My creative process may be a bit different from most other people's. I usually don't purchase materials with a specific project in mind, but instead, ask myself, "What can I create with the materials I have on hand?" A few years ago I let my mom's quilting friends know that I'd gladly take their scraps, and their response has been overwhelming! I love the challenge of taking other quilter's cast-offs and creating beautiful, useful items. Many of my quilts start with a donation of some kind...maybe 5" squares of cotton batik; maybe a stack of 3" fabric strips; maybe a box of teeny, tiny, fabric sample squares in all colors of the rainbow. Once I have my "inspiration" pieces, I begin auditioning other fabrics from my ever-growing stash. It's not just about how the fabrics coordinate; fabric combinations have to "feel" right to me. Often, the process of fabric selection takes almost as much time as the sewing! And, sometimes I really just don't have what I think a piece needs to "feel" right, so I purchase what I need. I am blessed to have a wonderful fabric re-use store close to home, where generously donated fabrics are sold to fund programs for intellectually disabled adults in our area. It is my favorite fabric store!

I love the Virginia Woolf quote because I believe quilting is a metaphor for life. We are each born into a set of circumstances that we have no control over. It is up to us to "arrange" those pieces into a life that is fulfilling to us and a blessing to others. So, while I may not choose the pieces that other quilters give to me, I can study them, look for the beauty, and arrange them into something pleasing.

I hope others find my work pleasing, as well.