2016 Quilter's Chronicles - Amish Country

2016 Quilter’s Chronicles

ABOUT THE PROJECT ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ PAGE 2

ABOUT THE PROJECT MANAGER ...................................................................................................................................................................................... PAGE 2

ABOUT THE AUTHOR ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. PAGE 3

QUILTING FUN .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... PAGE 4

THE GARDENS

CONCORD MALL / “1920 INDIAN PAINTBRUSH” ......................................................................................................................................................... PAGE 5

COPPES COMMONS / “1884 RAILROAD” ......................................................................................................................................................................... PAGE 6

DAS DUTCHMAN ESSENHAUS / “1937 INDIAN STAR” ................................................................................................................................................ PAGE 7

DUTCH COUNTRY MARKET / “1841 HEARTS & FLOWERS” ........................................................................................................................................ PAGE 8

DUTCH VILLAGE MARKET / “1897 BOX CAR” ................................................................................................................................................................. PAGE 9

ELKHART CENTRAL PARK / “1966 MORNING STAR” .................................................................................................................................................... PAGE 10

ELKHART COUNTY 4-H FAIRGROUNDS / “1933 FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE” ................................................................................................................. PAGE 11

ELKHART COUNTY COURTHOUSE / “1906 GOSHEN” ................................................................................................................................................. PAGE 12

ELKHART COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM / “1914 DUCK PADDLE” ...................................................................................................................... PAGE 13

GLORY GARDENS / “1930 NINE PATCH STAR” ................................................................................................................................................................. PAGE 14

KRIDER GARDEN / “1932 CROSS ROADS” ....................................................................................................................................................................... PAGE 15

LINTON’S ENCHANTED GARDENS / “1975 CARD TRICK” ........................................................................................................................................... PAGE 16

TULIP TREE AT MARTIN ACE HARDWARE / “1981 INDIAN SUNBURST” ................................................................................................................ PAGE 17

NAPPANEE CENTER / “1932 WHIRLGIG” .......................................................................................................................................................................... PAGE 18

OLD BAG FACTORY / “1930 OLD WINDMILL” .................................................................................................................................................................. PAGE 19

PREMIER ARTS, DOWNTOWN ELKHART / “BACK HOME AGAIN IN INDIANA INSPIRED BY 1920 DOGWOOD” ...................................... PAGE 20

RUTHMERE MUSEUM / “1895 CROSSED CANOES” ...................................................................................................................................................... PAGE 21

WAKARUSA / “1895 STAR PUZZLE” ................................................................................................................................................................................... PAGE 22

WEAVER FURNITURE SALES / “1930 INDIANA PUZZLE” ............................................................................................................................................. PAGE 23

2016 Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail Quilter’s Chronicles

Visit QuiltGardens.com for more information

About the Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail

The 2016 Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail Quilter’s Chronicles

Sonya L. Nash, Project Manager, Elkhart County CVB

It is often times said that creating anything worthwhile takes time, money and a lot of effort. The Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail embodies that statement. This project would not have started, nor would it have continued with such success, without the great team at the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau (ECCVB) and our community partners.

The ECCVB leadership and staff work year-round to plan, prepare and promote this project. Countless man hours including graphic design, website updates, ad placements, journalist inquiries, group tour planning, and yes, even paying the bills and answering the phones all occur under the parameters of the ECCVB.

At the same time, more than 200 volunteers in 7 cities and towns do the same for their sites and businesses. They work on soil content, site beautification, planting, weeding and maintaining gardens for four months, sometimes during difficult weather conditions, doing their part in welcoming visitors.

My role is to keep everyone working together on the same page while steering this project in a positive future direction. Over 9 years, we have learned through trial and error a multitude of things about transforming quilt designs into living gardens that flourish throughout the viewing season. Educational sessions, working with garden experts and experimenting with plant types are all part of the event too. While gardening can be a science, we have learned that sometimes Mother Nature overrules our efforts to excel, and sometimes we are amazed at how our plans come to fruition in a fantastic way.

Yes, the Quilt Gardens Project is a work of art. It’s also A LOT of work involving A LOT of people. It has become an annual event in our destination that our residents love to share with visitors. Definitely it’s time, money and effort well spent and enjoyed by all. We look forward to your visit and hope you return time and again as we continue to learn and grow along with our gardens.

PAGE 2Visit QuiltGardens.com for more information

Elkhart County, IN Visitor Center219 Caravan Drive | Elkhart, IN

w: AmishCountry.orgp: 800.262.8161e: [email protected]

Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail is an innovative, creative, one-of-a-kind experience designed to interest a wide-range of audiences and promote the area as a premier visitor destination. It offers a variety of opportunities for partnerships with local businesses and communities and creates widespread community involvement.

The project was initiated as a concept by the Elkhart County, IN Convention & Visitors Bureau (ECCVB) in early 2006 and tested in 2007 with 2 pilot locations. 2016 is the ninth year for the season-long attraction that continues to grow and now features 19 quilt gardens and 21 artist rendered quilt murals presented in seven communities along the Heritage Trail driving tour, viewable annually May 30 to October 1.

Recognizing the importance and value of high quality in both the gardens and murals displayed, each garden and mural is required to meet ten standards and related product/service specifications. Based on those standards, all official sites and patterns are juried into the program by a committee that includes landscapers, designers, horticulturists, growers, quilters, and park professionals. Official garden partners are responsible for performing all of the work necessary to plant and maintain the gardens throughout the season.

The Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail has garnered national media attention and draws significant audience interest from three of the largest hobby groups in the nation – gardeners, quilters and photographers. It has also been favorably received by the group motor coach audience, having been named an American Bus Association (ABA) Top 100 Event in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

“Like” us on Facebook to get weekly Quilt Garden photo udpates: https://www.facebook.com/QuiltGardensTour

Download the ‘Heritage Trail Adventures’ app from your app store for great restaurants, stellar attractions and events!



Vickie Estep, Master Gardener Guidebook AuthorGold 2000 Level Master Gardener

2016 Master Gardener

Guidebook

Gardening is part of my makeup. My interests seem to grow right along with my gardens. I began helping in my grandmothers garden as a very young child and in 2006 I took my love of gardening to a whole new level. I enrolled

in the Purdue Master Gardener training class. I love learning and have always been intrigued by science. I made many new like-minded friends and found a new voice for my passion. A voice that ultimately led to an opportunity to write the Master Gardener Guidebook for Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail.

Every Quilt Garden has its own intricate pattern, many are original designs, and each has its own unique story. The Master Gardener Guidebook gives you detailed information about each garden focusing on plants and gardening tips.

Mary Davis, Quilter’s Chronicles AuthorGold 1000 Level Master Gardener & Indiana Master Naturalist

As a little girl, Mary had her own corner of the family garden and loved to sew with her mother. When she was twelve, she decided she wanted to make a Sunbonnet Sue quilt. Rather than laugh, her mom helped her pick out fabric from scraps (her mom made most of her clothes) and she appliqued the first square.

