I was born and raised in a small rural community in northern Alberta. I am 1 of 14 kids in our family.

I watched my mother, my grandmother, and my older sisters sew, and was always fascinated by the “process” of turning a piece of fabric into a new garment, or a blanket, or curtains, or what have you.

I took an interest in sewing when I was very young. I was probably around 10. I didn’t dare use my mom’s sewing machine, until I was about 12. After I did, I know I broke a lot of needles!

In high school, our school offered an option in sewing. I took what was called “Dress 10”
and “Dress 20” in grades 11 and 12.  We had to make a jacket, a blouse, vest, and a skirt or pants. I succeeded in making those – the garments looked good, and they actually fit me correctly.

I want to thank my sewing teacher, Linda Mooney. She was a formidable lady, and one very patient woman.

When I did not have something proper to wear to an event, I would find fabric and often make myself a skirt. I made myself a suit jacket and skirt to go to an interview one time. I did not get that job, but I was very well dressed and proud of how I looked for that interview.

I have my Maman, Armande (Sirois) Thibault to thank for that, and my Memere Eva Sirois. I give a lot of credit to my sisters Mariette and Joyceline, because I loved hanging out with those two when they were sewing. I was so fascinated by their skill level, and the beautiful things they made. I have learned so much from them and still am to this day.

I’d often go browsing in stores, just to see the latest fashions, and then I would go home and try to replicate them. It was cheaper to buy fabric, and a pattern and to sew it myself.

Fast forward to now, and 50 years of sewing later, I have made a lot of things: clothing for myself, my kids, and now my grandkids. I made my husband a winter jacket, and 30 years later, he’s still wearing it. I have made quilts of all sizes – queen, double, throws, crib and mini quilts. I’ve lost track of how many. I replace zippers in coats, and jeans, and I hem dresses, and pants, etc. Check out my photo library and you will find samples of things I’ve made. I hope you enjoy the photos, perhaps something in my photos will catch your eye or inspire you.