June 17, 2025

The excitement in Hamilton, Missouri, was undeniable as we welcomed a town full of creative spirits for the Missouri Star Academy 2025! This year’s event transformed the heart of downtown into a vibrant campus filled with quilting, crafting, and camaraderie.

For two incredible days, our talented students immersed themselves in a whirlwind of hands-on learning and inspiring lectures. Under the guidance of our fabulous instructors, they explored a dazzling array of techniques, from the intricate arts of quilting, appliqué, and embroidery to the innovative worlds of collage quilting, faux calligraphy, and fabric printing.

This year's downtown setting offered attendees a unique opportunity to soak in the full Hamilton experience. In between classes, students browsed our diverse shops, discovering treasures at every turn. Just outside the theater, a local farmer’s market added to the festive atmosphere, offering a taste of Hamilton’s finest. Students could take a break for fun and games on the patio next to the Main Shop, where they could play Plinko for a chance to win delightful prizes each day.

We were thrilled to welcome two lucky winners from last year’s Golden Star contest and their guests. All 4 of these lucky quilters received free admission to the event and were presented with commemorative sashes to mark the occasion!

We gathered to celebrate Jenny Doan’s birthday on June 11th by gathering at the iconic Hamilton mural to sing a heartfelt "Happy Birthday," which we shared with her on social media. We also unveiled a special community-made quilt made especially for Jenny, which will be delivered to her in Africa, carrying with it the warm wishes of our entire quilting family.  

The celebration continued with a quilt walk through Hamilton, where quilters showed off their artistry and creativity with colorful quilts in every style and theme!

Inspiration wasn't just confined to the classrooms. The Main Shop, Penney’s, and the Fabric Market were buzzing with free demos, offering continuous opportunities to learn new tips and tricks and keep those creative juices flowing.

As the Missouri Star Academy 2025 drew to a close, we were filled with a profound sense of gratitude. We hope that every student departed with a wealth of new knowledge, a circle of new friends, and a heart full of inspiration to fuel their next creative adventure. Until next time!

Published by Stefanie R.