HeartStringsHandmade

Several years ago, I decided to expand my embroidery and hand sewing skills by stitching an embellished crazy quilt entirely by hand. I studied blogs and tutorials by some of the best known names in the crazy quilt world, including Sharon Boggon, Allison Aller, and Pat Winter. I was fascinated by the beauty and intricacy showcased in these quilts-- it was time to take the plunge.

I practiced many new techniques, and worked patiently for a full year, designing and embellishing block by block, until eighteen blocks were ready to be assembled.
Each ten-inch square themed block documents skills and techniques learned, and the last six blocks are dedicated to my family, representing important events in each member's life during that particular year. Once the blocks were assembled, the quilt top was backed, bound, and tied by hand. Entitled "Soliloquy - A Year in Pieces," it now hangs in our upstairs hall.

During the process, I amassed a room full of fabrics, trims, embellishments, and threads, and my passion for collecting these items had not waned, so I began to explore other uses for varied supplies in small quantities.

Dolls, fairies, and tiny puppets seemed the natural answer. I remember being mesmerized as a young girl by Mary Norton's "The Borrowers" series, and promptly set about making miniature household furnishings from spools, matchboxes, and discarded corks. Tiny inhabitants for these lilliputian vignettes followed, and doll-making quickly became a passion.

Along with art dolls (Pegtales) and dollhouse dolls, I began using pretty scraps of fabric to create one of a kind baby accessories, cell phone cases, finger puppets, coasters, and many other items which could be hand stitched while spending time with family. That condition has actually become a defining parameter…even with the best intentions, my studio remains my storage area; my work is done where my family is.

I am always adding new items, many born of custom requests, and often retiring others as my interests change, but my love of creating intricate, quirky, but skillfully constructed pieces is constant. It's all in the details.