Flying the New Zealand flag in Indiana

I often marvel about this wonderful creative quilting bloggy world I live in. I first 'met' Sharon when we were both doing a 365-day photo-a-day challenge. Then, in  2013, I met her for dinner at the Paducah quilt show. And now, I have spent time with her at her home in Indiana.

Sharon missed out on the Paducah show this year so I went out in sympathy and quilt shop-hopped with her on the first day I was there. We had a great old time, visiting about 6 shops and making a few purchases here and there (what happens in Indiana stays in Indiana, right?!)

Marie Webster's quilts.

Another day we visited the Indianapolis Museum of Art where an exhibition of Marie Webster's work was being held. Fabulous old quilts (Marie Webster lived from 1859 to 1956 and came to be considered 'one of the leading designers in the history of early 20th century quilt making'. See *this* link.)
We had a lovely time studying her quilts, and were amazed, intrigued and inspired by the work that went into them.

Beautiful baskets. Love that handle!

A baby quilt.

We marvelled at the borders/edges -

Well worth the visit!

While we were there we had a look at this fun exhibit - check out the wee figures holding the plate glass up!

These would have been 2-3 inches tall. Amazing!

Side view!!

Another display, another day, was this small one of Italian clothing and linen, made as part of a trousseau during the late 1800s.

Sharon was asked to photograph this collection before the family donated much of it to the museum. Sadly the maker died quite young, which is why the clothing is in such good condition.
The show and tell continued with Sharon pulling out all her quilts and flimsies....that went on deep into the night and was very enjoyable!

Sharon and a couple of her beautiful old quilts.
Hmm, now how to replicate that block....

Indiana is the place where I discovered what fun bird feeders are! Where I live in Northland, New Zealand, our winters are mild and plants keep growing all year round. There is always plenty for the birds to eat so we don't bother to feed them...maybe I'll have to change all that!

 Oh the joy of taking photos through a window at an awkward angle!

I even saw a Chipmunk - very exciting - I'm a cheap tourist to entertain - give me a camera and some critters to watch and I'll be happy!
And last, but not least, more quilty pleasures. Doniene is another bloggy friend I have met and stayed with (2013). Both of us were a little late with our Christmas mailing this year but look what arrived at Nashville for me.....
Not one - but two lovely small quilts :-)

Such a happy quilt, I know I'll find  place for
it somewhere

Beautiful handquilting :-) the first hand quilted piece I own!

Thank you so much Doniene! The other goodies in the parcel were much appreciated too (including the Pecan Praline cookies!!)
And that, my friends, is that! The adventures continue - where will I be popping up next time I wonder?

'till next time,

be creative,