…where finding joy in all things "stitching" came at a very young age.

Some of my earliest memories place me in a sunny kitchen with a small basket of brightly coloured threads calling my name and enticing me to play. Also on my lap was a square of cotton muslin with a pretty little printed pattern on it. I was mesmerized, under a spell. It was a moment of quiet joy and the opportunity to explore and create magic with those cheerful threads.

That feeling of inner joy that stitching brings, and the eagerness to create has never left me and has been a constant companion throughout most of my life. Since those early days, embroidery has remained a staple in my sewing repertoire, and my experience has grown to include garment sewing, home décor, quilting and now boutis.

Travels in France introduced me to the mesmerizing world of boutis, but living in the Canadian prairies at the time, (a time before the internet allowed unlimited access to any and all information), the possibility to learn more about it was not readily available. It wasn't until a move to the south of France in 2005 allowed me the opportunity to pursue my interest and learn this classic, traditional French needlework technique from some of today's most skilled artisans in the craft.

Back in Canada now and living in Vancouver, my initial interest in boutis has grown into a passion and has become a constant companion in my day to day world. As I learned (and continue to learn) more about technique and history, designing my own patterns, based on the traditional French methods, has been another natural extension.

As my knowledge of the craft increases, so does my passion to pursue it. Welcome to Seamsfrench, where I share my love of boutis and other stitch and fibre traditions and techniques.