Friday, June 13, 2014

AMB Tour - Welcome to South Dakota!

web_photo_for-zoey-11

The American Made Brand blog tour by Clothworks is well underway and I am excited to bring South Dakota to the center stage today. Welcome to the beautiful state of South Dakota.

 When I began designing the license plate block I asked several other quilting friends what they would include. Each and every one said Mt. Rushmore. So I went to work, playing with the design until I thought it truly represented the most famous faces in South Dakota. I used red, white, and blue as they are the colors represented on our license plate. The lettering across the top includes the state name and our year of state hood. We're celebrating 125 years as a state this year!
Quilt 2014-06-09 010
We are experiencing a very cool wet spring after a terrible October blizzard caused monumental damage across western SD. It seems we may never get warm weather, but the trees and grass are greening up.
Quilt 2014-06-09 008
The famous faces are appliqued on in a raw edge applique. I used 40 wt. Red and Blue Aurifil thread for the applique.
Quilt 2014-06-09 006

South Dakota is most famous for the four presidents faces on Mt. Rushmore, located in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. I feel fortunate that I was able to work there for six summers while I was in college and teaching. It's a very moving place to visit. While many tourists plan their visit to SD for the mountain, there are many other area attractions. Visit www.travelsd.com for more information about many of the destinations I mention below.

Crazy Horse is a life size mountain carving, still in progress, celebrating the Native American people. It is located a short drive from Mt. Rushmore.
Spearfish Canyon provides a unique look at the Black Hills. Roughlock Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are two of the scenic places to pull over, take a walk and explore the beauty up close. This is a picture I took on Saturday when we visited. We camp at nearby Roubaix Lake and get out to enjoy the scenic beauty with the kids. It's a great place to let the kids run.
Camping 2014-06-07 081

While visiting the Black Hills during the late spring, summer, and early fall are all amazing, there is one week to avoid... unless you love motorcycles! The annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally takes part the first couple weeks of August each year and a half million people descend on the state for this event. It's so much fun to see all the bikes and learn about the bikers who visit, but motel rooms and campgrounds are full as are the restaurants and every road. It's held for one week, but the bikers arrive early and stay later, so it usually ends up being the first half of August.

We are home to several National Parks, including Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, and the Badlands. At the entrance to the Badlands is the small town of Wall, home to Wall Drug. Have you seen a sign?? The Wall Drug signs are everywhere, including foreign countries. Such a cool stop and a way to relax after the long drive. In SD we do not measure in minutes, but rather in miles. If it's a 30 mile trip, it will take about 30 min.

South Dakota also boosts a lot of farming and ranching. I grew up in the country, attended a country school with 8 students, K-8 grade, in Milesville. If you can find it on the map, you're doing really well! It's about 80 miles west of the state capitol of Pierre, which is directly in the center of the state. We also have a lot of good fishing in the lakes, rivers, and streams.

Custer State Park in the Southern Hills is famous for the Bison herds. Each fall the annual bison round up brings thousands of people to the Hills to experience this unique event. With several lakes to choose from, there is good fishing, hiking - including to the top of our highest point Harney Peak, and camping.

South Dakota is divided almost evenly down the center of the state by the Missouri River. This creates the eastern and western parts of the state. East River includes our largest city - Sioux Falls. Below is a picture of Falls Park, one of the most incredible places to visit. Also on the eastern side of the state are the Mitchell Corn Palace - a one of a kind attraction, completely covered in corn. The Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead is located near DeSmet, SD and includes a pageant and tours of the home. Such a fun way to experience history.

Another favorite part of South Dakota is South Dakota State University in Brookings. On the eastern edge of South Dakota, SDSU is the home of the Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band. As an SDSU alumni, one of my favorite memories of college was playing at a Green Bay Packers game and at the Bicentennial Parade in Washington DC on the 4th of July.
 SDSU is also home to the Campanile. It's tall structure is seen for miles across the prairie of SD. While it has many nicknames, the Campanile is well known as a landmark on the SDSU campus. SDSU is the land grant university of SD.


Thanks for stopping by to visit SD on the AMB blog tour. Today I am sharing the tour with Terry Stegmiller of North Dakota, our neighbor to the north. Please visit the other bloggers on the tour and enjoy the scenery.
They very generous folks at Clothworks are giving away a fat quarter bundle of the AMB fabrics. To enter the giveaway, please tell me what you found most intriguing about the SD places I described or a favorite memory of SD. I will keep the giveaway open through Tuesday and then select a winner. This giveaway is only available domestically.
I'd love to have you follow me as I regularly blog about my prolific sewing, quilting, and teaching as well as sewing with my 3 1/2 year old daughter. I look forward to reading your comments and making new blog friends! If you're planning a visit to this great state, I'd love to share more details about anything of interest to you. I'd be happy to be your partner in crime for finding a few great quilt shops to visit as well!

