A pattern book for the unique Shipshewana Blessings©™ quilt.

Quilt Introduction

“Shipshewana Blessings©™”

Combining Cultures into a Quilt

Shipshewana is a small town located in northeast Indiana. In 2004, we, along with Rebecca Haarer, were commissioned by the town to design and make a quilt to be hung in the town hall. The quilt was to portray two groups who have made or are making their home in Shipshewana. These two cultures are the Potawatomi and the Amish.

Our book’s quilt, “Shipshewana Blessings©™,” is a modification of that town hall quilt.

The original residents of the community, the Potawatomi, are represented in the quilt by the applique work in the border and the pieced center block. These are designs inspired by the beadwork by the Potawatomi.

The 28 sampler blocks in the quilt are designs taken from vintage Amish quilts. Using solid colors in a “use up what you have on hand” illustrates their tradition.

Both cultures’ artists are represented in the tulip motif used in the border and center block.

We hope you can visit our wonderful little community someday! For more information about Shipshewana, visit their web site: www.shipshewana.com.

Edith and Janis

January 2006