Tragically, Mary’s mother died less than a year later and the quilt obviously was forgotten. Mary’s life became busy with college, marriage, law school and practicing law with her husband. Sometimes “what goes around, comes around” can be good and in 2003 Mary became a Master Gardener. In 2004 she took a beginning quilting class through adult education. Both old loves were renewed, so Mary was thrilled to become involved in the Quilt Gardens by researching the history of the quilts.

She retired at the end of 2010 after 36 years of practicing law, but combined quilts, gardening and talking by becoming a step-on bus guide for Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail. She figured this was her perfect retirement job - having been a lawyer, she loves to talk and she says this way she has a captive audience!

Be sure to download the 2015 Master Gardener Guidebook!



Quilting Fun

Almost everyone who starts quilting quickly amasses fabric, usually called their “stash.” If you need some support for buying quilting fabric, here are some suggestions:

• Fabric has no cholesterol, fat or calories

• Closets of fabric act as insulation, keeping your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter

• Buying fabric is cheaper than seeing a therapist (well, usually)

• A meteor could strike the manufacturer and I couldn’t get anymore (or they might discontinue the pattern)

• It helps the economy during a recession (it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it)

• Buying fabric is more calming than seeing a psychiatrist

• Fabric requires no refrigeration or freezing, so it helps the environment by reducing electricity

• Fabric doesn’t require cooking

• Fabrics don’t need to be fed, walked, wiped, read to, sung to sleep or require back rubs

• Dust doesn’t collect under fabrics, which is a good reason to store them on the dining room table

• There may never be another sale

• My dog (cat, devil) made me do it

• Someday I am sure I will use it

• Fabrics are not illegal, fattening or immoral

• The price was too good to pass up

• Bolts of fabric provide good traction by adding weight to the back seat or trunk of your car

• Whoever dies with the biggest stash wins!

“1920 Indian Paintbrush” - Concord Mall

Safari Yellow Marigold

Prism Yellow Petunia

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The 2016 Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail Quilter’s Chronicles Elkhart


Snow Crystals Alyssum

Safari Orange Marigold

Vodka Bronze Leaf Red Begonia

Concord Mall3701 S Main Street (US 33) | Elkhart, IN w: ShopConcordMall.comp: 574.875.6502

Stone Pavers

SIZE: 30’W X 30’H This design is named after the beautiful Indian paintbrush wildflower common in the American southwest. There is a legend about how this flower came to be: A young Indian boy named Gopher is sad because he is smaller than the other boys and cannot run, shoot and hunt with them. A wise shaman assures him that he has another talent. The boy dreams that he is to record his tribe’s history by painting and that he will paint a picture “as pure as the colors in the evening sky.” He sets to work but cannot find the right colors to capture the sunset. Then one night a voice tells him that the paint will be provided. True to the shaman’s word, the next day Gopher finds brushes sticking out of the ground filled with colors that will capture the beautiful sunset. When his painting is finished, he returns the brushes to the ground. The following morning, people woke to find the countryside covered with bright flowers as the paintbrushes took root and produced beautiful red, yellow and orange blooms. Everyone rejoiced and renamed the boy He-Who-Brought-the -Sunset-to-the-Earth.

When researching this quilt pattern, a number of appliqued and embroidered quilts (made from computer-generated patterns on sewing machines capable of doing embroidery) actually included this wild flower. The pattern used here and featured in Barbara Brackman’s book, Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns, attributes the design to Prudence Penny. It seems Prudence Penny was actually named Bernice Edington who was the woman’s pages editor for the Seattle Post Intelligencer. Apparently one of her more well-known collections was the “Patchwork Zoo.” Barbara wrote a book featuring these designs, and indicated Prudence had a strange combination of piecing and applique, but apparently didn’t know much about stitching which made her patterns challenging. It looks like piecing in the graphic design of this quilt garden doesn’t it? But look at all those curves! It looks like Prudence might have been aware of the legend, as the spokes really do evoke the image of paintbrushes.

Providing great shopping and food for over 40 years, Concord Mall proudly hosts national retailers as well as exciting boutique shops and eateries all under one convenient roof. There’s also fun for the entire family with exciting events planned weekly. Each year, Concord Mall hosts a show by the American Dahlia Society, and its past Quilt Gardens have honored or featured this flower. Once again, the Dahlia Society has joined the mall in choosing this pattern to honor the area’s original native sons.

Stone Pavers

“1884 Railroad” - Coppes Commons

Wizard Yellow Coleus

SIZE: 30’W X 30’H Few of us remember that the railroad was once the primary mode of transportation in the country. The location of rail lines could literally make or break a city. In 1874, the B&O railroad was rapidly moving east, and competition for access was keen. There was an air of expectancy in the bustling community of Locke. However, in December 1874, a group of local landowners platted and surveyed the village of Nappanee (just south of Locke) and began an aggressive campaign for the railroad. They were successful, and Nappanee was built around this rail line as it was more vital to build up a town that would have shipping and traveling resources within its limits. The railroad and depot were referred to as Nappanee Station, following the formal founding of Nappanee in 1874. Over 60 trains a day still pass through Nappanee reminding residents of the town’s early beginnings. The original depot still stands just 1 ½ blocks from downtown and is on the national Historic Register.

Two years later young entrepreneurs Frank and John Coppes purchased a sawmill business and box factory. The railroad was essential to their business. Soon the Coppes brothers were producing a line of library and extension tables, bringing lumber in and shipping the tables out via the B&O. The business expanded and became one of the premier Hoosier Cabinet makers in the country, and at one time shipped over 30 train car loads per month throughout the United States. The Coppes brothers marketed theirs under the trade name Dutch Kitchenette. Inside the Coppes building today there are several Hoosier cabinets on display.

Coppes Commons has honored its history by choosing the Railroad quilt pattern. This is a basic four-patch. Note that it consists of two blocks - one four-patch and the other two triangles. This would be an easy quilt for a beginner to piece, using the shortcuts described for half-square triangles and sewing strips of the other two fabrics, cutting them across and joining the squares together.

Coppes Commons enjoys new life through a retail renaissance complete with a unique mix of artisans and eateries. Be sure to meander upstairs for the best view of the garden. There is an observation deck just beyond the Nappanee Kitchen Cabinet historical display.

