Often sewing is a legacy passed from one generation to another and, for Phyllis, she started sewing as a young girl under the influence of her mother and grandmother. Longing to own the beautiful smocked clothes and intricate embroideries she saw displayed in specialty shops, Phyllis learned to smock and embroider in the hope that someday she would be capable of creating special things and share them with her family. This love led her to further study forms of embroidery that were new to her such as drawn thread work, intricate Madeira embroidery and white work. For her, creating beautiful things and taking pleasure in every stitch became a passion.
Searching to learn more about the embroidery she loves, Phyllis found a local SAGA guild where she has been a member since 1983 and has served that group in several capacities. She is also a member of EGA and loves to participate in workshops. You will find her attending as many workshops, schools and SAGA conventions as she can fit into her schedule.
In 2007 Phyllis became a SAGA approved teacher and has since taught several workshops around the country. She has also taught at many SAGA National Conventions and Sewing at the Beach. Her goal is to continue to educate herself learning more about the embroideries she loves and help each student easily master the techniques she enjoys sharing.
Phyllis lives in Clayton, NC with her husband Doug, Remington – their very friendly Great Pyrenees puppy trained as a therapy dog and Roxy – a friendly untrained Great Pyrenees puppy. She has two grown daughters, Jennifer who lives in the Washington, DC area with her husband Joe; and Kimberly, who lives in the Raleigh area with her husband Joe and their two children.
