I would love to win one of these prizes.  I have passed on my love of art and creating to my daughter.  I also am thinking of starting a beginning quilting group for afterschool.

Had a friend fall on hard times.  Had her come over and fill two bag with beads, FQ's some thread, needles, wire and idea sheets from HobbyLobby and a sewing machine that was MiL's.   Showed her how to use a resale shop to pick up bargain fabrics/cloth/embelishments.  She has gone on to create all Christmas and B-day gifts for family and friends.  I have several pieces myself now.  Hoping to help her sell a few to replenish for this year.  

I work in an amazing quilt store (New Pieces, Berkeley, CA). Among my co-workers are expert quilters and sewers with decades of experience. Many are gifted teachers as well.  My own work tends towards the fun and slightly eccentric... and my technical skills are good, but well within the "amateur" range.

At New Pieces my job has become searching out newbies and the less confident, and encouraging them to trust their choices and build confidence in their abilities. In an environment  filled with stunning fabric and amazing skill levels -- someone must be sure the hobby quilters aren't forgotten or made to feel unwelcome,  and that the timid sewists aren't intimidated out of the Store or out of Quilting. We were ALL  beginners once. We also were all amateurs -- and some of us plan to stay that way.  After all, the word "amateur" means "One who does for love, not money".

I believe deeply in passing on skills such as sewing, quilting, spinning, weaving and knitting.  My 6 year old granddaughter is already knitting and sewing - the next time she comes to visit we'll be doing her first quilt.  Spinning will be for a bit later - we've done some small weaving projects - she finished her first woven hot pad when she was 4 - Even if she doesn't continue these skills into her teen years (never know WHAT they'll like to do then) I really feel she'll pick them back up later on.  Just had my second granddaughter last month - can't wait to get started on projects with her too!

I have 3 granddaughters 5,5,and 4  they have already been on my lap at the sewing machine doing doll clothes and blankets. They also put the patches I cut into different color ways, and we all have fun.

I have 3 granddaughters 5,5,and 4  they have already been on my lap at the sewing machine doing doll clothes and blankets. They also put the patches I cut into different color ways, and we all have fun.

I share my fabric and send books from you to my great niece!

Sharing how I construct different elements in tutorials on my Blog...

quilts-artfromtheheart.blogspot.com

Come visit!

I'm teaching my daughter to sew. :) She's 14, and LOVES it.

I hope to pass on my love of crafts and sewing to my youngest granddaughter, Adriana. She is 14 and when she comes to visit she can't wait to go in my sewing room and go through my fabric scraps. I have her making yoyo's and now doing applique. Hopefully she will keep the family love of sewing going.

As the young ladies in our family have grown up I would host them for some Auntie time in the summer and teach them to sew and fashion a garment. Most are amazed that they DID IT!  Then when I had my own daughter I of course passed on the passion to her at age 11. She didn't seem to want to do more even tho she picked it up faster than others I had taught. I was surprised.  Now at age 19, in April 2012, she is one of the designers of her own fashion line, in her "graduation" from New York Fashion Academy. She claims it's Project Runway that inspired her, but I know who planted the first seed. ;)

I was privileged to teach a class in my applique pet portrait technique recently to a wonderful group of women, and had the joy of seeing their projects come alive in class.  No reward is greater than the pleasure of sharing a skill with someone who wants to learn.

i've been teaching my neighbor (13 yrs old) and her girlfriends!

they get so excited not only with the end result -

but with the entire process!  hope i win!!

I take my hand sewing with me wherever I go.  I'm always very happy to explain what I'm doing if someone asks, and I always encourage them to give it a try.  Fingers can do more than just text and type.

Thanks for the opportunity to win these fab prizes.

I was at a sewing and crafts fair in Victoria BC last week and one of the booths was displaying quilts made for veteran soldiers in Canada.  I am going to pass on my passion for sewing, quilting and art quilting by becoming in voled with this group.

There is a group of women where I live that are interested in textiles, yet for some reason seem scared to start! I've taught for years, now find my interest and skills are being shared with my friends and neighbors in ways I could never have imagined! They are a crazy bunch!

I am currently a teaching artist in residence working with fifth graders and their teachers on an arts integration fiber arts project. We are studying the Civil Rights Movement and creating fiber arts images based on symbols of tolerance and peace.

I am currently a teaching artist in residence working with fifth graders and their teachers on an arts integration fiber arts project. We are studying the Civil Rights Movement and creating fiber arts images based on symbols of tolerance and peace.

