I began quilting when a dear friend Gwen, from my
church, offered to teach me. Her work was inspiring! For many weeks,
during the winter of 1996, I went to her home where she taught me the
basics: hand piecing, curves, appliqué, and quilting. Since my children were
young and I was working, I was only able to make a quilt or so a year.
Finally in 2003 I retired from my corporate job, bought a Bernina and taught myself to machine
piece and quilt. The show
Simply Quilts was my companion and inspiration. In the Fall of 2004 I
signed up for some classes, to hone my skills, learn new techniques and
get connected to local quilters. I took a class from a renowned quilt
artist Judy House. She took my work in a new direction and introduced me
to a community of quilt artists.
I am the webmaster for these
non-profit sites:
-
Healing Quilts In
Medicine
A special group of artists
that donated quilts to Walter Reed Army Medical Center
-
Fiber Artists @ Loose Ends
My group of fiber artists
that meet regularly to encourage, stretch and inspire one another
-
Sacred
Threads
An exhibition of quilts
exploring the subject themes of spirituality, joy, inspiration,
peace/brotherhood, grief and healing. This biennial exhibition was
established to provide a safe venue for quilters of all faiths who
see their work as a connection to the sacred and/or as an expression
of their spiritual journey
-
Boy Scout
Crew 1257
Three
years ago we backpacked at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. Two summers
ago we sea kayaked at Florida Sea Base and then this past summer (2007)
we went to the International Scout Centre in Kandersteg, Switzerland.
Scouting has added a lot of adventure in my life and helps keep me
fit. I am proud of my Eagle Scout.
Since retiring from my corporate engineering job, I dedicate my time
to family, church, quilting, boy scouts and playing with high tech
gadgets. (I remain a geek at heart). |