I am a quilter, designer and writer with more than 30 years of experience in thread, needle, yarn and figuring stuff out. I have participated in countless art shows, fairs, fests, and markets over the last 15 years.  Most recently my work has displayed at Quilt Week in Paducah in 2023 and QuiltCon 2024.
As the author of the Quilters Inspiration Deck, published by C&T Publishing, I aim to spark creativity and assist quilters in their creative practice.
I’ve been featured in the Chicago Tribune and the Beacon News, reflecting my dedication to preserving and innovating quilting traditions. A self-taught artist, I was mentored by my grandmother, mother, aunts, and peers, who instilled in me a deep connection to the tradition of women’s work. Now, as the Professor of Fiber Art at the College of DuPage, I am passionate about sharing my skills and teaching others to create with curiosity.
Through my work, I honor the legacy of quilting by connecting the past—rooted in making do with what you have and expressing resilience through struggle—to our modern need for connection and self-expression through creativity.

Hi friends! I’m Teresa.

My Philosophy

As a quilt artist, my work is deeply rooted in the rich traditions of American folk art while embracing a contemporary, intentional approach. Using repurposed fabrics, I create pieces that explore themes of heritage, community, and human connection. Traditional quilt motifs such as Sawtooth Star,  Flower Basket, and Log Cabin often appear in my work, reimagined through bold color choices. These patterns serve as bridges between the past and the present, honoring the generations of makers who came before me.
My practice is both reflective and tactile—a space where the act of making becomes meditative and meaningful. Quilting allows me to explore the intersection of craft and art, tradition and innovation, past and future. Through my work, I aim to honor the legacy of quilting while inviting viewers to see it anew: as a living, evolving art form that stitches together stories of life, love, and shared humanity.
Drawing inspiration from the resourcefulness of scrappy quilting traditions, I celebrate imperfection, contrast, and unity within my pieces. Each quilt tells a story, stitched together from fabrics with their own histories. These repurposed materials reflect both sustainability and a reverence for the ephemeral. Transforming what was once discarded into art that endures. By working with second hand textiles, I engage with themes of renewal and resilience.
Folk art influences are a constant thread in my creative process. Houses, florals, stars, and geometric repetition appear not only as design elements but also as symbols of family, resistance, belonging, and change. I am particularly drawn to the symmetry and simplicity found in folk traditions, and I reinterpret these forms to reflect a modern sensibility while preserving their timeless spirit.