1.  How did you get started in quilting?

My mother and both grandmothers were seamstresses. I began sewing at a young age, but didn’t begin quilting until 1994. One of my neighbors in Ord Bend, Grace Crocker, was a quilter. So, a group of us asked her to teach us beginning quilting.


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

There are so many tools that I use on a regular basis (rotary cutter, rulers, seam ripper, Karen Kay Buckley scissors). But, the one thing that I have come to really value is my iPad. I not only use it to take pictures at quilt shows, I also love using it while auditioning fabrics or trying to decide placement of elements (blocks, borders, sashing) on quilts in progress.


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

Early on in my quilting career, when Honey Run Quilters was on the Esplanade, block exchanges were a big deal. One was going on and I participated, turning in a bunch of blocks and eagerly awaiting mine in exchange. Much to my dismay, my blocks were all returned to me as I used muslin instead of white in my blocks. Yikes! I was sooo embarrassed! So, my lesson learned in this situation was READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!!!

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

Wow, that’s a tough one. I kind of fall in love with each one as I’m working on it. But, some are special due to the circumstances (teacher, subject matter) involved in making it. If I had to choose just one, I guess it would be the sunflower quilt I made during a Phil Beaver workshop.



5.  What do you do with your quilts?

Some I keep, some I gift to family and friends, others I donate. When a disaster or extreme event happens (such as the Camp Fire or the war in Ukraine), I will donate quilts or I give them to our guild’s (Annie’s Star Quilt Guild) Community Service to disperse as needed.

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

Yes, actually, several times. I am so lucky to have a wonderful circle of quilting friends. Sally Jo Smith, who was both an amazing quilter and person (she passed in 2020), gave me one of her appliqué masterpieces. Also, my small group, Material Girls, gifted me a group quilt after I had a challenging year as president of Annie’s Star Quilt Guild and then another after I retired. When I was featured quilter at ASQG’s quilt show in 2022, a group of friends also made me a commemorative quilt. I am so blessed in my friendships.


7.  What type of quilting do you most enjoy?

I particularly enjoy appliqué. But, as I prefer needle-turn appliqué, it takes me a while to finish a project. Also, I am often gifted fabric, unfinished projects, or project leftovers. I like to challenge myself to finish them which often pushes me to think creatively.








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 learned about color (among other things) when I spent 3 years in Africa (Togo) as a Peace Corps Volunteer. I’ve always been fascinated by textiles. In Africa, there were batiks, tie-dyes, mudcloth, bold cotton prints, & amazing woven cloth. You see every vibrant color in every combination and it eventaully becomes natural.

I also spent 3 months in India, where they have a rich history of arts & crafts.

I lived in Quebec (Canada) for 9 years and learned to appreciate the beauty of winter. I also learned about growing things.

I came to California and learned even more about growing things, working across the spectrum of plant culture: from wholesale, growing, retail, and landscaping all the way to large scale agriculture. It's all so amazing!

I am loving being retired and enjoy my dog(s), gardening, reading, traveling and quilting.