Missouri Star Quilt Co. Revives Hometown | Top of Mind Episode 51

This week on Top of Mind, we travel to Hamilton, Mo. for a two-part series to see how Missouri Star Quilt Company is changing the face of main street in its hometown. We meet Jenny Doan, co-founder and KZbin star, who has amassed millions of views for her online quilting tutorials.

[@mariehughes1872]

Love Missouri Star and all their quilting Ideas I watch them almost every day 🎉

[@debbieparrish4369]

What a wonderful interview. Thanks again for taking the time to share your talent, making so many patterns in so many wonderful ways .❤

[@jodigilles9375]

Im 53 years old and just started quilting in December, and I bought my 7 yr old grand daughter a sewing machine and am teaching her too, all from watching your videos!!

[@raisakhan9130]

You are very good at quilting I am in love with quilting because of your tutorials.

[@kunthara1929]

Amazing ! God bless you for what you are doing . And you are so humble !

[@lynkerr9366]

I have been watching a number of your families interviews and just wanted to say that you have been very inspirational to me and my quilting journey. Quilting for me started in 2020 COVID 19 and as a Registered Nurse I just had to find something that would take me away from the `new normal''. I'm in Australia, and my first grandson was due so I decided to make a baby quilt and as you do in the 21st Century I started to google and youtube and your tutorials taught me to quilt; thank you!. I love quilting and I feel what you are saying, it really isnt just sewing. There have been a lot of challenges in my life and I am so very grateful that I have this wonderful new part of my life. I hope one day to visit your town of Hamilton! Thank you again. Lyn xx

[@120lightsaber]

Jenny is by far the best quilting instructor that you can find online, loved hearing how it all started.

[@judithegger2430]

You are so wonderful...greetings from Carinthia/Austria

[@carolynrhoads3514]

When I want to learn a new quilt pattern my first thought is searching for a. Tutorial from MSQ

[@nancyguerrero6662]

I really loved your story. It's just amazing.

[@shellyculver4239]

So dang proud of you Jenny & MSQC! Another part of your legacy is that you’ve revived a part of history that was getting lost- quilts are hugs from loved ones! Thank you!

[@fightermom12]

Thanks to Jenny for teaching us to quilt and giving me a new way of growing in myself. This is something I have always wanted to do and didn't have anyone to teach me...thank you also Jenny for making this adventure Free to learn. You have been a God send!!

[@janetlamping1017]

What a wonderful story of Jenny and the Missouri Star Quilt Co! Within the last 3 months I have become a novice quilter, and everything I have learned has been from Jenny. I am 68 and becoming a little obsessed with charm packs and quilt blocks! Thank you! Janet

[@showmegalusa4521]

I remember when Hamilton Missouri was nothing more than a gas station in 1986. This family revitalized this sleepy town. Congratulations Missouri Star. The Army moved me over the years and now instead of the 90 mile trip from Kirksville Missouri I have a further trip from Tennessee.

[@JudyHart1]

The thing I love about Jenny is she's so down to earth, SHOWS via the internet how it should look, and how easy it is. I've made 3 quilts (so far) from her 6-minute videos and they came out marvelous, and I'm a new quilter.

[@rebeccaprice4851]

I'm one of those people who feel in love with quilting through Jenny's tutorials. Now I just have to actually make a quilt!

[@authenticallyamber99]

Jenny Doan is my online quilting mentor and she is a wonderful gem! She made me believe that I could actually do it. Such a lovely, giving person!

[@rosannataborn6072]

What a beautiful story. I have learned so much watching Jenny. She is a great teacher. Thank you. And God Bless.

[@traceychristianson6583]

I learned how to quilt from watching Jenny's videos. She puts a smile on my face! Bless you!

