How long I've been quilting...  I’ve been quilting since about 1998, when I discovered that fabrics had changed a great deal since my old clothing construction days. I fell in love with the gorgeous choices available and haven’t looked back since.

I began quilting because... In a small local quilt shop I saw fabulous fabrics such as zebra, giraffe, lady bug and so much more. I first made a quilted Noah’s Ark vest. Then I took a beginner’s quilting class and was hooked.

My quilting style is... Of course my style has evolved from sticking quite precisely to purchased patterns to doing all the steps by myself. I have made lots of memory quilts that chronicle everything from my husband’s life, my grandmother’s crocheted doilies, the schools where I taught, my mother’s embroidered dish towels, to a small hanky quilt that displays my own baby jewelry. In short, I like to make meaningful quilts that are unique and memorable.

Other quilt design contests I've entered... Until recently I have never considered myself a designer—just a quilter who is gutsy enough to enter quilt shows and occasionally win a prize.

People who inspired me... In Utah there are lots of wonderful quilting teachers who have aided me in learning basic skills. I find that although some of the classes I take now are just for fun, I invariably learn some new trick that I can put to good use.

I draw my inspiration from... My imagination is sparked by the unusual. I hardly ever make square or rectangular quilts anymore, unless it is specifically for use on a bed. I find it is fun to try new shapes, but the folks who hang my quilts at the quilt show are often a bit dismayed.

My Favorite techniques... I love to do everything by hand—hand piecing, hand applique, hand quilting. Sometimes the only machine work on one of my quilts will be when I apply the binding. At that point I like the strength of the machine going through all those layers.

Colors or fabrics I'm attracted to... I love all colors as you can see by my initial competition entry. I like the way colors play on each other and make new patterns that were unseen before.

My fabric stash... Of course I have fabric, but not rooms full! My contest entry quilt was made entirely from my stash of colors. I finally had to break down and buy some yellow yardage for the scrollwork. Most of my stash is small pieces as I do a lot of applique work, and you don’t need much yardage for that. Fabric manufacturers do not love me.

My quilting community... I belong to the Utah Quilt Guild organization where I am a Rep. for the South Salt Lake Area. I also belong to two smaller groups where I can associate with appreciative friends.

My other hobbies and interests... I spend some of my time being a docent at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City. On holidays and during peak visitor seasons I often wear a pioneer costume and talk to patrons as I spin wool. Most people are amazed at the magic of spinning yarn.  I also talk to them about silk and the silk industry that was carried on in Utah from 1855 to 1905. There are lots of Mulberry trees here in the state.

I entered Quilt Design Star™ 2012 because... I entered Quilt Design Star on a whim on the very first day the submissions opened.  Once I pushed the “submit” button there was no turning back—at least I couldn’t find the “undo” button.

What you should know about me… I’m a retired school teacher. I have three lovely grown up children who have grown up children of their own. I have eight grandchildren and three great granddaughters. My husband passed away nearly three years ago after a lengthy illness. A great memory I have is sitting by his side talking about his life as I made a quilt that depicted the many facets of a life well lived.

The Gate (below) is Donna's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Amateur Category entry quilt.

Lime Twist (below) is Donna's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Amateur Category Challenge 1 quilt top.

Aladdin's Window (below) is Donna's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Amateur Category Challenge 2 quilt top.

The Long and Short of It (below) is Donna's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Amateur Category Challenge 3 quilt.

Click here to read more about Donna's Challenge 3 quilt at KSL.com