Catch a cache of quilts

Jane Willie and sewing have been acquainted for decades, but her show at Magnolia Café in Carlton is her first foray into exhibiting her fabric creations (aside from various fairs, that is).

Growing up, Willie said she made her own clothes in high school, then she made some of her children's clothes when they were little. Although she made her first quilt in the 1970s, it took another 20 years, a community education class in Carlton, and the encouragement of two dear friends (Candy and Yvonne) before she really got into it.

But her quilts aren't your grandmother's quilts.

"There is nothing better in life than playing with fabric," Willie said. "The colors and patterns available now are stunning, and nothing like the calico prints that come to mind when people think of quilting. While there are still traditional lines of fabrics, fabric designers who are bold and unique are my favorites."

The Carlton resident doesn't get too hung up on mistakes either. She shared some advice for anyone who might be overwhelmed by the idea of making a quilt: Don't sweat the small stuff. And enjoy the process, as well as the finished product.

Every quilt takes the creator "on its own journey," she said.

"Whether it's through a block sewn in the wrong order, upside down, or the discovery of a piece of fabric that just has to be included, these occurrences are meant to be and help you grow in your skill and experience. Let it happen!" Willie said. "There is something for every level of quilter, and there is no right or wrong. Feel free to express your true self, and do what makes you happy."

In keeping with these pandemic times, the official artist reception for Willie this month will be an interactive Zoom event, probably the weekend of Nov. 27-28. Folks don't even have to leave the cozy warmth of their own home to join in the fun, said Magnolia owner Yvette Maijala. Final details will be posted on Facebook @magnoliacafecarlton. The coffee shop and eatery in Carlton is also open for in-person dining, so people can stop by anytime to see Willie's quilted creations.

Before you go to the virtual reception or the coffee shop, join the Pine Knot News and Willie for a short interview.

Q How did you get started sewing?

ASewing for me began at an early age on Mom's trusty Kenmore. My first official projects began with 4-H (an apron comes to mind), then making my clothes throughout high school, and beyond. This was not unusual, as every store had a fabric department, and hours were spent poring over pattern books.

Grandma Gish (Mom's mom) was a quilter, and Grandma Timonen (Dad's mom) was a knitter, and for them, working with textiles was a necessary part of life. There are always balls of yarn and quilting frames in the living room when I think of them.

My first foray into quilting was in the '70s with a full-sized hand-pieced and quilted Grandmother's Flower Garden quilt. Following that were baby quilts and clothes for the kids.

QHow do you decide what design you are going to incorporate on a certain quilt?

AQuilts come to me from many different directions. For some I see a block I like and it develops from there. Some have come from classes where you will learn a certain technique and it grows into a quilt. Others, like the scrappy snowflake in the works now, come from a picture I saw. Sometimes I purchase patterns, but not often. When I do, they usually end up with a variation or two to them, sometimes planned, and sometimes not! Recently I've wanted to utilize the multitude of scraps I've accumulated. But it seems the more you try to use, the more you create. My quilting is not tightly scripted. Part of the magic is seeing where the fabric and the pattern take you. They each take on a life of their own.

Q What comes first, the fabric or the design? Where do you get your fabric?

A Neither, and both. I have a lovely stash of fabric that is so much fun to play with, and shelves of books and binders with ideas collected over the years. It's whatever strikes my fancy at the time. The next project (or three!) ideas are always laying on my cutting table. I will never live long enough to make everything floating around in my head.

I love visiting quilt shops wherever we go and always leave with a few new pieces of fabrics. We are very fortunate to have wonderful local quilt shops like the Quilted Dog in Cloquet. The quality of fabric from a quilt shop far exceeds anything from a big box store, so that's where all my fabric purchases come from. Occasionally I will order online if there's something specific I need and cannot find it elsewhere. I am also very particular about the thread I use. There is a huge difference in the quality of thread. Quality thread will make a remarkable difference in your work.

Q Do you sell your quilts? How can someone find them and/or purchase one?

AUp until now I've never considered selling my quilts. However, I do have two of the quilts currently displayed at Magnolia for sale. If people are interested in either one, they can contact Magnolia and they will provide my contact information.

QWhen did you cross from quilt hobbyist to selling and exhibiting quilts?

AThis is the first real showing of my work. Considering I have never sold any before, I'm not sure you could say I have crossed that line. Yvette knew I was a quilter and asked if I would be interested in displaying my work. It's really been fun to see some of it displayed all together.

Q Do you have any advice for people who are just getting started with quilting?

AKnow how to operate your sewing machine well before tackling a pattern or taking a class. You will get so much more out of the experience if you don't have to worry about how to do something like wind a bobbin - and come to terms early with the fact that ripping out seams is part of the journey.