I learned the love of creating with my hands at a very early age, and have explored numerous creative endeavors. Whether at the piano, with a paintbrush, colored pencils and markers, or needle and thread, I have always loved this very tactile form of expression. I entered college determined to pursue a career in music; what I learned was that wasn't how I wanted to spend my life after all. How I have spent my life is working in computer-related fields, which has heightened the need to be able to create with my hands whenever possible.

I made my first quilt in 1982 – for the birth of our daughter. I had no idea how to make a quilt; I sandwiched and added a ruffle all around before taking a single quilting stitch or knot! It wasn't until a couple of years later that I actually took my first quilting class at Tumbleweed's in Pembroke, MA. Two samplers later (one pieced and one appliqued) and I was on my way.

In the mid-eighties, I created primitive house portaits on commission – some on canvas, most on wood, and a few on wonderful found objects. My favorite was an old Baker's Chocolate wooden crate. A woman had grown up around the corner from the Baker's complex and wanted the main mill entrance and her house, along with her neighbor's, painted on the lid.

In between, my quilting progressed from standard sets to more intricate piecing – the Carolina Lilly and Mariner's Compass are still two of my favorites, and on to applique. Specifically, Baltimore Album style applique. I treasure each and every one of Elly Sienkiewicz's books, and was fortunate enough to be able to take a class from her one year at the Vermont Quilt Festival.

In 1991, our local elementary school put together an ensemble of students that, through skits and songs, recreated the early days of the state of Vermont. It was the year of the Vermont Bicentennial, and the group toured the state, performing in the various cities' and towns' celebrations, as well as at a number of historical sites and museums. One of these was the Shelburne Museum, and before I knew what was happening, I had the opportunity to spend the day with Celia Oliver pouring over slides of each quilt in the collection, looking for interesting possibilities for block reproduction wallhangings. The museum purchased these pieces from me for sale in their store. The most time-consuming piece I made was a broderie perse made from upholstery-weight fabrics. I tightly buttonhole stitched, by hand, around each and every motif.

When I returned to working the day shift, the time available for stitching greatly diminished, and quilting once again took a back seat. I made some tops – some pieced, some applique – and enjoyed the relaxing rhythm of hand quilting whenever I could steal a moment. In 1998, I ventured into crazy quilting and the passion was renewed! Who knew you could use something besides cotton? My fabric stash exploded. And all of the embellishments! Judith Baker Montano's books and a 3-day workshop was my new source of inspiration.

Another momentous event was when Patricia (Pokey) Bolton asked if I'd be interested in helping out with Quilting Arts. Interested?! I jumped at the opportunity, and am thrilled to have been associated with such a wonderful publication. While lending editorial skills, small writing assignments, and the occasional embellished piece to the magazine, I never could have imagined the world it would open up to me – the wonderful world of fiber art and art quilts, and the wealth of techniques to be explored.

Life never stands still, and in the spring of 2004 my husband and I purchased a small breakfast/lunch restaurant in New Hampshire's White Mountains. There were only two things that I insisted on - an espresso machine and a gallery. More specifically, a gallery dedicated to fiber arts. Thanks to Maxine Farkas and Laura Cater-Woods we have a full schedule of exhbits through February 2006!

In between a full-time job for an international standards organization (OASIS), managing the gallery, and helping out when needed at the restaurant, I spend time in my studio. I only wish each day had more hours to spare!