About Me

Creating a quilt is a dance. It’s tentative at first as the piece figures out what it wants to be. Add a vision and some materials, and the dance gains structure. A playlist sets the mood and helps me step back in after a break. Whether I lead or follow, I work to stay in the moment and to listen to what the quilt wants. I love the process.   

In my practice, I often work with artifacts, playing until a visual construct emerges that serves as a structure for the objects and ideas. Sometimes I start with a collection of textiles, mixing old with new and using surface design techniques where they will move the story forward. While my work is intentional, I’m open to those flashes of inspiration that cannot land unless I leave space for possibilities. My playlists keep me in the moment and, at the same time, open.

Much of my work is inspired by objects or memories that push me to see things in completely different ways. One such celebration quilt included two tee shirts, a tuxedo jacket, shirt, tie and studs, a Hawaiian shirt, one suspender, a book, glasses, a watch, a medal, socks, and a fabulous margarita recipe – all set into film frames on a 36” square quilt. For inspiration, the client brought me the playlist from her late husband’s memorial service. I listened to it on repeat as I worked.

The meaning I infuse into every quilt brings me great joy. For Mentor, Guru, Sage (166 colorful bowties in curved stacks on a black silk background), I machine quilted quotes from the subject’s bulletin board while listening to his favorite, Miles Davis. I used the leftover tie fabric as windows in a quilt of the Hirschhorn, where he was Deputy Director. (See my homepage...)

Over the years, I have taught and lectured nationally for quilt guilds, quilt retreats, and quilt shows, including the International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX, and Chicago, IL.

I live in Northern Virginia where I spend my days communicating human resources topics and fitting in as much quilting as possible.