Hello and Welcome!

My Quilting Journey
I’m Dana, and I’ve been passionate about sewing and quilting for as long as I can remember. My sewing journey actually began at just 8 years old when I would load my Singer sewing machine into a little red wagon and pull it to Sears for sewing lessons. Before long, I was creating my own clothing, swimsuits, prom dresses, and eventually even my wedding dress.

In 2001, I made my very first quilt, Hearts and Nine Patches, and everything changed. What started as a single project quickly became a lifelong passion. Hand appliqué, precise piecing, and free-motion quilting captured my heart, and like many quilters, I became completely hooked. Just two years later, in 2003, I began teaching quilting and have loved sharing this craft with others ever since.

Why I Love Teaching
I enjoy teaching quilters of all skill levels and exploring a wide variety of techniques. My current creative obsession is foundation paper piecing, but I truly appreciate every step of the quilting process—from selecting fabrics and cutting pieces to pressing seams and stitching on the final label. Every quilt tells a story, and every step is part of the journey.

Some of my favorite classes are beginner quilting classes. There is nothing quite like seeing a student’s face light up during that first “aha!” moment when everything clicks. It’s a joy to welcome new quilters into this wonderful and supportive community that we all love so much. I look forward to sharing my love of quilting with you and helping you create something beautiful.

Judging Journey
My journey to becoming a quilt judge has been both inspiring and rewarding. As a proud member of the Folsom Quilt & Fiber Guild since 2008, I have served in many committee roles and currently oversee the judging room for the guild’s annual Quilt Show. Through the Quilt Judge Training Association, I deepened my understanding of the thoughtful evaluation process that honors each maker’s artistry and skill. Graduating from the program represents an important milestone in my quilting path, reflecting both my dedication to the craft and my commitment to encouraging excellence in the quilting community. My goal as a judge is to provide constructive, educational feedback while respecting each quilter’s unique creative voice.

Yearly Quilt Retreat
I host a yearly quilt retreat in the beautiful town of Murphy’s, CA. It is 4 days of friendship, laughter, field trips, wonderful food, sharing, meeting newcomers, and, of course, quilting the night away! I am incredibly blessed to fill the retreat every year, and 2026 marks the 5th anniversary. This retreat is meant to be a recharge, to get some UFO’s completed, or if it’s naps you need, then every day can be nap day.

Life Outside the Sewing Room
When I’m not teaching, I work as a Regional Safety Director for a large commercial general contractor. I live in Northern California at the base of the beautiful foothills and am blessed to be the mom of one favorite daughter and one favorite son, as well as grandma to nine amazing grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Our family loves dogs, and my two faithful companions are Buddy, a Labrador, and Dora, our rescue pup. Buddy even inspired one of my quilt designs, Dog Tooth Star—a name that comes from a memorable incident in which he chewed pieces of a quilt that was still in progress. Outside of quilting, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, thrifting, antiquing, and spending time with my beautiful granddaughter Maddie, who lives in SoCal, where the beach calls to us both.

I also have a special love for antique and orphaned quilt tops. Whenever I come across one, I can’t help but wonder about the quilter who started it. I hope to honor their work by appreciating, preserving, and caring for those unfinished treasures, carrying their story forward one stitch at a time.

Join the fun, sign up for a class today!

Dana