I have sewn
all my life! Well, at least since I was 8 anyway. I was
taught to sew by my Mother and by my 4-H instructors. I made
most of my own clothes as a young adult and found my way into
professional dressmaking and costuming in college. I
continue to do occasional commission work, especially bridal
and formal wear, but deep down I am a quilter at heart. I
began quilting in 1997 shortly after defending my doctoral
dissertation. I wanted a creative outlet that did not include
curved seams! When a friend introduced me to quilting I was
hooked.
In addition to my day job as a Communication Studies Professor, I teach a wide variety of quilt classes at my local quilt shop, specializing in beginning quilting projects, EQ7 design software for quilters, Color Confidence for quilters, machine appliqué, and original tote bags. I lecture widely at quilt guilds on EQ7, Color for Quilters, The Phenomenon of Online Quilt Groups (the modern evolution of the old Quilting Bee) and the history of vintage Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilts.
Four years ago I started my own pattern company -- Morning Glory Designs -- on the suggestion of my local quilt shop owners who wanted some smaller table runner size quilts with simple appliqué. The line of 12 flower of the month began my first series of 12 patterns, Charming Botanicals, and has grown into a variety of floral and geometric quilt patterns featured in Quilter’s World magazine and McCall’s Quilting. I feature a free Block of the Month on my blog and website along with a chronicle of my quilting adventures.