The ten largest Amish settlements, by number of church districts, as of 2009:
10. Allen County, Indiana (Founded 1852; 19 church districts). This Amish settlement located to the north of Fort Wayne is a Swiss-ethnicity community. Open buggies are driven here; the construction trade is popular. Allen County Amish homes are often built of red brick, unlike those of most other Amish. The three most common last names here are Graber, Lengacher, and Schmucker.
9. Mifflin County, Pennsylvania (Founded 1791; 22 districts). Also known as Kishacoquillas Valley or more commonly, ‘Big’ Valley, this settlement is home to three distinct Old Order Amish groups: the black-buggy driving Renno Amish, Byler Amish (yellow buggies), and the most conservative group, the ‘Nebraska’ Amish, aka ‘white-toppers’. ‘Big Valley’ is, in fact, a big valley–about 30 miles long, and around 5 miles wide at its widest.
8. Daviess County, Indiana (1868; 24 districts). This community also has Swiss roots, though Amish here use closed-top carriages and other differences exist. Daviess County Amish speak with a distinctly ‘southern’ accent.
7. Arthur, Illinois (1865; 27 districts). The largest and oldest Amish settlement in Illinois. The Arthur settlement is very entrepreneurial, with numerous Amish cabinet shop and furniture businesses scattered around the flat countryside surrounding the small town.
6. Nappanee, Indiana (ca. 1841; 37 districts). This community lies not far from the largest in Indiana, that of Elkhart/Lagrange Counties to the north-east. Similarly to that community, Nappanee Amish have been heavily involved in the RV industry. Amish Acres is a big tourist attraction here. It’s not impossible that this and the Lagrange/Elkhart settlement will ‘grow into’ one another in future, forming one even larger settlement.
5. Adams County, Indiana (1850; 47 districts). This Swiss community lies on the opposite side of Fort Wayne, Indiana from Allen County, with which it has close ties. One of the more conservative Amish settlements.
4. Geauga County, Ohio (1886; 86 districts). Ohio’s second-largest settlement, about an hour east of Cleveland. The Geauga County Amish settlement originated from the Holmes County settlement to the south.
3. Elkhart/Lagrange Counties, Indiana (1841; 133 districts). Indiana’s largest Amish settlement long thrived thanks to the RV industry. With the local economic downturn some Amish have had to look elsewhere to make a living. This community has featured heavily in recent media examinations of the Amish youth period known as Rumspringa.
2. Lancaster County, Pennsylvania (ca. 1760; 171 districts). Lancaster is the most well-known, and the oldest existing Amish settlement. Lancaster is in certain ways different from most other Amish communities, for example in its ‘urban’ character. Nearly half-a-million people live in Lancaster County, with perhaps 6 or 8% of them being Amish. Holmes County, Ohio, on the other hand, is home to around 40,000 total residents, with the Amish likely comprising half the population (not including Amish in neighboring counties).
1. Holmes County, Ohio (1808; 220 districts). Holmes County is the largest and arguably most diverse Amish settlement. Amish affiliations range from the ultraconservative Swartzentruber Amish to the more progressive New Order Amish. The unusual ‘White’ Jonas Stutzman was one of the first Amish to settle here.
(Sources: Amish Studies web site; David Luthy’s Amish Settlements Across America: 2008, GAMEO)
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wow, i didn’t realize daviess was one of the biggest ones. i guess i just had no perspective of the amish in the whole united states…
wow, i didn’t realize daviess was one of the biggest ones. i guess i just had no perspective of the amish in the whole united states…
join the amish
is there somebody i can talk to about joining the amish my number is 602 505 0982 aaron thanks
It's unlikley
That anyone who is Amish will call you 😉
But on a more serous note, ‘joining’ the Amish isn’t easy at all, and if you don’t yet have someone to discuss it with, you may not have a good idea what you’re asking for. I’d suggest finding out more about the various Amish lifestyles first, and maybe trying to meet some Amish people who are willing to let you get to know them without considering joining right away.
To those Wanting to join the Amish!
I was born Amish my parents were killed when I was 4 years old. My grandfather put me in this home, I had never met the people until the day I was made to go with them. The man became an Amish Bishop the next year I lived with them until I was 15 years old.
