Creating Appliqués

My love of fabrics grew out of my love for my Mother’s Mother, Grandmom Bessie. Throughout my childhood, Grandmom designed and sewed dresses, blouses and skirts for the women of our family. I often watched Grandmom cut, piece together and sew fabrics on her foot-pedaled Singer sewing machine. And have fond memories of going shopping with Grandmom and my Mom in the fabric stores of South 4th Street in Philadelphia.

For 30 years, my medium of choice was hand and machine sewn appliqué and stitchery wall hangings. I felt close to Grandmom Bessie when I sewed. Only in 1990, at a time of major transition in my personal life, did I feel a need to paint instead of sew.