After retiring from a career in retail in 2018, the first thing I wanted to do was to learn to quilt. After a one day ‘Learn to quilt class’ I was hooked. But I didn’t know any other quilters. I soon found Inland Empire Quilt Guild and found lots of quilting friends. Between retreats and our monthly meetings I have learned so much, but there is always some new techniques to keep challenging myself.

I first learned to sew back in high school, mostly making clothes for fun. Years later, in May 2019, I decided to try something new and signed up for a “Learn to Quilt” class at JoAnn’s in Moreno Valley. Just as I was getting into it, the pandemic hit in March 2020, and JoAnn’s had to close. Even with the world on pause, I kept sewing and would travel all the way to Rowland Heights for longarm quilting services. Eventually, I returned to the JoAnn’s near me in Corona, where I met Rashell Tye. She introduced me to Jason Russell for longarm work, and that connection turned out to be a game-changer—his wife was the president of the Inland Empire Quilters Guild (IEQG)! I joined the guild in 2021, when meetings were still held on Zoom. From that point on, everything changed. Being part of the IEQG has filled a huge void that Covid left in my life. Honestly, I believe this guild saved me—it gave me community, creativity, and a sense of purpose again.  

I am married with three daughters. I have been sewing since I was 4, with a needle and scrap fabric from my grandmother. When I was about 20 I started making rag quilts and from there evolved to pieced quilt tops. I love to make quilts using traditional blocks in modern colors and prints. I will forever love stitching as it brings me so much joy. I look forward to serving on the board this year. 

Unlike many of her fellow quilters, Sheila came from a long line of “non” sewers. At the age of 13 her passion lead to sewing when her grandmother bought her first turquoise Singer sewing machine (which she still owns). Starting with garment sewing she moved into home decor design and crafts and then quilting. Since taking her first quilting class in college over 45 years ago she hasn’t stopped! Joining IEQG in 2005 she has held many chair and board positions including president. She loves trying new patterns and techniques but spends most of her time on her long arm machine!

While working full time continues to fund my hobbies of quilting and collecting fabric, I do find the time to enjoy retreats and sew days with my quilty friends. I’ve quilted for more than 20 years, owing that passion to my Great Grandma, Grandma, Mom, Auntie and Great Aunties. I am a “happy” quilter that doesn’t stress over the perfection of it, I call it pattern modification and move on. I am lucky to have a husband that shares my stash and long arms my quilts for me.