[@karengarland9669]

I started watching Jenny’s KZbin videos many years ago when I first started to quilt. She made it look so easy and she was a delight to watch. I learned so much more from her than I did in my 1 morning a week in a 2 month long quilting class. Quilting makes me happy, and let’s me be creative in my way. At age 64 I am still learning something new every few weeks while watching the videos and making quilts from the Block magazines I have. I love stories, like in this video of the MSQC early days. It’s so awesome to see what the Doan family has done for themselves and this small community. It’s also wonderful to see other Doan family members like Misty and Natalie doing more videos too! I just love this family. They are great examples of Americans who have built something great from the ground up by feeding the creative needs of others. You all certainly have been a blessing to me 💕

[@deborahakers5548]

I don't know how many times I've watched about Jenny but I can never get enough of watching your tutorials!! I can't wait till Friday comes along just to watch and see what new things your going to teach us! I'm like a kid at Christmas !! My dream is to get better health wise so I can come and visit and see your beautiful town and to meet Jenny and her wonderful family!

[@spyderquilt9783]

Jenny Doan is as good as it gets. She is the Epitome of a Phenomenal Woman.

[@maryanndunham4457]

I would not even attempt quilting if not for Jenny and her wonderful tutorials. Thank you for a wonderful interview with a lady I hope to meet one day! Best wishes for M* and Hamilton!

[@penny9157]

Of course I Love all your tutorials , But the most amazing thing is how your family "I'll give all credit" has turned a town around supplying jobs and saving old buildings how many people can say that! kudos to you and your wonderful family. Jenny you and Ron did a fantastic job raising your kids, you will be forever remembered in History wow !

[@judyusmc1907]

Kudos to Missouri Star Quilt Company! It is wonderful to see a family get involved and grow a small business. It works because Jenny has a great personality and makes it not only easy but fun to learn.

[@rondabergeron4414]

wanted to comment again, Jenny. I watch you faithfully everyday. I have been sewing for decades and I will tell you this. I have learned so much from you about quilting. I am housebound most of the time and sewing is my refuge. I too am at the point of giving away my projects. Thank you so much.

[@MsRosetaylor]

I agree with all the others who have commented. You are a wonderful, down-to-earth teacher who makes everything seem so simple. Great job. Thanks from my family for cultivating an interest in quilting that wouldn't have happened otherwise. Keep up the good work. Wish I were closer. I live in southern Ontario. Taking a quick trip to your stores is not possible. That would be "heaven."

[@peggydunlap6651]

Jenny from HELENA, Alabama, I love your tutorials. I’m a 73 year old new quilter and your tutorials have made it possible for me to begin to learn to quilt. I hope to visit you in Hamilton, MO. as soon as I can talk someone into making the trip with me. Please keep the tutorials coming.

[@kimwilliamson7826]

I watch your tutorials almost every day. I gave several quilted gifts this Christmas because quite simply you inspire. Thank you so much

[@cherylsutherland9464]

Jenny I would love you to come to Australia , Perth Western Australia . I love your tutorials & watch & love your daughter & daughter in law From Perth Australia 🇦🇺

[@myrafawcett3950]

I’m watching from Ontario Canada, what incredible story! Brought tears of happiness . A amazing family!

[@heatherhayllar3000]

Jenny every quilter I know in Australia loves you and your tutorials!!

[@pharris6314]

I watched 2 bolts of fabric could not leave a comment it was disabled so i will leave it here. OH MY GOSH WHAT A GREAT STORY I WAS IN IN TEARS. THANK YOU FOR THAT STORY OF HOW YOU STARTED

[@beloved4evr]

Shout out to your son that encouraged you to do tutorials! They've helped me So much!!! Working on my 11th quilt now! lol

[@MultiCaro2011]

I started quilting around 2011, and you were my first online teacher! Thank you for being so generous in sharing your tutorials! ❤️

[@endlessdznsbycarrie8356]

