I am a scrap booker. For fifteen years scrapbooking has been my passion and my art form. I have completed at least twenty-five scrapbooks for family and friends. My introduction to sewing and quilting came through my mother and grandmother. I would use the scraps of material from their projects to make doll clothes. As I grew older, I made high fashion items for me to wear. I never saw my grandmother quilt, but when visiting she would always show me a quilt she had made. Grandma’s quilts were exquisite.

How did I become interested in quilting? Through a friend, Patricia Millender. Pat invited me to teach scrapbooking in her Arts and Crafts Class which consisted of Jewelry Making, Scrapbooking and Quilting. There were three women in the class quilting. Their work was fabulous. It was at that moment I made scrapbooking secondary, immediately purchased a sewing machine and I have been quilting ever since.

Although I have been “quilting” for four years, I consider myself a beginner because I have only completed wall hangings. As a challenge to myself, I have started a full size quilt, “The African Queens” (November 21, 2015), completion date to be determined….

Exposure to our local quilt shows and traveling outside of Michigan to see other quilts inspired me to become a quilter. It has been a learning experience. The women of Great Lakes African American Quilter’s Network have really motivated me. It is amazing to see what one can do with a piece of fabric. The GLAAQN women share their ideas, assist and encourage you. They are great teachers because they take you beyond your boundary of thoughts and ideas.

In appreciation and gratitude I would like to thank all of you for sharing this journey with me.