I was born in Friesland, in the north of Holland on a dairy farm (at left, a picture of my father and I, in native costume!). After high school, I went to teacher's college for 5 years, where – among other things – I had to study Home Economics. We were given extensive instruction in needlework, knitting, and crocheting.I also took special classes in art and art history, which would enable me to teach at a high school level. After teaching in a small rural school for two years, I immigrated to Canada.
In 1972, I married and moved to Moorefield (in Ontario, Canada), and in 1975 we took over my in-law's dairy farm. My mother-in-law taught me to piece quilts, and over the years I pieced several. But it was not until I learned about appliqué quilts that I discovered my true passion. In 1994, I took a 10-month class from Rosemary Makhan and I have never looked back!
My first appliquéd quilt (left) was a traditional Baltimore album. Since that time I have made traditional as well as more modern pieces. I enjoy working with shaded, wired ribbon and experimenting with different flower shapes. My interest in gardening and flowers has served me well!Over the years I have taught many classes, first in wheat-weaving and now in appliqué -- something I thoroughly enjoy.