Jenny is the reason I really started quilting! I started making garments when I was 11 years old and always said I would never quilt. But I did eventually make a basic block quilt for myself. A few years ago my brother asked me to make a t-shirt quilt. While looking online for t-shirt quilt tutorials, I discovered Jenny on You Tube! She taken what I'd always considered time-consuming and made it fast, fun and creative. She was doing a tutorial on the disappearing 9 patch and she was using precuts! When I saw those possibilities...I was excited! I used her method to complete the t-shirt then launched right into the disappearing 9 patch. It was a birthday gift for my teenaged Granddaughter...she was thrilled with it and takes it with her when she's away from home. I've also made the chevron quilt in pretty spring colors from 2 layer cakes! I've learned how to add bindings properly as well as borders and mitered corners. I've gone from someone who'd swore off quilts to now having made over 12 quilts in about 4 years. My friends are still surprised that I make quilts now, because I'd been so adamant that I would not make them! I've lost count of the number of times I've sent one of Jenny's links to someone! I am thrilled to know that her passion is fueling an entire town! What a tribute to her and wand what an inspiration she is others like me! I teach sewing to adults and children...including one of my younger granddaughters. I especially love passing the passion on to our children. So I fully understand wanting to inspire younger people to create and sew. Kudos to you, Jenny and all the best to you and your family!

[@marycato1361]

I absolutely love your style Jenny and the relaxed style you have, you make it look fun ,easy inspireing all generations young and old

[@kozyautumn55]

Hi Jenny! Love hearing this story from Melbourne, Australia! I met you when you came courtesy of GJs Fabrics in Fairfield. I was standing in line next to the elevator when you got off. Someone said, "there she is!" and I just automatically turned around and hugged you! And you???? You automatically turned around and hugged this California girl living her dream in Australia! Now quilting is added to it! Made a Kaffe Fassett dresden quilt and HAND QUILTED it for my mom's 81st bday. Everyone at home kept saying..."who knew" (that Sherrie could do something like this!) Love Quilting! Love Missouri Star and can't wait to come to Hamilton! I'll check to make sure you're around and not on the road doing a Trunk Show! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@carmeloreyna1559]

Yes! You are an inspiration to alot of people. After 20 yrs. Of being a cosmetologist. I became a stay at home wife and I found my self watching your tutorials.And thinking to myself hey I can do this!Hey I enjoy quilting it relaxes me! Some Day I will make a trip to go see you! Thank You Jenny! Rosa From Greeley, Colorado

[@granywonder57]

Oh Jenny, oh Jenny, ohJenny oh. You're a kick in the ole basket. Your personality has to be the driving factor in your families initiative. Thanks for all the hours of fun and fantasy.

[@annettegonzalez7066]

I met Jenny when she started on Create, and I made my first quilt directed by Her. I lost her, and what I recorded, and some years later I found Her on You Tube. I didn't know that the little store became so big and important. Congratulations to Jenny and her family! I wish I can go to Hamilton one day to know your Quilting Empire, and meet you personally.

[@donnarichey144]

Jenny you have come a long way from your first tutorials. You were straight faced and all business. Now you are so happy and relaxed and laugh and have fun. Thank you so much.

[@sylviatolan1814]

Jenny inspires me. I've got lots of blue and white fabrics. Now I just need to jump in! So afraid I'll drown! Who knows, perhaps I'll stay afloat or possibly actually swim! I gotta jump!

[@BATFAERY]

Go for IT! 😇

[@gerfmon1]

It's good to see my little hometown coming back to life after the shoe factory and the railroad left. Good luck to all those involved in the quilting industry. To be honest though, I was never so glad to get out of Hamilton back in the late 70's.

[@hopefull_artlifehope3480]

Yes you do have a huge following in Australia

[@hemaliarachchige7788]

What a interesting story of success. You share the knowledge with the people all over the world and make our lives meaningful. May your all wishes come true .

[@terialvarez4076]

I love to watch your video tutorials because I make the quilt along with you. I don’t need to buy a book to follow along or a $30. gadget to later find out I could have used my own ruler. I retired in 2012, lost my husband in 2015 and can still afford to make quilts thanks to you wonderful tutorials. God Bless You Jennie.

[@wyorose5965]

The true American success story for someone who is like your favorite sister!

[@petracramirez54]

I totally agree. Jenny is just the perfect pal/sister. That's what drew me to her tutorials amongst all their pre-cuts and daily deals. She has the best personality.

