Hello!

I'm Anne Dovel, and I’d rather be sewing.  Or quilting.  Or painting fabric.  Or exercising.  Or enjoying a cup of tea and some laughter with friends.  Or maybe doing all of these at the same time.  But first…

My story

Rewind 15 years.  Back then, I had three little boys who required pretty much constant attention.  For the few moments a day I had to myself (Thank you, God, for nap time!) I retreated to my basement sewing room, and cranked out all kinds of therapeutic projects.  I loved making beautiful things with my hands, from quilts to painted fabric to art dolls (ok, ok…the dolls weren’t beautiful at all.  But they were still fun.) I felt like I could make anything with my hands if I just had enough time and energy.

But I didn’t have energy.  And I felt silly for being tired out by…sewing?!  Fed up with post baby weight or quilter’s spread or whatever you want to call it, I began to exercise daily. 

Yes, I looked better once I shed some weight, but what really hooked me on exercise is that I was more creative when I worked out daily. It was like my mind was working out as well, and the musty stuff was being blown out, and fresh air was being pumped in.  It was a little bit like cleaning out a fabric stash of worn, dowdy 70s prints and replacing them with new Kaufman batiks.  You know what I mean. 

I joined a journal-quilt project and exhibited my work at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, TX. Soon after, I sold my first very small hand-painted and quilted original piece to the International Quilt Festival.

Suddenly I was out meeting people—engaging, creative people—that energized me and my work.  I was gaining confidence and was eager to share my sewing creations.  

It would have been easy just to stay in the basement, but I will admit that exercising, even just for a small amount each day, improved every aspect of my life.  It sounds cliche, but it’s true: working out your body works your mind and spirit, too.  

Also, food.  Can I just get a show of hands of everyone who loves to eat?  I’m talking food that’s delicious, is good for you, and that fuels entire days of fabric shopping and quilt-top basting.  Besides sewing and exercising, food is another passion that I love to share.

I seek to ignite creativity in busy women through fitness and quilting. I want to encourage each person to be the best, most creative, most vibrant, most alive version of who they were meant to be.

I don’t have all the answers, but I’m happy to share what I’ve learned so far! Be sure to say "hi" on Facebook, I can't wait to meet you.