Anyone wanting to join the Amish can call me and I would be glad to share the lifestyle and the requirements of the Amish with you. I have a cousin that married a man that wasn’t Amish but joined so he could marry! I have a friend that did the same thing. So I can give some good information to others that want the same.
Comments on The Top 10 Armish Settlements
Will the Amish share there knowledge of capentry and cabinet making skills outside of the united states in a poor rural farming community Trade School in Africa to give the students additional opportunities to improve their conditions of living and earning capacity
Amish
I would like to meet an older Amish lady but I dont want to be Amish. I believe in God and read my bible everyday. I do believe in freedom of choice. But I would like to marry a woman who loves the lord but who wants more freedom in life,
James
where is a CA Chapter ?
Surely there exists a parallel sort of Amish-ish, a California Chapter of the WannaBeAmish – yes, very like the Lapps…only rather in non-snowing territory far to the west where we already…like…live ??? Could “a way of life” be just as dependent upon vision and ideal as upon weather permitting ? Does it have to borrow a generous mentor’s name to gain legitimacy ? well then , give it the name it can own . Maybe it is time to consider communal dependence as an instinct or human requirement…just imagine, we could all thrive as a species in harmony with our nature…respect…11th commandment…it is written.
Questions
Hello Andy
If you are still answering questions about the Amish I have a few questions I would like to ask. Please contact me at your earliest convenience
People having questions.
Hello Glen Kuhns
I just 2 years later saw your comment.
My Phone is 417-594-3443
Are you related to Abe Kuhns owner of EZ Trail Arthur IL?
Sorry for the long time span.
Andy J Miller
i'd love to be amish
I often turn off the computer and phone and love the amish and would like to be amish someday.
About Amish Settlements in North Carolina
There was a settlement near Cooksville, TN that I visited twice and love it. The third time I drove over from Asheville, to my surprise and disappointment, they had moved the whole village and left everything behind. It was spooky seeing all the building left with no one living there. If you do find s settlement in NC please let me know. I’m very interested in visiting one of their settlements again. Thank you.
Amish
How do you get included in the circle letters? I would also like a pen pal. I am a 62 y/o woman, in Kentucky
Learn PA Dutch
You must become fluent in their chosen language and be able to work very hard and like it… Amish get more done in a day then most folks will in a week.
We’re amish anyone wanting to.know anything about our lifestyle can call 330-212-0551. We’re from middlefield (geauga county)
I am inspired by the way you live.
How to join the Amish
It is not easy to join the community,each community has their own way of living. It would help greatly if you spoke German, then their dialect would be easy to learn, commonly called Pennsylvania Dutch. I we old think it would be best to check out the area, move into the area and get to know the Deacon of the area. People have joined,though very few. I have known a few Amish families in Indiana. A good book I have enjoyed is “Growing up Amish. You might even contact the author as I did.
Have you been to all of these, Erik? Does each one have it’s own “feel” to it, like are some more friendly and welcoming than others?
Also, I saw a website on Failblog called www.amish-online-dating.com and of course I went to it to see if it was a for-real website and it is! Have you ever heard of that?? Considering they don’t have electricity, do you think this is a farce?? Have a good day ~
Amish do settle in hot climates
There is a Amish community in Belize in Central America. They have become a major part of the Belizian economy, providing much of the eggs and milk for the country (former British Honduras). The aldo do hard wood lumbering (jungle hardwoods). There are also some in the Mennonite colonies in Paraguay. Amish grew out of the Mennonites. This is oasis agriculture out in the middle of the desert. These came from Russia after WWI. Check a map of S. America. Out in the middle of a great blank space in NW Paraguay is Colonia Mennonita.
Hi Ulane, it is but when you stack it up to the top 3, it is really still much smaller than those, which are 5-10 times larger. Still, out of 425 settlements, Daviess is near the top here
Differences between big Amish communities
Hi imH, I have been to every one except #5, Adams County Indiana, and have sold books in every one except Adams and #9, Mifflin Co. So I know the others quite well, and in many cases have met hundreds of Amish in each (though sometimes very briefly).