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The 2016 Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail Quilter’s Chronicles Nappanee


Cocktail Vodka Bronze Leaf Red Begonia

Dreams Midnight Blue Petunia

Hawaii Blue Ageratum

Coppes Commons401 E Market Street | Nappanee, IN w: CoppesCommons.comp: 574.773.0002

White Rock

Turf Grass

“1937 Indian Star” - Das Dutchman Essenhaus

SIZE: 49’W X 57’H This pattern shares similar lines with the 1884 Railroad garden (See Coppes Commons) and the optical illusion effects of the 1898 Star Puzzle garden (See Wakarusa). According to Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns, this block appeared in the Kansas City Star in 1937. From the fall of 1928 until 1961 the Kansas City Star published quilt patterns, many of which were submitted by readers. The newspaper’s rural editions reached several states throughout the Midwest. In all, there are 1,001 classic patterns that can trace their roots to this source. This is another unequal nine-patch (See Elkhart County Historical Museum), with a large center square, and would be an easy quilt for a beginner as it consists entirely of squares or half-square triangles. As the Quilt Gardens are joining in celebrating Indiana’s bicentennial, it seems appropriate to explore some of the history of quilting, including the derivation of the word “quilt.” According to Quilts of Indiana, the English word is derived from the Latin culcitra, which means a stuffed cushion or mattress, and the French words cuilte, cotra or coutre which evolved into “counterpoint” or “counterpane.” Again, Latin is involved, as the Latin pannus means a piece of cloth, hence the “pane.” Counterpane is a generic term for a coverlet or cloth.

Das Dutchman Essenhaus is a popular stop for both locals and visitors. Of particular interest for quilters is the on-site Quilt Shop, stocked with fabric, patterns and quilts for sale and inspiration. Not far from the shop, the Double Wedding Ring quilt mural is on display. The adjacent Essenhaus Inn & Conference Center also features the Double Wedding Ring pattern in its carpeting and wall hangings. The restaurant at Das Dutchman Essenhaus is the largest in the state of Indiana. Don’t leave without a piece of their outstanding fresh made pie. They serve over 30 delicious varieties. The restaurant, along with the rest of the vast Essenhaus campus, is family owned and operated. It grew over 40+ years from a truck stop called the Curve Inn to its present status as a major attraction hosting visitors from around the world.

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The 2016 Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail Quilter’s Chronicles Middlebury


Glorious Yellow Celosia

Glorious Orange Celosia

Easy Wave Blue Petunia

Das Dutchman Essenhaus240 US 20 | Middlebury, IN w: Essenhaus.comp: 800.455.9471

Turf Grass

F2

“1841 Hearts & Flowers” - Dutch Country Market

SIZE: 45’W X 45’H Dutch Country Market boasts hordes of honey and oodles of noodles that the Norman Lehman family produces in Middlebury. It is owned and operated by Norm and Katie Lehman and their six children. Stop in on any given day and you’ll see an Amish enterprise where the workers are busy bees, literally. Katie and her crew make noodles from scratch on site. If you get their early in the morning, you may see them at work through the display window and in the afternoon that day’s efforts drying on racks. They produce approximately 24 tons of noodles annually. Also for sale are Norm’s homemade honey products (Beekeeping is just one of many hats Norm wears). Year-round, inside Dutch Country Market, the Lehman’s display an enclosed observation beehive filled with working bees and honey where honey products are produced each year. It doesn’t get much fresher than from the hive to the jar.

Interestingly, the Lehman’s chose a very pretty quilt pattern this year, but not a traditional Amish pattern. Norm said he likes the name, thought it was a beautiful design and was ready for the challenge of realizing a pattern based on applique. Unlike pieced patterns, which most of the gardens are based on, applique does not involve careful fitting of seams and corners, although that doesn’t mean it is any easier. In fact, it may be more time consuming, depending on how the applique is done.

For an appliqued quilt, pieces (such as the hearts and the parts of the flowers in this quilt garden) are attached to a solid background. This can be done by hand applique, which involves cutting out the shapes approximately 3/16” bigger than the finished design and then turning the edge under while blind stitching around the design. Quilt catalogs often feature precut shapes such as hearts in a variety of fabrics, which can save a lot of time. There are several methods of machine appliquéing as well. Fancy computer embroidery machines can be programmed to attach the fusible webbed pieces, using a variety of stitches if desired.

One might think that with all the talk of machine applique that this is a new technique, but Quilts of Indiana, a book detailing the work of the Indiana Quilt Registry Project, indicates the earliest quilts they found in Indiana featured roderie perse.

One final note, when asked if there was any particular message he wished to share with visitors, Norm said, “Tell them if they see a weed in the quilt garden, be sure to pull it!”

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Dutch Country Market11401 CR 16 | Middlebury, IN

w: amishcountry.org/things-to-do/ shopping/dutch-country-market-1/p: 574.825.3594

Silver Falls Dichondra

Vista Bubblegum Supertunia

Curley Leaf Parsley

Red Supertunia

Boy Yellow Marigold

Gin Bronze Leaf Pink Begonia

Brown Mulch

Turf Grass

“1897 Box Car” - Dutch Village Market

SIZE: 30’W X 30’H

Like Coppes Commons, Dutch Village Market incorporates a railroad theme into its Quilt Garden pattern. Box Car is a very old pattern, originating from the Ladies Art Company catalogue in 1897. The simple design is categorized as a square in a square and is built into a larger block by adding additional shapes. In this case, triangles and a parallelogram that is a double of the triangle piece, flipping one over. It would be a very easy pieced quilt block. To build a quilt top from quilt squares the quilter usually adds sashing which are strips joining each block together.

There are two parts to making a quilt. The second part is what really is referred to by the verb form of “quilt.” It involves fastening the quilt top and a backing, which may also be pieced, but tends to be solid. Usually a layer of batting is added between the two fabrics, which provides warmth and texture. The “fastening” may be accomplished by hand-stitching, using a tiny running stitch that goes through all the layers, or machine quilting or a long-arm quilter, a rather expensive machine that utilizes computer technology to stitch the layers together using a variety of patterns.

Many, probably most, quilters today use a sewing machine to do the piecing, including Amish-made quilts. Many Amish ladies still use a treadle sewing machine, a traditional wedding gift from a groom to his bride. You can still get a hand-sewn Amish quilt (Ask for references when visiting quilt shops in the area). Hand quilting takes up a lot of space (the pictures of a sweet seamstress holding a lap frame stitching away at a quilt are pretty much a fantasy). Typically, the layers are all stretched on a frame that allows continuous quilting without stopping and starting and greatly improves the finished product. Since it usually takes a while for a quilt to be hand-quilted, the frame is usually set up where life can go on around it.

The Dutch Village Market is a treasure hunter’s treat and boasts 70,000 square feet brimming with hand-crafted products, solid wood furniture, antiques, gifts and more. They even have an Amish-owned restaurant, open for breakfast and lunch. It’s a great place to meet for a cup of “Joe” and a cinnamon roll.

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Dutch Village Market 700 N Tomahawk Trail | Nappanee, IN w: DVillageMarket.comp: 574.773.2828

Dreams Midnight Petunia

Silver Dust Dusty Miller

Dreams Red Petunia

Brown Mulch

Turf Grass

“1966 Morning Star” - Elkhart Central Park

SIZE: 40’W X 40’H Central Park’s Quilt Garden is planted and tended by the City of Elkhart’s Building & Grounds Department. Two of their employees have traditionally selected the pattern for this site guided by an overriding principle: KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). Thus, they have chosen the Morning Star design based on its simplicity but added interest by incorporating layers to give it a three-dimensional look.

