I grew up in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan so I'm a long way away from my childhood home. I moved to Deep River with my family in 1987. I joined the Valley Artisan's Co-op in 2007, the latest fork in my career path which has included teaching and raising kids.

I have been sewing almost as long as I can remember. My wise mother once refused to purchase me a uniform blouse for Guide camp, but did buy me the fabric and a pattern so I could make it for myself. I was hooked. I spent countless hours creating elaborate outfits for my fashion dolls and continued to sew my own (less elaborate) clothes.

As a child, I was surrounded by visual art. My father is a retired architect, and my mother was a weaver. I spent much time immersed in the local arts community and enjoyed the art my parents filled our home with.

My first ventures in selling my work included painted silk scarves, silk lingerie and dresses for weddings and graduations. Once I had children, I turned my energies towards more immediate and practical pursuits, sewing clothes and costumes for them, and now teaching the willing ones to sew for themselves.

I began my first quilt in 1987 for my daughters’ double bed. It took more than two years to complete, but was the inspiration for more. I created several wall-hangings from the patterns of others before beginning to design my own quilts in 2006. I concentrate my efforts on wall-quilts in a variety of sizes, from letter-sized picture quilts to larger wall-hangings, and welcome the occasional commission.

I see ideas everywhere and love the endless possibilities of colour, texture and pattern that quilting offers. With so many ideas (and four children), I can’t sew fast enough!