Long before Indiana was the 19th state, it was a lush wilderness inhabited by the Hopewell tradition (mound builders) and later by tribes like the Miami, Shawnee, and Potawatomi. The name “Indiana” literally means “Land of the Indians,” a tribute to the people who were there first. In the late 1600s, French fur traders arrived, setting up posts like Vincennes—the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the state. After a tug-of-war between the French, British, and the brand-new United States, the Indiana Territory was formed in 1800, eventually shrinking to its current borders when it joined the Union in 1816.
When Indiana joined the Union in 1816, it was mostly dense hardwood forest, though it’s hard to see that now. During the Civil War, Indiana was a vital resource for the Union. It was the first state to respond to Lincoln’s call for troops, sending over 200,000 soldiers. However, the state was internally torn as southern Indiana had deep cultural ties to the South.
Today Indiana is a top producer of corn, soybeans, and popcorn (shoutout to Orville Redenbacher, a native son!), but interestingly it’s also home of the “Orthopedic Capital of the World.” More than one-third of all orthopedic devices are made in the city of Warsaw.
Indiana is also the home of Bob Ross, someone both Hawke and I admire immensely. We happened to see a billboard sign for the Bob Ross Experience at the Minnetrista Museum and Gardens in Muncie, so we returned a couple days later when we had the time.
Indiana Dunes National Park
Quilt Block
When I think of Indiana, I think of the Indianapolis 500 race, which is running its 110th race this year and that checkered flag they wave is iconic. The Indiana block takes on that same look with some tube piecing. If you aren’t familiar with it, it is typically used for making Trip Around the World quilts, but there are several ways you could piece it.
This is a great block to go all navy on, or mix in the red like I did. As always, the choice is yours!
Quilt Shops
- Crimson Tate in Indianapolis is one of the cutest shops I’ve ever been to, with lovely displays of a wide range of modern fabrics and patterns.
- Always in Stitches in Noblesville has been a regular on my teaching trips and they are a joy to be around. The entire back of the shop is dedicated to knitting, crochet and embroidery.
- ZigZag Corner in Greenfield is a machine-centered shop with a wonderful array of fabrics, as well. They also play host to regular Cuddle® sewing classes with my friend, Lisa Lueck.
I can’t wait to see your Indy Flag block! If you live in or have visited Indiana, leave a comment. I’d love to hear more about it!
