What do you think?
Rate this book
How to Stitch an American Dream: A Story of Family, Faith and the Power of Giving
Over the last decade, the Doan family business, the Missouri Star Quilt Company in tiny Hamilton, Missouri, has grown from Jenny's corner shop--with one quilting machine and two bolts of fabric for sale in the back--to become the largest supplier of pre-cut quilting fabric in the world. And the deep connection felt by the company's millions of loyal fans and customers boils down to one thing: their love for Jenny, the mother of seven (and grandmother to twenty-two and counting) whose humorous, easygoing, down-to-earth quilting tutorials have been viewed more than two hundred million times. Now, Jenny is ready to give her fans, the business world, and moms of all ages (and grandmas too!) what they've been asking for: the full story of her journey, from her humble beginnings as a homeschooling mom, to founding MSQC in her fifties, through the remarkable success and inspiration she's so well-known for today. How to Stitch an American Dream is about something more than the chance to get to know Jenny Doan. It's an opportunity for readers to have their lives changed by one woman's remarkable story--an inspirational story of overcoming hardship and finding abundance through family, faith, and the power of giving.
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2021
96 people are currently reading
1455 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews
October 21, 2021
Audio book narrated by Jenny herself. If you know Jenny, you love Jenny and her personality shines in her memoir. I laughed out loud many times and I got choked up many times. This is the best memoir I've ever read. She's had quite a blessed life.
April 14, 2023
Talk to any quilter and there’s a good chance Jenny Doan’s name will come up. As the founder of Missouri Star Quilt Company, she’s helped popularize pre-cut quilting and a host of other techniques through both her physical shop and YouTube, where she’s featured hundreds of tutorials. No doubt, she’s one of the biggest and most popular names in the industry.
In How to Stitch an American Dream, Doan explores her transformation from a little girl with an interest in sewing to a stitching maven. With her trademark homey voice, she weaves together anecdotes about raising seven children, finding love, and taking a risk on a new career—all while considering how her faith influenced these moments. It’s not so much a rags-to-riches story as a scraps-to-quilt tale.
Unfortunately, her life hasn’t been all batting and jelly rolls, and Doan doesn’t shy away from confronting darker moments, including the dissolution of an abusive marriage and also financial financial difficulty following the 2008 recession. Even while recounting these difficult memories, Doan maintains a bright disposition that never wavers. This in no way lessens these accounts. Instead, her approach heightens their impact. She perseveres on the idea everything will eventually work out fine and, by the simple act of her writing this book, in many ways, she’s right.
It’s an idea she returns to time and again in stories good, bad, or indifferent. From some of the worst home renovation projects featured in print to buying her first long arm quilting machine, Doan breezes through them with a this-will-be-fine attitude. It’s the type of folksiness usually reserved for farmhouse memoirs. However, here Doan always feels genuine—and it helps she knows how to spin a good yarn.
In perhaps one of the most whimsical moments featured, in the mid-90s, Doan’s husband had a sudden idea to move to Missouri—a state neither of them had a connection to. While initially reluctant, Doan eventually agreed, and they ended up in Hamilton. Coming from anyone else, this scenario would be cause for alarm.
From Doan? Well, it turned out just fine, didn’t it?
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
In How to Stitch an American Dream, Doan explores her transformation from a little girl with an interest in sewing to a stitching maven. With her trademark homey voice, she weaves together anecdotes about raising seven children, finding love, and taking a risk on a new career—all while considering how her faith influenced these moments. It’s not so much a rags-to-riches story as a scraps-to-quilt tale.
Unfortunately, her life hasn’t been all batting and jelly rolls, and Doan doesn’t shy away from confronting darker moments, including the dissolution of an abusive marriage and also financial financial difficulty following the 2008 recession. Even while recounting these difficult memories, Doan maintains a bright disposition that never wavers. This in no way lessens these accounts. Instead, her approach heightens their impact. She perseveres on the idea everything will eventually work out fine and, by the simple act of her writing this book, in many ways, she’s right.
It’s an idea she returns to time and again in stories good, bad, or indifferent. From some of the worst home renovation projects featured in print to buying her first long arm quilting machine, Doan breezes through them with a this-will-be-fine attitude. It’s the type of folksiness usually reserved for farmhouse memoirs. However, here Doan always feels genuine—and it helps she knows how to spin a good yarn.