Thank you for your generous giveaway.  I pass on anything that I think will encourage an aspiring crafter/artist -- magazines, fabric, art supplies.  It's a wonderful was to "give back" -- creativity has enriched my life greatly and I want to "share the wealth".  Thank you again for your generous giveaway.

What beautiful handmade fabric , would love to win it as well as the back issues.

Thanks for the chance.  Love your newsletters

Hi!  I really don't need a package of back issues of Quilting Arts as I have subscribed since day 1 and have all the issues. BUT if I was lucky enough to win some, then I would distibute them to my quilting guilds. I have 3 grandchildren with whom I do craft projects with all the time. I am also in the process of setting up my website which is simply a sharing of the quiltis I have made - no selling or promoting, just simply galleries. It will be a few more weeks to get finished, then you can find it at KarenJurek.com   Put simply, my passion is quilting, art quilts, and mixed media. I belong to an art quilt group called FOG (fiber Optics Group) as well as other quilting groups. I have been so lucky this year to have been chosen as 'Quilter of Distinction' for the Heritage Park Festival of Quilts in Calgary, Alberta. I will be hanging my own show there and my passion for quilting will surely show!

I will be teaching how to crochet to a teenager during summer break.  Her parents don't want me to start teaching her until summer, because they want her remain focused on her studies.

As retired teacher, I still enjoy the thrill of helping others become excited about learning, so I teach workshops at the local museum and library; give programs for several quilt guilds and art associations, and teach some of my younger friends who express an interest in quilting and other fiber arts.

What a great giveaway! I pass on my passion almost daily! I have been quilting for 14 years and most of the projects I made in the beginning were for other people. First wedding samplers/banners for my cousins, then baby quilts for our friends' babies. Then my nieces and nephews and now finally my own kids too! I also quilt with my daughter who has a beautiful batik stash that I envy - she has great taste:) I have also had the opportunity to make Christmas crafts - potholders and ornaments - with grade 5 children who then sold them at a school fundraiser. I have a blog and post tutorials and a few patterns to pass the joy along. http://www.sewjoycreations.com

Thanks for the chance and for all you do!

I'm passing my passion onto my 5-yr old granddaughter.  I gessoed an old book for her, then got out the stamps, inks, paints, crayons, papers, and stickers for her to add into the book.  She was thoroughly engrossed in the project, loved making her own book, and now wants more.  This time I'll add fabric and threads.  Next time - found objects.  What a treat for me!  Soon we'll have to start her on the sewing machine.

I would love any of these awesome prizes.  I have passed on my passion to lots of friends and kids in all my years.  I have a tye-dye party for the kids in my life.  We try any new painting technique I want to learn.  Kids have a unique way of sparking my most creative sides.

Oh what fabulous prizes to win...I would and could use any of those...Someone is definitly gonna be loveing it when they are the lucky winner of these....I'm drooling just over the idea of hand dyed fabric...Sounds beautiful...and tons of magazines too.....

   I love to sew any and everthing and machine embroider. I used to hand smock for my daughter when she was younger. I am a beginner quilter . I have made a few small wall hangings and such.  I learned to sew from my mom as a very small child  she owns a alterations shop. She learned from my granmother who used to make custom clothing and do alterations her entire life...I have a daughter who is slightly interested in sewing and was given a gorgeous old black singer for her to learn on...

Tammy

My granddaughter, Ellen, likes crafts.  Her mom doesn't do much sewing.  Ellen comes to my house to stay for a couple of weeks in the summer and we do a sewing project.  One time it was making a purse, and another time we made quilt squares.

I love color, and work to share my passion in every way.  At the age of three children can stencil on fabric, and sit on my lap to sew their art into a pillow, a colorful reminder of love and warmth.  

I help with a group that gathers unwanted fabric to be distributed around the world, but my favorite group memories are of a stencilled quilt I helped the youth group create(it was still hanging in the church when I visited 25 years later).  

I worked with a group of middle school students as they depicted the three rivers close to us, using the four seasons and composed of mixed media stitched and painted onto the fabric. That quilt was displayed in Missouri's First Capitol museum for many years, representing our celebration of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

My friend and I get together as often as we can to "craft" things.  We go to a quilt guild in her town and we are always looking for inspiration.  We quilt, knit, crochet, embroider, paint and do just about anything for fun.  Now our grand daughters are learning from us.  We love sharing any talent we may have with others, but especially the younger generations.

Quilting softens the edges of my world, and it can do that for others, too.

