. . . ABOUT ME . . .
(Because it is ALWAYS about me, me, me!)
WHATeveeerrrr ! ! !
I am a fiber artist who creates quilted works of functional and decorative art. I learned to hand quilt after suffering a disabling injury that required me to be in bed the majority of the day. Fortunately, it grew into a passion and has become an important part of my recovery and life.

Shortly after learning to sew by hand and only days after learning to sew on the machine, my partner, Jen, came home to a pair of plaid, stretch, corduroy cargo pants with a zipper and darts that I had made all by myself as my first garment construction project. Baffled that I had managed to get the plaid aligned and the zipper in correctly, she said, “Uh… I think you are a natural.” Since then Jen has been my most outspoken fan and coach.

I carefully design and construct every item by hand to create one of a kind art. Each piece I make is signed and dated.

The wall hangings you see are just a small part of what I create. My functional artworks include wall hangings, art quilts for cribs and nurseries, throws and bed quilts; fiber trivets/hot pads for the kitchen and dining room, and aprons. My enthusiasm to create is fueled by my unique collection of hand dyed fabrics many of which are shipped from Bali, Japan, Africa, and Australia. I also have fabrics that have been hand dyed by artists based in the United States.

Two facts about my sewing history:  The summer before seventh grade I became interested in sewing.  My mother wanted to encourage me and protect me so she gave me a hand sewing project and forbade me to use the sewing machine.  I got so bored with sewing by hand and knowing that I wasn't going to be allowed near the sewing machine, I decided that sewing probably wasn't "my thing" and quit.

Another fact: My mother ALWAYS got after me for not being able to match my clothes, so either she had a decidedly different way of matching than I had, or I developed my eye for colors when I grew that big astigmatism in my left eye right around 2000.  Considering that I started sewing in 2003, that's three good years for that astigmatism to blossom---like bacteria in a petri dish.  We would have never discovered penicillin if Alexander Fleming hadn't been such a slacker and left his petri dish lid off allowing his bacteria to get contaminated. Clearly I digress, BUT I must note that my mom and dad would be proud that I am still applying all those years of studying molecular biology in college to my everyday life.  You didn't waste your money mom and dad!!!

Anyhoo...some other facts about me: I have a twisted sense of humor, I’m outspoken (those who know me will think that this is an understatement), and I am, at times, obsessive and compulsive (yet another understatement, I can sense my friends rolling their eyes RIGHT NOW).  It's the OCD stuff that drives me through projects so I'm not complaining.

I love to read, travel, cook, and go to the theater. The two latest CDs I enjoy listening to are The Dixie Chicks: Taking the Long Way, and Ani Difranco: Canon. Both CDs happening to be fantastic! Two of the best books I have read recently are Sarah Vowell’s: Assassination Vacation, and Manhunt: The 12 Day Chase for Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson.

I have narcolepsy that involves cataplexy, and I am also willing to share my experience with those of you who suspect that you may have a sleeping disorder as well.  Meaning, you can contact me about my work or you can contact me about my sleep.


CONTACT ERICA BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE QUILTS AND AVAILABILITY