Quilt Show! 3-30-23

Yesterday I enjoyed a delicious lunch in Blue Earth, MN at the home of Jan S. Joining us were Dorothy and Linda, all three being accomplished quilters. Oh, what a fun quilt show they provided!

L to R – Dorothy, Linda, Jan

Jan’s home is just so nice – it feels very European to me and as much as I love all my stuff, her uncluttered surfaces were like a breath of fresh air. I wish I had asked her if I could take pictures. Here are Jan’s quilts, several of which are more difficult than I would attempt.

And she has a wonderful black dog named Sally.

I loved these little blocks – I think Dorothy said they were free patterns from Sentimental Stitches. She also had a sweet tiny cross stitch piece that I must have missed a picture of. Jan was also quilting Dorothy’s llama quilt – I really loved this quilt! Made me think of Kathy’s llamas from several years ago.

Here are Linda’s quilts and one cross stitch that is breathtaking.

Does anyone recognize these vintage drinking glasses? I have a friend trying to find more of them.

Did anyone else watch James Corden on Tuesday night when he had a mentalist as a guest? This is Hazel in bed as I was watching tv. Can anyone tell me how the mentalist does what he does? It’s hard to believe but I have no answers .

A local photographer and frame company is looking for a part time employee to help in framing – lacing backs of needlework, securing textiles being framed and other “sewing skills”. If you are interested, send me an email and I will pass it on to the photographer.

It’s possible I have been guilty of this – you?

More quilts in my next post – tomorrow is April 1, our Dirty Dozen and Color Challenge Day. Get ready!

85 thoughts on “Quilt Show! 3-30-23

  1. Suzanne

    Such beatiful quilts, and that cross-stitch is wonderful, too! Looks like you had a wonderful time.

  2. Sue in PA

    Loved the quilt show today, especially the very first quilt! I enjoy your blog so much and everyone’s comments as well. Mary, tomorrow is March 31- Friday is April 1!

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Sue – oh, that’s right – another day to find my projects!!!

  3. Kathy in western NY

    What gorgeous striking quilts! I see so many quilters loving solids that it is interesting to me. I love the variety in todays post so thank you Mary for sharing your day with us.
    Did you see the piece on todays CBS morning show on our favorite girl basketball star. She’s a cutie. Oh and not too nice weather headed for this weekend for you nor us later Saturday with more winds. My flowers are popping up several inches again and my primrose has bloomed way too early.

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Kathy – waiting for that piece on Caitlin Clark – it’s co ing up next for us.

    2. Sara in Indiana

      I, too, would like to know how mentalists are able to do what they do. We also like to watch Fool Us with various magic acts trying to fool Penn and Teller. Of course all the acts baffle us, but only a few are able to fool Penn and Teller.

  4. Diane in Maryland

    These quilts are amazing! What have I been doing the last 40+ years?? Thanks for sharing these – made me feel like I was there too.
    Love the picture of the sink at the end…haha

  5. Pat Smith

    All I can say is wow! What beautiful quilts! I’m sure they are avid quilters by the long arm in the background. I’ve always wanted one but don’t have a room to dedicate to it. Thanks so much for sharing your day in Blue Earth.

  6. Jan

    It was so much fun having you come for lunch, Mary. Next time you’ll have to bring show and tell for us!

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Jan – all my show and tell ends up on the blog so you’ve seen it all – I did think about bringing Aunt Amy’s 1898 sampler and I should have.

  7. Marlene P Armbrecht

    Sentimental Stitches has a Block of the Week program – Call Me Crazy! Fee for blocks for the entire program! They are FPP.

  8. Angie from Baltimore

    The quilts are amazing I am so envious. Thank you for sharing as many of us would never have the exposure to such fabulous works of art.

  9. Jo in Michigan

    Good morning Mary, What a beautiful quilt show and yes the last picture of the sink has made me chuckle both times I seen it….too funny, it made me think of when my 3 daughters were home and we had one bathroom!
    Come on spring! This morning was 19 here🥶 l’m over it already 😆
    Have a great day Mary!

    Also tomorrow is Friday March 31😉

  10. Teresa in Indiana

    Wow! What a wonderful quilt show today! Thank you for sharing. You had a fun girl’s day!

  11. Mrs. Goodneedle

    Your friends’ quilts are simply AMAZING! What a great quilt show today; I know how much fun you must’ve had. The Mentalist is WAY over my head. That meme at the end is hilarious.

  12. Kay Christian

    Wonderful show. How fun to be there. That first quilt is fascinating. Any idea of what the pattern is?