There is definitely a different ‘feel’ to each community, and if I had to unscientifically gauge the ones I know well (ie, the ones I’ve sold books in) and very generally speaking, I’d say the most difficult folks to make contact with are those from Allen County, IN, as well as Geauga County, OH. Allen County Amish are tough to approach across the board, but my books had a lot of success here once I got to know the community and know people here. They are nice folks beneath the tough shell. Geauga County has its more progressive and conservative sides, and I believe I spent more time in the conservative side, which I imagine made it tougher to make contact. Amish of more conservative affiliations in other communities are generally harder to connect with–ie Swartzentruber and even Andy Weaver Amish in Holmes County, for instance. As for the most ‘friendly’ community (again generally speaking, as I’ve met lots of friendly people in pretty much all of these) I’d have to say Daviess County, IN. Even other Amish, for example Amish in Arthur, Illinois, make that comment, and I found it to be true.
On the Amish online dating, I think i’m going to have to withhold comment for now(!)–though I did see a site like that and occasionally see ads. Seems a bit like a gimmick to me, as the actual Amish online community it is safe to say is tiny. But, an attention-getter, and the point is probably more likely to attract non-Amish attention.
Amish's way of life
Hi Erik,
When your next visit to any Amish’s communities I would be very grateful to you if you could pass my humble message onto the Amish brothers and sisters that I’ve entirely agreed with thier way of life; They are the real people, the obedient servants of God and follow correct way of life and do what God wants them to do and be. It’s a great priviledge having opportunity to learn about them and thier communities and above all thier throuhg faith(All Praise be to the Lord, the mighty God for these Amish existing communities.
I wish I could write them a letter so that I could tell them that I would like to speak with, at least one of an Amish sisters(if they would kindly talk with me through the post).
Also, we can talk about foods, children and pray. Also,I have got (Praise the Lord)varoius skills and knowledge in Art and craft and textles and soft furnising and other to share with.
I am in my late 40s and female and currently working full-time supporting homeless individual for a charitable organization. I am NOT promoting any businesses or asking for anythings in return especially ‘money’, not at all.
Also, it would be a dream come through to have an opportunity to visiting a Amish Family. I enjy a simple way of life, home cook foodss, making thing from scratch,I apreciate family and people in community do things for one another, Men and wemen feel contented with own duty and with good intention to please the ‘Only God’.
Many Thanks
Regards
Ayesha(Toyo)Hamilton
Milo from the Budget Newspaper (an Amish Newspaper)could help you in conecting with the Amish….(330-852-4634
Erik,
How did the Pinecrest, Fl get its start? It seems most unusual to find an Amish community in a hot climate like Florida.
Florida Amish settlement in Pinecraft, Sarasota
Hi Karen, sorry to be getting to your question a bit late–the first Amish came to Pinecraft in the 1920s from Ohio. The area has continued to attract Amish for health reasons, vacation, and retirement purposes. You are right, Amish generally avoid settling in hot places in large numbers. Most of the southern Amish settlements are small. Pinecraft has remained a small community. And it is unique in certain ways.
We’ll have a Florida Amish State Guide available probably within the next 2 weeks with more info on Pinecraft. There is also a very good interview with Pinecraft native Sherry Gore if you haven’t seen it: https://amishamerica.com/taste-of-pinecraft-5-book-giveaway-and-interview-with-author-sherry-gore/
Pinecraft
Thanks for your response, but I have another question. When I asked about the religion in Pinecraft, I was told they were Amish Beachy Mennonite. What exactly is this faith? I’ve heard of Beachy Amish, but not Amish/Mennonite mixed together. Can you tell me the differences between all of these beyond what I think (?) I already understand?
For example, I know the Amish shun the use of electricity and primarily use horse/buggies or bicycles for transportation.
The Mennonite culture allows the use of electricity and vehicles; although they used to paint all the chrome black. I don’t know if this is still true or not.
Then, am I right when I say the Beachy Amish are a more progressive group? And exactly, what does that mean?
So what exactly is the primary faith in Pinecraft or is it a mix of different cultures?
Hi Karen, thanks for the question–there are many flavors of Mennonite, and the Beachy Amish are also referred to as “Beachy Amish Mennonite”.
In Pinecraft you’ll find a mix of Old Order Amish, Beachy Amish, Mennonites, and so on. It is a mix.
I’ve written a couple of short articles that may help answer some of the questions:
https://amishamerica.com/whats-the-difference-between-beachy-amish-and-old-order-amish/
https://amishamerica.com/whats-the-difference-between-amish-and-mennonites/
Hope that helps!