Some historians believe the Morning Star quilt pattern is related to the Plains Indians who were introduced to quilt making by missionaries in the late 1800s. However, the Morning Star was a motif that the Indians used earlier on animal hides for clothing and bedding. It represented the morning star of Venus which was part of their religious practices. Others have cited it as being related to the Christian tradition, quoting Revelations 22:16, “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.”

Morning Star is a very popular name for a variety of quilt patterns. The Quilter’s Album of Patchwork Patterns features fourteen different blocks called “Morning Star.” Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns has twenty. In addition, both point to dozens (yes dozens) of other names for this pattern. Most, but not all, of these quilts feature, as this one, eight pointed stars. However, there are some hexagon patterns, featuring six and one oddball pattern, with a five-pointed star. The pattern featured here is a traditional nine-patch and would be pieced, although the curved edges for the four corner points might also suggest a combination of piecing and applique.

Central Park is at the heart of downtown’s Arts & Entertainment District. It’s flanked by Elkhart’s RiverWalk and popular attractions including the historic Lerner Theatre. As a result, many visit this garden site, some year after year. The grounds crew enjoys the social interaction with these visitors, especially those from outside the country. Of course locals love it too - including ducks from the nearby Elkhart River, who consider the setting a nice nursery for their babies. Central Park’s Quilt Gardens have been home to more than one family of these feathered friends!

While you’re downtown, be sure to check out “The Garden Elk” and “Mr. Elk Goes to the Lerner,” two of the city’s creatively themed “Elks on Parade” statues. You’ll find one at the Lerner Theatre, another on the Indiana University campus next door. Both lead to the nearby Premier Arts Quilt Garden, designed and maintained by the Theatre’s resident theatre company.

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Elkhart Building & Grounds DepartmentWaterfall Drive & Franklin StreetElkhart, IN w: ElkhartIndiana.orgp: 574.295.7275

Turf Grass

Wave Pink Petunia

Antigua Yellow Marigold

Silver Dust Dusty Miller

Wizard Velvet Red Coleus

Brown Mulch

“1933 Friendship Circle” - Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds

SIZE: 20’W X 40’H This version of Friendship Circle is listed in Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns as Nine X. The Encyclopedia indicates patterns in this category have a diagonal orientation within the square and are divided by diagonal seams to make eight or nine major shapes. So, it is classified as a pieced quilt as opposed to an applique, but all those curved lines would make cutting and piecing it a challenge. It’s definitely not an undertaking for a beginner! The origins Brackman lists for the block are also interesting. It is attributed to Laura Wheeler at the Old Chelsea Station Needlecraft Service, a mail order company begun in 1933. (It turns out there was no Laura Wheeler. It was merely a trade name - one of several - used by Old Chelsea Station).

The Purdue Elkhart County Extension Office oversees this garden and makes its home just steps away from it. It was created as a result of the Smith Lever Act of 1914, that established a system of cooperative extension services, connected to land-grant universities, in order to inform people about current developments in agriculture, home economics, public policy/government, leadership, 4-H, economic development and many other related subjects. The Purdue Extension’s mission is: “We transform lives and livelihoods through research-based education.” The Friendship Circle Quilt Garden is a product of four groups that showcase volunteerism in Elkhart County and the work ethic of local residents. The groups participating in planting and maintaining this garden are the Purdue Elkhart County Extension Team members, the Elkhart County Extension Homemakers, Michiana Master Gardeners and the Elkhart County 4-H Fair Board. The committee for this quilt garden has usually picked designs (often original patterns) incorporating four parts to a design and emphasizing the color green, symbolizing “life.” No doubt this pattern appealed to them since it meets both of those elements.

The 4-H Fairgrounds is the setting for the annual Elkhart County 4-H Fair, one of the largest fairs in the country. It’s been a county tradition since 1851. For ten days in July, youth-driven 4-H programs share the spotlight with grandstand entertainment, a gleaming midway and literally tons of fair food. Individuals can enter open class competitions in a number of categories, and the quilting competition is always keen. The Fairgrounds are also the site for the Michiana Mennonite Relief sale held the last Saturday in September. This is well worth a visit by quilters, as there is an all-day auction featuring quilts and comforters from individuals and Mennonite- affiliated groups. For more information about the Michiana Mennonite Relief Sale visit www.mennonitesale.org.

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The 2016 Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail Quilter’s Chronicles Goshen


Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds &Purdue Co-Operative Extension Service17746 County Road 34 | Goshen, IN w: 4HFair.org | Extension.Purdue.edup: 574.533.FAIR | 574.533.0554

Sunstorm Rose Vinca


White Splash Hypoestes

New Look Dusty Miller

Curley Leaf Parsley

Ambassador Green Leaf Pink Begonia

Turf Grass

“1906 Goshen” - Elkhart County Courthouse SIZE: 20’W X 40’H It’s fitting that the Elkhart County Courthouse has featured Quilt Garden patterns with a patriotic theme. This stately building is home to many government offices and the Elkhart Circuit Court. The site continues its patriotic tradition with the Goshen Star quilt design for their bicentennial garden. An interesting note, this pattern was actually not named for Goshen, Indiana.

This is another Star pattern and is a pieced quilt. It’s considered an easy quilt to make, especially if the quilter utilizes sewing blocks. Sewing blocks are made by layering two pieces of fabric, marking and sewing on the diagonal, then cutting 1/4” on each side of the seam, thus creating two mirror image pieces. Of course, as pointed out, careful measuring is key, although some quilters, including Eleanor Burns, creator of the popular Quilt in a Day series, advocate a different approach. She recommends sewing two blocks slightly larger than the needed size and after sewing, trimming the pieces with a rotary cutter to the exact measurements needed.

This year, the Goshen Historical Society takes over site management for the Courthouse garden. The Society was formed in 1981 and is eager to share Goshen’s history and stories through the Quilt Gardens experience. A favorite piece of local lore connected to Goshen’s storied past is located immediately adjacent to the Courthouse Quilt Garden - the famous police booth. Folklore and legend says it was built in the 1930s to protect the three banks on the surrounding corners of the intersection. Although that era’s most famous gangster, John Dillinger, was dead at the time the booth was completed, city leaders were still concerned that Goshen, on the direct route from Chicago to Detroit, might be threatened by other gangsters of that era. In reality, it was built as a police and safety building for residents.

As noted, this quilt garden is on the lawn of the Elkhart County Courthouse which dates back to 1868. At the time, Elkhart County Commissioners agreed to build a courthouse “appropriate to the progress and standing of the county” and budgeted $100,000 for its construction. That was a considerable expenditure at the time. Similar projects around the state at that time were built for under $30,000. The Magnificent 92, a book about county courthouses across Indiana notes, “... but in the 1860s, a $100,000 courthouse was worth a buggy ride to town.” Of course, Elkhart is one of the few counties where many of the residents might still get to town in a buggy today!

