Helping Hands began over 35 years ago on the front porch of the former Holmes Limestone office. Alma always “seamed” to have the living room taken up with a quilt in the frame at their Baltic home and since the office was now vacant her husband, Emanuel suggested she set up her quilting frame there. So at the age of 58, after raising a family of 9 children, she cleaned, painted and papered and hung out a little sign which read “Helping Hands Quilt Shop”. Helping Hands story is heard on a video located in our Museum and is also shared in the book available here at the store and online titled “Putting Feet Under Dreams”, the story of Emanuel E. Mullet. It was his step-mother that gave Alma the “quilting bug” and the rest is history.

On display in the Museum are some of the family heirlooms one of which is a cradle that Emanuel was in as a baby and then they also used for each of their nine children. Also you will see the variety of other antique quilts, some consigned to be sold. Be sure to check out these items as you go through our “Shop Tour” – Museum and also see photos below.

It was soon evident that Helping Hands was growing at a rapid pace and an addition to the existing building was added and later in 1997 a new building built to display the hundreds of new quilts made in-house and by many Amish and Mennonite local ladies. When you visit the shop you will find over 3000 bolts of fabric, notions, embroidery, quilt frames and many quilting supplies. In our all-year round Christmas Room you will find warm, cozy flannels as well as other Christmas prints and our always 50% off table.

We know you will enjoy visiting Helping Hands Quilt Shop & Museum. All profits from Helping Hands Quilting Craft Foundation are donated to charities.

We hope you enjoy our shop tour and you decide to return often!

Helping Hands Staff