[@ghanashyampai5917]

Petra Ramirez

[@jeanineroth7101]

Donna Rosenlieb g

[@karengarland9669]

I agree too

[@patrewn]

Well done Jenny and your team You are my favourite from 🇬🇧

[@larriettausa]

I love Jenny Missouri Quilts! You've inspired me on many levels. I hope to visit your shops this year. I love love love the simplicity of making something so beautiful. Im truly thankful for your free tutorial quilting videos. Im sure thousands of others feel the same. If not millions. Im able to know what tools, templates ect. I'll need for each project and I order things I never new were available .Thank you so much. Your an inspiration .

[@Patchworkdivas]

i just recently discovered Missouri Star. I have quilted for years but never paid attention to the pre cuts or formal patterns. Jenny's tutorials have opened up this new side of quilting for me. They give me a sense of the pattern and my creativity takes over from there. Jenny I love your sense of humor in the daily special emails! My favorite part about quilts is the story behind them. I enjoyed hearing your story!

[@PamelaSmith20010]

Thank you thank you thank you 🙏🏻 you have helped me make all the baby quilts and small blankets for my grand babies and others ! I watch your videos over and over every time I make one ❤️🙏🏻

[@petmomful2260]

I love Jenny, too. She makes things fun and easier. She breaks things down for us, and finds easier ways to do things. I love her tutorials. She is just a fun, down to earth, friendly person. I live in MO and hope to go to Hamilton some day and meet her and her family, and see her shop.

[@hyacinthcross6729]

Gives me goose bumps. Wonderful, a real treat to listen

[@trudythomas7505]

Love watching Jenny and her staff. She brought joy to my heart, when watching her tutorials to learn how to quilt in 2013

[@maplelassuk]

I was recommended the MSQC when quilting became something I really wanted to do. I was taught by my mum to sew clothing but always loved the Amish quilts, done by hand. I fell in love with it all through Jenny, and she is so charismatic, fun, motherly and a great teacher...I'm amazed at their family story, its wonderful. Sadly, I live in the UK and it's not feasible to visit or buy from them as it's expensive importing...but I get so much from Jennys tutorials. Thank you Jenny xx you are a marvel, and so is your family!

[@shirleyharvey1460]

I watched A video to make my grandkids pilliowcases for Christmas. Then started using up my stash of fabric that I had purchased when a friend was helping me to learn quilting. Was working and 3 kids so did not have time to sew. Put everything away. Have been retired for 8 years and decided to use up frabic stash. Made lots of tube pillowcases and stsrted selling at farmers markets.also getti g into other crafts that I have learned by watching you. You make it so fun and easy

[@SR-ww4zs]

Jenny you went after your gift! You ran after your blessing your so great at it with your story about your coming into Missouri Quilting life to a town😇

[@mariolawesolowski7635]

great story I love Jenny, too. She makes things fun and easier.

[@Lexiellove]

What a beautiful story you have. I started sewing at age 8 by hand , but didn’t make my first quilt until I was 45. And I never stopped since then now being 65 and still quilting by hand.

[@beckybates4799]

Love you Jenny!!! You always get me motivated to make a new quilt!!!

[@musclelimit]

fan-bloomin'-tastic. How can anyone NOT love Jenny & crew....

[@lisahunt966]

I learn how to do a quilt thru you Jenni you are a very good teacher thank you so much I'm really having fun looking for my next quilt

[@lisahunt966]

Jenny Im from Navarre Florida

[@vickykrugman-mendel5900]

jenny, you are amazing and i am loving making quilts with your tutorials! thank you, thank you, thank you!

[@denisebraybrooke32]

You don't know me, I live in Michigan, but I live you just as many women do..just reading some "love notes" from women around the world..it is so super inspiring. We are so lucky to have you!! :-)

[@sandraweinberg6133]

jenny what a wonderful story l am80yeard young and learned how to sew in highschool best think I could have done just retired and started to learn about quilting through the internet and called and ordered thing from your company and your tutorials also watch Nancy Ziman for years on tv. and Margaret leuwen and my more just love it I made a table runner with Christmas trees from your tutoruial came out great thank you and you kids for this wonderful gift

[@nettieclark4870]

Hi Jennie,Thank you so much for all your inspirational videos,I learn something new every time I watch one.I just finished making the illousional quilt and had two ladiesfighting over who was going to buy it,as I am 67 and a learner of quilting I was so happy they liked enough to want to buy it.Keep quilting, and from me in Bonnie Scotland THANKYOUxxx

[@rosewallace178]

Jenny you are a amazing lady and I love see all your stuff

[@sandraverrender5282]

I love your tutorials Jenny! I watch all of your tutorials and find them very helpful!

