Connie and I presented a trunk show yesterday at Quilt Expo in Blue Earth, MN where they had over 250 quilts on display.
We talked a little about how we began in 1981 and showed some of our first quilts and patterns. Our friend, JoLynn Olson, was in the audience and we reminisced with her about a craft show in Garner where we first met her. We bought our first rotary cutters, mats and rulers from JoLynn! She was the inspiration to contact a distributor in Minneapolis all those years ago who gave us our start in Houston at Quilt Market by buying 24 patterns which led to our first large order of 12 dozen hand lettered patterns. Thank you, JoLynn!
Here’s a couple shots of our audience.
It was three years ago this week that we announced our closing. It was quite a treat to give this program again when we weren’t so busy with the shop and we didn’t have to take quilts down from the wall for the show and tell.
Here are a few quilt photos I took – so many quilts we liked – very inspirational!
I wish I’d had someone taking pictures for me during the program. Both Connie and I have a number of new quilts finished that I want to show you.
School is starting this week – how is that possible? Is everybody gong to watch the eclipse tomorrow? We have a cloudy forecast so I’ll be watching on TV.
Thank you again for speaking at our show! We enjoyed it so much!
Hi Mary, Did you and Connie ever count how many total quilts you made? That would be a big number, I’m guessing😃. The ones here are so bright and pretty. I have many of your patterns–some made and some to make. Love them. That must have been a fun event for all.
Thanks for the “quilt show!” Love seeing the quilts. Wish I could have been there! Looks like you both had a fun time!!
So great to see the quilt since I’m to far away to be there. Thanks so much for sharing what you saw.
Thank you for sharing your pictures and how the both of you started in business. I have lots of your patterns and saved your newsletters. I would have loved to be at this event.
Carolyn b from Shenandoah Valley VA
Great pictures of you and Connie you both look great. The quilts are lovely.
You & Connie are just so cute!!!!
I work in a school office and our kids start after Labor Day. I will take a quick work break tomorrow to check out the eclipse. We are in the 92% path starting about 9:15 and peaking at 10:25. Quite an event. I did not get any eclipse glasses, so won’t be looking at the sun. Just experiencing the shadow. Your trunk show must have been amazing. You had quite a group gathered. Your quilt photos are so pretty. The snippets of Country Threads history are fun too. Creativity and business acumen all tied together. Thanks for continuing to share.
Beautiful quilts. Here in Ohio we will only get a partial view. It is supposed to be cloudy so I guess I’ll watch it on tv.
I was there when you were closing the business. We were at Winnebago buying a motor home. I drove down to Garner like always and couldn’t quite figure out what was happening in your shop until you told me that you were retiring. It felt like a shock! So I bought every pattern I could. I miss coming to your shop when I’m in Forest City. But, we all want to retire, and I hope you and Connie are enjoying yours.
The second quilt picture at the quilt show, looked like the blocks were just pinned to a curtain, until I took another look! Very interesting!
Hi Mary,
Love the trunk show pics! I am with my husband in Oregon in the 100% zone, so we are hoping for clear skys tomorrow.
I am in the 92% of WA for the eclipse. Since I have had cataract surgery and cornea transplants in both eyes, I will be watching the “reruns” on TV–not feeling brave enough to watch in real time even with the special glasses. (after all, I was here in 1979 for that eclipse)
I so love your blog—you and Bonnie Hunter make my blog reading day 🙂
Wish I could have seen your presentation.
Quilts in the Country is still my favourite
book.
Enjoyed this morning seeing such beautiful quilts on your blog and especially seeing such happy faces sharing something that is so special to making us all appreciate the beauty in handcrafted work.
It was nice hearing the history and taking a trip down memory lane. Can’t wait for some pictures of your new quilts you will share with us.
A lovely gallery of your quilts… and interesting info on your history.. I have one of your earliest books..and it is peaceful reading.. so welcome these days…. as are your current blogs.
I live in the 95% area in OR. We have had sunny and clear days for a couple of weeks now. Of course, this morning we are having that gray fog that sometimes never lifts all day. I guess we will be watching it on TV. How sad for the thousands of people that have come here to see it. There are approx. 2 hours left now. Hope the fog lifts.
Loved your trunk show. Thank you for showing us.
Thank you for sharing your talents at our quilt show. Also I noticed one of my quilts in this posting, the 4th one-Bitty Blocks. Glad you liked my En Provence quilt. I wished I could have seen your version too.
It was wonderful to see you and vist with you and Connie. You did a great job of showing so many quilts in one hour. My goodness, you are such industrious bees.
Maybe someone else already mentioned this but…. I LOVE your necklace!! Is that a Luna moth?? My oldest daughter would be over the moon if I could find one of those for her! Is it unique?? If not, would you be willing to share where you got it??
The quilts are beautiful and I always enjoy your blog (living vicariously through you!!)
😄💖