Quilting From My Heart

Quilting evokes strong emotions within me. I strive to create pieces that are not only beautiful but functional; I see the quilt titles and story labels as a bridge from me to the viewer.

When starting a new project, I’ll be drawn to a “focus” fabric first. From there, the search is on for the perfect way to showcase that fabric—it might be a traditional pieced quilt, a whole cloth quilt, maybe a stained glass quilt, or possibly a purse.

I continue to explore ways to turn deep emotions into tangible artworks. I created a Victorian Gate Closure (extremely unique hardware) purse for my daughter’s wedding. The body of the purse is made from my wedding gown and lace, and will be given to her as “something old” for her wedding day. My wish for her is written on fabric inside the purse.

Some very unique custom quilt pieces that I have finished are: a grandparent’s signature on a baby blanket; a child’s hand print and signature on a wall hanging; taking a mother’s aprons and fashioning them into pillows for each of her children; making miniature pillows for Christmas ornaments; and fashioning a great-great grandmother’s long forgotten crazy quilt squares into piano runners. The quilt titles usually come quickly to me; the soul searching takes place while composing the personalized story label.

Memory quilts have taken on special meaning for me. After my dad’s death, and having close friends have parents and children die, I have found the unique ability to make a work of art that brings great comfort to the family. These quilted items become our connection from the past and into the future.

Custom personalized gifts bring humor, surprise, and even tears to the giver and receiver. For the military family member, a pillowcase with “USA, My Hero, or Miss You” are favorites sent across the miles; wedding party groups love something useful, such as personalized beach bags, jewelry pouches, or can cozies.

And what to do with those t-shirts if you don’t want a huge t-shirt quilt out of them? I can take your favorite sayings from them and make a wall hanging or grouping. Even frame them!

Tell me what you have and together we can bring something to life that will forever bring you comfort.