Amish Country Blog

Exhibit Features Artists Diana Bennett & Lina Zerkle

Designs by Diana Photos

Designs by Lina Zerkle Photos

Have you seen this amazing exhibit? Share your comments with us today!

The ECCVB commissioned “Aurora – Elkhart Special” quilt is now proudly displayed in the Elkhart County Visitors Center. Come in a take a look – it’s spectacular! The quilt was exquisitely pieced by Diana Bennet (see some of her other quilts in the Visitors Center) and quilted by her good friend. Jinny Beyer pulled together a palette of 55 signature fabrics in colors to complement the Aurora mural.  Feeling ambitious?  There is a special “kit” to make your own quilt available through Jinny Beyer.  For more information call the Visitor Center at 800.262.8161

Quilters – The Musical!

If you have ever taken time to really look at a quilt, it is obvious that the creative process requires inspiration and dedication. Quilters, the Musical, tells the stories of trials and tribulations, happiness and love that help to inspire the designs of quilts. This Tony Award nominee will be held at the Elco Theatre August 7, 9, 10.  More information can be found at http://www.elcotheatre.com/.

Thursday, August 7 8pm performance
Saturday, August 9 8pm performance
Sunday, August 10 3pm matinee performance

Purchase Tickets:
574.293.4469
ElcoTheatre.com
Elco Performing Arts Center, Downtown, Elkhart

Quilters – The Musical is presented by The Elkhart County Visitors Center and Premier Arts

-Tasha, Amish Country Northern Indiana contributor

Whether you’ve been to Amish Country before or this is your first time, our all-new Official Quilt Gardens Tour SM is absolutely something you can’t miss! Each gigantic garden and super-sized mural site is conveniently located along the nationally recognized Heritage Trail and takes you to 23 not-to-be-missed stops, many at our most popular attractions.

You’ll find plenty of dining and lodging options and lots of places to shop along way. Make a stay of it at one of our cozy country inns or hotels with names you know and trust! Our quilt-inspired overnight packages offer competitive rates (from just $54.99), and welcoming amenities!

Choose Your Package Here

See It to Believe It!

Amish Country’s first quilt garden contains over 6000 annuals, including Dwarf Yellow Marigolds, Begonias, Dwarf Red Salvia, Dusty Miller, and Ageratum. Gary Henderson, local landscape architect, has been responsible for the gardens at the Das Dutchmen Essenhaus since 1984, planting over 24,000 annuals each year. He designed this The Quilt Garden with the help of his wife Linda and it was no easy task to accomplish. Gary worked over 150 hours with two additional staff members to execute this magnificent garden.

Das Dutchman Essenhaus is proud to have Amish Country’s first Quilt Garden on their campus. While visiting the garden they invite you to dine in the restaurant where family style meals and menu dining are served 6 days a week. The shops open 9am-8pm Monday-Saturday and are filled with treasures sure to make your visit memorable. Be sure to stop into The Quilt Shop stocked with fabrics, stencils, templates, and No Sew Quilt Magic Wall Hanging kits. Hands on demonstrations are given for anyone interested in having fun with fabric and learning new techniques. If you’d like to stay over night the Essenhaus Inn and Conference Center offers top notch hospitality and beautifully appointed guest rooms.

Quilters Find Treasures In Amish Country

The history of quilting dates back to the early 19th century. Many Amish quilters have embraced this as a social activity and an art medium. Amish women began quilting around 1870 but within just 15 short years Amish Quilts became quite common.Today’s Amish and Mennonite women in northern Indiana still enjoy quilting. Quilt supply shops, quilt stores and annual benefit auctions make this area a fantastic place to visit if you have an interest in quilting. Enjoy shopping at places such as Yoder’s Department Store, The Quilt Shop and Lolly’s Fabrics. Stocked with thousands of fabric bolts and quilting supplies, hard to find items are often located here. Take time to admire the work of local women and purchase an Amish quilt at Little Helpers Quilt Shop or Martins Quilt Shop.

Are you searching for the perfect color pattern or a special design to match your decor? Custom quilt designs and one of kind treasures made to order can be found in Goshen at Quilt Designs.

Annual quilt auctions are just around the corner. Plan a visit during the Michiana Mennonite Relief sale September 22 or the Goldenrod Benefit Auction September 7, both events feature quilt auctions for a worthy cause and great locally made foods.