Monday, February 13, 2012

The Name Game: Modern Amish

I'm really happy to have Lindsay here from Modern Amish. Ever since I first saw the name, I was intrigued. It sounds like an oxymoron, doesn't it?

Lindsay, how did you choose the name, Modern Amish?
Last summer we vacationed in Montana, as we do every summer, and visited an Amish community there.  We've had it on our to do list for a few years, but finally made the drive from Kalispell, MT up dense forest on the border of Canada to dine with the Amish.  I have to admit it was not what I was hoping for.  After we toured their community I realized they had really brought in a lot of useful modern day amenities, like electricity for one.  They used machines to make furniture and refrigeration in their store!  Their gift shop, which I could have spent $$$ in, had so many lovely hand made items.  Of course there were QUILTS.  It was love at first site.  I couldn't afford them, but oh I loved them.  Although they had incorporated a few luxuries they still maintained their modest lifestyle.  I rather like that.  As we were driving away and I reviewed my first Amish encounter, the phrase 'Modern Amish' popped into my head.  5 months later, I began sewing quilts and strongly pursuing a more modest lifestyle. 
 Homemade jalapeno jelly--yum--and so pretty!
Were there other names you considered, and can you share any of them with us? 
Yes there were other names:  Simply Mae, which I use for my Etsy shop.

Mae is a family name.  I played with all sorts of combinations of Mae, Modest, Simple, Cotton, Country and Modern.  Daisy Mae, which might ring a bell today, from the new DS Quilt line at JoAnn's, was even considered.  I've had that on my baby names list since high school.  What? - yes, I'm one of those women who fantasizes about future children.
Obsession with Holly Hobby
Now that you are recognized by Modern Amish, are you happy with it, or do you wish you could change it to something else? 
Farmer's Wife Quiltalong blocks
I love Modern Amish.  Its slowly unfolding as I gain more confidence in expressing my creative side.  I have so many more things in my head I want to make and name.  Being a wife and mom come first, so I make what I can in the time I allow.  Selfishly, I'd be sewing full time, but its just a hobby for now.  
Please go over to Lindsay's blog and say hello. I was hoping to post picture of the two of us. We both attended the Road2California quilt show a couple of weeks ago and came this close to meeting each other. Next time for sure!

7 comments:

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Mary said... #

Good to meet Lindsay! I love the name...very clever!

Deborah said... #

I've wondered about that blog name. Now I know! I've just peaked at her blog. Lovely!

Needled Mom said... #

I love her name. Thanks for sharing her with us.

Mrs Flying Blind... said... #

Great post - I read it earlier, followed the link and forgot to comment!

Archie The Wonder Dog said... #

Lovely feature, I'm off to visit Lindsay!

Josh @ Live Well Simply said... #

Modern Amish? seems like an oxymoron. Nice patterns though.

modernamishplain said... #

Thanks Cindy for hosting me today. It was truly a blessing to be a guest on your site. Happy stitching!