I love quilting. The spectrum of texture, drape, and color of fabric allow limitless creativity in any projectâfrom a complex artistic statement to a simple childâs lovey. Equally important to me is the sense of community and generosity that happens when women come together to share skills while quilting.
Whether the quilter is a novice or is accomplished, traditional or contemporary, it doesnât matter. Using the methods I have developed people can expand their skills as they explore many new possibilities. My goal is not to have students create quilts just like mine, but instead, to give people the tools that allow them to simplify difficult tasks and create what is in their hearts.
I have developed several methods that making machine piecing easier. The first method is âUnpaper Piecing.â Unpaper piecing is a cross between paper piecing and foundation piecing. Just about anyone can draw a pattern, as in paper piecing, but with my method you donât have to remove a paper backing, as in foundation piecing. The quilt, Corporate Attire, was done entirely using this method. This quilt was featured in Quilt National.
Another Method that I use is Pinless Piecing. Pinless Piecing is a method that uses fabric safe,
water-soluble glue instead of pins to hold fabric in place when piecing. This technique is so versatile that even a first time quilter can easily make a perfect machine pieced circle. Advanced quilters also benefit since they can assemble a complex design in hours instead of days. The quilt, Charles Was Having Tea When A Luau Happened, was constructed in this manner. This quilt was featured at Pacific International Quilt Festival in Santa Clara, Ca.
What I usually do, is mix many techniques together. I use whatever machine piecing methods I think will make the construction easiest. The quilt, Hot Flash, uses both methods described above plus several others. It won Best of Show at, Best of The Valley Quilt Show in Tulare, Ca.
Although my degree from UC Davis is in food science, I always preferred my classes in art and color. I continued to take classes at UC Davis, UC Berkeley, and have studied under Professor Laverne Edwards from the California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland.
