After first sewing in her home economics class in high school, Patty Haala made her first quilt using recycled and leftover fabrics from clothes that she has made. Mainly self-taught, Patty enjoys all the aspects of quilting. “Just seeing the finished product gives you a feeling of accomplishment”, Patty explained. She gets her fabrics from all kinds of quilt shops everywhere, in the cities and even in Iowa. “If I see a quilt shop anywhere, I will definitely stop in, “ declared Patty.
Patty has taught her granddaughter how to quilt and she hopes to teach more of her grandchildren in the future. “If you learn the right way, you will have success, hope, and the desire to do it. It’s addicting,” said Patty.
Pat Stevermer developed her passion for quilting when she taught home economics at Sleepy Eye Public High School. “I got hooked, just like that.” Pat took a quilting class and now teaches a quilting class during the summer.
What she enjoys most about sewing is the creativity. “Putting fabrics together and seeing what the finished product will look like,” said Pat. The process of making a quilt is simple. “Pick a pattern, get the fabric that goes with it, cut pieces according to the pattern, and sew that together. Next, you add a border that you can hand-quilt or use a machine. Binding is the last part.” Pat added.
Another quilting expert is Shirley Mathiowetz. Quilting every day for two to eight hours, Shirley has made about 600 quilts in her lifetime. “It is a fascinating hobby that can be for anyone,” Shirley commented.
Along with Stevermer, she teaches the quilting class for Sleepy Eye Community Education over the summer. For Shirley, it takes about a month to make a quilt, then she gives them all away. According to Shirley, pinning is the hardest part when making a quilt. “Putting safety pins on all three layers is difficult. Lots of pins are used, about 1,500,” added Shirley.
She uses traditional tools as well as modern technology. “The sewing machine really helps out a lot.” So what is Shirley’s secret for a great looking quilt? “My advice is to pick out a focal fabric and study the pattern. The rest of the colors on your quilt should compliment that focal fabric.”
The communal nature of quilt making is truly an art worth learning. Whether it’s bringing pieces of fabric together or gathering the community, quilting is an enjoyable hobby that is loved by many. It’s never too late to get started on the art of quilting. The quilters of Sleepy Eye are always looking for quilters to join them. So count your blessings, pick up a needle and thread, and get ready to stitch your memories one by one.
