Hi! I have been quilting for over twenty years. I specialize in hand-quilted quilts. The quilt I'm working on above is an exception to the rule. It was machine pieced and quilted. It is custom; a queen sized silk pouf quilt with polar fleece backing for extra coziness. It weighs over twelve pounds!

The first quilt I ever made was a king-size Baltimore bride pattern.

First I cross-stitched the entire quilt then hand quilted it. If I'd known then what I know now, I probably would have started with something a little less huge! It took years; I worked on it off and on. But I finished it, and won a ribbon in a regional quilt show.

I prefer making baby quilts and lap quilts or throws. They are so appreciated! Nothing feels quite like hand quilting. Yes, I do all the quilting by hand. Let me tell you more about the process.

First, for the quilts, you choose the pattern and size you want - Friendship Star, Peppermint Swirl, Heart Blossoms or Northwind. These can be approximately 36" square, or 40" by 48", for except Heart Blossoms which is approximately 46" square. If you are interested in a custom size, please call or e-mail.

Next, you choose one or two colors. These will be the predominate colors of the heirloom, along with other complementary colors. Or, instead of choosing colors, you may choose a theme. See products for more detail.

Then it is up to me! (Unless you have a special request for the backing and/or binding - see below.) First I will create the quilt top or handbag front. I use all cotton fabrics. The fabric is washed, dried and ironed. This takes care of any shrinking and checks for color fastness. Then the pieces are cut out and machine-sewn together. (The hand quilting comes later.)

After the top is pieced, it is fitted together with a coordinating fabric for the back. This fabric is normally also cotton, but upon request and availability it can be velveteen, flannel or fine-wale corduroy. A thin batting of cotton, poly or a cotton-poly blend is sandwiched between the top and back. Using a thin batting shows off the quilting stiches on the finished product.

The top is then hand quilted to the back, about 5-8 stitches per inch. My rule of thumb is no space bigger than my fist is left unquilted; dense quilting makes a finer quilt and a longer lasting heirloom.

After it's all quilted, a binding fabric is chosen. This is also typically cotton, but can be satin on request. The binding is double thickness (if cotton), sewn by machine to the back with the corners mitered. Then it is hand finished to the front so no machine stitching shows. This gives it strength and beauty.

Then the quilt gets one final washing and is examined carefully. The final piece has that hand quilted look (since it is hand quilted, after all!) with the stitches crinkled into the quilt a bit. There is nothing like the feel of hand quilting!

The quilts are designed to be used and loved. They are machine washable and dryable, but like any fabric item, they will wear with use and washing. With normal use and care they should last for years. If you believe the quilt will not be used, but hung on the wall for decoration, I can add a hanging sleeve to the back. This does not prevent it from being used as a quilt, but gives the additional option of being hung.