178 comments:

Amy said...

I have visited Rapid City on a business trip and loved it. There are statues all over the place and I want to go back and find out who they are. I also got to see Mt Rushmore and your block takes me back to good times. RC had 3 quilt shops I got to see too!

sue bennett said...

Would love to visit your state. Looks beautiful

suebennett1975@gmail.com

JoAnne said...

I've been waiting for this post! I'm originally from South Dakota. I was born in Aberdeen, lived for a year during second grade in Rapid City, and then moved to Britton in sixth grade and resided there until I graduated. I'm also a SDSU alumnus!! It was there that I met my husband who was in Army ROTC, so we now live an Army life. I really like your license plate block--its a great way to use the great solids. I'm glad that you showed other great places in the state, though. I like to say South Dakota: So much more than Mt. Rushmore!

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

Oh your block turned out gorgeous. I have been to South Dakota a couple of times. While Mt. Rushmore is amazing, I loved Wind Cave so much more.

Dee D said...

Your block is really nice - I love how you put the faces on it. I have always wanted to see Mt. Rushmore but now I see a lot of other beautiful places to see.

Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek] said...

You did a beautiful job on the block, Moneik!! Simply striking! As for the attractions... I'd normally say SDSU, Spearfish Canyon, or Laura's homestead, but I guess I should say the corn palace since that's where we bought a house!! We close in July!!

cbooth said...

I've never been to your state. I found the bison round up the most interesting. Thanks.

cbooth said...

I've never been to your state. I found the bison round up the most interesting. Thanks.

Julie said...

I have been to the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally a few times. Loved riding on the winding roads to see Mt. Rushmore.

kathyinozarks said...

Your block is amazing! just gorgeous work-I have never been to your state, but there is so much to do and see-I would love to see a bison herd.
We retired from northern Illinois to the ozarks of Missouri-where I have fun creating in fiber and quilting
I am a new follower glad to meet you Kathy

Unknown said...

I love the fields of sunflowers. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to your state capital, Pierre
Teresa

Jocelyn said...

I've never been to South Dakota, but it looks beautiful. I would love to visit Laura Wilders homestead. That would be such a fun trip. Thanks for the tour.

JoyceLM said...

Lots of wonderful info about South Dakota. I found it really interesting that you went to a small country school with only 8 students. Thanks for sharing & thanks for the chance to win.

sklinn62 said...

Would love to visit

Margaret said...

I would love to go to Mt Rushmore. Those canyons look inviting also. Thanks for sharing all this history.

Jill said...

I love how you were able to capture Mt. Rushmore on your block and that is the place I would most like to see when I travel to South Dakota someday, along with the National Parks. I was also intrigued by the size of your elem. school class, 8 students.

quiltgrannie said...

Your State is beautiful, I would love to visit some time.

Unknown said...

like most typical tourists, I've only visited Mt. Rushmore but your blog is proof there's so much more to see and enjoy. Hoping we make another western tour at some point and will be sure to include more of your state. thanks for the informative blog.

Kay said...

What a great post - you live in a beautiful state and your license plate does it justice! Awesome job. I would love to visit the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead - watched that show with true dedication! I would also love to see the buffalo and the mountain carvings.....so much to do in your state! Enjoy your day!

Needled Mom said...

We LOVE visiting S. Dakota in our travels. Your "plate" is just gorgeous as is your state.

Cheri the Quilting Nanny said...

As a kid we went to SD a couple times and enjoyed several of the parks you mention and of course Mt Rushmore. Very mesmerizing! I watch documentarys on that on TV every time they are on. The making and upkeep of the mount is mind blowingly intense! It is a beautiful state!
Cheri
quiltingnanny at yahoo dot com

Tanya Quilts in CO said...

My grandpa was from South Dakota, but we never went to visit because his relatives always came to California to see us. I would like to see Mt. Rushmore.

Unknown said...

Your plate is great! I found the information Custer State Park and the bison round up the most interesting. It sounds like fun!

Kim @ TiesThatBindQuilting said...

