My love for sewing and fabric is a gift from my Mom and it was my sister, Rose, who introduced me to the world of quilts. Rose discovered the "new" world of quilting in the 1970's, when the quilting craze began to blossom. She was a fantastic teacher. My Mom was a great seamstress and she was very well taught. She patiently and generously began teaching me little things about sewing when I was just 3 years old. During the summer when I was 11, I began learning how to sew in earnest. She also taught me how different fibers felt by touch and what different weave types were named by sight. I loved sewing then and still do, obviously. It's quite lovely for a mother to give her daughter both a source for her livelihood and a source for great creative joy.
I've worn lots of hats over the years, from being a costumer to manufacturing gifts and decorative accessories during the 1980's. It was my great honor to write how-to books for Sterling/Chapelle for over a decade and now I create for Mary Jo Hiney Designs, my favorite work ever. The idea for Silk Adaptation arrived early one morning as Divine Inspiration! My family, my dear friends and our doggie never stop offering support and just plain 'ol good advice and logical ideas. They are the best inspiration for which a girl could ever ask. I have a degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, where I received the noteworthy Peacock Award upon graduation! It's a feather in my cap!
Two of my greatest pleasures have been to sew gorgeous wedding dresses for two gorgeous young women, our daughter, Lexi (who wanted a princess gown) and our daughter-in-law Marissa (who wanted a Jean Harlow gown). They were spectacularly beautiful on their wedding days, but they are beautiful every day....as are we all, right? I've included a few of my favorite family photos on this page.
I love the phrase "for such a time as this" and have borrowed it from the book of Esther, with great thanks for her inspiration.
Enjoy your journey through my website!
  
The Princess Gown! The Jean Harlow Gown! M'riss & Joshie!
 
Here's my Mom! and my husband, Ev Marissa, MJ, Claire Bear and Lexi
 
Lexi and Ian, with their bridal party! Lexi, my Mom and Claire Bear
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