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Elkhart County Courthousein partnership with the Goshen Chamber of Commerce and the downtown Economic Improvement District of Goshen101 North Main Street | Goshen, IN w: ElkhartCountyIndiana.comw: Goshen.orgp: 574.533.2102

Cocktail Brandy Bronze Leaf Rose Begonia

Merlin Blue Morn Petunia

Cirrus Dusty Miller

Life Lime Coleus

Turf Grass

“1914 Duck Paddle” - Elkhart County Historical Museum


Quilt-making was evolving as Indiana sought statehood in 1816. The cotton gin introduced textile making to America, and the cotton plantations of the south provided the raw materials. Women still spun and wove their own fabrics, but being able to purchase ready-made material greatly reduced these time-consuming tasks.

In 1853, the sewing machine was invented, obviously an incredible step forward. Barbara Brackman, a noted quilt expert, indicates quilt styles changed dramatically around 1890 as the Industrial Revolution ushered in what she refers to as “Fabric of the Machine Age.” Synthetic dyes had been introduced and multicolored printing became possible on cylinder machines. At the same time, newspapers and women’s magazines began to produce patterns for quilts.

The Ladies Art Company of St. Louis, established in 1889, was among the first to collect and assign names to quilt patterns and compile them into a printed catalog. This took quilt making out of the world of folk art and into the business of commercial publishing. The Goose Tracks pattern appeared in their 1897 catalog, but like most quilting patterns from our rich heritage, it can also be found under many other names (Including Lily Pond, Crossroads, Dove at the Crossroads, Pride of Italy, Duck Paddle, Fanny’s Fan, Flying Darts, Bluebirds Flying, Dove in the Window, Sage Bud, Fancy Flowers, Lily Corners, and Crows Foot. Whew!). No matter the name, it is a wonderfully variable pattern and can have many different looks de-pending on color placement.

The particular pattern utilized for this quilt block was published in 1914. It is a traditional pieced block and a variation of a nine-patch. It is referred to as an unequal nine patch, but look and you can certainly see the three squares across and three down. One of the challenges of this pattern is joining pieces on the bias as fabric cut on the bias tends to stretch.

The Elkhart County Historical Museum was the first consolidated school corporation in Elkhart County. It opened in 1904 and eventually housed all 12 grades, graduating their first class of six in 1907. Duck Paddle seems an appropriate pattern for the museum as it sits on the banks of the St. Joseph River and thus is home to flocks of ducks. There are over seventy antique quilts and coverlets in the Museum’s collections, many of which are on display. The museum also reminds us that quilts are more than decorative and do more than keep people warm. Throughout history, quilts have been used to communicate social status, demonstrate skills and artistry, respond to societal concerns, and even serve as silent protests.

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The 2016 Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail Quilter’s Chronicles Bristol


Elkhart County Historical Museum304 West Vistula Street | Bristol, IN w: ElkhartCountyParks.orgp: 574.848.4322

Picasso in Pink Supertunia


Lime Delight Coleus

Ambassador Green Leaf White Begonia

Black Mulch

Stone Pavers

“1930 Nine Patch Star” - Glory Gardens

SIZE: 32’W X 32’H Two very popular quilt patterns are the Nine-Patch (an easy quilt for beginners) and the Star (for its striking designs). What could make more sense than to combine the two? But try searching online and you will get a multitude of designs that seem to share little more than a name.

This particular quilt is an unequal nine-patch. It has four mirror images, each of four patches, located in all corners with center sections featuring back-to-back Flying Geese squares and a small center square. The pattern dates back to 1930 and shows the evolution of quilting designs. Its original rendition was featured in the periodical Hearth & Home and called the “Minnesota.” It next appeared in 1961 in the Kansas City Star, but expanded from a nine-patch to essentially a 25- patch! It added an extra two blocks on the side and bottom, repeating the center star four times. This pattern was called “Square of Diamonds,” which indeed it was. Twenty years later, Quilting magazine published it under the name “Nine Patch Variations.” Confusion would be understandable - so many names, so many patterns! It also shows the history of quilting in microcosm. Patterns were initially ordered through the mail, then published in newspapers.

Glory Gardens is a 13-acre farm and greenhouse operated by the Yoder’s, an Amish family comprised of mom, dad and 6 children. They grow peaches, apples, pears, grapes, strawberries, raspberries and rhubarb which they sell at their store along with flowers, homemade jams and jellies. Naturally, the Yoder’s are growing the annuals for their Quilt Garden and early this spring they were busy planting seeds in one of their many greenhouses. Since the Yoder’s are from the Amish culture, perhaps we should clarify what exactly is considered an “Amish” quilt? Rebecca Haarer, a Shipshewana quilt shop owner and local expert, distinguishes two different styles of quilts, all referred to as “Amish quilts.” The first of these is a true Amish quilt, made by the Amish for their personal use. These are usually made in very traditional patterns (or one of their own design) and made from solid color fabrics, quite often in dark colors. Next is the Amish-made quilt for the general public. This is a quilt made by Amish women, but intended for sale and may incorporate prints and pastels. There are several places in and around northern Indiana where you can purchase them. Some of these quilts are still made from solid color fabrics but in a rainbow of colors and if an intricate pattern is used, you may do a double take before you realize the pieces are all solid.

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The 2016 Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail Quilter’s Chronicles Shipshewana


Glory Gardens2190 S 900 W | Topeka, IN w: AmishCountry.orgp: 260.768.7800

Turf Grass

Bada Boom Bronze Leaf Scarlet Begonia

Bada Bing Green Leaf White Begonia

Indigo Charm Blue Supertunia

Durango Yellow Marigold

Black Mulch

“1932 Cross Roads” - Krider Garden

SIZE: 20’W X 40’H Cross Roads is yet another quilt name that is applied to dozens of different patterns. You could say it’s evocative of Humpty Dumpty in Through the Looking Glass: “When I use a word, it means just what I choose it to mean, neither more nor less.”

This particular version of Cross Roads is listed in Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Blocks as a four- patch and is attributed to Nancy Cabot. So who was Nancy Cabot? She wrote a daily newspaper column for the Chicago Tribune in the 1930s. It was typical for newspapers at that time to share quilt blocks with their readers. Each day a single quilt block was featured that included an illustration of the block, when and/or where it originated and colors and fabrics commonly used. In the Sunday Tribune, Cabot reviewed the patterns for that week. A pattern was offered for sale for each block for “5 cents in stamps or coin.”

Nancy Cabot is the pen name of Loretta Leitner Rising. She was born in Illinois around 1906. Her 32-year career with the Chicago Tribune began in the 1920s. She was promoted to the position of Needlework Editor and columnist in the 1930s writing patterns for knitting, crocheting, embroidery and quilting. This block dates back to 1932 which would have been right in the middle of her career.

An interesting note: The very next year (1933) Middlebury resident, Vernon Krider, who developed a thorn-less rose and operated a mail order nursery business, displayed a large garden at the Chicago World’s Fair. Afterward, he brought pieces of that exhibition back to Middlebury and donated them to the Parks Department. This was the start of Krider “World’s Fair” Gardens. You’ll want to get your picture taken by the giant blue windmill from this historic display to commemorate your visit.

