My name is Yvonne Cunningham. I live in Oxford, Michigan with my husband Denny, my son Bryan (15 yrs), daughter Cathryn (13 yrs). We enjoy attending their school sports activities (soccer, track, cheerleading). I am fortunate to have my Mother, Frances living with me also. My daughter Becky (23 yrs) recently moved to Chicago. My husband’s first four sons are all married and have beautiful children of their own. Three of his sons live in Michigan and one lives in California.

My Mother and Grandmother taught me to sew and be creative as a young child. This was a wonderful experience for me, having made my first simple “wearable” garment at 5 years old. I learned to sew, crochet, and challenge myself with many types of crafts. I liked sewing best and started making custom wedding dresses in 1982.

In 1990, my husband and I joined a medieval re-creation group called the S.C.A. (Society for Creative Annacronism). Through this group, I learned to sew and create many elaborate, historically accurate, medieval gowns, other garments and accessories. Through the SCA I learned spinning, knitting, tatting, weaving, smocking, applique, stained glass and many other fine arts.

I have always had a knack for computers and looked for a way to combined that with my passion for sewing. In 1992 I opened my own commercial embroidery business (monogramming and custom design digitizing). Although I have let the business fade, having to return to the workforce five years ago, I still do some embroidery for my family and friends and look forward to learning to use the embroidery equipment for quilting.

With all of the sewing and crafting experience I have had, I have always wanted to learn to quilt. I had sewed many types of items, but I never really learned to quilt properly. I decided to take the time to learn and I’m so glad I did. I enjoy hand piecing very much. I have only created a few items so far, but I have plans for many future projects.