In perhaps one of the most whimsical moments featured, in the mid-90s, Doan’s husband had a sudden idea to move to Missouri—a state neither of them had a connection to. While initially reluctant, Doan eventually agreed, and they ended up in Hamilton. Coming from anyone else, this scenario would be cause for alarm.
From Doan? Well, it turned out just fine, didn’t it?
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review also posted at https://pluckedfromthestacks.wordpres...
January 17, 2022
Jenny Doan’s memoir, How to Stitch an American Dream, is a story of humble beginnings and the start of the Missouri Star Quilt Company. In her fifties, Jenny moves her family of seven children with her husband Ron from California to rural Missouri, starting a small corner shop business to now becoming the largest supplier of pre-cut quilting fabric, while also behind the world famous You Tube tutorials.
Jenny Dian’s story is truly inspiring and how through faith and hard work, she has accomplished a feat growing her business to a $100 million company with over 450 employees. I loved the uplifting writing that is engaging and an enjoyable read.
Jenny Dian’s story is truly inspiring and how through faith and hard work, she has accomplished a feat growing her business to a $100 million company with over 450 employees. I loved the uplifting writing that is engaging and an enjoyable read.
October 26, 2021
As a quilter, I found this very interesting. You can still hear Jenny's 'voice" come through the writing. I've not had the privilege to see her in person, just her tutorials. The stories are interesting. She doesn't drag anything out, but gives you the important information (kind of like her tutorials). I am so glad I heard about this book and hope to one day meet her. She just seems like a genuinely nice person.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 28, 2021
I'm not a quilter so I'd never heard of Missouri Star Quilt Company. That didn't affect my enjoyment of this book which is a real 'rags to riches' story. It's the story of Jenny Doan who went from being an abused mother of two to being the mother of seven and the owner of a quilt company that makes over $50 million a year. Her story is one of faith and hard work and she is now known as a star in the quilter's world.
When Jenny left her first marriage, she was the mother of one with a second child on the way. She had endured both physical and mental abuse and left with nothing. Life was hard for her and the children as she struggled to make ends meet. After she met Ron, her second husband, they still struggled financially but they were happy and they kept their family happy even as it grew to seven children. She talks a lot in her book about what she did to make ends meet and feed her children. She and Ron moved several times, usually to a dilapidated house that needed renovation but through prayer and a strong belief that God answers all prayer, they managed their lives. When God told them to move to Missouri, where they didn't know anyone, they listened to him and moved. In 2008, Jenny started the company. At first she just gave you-tube tutorials to quilters and then she began storing supplies for quilters and now it is the main go-to place for quilters,
Missouri Star Quilt's annual revenues are $10-$50 million and has over 400 employees and has revitalized the small town of Hamilton, Missouri now known as the Quilt Town, USA.
When Jenny left her first marriage, she was the mother of one with a second child on the way. She had endured both physical and mental abuse and left with nothing. Life was hard for her and the children as she struggled to make ends meet. After she met Ron, her second husband, they still struggled financially but they were happy and they kept their family happy even as it grew to seven children. She talks a lot in her book about what she did to make ends meet and feed her children. She and Ron moved several times, usually to a dilapidated house that needed renovation but through prayer and a strong belief that God answers all prayer, they managed their lives. When God told them to move to Missouri, where they didn't know anyone, they listened to him and moved. In 2008, Jenny started the company. At first she just gave you-tube tutorials to quilters and then she began storing supplies for quilters and now it is the main go-to place for quilters,
Missouri Star Quilt's annual revenues are $10-$50 million and has over 400 employees and has revitalized the small town of Hamilton, Missouri now known as the Quilt Town, USA.
August 28, 2023
An inspirational story following Jenny Doan
who after raising seven kids on a budget that required much frugality decides to do something fun and creative by opening a family run quilting business in Missouri.
At first it took a little time to gather steam, but later through YouTube videos, curated merchandising to the growing number of quilters, and trunk shows, it put the town of Hamilton, Missouri on the map by becoming a travel destination for avid quilters and a 100 million dollar business.
5 stars for this uplifting story about perseverance, faith,
and finding the right path for yourself. Thanks for the recommendation Denise. I finally got to it !!
who after raising seven kids on a budget that required much frugality decides to do something fun and creative by opening a family run quilting business in Missouri.
