Artist's Statement

A self-confessed fabric-aholic, I can’t pass up beads, buttons, yarns and other wonderful things. I am perpetually pushing myself to use new media, techniques and embellishments including sheet metal, old keys (flattened and curled), leather, and the above-mentioned goodies. Color, texture, light and movement are an important part of my work. I especially like being challenged to brainstorm and work “outside the box” with a theme for a specific show or event.

Biography

Stephanie received her first sewing machine at age ten and designed her first garment just two years later, a madras swimsuit which she wore to the local swim club. She discovered quilting in 1973. The early ‘80’s found her designing and manufacturing appliquéd children’s wear for boutiques, which sold through the Apparel Mart in Chicago. Her 1991 marriage to husband, Bill, and two teenage daughters turned her focus to bridals and formalwear, which she custom designs for her clients.

A 2002 graduate of Fashion Design from Harper College in Palatine, Illinois, she studied various embellishment techniques which she uses in her award winning garments. One of those winners was in Threads Magazine’s Inspired By Threads - A Fashion Challenge published in the May 2003 edition. “Hollyhock” charmed judges at both Harper and Threads with its bobbin lace, applique, beading and handkerchief hemline. It was also published on the front page of the Northwest Neighborhood section of the Chicago Daily Herald and seen on the runway at the Textile Center of Minnesota in 2005. Stephanie received cash scholarship awards from Supreme Fabrics, Northwest Suburban Women’s Club and Harper College.

A recent Judge’s Choice winner in Houston and 1st Runner-up at Mid-Atlantic is “Postcard: Greetings From China.” This three piece ensemble depicts the wonders of her trip to China with the use of piecing, applique, machine embroidery, quilting, Chinese coins, freshwater pearls, stenciling and other embellishments, including a 3-D chrysanthemum, featured on her own jacket and pant designs.

Her quilt “Effervescent Joy” has won ribbons at every show it was entered including a Best of Show in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin and first place at Quilt Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, third place in Houston, and Honorable Mention in Paducah.

The marriage of quilting and garment design continues to keep Stephanie busy. She has recently published two patterns for sweatshirt embellishment.

Stephanie lectures on “Wearable Postcards” and sells through the Textile Center of Minnesota.