I love to write about the quilting/sewing life, to show how satisfying and enriching it is on so many levels.

wordstitcher.blogspot.com

What great prizes you have!  I would pass on my love of this wonderful hobby to my younger cousin.  She has been her mother's caretaker for 15 years and has not been able to have much of a personal life.

I believe that the best way to pass anything on is by being an inspiring example.  Show rather than tell.  Making, giving, and simply enjoying your own creative work always captures the attention of those who see what you're doing.  I especially enjoy engaging with young adults--my daughters and their friends--showing them how skill and inspiration can meet in some very unexpected ways.  Over Christmas break I helped my grad school daughter with a fabric shopping bag that brings attention everytime she uses it.  We're talking about more projects for summer break.  And I love Quilting Arts magazine!

I have a niece, Erin, 21, that has CP who is in therapy learning to sew on a machine with a speed govener to aid her.  I will be passing on to her my passion for quilting.

I really want to pass my love on to my daughter. However, she's not into it at this time. <G>

One way I'm hoping to pass on my passion is sharing the joy of the process with my family and friends.  I don't wait until a quilt is finished to share pictures--I send photos of the quilt as I put it together, invite opinions on layouts and color choices, etc.  In this way, I think I give a glimpse into how satisfying and creative the creation of a quilt can be, something one might not understand from seeing only the finished quilt.

I have 4 ladies who stitch and quilt at my home every Thursday. I love to pass on knowledge of quilting and sewing to them and encourage them to take their skills to a higher level. It is exciting to see them grow with each new project. Winning this package will only help in this endever.

In about a month, I will spend 3 days sewing with children at a little country fair near my home. I go through my stash, cut up supplies, take a table and my sewing machine. This is the fourth or fifth year I have done this. The last two years we have made potholders, and will again this year. I have helped 35-40 children per year sew for 5-10 minutes, and now they ask for me! One little girl informed me last year that it was time to move up to pillows--in 5-10 minutes!

I have worked with Girl Scout troops with sewing simple quilts.  My daughter has made at least one quilt and has taken a technique class with me.  She has gone to national quilt shows with me also.  She has a love for quilts and design.  I am hoping that when she finishes graduate school there will be more times to sew/take classes together.  She can be shy, but not so shy that her Aunt Pamela doesn't know that she "will accept any and all quilts that her Aunt would like to make for her."

I host "quilt camp" once a year for my new and old quilting friends.  I try to learn something new like dyeing batting and designing a thread painting with it.  We had some great art quilts to show for our two days together!

I constantly inspire by teaching and by sharing my accomplishments.  I also spend time with my grandchildren teaching them to sew on old antique machines I have and then progressing to the computerized new machines that are available.  They love the old hand crank as much as the computer machine and really enjoy our sewing experience.  We have done pillows for their rooms, clothing and jewelry ,and chairty quilts for Threads of Love.  I continue to encourage them and others to sew as it is so theraputic!

I pass on my passion for quilting by sharing my projects with friends and family. Soon, when my daughter gets pregnant, I hope to pass on my love of sewing and quilting to grandchildren. I have MANY projects planned and kits in my closet, just waiting to be made once I hear the NEWS! :)

I have taught my 16 year old granddaughter how to construct a quilt & she completed a baby quilt over her Christmas break.

Each month I meet with a group of women who make quilts to donate to children in need.  At each meeting I demonstrate a new technique or show how to make a new quilt block or two.  It is so rewarding to see them learn new skills and try them out in the quilts they are making.

I have been sewing since I was 7 years old (so, over 45 years).  I would love to share my passion for textiles with young people in an after-school or summer workshop as I had no children of my own.

My grandson and grand-daughter both love to go to my sewing room when they visit.  I've jointly made a little quilt with each of them and, hopefully, made them aware of how rewarding and creative quilting can be.

I taught my friend, who was suffering from depression, how to sew and now she is churning out so many quilts for friends and relliesw that she does not have time t feel sad

Through the years I have shared my creative passions with my children and granddaughter -- quilting, sewing, photography, and more. Everyday I sit at a desk my son built when he was 13. Of course, it's like the proverbial boat built in the basement as it would have to be dismantled a bit if I want to move it to another room.

I would love to win one of these prizes.  I have passed on my passion for sewing and quilting whenever I can.  Most recently, I taught a woman to quilt who had sewed and did many crafts, but did not quilt.  We worked side by side making several smaller items including totes and purses and smaller quilts.  Soon she was making beautiful quilts on her own and loving every minute of it.  She really caught the passion.

