Nancy Ota Bio

My mother shared her joy of sewing, knitting, crochet and embroidery. I began quilting by making gifts for family members, and took my first class in 1988 at the Adult Education class taught by Suzanne Stanton in San Juan Capistrano. Due to Suzanne's enthusiasm and expertise, quilting became an addiction. Taking workshops and viewing quilts at shows and in publications keep my mind spinning and my fingers stitching.

My supportive husband and two grown kids and spouse continue to encourage my addiction to quilting. I work as a dental hygienist, give trunk shows of my work, teach quilting classes, actively participate in our local quilt guild, and create and sell patterns for quilters. The patterns are so much fun because they are used creatively and quilters are walking about carrying their creations. Seeing them and receiving feedback is very rewarding. 

Writing instructions and drawing pattern diagrams began years ago. I have enjoyed that as a learning process with many starts and stops. My son teaches me patiently to use various computer drawing and writing programs. This third computer, a new Power Mac G5 is fabulous. I wrote patterns when friends wanted to reproduce something that I made up, and one year I worked on "Block of the Month" for our local guild. In 2001 my purse patterns actually began to sell. 

The pet screen line has been remarkable. When my friend Judy Yamazaki of Osaka, Japan came for a visit she brought with her a tote made from a heavy voile on which she had hand pieced and appliquéd a darling village. Of course we all wanted to make one. This voile was not found here and some one suggested screen. "Screen Play" was developed as a simpler design and with easy instructions. 

Quilts and garments are still my main focus, and I have stuffed my sewing room with a fabulous stash of fabrics. What a thrill to have my quilts published in magazines and books, and see them displayed in major shows in Paducah, Houston, Santa Clara, Ontario and Japan. Quilting has brought new skills and travel, but best of all are the new friends. Quilters are the nicest and most generous people in the world. I cannot imagine life without quilting.