About Me
My experience with the sewing machine started over 30 years ago. A friend convinced me to take a beginning sewing class to make new friends. I moved from California to Maryland with my husband, Vince and I were in “culture shock”. That year was a blizzard and I had never seen snow. I managed to get to the classes and before the six weeks were finished, I was hooked. I made the best vest in class and was so proud. That accomplishment gave me the “talent” that I never knew I possessed.
My grandmother made quilts, my mother sewed clothing and anything else she chose. All of her female siblings were very talented with the sewing machine.
Fifteen years ago, the same friend suggested that I start quilting. She purchased all of the starting supplies and signed me up for a class. It was a disaster. I could not understand what the instructor wanted me to do and the fabrics were unattractive. I love learning and feeling the sense of accomplishment when I have successfully completed a task. This task, I could not complete and decided that quilting was just not for me.
My friend had invested her hopes and was excited for me to join her guild. To please her, I pursued it and did it my way. I purchased every book on beginning quilting and read them from cover to cover. I soon began to understand and made quilts that were non-traditional. I preferred the brighter colors, abstract blocks and anything that resembled art. The guild members thought that my style was bold and politely mentioned that if I “toned it down a bit” that “someone” may like it.
Ten years ago, I began to make Watercolor or Colorwash quilts with floral fabrics, using 1 ½ inch pieces of fabric. There were hearts, crosses, birdbaths, houses, fences, etc. I just enjoyed making the “scenic quilts”.
Six years ago, I began making mosaic quilts with Tammie Bowser. She had just published her first book “Simply Amazing Quilted Photography”. Tammie and I received Fall Finalist in the competition “Quilts A World Of Beauty” at Houston’s International Quilt Festival, 2003, for a two person quilt.
Tammie taught me how to make stunning images where the edges are more curved and less mosaic. These images look more realistic and I fell in love with the process.
My creative spirit will always seek out new and challenging trends in the field of Textiles and Mixed Media.Now I am also creating ACEOs, wall art, pillows, handbags and other gift items.