The World’s Largest Spool of Thread lives on the grounds of the Missouri Quilt Museum in Hamilton, MO. It stands 22 feet tall and 8 feet in diameter – a true sight to be seen in the town that has now been hailed as the Disneyland of Quilting (Forbes).
So… how did this extraordinary thread monument come to be? It all started with the dream of local businessman Ryan Redford to erect the world’s largest spool of thread. Ryan, his wife Dakota, and their 4 sons own and run Home Inn Hamilton, a delightful local bed & breakfast, and were already well connected within the community.
When asked by Dakota how large the existing largest spool was, Ryan answered “18 inches.” “Oh”, said Dakota, “well, we can beat that!”, thinking a four or five foot spool of thread would be targeted. Imagine her surprise when Ryan unveiled plans for a spool much larger than that!
Ryan & Dakota had the good fortune to meet Aurifil Master Educator Karen Miller while she was representing Aurifil at Missouri Star Academy in June of 2018. They got to talking about the Redfords’ aspirations for Quilt Town USA, and together set this magnificent plan into motion. Karen connected the family with Aurifil, who wholeheartedly loved and supported the idea of sponsoring the World’s Largest Spool of Thread.
The spool itself was fabricated by local Hamilton, MO craftsman Larry Richerson. When asked about the Redfords, Larry said “These people are not afraid to think big… I think we’re all blessed to have them amongst us!” We couldn’t agree more! Once complete, one million yards of donated Aurifil thread were wrapped around the spool by members of the community.
To celebrate the spool’s completion, members of the Hamilton community, Jenny Doan of Missouri Star Quilt Company, and a few members of the Aurifil thread family gathered and stood alongside the Redford family for the official unveiling during the MSQC 10th Anniversary Birthday Bash in Sept of 2018.
The event marked the culmination of a few short months of activity… from dream to unveiling, a remarkable feat.
In the Spring of 2019, the Spool was rededicated during MSQC Academy. Alex Veronelli and Jenny Doan along with Aurifilosophers Karen Miller and Sarah Maxwell were in attendance.
The Missouri Quilt Museum celebrates its Phase One opening this September during Missouri Star Quilt Company’s 11th Birthday Bash – Aloha11. Join Jenny and her great lineup of Guest Stars including Sue Daley of Riley Blake Designs, Me and My Sister Designs of Moda Fabrics, and Karen Miller of Redbird Quilt Co for Aurifil. You’ll have an opportunity to check out the Museum, experience the spool, join in on the fun, and soak up heaps of creative inspiration!
Check out the press release HERE and make sure to visit the website to find out how you can get involved!
Speaking of Aurifil spools… The Redford family is busy repurposing empty spools (large or small) of Aurifil thread to benefit the Missouri Quilt Museum. If you’d like to donate spools you can send them to the family:
attention:
Ryan Redford
4011 NW State Hwy P
Hamilton, MO 64644
Love quilting? Looking for more opportunities to visit Hamilton, MO and check out the World’s Largest Spool? Be sure to visit the Redfords’ newly opened Hotel Hamilton – a 7000 square foot Retreat Style Boutique Hotel & Event Center in Hamilton, MO. Aurifil is excited to sponsor the 2019 Free Motion Quilt Retreat hosted by Hotel Hamilton and featuring Aurifil Designers and Aurifilosophers Wendy Sheppard and Karen Miller. Two and a half days of Free Motion Quilting Fun on home sewing machines! To learn more head HERE or HERE.
** All Images courtesy of Missouri Star Quilt Co & Karen Miller
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