    1. Marcia McCarthy

      I too loved the first quilt. And would like to know if there is a pattern out there for it?

    2. Jan S.

      It’s called Escher. The only way I could find the pattern was to order it as a kit. Try googling it. I’m sure you’ll be able to find it.

  13. Sue Hoover

    Oh wow! So many pretty quilts! You are so right — many look very difficult!

  14. Karla T

    Beautiful quilt show, Mary! Thanks for sharing. The foundation paper pieced blocks are adorable! and
    I love the llama quilt — SEW cute! What a fun day you all had. Jan’s quilting is nice~ she uses a Gammill with a computer? It’s always interesting to me to see how longarmers do their magic 😉

  15. Brenda from Brainerd

    Thank you for the amazing display of quilts in what appears to be a striking mid-century house….I love the variety. Just in case anyone cares, it’s once again below zero here this morning with more snow predicted…it’s just another sign that we should keep quilting!😵‍💫

    1. Launa

      I was going to comment on that as well!

      Launa in Idaho…lots of new snow this morning!

  16. WI QUILTER

    The glasses are Hazel Atlas glasses from the 1950’s. I have seen them on Etsy. I have mugs that are similar. The motif is called Kitchen AIDS- I believe. You might want to check out the lead used in making the glasses- I LOVE USING VINTAGE DISHES, but the lead content is concerning…a collector and a WI. QUILTER

  17. Jo in Wyoming

    Are you April fooling us? Saturday is April 1!!
    Beautiful show today. The cookies look like pot holders.
    Those ladies show much enjoyment in piecing lots of squares.

  18. Kathy Hanson

    I finally found where I could leave a comment for the last few posts…..what wonderful quilts!! Such fun to see what everyone has made. The ladies that you visited have done such amazing quilts! I have a pattern for a llama quilt that just has 2 llamas but they look similar. I haven’t gotten to it but hope to sometime soon. I have a retreat in Wisconsin coming up in a week or two – have things cut out to work on, hope to get something done. Especially a child’s dress for our great granddaughter who wants something with “Rapunzel fabric. I ordered the fabric on line and have a very cute sundress to make…will be fun (I hope)!
    Also a quilt and a hanging for my kitchen – we shall see!!! More fun because me daughter is coming too!!
    These last two posts have been so good. Loved the picture of Hazel!!!

  19. Teresa from Port Coquitlam, BC

    Thank you so much for a wonderful quilt show. So many are way more difficult than I’ve ever made. We are lucky and have had temperatures in the mid 60’s this week. Though the rains return tonight. Everyone is walking around with t-shirts no coats. I spent a week in Coeur d’Alene last week and we had similar temperatures.

  20. Laurie Mosley

    My bathroom sink area is not quite that bad. We have a double sink vanity and there is always more stuff on my side than on my husband’s. But he is retired military and that explains a lot! I do my best to keep my “piles” on the bedside table and couch table organized. My sewing tablegets covered off and on, but it’s “my room” and doesn’t affect anyone else.
    Lots of beautiful quilts today and in recent posts.

  21. Barbara Moore

    Hi Mary! – thanks for the quilt show – those ladies took on some challenging patterns and made them beautiful. Like you, I’d never take on such a project, but lovely to look at😉. Found two Hazel Atlas tumblers on eBay. If your friend is willing to pay over $50 each, then she should put in a bid. I wasn’t familiar with this glassware company, so it was fun to look at all the items for sale. Tucson is looking at 80-degF today, sorry to those who are still in the throes of winter. Come on down and enjoy the sunshine!
    Take care – Barb in Tucson

  22. Jan Hebert

    What a wonderful day you had! Love the quilts and especially the little blocks, and the llama quilt or what I could see of it. The cross stitch is beautiful! Cute picture of Hazel. I’ve never seen those glasses but they sure are cute. I hope someone can identify them.

    Had cataract surgery on the first eye on Monday, all went well although I’m still a little blurry. I’ve been told that often it takes a while for the inflammation to go down and you see clearly. I do hope that’s what’s happening. It’s not terrible, just not what I expected. I am amazed at the way I see colors with my new eye! So BRIGHT! My old eye shows everything as if it’s been tea dyed, haha!

    Have a great day all! Jan in MA

    1. Colleen in Central Oregon

      Jan, it is amazing, isn’t it? My cataract surgery saved my husband from having to repaint the front room!

  23. Roxanne

    Friends, food, and beautiful quilts! What could be better? The one with the striped background gives a wonderful effect of blocks floating in front of curtain shears lit from behind.