At first it took a little time to gather steam, but later through YouTube videos, curated merchandising to the growing number of quilters, and trunk shows, it put the town of Hamilton, Missouri on the map by becoming a travel destination for avid quilters and a 100 million dollar business.
5 stars for this uplifting story about perseverance, faith,
and finding the right path for yourself. Thanks for the recommendation Denise. I finally got to it !!
July 17, 2025
Wow. Jenny is so real and so entertaining! I've never had a desire to quilt until after reading this book. Her love of quilting and desire for them to be used and loved made me think of my Aunt Jeanne who made me an absolutely beautiful sunshine quilt after my mom passed. The quilting community seems incredibly generous and friendly.
September 2, 2025
You don't need to be a quilter or sewer to enjoy this read. As a mother, currently in the thick of parenting a teen, and almost teen, and a little kiddo, this was such a good read: a feel good book about Jenny and her husband doing their best to raise their seven children through life and it's struggles. While they didn't have a lot of material possessions to offer their children, they had an abundance of love, faith, and each other. I loved the stories shared, the obstacles overcome, the challenges presented, and the way the Doan children all rallied around their mother and worked together to create something beautiful! Sweet tears were shed through many beautiful and heartwarming moments toward the end of the book. I particularly loved the quote from her mother or grandmother (can't remember who it was) about giving bread and getting back buttered bread.
April 21, 2022
Wow... this is the most inspiring book I've ever read, and not because I am a quilter. Unlike most quilters, I only vaguely knew who Jenny Doan was. I have never watched her YouTube videos, nor did I have any idea of her story.
This is a story that inspired me as a mother, a wife, and a believer. It restored my soul and I would recommend this book to anyone, not just someone who sews. Jenny's story is incredible.
This is a story that inspired me as a mother, a wife, and a believer. It restored my soul and I would recommend this book to anyone, not just someone who sews. Jenny's story is incredible.
May 25, 2024
4.8 I loved this book. But I also love Jenny. I love the Missouri Star Quilt Company. I love quilting. I love how she told her life story and the hardships throughout it, but she always tried to be a good mother and do what she felt was right. Just this last week her and her husband announced they would be serving a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day Saints in Africa doing a humanitarian mission. She said I’ll bet I get to make a lot of quilts.
Faith, family, hard work, and second chances are at the core of every great American story. Jenny Doan has one of those great American stories.
Over the last decade, the Doan family business has grown from Jenny's corner shop to become the largest supplier of pre-cut quilting fabric. In this memoir, Jenny reveals the full the behind-the-scenes story, from her humble beginnings as a homeschooling mom, to the remarkable success she's so well-known for today: the Missouri Star Quilt Company.
In her heart-warming style, she invites you on her remarkable journey to overcome hardship and ignite the power of giving—all while revitalizing a small town along the way. You're about to find out:
How she and her husband, Ron, raised seven children on a shoestring budget—and had fun doing it.
How Jenny, Ron and their children worked side-by-side to patch together a family home out of a crumbling shell of a farmhouse.
How their faith, hard work, and generosity not only carried them through the hard times, but led directly to the success of the Missouri Star Quilt Company.
How to Stitch an American Dream will make you laugh, cry, and say, "bless your heart," as Jenny Doan invites you into her own American dream.
Faith, family, hard work, and second chances are at the core of every great American story. Jenny Doan has one of those great American stories.
Over the last decade, the Doan family business has grown from Jenny's corner shop to become the largest supplier of pre-cut quilting fabric. In this memoir, Jenny reveals the full the behind-the-scenes story, from her humble beginnings as a homeschooling mom, to the remarkable success she's so well-known for today: the Missouri Star Quilt Company.
In her heart-warming style, she invites you on her remarkable journey to overcome hardship and ignite the power of giving—all while revitalizing a small town along the way. You're about to find out:
How she and her husband, Ron, raised seven children on a shoestring budget—and had fun doing it.
How Jenny, Ron and their children worked side-by-side to patch together a family home out of a crumbling shell of a farmhouse.
How their faith, hard work, and generosity not only carried them through the hard times, but led directly to the success of the Missouri Star Quilt Company.
How to Stitch an American Dream will make you laugh, cry, and say, "bless your heart," as Jenny Doan invites you into her own American dream.