I've never been to South Dakota but I'd love to go and see Mt. Rushmore!

quilter said...

Falls Park is beautiful, I hope to visit someday, from Northwest Pennsylvania

Kathy H said...

I have never been to SD but thought it would be wonderful to see Mt Rushmore. I also enjoyed the marching band pictures. My children were in marching band and that always brings back great memories.

Jo said...

I really like South Dakota! I have seen all the things you mentioned but then again I got married at the Sturgis Rally in a gas station! Love your licence plate!

Annmarie said...

I have driven thru South Dakota but have never really visited. Would love to see all your waterfalls. They look lovely! Your block is cool!

Beth said...

I have been told so many wonderful things by folks who vacation in your state! I would love to visit some day, especially the state parks.

Anonymous said...

I have never been to South Dakota, but always wanted to see Mt. Rushmore. Thanks for the tour. Very nice job on your quilt block.
info {at} cocoplumbeachhouse {dot} com

Julie S said...

I grew up in SW Minnesota, and Sioux Falls was the closest big city for clothes shopping. Falls Park is beautiful at Christmas with all the lights. The Butterfly House and the adjacent park is a great place to go with kids!

Anonymous said...

Mount Rushmore is my favorite spot and you have wonderful state parks. Just the perfect design to say South Dakota!

Catskill Quilter said...

Thebisson herds seem amazing. You have so much natural beauty in your state; it seems very unspoiled and perfect for outdoor activities.

RenaissanceSandi said...

You couldn't have done a more perfect block! I love it:) My Nebraska block was yesterday, and it was so much fun to see the response! Your pictures are beautiful. I have been to Wind Cave and Mount Rushmore, done the tourist thing in Rapid, hit Wall Drug, and really enjoyed Sioux Falls. You have a wonderful state with lots of fun things to do!

dorothy said...

Your block is pretty amazing, the faces are great. I have been to SD a couple of times. One of the things we did on the first trip to SD was go to the Passion Play in Spearfish, that was 1977 and still remember it.

bee said...

i want to visit mt rushmore and the images of the parks and waterfalls sounds like they need to be on my list as well!

Quilting Tangent said...

It would be nice to visit the parks, caves, waterfalls of your State. Put you in my Bloglovin' list. Hi! from New York.
24Tangent "at" gmail "dot" com

Tina Howell said...

I lived in South Dakota from the age of 19 -23. I loved the spring and summer there. Sioux Falls was beautiful and I have some dear friends who still live there. You did a great job with your license plate.

Linda said...

Thanks for the great photos that remind me of all the beautiful places we've visited in your state. Mt. Rushmore is truly awesome, and I loved our tour in Wind Cave.
thanks!

Stoney said...

Good morning from Wisconsin. I have spent countless summers in SD and if I have to pick one place, it's Bear Butte. Can't explain why. I'm part Stoney Nakoda Sioux so maybe my roots are calling me. I have run the Butte many times and it still moves me. I really like the block you created. It is simple but powerful. Great design. Thanks for the giveaway.

Claire said...

I really loved Mt. Rushmore the last time I visited SD. It was a quiet morning with beautiful weather and very few other people around. Serene.

patty a. said...

Hello from OHIO. I have never been to SD, but now I need to add it to my bucket list!

Stoney said...

forgot to include my email

spirit dot in dot stoney at gmail dot com

momiji said...

Nice block, and thanks for your tour! I've never been to South Dakota, but my dad got his MA degree there. It was the first place he lived in the U.S., so South Dakota has a fond place in our family history.

debbicrowl said...

Your plate reminded me of the time that we visited your state with my kids (who are now adults!) and had a wonderful time. Thanks for all of the other info about your state! I had forgotten that we had also visited the state capital. What a great state you live in!

lindamid said...

I really like your license plate design. Thanks for the tour of your state. I have never been there, but would love to tour the area.

Kim said...

You did a great job representing our state! I live here in the Black Hills as well and I can't imagine living anywhere else.

Anonymous said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Hi from Montana! Enjoyed your post of ND>Mt.Rushmore is so neat! Thanks for sharing!

msstitcher1214@gmail.com

Cynthia Brunz Designs said...

I have always wanted to visit the Black Hills. Great block!

Joanna said...

I love marching bands; they give me shivers when I hear and see them marching in parades and I find myself smiling. So the SDSU band would me the point of your post that intrigues me. You did a nice job designing your block.

Wtrstone said...

Briefly visited your beautiful state once.... am looking forward to coming back to visit Crazy Horse... great depiction of Mt. Rushmore!