  24. Tanya T. in Houston

    Thanks for taking us to Blue Earth with you! One of my favorite stitchery stores is there: Welcome Stitchery. AND they have the giant statue of The Jolly Green Giant in that sweet little town!

    1. Cynthia from SW MN

      Also, there is a nice quilt store in Blue Earth as well, Michelle’s Quilting and Sewing Center, she moved to a new location last year, I believe. I visited there on a shop hop! One does not always have time to shop but I thought I would mention this! Her store looks so nice, will have to visit this summer on my way to Rochester.

      1. Mary Etherington Post author

        Cynthia – yes, I know about her store but no time to shop this trip. The gals said it’s a nice shop.

  25. MartyCae

    Love the beautiful quilts. Sounds like you had a wonderful visit. I am a senior citizen and I bought Llama sheets. How can one resist such a cute animal!

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Deb R – oh good grief! I wouldn’t want them in my house with all these animals!

    2. Charlotte S in northern California

      My dad worked at Hazel Atlas when he got out of the navy after WWII. I’ll have to ask him if he remembers those glasses.

      1. Diane in Maryland

        I have decided that this blog is about everything! I learn so much on it. Today we’ve been treated to a wonderful quilt show, learned all kinds of things about Blue Earth, Mn, saw antique glasses that I have never seen before, learned they were made by Hazel Atlas and one blog reader’s father even worked there after WWII ! Isn’t this incredible?!.. The blog about quilts and everything else!

  26. Jeanine from Iowa

    I’m with you, Mary. Most of the quilts are beyond what I would enjoy making, but they are beautiful. Such talent! Thank you for the quilt show.

  27. Sue in Oregon

    That was a stunning quilt show and I enjoyed it So much. One after another of awesome work. How do they do it? I must say though, prints over solids are still my favorites. I love the scrappy blocks.
    Was Hazel watching TV? She looks so interested in what is going on ahead of her. Such a cutie.
    I am ready for April with high hopes for warmer weather. Be it Fri or Sat. Just bring it on.
    Thanks again for the great show.

  28. Connie

    What a bunch of lovely quilts! I’m sure you had a wonderful time talking quilts and getting inspired. Thank you for sharing.

  29. Lynn h

    Wonderful quilt show!! Gypsy wife was striking in the color pallet chosen.
    Are you trying to give us an April fools day surprise saying it’s tomorrow??? Chuckle chuckle.

  30. Tina W in Oregon

    I love reading the comments and then going back to look at the pictures closer to see what others saw that I missed!
    It’s currently about 47° here in NE Oregon with a brisk breeze that makes it feel colder. It’s mostly above freezing now in the mornings too. Since it’s spring break for the schools, it’ll probably rain all week!

  31. Meredith in Cincinnati

    Thank you for such a great quilt show! Your friends are very talented. I’m sure it was a fun day for you; it sure was for all of us. That cross stitch is beautiful, too. Looking forward to the women’s basketball tomorrow!

  32. Jeanne in Colorado

    Everything looks so neat and orderly in Jan’s house. Not at all what I would expect from a quilter. Ha. Did she show you her sewing room? I bet it was neat as a pin also. Wish you had taken a picture of that. It’s always such fun to see other people’s sewing rooms and get inspired by their workspaces and works in progress. Sure looked like a fun day with quilting friends. Wow, what a quilt show….and lunch besides. I miss my Iowa quilting friends.
    Have a blessed day, Jeanne in Co.

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Jeanne – I really should have taken more pictures – I think I was in awe! Ha! Her sewing room was very neat – south facing windows with a sectional couch and large tv on the other side of the room. Jan and her husband hosted a Ukrainian family through their church for many months last year. The family lived in the lower level where there are 3 bedrooms but everyone ate meals together. Jan and her husband made many sacrifices to have an entire family with a dog move into their home for a year! Jan should tell you more about it – I don’t know all the details. I know just enough to be impressed with the sacrifice.

      1. Mary Etherington Post author

        Jan – her sewing area hardly had anything in it! Her mess and my mess are a world apart – haha!

  33. Charlotte S in northern California

    What beautiful quilts today!! Thank you for sharing.

  34. Joyce from NY

    Oh my goodness what beautiful quilts, so much inspiration. Snow on the ground here this morning & 27 degrees! Spring will soon be here, it’s still only March😊

  35. Beryl in Owatonna

    Beautiful quilts!! Love the colors they chose and the patterns, I wouldn’t try many of them either. I am not careful enough to to do most of them.
    Raining a little now and a mix to start, Inches of the white stuff tomorrow…ugh Spring is coming, more birds are singing!!

