Why do I quilt? Because it gives me such a thrill to start with nothing and end up with something that comes from within.
I made my first quilt almost thirty years ago when my father asked me to make a log cabin quilt. I’d never made a quilt before but I knew how to sew and it was all straight lines, so how hard could it be? After making several quilts, much like other creative endeavors throughout my life (photography, ceramics, and weaving come to mind), I gave it up because I figured I knew how to do it and was ready to move on to something else.
Fast forward twenty years. Shortly after retiring to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico in mid-2007, I realized that I was not cut out to sit around and relax. I had to find something to keep me entertained. After meeting a group of quilters, I joined them and discovered a passion that would become an almost all-consuming “hobby.” The first small quilt I completed there was designed on an Excel spreadsheet . . . old work habits die hard.
Because good cotton fabrics were not readily available in Mexico then, I had to find other sources. From recycled and thrifted clothing and by combining colors, textures and patterns, my artistic voice emerged. I became quite passionate about creating original, improvisationally pieced wallhangings long before I’d ever heard the term ‘art quilt.’
After a friend said “I’d recognize one of your pieces anywhere,” I knew I needed to add a little diversity to my work . . . thus, you will see quite a variety in my creations. Largely self-taught, I am compelled by the discovery of different techniques. The ‘puzzle’ aspect of quilting is what appeals to me most . . . figuring out how to make it work.
Through participation in several benefit exhibits/sales in San Miguel, my work has been purchased by private collectors throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Commissioned work is also accepted.
Seven years later and back in Dallas, the allure is still there and keeps me engaged.