JCCFS: Tell us a bit about yourself and your fiber background.

RDM: I am a retired educator with over 40 years of classroom experience and focusing particularly heritage lace techniques from all over the world. Growing up in Europe, I studied and trained in those aspects of fiber work and have taught heritage fiber classes for UNCA, the Center for Creative Retirement, the Southeastern Animal Fiber Fair, John C. Campbell Folk School, and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, as well as fiber weekend retreats and local classes. I am a certified Craft Yarn Council Crochet Instructor and have four video master classes featured at Udemy.com. In addition to teaching, I also love restoration work on antique pieces and design work, especially Christening gowns.

I regularly demonstrate at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, with highlight events of Fiber Day and Heritage Weekend. I have been the educational demonstrator at the Southern Highland Guild Craft Fairs and have served on the Guild’s Educational Committee.

My first two books, Heritage Crochet in a new Light and Crochet for Knitters: The Marriage of Hook and Needles were both published in 2017. I am a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and the American Institute for Conservation, as well as a Blue Ridge National Heritage Artist.

JCCFS: Can you tell us a bit more about your upcoming class at the Folk School?

RDM: Have you always wished to create that perfect dream project from beginning to the finishing touches? Learn how to adapt basic patterns and ideas to design your own masterpiece. We will look at side to side vertical designs, designs in the round, and making sleeves that fit. We will also experiment with variations on fringes, tassels, and pom-poms, as well as exquisite details to express our individual style , such as twisted trims, border shells, Roman circles, flowers and covered buttons. Plus, class will cover the all-important question: to block or not to block, and how?

JCCFS: What can students expect to leave your class with?

RDM: The courage to adjust any pattern to their own needs and size and to create their own masterpiece. Inspiration, a wealth of ideas and knowledge about the topics mentioned above, as well as a finished piece of their choice, created and personalized just for them and by them. And lots of laughs along the way.

JCCFS: What is your favorite aspect of the John C. Campbell Folk School?

RDM: I love the sense of community in a peaceful and natural setting, the communal meals and opportunities to enjoy music and dancing – some of the core values we often overlook in today’s busy world.

JCCFS: What’s something you’ve written recently that you’re proud of, and why?

RDM: Fiber work was so important in my upbringing that I am used to seeing creative opportunities in every aspect of my life, especially our beautiful western North Carolina mountains. The colors of spring blossoms, summer herbs, or fall leaves are always inspiring and bring new projects to mind.

JCCFS: What’s one piece you’ve made recently that you’ve proud of?

RDM: Having no power for many days after hurricane Helene, I remembered a question I was asked during our Heritage Weekend at the Folk Art Center the weekend before the storm. A lady asked me if I have ever made snoods (head or hairpieces that ladies with longer hair wear during Civil War reenactments). I remember seeing those colorful outfits years ago in Texas at some Civil War event and designed two versions from memory.

JCCFS: Do you have any advice for aspiring craftspeople?

RDM: Keep on dreaming, working and expanding. Be prepared for challenges along the way, but never lose sight of the dream of turning your creative thoughts and ideas into reality. Do what you love and love what you do.

JCCFS: Where can interested folks find more of your work?

RDM: On Facebook at Heirloom Treasures Fiber Arts, and my website: www.heirloomtreasuresfiberarts.com.

JCCFS: Anything else you would like to add?

RDM: I feel that it is very important to pass on our crochet and knitting knowledge to future generations. All fiber techniques are part of our heritage, especially lace techniques like broomstick lace, hairpin lace, Tunisian lace, thread lace and Irish lace. Natural fibers that are thousands of years old have been found in pyramids and digs all over the world.