Thanks for the correction, Edie, sometimes my brain does not work right!

That is perfectly ok. They get confused with the Amish, but the word Amana comes from the Bible and their religion was Community of True Inspiration which goes back to Germany and the 1700's. Very interesting history.

You will love Iowa. It is directly below Minnesota (my state). There is the University of Iowa, the Hawkeyes, great football team, nationally known collegiate wrestlers. The Iowans root for the Chicago Cubs, known as the Cubbies. You can be a Twins fan if you like, or a Vikings fan. There are casinos in Iowa if you like to go. There is one in Waterloo, Iowa (been there) that is not too far from Cedar Rapids. Look for a home on the top of a hill! As a matter of fact I am in the process right now of making a quilt for my husband's cousin and his wife who live in Cedar Rapids. She was a staff reporter for the Cedar Rapids Gazette. Still does a little bit of writing, but is basically retired. She is a wonderful person. St. Paul isn't too far, oh, about 4 hours from Cedar Rapids. Remember the Mall of America is here too. Been there once. Never again. I wonder if they have a quilt shop there. I doubt it! If you have kids they have place there inside where you can go on rides, all different kids of restaurants, etc.

One thing I love the best about Iowa is around Labor Day the locusts come out and they make the most beautiful sound in the world. You will love Iowa. Iowans are laid back, like Minnesotans. Have a safe trip up here and enjoy your new life in Iowa. Edie

Hi! Several small towns in Iowa have quilt shops! Yes go to Pine Needles; Jill used to own the LQS in my small town, and is a very gracious lady. These towns near CR (50 miles or so have LQS--Kalona, Independence, Manchester, Jesup, and who knows how many more.

Here's a link to listed Quilt guilds in Iowa and CR has one
http://www.quiltguilds.com/iowa.htm

This link is from the NE Iowa quilt guild and lists shops in the tri state area.
http://neiqg.com/products.htm

I have a feeling you will like it here!

Edie--thanks for all the kind words about us Iowans and Minnesotans.