Inspiring and creating a quilting community
In 2007, I started the first of many quilters guilds in the Glengarry Stormont area – the Highland Quilters and served as president for five years. What began as a small seven-member group soon outgrew the meeting spaces with 60+ members – a fantastic accomplishment!
Today, the Highland Quilters are active in the community and are always up for a challenge.
In 2013, I started Vankleek Hill Quilters Guild, and over the years, I belonged to other Quilt Guilds in the area, such as the Ottawa Valley Quilters Guild.
Helping Others
Fort McMurray Quilt Drive/Dunrobin Tornado
Working with a representative of the Canadian Quilters Association, I coordinated the collection of quilts from our area to donate to those affected by the Fort McMurray wildfire and the Dunrobin, Ontario Tornadoes in 2016.
In the spring of 2016, five hundred ninety-nine thousand horses burned in Fort McMurray, Alberta, and surrounding areas during the worst wildfire in Canadian history – estimated damage of $9.9 billion. The fire spread across approximately 590,000 ha (1,500,000 acres) before being declared under control on July 5, 2016. The smoulders were fully extinguished on August 2, 2017.
I was blown away by the support and the people who came forward to donate and to help make a difference as the The Highland Quilters Guild held special “sew days” for the Fort McMurray quilt drive.
Showcasing Local Talent
International Plowing Match 2015
I was the chairperson for the lifestyle/quilting section for The United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry (SD&G), 2015 International Plowing Match’s quilt show, with approximately 120 quilts entered for display and judging.
This was a three-year role with monthly meetings to set categories, vendors, workshops, fundraisers, etc. (Quilting is not a speedy hobby!) We had a pre-show at the Finch arena, filling up the whole rink-pad with quilts to be judged and categorized in preparation for the International Plowing Match.
Sharing My Skills
Published Magazine Articles
I have had the joy of being published in one of my favourite quilting publications, the Canadian Quilters Association (CQA) magazine.
In the Winter 2018/2019 edition of the CQA magazine I was featured as the Eastern Ontario Representative. My first article for the publication was published in the Summer 2013 edition of the magazine about the importance of appraising your quilts.
In the November/December 2017 issue of CQA, I had a pattern featured as the last of the Canada 150 series of the year. The pattern is Discover Canada 2 from the Robert Kaufmann fabrics.
Partnering for Success
Professional Affiliations
I am thrilled to announce that I have joined the Janome team as an Educator since 2021. I will be doing online classes and quick projects that will be posted on Janome Life as well as Vie Janome.
I worked as an educator for Gammill and travelled accross north America for the Quilt with Confidence tour 2019. As a Gammill Educator I worked with many awesome Gammill Artists and Educators to promote Long Arm machine quilting.
Proud Moments
Bleuberry Fields pattern and quilt has been accepted to the local quilt shows including the Vermont Quilt Festival. June 2023 and the Ottawa Valley Quilt Show May 2023
Award Winning Quilts
VERMONT QUILT FESTIVAL June 2018
2nd place for bed size applique/pieced
OTTAWA VALLEY QUILTERS GUILD
Best of Show: Full Bloom
Judges Choice: Full Bloom
Viewers Choice: Full Bloom
Long arm Quilting Bed size: Full Bloom
INTERNATIONAL PLOWING MATCH 2015
1st In Long arm Quilting Bed size: Full Bloom
1st in Long Arm Quilting Wall Hanging: Canadian Bear
WILLIAMSTOWN FAIR 2014
Best of Show: Canadian Bear
WILLIAMSTOWN FAIR 2016
Best of Show: True North
