About Barbara
I have been sewing and quilting for over 25 years. In 2000, I wanted to
change my working situation and started my own business providing
Longarm Machine Quilting services.
My business grew quickly and I soon recognized that my customers
appreciated my ability to provide guidance in choosing the quilting
designs. Having the opportunity to work for quilters who have a wide
variety of interests and styles has helped to stretch my imagination. I
enjoy the challenge to be creative for each quilt regardless of the
style or pattern. This was the beginning of my quilting approach "I work
for the quilt". The most important part of my job is to marry the
quilting to the personality of the quilt.
I am thankful to my clients for they have given me so much inspiration
as a quilter. Each quilt I work on teaches me something new. I have
learned more about myself and enhanced my abilities when I am pushed to
work outside my own comfort zone.
In the last year I have again undertaken a new business. In addition to
my Longarm Quilting business, my sister Mary Hoover and I have started a
pattern company called 4th & 6th Designs . Mary lives in NY and owns a
quilt shop but we collaborate daily on designs and ideas. Please see
www. 4and6designs.com.
In my free time when I am not enjoying my 2 teenage sons and husband, I
work on my own quilts which you can view in the gallery.
Awards,
Exhibitions and Publications
2002 The Sun and Moon, Third Place, Quilter's Heritage Celebration
2002 The Sun and Moon, Best Use of Color, Pennsylvania National Quilt
Extravaganza
2003 The Sun and Moon, Third Place (First time entry), American
Quilter's Society Show
2004 Rainbow Reef, (quilt by Mary Hoover), McCalls Quick Quilts
2005 Autumn Breeze, Third Place, Quilt Odyssey
2005 September, Best Pictorial by Machine, Quilt Odyssey
2005 Kyles Rainbow, Quilter's Heritage Celebration
2005 Japanese Lanterns, (quilt by Lisa O'Neill), Fabric Trends, Spring
2006 Imperial Gloriosa, Third Place (Longarm Quilting), Quilt Odyssey
2006 Zero, Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival
2006 Carribian Nights, published, For the Love of Quilting
2006 Kyles Rainbow, published, AQS Engagement Calender
2006 Epic, American Quilter's Society Show
2006 Imperial Gloriosa, American Quilter's Society Show
2006 September, Teachers Choice Award, Machine Quilters Showcase
2006 Asian Expressions, (quilt by Gail Kessler) McCalls Quilting,
October Issue
2007 Red, Second Place (Wall quilt), Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival
2007 Featured Artist, Mid Atlantic Quilt Festival
2007 Featured Artist, The Quilter's Fest of New Jersey