I started my quilting career over 20 years ago doing very simple quilts with panels and tie knots for grandchildren. Along the way I learned, by video and website challenges, the art of piecing quilt tops and free-motion quilting with my small domestic sewing machine. In 2017, I bought a large computerized Brother sewing machine and Grace quilting frame. Although both upgrades allowed me to become pretty good at free motion quilting and use of rulers, I was not satisfied. I realized a great passion growing in me — the reward of creating beautiful heirlooms with fabric!
In 2019, I had the opportunity to purchase a long-arm quilting machine, a HandiQuilter Forte with ProStitcher computerized software. Needing a larger area to work, my husband and son remodeled a space in the basement to accommodate the 12-foot frame and ALL of my sewing machines and fabric storage. The space was like a little bit of heaven for me--a refuge from the stresses and struggles of working full-time in healthcare.
In 2020, I retired from the nursing profession, and we sold our home to move back into the Galesville, WI area. Wanting to continue to use the long-arm quilting machine while our house was built, I located and rented a vacant shop in Galesville to set up the frame and quilt for other people. I have been fortunate to solicit customers by performing edge-to-edge quilting designs, trimming, and completing the binding on their quilts. I construct and finish quilts made from meaningful family treasures: T-shirts, clothing, aprons, pillowcases, and quilt blocks from past quilting endeavors.
Over the past two years, the shop’s inventory has expanded to include several fabric lines. We have a selection of precut fabrics: jellyrolls, layercakes, and charm packs. Additionally, quilters can find bolts of batik fabric, and several lines of cotton yardage for quilting and sewing projects. Inventory is rounded out with quilt patterns and sewing notions. I continue to work on my own quilts and smaller projects, offering handmade items for purchase in the shop.
So . . . why the name “Queen Bee Quilts Wisconsin”? I received the nickname of “queen” when I was born the first daughter after two sons; the nickname has remained strong throughout my life. My husband is responsible for the rest of the name; our children agree with him when he states “You ARE Queen Bee”.