I moved back to Maine in 1997 after sixteen years in New York City. While there I was working in a completely unrelated field, and now life was taking me to Matinicus Island. I knew that I wanted to have a new focus and direction. I have always had a love for fabric in all its colors and textures, and have sewn continuously since I was small. In New York I had taken advantage of the Fashion Institute of Technology and studied there for six years, part time, in the fashion design department.

I left New York with an expanded knowledge of sewing and design techniques which instilled in me the desire for a business of my own. I set up my sewing workshop on Matinicus, and began to make something that I hoped women of all ages and styles might enjoy, scarves. I decided to use silk velvet fabric as my medium, and with scarves as the theme, a multitude of design possibilities began to open. I handle all of my fabric choices, new design ideas and styles, shipping , and of course all of the sewing. I began my business with an idea that I really loved and, happily, it is working!

Matinicus Island is now my home. It is remote, at 23 miles offshore, and presents special challenges to running my business. However, the island life style and environment is so conducive to thought and reflection, that rather than the distance being an exile, it allows me time to appreciate this unusual setting. The air, ocean, perennial gardens, and lovely home my husband built are some of my continuous joys.

Island life is always unique, and such a small community as ours does add a special dimension. The summertime welcomes the islands’ visitors, perhaps two hundred, but the rest of the year population fluctuates between twenty five to sixty people. Life here encourages a sense of independence which I relish, as it allows time to focus and create.

During the year there are select craft exhibits on the mainland in which I participate. These exhibits inspire me to make special scarf editions! I always find an exhibit invigorating because of the contact with the people who buy my scarves and accessories. In addition to all of the interesting stories exchanged, being able to actually see my customer trying on scarves, and listen to their enthusiastic response is extremely gratifying.