My first memories of sewing come from about 5 or 6 years of age, when my mother gave me a piece of paper and allowed me to use her sewing machine to sew little holes in decorative patterns on the paper. What fun that was! She also gave me little projects like sewing buttons on scraps of material. About the same time, my paternal grandmother began to teach me to embroider. Although I could never quite imitate her tiny, perfectly formed stitches I really enjoyed embroidery.

I began to sew clothing under my mother's tutelage when I was about 12 years old. I enjoyed sewing clothing; but found the directions difficult to read without her interpreting them for me. However, I persevered with her guiding me and cheering me on. She was, and still is, my greatest influence in sewing. I don't recall everything I attempted in those early years; but I'm glad that I have at least a few photos of those early projects. Be sure to take pictures of your sewing projects!

When I was 13, my closest friend and her mother invited me to go with them to Quilt-in-a-Day workshops with Eleanor Burns. We did a workshop on making stuffed animals (everyone I knew received my hand-made stuffed animals for the next couple of years!) and then we made her famous Log Cabin quilt. I still have that quilt today! I was immediately hooked on quilting and it consumed many of the hours spent at the sewing machine during the next few years.

In 1996 I discovered Elizabeth Lee's clothing patterns for nursing mothers. Her directions were concise and easy to follow. I again began to construct clothing, this time in mass quantities, transferring my improved ability to read patterns over to the major pattern manufacturers as well. I began to have "sewing days" where I would get together with other moms and their daughters to teach sewing.

Over the years that followed I spent a lot of time sewing clothing, making quilts, and creating window treatments (a couple of moves gave me plenty of windows to cover at the new homes!). I began to have others ask me to sew clothing for them, and I was commissioned to sew some very special quilts. I soon began creating my own clothing patterns, at least one of which I hope to have for sale in the future, as well as quilting patterns. I have taught numerous quilting classes and these were so much fun, that I decided to create these lessons for others to do at home. The class for creating a Pinwheel Quilt is nearly complete and then, you too, will be able to create your very own Pinwheel Quilt!

My 10 year old daughter has worn custom clothing nearly every day of her life. My mom and I both enjoy sewing for her, and when my parents visit we sew up a storm and have a great time doing so! Fortunately for my mom, this little girl enjoys the ruffles and lace that I did not properly appreciate!


With my elder daughter, I have had the privilege of combining interests and talents and we often work on sewing projects together. She has assisted me in teaching quilting classes, as well as having taught sewing and quilting to others on her own.

You'll see my daughters in the fading slide show on the Home Page. I was thrilled to be able to make each of them a Regency Gown as I worked with Jennie Chancey on becoming the current Seamstress-in-Residence for Sensibility.com. Jennie has created numerous patterns from eras-gone-by and given us the ability to create these lovely designs for our own use. She provides historically accurate patterns, which only comes from having a wealth of knowledge on the subject. You will enjoy visiting her website and the chance to look at her patterns from yesteryear.

Sewing is so much fun! Do not get discouraged if at first you don't succeed. Ask for help! Most women who sew well would love to share their knowledge, and help other women learn to sew better. Having friends who also sew can be a real blessing. A few of my dearest friends also love to sew, and it is great fun to share our projects with each other. I wish you the best in all your sewing endeavors. Do not hesitate to write to me using the form on our Contact Us page, if you have any questions. God Bless!