The best spot for viewing this garden is to walk up the hill to the paved path, but do be careful. It’s part of the Pumpkinvine Trail, a seventeen-mile bike path that connects Goshen, Middlebury and Shipshewana. It’s very popular with locals, including the Amish, who frequently use bicycles as a principle source of transportation.

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Krider Garden302 West Bristol Avenue (County Road 8)Middlebury, IN w: MiddleburyIN.comp: 574.825.1499


Premium Accent Deep Orange Impatiens

Curley Leaf Parsley

Premium Accent Rose Impatiens

Premium Accent White Impatiens

Black Mulch

Stone Pavers

SIZE: 66’W X 32’H This year, Linton’s has selected the Card Trick pattern. Although nine-patch is one of the oldest and simplest pieced quilt designs (it was published as early as 1897 by The Ladies Art Company), this variation is of recent origin and dated 1975. In its simplest form, a nine-patch is simply nine squares sewn together in three rows of three. Assuming two (A & B) fabrics are used, the quilter first sews long strips of ABA and another of BAB. These can then be sliced cross-wise and the (now) three strips of three blocks are each sewn together. Most pieced quilts have short cuts and are first assembled as squares and then the squares are combined to produce the final product. There are literally dozens of variations.

It may not look like it at first glance, but this is actually an equal nine-patch which makes use of lots of half-square triangles (see Elkhart County Historical Museum). However, unlike the description contained there, the blocks do not use mirror image units and thus quick piecing will not work and some deviation is required. Therefore, it would need to be assembled triangle by triangle. The traditional Card Trick quilt block might seem difficult, but by cutting and sewing its patches systematically, one will find it goes together easily.

The standard quilting seam allowance is 1/4”. It is important to decide how to treat seam allowances to minimize bulk. The two alternatives are to press the seam open or to press to one side. If they are pressed to the side, alternate sides are used, so that when the pieces are joined they have seam allowances from one piece on one side, and the other piece alternating. It is very important for the quilter to keep careful tabs on how the blocks will be joined so that they will match.

Linton’s Enchanted Gardens was founded in 1982 as a small landscape company. Since then, it has expanded to include a gift shop, floral division, Garden Café and fun attractions and activities for the entire family to enjoy. The garden shop/nursery covers nine acres of trees, shrubs, bedding plants and garden accents. See it all on foot or ride the train through the grounds. Linton’s Quilt Garden is one of the largest. View it from the raised bridge - also a beautiful backdrop for a group photo.

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Linton’s Enchanted Gardens315 County Road 17 | Elkhart, IN

w: Lintons.comp: 888.779.9333

“1975 Card Trick” - Linton’s Enchanted Gardens


Celebrity Salmon Petunia

Celebrity Deep Rose Petunia

Obsession Pink Verbena

MAR_AF Vanilla Marigold

Antiqua Gold Marigold

Victoria Blue Salvia

Janie Pale Yellow Marigold

Celebrity White Petunia

Turf Grass

“1981 Indian Sunburst” - Tulip Tree at Martin ACE Hardware


This is one of the more modern designs among the Quilt Garden sites this year. The 1981 pattern is classed as a non-square block - regular, geometrically shaped units, made up of more than one piece of fabric. Other non-square blocks include triangles, hexagons, fans and wedding rings. In fact, reviewing patterns for fans will help the quilter in laying out and cutting pieces then replicating this design in a quilt. Harvest Sun, from Jonathan Holstein, is very similar. Holstein published three pattern books in the early 1970s. It came from Ladies Circle Patchwork Quilts, a periodical which started publishing in 1973.

A quilt consists of three layers. The top is pieced or appliqued. The bottom (usually cotton) may be pieced as well, but more often is a single section of fabric. It may be a print coordinated with the quilt top or a plain, solid color. And the middle layer? Some early quilts actually used straw as the middle layer. The goal of this layer, referred to as “batting,” was to increase the warmth of the quilt. More typically, early quilting used cotton or wool wadding for batting. Quilting stitches were done in straight lines close together to hold the wadding in place. Stearns and Foster began making cotton batting for quilts in 1846 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their batting was clean and seedless (early batting usually contained cotton seeds, often used to date early quilts) and came in large sheets. In the 1920s, to boost their batting sales, Stearns and Foster started placing printed pattern instructions in their Mountain Mist Cotton Batting. They also renamed many of the patterns, using what they felt were “colonial” names since such designs were popular at the time. This certainly confounded later quilt historians. Today, most batting is polyester, although the cotton variety is still available.

While visiting this garden, you might want to look at the mural on the side of the hardware building. The Martins are very patriotic and their past Quilt Garden patterns have all tended to be red, white and blue. The mural, titled Small Town America, was chosen to represent the Martins’ commitment as business owners to provide their customers as many American-made products as possible. Incidentally, while you are here, you might want to step inside the store as well. It isn’t exactly what you might expect to find in a “hardware” store and includes a lovely gift shop with soaps, candles, gourmet food mixes, clothing, baby items and too many other things to mention. While it is an “ACE” hardware, it is independently owned as a family business.

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Tulip Tree at Martin ACE Hardware103 Crystal Heights Blvd | Middlebury, IN

p: 574.825.7011

Dreams Red Petunia

Janie Deep Orange Marigold

Janie Bright Yellow Marigold

Treated Lumber

Turf Grass

“1932 Whirlgig” - Nappanee Center


The invention of the cotton gin in 1793 dramatically impacted quilt making. Prior to the ready availability of cloth, purchases of material were very dear. Patches from existing garments might preserve or mend and ultimately, extend the life of clothing and bedding, both of which our frontier mothers were responsible for. Quilts were not unknown at the time. In fact, quilt making has been traced to the 11th century in Europe.

The Whirligig is a popular quilting pattern with hundreds of variations that dates back to 1932. This variation is quite complex. Indeed, it does not fit neatly into any pattern category and is included in a chapter simply called “miscellaneous” in Barbara Brackman’s Encyclopedia of Pieced Quilt Patterns. Its only further distinguishing feature is that it is built around a “square in the middle”. While it does include some half-square triangle pieces, it is quite a complex block and best attempted by experienced quilters, especially if they have a copy of the original pattern and instructions!

What was Nappanee like in 1932? US Highway 6, which passes through downtown Nappanee, was once part of the Grand Army of the Republic Highway and officially designated a US Highway in 1932. Also in that year, Ralph Metzler and his brother-in-law Ora Smucker were supplying shoes for a majority of Nappanee’s families, having opened their down-town shoe store nearly a decade earlier. And the Dutch Kitchenette (See Coppes Commons) was still being produced by the Coppes Brothers and had become a staple in kitchens throughout the nation.

One of the most striking things about the whirligig pattern is the feeling of movement - much like the child’s toy whirligig blowing in the wind. Some whirligig quilts enhance this by adding a three dimensional quality to the quilt, having the “blades” of the whirligig finished on two sides, with the third side attached into the quilt top.