Unknown said...

Lovely pictures makes your scenery very inviting as well as your friendliness. I shall have to visit your state soon. I love your block and think it perfectly represents your state.

Barb Johnson said...

I'd like to see the bison round-up. That must be quite a sight!
I was really impressed with your block; it really looks like Mt. Rushmore!

Donna W said...

After reading today'g blog, I know that I have to visit South Dakota. I have always wanted to visit Mt. Rushmore and Wall Drug. But now, I know about all of the other wonderful places to visit in the state. Thanks

Oneoldgoat1962 said...

I would love to see South Dakota! Your photos are just beautiful!

Beth



oneoldgoat1962 at gmail dot com

Quilting Babcia said...

South Dakota is a beautiful state, and I love your rendition of Mt. Rushmore on your license block. My family has been to the Badlands, Wall, Mt. Rushmore, but haven't been to the Crazy Horse site (yet).

Quilting Babcia said...

South Dakota is a beautiful state, and I love your rendition of Mt. Rushmore on your license block. My family has been to the Badlands, Wall, Mt. Rushmore, but haven't been to the Crazy Horse site (yet).

Jules said...

I have never been to South Dakota but it has been a place I've always wanted to visit being a history buff and hearing so much about the black hills. I am happy that the pictures you chose to include makes South Dakota even more beautiful than I imagine! The thing I learned is the Lauren Ingalls Wilder tour! Thanks for the chance!

Allison said...

I spent a week in Sioux Falls at a national softball tournament in which my daughter played a few years ago. I will always remember how wonderful the people of South Dakota are!

JANET said...

I have not been to South Dakota, but I have heard it is beautiful. What intrigues me is Mt Rushmore. It is hard enough to draw a picture of someone with pencil and paper (and if you make a mistake, you can erase and redraw) but to do it in stone, there is no eraser! And you are dangling from a rope, basically!!

earth visitor said...

Iowa here - My family decided to visit SD the year I was in Beauty school - so I wasn't able to go, that would have been the only vacation before I married that was somewhere not visiting relatives - they had a great time and I got a t-shirt, maybe someday I'll get another chance - I hope

Teresa said...

We had a wonderful vacation in SD last year! the trip was on my Mom's "bucket list" (she's 82 and in very good health) We saw Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands, drove all over and around Custer. But our favorite spot was the Crazy Horse monument, which we visited 3 times in the 10 days we were there!

Lisa England said...

I've never been to SD, but Falls Park looks like a place my family and I would enjoy.

Diantha said...

We made a trip to South Dakota when I was young - I remember the Corn Palace, the Amazing Badlands, the Black Hills, and Rapid City (?), where there were dinosaur statues. We also went to an "old west" type town. I particularly liked in the Black Hills, when we went through tunnels in the hills and you could see Mt Rushmore through the tunnel!

Tinliz said...

I have always wanted to visit the
Black Hills and Mount Rushmore. Nice to know there are many other beautiful sights to visit also. Congrats on your degree. I receive my M.Div. at 59.
I am signing up to follow your blog.

Jennifer said...

I had no idea South Dakota was so beautiful! I am now following you on bloglovin

Allison said...

Falls Park looks magnificent! Hope to visit someday!
allisonpogany@gmail.com

Sewing Sue said...

Love the license plate! I missed the family trip to SD the year after I graduated from high school. I need to rectify that! I'd love to see the bison round up and the parks. Thanks!

Diane Beavers said...

Hi Moneik, Mitchell Corn Palace sounds like a place to let go and be a kid again. I'd love to be there and romp in wall to wall corn. A memory of SC that I have is
In the mid to late 70's I babysat for a family whom had moved to WI
from Rapid City due to the severe flooding; as they lost everything.
YOur AMB license plate is so patriotic, I love that.
Thanks for the many opportunites to win quilt fabric and supplies. You are most gracious.

Anonymous said...

I'd love to visit the beautiful national parks that you have, and I'd love to win!

jean
jlickun@aol.com

Unknown said...

OH, I've never been to SD but would love to. I love the bison and would love to see the roundup and of course Rushmore is a must. Thanks

Regina Marie said...

Would love to visit Laura Ingals Wilder homestead and the national parks. So beautiful! Love the way you did the license plate. tweetyb936@aol.com

sunny said...

