I started sewing around the age of seven, making dolls clothes on a treadle sewing machine, which I still have. There has been a needle of some description in my hand ever since. To formalise my knowledge I undertook a four year needlework course at Tumut TAFE and was a dressmaker for over 10 years.

My interest in quilting goes back more than 30 years. I took the plunge in 1992, joined The Canberra Quilters Guild, made some wonderful friends, and obtained my teacher accreditation with the ACT Guild in 1999.

I purchased a long arm Handiquilter machine in 2012 allowing me to expand my quilting services for my many appreciative clients.

I also love machine embroidery, designing patterns on the computer and bringing them to life on a towel or cushion and I enjoy Crewel and Brazilian embroidery. I have spent many an hour in front of our fireplace completing intricate cross stitch designs.

Design and Teaching
Irene is an intuitive designer, who is aware of her environment and applies her extensive quilting knowledge to bring design inspirations to the cutting table. Notable examples have come from architectural floor tiles, ceiling patterns, rock formations in a paddock, autumn tree shades and of course fabrics from around the world. She is known for her ability to create patchwork designs that form patterns with secondary and tertary patterns, using careful selection of colour and colour value.

Irene would say she is biased to traditional quilting. Creating patchwork with repeating patterns using blocks and colour. Irene has created wonderful examples of contemporary and art quilts and is known for her custom quiltng of art quilts. Her versality and extensive patchwork and quilting knowledge allows her to inspire and assist her students to produce unique quilts in all genres to a high standard.

She has collaborated with up and coming dress designers, quilt artists and with commercial enterprises, such as businesses producing quilted sofas and quilted boat cushions, to assist others to bring quilting design and techniques into interesting areas.

Her ability has been enabled by formal study, commitment to sound technique,  openness to new ideas and people excited by the creative process.

Accreditations
Irene is an accredited patchwork and quilting teacher through the ACT Quilters Guild.
She is a member of the NSW Quilters' Guild, was Secretary of the NSW Guild in 2002/2003 and is an active member of Illawarra Quilters.

Irene studied Pattern Making and Garment Assembly at Tumut TAFE. She integrates these professional techniques into her quilting classes.

Irene is an approved Liquid Radiance instructor providing workshops in fabric colouring.