Quilt Artist | Designer | Teacher

My love affair with quilting began in 1985 while attending graduate school at the University of Montana. One day, as I walked into the university library, I saw a beautiful landscape quilt hanging near the entrance. I remember thinking, “I have to learn how to do that!”

Just three days later, I found myself at the home of Geneva Cheffy, a wonderful woman who took me under her wing and introduced me to the fascinating world of quilting. I had no idea then how much that chance encounter would shape my life.

My fascination with fabric and thread began long before that day. As a young girl, I loved watching my mother sew and discovering what could be created with a needle, thread, and imagination. Quilting brought those early interests together and gave me a creative outlet that continues to grow and evolve.

Over the years, my work has expanded from traditional quiltmaking to contemporary art quilts and abstract compositions. I love exploring color, texture, and movement, and discovering the unexpected possibilities that emerge when fabrics come together. Nature is my greatest inspiration—not necessarily because I want to reproduce what I see, but because I want to express how it makes me feel. The changing light, subtle color transitions, and peacefulness of the outdoors often find their way into my work.

Alongside creating art quilts, I enjoy designing original quilt patterns. I have always been fascinated by the construction process and continually challenge myself to find more efficient ways to bring a design to life. I develop techniques that reduce cutting and sewing steps while improving accuracy, without compromising the integrity or visual impact of the design. For me, thoughtful construction is just as important as the finished quilt. Several of my original patterns have been published in Modern Patchwork magazine.

Teaching has been another rewarding part of my quilting journey. For more than 25 years, I have shared my knowledge through classes, workshops, and lectures. I particularly enjoy helping students discover techniques that make quilting easier, build their confidence, and encourage them to explore beyond what they thought possible. Although I now teach on a smaller scale, my enthusiasm for sharing ideas and inspiring creativity remains unchanged.

My quilts have received numerous awards and have been featured in solo and group exhibitions, including those associated with the Textile Art Alliance of the Cleveland Museum of Art and Northern Ohio Textile Artists (NOTA).

What I love most about quilting is that there is always something new to discover. A different technique, an unexpected color combination, or a simple idea can lead somewhere completely new. After all these years, that sense of curiosity and possibility continues to inspire me.

I live in Aurora, Ohio, with my husband. When I’m not in my studio, I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending time outdoors—often finding inspiration for my next quilt along the way.