After retirement as a professional educator and facilitator of learning for 37 years, I have turned my focus to creative quilting. I especially value preserving family traditions through intergenerational sharing of family stories and keep that in mind when designing quilts to share with others. I use personal memories and reflections of nature and rural life as inspiration when designing quilts. I enjoy designing with paper and pencil sketches then move to the computer to refine and determine color choices. I value quilts as an art and as a craft that connects and inspires generations to continue quilting traditions.
From first attempts to make a dress for my doll as a child, to 4-H sewing projects to teaching youth and adults to sew, I have been creating with fabric. My focus has now turned to designing and creating both traditional and artistic quilts that reflect family heritage. My pattern designs are simple enough for a beginning quilter but can challenge an advanced quilter to promote quilting connections from one generation to another. From the formation of childhood friendships to the loss of family members, quilts tell the stories of our lives and preserve family history and traditions.
Integrating creative techniques in artful quilts is a trademark of my work with fabrics. A perpetual teacher and learner, I am always ready to share my passion with others, using divergent thinking with creative flair resulting in unconventional quilts. The elements and principles of design, learned many years ago, continue to serve me well, whether creating traditional, modern or art quilts.
Juried Quilts
“Beautifully Leaves Grow Old”, 2017 American Quilt Society (AQS) Fall Paducah
“Blue Plate, Special” 2017 AQS Des Moines
“There Is No Blue Without Yellow and Orange” Wall Hanging, 2017 Cherrywood Van Gogh Challenge
Published Works
I simply loved seeing your needlework delights at the Region 8 Rally in Tonganoxie. They took my breath away. I’m inhaling now and feel so very full of joy for having seen the handiwork and heard the stories behind their creations. Thanks for all you do. Keep posting. Suzy
I would like to know where to get the fabric you used on the ornaments of the tree skirt in the winter issue of Quilts & More. Gena
Gena, the fabric was a Hoffman line but as far as I know no longer available in stores. Things published in magazines are submitted a year in advance so often the fabric is gone by the time published unless done specifically for a company promotion. You might be able to search on line sources. Sorry. I made a store sample when the magazine came out using the “ombre metallic” line currently available from Moda.