I love the whole process of making a quilt. I start with a sketch of the design. Then I choose the fabrics from my collection. I do the math to make sure I have the fabric I need. Then I cut out all the pieces and sew them all together. Then, the final step, the quilting itself. I love the freedom of designing my own quilt and then seeing the design come to life in fabric.
My first projects were very simple. As my skill has improved, my quilts have gotten more complex. I buy fabric that catches my eye in quarter and half yard pieces. This is perfect for wall hangings because they don’t use a lot of any one fabric. I get great satisfaction in putting these pieces of fabric together in just the right combination. I like making quilts where the block boundaries merge and seem to shift.
Patterns and colors in nature inspire me. All the greens, golds, and purples in a field of wild grasses. The subtle changes of color and texture in pebbles or sand on the beach. I find the ancient patterns of Roman mosaics intriguing and spend time drawing them with my kids.
Recently I began teaching quilting classes to adults and kids. It is wonderful to see my designs executed with someone else's fabric choices and to see people take pleasure as they master a new skill and create something beautiful.