Amish Settlements
Hello Everyone:
Just wondering if anyone out there can tell me anything about the Amish in Kentucky. We are relocaing out that way and I never knew that the Amish had a settlement near Glasgow. Thanks for any info.
Michigan
As a Michigander…There is quite a few Amish in Michigan. Gladwin area, Manton Area, Thumb area….Have you visited any in Michigan.
Amish population in Michigan
Hi Nikki, you are right, there are quite a few Amish in MI. I haven’t been to too many communities in Michigan though, unfortunately. Hillsdale County, and I also lived for awhile in St. Joseph Co. where you find the largest Michigan Amish settlement.
If you’re interested here is more on the Michigan Amish communities: https://amishamerica.com/michigan-amish/
Daviess County is in Missouri not Indiana
Bryan C
Bryan C, there IS indeed a Daviess County, IN Amish settlement in the southern part of Indiana. The cities of Loogootee and Montgomery are located there, where you will find a very large Amish group.
I know this because I’ve been there multiple times and even had Jay Knepp make kitchen and bathroom cabinets for my new house one time. There’s a great quilt shop there too owned by Ira Wagler, a precious Amish gentleman who runs the Cannelburg Quilt Auction held next Saturday! I’m going!
That particular county is frequently in our weather warnings. Seems they attract tornadoes quite frequently! Almost every time severe weather is forecast, they are in the path.
And this is from Karen in Daviess County, Kentucky, which is about 2 hours from Davies County, Indiana! LOL
Daviess County Amish in both IN and MO
Thank you Karen from Daviess County KY 🙂
Yes, Daviess County is in both (or rather all 3 states). The larger and better-known “Daviess Co Amish” group is in Indiana. The Daviess County, Missouri Amish settlement is usually referred to as “Jamesport” after the town it’s located near:
https://amishamerica.com/missouri-amish/#jamesport
Karen I think the fellow that lent his name to all these Daviess counties was from KY 🙂
Daviess County name
Erik,
Owensboro, KY was founded by a Col Daviess originally. Apparently he traveled around a great deal!!! My tiny bit of knowledge about the county is that his group were traveling down the Ohio River and happened to stop here. Our town was originally called Yellow Banks, but later, for some reason, the name was changed. Owensboro and located in Daviess County, Kentucky. Yep, he must have been kind of like Johnny Appleseed..planting his name everywhere! 🙂
Interesting Karen, thanks. I like any place with “Daviess” in its name or history 🙂
And here I thought my little corner of the world (Jamesport, MO/Daviess County) was the only one. DOH!! Been here among the Amish going on 11-years and love it. Nearly our entire house is furnished with Amish furniture, several quilts, and various crafts. Local produce goes without saying.
Karen Pollard's Aug 27 2011 Comment
KAREN
Just finished reading “GROWING UP AMISH” A MEMOIR by IRA WAGLER. Amish novels/stories interest me as I was born in Berne Indiana of Swiss heritage; however, there is an Amish and Mennonite community there. I read in your Aug 27th 2011 comment that Ira Wagler has a quilt shop in Daviess County IN. Are their bus tours from different states that make a stop there? Are the Cannelburg Quilt Auctions an annual event? In Ira Wagler’s book he left the Amish and joined the Mennonite church in Daviess – the land of his fathers. His book was great, and I’d enjoy seeing the quilts also!
G-ma B,
No, not Ira Wagler, but David Wagler. Yes, the Cannelburg, IN auction is an annual event. It’s always the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. This year it’s August 31 from 8:00 am until Noon. The quilt auctions start a little before noon and it usually lasts until about 3:00 or 4:00 pm.
There are other vendors as well selling items such as Amish dolls, Quilt racks, hand loomed rugs, quilt tops, baskets, furniture, jackets and jumpers, purses, hand-painted china, wood farm toys, Amish bake sale and all kinds of Amish crafts.
http://indianatrails.com/content/daviess-county-amish-quilt-auction-cannelburg-0
Questions for Erik
Erik, we have done several Elderhostels in Amish communities, so I thought I knew quite a bit. But, wow! I can’t believe how much I DON’T know! But I am wondering if I am “missing something”, as, I don’t know why you say you visited Hillsbourough…”unfortunately”?? Please explain.
I am new to your blog — How long have you been writing it? And how far bck is it archived? I am reading your book right now, and have learned lots, even though I am not a “business person”. It has articulated some things that I had noticed on our rather frequent rips to nearby communities, but had never put into words.
