way to upcycle an old suitcase!
I also love Mary Huey's comment above about using the suitcases to transport things to and from quilt shows and then using them for display during the show.
Darlene says
It's darling, Sherri. I'd love to be added to her list, as well. Please and thank you.
Carol says
Oh Sherri that is the cutest ever! I used lots of old suitcases in the shop for displays…they are so fun!
Sandie @ crazy'boutquilts says
What a gorgeous case! Have fun stocking it. Happy St Patrick's Day! 🙂
Archie the wonder dog says
It's lovely!
Elizabeth says
What a wonderful case, such a treasure to fill with all your quilting goodies.
em's scrapbag says
That is so neat!
Michelle says
Sew cute, love it. She did a great job. Have fun filling it.
PK says
I don't normally comment on blogs but I love your vintage case. I definitely would be interested in ordering one of these.
Pam McMahon
Jacque Wright says
I'm definitely interested in having one of these gorgeous suitcases! Please pass my name and email along to the very creative maker.
Karen says
How beautiful! What a cool idea!
Linda Asher says
Please pass my info along-I am definitely interested in one of these. Thanks
Nana-Bob says
Hi Sherri, I would like her information if you get a minute. A beautiful case indeed!
Christine M says
WOW! What a gorgeous case. Jean is a very clever lady.
GabiP says
Please pass along my info as well. I am interested in a case and lucky you!, you have yours now to enjoy. Thanks so much for the share.
088b3a5c-7a12-11e3-9712-000bcdcb5194 says
I am definitely interested in this beautiful case!
Mejayne
Jalalonde@ aol.com
Jacky Osborn says
Such a lovely, colourful way to store or transport quilty stuff! Please send me details. Thanks.
Jackie@charinghealthcare.co.uk
sandi s says
I would love a sewing case like yours. It's gorgeous. Please sen her my info. Sandi. szil949@yahoo.com
Lesley says
Your case is wonderful! She is so talented and creative!
Anita says
Love your suitcase! Yes, please forward me her info, I definitely want one of my own 🙂 thanks for sharing!
Jeanenne Nielsen says
I would love to have a case like that. You could pass my information on. It is jeanenne@digis.net. Jeanenne Nielsen. I went to a retreat not long ago and a lady had found an old suitcase and redid one for herself. It wasn't as gorgeous as that one, however. It is just great.
Jeanenne Nielsen says
I would love to have a case like that. You could pass my information on. It is jeanenne@digis.net. Jeanenne Nielsen. I went to a retreat not long ago and a lady had found an old suitcase and redid one for herself. It wasn't as gorgeous as that one, however. It is just great.
Donna says
I would love to have you send her my information. That case is wonderful!
Donna
Miriam says
What a beautiful sewing case!
MerylM says
Hi! I love that case – please pass on my info to Jean as well.
Meryl
Joyce says
Love the vintage suitcase. Please pass along my info. These would make great gifts for my quilty friends!
Lisa Marie says
I would love to have more info as well. Beautiful case!
Sharon Dawn says
I would love to visit that shop! And I am very much interested in information about those cases. Please pass my name on. Thank you!
Lori Landenburger says
Oh my goodness!!! What a great idea! Kudos to the maker:) love yours!
Deb says
Hi Sherri, The cases are absolutely beautiful. I would love to know more about them. I would not be able to do a class as live in NZ but if you would pass on my details to Jean I would perhaps be able to ask her about what she does. I have a great vintage case that was my grandmothers which would look amazing like these ones.
Many thanks
Gail S says
I would like information on this beautiful case. Please pass my details along to Jean. Many thanks. Gail S
Sue says
Yes please. These are gorgeous. But I'm in Perth Western Australia & probably a no go but let me know please. Sue Benson.
katie kasel says
Am amazed by the creativity of women. I would love a magic suitcase of my own!!! I can see the list will be long, but I am very patient! Thanks for posting about the suitcase! Love your blog! I spend a lot of time in MN, so enjoy your local references:). Your creations are gorgeous.
Jacque Dunn says
I see vintage suitcases all the time and hate passing them by as I did not have an idea on what to do with one. I love the one you have! Please pass on my contact information on how to get my own! Yours is adorable!!!
Sarah G says
I love, love, love the case and would like for you to send my info on. E-mail: Sarahsg@aol.com
Thank you!
Sarah
Cathy Smith says
I love your suitcase! Please pass on my info. I would love to get on her waiting list myself. Thanks!!
Audie-n-TX says
I would love the information for this wonderful suitcase.
pandchintz says
Oh wow!! How gorgeous! Such a special case.
Valjean Sanford says
what an absolutely wonderful case!! Please pass my info on to Jean so I might own one in the future.
Thanks for sharing,
Val
Iraelia Pernas says
It,s lovely! Please forward my info to Jean i am most interested in one and would like to know details, cost, etc my email is cusypernas@gmail.com
Judy Kirschmann says
please forward my name to Jean I would love one of her cases.
Martha says
I would love information from Jean:
My email is donnapastore at yahoo dot com
Donna says
Sherri, please share info about your wonderfully restored suitcase. It is so COOL.Donna
http://www.wheelerdfs@yahoo.com
Kendra Fredrickson says
I too think I need a case like this!! Please pass on my info or share how I can connect with Jean! Thank you!
Barb says
Please pass on my email to Jean. I even have a suitcase that might work. Thanks, samplerbee@yahoo.com. thank you