I was born and raised in Rapid City, and graduated from SDSU!! I spent a lot of time at the lakes in the Black Hills, and love the pigtail bridges in the hills. Sadly, I've never been to the Corn Palace, and I only learned a couple of years ago that there were falls in Sioux Falls!

Lisa E said...

We drove cross country a few years ago. I loved Mt. Rushmore, the Badlands and Custer State Park. We had a great thunderstorm as we were driving through also. We must have been there at the very beginning of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, because we saw a lot of motorcycles.

Penny from S.C. said...

Beautiful block! Unfortunately, I've never been to SD but would love to spend a summer going from state to state. Grew up watching Little House on the Prairie and would love to see the LIW home.
Thanks

Terri said...

Love your plate. Yes, we've been to SD. The fondest memory is getting stuck in our little Grand Am Pontiac in a herd of buffalo in the Custer preserve. They were so gentle, quiet and not smelly. They walked around the car and kept on doing their thing. One scratching on a rock moved it out of the dirt as it worked out an itch. Thanks for the reminder of that event.
Hugs

ytsmom said...

I'm from Nebraska, so have been to SD many times. (I think SD is the most popular vacation for Nebraskans!) While I love the Black Hills, and everything the is to see and do, I was really impressed with the falls in Sioux Falls. More people should check that out.

Mary Marcotte said...

I would love to visit Mt. Rushmore! I've read and heard so much about it that I just want to see it in person! Maybe one day soon. A girl can hope, right?

Rachel said...

I've not been to SD yet, but I'd like to go visit that Falls Park you showed us. very pretty and looks fun to photograph! Very impressive applique on your block. Nice work!

Vicki H said...

Yes, I have been to SD. I just did the math and it was 45 yrs ago when I was 12, yikes. We visited most of the sites you mentioned. Crazy Horse was in progress even back then, I didn't realize it wasn't done yet. You did a fantastic job on your block. Thanks for sharing.

NRoot said...

South Dakota is a beautiful state I lived there as a small child and later we took our children to visit the sites, the fishing was great too. They enjoyed it so much they returned there after growing up and being on their own. Dinosaur park is pretty neat with the life size dinosaur statues overlooking Rapid City, the Badlands and more.

nroot at lycos dot com

NRoot said...

South Dakota is a beautiful state I lived there as a small child and later we took our children to visit the sites, the fishing was great too. They enjoyed it so much they returned there after growing up and being on their own. Dinosaur park is pretty neat with the life size dinosaur statues overlooking Rapid City, the Badlands and more.

nroot at lycos dot com

MissPat said...

Thanks for the tour of SD. I've never been in your area of the country (I'm in western NY). Your pictures show what beautiful country it is. Maybe I'll get there some day.
I'm impressed with your block.

carla said...

Hi!!! Very pretty plate!!! I would love to visit someday!!!! Your pictures are beautiful!!!!

Unknown said...

I've always wanted to visit and I would love to see the Black Hills and Mt Rushmore! I have heard too many wild stories about Sturgis so I don't think I would be comfortable seeing all that, lol! I'm from Ohio so we have a few open spaces in the country and its a beautiful drive. Thanks so much for the giveaway!

tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com

OhioLori said...

Have never been to South Dakota...would love to visit..and see Mt. Rushmore...and the River sites, & Falls....Love knowing the homestead of Laura Ingalls Wilder is there! Love the Little House stories!! Thanks for sharing all the cool info & beautiful pictures!

Ohio Hugs! :)

Marj said...

I have not been to SD, but have always wanted to someday. I find the Champanile very interesting and beautiful, would love to see it in person. Thanks for sharing info about your home state.

Lorri said...

I have been to Mt. Rushmore and love your block. Thanks for participating in the blog tour. I have begun to follow you. Can't wait to see your next ideas !

Unknown said...

Your description of the geography of South Dakota makes me want to drive across the state to experience it all. Beautiful work on the plate.

teachpany said...

I want to see Mount Rushmore and some pretty waterfalls. Great post and plate. Thanks!

barbara woods said...

would love to visit in the summer because i am from Georgia. Thanks for the giveaway

barbara woods said...

forgot to add i am a follower

Kathleen said...

Very nice block!! I think I like the pictures of the falls the best. They would be pretty to see in person, but I'm not a traveler.

emmy said...

We have visited Mt. Rushmore and it's amazing. The pictures don't come close to actually seeing it in person. Thank you for the giveaway. I looked through some of your posts and don't see how you get everything done.

emmy said...