April 2, 2022
Loved this book. I loved learning about Jennie Doan's life and success. The Missouri Star was only 30 miles from my childhood hometown. I had to laugh when she told the story about moving from California to Missouri and how her family thought they were going to have hunt and fish for their meat. Or the story of the couches and the deck of cards. You'll find yourself giggling at different times and then you may find yourself crying over some stories. I admire her positive attitude, faith, and generosity. I don't want to spoil the book so I've been vague in my review but it's worth the read.
This is a must read/listen for any quilter or lover of Missouri Star.
This is a must read/listen for any quilter or lover of Missouri Star.
February 4, 2022
Very interesting and quick read for any quilters out there. She shares her life story including how her family’s company Missouri Star Quilt Company began and it’s growth right up to today. It’s amazing what they accomplished from a run down store front in 2008 to the mega fabric shopping Mecca Hamilton Missouri has become. Very inspiring!!
August 30, 2023
My mom is an amazing quilter, and after I saw a little video online about Jenny Doan and how she and her kids started the Missouri Star Quilting Company, my mom lent me this book. I loved it! Jenny is such a positive, resourceful, giving person. I feel inspired to create and to find more joy in my motherhood.
October 12, 2022
Listened to the audiobook read by the author. The book was fantastic! I’ve never heard of the Missouri Star Quilting Company and fell in love with Jenny, her family, and what they built. I love stories of entrepreneurs and this felt like such an authentic story of a family coming together around a passion. Highly recommend to anyone who loves business memoirs or just anyone who loves crafting (especially quilting) in general.
February 9, 2025
This is not a book I would have picked up on my own, but I really enjoyed Jenny’s stories about her young family and how they made it work despite difficult circumstances. Her business is also really amazing! It made me want to pick up sewing.
Read
December 27, 2021Loved it!!!! What a encouragement to find your outlet for creativity!
January 6, 2022
If you quilt, this is a must-read! I knew some of MSQC history from attending a Road Show, but the book was so interesting- I was inspired, laughed, and choked up in tears many times!
January 15, 2022
I loved reading about jenny’s life and the process of founding the MSQC.
March 22, 2022
Loved learning about Jenny, her family & Missouri Star Quilt Co. Such a wonderful story
July 28, 2022
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
April 15, 2023
I love watching all of Jenny's quilting videos and I order from MSQC quite often. It was so fun and uplifting to rear about Jenny's life and how MSQC came to be.
May 18, 2025
What an amazing life story. Someone who follows her passion and has fun along the way.
June 4, 2025
4.5 stars
October 27, 2025
worth a read. I laughed and cried.
Such a fun read and I’m not even a quilter. Inspiring story and makes me want to be a better person!
Such a fun read and I’m not even a quilter. Inspiring story and makes me want to be a better person!
January 21, 2022
This is an amazing story that inspires me to be a better woman, mother, wife, and friend. Jenny has had an impact on many people and is the sort of person who makes the people around her better. I highly recommend this book to everyone, whether a quilter or not. This is a book about life, love, faith, and family…quilting brought it all together for her but each and every one of us has our own passion that can help us make our world a better place.
April 18, 2022
Wonderful read! Very inspiring!
April 23, 2025
I'm not a quilter and the last time I used a sewing machine I broke the needle (or maybe several of them), but I loved this book! it was so inspiring, funny, moving, just everything.
April 4, 2022
A happy, inspiring, feel-good read. I loved it
May 18, 2023
Was recommended this book and I am kind of shocked by how much I liked it! You don’t need to know anything about quilting to enjoy this book, cause I sure don’t! She has a cool life story, that is told in such a fun way. I recommend the audiobook because Jenny narrates the book herself!
May 30, 2022
If you're a quilter, you've almost certainly heard of Jenny Doan and the Missouri Star Quilt Company and if you aren't a quilter or close to a quilter, you probably haven't. This is Jenny Doan's memoir about her life, her family, her faith, her trials, and her successes. My mom and I have wanted to go to MSQC for years and we had the opportunity to go this past week. We got to Hamilton, Missouri on May 22nd, picked up this book on May 23rd at one of the Missouri Star Quilt Company shops and started reading it aloud that night. We read it at night and on car rides. When we stopped to fill up our rental car before returning it at the airport at the end of our trip, we only had about five pages left so we sat in the parking lot and finished it together. Although quilting is a major theme in this memoir, I don't think you have to be a quilter to enjoy the stories in it. I loved the book and loved sharing the experience of reading it with my mom.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 322 reviews