🌸 The Keystone State Quilt — A Pink-Hued Tribute to Pennsylvania 🧵
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Welcome back, quilty friends! I may have missed you last week (moving boxes can be quite the workout!), but I’m thrilled to be back on the road with you for another stop on our Brooke’s Bitchin’ Road Trip! This week we’re traveling — virtually, of course — to The Keystone State: Pennsylvania!
Pennsylvania holds a special place in America’s story. It’s where independence was born, chocolate dreams were made, and breathtaking mountain views remind us to slow down and soak in the beauty around us. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or city explorer, there’s a little something for everyone here.
Let’s buckle up and explore The Keystone State — one stitch at a time.
🌸 Quilt Inspiration — Why I Chose Shades of Pink
For the cover of The Keystone State Quilt Pattern, I chose hues of pink — inspired by Pennsylvania’s state flower, the mountain laurel. This flower is soft yet bold, with delicate white petals and a rich pink center that radiates beauty and strength.
Pink felt like the perfect choice for Pennsylvania — a color that captures the warmth, history, and resilience of this state. Think of:
🌅 The rosy glow of a Pennsylvania sunset over the Allegheny Mountains.
🌸 The vibrant blooms that fill spring gardens and roadside fields.
🏘️ The Victorian architecture in small towns like Jim Thorpe and New Hope, where rosy hues often highlight historic homes.
I wanted this quilt to reflect all of that charm — the welcoming softness, the bold heart, and the blend of old and new that makes Pennsylvania so unique.
🎨 Fabric Tips & Ideas
When it comes to bringing The Keystone State Quilt to life, your fabric choices can truly make it personal. Here are a few ideas to get your creative wheels turning:
🌺 Play with Pinks & Florals
Honor the mountain laurel with a palette of pinks — from soft blush to deep magenta. Blend in floral prints or batiks with organic textures to mimic the layers of petals.
🧱 Historic Neutrals
Balance the pink tones with warm neutrals like stone gray, cream, or tan — colors reminiscent of Pennsylvania’s old stone buildings and covered bridges. These hues ground your quilt and give it timeless appeal.
🕯️ A Touch of Gold or Cream
Pennsylvania is full of history, pride, and perseverance — so add a pop of gold or creamy ivory to symbolize liberty and light. It ties beautifully into the “keystone” theme — that golden piece that holds everything together.
🌳 Nature-Inspired Greens
Pair your pinks with earthy greens to reflect Pennsylvania’s lush forests and rolling farmland. It’s a combination that brings harmony and depth to your quilt — perfect for anyone who loves a classic yet fresh look.
💕 Make It Personal
Every quilter has a story, and that’s what I love most about the Home Pattern Series. With The Keystone State, you can truly make it your own:
Place the appliqué heart over your hometown or the city that holds your favorite memories.
Choose fabrics that reflect your Pennsylvania experience — maybe bold modern solids for a Philly vibe, or soft homespuns and plaids for an Amish Country feel.
Add a special label or embroidery on the back to mark the year you made it or dedicate it to a loved one from the Keystone State.
This quilt can be as personal as you want it to be — a piece of your story stitched into the map of America.
🏞️ Must-See Pennsylvania Stops
If you ever visit (or revisit!) the Keystone State, here are a few of my favorite places to add to your travel bucket list:
🍫 Hersheypark — Because who doesn’t love chocolate and roller coasters?
🚂 Lancaster County — Take a ride on the historic Strasburg Rail Road and enjoy the peaceful views of Amish farmland.
🏙️ Philadelphia’s Old City — Home of the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and some seriously good eats.
🌳 Ricketts Glen State Park — Hike through lush forests and over 20 waterfalls!
🏡 Jim Thorpe — A storybook mountain town filled with Victorian charm, boutique shops, and beautiful fall colors.
💌 Special Road Trip Treat
To celebrate our Pennsylvania stop, enjoy 10% off The Keystone State Quilt Pattern (printed or digital download) with code KEYSTONE — valid through October 31st!
Pennsylvania reminds me that beauty often lies in balance — between old and new, soft and strong, quiet and bold. The pink hues in this quilt are a reflection of that spirit, a reminder that every state (and every quilt!) tells a story worth stitching.
Until next time, friends — keep your foot on the pedal and your bobbins full. See you at our next stop on the Brooke’s Bitchin’ Road Trip!
💗 Brooke
Brooke’s Bitchin’ Stitches
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