CL   sewfun

I would love to win one of these prizes.  I have passed on my passion for sewing and quilting whenever I can.  Most recently, I taught a woman to quilt who had sewed and did many crafts, but did not quilt.  We worked side by side making several smaller items including totes and purses and smaller quilts.  Soon she was making beautiful quilts on her own and loving every minute of it.  She really caught the passion.

CL   sewfun

I have passed my love of  quilting and crafting to my granddaughters! My 14 year old granddaughter actually made her first quilt for her 3rd grade teacher when she was only 8. It was beautiful and I am so proud of her! My 18 year old granddaugher has made many pillows, blankets etc for her friends. I am hoping that they in turn will pass their learning on down thru the ages. I myself learned to quilt by a wonderful lady that my husband met when he worked in the post office. She was mailing a quilted post card and he asked her if she would call me. A beautiful friendship and grand teacher came of that!  And I can't wait for my 7 year old granddaughter to want to learn. Also my best friend's daughter is showing interest in beading and sewing. Would love to win some inspiration!

I have passed my love of  quilting and crafting to my granddaughters! My 14 year old granddaughter actually made her first quilt for her 3rd grade teacher when she was only 8. It was beautiful and I am so proud of her! My 18 year old granddaugher has made many pillows, blankets etc for her friends. I am hoping that they in turn will pass their learning on down thru the ages. I myself learned to quilt by a wonderful lady that my husband met when he worked in the post office. She was mailing a quilted post card and he asked her if she would call me. A beautiful friendship and grand teacher came of that!  And I can't wait for my 7 year old granddaughter to want to learn. Also my best friend's daughter is showing interest in beading and sewing. Would love to win some inspiration!

I'm passing on my passion by teaching my little grandnieces how quilting is done and letting them look at quilts. Last Wednesday we did a "bed turning" of my mother's quilts for the little "almost 4" year old (just like they did at our local quilt festival last week - there were pictures in our local paper that she saw). She picked out favorites AND explained why. Color and softness were her top criteria. Plus the grands get to touch fabrics, help me machine sew and hand sew, look at quilting magazines / books, look at quilts with me on the computer, and see me and their greatgrandma make quilts. For me, it is fun. alternate email mlwright29(at)hotmail(dot)com

There are 5 generations of crafting in my family. My grandmother was an excellent sewist, my mother was crocheting, knitting, sewist and in general crafter, I am into quilting, clothing, wanting to delve into all types of crafting, my daughter is also into sewing and crafting when she has the time, and now my grandaughters are showing interest in crafts and sewing. I have encourage and taught several crafts to them. I have given sewing machines, fabric and patterns as gifts to encourage them. I have also worked as an activity director in independent living residences teaching and instructing crafts of all kinds. I loved it! We would make things all year for craft sales during the holidays to raise money for more craft supplies. I have been a crafter most of my life, making gifts for special occasions, sewing to make clothes, decorating my home, crafting with friends, and teaching these experiences. I achieve fullfillment and peace from my crafting and passing it on to others with my enthusiasim.

I invited a group of women friends over to learn how to sew bags. They loved searching through my fabric stash for,justmthemright mix of colours, and then picking ribbons and buttons to embellish.  I helped them them sew lovely bags and they all went home with a handmade bag and a new interest in sewing!  

I am passing on my passion .....When my two year old grand daughter sleeps over I quilt while she is falling asleep in my sewing room. One night I was tired and was walking out after singing to her....she said "GG play!!" While pointing at my sewing machine. Now I have to sew or she doesn't want to go to sleep.

I am passing on my passion .....When my two year old grand daughter sleeps over I quilt while she is falling asleep in my sewing room. One night I was tired and was walking out after singing to her....she said "GG play!!" While pointing at my sewing machine. Now I have to sew or she doesn't want to go to sleep.

I pass on my passion for creating by interesting my daughter in what I am doing, by "crafting" with friends, by giving my old sewing machine to a younger woman and helping her learn to sew.

I really enjoy reading your posts with tips and techniques!

I'd love to win one of these prizes.  I am passing on my love of quilting and fiber arts to my granddaughter.  Together we have made 2 art quilts, and we're planning the third.

I am new to quilting, and it has opened up to a whole new world! I am a long- time painter and mixed media artist, and I have done many crafts over the years: copper enameling, weaving, mosaic, applique and embroidery, etc. I have no children.

