I recently taught at the Fall Splendor of Quilts show in Chaska, MN, where I got to award a Speaker’s Choice ribbon. The quilt I fell in love with is this one, made by Joan Goetteman (with me, below) and Audree Sells.

The quilt is named “Carnival” because of the nine traditional “Carousel” blocks in the quilt. The blocks were made using the paper-piecing method and assembled by the late Audree Sells, my best friend, mentor, and unofficial adopted mother (her idea). Her biological daughter Suzanne Thiesfeld suggested the name. 

Audree made the top. Joan repaired missed stitches from removal of paper and yo-yos, stitched “broderie perse” floral pieces at some of the intersections of blocks that had only been basted, and she heavily hand-quilted the quilt. Joan is now the owner of this lovely quilt. 

Joan wrote: As a charter member of the Chaska Area Quilt Club that began in 1988, co-founded by exceptional quilters Audree Sells and her cousin Phyll Eder, I have learned so much from these two women. Namely how to make tiny, even quilt stitches and with adages “just do it, get it done” and “it will quilt out”!! 
I miss them both dearly. 
This award is in honor of Audree. R.I.P.

JOan Goetteman, Carver, MN

I really do love this quilt. It makes me smile :-). The picture does not do it justice.

There were many lovely quilts in the show and I enjoyed seeing them all. I encourage each of you to get out to some local shows, in addition to the big shows. Big shows have big quilts but not always the extra-fun, quirky quilts that I love the most.

Thank you, Joan, for sharing your quilt! Well done!