She’s 106 And Still Quilting Every Day

She’s 106 And Still Quilting Every Day AG WORLD At 106 Myrtle Farrell says she has slowed down But she still manages to sew about 100 baby quilts a year The Mapleton N Dak woman always has a few on hand and also makes custom quilts from fabric customers bring her “I have to do something ” she says modestly when asked why she quilts She learned to sew on a treadle machine before she was married Now she sews on an electric Kenmore sewing machine but she still cuts out 4 1/2-in squares with scissors Jean Madsen is a friend She and her husband Tom moved Farrell into their home a few years ago so she wouldn’t have to move to a facility where it would be difficult to sew Madsen says she helps Farrell occasionally yet she marvels at how accurate the centenarian quilter is Farrell sews the squares together then lays out the flannel backing and batting on a bed to pin it together After sewing it around the edges she can relax in a chair to tie the quilt Farrell says she enjoys putting colors and patterns together and she feels fortunate to have good enough vision and health to quilt most days While many are sold she has given many away to families in need and for charitable organization fundraisers Madsen recalls how Farrell shook her head in disbelief when one baby quilt sold for $525 at a recent charity auction “She has always been generous with her time and talents ” Madsen says “She was always good about having neighbor kids over to learn to cook sew and garden ” “I do the best I can ” Farrell says “I’ll keep it up as long as I can ” Though most are sold locally she has also shipped quilts $40 plus postage to customers in other states Contact: FARM SHOW Followup Myrtle Farrell 30 Meridian Rd Mapleton N Dak 58059 ph 701 282-3748; madsens@live com

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