[@youngmanmary2918]

I love Jenny ,she makes me feel like yes I can do this.

[@maplelassuk]

Me too!

[@sandrapculver6117]

Everything I know about quilting I learned from the tutorials. Thanks for the insight into the MSQ company and thank you Jenny.

[@boo2013Z]

I just love your tutorials and being able to get the materials and tools to actually make the quilts. This is just wonderful. I find quilting so relaxing but I don't have a lot of time to quilt right now. Your tutorials and the precuts really help me keep up with my life and continue doing something I love to do. I was self taught and I'm so happy to have your guidance. Keep it up!

[@bonniehill1416]

Jenny has turned me into a fabricholic!!! All I want to do is SEW, SEW, SEW. I grew up with the love of sewing , but because of working full time, I never really had time to do a lot of quilting. Because of Jenny's tutorials of fast,fun, beautiful quilts, I can make tons of quilts!!! I am so blessed that I have found the Missouri Star Quilt Co. On line!!! In fact my Husband asked me one day. " what happened, I didn't see a package from the Missouri Quilt co today!!! " LOL, Yes , I am a addict!!!

[@cathywright8508]

I'm also a fabriacholic i have so many order coming from Missouri Star i find myself hiding from my husband i just love everything about the company the fabric , the tutorials and daily deals and of course Jenny she's the best .

[@TheA3Howards]

Wowww I love what you have created and what you have inspired others to create. You are a star. A bright star. Arlene in Aurora, CO

[@janiceblack3201]

This is just amazing. I had no idea! Bless you for your hard work & inspiration, and for what a positive impact you are making in that little town.

[@monikamaier8313]

Greatings from Germany! I`ve learnd a lot from your videos! Thank you!

[@frekybyrd]

I think this show should go back for an updated interview of Jenny Doan to see and show how far their family company has come since this video.

[@markdentice4103]

Hi Jenny! Ya, you guys were right about the tutorial learning how to on here. I B4 I started to quilt, I would try to follow instructions in a book, & I would get lost after the first few steps.. but watching these tutorials, & actually being able to watch & see what your doing. It's so much easier for me to follow. Now I've been quilting and making all sorts of things. & I love doing it! Thank you so much for the easy to learn how to tutorials Jenny. Kristie Dentice

[@celiagtorres]

Love you Jenny, thank you so very much.... you are real...!!

[@elshelleman8794]

Here a message from the Netherlands! I watch your tutorials all the time and I like the simplicity of how to make a quilt quick and different. Like your interview! Good luck! Maybe we'll meet some time! You never know. Should be so much fun. Thank you for sharing all those fine ideas.

[@ThreadsbyJB]

I just watched this video again and I still think its just wonderful. Its awesome what you have done for that town and for all of us quilters out here who love your tutorials. Thanks again for being such a great teacher and teaching us great ways to make quilts. Janet

[@petracramirez54]

Oh Jenny oh Jenny is right. I don't quite remember when or how I stumbled upon your tutorials, but I am so glad I did. I just wish I could sew faster so I can keep ordering more fabric. I think, I've purchased every single one of your templates. I so enjoyed your interview and how it all got started. Great American story. God Bless you and your family.

[@patsysanchez3173]

love your tutorials. i would say 1/2 of my quilts are made from your tutorials. ty for the inspiration and for teaching me how to quilt. u make it soooo simple

[@elizabethman7313]

Reminds me of 'A Town Like Alice'! Great !

[@jeanpoulton7524]

You’re right!

[@oharikobees]

You have a huge fan in Japan too, Jenny!

