Design

All my products are original designs made from what I have on hand. I find the creative use of color, tone, design and wonderful fabric is what keeps me excited to see how each project will turn out.I usually start with one or two "focus fabrics" which are the main inspiration. I decide what will be the best way to use it, either a quilt, wall hanging, bag or something else. Then i make a basic design and incorporate other fabrics going along. With a quilt, the final size is determined by how the design evolves. Each layer from the center outward is added based on the one chosen before it. I work with color and tone to create a sense of depth , movement and harmony to each piece. The placement and intensity of color saturation in a fabric affects where your eye is drawn. It also makes the design "pop".

I use my design wall, which is a very large flannel board to choose fabric and shapes before sewing. Each piece of fabric has to be "auditioned" and viewed on the wall both close up and at a distance. it may take viewing 20 or more shades of a color to choose the 1/2 " strip in a wall hanging or border that makes it feel right. I draw from a fabric stash that has been 30 years in the making. I often prefer simple designs with a mandala effect to create movement within balance. I use multi borders around focus fabrics , especially in the children's quilts, to give depth and visual interest when there is a common theme in the center blocks.

Working without patterns or prechosen fabrics is wonderful and time consuming because sometimes things fall into place and sometimes they don't. I often have to leave a project and then wake up right before dawn with all the pieces laid out from the night before and it all comes together. The sunrise comes directly into my sewing room windows and the clear morning light is the best for making true color choices. That time of day is often when I create what I make. The technical part Ican do at any time once things are set up.

Even though there is so much difference in each piece, I am happy with each one and it's own unique character. I hope that they will be special to you as well.