Lorna is a retired secondary school teacher in Home Economics, which included textiles and sewing. She has always had an interest in art, both at school and as an adult, exploring many different arts and crafts and attending a number of art classes.

More than thirty years ago she learnt to paint dyes onto silk for a silk scarf business and to paint silk fabric for a top dress designer’s Benson and Hedges entries.  She was also given the honour of painting cushion covers for a Waikato marae. 

About ten years ago Lorna began to learn patchwork and free motion quilting from the internet and was lucky enough to attend a Helen Godden Workshop, in which she was able to combine her two loves, textiles and paint, once more, this time on cotton. She enjoys passing on to others the knowledge and joy she has gained on her quilting journey. 

Lorna continues to explore fabric painting and free motion quilting, honing her craft and exploring many ways of colouring and decorating fabric. and has successfully taught a number of workshops held in the last few years. She has recently returned from Houston Exhibition November 2023, inspired by the workshops she attended and the high quality of the quilts on display, and is looking forward to sharing this enthusiasm with her students.