Eleanor Burns is a nice lady

You know how YouTube offers suggestions after you watch a video? Well, after watching an M*QC tutorial, I clicked on an Eleanor Burns video: 2612 Quick Wallhanging - Candy Cane Lane - YouTube .

In the credits, they feature "Jacqueline Burns." That last name hit me! I supposed it could be a simple coincidence; after all, "Burns" is a pretty common name. But shortly into the show, Eleanor introduces her "young friend" Jackie as the half-sister of Orian and Grant.

Think of that: Eleanor makes no secret of the fact that Bill broke her heart when he left her. He must have re-married and had Jacqueline. And Eleanor Burns invites her to be on the show. Amazing, isn't it? What a nice woman.

OK I just discovered Eleanor Burns when Rebecca gave me her link yesterday, so I don't know all this back story! Her husband left her and she talked about it on her quilting videos???

I did love her video though and I wanted to hug her! And that's before I even knew the back story!

Susan

I went to watch the video after I read your post, Toni.

Eleanor was so sweet to Jackie.... what a lovely lady she is. I don't know anything about her marriage or separation but I'm totally impressed with her manner and kindness. She is a blessing to young Jackie

Eleanor's first Log Cabin quilting book was my very first instructional book for making a quilt. The whole process was so simple and clear, that I really enjoyed it. I was set on my quilting journey forever and I truly loved the simplicity and visual instructions. I made my GD an awesome quilt and I was very happy with my project. I did not know until recently that Eleanor suffered from Dyslexia and her goal was to make instructions easy to follow for everyone. She has certainly accomplished that!

There are times when I find her voice a bit annoying but I quickly overcome it when I see her enthusiasm and her great methods. She's really the real deal. She had her share of heartbreak, but must have always had the attitude, "I am woman, I can do anything." Good for her. She overcame the dark moments and has become a successful business woman, teacher, and one who inspires.

Sharyn I'll have to look for that Log Cabin book on Amazon. Our library doesn't have a single Eleanor Burns book!

Susan

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Originally Posted by slamb13

Sharyn I'll have to look for that Log Cabin book on Amazon. Our library doesn't have a single Eleanor Burns book!

Susan

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PM me with your address. I'll send you my book of Quilt in a Day, Log cabin patterns.

What a great turorial, just so much fun to watch!
She is so sweet with her little friend, and what a great teacher, those two will make beautiful quilts when Jackie grows up!!

Thanks for sharing.

SHARYN you are too sweet!

Here, in Eleanor's own words, is her story (from Still Stripping After 25 Years).

"... Bill, my husband, and I ... conceived the idea of a book to go along with my students' favorite class, making the log cabin quilt.... Bill was in law school, so it seemed like a good plan to supplement the budget." (p.12)

Following some quilting instruction, she resumes her story.

"Two years later, in 1980, Bill broke my heart. He passed the bar and walked out the door, leaving me to raise the boys alone! We were devastated...." (p.26)

Knowing all that, doesn't the video and her sweet demeanor with Jackie -- to the point of saying "We're Burns women!" -- just make you love her?

Oh, I just read further in her book, and guess what? Today is her 68th birthday.

Happy Birthday, Eleanor!

I like Eleanor, she is a hoot. I just cant get over all the fabric she throws over her shoulder. But i am cheap and try to use the smallest piece.

Makes you want to stick a pin in Bill's you-know-what! But as my mother used to say.."what goes around, comes around." She has done well for herself without him

l don't think l could be so gracious in the same situation

She is truly an inspiration..... and I couldn't begin to even consider a quilt without her and our Jenny. Both are amazing teachers.
Happy Birthday Ellie... we love you.

I never knew her story. I watched her on PBS 20 plus years ago.

Eleanor is a very nice lady. I met her in Lancaster, PA in March where I bought a pattern for my little Dresden flowers. I saw her on a Saturday which was the 4th day of the show and she was so gracious, you wouldn't have known how exhausted she was. Her son was there ringing up purchases and he is just as sweet. I didn't know that about her background - good for her for carrying on. She surely did do well for herself without him.

Hugs,

I always thought the same, very gracious lady.

She is a wonderful, sweet, and gracious lady. I had the chance to meet her a couple of years ago at a quilt exposition in Lincoln, NE where she was the featured teacher. She was at a table signing books (which I had brought with me) and then I looked around a bit at the vendor booth they had set up. A young man was checking people out and I asked him if he was her son. He said no, but that he was the half-brother of her sons. I am assuming he then is the full-brother of Jackie. I believe his name was Chris Burns.

She is a fine example of not being bitter and having a wonderful life.

I saw a show about her a couple years ago. She was trying to find a way to support her sons and was going to teach a sewing class. The store ask her if she could teach how to quilt and she said yes. She had never quilted before. But that wasn't going to stop her.

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Originally Posted by shawnan

She is a wonderful, sweet, and gracious lady. I had the chance to meet her a couple of years ago at a quilt exposition in Lincoln, NE where she was the featured teacher. She was at a table signing books (which I had brought with me) and then I looked around a bit at the vendor booth they had set up. A young man was checking people out and I asked him if he was her son. He said no, but that he was the half-brother of her sons. I am assuming he then is the full-brother of Jackie. I believe his name was Chris Burns.

She is a fine example of not being bitter and having a wonderful life.

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Wow. She features Jackie on her show and gives Chris a job. Just wow.

I always enjoyed Eleanor Burns, but I have gained a whole new respect for her. What grace! And that infectious smile of hers must be the real deal. She just radiates joy. Life may have given her lemons, but she sure made delicious lemonade!