I have been quilting for more than 25 years and sewing for more than 45 years! I grew up in a home where sewing, knitting and crochet was an everyday occurrence and learnt to sew by making clothes for my dolls. From the age of 12, I sewed my own clothes and as a young mother I took in sewing and knitting orders, taught dressmaking and also made the family’s clothes, from underwear and knitted socks to tailored suits for my husband.
Having always admired patchwork quilts, I tried my hand at it and it soon became an addiction! I have made well over 200 quilts, most of which have found homes with friends and family. In December 2008 I bought a quilting machine, generally referred to as a mid-arm and after about 18 months of practice and perseverance, I felt confident enough to take in quilting orders for overall designs following pantographs.
However, free motion quilting remained a challenge and I scoured the internet for more information. I watched videos, scrutinised photos of quilts on blogs and websites, read articles and practiced quilting designs on paper, the tiles in the shower and “practice quilts” (pieces of sheeting marked with mock piecing lines) on the machine until I gained more confidence. I kept practicing until I finally managed feathers and other designs.
Although I have learnt much about quilting, I know I have only discovered the tip of the quilting ice-berg. Excited about what else lays ahead, I remind myself everyday of a comment made by Lynda Taylor on one of her free videos: ”A good quilter practices everyday”!

Machine quilting is a skill most quilters admire, but either feel they will never achieve or expect to learn it in a one-day workshop! My answer to these quilters are always: 40 days and one practice block a day will get you there!