I started quilting when I was 13 years old.  We were living in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia at the time and I was so inspired by all the beautiful hand made, hand quilted quilts I just knew I had to do it.  I was self taught and just learning to sew at the time.  It has been a complete obsession since then! 



2.  What is one quilting notion that you can’t do without?

My curved tip squeezie side scissors.  I have a pair at every machine, my hand work table and my traveling bag.  They always sit on my Perfect Spot magnet…another tool I can’t live without. 

3.  If you’re willing, please share a funny quilting experience that taught you a memorable lesson.

I was piecing a king sized quilt for my bed and often times I use up half-finished bobbins for my piecing thread.  Unfortunately a nearly full bobbin of water soluble thread got mixed up in the other bobbins.  When I washed the finished quilt, opened up the washing machine lid, I discovered that at least a third of all the seams were open and raveled.  The only thing holding the quilt together was the all-over quilting.  OMG.  It took a couple months of tedious sewing in my machine to go over the seams…turn them under, and top stitch them down.  Years later some of the fabric is still raveling.  Good thing the quilt was intended to be a “utility” quilt!

4.  If it’s possible to choose just one, what is your favorite quilt that you’ve made?

The Nun’s Quilt.  This was created from a vintage hand embroidered linen tablecloth and was created in France during World War II.  The nuns created these tablecloths and sold them to raise money for the church.  It has an amazing energy attached to it that many people feel.  If you ever want to read her story just email me and I’ll send it to you…it’s fascinating. 

 

5.  What do you do with your quilts?

Most of my quilts are displayed either in my home or at the studio. 

6.  Have you ever received a quilt as a gift? If so, please share a bit about the experience.

Several years ago a group of my “Peeps” decided to make a quilt for me.  They contacted other friends, retreaters and students and each person made a small house block and signed it.  They assembled the quilt at the studio and my friend Beth did all the quilting.  It was presented to me in McCloud…lots of ladies stood up and talked about the difference I had made in their life, things I had done for them and taught them and how much they loved me.  Wow.  It will forever be one of my most precious gifts. 

7.  What type of quilting do you most enjoy?

I’ve always enjoyed heirloom style free motion quilting the most.  I love detail, especially the small stuff.  I started back into piecing quilts the past few years and am loving that! 

8.  We would love to include some personal details about you (anything you’d like to share) such as your profession, interests outside of quilting, future plans, etc.

I am one of the lucky ones who was blessed with following a dream and passion and be able to support myself doing that.  Bob Purcell from Superior Threads asked me to start traveling the country speaking and teaching for him.  I was able to attend the large shows working the booth (along with my friend Beth) and also teach at these shows.  My wholecloth linen quilting was a new thing back then and it got noticed a LOT!  This led to many featured exhibits including the Houston show in 2016.  I was invited to teach in Dubai (twice), Australia, New Zealand, UK and Canada.  When my teaching schedule was shut down in 2020 I made the decision not to travel/teach any more.  I’m staying on the home front which I love and focusing on hostessing retreats in McCloud and at my studio.