I have been an obsessive quilter for over 45 years starting as a hand quilter when I was in the 8th grade. I loved the process of hand quilting but found I couldn't keep up with my quilt tops and finally had to learn to machine quilt. It was a very difficult journey, and not easy, but after many months of practice I finally got my rhythm and fell head over heels in love with the art of machine quilting.
In the late 90's I became a bit bored quilting on "regular" pieced quilt tops and decided to try my hand at quilting a tattered linen that was on my night stand. I marked it with a beautiful design, put it in my machine, and created the world's very first linen wholecloth quilt. It was a moment that changed my life forever. Not only had I created something fabulous out of an ordinary linen but it justified my huge linen stash! Now I had to make more of them!
In 2005 I took a "Leap of Faith" and quit my full time job in the medical field complete with benefits, a regular paycheck, retirement, etc. to follow a dream. It was one of the most frightening moments of my life. I know I am one of the lucky ones to make my living following my passion. This journey has taken me around the world meeting fabulous quilters and experiencing moments I would have never had the chance to otherwise. It is very obvious to me now that I am doing what I was meant to do...teach.
Recently I find we are often in a state of "Disequilibrium" when we are trying to learn a new skill or technique. You may be unfocused, restless or "retreating to the familiar" to avoid tackling the new skil. I encourage my students to relax, as this is how your brain is processing new information. Once your realize this is happening, you can allow your mind ro process this new information and watch the magic happen! Take that "Leap of Faith"!
I have been married to the love of my life, Kent, for 40+ years. He is the sole proprietor of his own cabinet shop here in Chico. We have two favorite daughters...Jenny and Emily and two favorite grand-daughters...Chloe and Samantha.
