Jean’s interest in quilts and quilting led her to Heirloom Machine Quilting in 1989, attending a number of workshops to develop her skills.  Living in Galesburg, IL, her background in education and teaching years for Il public schools and The Galesburg Sewing Center are now used in quilting classes for area quilt guilds and shops.

Jean is a member of the National Quilting Association, The American Quilters’ Society, The International Quilting Association, Land of Lincoln Quilting Association and a founding member and advisor for ten years for the Piecemakers’ Guild of Galesburg.  She was inducted into the Illinois Quilters’ Hall of Fame, September 2003.

Membership in Quilting Organizations:

International Quilting Association

American Quilter’s Society

National Quilting Association

Land of Lincoln Quilting Association

Piecemakers’ Quilt of Galesburg

Jean’s quilts have been published in Harriet Hargrave’s Heirloom Machine Quilting Books, the American Quilters’ Society Engagement Calendar, The American Quilters’ Society Magazine and Great American Quilts 1998 and 2004.

Her quilts have been juried into many shows including shows at the American Quilters’ Society, Paducah, KY, the National Quilting Association and the International Quilt Association, Houston, TX.

She has won numerous awards including First Place for Merit Machine Quilting at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, November 2002 and 2005; Best Workmanship Award at the Heritage Quilt Celebration, Lancaster, PA; Bernina Award for Best Machine Quilting at Quilt America; Judge’s Award at the American Quilting Society Show.  She is also a two time winner of the National Quilting Association’s Best Machine Quilting Award.

Fussy Cut Piece (Quilt Block)

Machine Quilting Example

Jean has made many quilts for her family including a special one for each grandchild’s graduation to take to college.  She and husband, Don, are retired and enjoy traveling and visiting their family of seven children, seventeen grandchildren and one great grandchild.