Test Artist …

I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  When I was six years old, our family moved to northern Wisconsin and returned to Milwaukee when I was 12 years old.

The Sisters of St Francis of Assisi were my teachers for most of my elementary grades.  The Sisters were so friendly and welcoming.  In the fourth grade, I decided I wanted to be a Sister and took that step after high school graduation.  I was a music teacher for 23 years and then was elected to leadership in the congregation.  In between terms in leadership I taught at Cardinal Stritch University and later wrote for our Fund Development office.  I also contributed photographs of flowers for all occasion cards for that same ministrty.

My introduction to sewing began with hand embroidery.  In 7th and 8th grade, I was able to take sewing and cooking classes at the public school.  This experience laid the foundation for a lifetime of enjoyment.  In my younger years, I did a lot of my own garment sewing and gradually transitioned to sewing that is more creative.  I did many macramé projects and some knitting and crocheting.  A friend introduced me to cross-stitch which, at first seemed daunting, turned out to be very relaxing to this day.

A sabbatical in 2007-2008 launched me into quilting and machine embroidery through workshops and quilt shows.  Like most things we love to do, there is never a lack of ideas. Only the time to pursue those ideas is never enough.