Fashion Designer?
The first things I sewed were clothes for my Barbie doll. I think I imagined myself becoming a fashion designer.
What was it about the lovely lining fabrics my mother gave me to play with? The colours? The shiny nature of the fabric? The way it would drape over my doll? Perhaps it was
all of these qualities that drew me to create with fabric.
Influences
I have been surrounded by creative women all my life. My mother is a beautiful seamstress, embroiderer and knitter. I don't remember a time that she wasn't creating something
with her hands. My grandmother sewed many of her own clothes and made three quilts. I don't think quilting was her passion - or there would be more quilts!
An aunt was also an accomplished seamstress. She attended a quilting class in the late 70's, showed me her wonderful Amish quilt project. I was intrigued
so she bought me my first quilting book - "The Standard Book of Quilt Making and Collecting". This black and white book fascinated me. I could imagine all the illustrations in
wonderful colours and the pages became dog-eared as I studied the blocks and instructions.
I found a local quilt shop and wandered in to see if quiltmaking was something I could try, attended a one-day class and I was 'hooked' -
BIG TIME! I've been creating with fabric ever since.
Teacher & Pattern Designer
I met Susan Purney Mark at Satin Moon Quilt Shop in Victoria. We were both teachers at the shop and had a common interest in creating our own quilt designs. With the
encouragement of the shop owner we formed our pattern company, Patchworks Studio. Our first three patterns were published in 1996. Many more patterns followed
and in 1998 we began exhibiting at International Quilt Market to market our patterns to shop owners from all over the world. I also continued teaching my unique designs for
shops and guilds on Vancouver Island.
Author
Our first book "Quilted Havens - City Houses, Country Homes" was published by the American Quilter's Society in 2000. This lead to teaching at the AQS Quilt Show and
Conference in Paducah and showcasing our book to thousands of quilters. It was very exciting to be surrounded by enthusiastic quilters and to see the wonderful quilts in
this important quilt show.
Current Passion
Over 100 patterns later and with two more books published (and another on the way this fall), I am still creating innovative designs and teaching internationally. Although much
of my time is spent creating designs for sale and teaching, I also create more personal work. Taking non-traditional designs and materials into new forms is enriching my creative life. I am
learning as I travel this more contemporary path - taking workshops to learn new techniques and ideas, developing my own 'spin' and having lots of fun!
