I come from a long line of women who have expressed themselves using a needle and thread. Creating with various forms of fabric and thread have been part of my life since I was a child and my mother and great aunt taught me to sew, embroider and crochet.

I discovered quilting after college and for many years, I used traditional methods and patterns and made quilts by hand to decorate my home and to give as gifts. My first quilt was a queen sized bed quilt which I hand quilted to give to my husband as a wedding gift. I think of this time as my apprenticeship--learning the vocabulary of traditional quilting first so I could go on to make my own rules.

While I continue to appreciate the beauty of traditional quilts, I felt the need to create my own designs so the quilts I made would be truly mine. Using the sewing machine freed me to pursue more of the design ideas in my head, while giving me the opportunity to add more creative lines to the surface of my designs than was previously possible. Many of my creations draw on the traditions of the past, but reinterpret them in a contemporary way.

I create all of my work using an improvisational method of design. I start with a color idea or shape on the design wall in my studio and add to it so that each decision about color, line and shape informs the next. It's like putting together a jigsaw puzzle, but without the picture on the box to guide me. Since there's no pattern to follow, each piece evolves organically and no two are ever alike.

Once the piece is finished, I add texture using my machine needle and thread like a pencil or a paintbrush, drawing out the designs in my head freehand, without the aid of a computer program or marking ahead of time. It's a machine process, but it's entirely hand-driven.

My work continues to evolve as I explore new color combinations and textures.

Visit my shop to see unique wall quilts, pillows and coasters to add color and warmth to your home or to give as gifts.