Blue Earth, Minnesota, is a small town of 3,500 or so, five minutes (2.5 miles) off of I90 in Faribault County. It is home to a 60 foot statue of the Jolly Green Giant, a dozen Little Green Sprouts, and Michele‘s Quilting & Sewing Center.
Michele Hard is a dynamic lady who sees her town as a place where she can serve. Her fabrics are predominantly bright – no muddy browns or Civil War here! There are softer tones for blending to offset the bright colors, but the immediate impression is bright and cheerful.
Michele’s is also the local center for Quilts of Valor. They are focused on taking care of their own town’s veteran’s first, before getting involved with the national organization. They have provided quilts for all of the town’s surviving Korean War veterans, and are now working to honor Viet Nam veterans.
Michele’s is the outlet for local artist Ruth Green’s “Green Glass Designs” stained glass quilt patterns, several of which are completed and on display. She also has a nice selection of Charm Packs, Layer Cakes, and Jelly Rolls.
If you prefer kits, there are plenty available, and most have a samples to admire. You can also buy the pattern and choose your own fabrics.
If that doesn’t keep you busy, you can shop for Janome Sewing machines while you’re there. Don’t miss the long arm machine! It’s new, and when things settle down, after the county fair and Shop Hop everything else that’s going on, Michele intends to learn to use it, and possibly hold classes so that people can come in and quilt their own quilts in the shop. Watch her website for updates…
There are sewing classes available as well. One class is just for kids, running under the town’s Community Education program. Kids eight and older make totes, quilts, and clothing.
Do you need alterations? Michele’s daughter runs an alteration service inside the Quilt Shop. If you need dry cleaning, there’s no dry cleaner in town. However, Michele has you covered. She has arranged to be the drop off and pick up place for a dry cleaner in another town.
Once you’re done shopping, place your purchases in the car, take the list Michele is happy to provide, and go hunting for the 12 Little Green Sprouts. Start with the one across from the shop that has quilt patches on his front and backside. All were painted by local artists, and there is a website if you want to upload your selfie with the sprouts.
Finally, Blue Earth has a town campground. If you’re traveling through, you can spend one night free, and they do have showers. If you are ready to stop for the night, pull in and relax.
| Michele’s Quilting and Sewing Center | Hours: M – W & F 9 – 5:30; Thurs 9 – 7 Sat 9 – 2 |
| 120 N. Main Street | Phone: 507-526-3295 |
| Blue Earth, MN 56013 | E-mail: michelesewvac@bevcomm.net |
| www.Michelesquiltingandsewing.com | Mail Order: Some Fabrics pictured online: No |
Check back on Wednesday and see where the North American Shop Hop is going next!
You can tell Michele’s Quilting and Sewing Center takes proud in their community and is very involved in local events.
Cute “Little Green Sprouts” with the quilting outfit.
Jean ….. how many of the 12 Little Green Sprouts did you see?
Four, I think…