When I decided to return to South Florida, I moved into a neighborhood frequented by a Great Blue Heron who I often had the pleasure of encountering on my walks. For some reason, more than any other creature, the Great Blue Heron lent a touch of magic wherever I found myself, whether in a botanical garden, walking around a lake, or just looking out my window. The feeling I have when I get to experience a heron is the same feeling I wish to impart with my quilts - one of familiar, cherished company, of nesting amongst Florida’s landscape, of immersion in magic and love.

There really is not one set measurement of time for how long it takes to complete a quilt, and I also have never truly measured it. Some quilts move more quickly than others due to a surge of inspiration or energy, while others may be put down and picked up a year later. Some quilts never even make it to quilts, but may become quilted pouches or sachets instead. Each piece is one of a kind, individually crafted in the time it took to make it a work of art.

All quilts are pieced and/or quilted with one sewing machine, my Janome Memory Craft 6700P. I do not have or use a long-arm machine, and do not send quilts to be long-armed. Sometimes I hand-sew or hand-tie for quilting, and other times I use my Janome to quilt with simple lines and occasional use of decorative stitches. I love my Janome, it’s size, the all-metal body, and its resiliency throughout daily sewing.

I unexpectedly purchased this machine at the South Florida Quilt Expo and am so glad I did. If you are interested in sewing, I highly recommend purchasing a machine at a quilt show - you get to test it out and will likely get a great deal!

Each quilt contains a diverse array of fabrics sourced from multiple origins. Sometimes quilts are primarily comprised of repurposed clothing, while other times scraps are sourced from fellow quilters and textile suppliers. I occasionally source small amounts of yardage from ethical manufacturers and resellers, and lately have been pursuing more hand-dyed and naturally dyed fabrics.

I source vintage cutter quilts and occasionally turn them into pouches, jackets, and/or sachets. If something like the binding is frayed or there is just minor wear, I also may just replace the binding and do some minor touching-up so it can feel revived and continue to be enjoyed as a quilt.

My decision-making for this work is as follows:
1. Does the quilt have a provenance? If so, I will not cut the quilt.

2. Does the quilt clearly belong to a particular community and/or cultural tradition of quilting (e.g. Amish)? If so, I will not cut the quilt.

3. Is the quilt in excellent condition and would likely be enjoyed in the form it was originally intended? If so, I will not cut the quilt.

I tend to actually buy already-cut pieces of cutter quilts rather than the complete quilts themselves. These pieces tend to have minimal wear compared with the rest of the cutter quilt. It is a great honor to experience vintage quilts and give them new life for others to continue enjoying them for years to come.

I am open to creating a custom quilt that combines your vision and my particular style and skillset. If you are interested, please contact me via the Contact page and I will be in touch shortly to discuss options and next steps. Examples of completed custom quilts are located in the Gallery.

Yes, all quilts are made in a smoke-free home.

I am a proud cat mama to two fur babies. If you have a cat allergy, you should not purchase a quilt from Blue Heron Quilts.

Ideally, quilts are spot-cleaned and line-dried. As needed, quilts can be machine washed with a Color Catcher Sheet on delicate, and line-dried.

All sales are final, and I cannot guarantee that I will be able to successfully mend the issue with your quilt. However, I welcome you sending it to me so that I can attempt to mend it for a fee, though the mending work may be visible. If binding begins to wear, I could replace the binding for a fee. My goal is for you to have this quilt for generations.

All sales are final.

The following resources inspire me:

1. South Florida Modern Quilt Guild. I serve on the Board and am so grateful to learn from these wonderful quilters. This guild offers exceptional programming, monthly meetings, and a robust membership of folks who do not hesitate to offer their skills and wisdom to support new learners. You do not have to live in South Florida to join - we have remote members all over the country.

2. Quiltfolk. Their publications and programs are unparalleled. Whether you are interested in learning basic sewing skills or about cultural quilting traditions around the world, their content is well-curated, accessible, and always interesting.

3. The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin. This book is not about quilting specifically, but about being a creative person and channeling your inner creative flow state to create art. If I can recommend any single book, it is this one.

4. Seamside Podcast by Zak Foster. I'm really not much of a podcast listener but I find this one to get at the heart of how quilts connect us. It always inspires me to listen to this podcast, whether it's an episode of "Free Advice" or a deeper dive into a quilter's journey.