I volunteer to do art with elementary children and already am dreaming up how to get the boys interested in hand sewing and quilting! (we don't have sewing machines at our small rural school.) I plan to pass on what I learn with the kids, both in fiber media and with how it relates to other media we use and what uses we can put fabric to in our everyday lives.

Mainly what I teach kids is that there is no difference between "fine art" and "craft." I try to get them to see that there is art in everything, in how we do our lives. I'm so excited by the possibilities of piecing and hand quilting and all the texture and color choices we have; it's so tactile, and it's a medium we will explore and learn about together.

I am bringing an old sewing machine to my daughter and encouraging her to use it, along with a sewing kit.  I'll do an art quilt of my new grandpup for her for Christmas.

I belong to a fairly large quilt guild.  Before every monthly meeting, I give a 5 minute demo on various quilting techniques.  Things like free motion quilting or embroidery, how to finish a binding, etc.  The beginner quilters have said this is very helpful to them.  

My passion for all things fiber is being passed to my 2 granddaughters near me.  When we can we dye, bead, and do other fun things.

I am passing my passion for things fiber, beads, and embellishing to my 2 granddaughters here is town.  Would love to have the video for sure.  I have every past copy of QA and CPS.

I am passing my passion for things fiber, beads, and embellishing to my 2 granddaughters here is town.  Would love to have the video for sure.  I have every past copy of QA and CPS.

Before I reached high school, my mother taught me simple embroidery and how to use a sewing machine. Now, she in her upper 80's and me newly in the 60's, we're teaching ourselves about more modern and free motion quilting. And we're doing it long distance. (I'm bringing my stash the next time I visit. The better to have a planning session!)

Before I reached high school, my mother taught me simple embroidery and how to use a sewing machine.

Now she's in her upper 80's, and I'm sharing what I've been learning about modern and free motion quilting. We've both got projects we compare notes on, constantly adding new skills to our repertoire.

I love to pass on my love for all things 'artsy' to my 10 yr old grandson, Jacob.  He is a little sponge and loves to draw and our next project is a reverse applique t shirt of a drawing he made....we have yet to choose whether it will be a polar bear or a fish.  The fish seems appropriate since he just visited us in Florida where we spend the winters!  

I'm passing on my passon for sewing, quilting, and other forms of craft and art by coordinating classes, demo's, and lectures in our community. Anyone is invited to offer a class in their field of interest and classes are open to every one in the communtiy. I will teaching a beginner fusible class and a beginner piecing class. So far others are offering scrapbooking, ceramics, and mixed media.

I hope everyone who takes one of these classes will come to love some form of artitst expression like I have.

I'm passing on my passon for sewing, quilting, and other forms of craft and art by coordinating classes, demo's, and lectures in our community. Anyone is invited to offer a class in their field of interest and classes are open to every one in the communtiy. I will teaching a beginner fusible class and a beginner piecing class. So far others are offering scrapbooking, ceramics, and mixed media.

I hope everyone who takes one of these classes will come to love some form of artitst expression like I have.

I'm passing on my passon for sewing, quilting, and other forms of craft and art by coordinating classes, demo's, and lectures in our community. Anyone is invited to offer a class in their field of interest and classes are open to every one in the communtiy. I will teaching a beginner fusible class and a beginner piecing class. So far others are offering scrapbooking, ceramics, and mixed media.

I hope everyone who takes one of these classes will come to love some form of artitst expression like I have.

I taught my niece to quilt about ten years ago and now we're both teaching the craft to her new stepdaughter.  It's so rewarding to see her daughter's eyes light up when she looks at new fabric.  Just like her mom!

My daughter and I are learning together to quilt...I was only a seamstress before! My 8 year old granddaughter wanted to learn to sew. So she made her first Christmas stocking! My mother was a seamstress and her mother quilted.....you have to love sewing to pass it on! I don't believe it is the person that has the most fabric when they die, but the most family and friends left behind interested in sewing & crafts because of that person, who wins! I love to sew and my friends say that when they hear me they are incouraged to learn.

Laney  

I have worked with fabric since I was a small child, making dolls clothes, and begging my Mother to teach me more.  Over the years I have shared my love of fabric, threads, beads and what nots with others through designing original projects and teaching at various venues.  I call my two daughters my "late bloomers", because it was not until they were adults that they became interested in any of my activities.  Now my youngest daughter is a social worker and works with teenage mothers.  If I win the issues, I will pass them on to her for her to share them with her group.

I m teaching my seven yer old granddaughter to sew. She loves everything I make her and now wants to make clothing and quilts for her dolls.