[@kathryncooper5726]

Hi Jenny, You are an amazing woman and family I just want to say thank you for all you have taught me. I love your tutorials I have learnt so much from them and like you I started with a log cabin block pin cushion, I went from the pin cushion to a king size quilt, my husband had so much faith in me he bought all I needed to start off. I am from Newcastle upon Tyne in UK, I Wish your company was here in the UK as we have so few patchwork shops. Big thanks from Kathryn in Gordie Land in the UK

[@patriciaburdick8583]

Hi jenny patricia from san Bernardino California loves to watch you your teaching alot thanks

[@sherrytate7114]

I moved to a small town and I had done a little sewing to make a bag holder using dish towel's for my boyfriends and my family. And when we (my boyfriend and my self) moved to this small town I went to a JoAnn's store. I heard a woman talking to a lady about quilting. I ( laugh now along with her at how we met) And she said she gave free lesson's. I said well could you teach me. She sure come over to my house on Weds night where she has the class. And in one year I had made 48 quilts for all his family but mine. I got to where were so close that we did everything together. I went to her house every day. We go out to eat shopping at JoAnn's fabric and than about 3 years ago she got sick and I was with her till the end. I miss her so much. Now I have a group of quilt that meet 2 times a month and make quilts.

[@cathywright8508]

Hi Jenny I love your tutorials you make everything seem so easy to do you seem so patience would love to see more of a tutorial of your shop and meet the employees and what they do. Hope to see this tutorial pretty soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@collettewilson5768]

i love Jenny's tutorials, before i stumbled across these videos i would sew quilts with my daughter --she never got first ribbon --she would lose first place to a seven year old child that did not sew anything all the child had to do put it together --my daughter sewed her heart out most 50 hours per quilt --with that said she does not want to tackle any more quilts --i'm hoping some day she'll step in and help with the quilts i'm making now --she has a great eye for color contras and she does not realize that potential --thanks Jenny for your tutorials quilting is much easier now for me ---hugs to all Collette from WA

[@janlaforest6372]

Thank you so much and God Bless you and yours

[@joancregier3329]

I enjoy your videos , you make quilting look so easy. I wish I had the opportunity to visit your shops and your little town of Hamilton.Through the years I have been fortunate to meet a few sewers and quilters while working in Hartsdale Fabrics in NY .Nancy Zieman, Eleanor Burns I met in Wisconsin several years ago at a Quilting expo.Ann Person with Stretch and Sew at Hartsdale Fabrics . How surprised I was to see you walk into Mulqueens in Mesa Thursday. It felt like I was back in Hartsdale NY. You have a loyal fan ,although I’m not a quilter, I made 3 Sun Bonnet Sue quilted foe my 3 granddaughters,I love doing appliqué and embroidery, so I do enjoy the sewing end of it all. Your face just glows when you speak about quilting. Happy Quilting.

[@rolandajones8311]

This is a great interview.

[@ajthecat2]

I'm from New Zealand and I watch a lot of the time

[@Craftylizette]

Love watching you from United Arab Emirates near Dubai!

[@nana012444]

That's our Jenny!!

[@pat-lili-kikikirabesche8034]

Jenny tu es formidable!!!! tu partages tellement d'idées, que je ne peux pas suivre lol et à chaque visualisation d'une autre vidéo j'ai envie de faire cet autre travail...et ainsi "sans fin" !! lol...merci pour tes nombreuses vidéos, tous les magnifiques travaux et puis : toi : une professeur souriante, avenante, agréable et joyeuse pour prouver que n'importe qui peut réaliser "du patchwork" bien à toi ! liliane (brussels/belgium/europe)

[@rondabergeron4414]

Great story. Very happy you shared. Keep them coming.

[@ladylibertywdc8324]

Jenny, just discovered your business here. As a fellow former (but always) costume designer- congratulations!

[@nellycastillo8252]

love the deer fabric

[@leomontes5037]

funny, Ms. Doan, when im happy I sew, when I'm stressed I iron. and because of you I am getting more and more into Quilting. thak you for your tutorials.

[@hrhdmk5845]

I HEART MSQC!!! I can't wait until the winter is over, so I can make a road trip from Hamilton, Ontario (Canada) to Hamilton, Missouri and participate in one of their Quilt Retreats in the new Retreat Centre!!