Quilting began as a hobby at the onset of the 2020 pandemic and as a way to create joy for not only myself, but for others by gifting them quilty goodness. Little did I know I would become hooked to all things quilty! My only regret is that I didn't discover it sooner than age 45. I am a self-taught quilter thanks to YouTube University, a lot of trial, error ('teaching moments' as we say in our home) and patience.  After graduating from a pattern writing course in the fall of 2021, I now design my own quilt patterns which are carried by four major distributors. I enjoy teaching workshops at local guilds and at national shows and also specialize in providing leadership/governance training and consulting to guild board of directors.

 

I am a Brand Ambassador for Benartex Fabrics, Arrow Sewing, Havel's Sewing, Oliso and Daylight Company. I was on the 2022 Maywood Studio Maker Team and a part time instructor for the American Quilting Society for AQS Quilt Week 2023 in Branson, MO, teacher at 2023 The Original Sewing & Quilting Expo in Nashville, TN as well as the International Quilt Festival in Houston. I hope to meet some of you at these amazing shows in the future!

​

I'm wife to a loving and supportive husband and bonus Mom of a sweet, resilient 12-year-old, who also enjoys creating. We reside in beautiful Arkansas Ouachita National Forest with furbabies, Jax and Tripp.

 

I also own a consultancy serving organizations and teams through training and professional development in the areas of leadership, team dynamics, strategic planning, and vicarious resilience. Having built a career coaching and training in both non-profit and corporate environments, it is my greatest joy to support quilt businesses and guilds as many strive to create lovely, healthy communities poised to help their members flourish.

 

Prior to entrepreneurial expression of my passion, I led multiple organizations as an Executive Director, and as a regional trainer, working with leaders and multi-disciplinary teams within a 16-state region. In my 20's, I was a social worker and continue to have a heart for survivors of abuse and neglect as well as the organizations who serve them. I still provide contract services to those organization through my other consulting business. 

 

My life's core values of understanding and compassion have guided my actions as an inclusive, encouraging, servant leader. I desire to serve you, your teams and leaders, too - by making lovely quilty things, designing lovely quilty patterns, and training lovely quilty communities.

 

Lastly, you should know I use the word 'y'all' a lot. It's in my blood y'all (like I said... southern girl through and through). If you'd like to know me better, listen to my podcast interview on Measure Twice, Cut Once.   Or the episode on A Quilters Life. 

​

And, for those who REALLY want to know me better...  The Rest of my Story

​

​

When not making quilts or training, I participate with my congregation in rewarding volunteer work. You will also often find me on the hunt for vintage and antique quilty goodies at local thrift stores, flea markets and yard sales. I'm a fan of hot teas, as well as baking. I love walking, flowers and being in nature at home in a national forest. It's a little slice of paradise located in a national forest on the river. My father recently built an Airbnb (currently open) on the property which will also serve as a lovely small quilting retreat starting in the Spring of 2024. I hope to host small groups soon, where you can relax and have fun at the same time! 

​

I live with an autoimmune disease which, after 5 months of treatment, is in remission, though some days my body still won't allow me to do all of the things I'd like to do as quickly as I'd like to do them. I have met so many quilty friends who also continue to find joy in quilt making and designing despite this challenge. I see you and encourage you to go at a pace that works for you. If you would like to hear more about how to manage a quilty businesses despite health challenges, you can listen to my interview on The Craft to Career Podcast, Working With an Illness. 

​​

I am a forever learner and still learn something new every day from the quilting community. I enjoy experimenting with all of my Accuquilt cutting dyes, doing English Paper Piecing and using my special Baby Lock Sashiko machine. Oh, what a beautiful Sashiko stitch it makes! I use it often when quilting and post about both of these loves regularly on Instagram. I have a few tutorials about it on my YouTube page, with more soon to come in the months ahead. 

​

I design confident beginner quilt patterns with larger blocks that are quick makes and my patterns always include a video tutorial for visual learners. 

 

I have more patterns in the works so stay tuned. Let's make lovely things together!