The gardeners at the Nappanee Welcome Center always produce a beautiful Quilt Garden and seem to enjoy a challenge! This garden also features a raised platform for better viewing photos. A visit inside the adjacent Nappanee Welcome Center is always fun. Be sure to step inside to see the small wall quilts showing past Quilt Garden patterns, a large collection of Hoosier cabinets, antique quilts on display, the pie plate for a seven-foot apple pie (A fixture at the annual Apple Festival in September), a historic jail cell (a great photo opp!) and a wealth of other fascinating information on Nappanee’s history. If you are in luck, Martha, the docent for the museum, will be there - she loves to share Nappanee history with visitors.

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The 2016 Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail Quilter’s Chronicles Nappanee


Nappanee Center302 West Market Street | Nappanee, IN

w: NappaneeChamber.comp: 574.773.7812


Magellan Yellow Zinnias


Easy Wave Neon Rose Petunia

Dark Opal Basil

Stone Pavers

“1930 Old Windmill” - Old Bag Factory

SIZE: 29’w x 32’h

The Old Bag Factory in Goshen is housed in a complex of brick buildings that was once home to the Cosmo Buttermilk Soap Company. In 1910 it was purchased by the Chicago-Detroit Bag Company, which merged in 1924 with the Chase Bag Factory. Chase produced all types of cloth and paper bags and a number of paper products, the most famous being the slips of paper in Hershey’s Kisses. If you visit the historical room in the complex, there are rolls of them on display.

Today, the Old Bag Factory is a center for artisans of various products. It is also home to a glorious Quilt Garden. This year’s features the 1930 Old Windmill, yet another quilt pattern attributed to Nancy Cabot. It is classified as a four-patch and features half square triangles, but with a twist - one-half square triangle is actually split. Obviously the quilter would complete these first and then make the quick pieced blocks or the blocks could be assembled individually.

Obviously quilt making began as a necessity - creating warm covers for beds. With time, and the advent of mass produced fabric, sewing machines, long-arm machines and embroidery units, quilting has become more and more artistic. As stated in Quilts of Indiana, “Elevating the quilt from the bed to the wall has at last laid to rest the art-versus-craft argument. The historical importance of quilting has been enhanced by the widespread acceptance of search and research projects involving quilts and quilters in the United States in the last ten years.

If you want to see true quilting as an art, stop in at Quilt Designs. It’s right next to the Old Bag Factory’s Quilt Garden. Shirley Shenk and her husband Dave own the shop. Early in her career, Shirley was a quilter, creating traditional quilts. She soon grew bored and started sketching artistic designs. Her husband, in what is undoubtedly one of the worst pieces of business advice ever shared, told her she should stick with the tried and true. But Shirley persisted and today, they have an incredible shop housed in an 1897 log cabin. All quilts sold here feature designs by Shirley or her daughter-in-law Kris. They purposely copyright each design and do not enter shows and contests because they don’t want anyone to copy them (and they request no photographs in their shop). But be warned: Shirley and Dave plan to retire at the end of 2016, and the shop will be closed permanently after this season.

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Old Bag Factory1100 North Chicago AvenueGoshen, IN

w: OldBagFactory.comp: 574.534.2502

Picobello Blue Petunia

Picobello Carmine Petunia

Turf Grass


“Back Home Again in Indiana - Inspired by 1920 Dogwood” - Premier Arts, Downtown Elkhart


Premier Arts is taking a 1920s era quilt, the Dogwood, and adapting it, using colors and stars from Indiana’s state flag and a sculptured torch. For those unfamiliar with the Indiana state flag, the Indiana Historical Society offers the following information: “The Indiana General Assembly adopted the Indiana state flag in 1917. The flag was designed by Paul Hadley of Mooresville as part of Indiana’s centennial celebration flag design contest. The flag has a blue background with yellow symbols. The torch in the middle of the flag represents liberty and enlightenment. The rays illustrate their far-reaching influence. There are a total of 19 stars on the flag, with the outer circle representing the 13 colonies. The stars in a semi-circle stand for the states admitted to the Union prior to Indiana. The star directly above the torch symbolizes Indiana, the 19th state.” It is interesting that the flag was adopted during the state’s centennial celebration and this pattern is now being used to celebrate the state’s bicentennial. Elkhart was a happening place as it moved from the 1916 centennial into the roaring twenties. The city became a hub for railroads, as it still is today. On the walls next to this Quilt Garden are two murals, one a whimsical interpretation of downtown Elkhart and the other pays homage to Elkhart’s railroad heritage, as well as band instruments, as the city was once recognized as the Band Instrument Capital of the World.

In 1923, Harry E. Lerner, an Elkhart businessman, announced plans to construct a modern “theatrical palace” on the corner of Franklin and Main Streets. It celebrated its grand opening on November 24, 1924. Over time, the theater went through several owners and names, the last being the ELCO, a movie theatre operated by William Miller until his death. The City of Elkhart purchased the ELCO from William’s widow, Ruth, in 1990 in an attempt to save the theatre from deterioration caused by vacancy. A group of Elkhart County citizens formed a nonprofit and negotiated with the city to operate the facility as a performing arts center. It soon became apparent that any success would be extremely limited without major funding for programming and repairs. A group of businessmen became involved in 2006, and after major fundraising, the Lerner resumed its original name and was restored and reopened in 2011 with a complete schedule of entertainment from rock bands to orchestra concerts to Broadway musicals planned throughout the year. As the resident theatre company of the Lerner, Premier Arts is a recognized regional leader in providing diverse, professional performing arts education and entertainment.

The Dogwood pattern, as a quilt, would be appliqued. There are many interpretations of the blossom, both individual and as a group. In the springtime, there are wild and cultivated dogwoods in bloom all over Indiana. As with appliqued quilts in general, the quilter (or quilt gardener) uses a pattern as an inspiration for the final design interpretation.

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Premier Arts410 South Main Street | Elkhart, IN

w: PremierArts.orgp: 574.293.4469


Blue Ray Petunia

Safari Yellow Marigold

Black Mulch

Turf Grass

“1895 Crossed Canoes” - Ruthmere Museum


This year, the Elkhart County Convention & Visitors Bureau, which sponsors the Quilt Gardens, introduced a new tack. Normally each garden site chooses the pattern it wishes to use for their Quilt Garden, sometimes something original that was not previously a quilt. Since Indiana is celebrating its bicentennial and the quilt gardens are a designated Bicentennial Legacy Project, this year, each garden site was given a list of historic quilt patterns to choose from. 61 patterns were selected by Diana Bennett, one of Elkhart County’s premier quilters, with the help of a digital compendium of quilts compiled by Barbara Brackman. It is fitting that Ruthmere chose the Crossed Canoes pattern as the historic mansion looks over the confluence of the Elkhart and St. Joe Rivers.