We have visited Mt. Rushmore and it's amazing. The pictures don't come close to actually seeing it in person. Thank you for the giveaway. I looked through some of your posts and don't see how you get everything done.

PeginCO said...

Mt. Rushmore is a favorite memory! Thank you for the giveaway opportunity. I also sew with my daughter, but she's 10!

Four dogs and one quilter said...

Moving cross country a few years ago, spent lots of time in South Dakota. Corn Palace, Mt. Rushmore, Wind Caves, Sturgis and the Badlands. Live in Oregon now but would love to visit again. Happy 125th South Dakota.

quiltonia said...

Your block is very nice, hard to depict faces on a mountain. My fondest memory was driving through Custer State Park when the trees were at their peak in October. So pretty.

quiltonia said...

Your block is very nice, hard to depict faces on a mountain. My fondest memory was driving through Custer State Park when the trees were at their peak in October. So pretty.

Betty Woodlee said...

Great job on your block! Mount Rushmore takes the cake for me.

Sara said...

this is one of the best ones I've seen so far in the AMB tour. I just love it.

And you did a terrific job describing some of the best places in our wonderful state. Go Jack, of course!

Tu-Na Quilts said...

Since I live in North Dakota, I've been to and through South Dakota a lot. Mount Rushmore has always been a highlight and was on my foreign exchange student's list of places to see a few years ago. She was amazed by it. Every few years--ok maybe 10--we get to see the progress on Crazy Horse. Nice job on the block. I plan to visit each state and complete the license plate block and bind them together in a type of "scrapbook." Please enter me for the giveaway. Thanks,
kthurn@bektel.com

Tu-Na Quilts said...

Just wondering if you'll be sharing the pattern? kthurn@bektel.com

Peggy said...

We visited SD a couple of years ago. We enjoyed seeing Mount Rushmore-took lots of photos too.
Thanks,
Peggy
peggy_verdongibbs@att.net

Kathy L said...

Would like to visit Mt.Rushmore someday. Thanks for the giveaway.

Sewgirl said...

Of course I have been to SD…when I was a kid, we would travel to Minn. to visit relatives, and make a stop at Mt. Rushmore to see the great carvings…have marveled many times that due to a multitude of reasons, if someone had wanted to try that today they would think they were out of their minds!!

Jennifer said...

Great review of your state! It is on our list to visit when the kids are a little older and we plan to see Mount Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and much more - love all the waterfall pictures!

KMSC said...

I enjoyed a wonderful vacation in SD about seven years ago. A friend and I visited Mt Rushmore (of course) and several other attractions you mentioned. I would love to visit again! Thanks for the giveaway!
k(dot)castanette(at)hotmail(dot)com

Charlotta said...

I've never been to your lovely state yet, and was intrigued by your description of the bison round-up. Of course, I'd love to visit Mt. Rushmore, but I'm really more interested in wildlife experiences and think it would be amazing to see a big herd of bison. Too bad there aren't huge herds of them roaming the prairie as there once was. I hope to visit both of the Dakotas some summer before too long.
And thanks for your great block.

khowardquilts said...

I didn't realize that there was a bison roundup. Thanks for sharing.

Carol in Mesquite said...

Excellent tour of your state. The photo of the falls calls to me. Your block perfectly captures your state's most famous feature.

Kelly Wilson said...

Very iconic block! Thank you for the state tour. It sounds like a sportsman paradise. I'm in Wisconsin so also "enjoying" a cold, wet spring. Here's hoping both states get some summer weather soon. : )
Thanks! Notwendy gmail

nicolesender said...

New bloglovin follower. I had no idea your state had such a hard winter. I hope you warm up soon!!

Sarah said...

I would LOVE to be able to visit Mt. Rushmore some day! Thanks for the giveaway, and I signed up to follow your blog. :) sarah@forrussia.org

Lori said...

Our family has enjoyed many trips to South Dakota. One time we camped out and the town was full of Sturgis Bikers. Our kiddos where then 7 and 4. Those bikers where the kindest and most fun people. Years later my sister gets a boyfriend and when we tell this story turns out he was one of those bikers in that town at that same time. So funny. Don't know if we ever met him or not. He is a big tall biker teddy bear. We stopped at a McDonalds for lunch then and across the street was an air base. Two pilots came in and I was able to get pictures with them and my son together. They gave him a signed pencil drawing of one of their planes. He has always been highly intersted in planes. He still has that print on his wall. He is 29.

Amy said...

Your plate is a great representation of your state. We have been there several times and always have a great time.