A few years ago, I bumped into a former coworker who introduced me to the wonderful world of quilting.  Now, it's my turn to share this new passion with my daughter.  The first quilt she made was a Christmas gift for her boyfriend ( now her fiance.)  Although we all have different styles from traditional to contemporary to retro, we all share the love of making bits & pieces into something beautiful!

I am on the Library board in my small town and this month we have started a friendship quilt. I chose a single color (purple) , a pattern (Rocky Road to Kansas), made up the kit. We pass these kits out to our library patrons, at least to those who want one, gave them until May 1, 2012 to return the blocks. At that time we will draw a name and that person wins all the blocks, and can put the top together any way he/she wants. Then we will all help quilt it.

A couple of years ago, a friend asked if I would teach her 17- yr.- old daughter to sew. She had a great time learning the basics, and I learned from her free spirit and creative mind.   She loves to re-purpose and redesign secondhand clothing finds!  This year, much to my surprise, my friend wants to learn to quilt!!   She is now working on her first quilt- a rag quilt for the family room! Pass it on - to two generations!

I wish that I could organize a good old stich n' ***, but none of my friends quilt! So I share my passion via Pinterest!

I am trying to teach one person a different type of needlework.  Cross Stitch, Quilting and Sewing   Three people will each possibly will have a new hobby. And if each teaches one....the chain will continue

I regularly lead workshop at our local group of ladies who want to have some creative items to hand down to their daughters and grand daughters that reflect them as individuals and come from the heart not the purse!!

Quilting Daily has made my crafting circle benefit in so many ways. As each of my quilting friends read your posts we constantly share your ideas and this prompts many orginal ideas to surface as we share and expand on the things we see in your articles.

What a cool idea, Pass on Your Passion! Just the way people have always learned to stitch. My mother taught me, and now I teach my 11 year-old daughter. We've sewn together since she was five (I think. Life's a blur sometimes) and now we crochet and knit together. Her first projects were craft felt suns and purses for her family and friends, now she knits scarfs and blanket squares. I am honored to know such a cool kid. I'm an assistant teacher in a Montessori school, and hope to start my preschoolers on small paper quilts made with geometric shapes soon. Long live triangles!

When I'm in a group setting I try to find the person that is struggling with their project and then attempt to use our "group wisdom" together and get past the struggle. Sometimes it is as simple as helping press or aligning the project with the pictured instructions but together we can make it happen!

I would love one of these! I've passed on my love of quilting to our daughter by teaching her to sew and quilt..

I've been a sewing since i was a teenager. Started quilting in the 80's but was often frustrated because I was never accurate enough. Thank goodness for Quilting Arts! Through it I found a whole new world of art quilts. Now I can really be creative and not worry about sewing a perfect 1/4 " seam!

i WILL SHARE WITH MY GREAT NIECE. I SEND HER FABRIC AND BOOK FORM HERE!

i WILL SHARE WITH MY GREAT NIECE. I SEND HER FABRIC AND BOOK FORM HERE!

i WILL SHARE WITH MY GREAT NIECE. I SEND HER FABRIC AND BOOK FORM HERE!

I would love to pass on my love of quilting to my adult daughter and anyone else I come across who would like to learn.  I had to self teach myself by looking at books, magazines, internet and so on.  Although, I enjoyed every minute of learning all I could about quilting, I feel it is best to teach this to other's as well.  I am a retired special education teacher but just really find joy in teaching  things that I love.  

My love of all things fabric skipped a generation...my daughters simply were not interested.  But my grandaughter is another story.  Gave her a sewing machine at age seven and without any instruction, she sat down and sewed up a dress for her doll.  It was marvelous to behold.

I would love to sew with my children, if I have any, so hopefully, in the future... But for now, I share my passion on sewing with my mom. I am originally from Japan, and since I moved here in California, I talk to my mom on the phone. Yesterday, we talked about what I'm up to / what she's up to, and I told her that I want to make a small quilt for my best friend who just had her 28th birthday. She said, "Who raised you? How come you are so sweet? I wish I could be like you." Ha, I laughed and said, "Mom, you are too busy!" She really is very busy all the time running her local waste management company. But she finds little time in between her tight schedule, and creates amazing needle work! Now, that, I definitely want to say, "I wish I could be like you!!"

I love making something for the people I love. And seeing their smiles is my energy to create more. I would like to pass on my passion for quilting, and art in general, by appreciating all of the people who support me doing it, and also, kindly be hard critics to help me see what I can't see, and share the passion together.

Ai