I was born and raised in Southern California, and strongly influenced by my mother Mary M. Bishop-Lee (1915-1993) who was not only an incredible seamstress but was also able to knit, crochet, make toys, bake incredible bread and definitely knew which tools to use for which fix it job, and there was NOTHING that woman couldn’t fix!
My interest in quilting came about the same time as the movie release of, “How To Make An American Quilt.” which was released after my Mothers death. I went to see it with my sister Barbara and made a comment as we were walking to the car, that I really wish I could learn how to make quilts. Her response to me was a challenge ~ she said, “Nothing is stopping you but yourself”. (THANK YOU BARBARA!!!) It was just the push I needed I guess because that evening when I went home I started looking for quilt classes. I was lucky enough to find a class starting within the month and was blessed with a wonderful quilt teacher Helen Jackson (1918-2007). Helen was an amazing little lady with spunk and sass; I don’t think there was anything that she couldn’t do. She started quilting as a child and never lost her enthusiasm for producing & teaching her art. She is truly missed by all her students.
My husband Doc and I moved from San Gabriel, CA in 2005 to Utah. We purchased our first home with an unfinished basement and Doc with my help designed my quilt studio, his fire & photography memorabilia studio and computer repair area.
I share my love for quilting with many, including my daughter Stacy, who also loves to scrapbook. I am a dedicated quilter; this year alone I have completed 8 baby quilts as gifts, quilting 2 full quilts and beginning on a quilt for one of my California classmates.
When I am not working full time for an Ophthalmologist and not quilting, I enjoy many other hobbies and interest such as candle making, wreath decorating, crocheting, cross-stitch & embroidery by hand and machine. Some of my other interests are camping, bicycle riding, reading, and yes, I dabble a bit with photography (some of my pics are on this site).
I find gardening relaxing and natures quilt of flowers.
My Mother bestowed on me the joy of creativity, and that “a personal gift is the best gift that you can possibly give” I also learned how enjoyable it is to get something for less, and make it your own. Please visit these links of my personal gift all seasons and holidays. I have been working with unfinished furniture for over 20 years, fabric shelving cabinets, cutting table, china cabinet, breakfast nook, toy chest, and a computer work center, you name it I can finish it!
Having a supportive and understanding husband is a big plus, no pressure from the man upstairs. Remember my quilt studio is in the basement. Doc is a retired fire fighter, has been a professional wedding photographer, now disabled dabbles in computer servicing, web site managing, digital photography, digital video and genealogy research.
Quilting has gone high tech, and my husband stays on top of computer technology. Recently he surprised me with a gift having started my own quilting business, a Janome 11000, Wow! And prior to our basement being finished, Doc at a quilting show nudged me over to the booth for HQ-Sixteen long arms. Need I say, without twisting my arm, I am a proud owner of my very own HQ-Sixteen.
I want to thank you for visiting my site and hope that you had fun learning about me ~ come back and visit anytime ~
Happy stitching & remember… When life gives you scraps… MAKE A QUILT!
