Bios of Patches Instructors

Susan Anderson is an experienced quilt maker and instructor. As a young adult she began her sewing career in clothing construction. She has been making quilts commissioned and for her family for over 25 years. Susan teaches a large verity of technique classes, which include strip piecing, applique, mystery quilts, and her favorite Block of the Month classes. She also loves teaching the beginner quilter the foundation techniques that will be used forever. Her areas of expertise include precision piecing and specialty rulers.

We welcome Cynthia Balzer to Patches as a teacher and member of our family. Originally from California, she has lived in this area for almost 20 years. Ever since her foot could reach the pedal on her grandmother's sewing machine, Cynthia has been sewing and tailoring her own clothes. Over the years she did many forms of needlework as well as stained glass. One day she decided to make a quillow as a gift. Not liking how the quillow was taking form by machine, she decided to quilt it by hand. Well, there began her journey - and need we say more. Cynthia took every class she could to learn about quilting, finding that applique is her first love. She hopes to share with you her love of applique and hand piecing. Cynthia said she thinks what keeps us interested in applique and quilting is "each project brings new and exciting challenges. It is a journey where no one is a stranger."

Norma S. Campbell: Enthusiasm is Norma's middle name. She brings to her quilting presentation over 30 years of experience and know how ... sprinkled with a bit of laughter to add to the fun.

Well-known for her "Trip Around the World" workshops and pattern, she is always in demand by guilds and quilt shops throughout Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Pennsylvania. In addition you've seen her quilts in many books authored by her quilting friend Mimi Dietrich ... and you've seen both of them co-teach at the very popular annual gathering called Quilt Odyssey in Hershey Pa ... where they are known as the "Dynamic Duo."

In addition to her ongoing lectures and workshops, from 1996 to 1998 Norma coordinated the decoration of the Maryland State House with Christmas-themed quilts that were featured on local television and were well-received by thousands of visitors.

Norma has her sewing studio in her home in central Maryland where she and her husband live. Norma's love for quilts that are both traditional and colorful is evident with the quilts she has on display ... come join her in celebrating her enthusiasm and joy for our creative art.

Mimi Dietrich is a nationally known teacher and the author of 17 popular quilting books, including Martingale & Company’s all time bestseller, "Happy Endings". Her books have sold over a half million copies to date. A quilter since 1974, she is one of the “Founding Mothers” of The Village Quilters in Catonsville, MD, and the Baltimore Applique Society. She teaches quilting classes in the Maryland area. The International Association of Professional Quilters has named Mimi their 2013 Quilter of the Year! IAPQ publishes The Professional Quilter and hosts the annual Creative Arts Business Summit to support quilters who are serious about their work in the quilt industry.

Mimi says, "I am thrilled and very excited about this honor. It's so wonderful to be recognized for doing something I love so much! Many thanks to my students who have taught me so much as we've stitched and made quilts for forty years!"

Kim Jalette began sewing at an early age, but didn't take her first quilting class until 1997. She was instantly hooked, and so began a lifelong passion. Grateful to her many instructors, Kim's favorite place is in the quilt classroom. She has lectured and led workshops at guilds throughout the Mid-Atlantic region, but now concentrates on teaching at the quilt shop.

Kim specializes in classes using the "Square in a Square" ruler technique, and has designed many quilts using this ruler. Lately, exploring other ways of quilt-making is keeping Kim busy, with new classes being planned.

"Real world quilt-making" is her motto: enjoy the process and allow yourself the learning curve!

Robin Rothstein is a graduate of FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) NYC, with a degree in Fashion Buying and Merchandising and a minor in Textiles. She's worked as a buyer, designer, and business owner of a children's clothing company called Hearts, Buttons and Bows, She owned three trademarks, and is passionate about quilting and sewing! She's taught sewing to young boys and girls at sleep away camp, and also taught quilting and sewing at other local quilt stores. She is a member of several local quilt guilds and go to several quilt retreats with friends yearly, and her favorite quilts are scrappy! Robin married to her husband Andy, and has two children, Amy and Adam. Both are in college. SheI spends most of my free time sewing and quilting

Helen Wasserman: Although it seems like I have sewed forever -- beginning with doll clothes about the age of 5 and sewing clothing for myself and my family as an adult, when I discovered quilting, it was like a whole new world had opened up. Since 1998, I have explored traditional and art quilting trying to find my niche. But rather than settle on one specialty, I find there are always new challenges and avenues to explore. I love to play with color and texture and new techniques. And, I love to share what I have learned with other quilters.

I was born and grew up in Washington, D.C. After college in Massachusetts and a few years in Connecticut, we moved to Cincinnati, Ohio and stayed there for almost 40 years. Moving to Frederick 2 years ago was almost like coming home.