Ruthmere was built in 1910 by Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Beardsley. Mr. Beardsley was a principal in Miles Medical Company, later known as Miles Laboratories, the “plop-plop-fizz-fizz” makers of Alka-Seltzer, One-a-Day vitamins, diagnostic test strips and other pharmaceuticals. The company was long one of Elkhart’s business backbones, until it was purchased by Bayer in 1979. The Beardsley’s named their home Ruthmere in memory of their only child, Ruth, who died in infancy. In fact, “Ruthmere” is translated as “Ruth by the water.”

This pattern dates back to 1895, when it was sold by the Ladies Art Company catalog. It is known by several names: Crossed Canoes, Santa Fe Quilt, Indian Canoes, The Dragon Fly, Twinkling Star and Tippecanoe. Most patterns recommend that the design be paper pieced in four units, two in exact contrast to the other two. Paper piecing involves sewing pieces of fabric to a paper foundation following a numerical sequence. Seam lines are then traced on the foundation. The pieces of fabric are sewn onto the back side of this foundation. This sewing technique allows one to work with very small and uneven pieces with great accuracy, as all sewing takes place along straight lines.

While you are at Ruthmere, consider a tour of the beautiful mansion. Docents give you the history of the home and the families who lived here. Interestingly, Mr. Beardsley had professional photographs taken of most of the rooms of the house (certainly innovative thinking for the time) which greatly enhanced accurate restoration of the property.

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Ruthmere Museum302 East Beardsley Avenue | Elkhart, IN

w: Ruthmere.orgp: 574.264.0330

Brown Mulch

Super Elfin White Impatiens


Danube Blue Ageratum

Antigua Yellow Marigold

Evolution Blue Salvia

Turf Grass

“1895 Star Puzzle” - Downtown Wakarusa


The Star quilt pattern in its many variations is very popular and so here we have another star and another nine-patch! In this case, an unequal nine-patch with a large center square which dates back to 1897.

Two things struck me about this quilt. First, it looks almost like an optical illusion. Remember doodling squares that could pop back and forth? Secondly, it looks complicated, almost like a star in a circle. A closer look reveals the entire block is composed of half-square triangles. It’s the perfect quilt to use with the shortcut of layering two squares of fabric. Simply draw a line on the diagonal and then stitch ¼” on either side and cut on the diagonal, making two mirror image blocks. When I checked this pattern online there were two different tacks taken and one used just two fabrics. The other utilized three and emphasized that choosing appropriate fabrics enhanced the optical illusion effect. You can take it one step further, using five different fabrics/colors/patterns, as shown. If using three fabrics, you will create three different combinations. For simplicity, we will assume you are using one light, one medium and one dark fabric. Then you have a light/dark, a light/medium and a medium/dark. Here, with five fabrics (P = Pink, W = White, L = Lavender, B = Blue and Y = Yellow), you have P/W, L/W, B/W and Y/B. This would be a great block for a beginning quilter.

If you are a dedicated quilter and want a challenge, look at the quilt mural immediately adjacent to Wakarusa’s Quilt Garden. Actually, the center is not that difficult, being simply row after row of small squares that you would add appliqued borders featuring leaves. You might well be able to find pre-cut applique leaves from a quilt shop or you could buy a fabric featuring leaves and “fancy cut” out the leaf shapes and then applique using the method of your choice.

The town of Wakarusa traces its origins to 1833 when pioneers chose the marshy lands to establish farmsteads. The mucky soil was ideal for growing mint and at one time there were a number of mint farms here growing for Wrigley chewing gum in nearby Chicago. The Wabash railroad also came to Wakarusa and the historic depot can now be visited at the Wakarusa Historical Museum. Of course, no visit to Wakarusa would be complete without a stop at the Wakarusa Dime store, an old fashioned candy store carrying many candies you didn’t know were even available anymore. They’re also famous for their giant jelly beans – be sure to ask for a free sample!

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The 2016 Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail Quilter’s Chronicles Wakarusa


Hotline Red Salvia

Madness White Petunia

Madness Blue Petunia

Wakarusa Chamber of Commerce100 West Waterford Street Wakarusa, IN

w: WakarusaChamber.comp: 574.862.4344

Madness Red Petunia

Stone Pavers

New Look Dusty Miller

“1930 Indiana Puzzle” - Weaver Furniture Sales


There are actually three Indiana Puzzle quilt patterns, and unlike some patterns that share similarities, the three are entirely different. This particular version, attributed to renowned quilt designer Ruby McKim, has an interesting history.

Ruby McKim, née Ruby Short, was born July 25, 1891, in Millersburg, Illinois. She became, before her death in 1976, one of the 20th century’s most innovative American quilt designers. Educated at the New York School of Fine and Applied Arts (now Parsons School of Design), her first published quilt pattern was for the Kansas City Star in 1916 and McKim later became one of the Star’s three quilt illustrators and designed many patterns specifically with newspaper publication in mind. In 1931, she published a book titled 101 Patchwork Patterns, which is still recognized as a classic. Among her many series, one was a pattern for each state and this is the block she created for Indiana. Many of her early designs incorporate embroidery, but the state series appear to consist of patchwork patterns including Indiana Puzzle which is another equal nine-patch. The center block is surrounded by the popular half-square triangle pieces, which could be created using the short-cut method. An Interesting note: 2016 marks the centennial year for the publica-tion of Ruby’s first quilt pattern.

Carolyn Miller, an Amish gardener, maintains the Weaver Furniture Sales Quilt Garden. She lives nearby and has been the designer and gardener there for the five years. Carolyn has completed Master Gardener training and has quilted for years. Weaver Furniture Sales is located on the farmstead of LeRoy and Ida Weaver. For over 25 years, they have welcomed visitors to their large furniture showroom - a converted dairy barn. The family takes pride in knowing that in today’s global economy, they are able to market high quality Amish-built furniture and at the same time help the local Amish community.

While in the area, take time to visit the many quilt shops. These include Lavender Patch in downtown Bristol and the Pumpkinvine Quilt Shop and the Quilt Shop at Das Dutchman Essenhaus both in Middlebury. Lolly’s Fabrics, located inside the Davis Mercantile and Yoder Department Store are both in Shipshewana while Calico Point, is located in the countryside midway between Wakarusa and Goshen. There is also a fabric store in downtown Middlebury called Gohn Brothers. This is more of a traditional Amish fabric store and in fact, they carry Amish style clothing made by seamstresses upstairs.

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The 2016 Quilt Gardens along the Heritage Trail Quilter’s Chronicles Shipshewana


Weaver Furniture Sales7870 W 075 N | Shipshewana, IN

w: WeaverFurnitureSales.comp: 260.768.7730

Snow Crystals White Alyssum & Stream White Lobuloria

Easy Wave Red Velour Petunia

Easy Wave White Petunia


Easy Wave Flag Mix

Black Mulch

Turf Grass

2016 Quilter's Chronicles - Amish Country

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Transcript of 2016 Quilter's Chronicles - Amish Country