When my husband came home from Vietnam in June 1966, we went to Missouri to visit his parents and grandparents. His grandmother was working on a quilt. I was intrigued and I asked her to teach me. She got me started and six months later, I finished a king sized quilt that was all hand pieced and hand quilted. The pattern is called Bride’s Banquet. Both the pattern and size of the quilt are definitely not a good choice for a first quilt! But, I persevered and I’m very proud of it.

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

I would say that the one notion that I can’t live without is a seam ripper. I find that at some point in nearly every project I make, I need to take some stitches out.

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

Well, one thing that happened that’s sort of funny, definitely wasn’t funny at the time. So, I’d heard that you should start and complete piecing a quilt top on the same sewing machine. I’d started piecing together a large quilt top on one machine and then ended up finishing it at a retreat on a different machine. Both machines had ¼” feet on them. So, I thought there wouldn’t be a problem. However, when I was sandwiching it, the quilt top ended up being two inches longer on one side, which took A LOT of effort to square up. Since then, I only use one sewing machine for each quilt I work on. It was definitely a learning experience.

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

I would say that my favorite quilt that I’ve made is my first quilt. It started me on this fantastic journey and I learned SO MUCH from making it!

5.  What do you do with your quilts? 

Most of the quilts that I’ve made have either been gifts for people or quilts that I was commissioned to make for people. I’ve also made quilts for myself. While some of those have been larger quilts, now they are usually smaller quilts or wall hangings.















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

Just recently, I received a quilt that a friend made for me. What made it extra special was that she used fabrics in colors and motifs that I liked.

7.  What type of quilting do you most enjoy?

I've done all kinds of quilting. But, my favorite is traditional piecing. I like putting traditional components together in different ways to make new patterns.













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’ve spent most of my life using a needle and thread for both enjoyment and to supplement my income. I’ve done all kinds of needle arts such as cross stitch, knitting, crochet, rug hooking, and embroidery. I’ve also done clothing construction, including alterations and mending. All of this is in addition to making, mending, and restoring quilts.

I was a single mother to 3 daughters and now have 5 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. I worked for Chico Unified School District for 25 years. I’ve been working for Chico Theater Company since 2005 doing costuming and working the box office. I belong to several service organizations. I’ve been president of Annie’s Star Quilt Guild twice and have held chairmanships of several guild offices and committees.

I plan on quilting, learning, and passing on the craft to others for the rest of my life.