My mother was an intermittent quilter (though not a particularly productive one) as she was a single mom raising three kids. But, she did enjoy sewing when she had some time, even if that wasn't often. While she taught me the basics of sewing, I learned the majority of it in 4H.

It wasn't until I was in my 30s that I decided to try quilting. My first project was making a quilt for a couple that I knew. I chose a design that I thought they would enjoy. But, at this point, I knew absolutely nothing about the art and science of quilting. I thought "Well, I already know how to sew a seam. So, how hard could it be to make a quilt?" Boy, was I wrong! There is a lot that goes into making a quality quilt. It definitely took some time to learn. But, even now, I continue to learn from every quilt I make.

From the onset, what I loved about quilting was how it helped me become a more patient person. I've found that I'm not always patient with other things in my life. But, through quilting, I've discovered that if I'm in a hurry and am impatient, I make too many mistakes (and my seam ripper gets an extra workout). I've also found quilting to be a very calming hobby. I love it now so much! I always have one or two projects going at a time.


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

Well, its not really a notion. But, I would have to say it's my new Janome Continental M8 Sewing Machine. It is an absolute workhorse and I love it. But as far as actual notions go, I would say that what I love/need is a good seam ripper, Clover Pins, and small clothespin clips. I also use a lot of the small Post-it notes to pin onto cut fabric pieces (to denote size, fabric number or placement on the quilt) along with a mechanical pencil. A mechanical pencil makes the best wrong-side fabric marker!


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

It's not really that funny. But, I'd always thought I knew how to bind a quilt. In truth, I guess there is no wrong or right way to do it. But, just this last year, I learned a better way to bind that's both more professional looking and more compact. The funny thing is, it was my 100-year-old mother-in-law who taught me this better way! She was so cute in how she did it, too! I was helping her finish a quilted wall hanging (that she made when she was 99 years old!!!) when she tsk-tsked me. She said, "Let me show you a better way." After quilting for almost 40 years, I thought I knew quite a bit. But, she sure showed me! I guess you can learn new tricks as an old dog from an even older dog!!!


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

That's an easy question for me. I have one quilt that I designed about 14 years ago and, to this day, I still love it best. It's very special to me because I lost my mother quite a while ago. But, I was able to use a bunch of quilt scraps from her fabric stash. I'd been hanging onto the fabric for years, even though I wasn't sure what to do with it. I got inspired one day and drew up a plan for the quilt I wanted to make. It's got a cathedral window-type block with an applique border. It's my only real treasure (besides my husband, of course).


5.  What do you do with your quilts?

I either hoard them and save them for rotational use on the beds in my home and cabin or they go to my family and friends. I've also donated a few quilts to "special cause" fund raiser auctions. Unfortunately, I've found that with auctions, most quilts never really fetch an amount that's anywhere close to what they cost to make. I'd rather just give money to those same causes that I support instead of giving a quilt that took a lot of time/money to make. It's more direct.

I  just love the innate functionality of quilts. They can be used as blankets, decorative bedspreads, tents, chair covers, cushions etc. I love that! Once I give the quilt a new home, I let it go. I can't control how the person uses it. Even if it becomes a dog bed in the barn, so be it. I just can't worry about that once the quilt is out of my hands.



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

Yes, I have. I received a beautiful quilt from my mother-in-law (the 100-year-old!) when I married her son. I didn't appreciate the quality of her work until I started making quilts and really learned the importance of precision. As I look at her work now, it's just perfect! Every seam is straight and a perfect 1/4", with all points and seams lining up. I strive to do work as nice as hers. But, I'm still working on that.


7.  What type of quilting do you most enjoy?

I would say hand applique and paper piecing are the two types that I enjoy the most. I like hand applique because it's something I can do while I travel or while I sit and watch TV in the evening. I like paper piecing because it feels somewhat magical how the sort of "reverse sewing" yields a surprise when it comes together. It can also prove to be challenging to your thought process if you're not proficient in geometry. 


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  have been retired for almost 20 years from the University of California Cooperative Extension. I worked in Fresno County doing research and teaching in the area of Environmental Horticulture for 32 years. Then, I moved to the UC Davis campus to be the State Director for the UC Master Gardener Program for California. It was there that I met my most wonderful and adored husband, Ralph. He wasn't interested in being in Davis since his home was Chico. So, I eventually moved up here to the Chico area. I love it here! We have some property out towards Orland and I have this amazing historic garden/orchard that keeps me busy. I'm also an avid cyclist and lead rides most every week for a group called "Women on Wheels", whose goal is to encourage and support women riders. I love to travel, especially if it includes bike riding! I haven't ever been to a quilting retreat. But, I hope someday that I will attend one. Particularly, if it was a biking/quilting retreat! Though, I think that's not a likely combo.