Grandmother gave each of her six grandchildren a quilt for Christmas in the mid-seventies. I received a Dresden plate quilt and was instantly intrigued by the colorful geometric shapes made of fabric and assembled into a beautiful quilt – all produced by hand, of course. I began to ask her questions about how she made quilts and her answers provided fuel for what would eventually become my passion.

I took my first quilting class in 1992 and like many quilters, I was smitten! I have been making quilts furiously ever since that first class. My quilting friends will tell you I am an “eclectic” quilter. I have made quilts from many styles and types of fabric using different techniques and rulers. I’m affectionately known as the “gadget girl”. If there’s a product on the market to make my results more efficient and accurate, I want to know about it and use it! However, at the end of the day, I have to say I favor pieced, traditional looking quilts, but I am also drawn to the beauty of applique, as well as hand embroidered designs. You will see my patterns incorporate a lot of different styles of fabrics and a combination of quilting techniques.

Besides my passion for creating quilts, I am also passionate about teaching others quilting skills. My classes are upbeat and positive and full of solid techniques to give all levels of quilters new confidence.  I have been teaching quilting classes for 13 years including beginning quilting, beginning hand embroidery, basic paper piecing, and wool applique.   I also led a well-attended Hand Embroidery Club for 5 years and currently lead a Stitch Club for wool applique and hand embroidery. In addition, I co-owned and operated Sisters' Scraps Quilt Shop in Amarillo, TX with four other women partners for 9 years.

I am also an avid gardener and was certified by the State of Texas as a Master Gardener.  You will see nature reflected in many of my designs, as flowers, birds, butterflies, turtles, and frogs are some of my favorite things in God’s creation.

I am blessed to have a very supportive and loving family including two children, six grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. I live in Amarillo, Tx with my husband, Bud, and my tuxedo cat, Sophie.

It is my sincere desire to share my passion for quilting and inspire creativity in others through my quilt designs.

Janice Joyner