My love affair with fabric began at age nine when I took my first sewing class and won a prize
for a corduroy jumper and printed shirt with a necktie. By thirteen, I was hooked on quilting after
seeing an ancestor’s quilt at the Smithsonian. I taught myself using books, cardboard templates,
and scissors—and made my first quilt, a Log Cabin.
I’ve been teaching quilting for more than thirty years and love sharing techniques, exploring
ideas, and watching students discover what they can create. My work combines traditional
quilting with a contemporary “tradition with a twist” approach. I’m inspired by nature and
especially love bright colors and lots of prints. My passion for the Dresden block led to several
patterns and my book, Dresden Quilt Blocks Reimagined. I enjoy
traditional, modern, and art quilting—and I’m always ready to try something new!
This program explores the Dresden quilt through a contemporary lens, blending tradition with
modern design. Using the iconic Dresden plate as a starting point, the presentation highlights
innovative block constructions, fresh color palettes, negative space, and unconventional layouts
that give new life to a classic form. You will see finished quilts and works in progress that
demonstrate the evolution from traditional Dresden patterns to bold, modern interpretations.
Learn how changes in scale, fabric choice, and composition transform familiar blocks into
striking contemporary quilts.
Ideal for quilters of all experience levels, the program offers design inspiration, creative
approaches to block-making, and insight into the artistic process behind modern quilt
reinterpretation.
