How long I've been quilting... I have been quilting since 1979, when my roomate in college introduced me to the craft. My first quilt was a crazy quilt. I had gotten some velvet dresses and pieces of satin from the salvation army store and off I went. I sewed them by hand onto an existing comforter. Wow, what was I thinking!

I began quilting because... I began quilting mostly because I am a "crafty" person. For many years, I made quilts for my family/children, for the utility of them. It was not until 2007 when I participated in a round robin, did all that change. The genie was let out of the bottle and my creativity was sparked. 

My quilting style is... I don't think I have a style, I am NOT in the box. Each piece stands alone.

Other quilt design contests I've entered... I have never entered my work in a competition before this one. I had shown my pieces in local guild quilt shows, but not in a contest.

People who inspired me... Jane Sassaman has been influential in getting my creative side launched. In 2006 I bought her 1st book and made my version of the "Willow". Later, in 2007 I attended a lecture she put on at a local guild. She spoke of her inspiration from things around her, ie flowers, an ornate glove etc. After the lecture, I went up to her and asked her to sign my book. I don't know what happened, but I could hardly get the words out, mumbling. It was almost like she was a "rock star" and I was a freaky fan. Not one of my finer moments. And to this day, I regret not bringing in my finished Willow quilt to show her, I had left it in the car. Too frightened,  I guess to bring it in for show and tell. How ironic, since it is a great compliment to have someone copy your work that entails so much detailed work. Ugh!

I draw my inspiration from... Each project I do is an excercise of a technique or is designed to convey a story or feeling. For example, I designed a wall hanging I call "The Compass Rose". I wanted to create a story about old world shipping. I had the mariners compass as the center, map fabric and my favorite, some fabric that had etched vintage photos. It turned out awesome, the Compass Rose tells a story. My inspiration came from some pirate books I bought and a paper piecing class.

My Favorite techniques... Appliqué! By hand.

Colors or fabrics I'm attracted to...  I do not lean toward any certain type of fabric. I buy and use fabric as to what works in the project I am working on.

My fabric stash... Big!

My quilting community... I belong to one small guild of 35 women. Tuesday the 22nd was a big day for me, I got to move into the next phase of the contest and I was voted president of my guild.

My other hobbies and interests... Another hobby I have is stained glass. I crossover the patterns for each.

I entered Quilt Design Star™ 2012 because... I want to be a pattern designer. I thought this would be a great opportunity to showcase my work. I would like to work for a fabric manufacturer. Taking a fabric line and designing a pattern for that fabric for a magazine....like McCall's Quilting.

Links... Type

What you should know about me… My occupation is...I am a car salesman. When I am at a quilt retreat or class, other quilters are soooo surprised when they learn what I do. Sometimes they don't even believe me.  Oh and my car license plate reads, ARTQLTR.

I would also like to share... I am an emptynester. My husband is very supportive and has allowed me to turn our house into a studio. I have my work in process as well as completed works hanging on all the walls. Everywhere. As I create a piece, I live with it. I can work out design problems by hanging my project on the design wall in the living room. The kitchen table holds my machine. I put my cutting mat on
the flat top stove. Did I mention, I hate to cook!

Tuscany Bird (below) is Joy's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Amateur Category entry quilt.

Amish Wind (below) is Joy's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Amateur Category Challenge 1 quilt top.

Beyond Floral Gardens (below) is Joy's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Amateur Category Challenge 2 quilt top.

Moonflower Dance (below) is Joy's Quilt Design Star™ 2012 Amateur Category Challenge 3 quilt.