Tuesday, August 13, 2013

A Tuesday Tidbit About the Amish Kraft Company


Today I’ll share a Tuesday Tidbit about the Amish Kraft Company, a wholesale manufacturing company in Grabill, Indiana that manufactures souvenirs for tourist attractions and gift shops. The old order Amish Lengacher Family established their company in 1982 to provide additional income for their family. The plant’s equipment is operated by diesel engine power since high-line electricity is prohibited by the faith. Four family generations now work at the factory in northeast Indiana. 
The vintage thimble shown is one of the brass souvenir items the company produced in years past. Each brass thimble was marked with Made in the U.S.A., Solid Brass, and the Amish Kraft Company symbol. Today the company produces white metal products along with a large variety of other items for the souvenir market.

I’m a quilter, love to collect thimbles, and have a passion for the Amish lifestyle. You can imagine my delight when searching online, I stumbled upon a vintage quilting thimble made by the Amish. I had no idea the Amish Kraft Company existed until I found this brass beauty. Now I share my discovery with you so you can keep an eye out for a thimble of your own.

What's one of the favorite thimbles in your collection?

14 comments:

  1. I love finding out about the Amish Kraft Company and I love the fact that things you can still buy things that are made in the USA. I will be looking them up. Thank you!

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    1. You're most welcome, Melanie. My pleasure. I was tickled to find out about the Amish kraft Company too. Hope you find a treasure as well. :)

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  2. Great post, Cindy. What fun information. :)

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  3. Thank you for sharing your Amish Kraft Company find. My mother started a thimble collection for me when I was very young. I will certainly have to look for an Amish Kraft brass thimble to add to my collection!

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    1. Oh Britney. What a wonderful thing for your mother to do for you. I bet you have some lovely thimbles in your collection. Do you have a favorite? Thanks for sharing. Love it! :)

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    2. And I forgot to add, Britney, I hope you find one too! :)

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  4. A sweet tidbit, indeed, Cindy. Now I'll also be keeping my eye open for an authentic Amish thimble. How fun.

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    1. Hi Cathy! Enjoy the hunt. It's as much fun as finding the thimble. And I do hope you find one. Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  5. Don't collect thimbles, Cindy, but that's awesome. :) I love tidbits of history.

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    1. Hi Crystal. No problem. From one treasure hunter to another, any type of history is always fun. I enjoyed your post about the vintage book as well. Thanks for stopping by. :)

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  6. Very interesting blog post Cindy! I'm also a quilter, and live just 2 hours north of Shipshewana, IN. I've been making trips there for sewing supplies, etc. for close to 30 years, and I don't believe I knew this company existed. Thanks for enlightening me!

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    1. I got so excited about these brass thimbles that I did some searching and found 2 through ebay which I promptly purchased! I've been collecting thimbles ever since I was a teenager, and have numerous family thimbles as well as other collectibles. I can't wait to see these two "new" ones!

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    2. Nancee, that is wonderful! I'm so glad you found some Amish Kraft thimbles to purchase! As a fellow quilter, Amish lifestyle enthusiast, and thimble collector, I celebrate with you. :) So glad I had a part in your fun. Congrats on your exciting thimble finds.

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