Credentials

I received my certification as a Certified Quilt Appraiser through the American Quilter’s Society (AQS) in 2016 and have appraised quilts for collectors, quilt owners, and institutions throughout the quilting community.

I am a member of the American Quilter’s Society (AQS) and a board member of the Professional Association of Appraisers of Quilted Textiles (PAAQT). Since 2016, I have attended annual AQS appraisal training classes in Paducah, Kentucky, and continue to stay active in fabric study groups to expand my knowledge of textiles and quilt history.

I learned to sew at a very young age—and once I started, I never really stopped. Over the years I tried just about everything: knitting, crocheting, crewel, embroidery, macramé—you name it. I was using a sewing machine by age 10, and by 7th grade (while everyone else was making aprons), I was making a dress for myself—with an inset bodice, of course! I’ve done upholstery, made wedding headpieces, purses, and clothing—if it involved fabric, I wanted to learn it.

Funny enough, I always said I wouldn’t learn to quilt until I was a grandmother. Well… the day my daughter told me she was expecting, I signed up for a quilt class. The twins are now 26—and I’ve been hooked ever since.

After making my first quilts, I wanted more. I started going to quilt shows whenever I could and attending lectures near and far. Then came a Fabric Study class—and that was it. I realized just how much there was to learn about textiles, history, and construction. Quilting wasn’t just a hobby anymore—it became a passion.

Since 2008, I’ve attended annual American Quilter’s Society appraisal classes in Paducah, Kentucky (yes, that’s how I spend my vacations!). In 2016, I became a Certified AQS Quilt Appraiser, and I continue to stay active in fabric study groups because there is always something new to discover.

My husband and I now travel in our motorhome, combining our love of quilting and adventure. I appraise quilts, give lectures and trunk shows, and teach along the way—meeting wonderful people and seeing incredible quilts wherever I go.

Quilting has truly become a family tradition. My three daughters all love to quilt, and now the next generation is joining in. I have five great-granddaughters under the age of eight, and the oldest is already learning to sew and crochet. We especially love creating barn quilts together—it’s become one of our favorite ways to spend time as a family.

If I had to pick a favorite, I’ve always had a soft spot for the LeMoyne Star—there’s just something about the precision and movement in that design that never gets old.

There’s nothing better than helping someone understand the story, history, and value behind a quilt. Every piece has a story, and I love being part of uncovering it. And honestly… I still get just as excited about quilts as I did when I started.