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QUILTER OF THE MONTH

 Doris Scanlan-Quilter of the Month

 Doris Scanlan has been sewing for forty years–quilting for thirty! She wrote the following about her

early sewing experience, “I was in 4-H and made things like pillows and clothes. We always had “quilts

on our beds as kids, my maternal Grandma made tons of quilts, mostly utilitarian. Some were beautiful,

some were well–functional. When I got married I received a sewing machine as a wedding gift…..

(I) stitched curtains and such for our home. I did a lot of crafty things and sewed some clothes. When

I was pregnant with our first daughter, I made a baby blanket and bumper pads.”

Inspired by her Grandma many years ago and a sewing machine in her possession, Doris satisfied her creative nature and delved into quilting. She describes that time in her life, “I didn’t have much money so I made a scrap quilt from denim….It wasn’t until my kids were a little older that I really got into quilting.”

Like many quilters, Doris wrote, “I have made a lot of quilts, but I mostly give them away to family and friends. So most of the window display is of those I have gotten back.” However, also In our window are two quilts usually displayed in her home. Doris commented, “The large pieced quilt in more rustic colors is called “The President’s Wives”. It was a BOM that I did. When we moved back to Iowa I had just finished it. We have it in our youngest daughter's room (when she visits).” Another quilt, usually in the Master Bedroom in Doris’s home, is called “Pumpkin Seed”. Doris wrote, “I saw the pattern in a magazine and it offered a paper pattern. I was not into that, so I contacted a local window store and they did a plexiglass template for me to make it. The quilting on this quilt is amazing. Sandy Gamm in Brookings SD did the work.”

One of Doris’s favorite designers is Lori Holt. Somewhere in her sewing room a Lori Holt Christmas Quilt is pieced but not yet quilted. Many quilters can identify with her as she laments, “This is my downfall. I do the tops, but don’t seem to have time, or money, to get them to the quilters.”

Doris mentioned the pattern “Take 5” by Teacher’s Pet and “Toes in the Sand” by JayBird Quilts as a couple of her favorites. She also loves the book Block Party.by Marsha McCloskey. Doris commented, “I’ve used the blocks in this book for the two panel quilts I’ve got on display and a sampler. I also used them in some challenges for the quilt shop.” Doris stated she has also made Christmas stockings with this book.

Doris finds inspiration in Quilt Shop Samples, Pinterest, and at our “Gone Quilting” Club!

And finally, on Doris’s sewing table you’ll find three magnetic pin holders (she loves them), Friction Pens and her favorite 6 ½” X 24” Quilters Select ruler.

The Quiltmaker’s Shoppe has enjoyed introducing you

to Doris Scanlan– our March 2023 Quilter of the Month!