Being a needle worker for most of my life, I began my journey of hand sewing after ordering a crewel embroidery kit from a magazine at age 10. Completely self-taught, I was able to pursue my interest in penny rugs and wool applique in earnest after retiring from the nursing profession in 1999.

My love of antiques and folk art has inspired my designs. My pieces are entirely made of wool and are blanket stitched with pearl cotton. I gather vintage wool from local sources and seem to be partial to unique weaves and textures.

My wool is dyed with natural materials or purchased dyes. Everything from marigolds to walnuts to pansies to pokeberries are used in this process. All of the wool is individually cut and sewn by hand. The colors and design of each piece make it one of a kind.

Every year since 2010, my pieces have won the highest award as an artisan in the Directory of Traditional American Crafts and are listed or showcased in Early American Life Magazine.

My work is ranked top in the needlework/textile category according to a panel of experts. The experts are curators from institutions such as Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and The National Council on History Education, as well as independent scholars and professional instructors.

Being selected each year shows a consistent mastery of the art form, workmanship, and heritage antiques.

It is a passion for me, on a daily basis, to imagine the design, gather the wool, and to cut and sew my pieces into folk art for today’s home.