Janna Renner
Kerri Mains
Donna Roberts
Chrystine Hendrickson
Janna Renner -- Owner, Works Saturdays
I was a child of the military. Born in San Angelo, TX, graduated from high school in El Centro, CA, lived in Japan and Germany and many states in the US, finally settling in Excelsior Springs, MO when my father retired from the Air Force. I am retired from the Air Force Reserves and will be retiring from the Internal Revenue Service in Feb 2010. I met my husband in the Air Force Reserves and in 1979 moved to a farm west of Paola.
I started sewing when I was pregnant with my daughter in 1973, learning to make baby clothes. During her years growing I made many outfits for her. I later took a stretch and sew class which I really enjoyed and my family had to put up with me making T-Shirts for everyone. It wasn't until the early 1990s that I took an interest in quilting. A neighbor had made a hankie butterfly quilt and she gave me the pattern. My Mother had collected hankies as a young girl, so I asked if I could have them. From that point I made my first quilt, the butterfly hankie quilt hanging in my shop. I made this for my mother's 80 th birthday. When she passed away in 2004 I got the quilt back. From that point on quilting has been a passion.
In January 2007 a neighbor approached me about opening a quilt store and from there it became a reality.
Kerri Mains -- Works Wednesdays and Thursdays
I am the mother of three grown boys. I have THE cutest granddaughter, Kimberly, that is approaching the terrible twos (but I am sure she will be an angel!) I have a very supportive husband, John, that supports all my creative endeavors. I have been interested in quilting since I was a little girl. I would try to be as much help to my Grandma Ethel Carr, as I could. And, she would always find something for me to do so I could learn and participate. She was a quilter and always encouraged my creative side. She bought me crafting and sewing kits for Christmas each year and I couldn't wait to get them! My mother Mary was my other inspiration. She always encouraged me to "GO FOR IT" when I came up with a new crafting or sewing IDEA. She gave me all the tools as a young girl to CREATE. We still enjoy crafting together and sharing our ideas.
As for quilting, I have been collecting antique quilts for about 20 years. I have been tackling the art of putting them together for about 9 years. I married the son of a life long quilter, so yet some more influence to my quilting life. My mother-in-law, Shirley Mains, is just a phone call away with her quilting pointers and advice.
Some of my other interests include scrapbooking, antiquing, and candle making, and spending time with my family and friends.
I enjoy working at the Lil Red Hen. It is fun to encourage new quilters. It is equally as interesting to watch the veterans come in and work there quilting magic when choosing colors. The scrap bookers come to match papers and share designs as well. Great to see all the creative projects!
Donna Roberts -- Works Tuesdays
My name is Donna Roberts. I started working at the Lil' Red Hen Quilt Shop in Paola, October, 2007. I have been sewing for 47 years and quilting for approximately 37 years. My inspiration for quilting came from my grandma Rutz who's heritage started in Switzerland . Ladies of fine lace work, tatting and quilting. She recycled before recycling became cool.. Using flour sacks, feed sacks, old dresses, shirts, ties, anything that was cloth and not being used anymore was recycled and made into beautiful quilts. She was my Michelangelo !
My journey into the world of quilting began in the early 1980's when I was around 36. I decided to enroll in a beginners quilting class at a local quilt store in Olathe, KS . My first project was a sampler quilt. Being out of my mind, I decided it would be a queen size quilt and I would hand applique the whole quilt. Now most people would not pick such a large quilt for their first project - but then I'm not ordinary in any sense of the word. After a span of 10 years I not only finished that quilt but also made another queen size quilt just like it in different colors so each of my children would have a keepsake quilt for their weddings. Of course they also had to be hand quilted. Okay so I started out slow, but I did finish.
In the 1990's we moved to the big country near Lane, Ks. and I joined the Osa-Lane Stitches out of Lane, KS. My life and my pocketbook have never been the same since. The good Girl Scout that I was, our motto, "Be Prepared" gave me the idea of an emergency kit for my husband in the event that I choose to close my sewing room door for a new creation of beauty, he has the kit to be provided for. My true confession, I am hooked on quilts, Yes, I am a compulsive quilter, I love fabric, I love hand work, I love everything about the world of quilting. Do I know everything about my hobby? No! It's is a day-by-day journey into the land of learning, excitement and Ahs.
Come see us at the Lil' Red Hen. I work on Tuesdays and I would be happy to help you with your projects helping others with their needs helps to feed my compulsion. Catch the wave of quilting first hand. You will never regret it and you will be a whole lot warmer.
Chrystine Hendrickson -- Works Fridays
I was born in 1966 in Portsmouth, VA to a Navy Enlisted man and his wife. We moved around some but finally settled in a small community in Missouri in 1976 called Shawnee Mound. There I attended 4-H and was around my grandmother and grew up learning about sewing, cooking, dairy cattle, poultry, swine, and all our other farm animals and activities. My grandmother, whom I cherished, made each of her grandkids an outfit for Christmas each year but passed away when I was in the 8th grade. Her goal before passing was to make each of her grandkids a quilt. Well she got mine and my next oldest cousins made, but no more. My Aunt Leah on my mom's side is also quite the seamstress. She has worked for years in Walmart 's Fabric Department. I used to want to work with her so I could cut the fabric.
I started sewing when I was 9. I made all my prom dresses , graduation dress and then other peoples wedding dresses . When I became an adult I got that quilt top my grandmother made, quilted and have used it for many years. I have continued to sew for myself, my family and others. I enjoy quilting because I enjoy the piecing together of many different fabrics. The challenge to see what it looks like when finished is my greatest drive. Now that I am working at the quilt shop I do get to cut the fabric just like my aunt. Life is Good.
I became a Partylite Candle Consultant in February 2007. This business has been growing. I am now a Team Leader well on my way to becoming unit leader within the next 6 months. We have great programs and incentives. Check out my website for all Partylite has to offer http://www.partylite.biz/ChrystineH . You may contact me at this email pchrystine2006@yahoo.com or by phone at 913-294-9225 .