I cut out Lovina’s column for my shirttail rellies in Northern Ireland……we introduced her to the Harmony, MN, community on her trip here several years ago. Keep up the GREAT work, Erik! You are helping to make our world a smaller place!!! Judy from MN
Photophobic Amish
Are there settlements that have no concern over photographing their faces or people at work? I am interested in documenting the lifestyle but concerned over invading the religious or personal values of these fine people. Our Amish in Wayne and Fountain Counties of Indiana seem to be quite personable and more than willing to interact. I’m not certain how to approach this rather touchy topic with any people of the faith.
Photography with the Amish
I am acquaintances with a formerly Amish lady who tells me they don’t really mind their pictures being taken from a distance. But, if you ask, they must say no.
I try to maintain a respectful distance when I snap. I also try to avoid full face pictures.
I’ve taken many photos of activities, farming, homes, people bicycling, people in buggies.
I think it would drive me crazy if people were forever snapping pictures of me though, I have to admit that.
Katie Troyer, who is on Facebook, is a photographer of many in the Pinecraft Community in Florida. She has pictures on her Facebook page daily of all the activities and people in the area. I believe I read once that she kind of knows who would not approve and doesn’t snap them.
Thank you...
Given that information, and knowing I don’t like to have my picture taken… my purpose is to document activities in various parts of the family… even from their perspective. We have many Amish near us and they are all so congenial and cooperative in the interaction between our communities, the only Amish who have ever raised a question were the Amish in the Berne, IN area. Our smaller community in Wayne, Fountain, and Henry counties are rather open about the use of power equipment as long as they don’t own it. I have yet to meet their Bishop (I hope that is the right term) and we will meet soon. My focus is on process rather than the people themselves.
The kids in the community are precious. As I am a retired teacher, their curious nature is really refreshing. Parents enjoy the interaction locally and their children witness these interactions frequently.
I think I get your drift.
Thanks,
Mac
North America
Headline said – largest Amish comminity in North America which would be Cuatemoc , Mexico
with 50,000
Hi Mike, not sure which headline is being referred to–though it might be talking about Plain Anabaptist populations? There is a large Old Colony Mennonite presence in Cuauhtemoc area. There are no Old Order Amish in Mexico today.
About Old Order Amish in Mexico...
It is my understanding that in the 1920’s a group from Ohio established a colony a place called Nuevo Leon Mexico. This happened shortly after five fathers were arrested after refusing to send their children to the local public school. When jailing them wasn’t having the desired effect the court responded by issuing an order to remove several of the children, cutting the boys hair and dressing the girls in immodest dresses that came almost to their knees. I can find no trace of that colony other than customs and immigration records. The only Anabaptist group now existing in Mexico is Mennonite. Can shed any light on what happened to the Nuevo Leon colony?
Amish at Paradise Valley, Nuevo Leon, Mexico (1923-1929)
The book “The Amish in America: Settlements that Failed 1840-1960” by David Luthy gives the history of the settlement in Paradise Valley, Nuevo Leon. The group was there from 1923-1929.
The history is covered fairly extensively over about 8 pages, so you might want to pick up the book to get the full picture, but it sounds like a number of factors contributed to the settlement’s failure. A promised railroad was never built, and no ministers moved to the settlement, as had apparently been expected.
According to the history the lack of stability at the time may have caused “second thoughts” for potential migrants (a revolution was on at the time, with rebels living in the surrounding mountains). Apparently soldiers and rebels “borrowed” goods from the Amish homes. By 1929 all had returned to the US, some back to Ohio and some to a community in NC (now extinct as well).
Very interesting.
Having grown up Amish on the northern edge of the Daviess County In settlement, this article is very very interesting to me. I knew Daviess county was a rather large settlement, but I didn’t know exactly how large.
I just found this site and I must say, I love it. Keep up the good work, you’ve got me hooked.
Thanks Michael, glad you found us. These numbers need updating; Daviess County is probably a couple-few church districts larger by now.
daviess co. indiana
I too am from daviess co. About 5 min from montgomery and I never knew that our county had such a large community compared to others in US. Very interesting.
I do find it very interesting that columbia MO has such a large community of examish. Does anyone know of anyone from daviess county or another indiana community leaving and where did they move to….are there other communities like columbia with such a large examish community?
