Answers to your questions, 3-28-25

Here are my books about improv quilting:

And here is what I used to soak the antique blouses in:

19 thoughts on “Answers to your questions, 3-28-25”

  1. Susan K in Texas

    I took a class with Sherri Lynn Wood. I really enjoyed it. It took me out of my comfort zone for sure. She also has had classes on Creative Bug. I’ve been making 7″ squares with leftover strips when I need something I can do without too much thinking. I find the smaller blocks are easy for me to do.

  2. Peg in MO

    Gwen Marston is one of my absolute favorites! I went to her next to last retreat in Michigan & it changed my quilting journey. She’d walk around the room of enthusiastic quilters & make us think by saying “what if you ….” ❤️ Thank you for sharing her books & the others.

  3. Carolyn Joan Rector of Ohio

    One of my favorite quilts you showed was the log cabin made with the shirt plaids. It started with a large center square rather than a small one. That turned out so great. I think it was a reader’s quilt.

  4. Barbara (in MO)

    Kathy, you’re so right! I know that is my problem. I ordered Liberated Quiltmaking. Let’s share our progress.

    1. Kathy in NY

      I’m going to try Barbara too. I’ve always followed a pattern except when I do 6” squares for charity quilts. Then it’s alternating colors. So i guess we just begin with two blocks and add to it from here on out. Let’s begin!

  5. Kathy in western NY

    I pulled out my copy of 15 Minutes of Play and going to keep browsing through it. Sometimes I like a book I can just pick up and not try to remember the plot of where I fell asleep in the night before so this will be a good weekend book to read. It’s iffy weather as ice could mix with the rain here so it’s nice being home and inside.
    Susan K explained her technique so well and I just have to begin. Thanks for urging a couple of us on to try and use our colorful fabrics up without thinking we need a pattern to make it perfect.

  6. Sunflower 🌻 from Michigan

    Mary,
    It was an early morning after being up so late watching basketball!! But I enjoyed the games. And more tonight.
    Only needed a jacket to go to the chicken coop this morning… could spring be here?
    My husband used the rototiller yesterday on the lawn area where the wedding tent will be and i picked up buckets of rocks. Most were smaller than a softball. Our plan is to rototill once more, pick up any big rocks that get tilled up and then put the topsoil down. We had a big load of topsoil delivered last week but it’s been too cold to work outside here. We do have better weather expected today before afternoon showers though so that will be my plan for today. We can use our 4 wheeler and cart so don’t have to wheelbarrow the dirt at least.
    I made a carrot cake with cream cheese frosting yesterday for my husband’s birthday. Extra batter went into muffins and they were delicious! Reminded me of your favorite dessert question.
    Have a great day everyone!🌻

    1. Carolyn Rector of Ohio

      I love to make carrot cake for my granddaughter’s birthday! Happy Birthday to your husband.

  7. Barbara (in MO)

    Gwen Marston and Victoria Findlay Wolfe! True artists and masters of their craft. Sorry Mary, I just wrote two incomplete sentences so please excuse, but either or both of those are the perfect ones to teach this technique. I will have a look on Thriftbooks to find one of those resources and stop making excuses for my lack of creativity. Ha! Thanks for sharing.

  8. Sharon G. (central WA)

    Mary – I’m back for a while. It’s been a difficult year for my family, but we’re hoping and praying everyone stays healthy. Don’t forget to hug your loved ones and tell them how much you love them.
    I’m sorry to hear about Jeanine’s eye infection. I hope it gets cleared up with the new antibiotics.
    I’m impressed how the soak whitened the blouses. The last time you referenced Vintage Textile Soak, it was either no longer available or out of stock. Yesterday when I searched for it, it was the same – no longer available or out of stock. Where do you purchase it?
    Take care everyone.

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Sharon- I’ve had this for years and never used it. I did hear she sold the business but thought it stayed the same name and formula.

    2. Mary Etherington Post author

      Sharon – there are several others shown on Amazon. I do believe the company I mentioned has been sold so the product shown might just be renamed?

    3. Susie from TEXAS

      *****VINTAGE TEXTILE SOAK*****
      Setting the record straight…
      ✔️After 28 yrs of bringing antiques linens back to life, I decided to retire my business.
      ✔️I did not sell my business, The Star Spangled Sampler & Co.
      ✔️I did not sell (my TM product) Vintage Textile Soak.
      ✔️Just closed up shop.
      ✔️Hope this clears up the discussion.

      Good things,
      Susie Emmons

      1. Pat Corcoran

        I would like to buy your product, Vintage
        Textile Soak. I have not been able to locate it online.
        Has the name changed? All that comes up is Bintage Spot Remover. Any help is appreciated.

      2. Janice

        Susie Emmons, Thank you for providing this information. Sorry to see that this great product is no longer made. Janice in Traverse City area.

      3. Mary Etherington Post author

        Susie- I apologize – I have three Susie’s from Texas – and I hear from all three on a regular basis- I couldn’t remember which Susie had the business. I should have checked before I posted the picture of the blouses

  9. Suzanne in Massachusetts

    Thank you for posting the improv books. I learned a lot from Gwen’s books and was lucky to see an exhibit of her quilts at the Vermont Quilt Festival.

  11. Cindy K

    Thank you for posting what you soaked the blouses in. I need to order some. I own 4 of the books you posted. They’re all good as I’ve seen the other two,

Comments are closed.