Shipshewana

After a night of driving, and a few hours sleep at a rest stop, I made it to Shipshewana, Indiana, a charming little town known for its Amish and Mennonite communities.
    Shipshe has an amazing flea market two days a week -- plus an antique market regularly, as well. And both just happened to occur during the PAAQT appraisers conference this week. Darn...

The only bad part is that it's been raining. A lot. We've had to duck between the raindrops crossing the street, and going on tours.

So far, we've gone on a trip to Lansing, MI, to see Michigan State's great textile collection, had classes on the Quilter's Hall of Fame, regional differences (and similarities) in Indiana quilts, and a long and varied report on Ely & Walker, whose calicoes have influenced American quilting for more than a century.
   The food's been homestyle and outstanding; mashed potatoes, crispy chicken, fresh green beans. And a piece of chocolate peanut butter pie. Oh, the torture...
 
   Oh, and I also got a ripping turn-of-the-century Crazy quilt top that incorporates some pieced blocks, sampler-style. (Thanks, Rebecca Haarer.)

We're having a great time at Shipshewana. Wish you were here, too.