DebraKay Neiman said...

Greetings from Oklahoma, USA. Would love to visit the Black Hills. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com

Sarah Goer Quilts said...

Such amazing detail! Great block!!

WhoMom said...

I've been to your wonderful state, Yankton, SD to visit with friends. I was so astonished at the grass fields that went on forever, the corn fields and the lightening at night. It was all different and beautiful. Being a Seattle child, it was different.

Miss Jean said...

Some day I hope to visit the Dakotas in the summertime preferably.

Deb said...

I've never been to your state, but I'd love to visit Mt Rushmore. So majestic.

Patty said...

I've never been but looks like a beautiful place to visit. I'd love to see Mt Rushmore someday.

klstitches said...

My most moving moment in S.Dakota was seeing Mt. Rushmore at the night ceremony. The way they slowly light it up...... I have taken the scenic drive through Badlands, driven the needles hwy, visited Crazy Horse, and of course went to Wall Drug! The actual story behind that is quite interesting, with the wives coming up with the idea of free water! I also enjoyed the small museum in Keystone, the name is escaping me, learned all about the sculpter of Mt. Rushmore. Your plate is beautiful, did you use a photo and trace positive and negative space?

Carrie P. said...

I have been to SD and love your state. I visited Sioux Falls and thought the pink rocks were so pretty. Of course the monument is pretty awesome.

Jamie said...

Love your block!
And love the visual tour of SD. We rushed through on a family move when I was quite young, but unfortunately, didn't see any stops; including Rushmore. But we did make Wall Drug! Ha! Looks beautiful.

Brenda said...

I have been to South Dakota. I went to Custer's, Mt. Rushmore and to Crazy Horse Monument. They were all awesome! Such a beautiful state. Your block is very good!

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

Beautiful block! I haven't been to the Black Hills since I was about 10 and now every spring we talk about going and never do. Need to change that! My dad grew up in Huron so we spent a fair amount of time there too.

SarahZ said...

We love South Dakota! Have never been to Mt Rushmore, but always a treat to anticipate, and then stop, at Wall Drug!!!

tac73 said...

I most remember looking up at several buffalo as we were travelling through South Dakota in a very small car.

tac73 said...

I most remember looking up at several buffalo as we were travelling through South Dakota in a very small car.

Sylvia said...

I loved seeing your pictures of waterfalls. It's not something I associate with South Dakota!

Thanks for the chance to win!

Sylvia said...

I loved seeing your pictures of waterfalls. It's not something I associate with South Dakota!

Thanks for the chance to win!

Unknown said...

You state looks beautiful. I would love to visit it sometime.

Paulacox7198@yahoo.com

Carolyn Boutilier said...

I would love to visit Mt Rushmore and the Badlands.Your state has a lot of very interesting history.
Carolyn B cab4325@yahoo.com

wendy said...

Those are Beautiful pics of your state and I like your plate design. I would love to see MT Rushmore some day. I have heard it is truly amazing. Thanks!

Paige said...

Love your block, never been to the Dakotas, maybe one day.

Allison C said...

I grew up in MN, but only went to SD once to visit Rushmore. I have vague memories of it since it was almost 30 years ago. We camped and I think we saw some buffalo on a farm.

CyndyK said...

I visited South Dakota as a kid. I remember the corn palace, Wall drug, and most of all, I really loved seeing Mount Rushmore. Thanks for sharing with us. Cynthia cknapp3626@sbcglobal.net

Winona said...

I have always wanted to visit South Dakota. I read a book about Mount Rushmore when I was a girl and have wanted to see it ever since. I love your license plate. Good job. I am attempting to follow you on Bloglovin. Now if it will just cooperate!

GeniP said...

Would love to visit SD and nice block!

GranChris said...

I have been to SD, loved the Bison, Mt Rushmore at night and The Drugstore was fun for my kids.

Michele said...

Wow. I'm really impressed with your block design. Nicely done.

Judy said...

Beautiful Block Design !and wonderful showing of our great state

giddy99 said...

I'm from Tennessee! Yes, I know there is more to SD than Mt. Rushmore, but the hubs and I still very much want to see it and RV in the area.

Jess Burns said...

I've never been to South Dakota. I have a friend who grew up there, and loved it minus the motorcycles! As an ICU nurse at a trauma center, I don't mind the fact that it gave him a not-so-good impression of motorcycles!

jhunsberger (at) gmail (dot) com

Cathy Something said...

