Let’s start at the beginning. What is your earliest crafting memory?
The earliest thing I remember doing was tearing old sheets into strips with my mom. We then sewed the strips together and rolled them into balls to crochet rag rugs. I was so excited by the idea of giving old things a new life.

What did you want to be when you grew up and why?
Growing up Catholic I wanted to be a nun at one time. I guess after that I went through the usual thoughts of teaching or nursing. As an adult I realized that mothering was the most important thing I did and anything else was added to that.

What has been the most outrageous influence on your designs?
I don’t know about outrageous when it comes to my work. I lean towards soft, comforting and lacy in my cozy life. I suppose if what you like is sleek and modern it is outrageous.

Did you have mentors? What did they teach you?
I have had a few people in my life that have shared techniques and stitch patterns with me but most of what I learned has been from books. It was hard to find those who could help me because of my left handedness when they were right handed. Using books and switching the words left and right I am able to figure most things out.

What advice have you been given that you’ve easily ignored?
You don’t need to keep making things. You can buy it cheaper and not have to spend time on it.

What does your work mean to you?
My work shows who I am and what I value. I want people to take my things and enjoy using them because I found joy in making them.

What is your biggest pet peeve?
I don’t have too many buttons to push but people who act as if they are entitled to something from me when I see no reason for that attitude get to me.

What is your greatest accomplishment?
Personally living 17 years as a Navy wife through several long deployments and keeping the family together was a great thing. In my crafting life getting a Best of Show Ribbon on a quilt my sister made that I crocheted a lace edge for was very cool. The other thing that I was very proud and excited about was my first sale on Etsy.

How old are you and what’s the best part about being that age?
Next month I will be 53. I think the best thing about making it this far is that I don’t have to spend time worrying about who or what I am. I can just be.

Have you ever lied about your age?
No. I never saw any reason to do that.

Describe your perfect day.
It would start with a few household chores. The afternoon would be knitting or crocheting with an afternoon nap. Evening would be gathering with family for card games, snacks and laughter. I would spend time with a book before bed and end up going to sleep next to Jim.

What were the fashions when you were a teenager?
Fashion has never been real important to me but I do remember earth shoes, going braless and macramé belts. (I graduated from high school in 1973)

Did you have a teen idol growing up?
Not that I remember but then it was so long ago.

Are you married or in a relationship? If so, tell us what your partner’s favorite piece is and why.
I am married and have been to the same guy for 32 years this summer. I really don’t know if he has a favorite but the robe I made him gets a lot of use.

What makes you laugh the most?
We have a couple grandkids that are two or nearly two and I find myself laughing until I cry at some of the things they do.

Tell us about an embarrassing moment.
I was at the library once with my kids and passed gas which only they noticed. The embarrassing part is the story they love to tell about it. You know - “Remember when mom…..” and the laughter starts.

If money were no object, what would you buy?
I would love to have some land somewhere in forested mountains close to water with a simple home and a studio space.

What is your most fervent desire regarding your art?
I want to get back into quilting. I have so many ideas in my head and sketched in notebooks that I could be working on them the rest of my life.

Tell us your favorite joke.
I am just no good at remembering or telling jokes and as usual since you asked every joke I have ever heard has disappeared from my memory.

What would you like us to remember about you?
I would like people to remember that my goal was always to keep my home, my family and friends feeling safe, secure, peaceful or in other words to have a cozy life.

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