Tracy is a Quiltworx Certified Instructor and the owner of Lotus Owl Fiber Arts, LLC which specializes in quilting and sewing instruction as well as longarm quilting and embroidery services. Tracy received her first sewing machine as a college graduation gift, taught herself to sew apparel and was on mission to have an entirely “me made” wardrobe until she discovered quilting in 1994. After many years of traditional piecing and applique, she purchased her first longarm in 2008 and became proficient in handed guided as well as computerized edge to edge and custom quilting. In 2018 she met CI Jackie Kunkel on a quilting cruise and subsequently followed Jackie to a Quiltworx retreat, having little idea what she was getting herself into. Her first Quiltworx pattern was Ice Castles which she completed in 2019.

Now intrigued by Quiltworx methods, she attended Quiltworx University in March 2021 (rescheduled from March 2020 due to COVID). During this event, Tracy experienced her first Quiltworx mixer pattern and quickly realized she was not only totally taken by Quiltworx techniques and possibilities but especially by Judy Niemeyer herself. It was here that she decided to aggressively pursue becoming a Certified Instructor for Quiltworx. Tracy has since attended 5 retreats/training sessions at the Quiltworx Training Center in Montana (which she highly recommends) and has completed over 28 Quiltworx patterns. She began sharing her excitement for Quiltworx at several local quilt shops in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia in April 2021.

Tracy is a retired US Navy Obstetrician & Gynecologist who still works part time. When she isn’t quilting, teaching or delivering babies, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Jeffrey, and their two bulldogs. Tracy has two children and two stepchildren who are all grown and successfully out on their own. Jeffrey has been extremely supportive of Tracy’s teaching passion as demonstrated by the classroom and studio Jeffrey constructed complete with kitchen facilities. She is very excited to begin holding classes and hosting retreats in this new setting starting in the Spring of 2023. Tracy also offers trunk shows, power point presentations and Quiltworx classes in other venues to include guilds.

Tracy is based in the Southeastern Virginia/Hampton Roads area but loves to travel and will go anywhere. For more information on Tracy and the services provided by Lotus Owl Fiber Arts, please go to www.lotusowlfiberarts.com.