Sarah there are usually ex-Amish living around many Amish communities, especially the larger ones. I asked Mose Gingerich this same question in an interview, here is part of his answer and the link to the rest:
Are there other areas in the country like Columbia, Mo., where ex-Amish tend to gather?
Mose Gingerich: There are many areas of the United States where ex-Amish leave and try their hand in the outside world. However, to the best of my knowledge, there is only one tight-knit community like Columbia, Mo…
https://amishamerica.com/mose-gingerich-amish-out-of-order/
FOR SALE IN S.W. WI
We own 59+ acres it is mostly wooded hills. Has a 3816 sq ft very nice commercial building. Would make a great woodworking shop or saw mill.
Proerty has Black Walnut,Oak,Hickory and burr oak. The building currently houses a boarding kennel and can be easily converted to your use. You can see the property on www.Owners.com/WTA0102 or I mail you information. The sale includes a 4 bedroom home, plus the building and the 59+ acres.
Margaret
608-924-9819
Price
What is your asking price?
For Sale in S.W
The sale includes 59+ acres mostly wooded, Black Walnut, Oak, Hickory.A four bedroom home with two fireplaces, and a commercial building that is 3816 sq ft ., and the equipment inside the building.
We are listed on www.Owners.com/WTA0102. We are asking $540,000.
questions being asked
Some are asking for amish to correspond with. this will be a rather difficult thing for you unless you actually come into contact with one in person as they do not have computer/internet access due to being off grid for the most part. Someone was asking about the columbia MO examish group. I think that has mostly come about because an X amish settled there and was open for helping others out due to the struggles he survived. There is a large area south east of there that is inhabited by a number of different mennonites, including horse and buggy ones, Holdemans and some others. It is a very nice area of the country and does not have the commercialization exploytation of the plain people that Holmes Co. Ohio, and Lancaster, Pa seem to have. I have children living there that belong to the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite (Holdeman Mennonite) group. They have a mission and also a unit where girls volunteer in the children’s hospital in Columbia and also a unit in Joplin where young men are helping rebuild the community.
In answer to the question of whether there are large groups of ex amish gathering other places in the US. Yes, there are a number of places where this happens, It also depends on why and how they are leaving. I think the Columbia MO group is one of the largest in the sense that they are leaving as young people and trying to find their way in the world. In other areas, they are leaving in large numbers at times but moving into more liberal mennonite churches for spiritual reasons rather than just a desire to do their own thing. I think there are large groups of ex amish in any area where amish are congregated where the adults begin to see the lack of spiritual growth or the group itself does not have spiritual leaders, then you soon see large exodus from the base groups, At least that is how it is here in OH
genealogy resources
Are there any extensive Amish genealogy resources available online? My ancestors came from Franklin Co. Pa. During the civil war the court house was burnt and all birth/death records were destroyed. I am at a brick wall as to my pre-civil war ancestry.
There is a website called SAGA Swiss Anabaptist Genealogy Association. It is the best for Amish and Mennonite genealogy.It is only $ 6.00 a year.
Thank you for sharing this genealogy resource.
I was told for years that we were descended from PA Dutch predecessors but I’ve never really found any information to prove it. We were also told we came from Quaker stock, so who knows.
One of our family names was Frey which I know is also a name of some Amish. One of these days, I’ll have to make the time to do some research on it.
Thanks again.
Frey Family
My father and his family were from Columbia, PA and my grandmother’s maiden name was Frey. I often heard my mother say that my father was PA Dutch, I don’t know if she was kidding or not.
Frey PA Dutch
She probably wasnt kidding about being PA Dutch.. especially with the Frey connection.. Do the genealogy while you can!
Frey Family
My father’s side of the family were from Columbia, PA. My grandmother’s maiden name was Frey. On numerous occasions my mother made comments that my father was Pa Dutch. I don’t know if she was kidding or not.
Hey, Marcus Yoder
Marcus, Are you m friend from High School, Central Christian in downtown Kidron Ohio class of 74?
Dale D.
No Dale I am from the Plain City, Ohio area.
Marcus Yoder
Photo trip
I am an amateur photographer that is planning a trip to the Lancaster area, specifically to do some photography in the Amish area. Is there any way to hire someone for the better part of a day to take me on a guided tour, so as not to offend any people or be intrusive? It would be better than me just driving around in my car, stopping when I see something that is of interest to me or going on a tour with others. Maybe there is a tour just for photographers?
