My earliest recollection of sewing is sitting at Grandma Lizzie’s treadle machine hemming white cotton dishtowels. From there, home economics classes introduced the practicality of making my own clothes. Mom gave me some of her gathered skirts to remake and the journey continued to sewing the high school prom dress and the wedding dress.

When clothes “on sale” became a more reasonable track, the sewing machine went dormant until a neighbor invited me to join her in a class where fabric was stenciled and made into a nine patch. Of course, cotton wasn’t my past medium, so my piece was done on …polyester!

These days the closet(s) hold 4 Bernina’s, a white Featherweight from Scotland, and, of course, a treadle machine. The stash overflows and becomes household décor. An advocate for taking classes, there’s a lot to be learned from teachers as well as fellow students.

Now semi-retired from the professional world, time is spent exploring the limitless possibilities of color, surface texture and design elements. The design wall is my favorite tool in combining these elements. My goal is to produce a piece that is pleasing from a distance yet holds further surprises upon closer inspection.

Oh, yes, latent maternal instincts have crept out to being host parents. Three French students have stayed with us, and Joon, from South Korea, has become our semi-adopted son. Starting as a high school senior, he continues to stay with us as a college student in search of a career as a dentist. My husband Pete continues to support me in countless ways and has never asked how much was spent on quilt or art related goodies. He’s the best and every person should have such unconditional love.