Where do you live:I live In beautiful Sebastopol, California, north of San Francisco in Sonoma County.
How long have you been quilting?I’ve been quilting about 9 years and have enjoyed every minute of the ride.
How did you get started quilting?It was Gees Bend quilts that first got my attention. I love the color choices and the playfulness in their designs. I began quilting when I retired and had more time to devote to creativity. My first quilt was a bright and cheery Log Cabin for my father.
What is your favorite part of quilting? I love anything associated with fabric. Selecting fabric for a quilt, coordinating fabrics within a quilt and of course shopping for and buying fabric.
What is your least favorite part of quilting? I am not a big fan of joining the two ends of binding together on the quilt. I’ve tried several methods and haven’t yet found one that brings me joy.
Do you have a day job? If so, what do you do? I am retired now but enjoyed a meaningful and exciting career in education as a Special Education teacher, organizer and legislative advocate (aka lobbyist). Working on behalf of public education and seeking to provide the necessary resources for every student to thrive was very fulfilling. My jobs now are wife, dog mama and chief gardener.
What inspires you when designing your quilt patterns?I recently made a landscape quilt using a photograph from a trip to the South Pacific as inspiration. The LBGTQ Flag served as a starting point for a transition quilt. Many times I begin with a pattern and personalize it by changing the size or shape of pieces.
Favorite quilt designer?As I mentioned, I love Gee’s Bend quilts but have been drawn to a more modern palette lately. I appreciate the clean lines and simplicity of Blanket Statement patterns and have sewn the Pine Falls pattern. I’m very excited to make the two Mary Go Round Member patterns Ella Vista by Lynett Muhaso and The Jester by Megan Lopez.
If you could have one superpower, what would you choose and why?If I could have one superpower I’d create more time. More time to sew, more time with loved ones and more time in a day. I’d also be able to create longer summers as I love warm weather and long days.
Instagram name:Toescamp (When I was in college I showed up to be a camp counselor wearing a pair of Toesox and was given a nickname.)
Website name: None
(These photos are of quilts that I’ve made. On the top, one I made for my husband that was shown in a local quilt show and on right is the landscape quilt mentioned above.)