I have never been to Nrth Dakota. I have watched several documentaries on Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Monument and would love to be able to go see those some day.

Havplenty said...

South Dakota is on my list of 15 states left to visit. I would love to see Mt. Rushmore and all of the beautiful water.

Great Block.

tushay3(at)yahoo(dot)com

graysongal said...

I have visited many of the sites you mention, and the most intriguing to me is Crazy Horse, because of the multi-generational dedication to creating it, the skill required to carve through blasting, and its sheer size. I hope to see it again one day.

juliehallfeldhaus said...

I live here so I love it all!!!!!!!

Candice said...

Moneik, Nice job! South Dakota is one of the few states I have not been to. Everyone I know who has been there says it is not to be missed. And they all say Mt. Rushmore is amazing. Now I am amazed you captured that in your license plate design - LOVE it! Exclude me from your giveaway, but thanks so much for participating in our blog tour!

Adtski31 said...

My favorite memory was going camping with my family and we visited Mount Rushmore and black hills.

Lee said...

I have never visted SD! I would love to some day. Your block is fabulous - love the curves!

Diann said...

I've been so South Dakota and visited a number of places, including Mount Rushmore, the Corn Palace and the Badlands. I found the Badlands fascinating.

Calicojoan said...

South Dakota is such a fun place to visit and an easy drive from Denver here. We love going up and spending time in Custer State Park. Of course Mt Rushmore is always fun as well as Crazy Horse. (yes we have all the tourist places covered) LOL! Got the scare of my life at Reptile Gardens! I hate snakes! Your plate is fantastic. What an incredible job you did on those faces!

Unknown said...

When I think of South Dakota, I think of 2 lovely people, Adam and Natalie, who are from South Dakota. Adam was a co-worker of my husband's. They are the most wonderful people.

Karen said...

I've never been to SD, but Mt. Rushmore is definitely on my bucket list. Retirement is only a few years away. Great job on the license plate.

Karen said...

I've never been to SD, but Mt. Rushmore is definitely on my bucket list. Retirement is only a few years away. Great job on the license plate.

sue said...

I love your pictures, particularly the waterfalls, but I must say mt Rushmore is on the list of places to visit! Thank you for the tour!

dcargill said...

I saw Mt Rushmore many years ago but completely forgot about seeing Crazy Horse.

Unknown said...

I am really interested in the Laura Ingalls Wilder homestead. I have an eight year old daughter who has read each of her books several times :) I love your block! Thanks for the chance to win!

gab said...

The Black Hills and Mount Rushmore look like great places to visit and enjoy. Love the applique on your plate. You are very creative!

Des said...

Wow, that is a cool looking plate!!

Marianne said...

I visited Mt Rushmore when I was a kid and was very impressed by it!

Susan C said...

Interesting to learn that there is more to South Dakota than Mt. Rushmore!

Karen said...

I've never been to SD. I think bison are so cool, but SO scary! My mom was recently in SD but she didn't see any bison.

Aunt TC said...

I really liked the buffalos. Also, I'd like to visit to see Mount Rushmore. thanks.

WeedyMama said...

Like my home state of WA, SD looks to have many interesting aspects. I've seen pictures of Mt. Rushmore (not my own), and the buffalo don't surprise me, but the pictures of the waterfalls are very refreshing. The rocks are very different than those of my home state.

WeedyMama said...

Is there a pattern for your block, or am I a blind bat?

Kathryn said...

I've been to SD twice. I just love the Badlands!

johnnyp said...

the bad lands look cool

fran18 said...

Would love to visit SD. Maybe next year.
quigleyfran@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...

Wow! What a state! Stargal714@yahoo.com

Brandy said...

I think it would be really neat to visit DeSmet and get to see the Wilder home. Thank you for sharing about South Dakota!
~Brandy

Brandy said...

I think it would be really neat to visit DeSmet and get to see the Wilder home. Thank you for sharing about South Dakota!
~Brandy

Brandy said...

I think it would be really neat to visit DeSmet and get to see the Wilder home. Thank you for sharing about South Dakota!
~Brandy

Unknown said...

Hi. I would like to include your license plate block on my Pinterest AMB Blog Tour board. I did Vermont and am trying to get them all together.
Would you allow me to include yours? It's a wonderful block.
Quilterinmotion - Marsha
marsha.hodgkins@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

My niece and her family visited a few summers ago and had nothing but good things to say, which makes me want to visit! Is the pattern for your block available for those who might want to make a quilt?
Thanks, Rosemary