Kris Laidley shows some of her items on display at Art on State.
After decades of sewing, the rural Panora resident discovered quilting in 2023 and now creates table runners, placemats and fabric banners that bring joy to others.
By Rich Wicks | Panora Times, october 2026
Kris Laidley of rural Panora has been a longtime sewer, and she recently started quilting as well. Looking at her creations, one would think she has quilted for much longer than she has.
“I started sewing in seventh grade in school, so I guess you could say I’ve sewn my whole life,” Laidley. “But after my husband died in 2023, I decided to take up quilting. I had a very good friend who helped me with that, and she’s taught me a lot of things.”
Kris Laidley also offers placemats for the season.
After learning the basics of quilting, Laidley has focused on creating smaller items.
“I just kind of took it from there. I’m not one to make big quilts. I just make smaller projects, like table toppers, table runners and placemats,” she said. “And then this year, I got into making fabric banners where it’s got letters on it.”
Laidley noted that since she is still relatively new to quilting, she has not spent much on equipment. But she discovered there is a demand for the type of items she creates.
“I’m still very basic since I’m just getting started, so I haven’t moved up to the fancy sewing machines yet,” Laidley said. “I was making things and giving them as gifts, but, after a while, there are only so many gifts you can give. So, I was doing farmers markets and a couple of vendor shows, and just this summer, somebody from Art on State said I should start bringing my things over here. It’s worked out very well.”
Laidley was a frequent vendor throughout the summer at the Panora Farmers Market. That season is now past. So far, she has not made plans for any vendor markets over the winter, but she intends to be part of the Panora Farmers Markets again in 2027.
Laidley said as she gained experience, she became more efficient.
“I started out with very basic things, just to learn the concept, and now I’m getting into more intricate patterns,” she said. “Placemats, I can do in a couple of hours.”
Kris Laidley displays a table runner she made with strips woven together.
“My granddaughter got married this year, and I made her a banner that said ‘Bride’ for the bridal shower, and she thought I had bought it. She didn’t realize I had made it, so that made me feel good,” she said.
The amount of time Laidley spends quilting varies greatly.
“It depends on what’s going on. Sometimes, I can sit and sew practically all day, and then, there may be a couple weeks where I don’t sew at all,” she said.
Laidley offered appreciation to family members who helped create a place for her hobby.
“My sister and brother-in-law and my other brother-in-law built my sewing room in my garage for me. Now I have a designated sewing room, and it’s packed,” she said.
Asked about a quilting challenge she has faced, Laidley had a ready answer.
“Triangles — I don’t like triangles very well,” she said. “I’m more of a basic. I like my square corners. I’m still learning the triangles.”
Laidley also pointed out that quilting mistakes are inevitable but fixable.
“I don’t think I’ve made anything where I didn’t have to tear something out and do it over,” she said.
For anyone new to quilting, Laidley offers advice and encouragement.
“It’s not a cheap hobby, but you don’t want to go with cheap fabric either. If you’re putting all that work into all those pieces, you don’t want it to shrink up the first time you wash it,” she said.
“Start with a basic pattern. Sewing is different than quilting. There are different techniques. But I always tell everybody, if I can quilt, you can quilt.” n