When I grew up in rural Pennsylvania, being 10 years old meant that you joined the 4-H Club. The club that was in my neighborhood, the one within walking distance of my house, was a sewing club. That was where I learned to sew. That training was augmented by a mandatory Home Economics class from 7th to 9th grades.

Education was different in 1954. Those early years and that early introduction to fabric and sewing formed a passion in me for fabric that remains today.

For years I made clothing, tote bags and home deco items mostly for myself. When others saw them, they wanted them too. So a small business evolved; making one-of-a-kind items and selling them in local boutiques.

Quilt making, however, is a relatively new adventure. I began quilting in 1999 and am self-taught. Using the many how-to books, I learned the basics of quilt construction.

Because I don’t enjoy working in symmetry and matching corners, my designs are mostly improvisational, using color rather than motif. I rarely measure or work with templates.

I enjoy the tactile qualities and the unlimited color ranges of working with fabric. Quilting awakens my intuitive sense of color, texture and light and best expresses my artistic vision.

My love of fabric has evolved into an art form that I hope can be enjoyed by others. My work is meant to be enjoyed by all who see it.