Hello First name / Friend,

 

You may have wondered where I've been and what’s been unfolding in my life since my last newsletter six months ago. With profound sadness, I had to say goodbye to my beloved Digger Dog, who passed away unexpectedly from internal bleeding in mid-January. 

 

I couldn’t bring myself to write about him until now (see below), nor share much on social media. I allowed myself the grace to step back and grieve. It’s been a challenging winter and spring—a time marked by deep sorrow and reflection. 

 

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to the Brave Patch community and the Improv That Block Squad for standing with me through this grief. Teaching and improvising with you gave me purpose and a creative outlet, helping me stay connected to life’s flow. You’ve all created some truly amazing quilts this season!

 

Even amid sorrow, there have been bright moments of belonging and creative inspiration—especially during the Blossom retreat at Clos Mirabel in May. The nurturing atmosphere, delicious food, and joyful connections were healing. I was once again amazed by my talented students (below) - see the quilts they made here. I learned so much about curves, and even more about how to teach them in a way that empowers people to OWN their voice in curves. So much so, I’m launching a new online series of essential Improv Curve workshops this fall—a primer designed to help you truly own your curves. (read more below)

 

 

Which leads me to share the BIG news. As I embrace this new chapter of wisdom, the call of fresh adventures grows stronger. With Digger gone and my house paid off by August 2028, a season of transition is upon me. 

 

I’ve decided to spend a year living and creating abroad—most likely in France. No, I don’t speak French yet, but yes, I’m starting in-person French lessons this fall! 

 

From August 2027 through August 2028, I’m taking a digital sabbatical—a gap year dedicated to nurturing my own creative practice. During this time, I’ll focus on making art for myself and exploring new sources of visual and cultural inspiration. It’s a chance to recharge, step back from online teaching and social media, and reflect on how I want to engage as a teacher and guide when I return. I won’t vanish completely; I plan to send quarterly updates. My newsletter will be the best way to stay informed on my adventures!

 

That said, I’ll still be available for in-person retreats, especially across Europe and the UK. I’m eager to meet quilters and artists, build connections, and immerse myself in creative communities while living there.

 

If you’re in Europe or the UK and interested in having me teach at your guild, conference, or organizing a retreat for your community, please get in touch! I’m also seeking places to stay or rent for extended periods. If you have an empty apartment, a vacation villa, know of artist residencies, or have regional recommendations or connections, I’d love to hear from you. I’ve officially entered my season of sabbatical planning! 

 

Whatever becomes part of the heart’s circling journey will endure. May your purpose infuse your daily life, and may the universe conspire to grant all you seek.

 

My digital sabbatical is still more than a year away, and I’m looking forward to two more seasons of improvising with you online—this fall and the first half of 2027. 

 

Inspired by the Blossom retreat at Clos Mirabel in May, I designed a comprehensive trio of Improv Curve online workshops that capture the essence of what we explored in person. After reflecting on all the curve classes I’ve taught and could teach, I selected three fresh approaches to teaching improv curves online. The Improv Curve Primer Series offers a well-rounded, connected curriculum that will boost your confidence and flow, deepen your curve skills, and train your mind to think in curves—not squares.

 

Save the dates!

 

 

Registration opens July 15. Meanwhile, follow my engineering journey this summer as I blend past curve demos into a new maximalist mashup. I'll share insights through a brief series of newsletters and IG posts. Sign up on my website for an exclusive insider discount and watch the process unfold!

I completed the Floating Squares quilt (above) for Clos Mirabel, crafted primarily from linens discarded by the manor house. I began it during the August 2025 retreat and joyfully presented it as a gift at the May 2026 retreat.

 

I also finished ‘Rainbow’s End’ (below with detail), a 50 x 53 inch quilt made between 2020 and 2026 from cotton, wool, buttons, and thread, all hand-stitched.

 

This piece is part of a series of small ‘Constellation Quilts’ that have emerged since the pandemic. They evoke imagined realms from my inner universe, quilted with delicate lines connecting button ‘stars’. I continue to be drawn to this relaxed, decorative style of hand quilting, and the way it adds another layer of complexity to the composition.

 

 

I began several promising works-in-progress during the Improv That Block Squad, Fan (above left), which shifts north according to my mood, and Strings (above right). While I’m unsure where these pieces will lead or if I’ll ultimately like them, what matters most is that I’m creating receptively, and trusting their meaning will unfold in time.

 

 

My trip to France in May alone could fill an entire newsletter. I desperately needed this break—travel proved the perfect remedy, lifting my spirits and renewing my hope for what lies ahead! Here's my water color of a little slice of the of the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris. Notice the photo bombing bird in the upper left corner. 

 

 

As many of you know, Digger came into my life after I found him on the rough streets of East Oakland in March 2018. He moved with me to Cincinnati and accompanied me on quilting retreats. He was my constant companion, and it was a profound honor to be his best friend and caretaker. For eight years, Digger was my everything—my purpose. 

 

During this time of loss, I have found comfort by reflecting on the gifts he brought into my life: patience, forgiveness, confidence, sweetness, joy, and the true meaning of loving and caring for another being. He introduced me to new friendships and connected me with neighbors during our walks. Most of all, Digger taught me how to love myself unconditionally. His gifts and presence will remain forever in my heart. I’m grateful that some of you had the chance to meet him, and many have known him through the photos I’ve shared over the years.

 

Not long before he passed, I looked at him and said quietly, “Digger, if we travel together in another life and you are the person while I am the dog, I hope you will love and cherish me as much as I love and cherish you.” He responded with some sweet licks and we got on with our day.