  36. Diane, Squeak, and Buddy in Central Ohio

    Ummm, I am rarely (never?) speechless, but that is one awesome quilt show. Mary, you’ll get a kick out of this. Since he’s been recovering from surgery on his neck, my husband has more time on his hands so he’s been looking at the blog before I ever get to see it!! He loved the first quilt; it reminded him of an Escher. They are all absolutely stunning. Wow!
    Where is Blue Earth, MN? My Nana came from N. Ireland to Sherburn, MN in 1905.
    Hazel is one gorgeous little girl:) Thanks for the blog, Mary. Warmer here today.

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Diane – Blue Earth is east of Sherburn about 20 miles – very close! Tell your husband he would be welcome to write a guest post for the blog – he’s on top of things! How’s recovery going?

  37. Joy in NW Iowa

    Cloudy with a southeast wind that makes it feel 38. With snow in the forecast! 🥴
    Beautiful quilts!
    Love Hazel.
    Went out for lunch with friends today.
    Worked on taxes for a bit.
    Need to go down and find something to do.

  38. Beamer's Mom

    These quilts are P-E-R-F-E-C-T-I-O-N. The colors and the workmanship is unbelievable. What a wonderful day to oooo and ahhhhh over others accomplished quilting skills. I personally like these quilts better than the ones I’ve seen at the State Fair.

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Beamer’s mom – they were fantastic! Way beyond my skill and patience level however – maybe I should work on something harder and challenge myself – ?????

  39. Kim from TN

    What a lovely way to spend the day with friends. The quilts were all stunning and I bet seeing them in person was so quite special. I have been to Blue Earth when my children were young stopped to see the Jolly Green Giant and have a picnic. The glasses are super cute, I hope she can find more of them.

  40. Wonda Myers

    I certainly enjoyed the quilt show. Very talented ladies. I know you enjoyed your day.
    Thanks for sharing.

  41. Jan from TN

    Wow! Such talented quilters! Bravo!! 👏👏 And lovely cross stitch too. 👍

    Sorry, Mary, I don’t watch late night tv shows so can’t help you with the mentalist issue.

    And that last photo hilarious! I must admit, I’ve never done that. I out my makeup & hair crap away when I’m done as I do when I quilt. I know, I’m boring! 😂

  42. Susan K in Texas

    I’ve finally had time to read and really look at the pictures from the last three blog posts.
    The Iowa basketball girls will be playing at American Airlines Center in Dallas where my husband and I attend home Dallas Stars games. I’m very familiar with that area. I hope they enjoy their time in Dallas and win it all!
    The quilt show today is fabulous! So many different quilts and so much talent. What a fun day to visit with friends and look at quilts.
    I enjoyed seeing all the kitties on the blog back a couple of days. I’m always partial to kitties!

  43. Terry in PA

    What did your friend that’s looking for the Hazel Atlas glasses use to stamp the designs on her cookies. I sometimes press peanut butter cookies with the bottom of a glass to get a star design instead of criss-crossing with a fork, but I would love to press some with that pretty circle of dots design.

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Terry – I don’t think these are her cookies – she just found a picture of the glasses to show me.

  44. Rina Scholtz

    Wow! Those quilts are beyond next level!
    Thank you for sharing the photo’s
    Mary!
    Regards
    Rina

  45. Sibyl

    I really loved the little blocks from Sentimental Stitches. Do you know any more about them? I went to the website and searched, but didn’t come across them.
    I’m like you, Mary, love my “stuff”. My sister’s home is the exact opposite. to each his own!
    Enjoy your blog immensely!

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Sibyl – I looked, too, and they’re called Crazy ….. after a quilt from a collector named Laura Fisher. Wonderful little blocks – I think the price was $47 or something close. I know I won’t do it so I didn’t sign up. It’s all paper piecing which I hate.

  46. Polly Perkins

    Nice quilt show. Just an update: My procedure to close the hole in my heart on March 8 was successful. Bloodthinners and aspirin for 6 months…. BUT WAIT…. I ended up in the ER and overnight Thesday and Wednesday I HAVE A FIB. And it refuses to correct itself. I am on 2 blood thinners and no aspirin and another med to slow down my racing heart. Go back for follow and back to see my Madison Dr. Both say I may have to be zapped. Good Grief.

    1. Mary Etherington Post author

      Polly – oh, good heavens, who would have expected that??? Rick is having ablation next week. He’s been in afib for over a month now.

  47. Jeanie S, Central IL

    Thanks, Mary, for telling us about your wonderful day in MN. Jan’s house is beautiful, and the quilts are amazing.
    This has been an interesting day weather wise. I hope you and your bloggers are ok.

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