Quilts
Can I buy the square materials for an amish wedding quilt
Thanks
Amish wedding quilt
Grace,
The Double Wedding Ring quilt is not made up of squares. You need to buy templates or a pattern to cut the pieces. Each one is slightly curved to form the ring. If they were straight sided squares, there would be no curve to the ring-it would just be straight.
Good luck!
Karen
Thanks Karen
I see your point but I thought the circle for the ring would be in the square as I said never done anything like this before maybe I will have to start off with a simple quilts
Thanks again
Double Wedding Ring Quilt
Hi Grace,
If you are not an experienced quilter, you definitely don’t want to start with this pattern. It’s a challenge and takes quite a long time to piece.
I’ve only been quilting six years, but I’m no where near ready to make this one yet. It’s probably one of my favorite quilts too!
You will need a template set like this one to make this quilt. http://www.frommarti.com/dwr.shtml
To begin quilting, you will need practice learning how to: a. use a rotary cutter and mat, b. how to measure accurately with several different types of rulers, c. sew a 1/4 inch seam well, d. figure yardage etc.
The materials and tools are expensive. Get some experience before you invest a great deal of money in fabric for a quilt such a this. Get comfortable with the skills first. THEN…try to make one! 🙂
I would suggest you contact a local quilt shop, quilt guild, or a place like JoAnn’s and inquire about quilting lessons first. You can practice – practice – practice and hone those skills. I am just now getting comfortable with trying new things out of my comfort zone. Good Luck! I love to quilt~it’s become an addiction for me!!!
Age and time
Dear Karen
I am well past 70 so really haven’t the time for all the try outs and practise
Thank you anyway for your patience
Grace
response to photo trip to Lancaster
Hi Jack
I am a photographer from lancaster. If I am available when you are here, I take you around for half a day. Otherwise, you might want to check in with Mennonite Information Center. They have drivers that take guests on trips in Amish country and have a vast knowledge about the Amish.
Enjoy the Lancaster area! Blessings
Dale D.
May want to take you up on offer
Dale – I may be coming down that way this fall and might want to take you up on your offer. How should I get in touch with you? This past summer I was there and used Abe’s. They took me out, by myself, for quite some time. Very nice young mother and daughter as my guides. Daughter was about 3 yrs old.
Deanna
To Be part of what is missing in our lives i very present in seeing the need people are showing on this forum. We see the stability of these people in their faith and it draws us like bees to the pollen to satisfy their need to produce in their life cycle. If only once in their way a person outside could turn and survive the change. First i would think we would need to recognize what our lives are missing before we could change in our faith.
The way we live is ever present but the way we see other people live with an agenda that says faith is so appealing because the peace that pass all understanding as Christ said in the Bible. The very presence of Him is so impressive in the lives of others, makes you wonder what or how this knowledge escaped us. Then we cry out here I am Lord find me, teach me, Lead me.
i would like to learn more
I would love to learn more about the Amish if your willing to email me I have read alot on this page im also not that far from mildfeild Ohio were most Amish live . I see a lot of the Amish shopping at walmart and kmart. I myself am not sure if they are just Amish or meninite. I only know a few things i have learned from this site . So can you please explain to me the difference with what all the terms like Amish, Beachy Amish, and meninite, means I also watch broken Amish and wanted to know if a lot of Amish do go to English instead of staying with their community? I had a friend before that her mother and her left the Amish because of the rules and a lot of things she told me im not sure if i can believe but she said the fathers turn them into women.? but that’s against English laws is that true ?
from a confused English woman who would like real answers please help thank you Ivy
There are also Amish and Mennonites in Virginia…
Amish settlements
I have researched a lot in the past year about off the grid living and I am a religious woman. I considered visiting the closest Amish community to Asheville NC and found a lack of Amish Communities in North Carolina. I believe their may be a small one in Yanceyville, NC which is over 4 hours drive in a car for me. How sad many of the Amish do not find North Carolina a place they might like to settle. I would welcome the opportunity to live among them and would have so much I could learn. Does anyone know anything differently concerning what I have mentioned? I would like to visit a while with a close Amish Community close to Asheville, NC.