Artist Biography
Loree has been making quilts in Olympia since 1994. Her love for quilts began when her friend, Kate, sent her home with a pile of quilting books and magazines. She was hooked and began making quilts for her family and friends. She created her business, Secret Garden Quilts, in 1995.
Before making quilts for a living, Loree worked as a wildlife biologist in California and Washington. She took a break from her biology work in 1996 to pursue her quilting business full time. Over time, Loree began making smaller items that she could produce faster and allow her to make a living doing what she loves. She still makes every item she sells herself!
Loree specializes in quilted wallhangings and also makes pillows, potholders, coasters, placemats, and tablerunners. She also finishes vintage quilts and creates custom art quilts for homes.
Loree lives near the water of Puget Sound with views of the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier and is inspired by her surroundings. Her work includes nautical scenes of orcas, sailboats, and lighthouses as well as wildlife, folk art, african, and asian designs. She is also a cat lover and makes plenty of cat-themed items. Her four cats, Baxter, Annie, Apollo, and Luna, let her know when to take a break by plopping themselves down in the middle of her projects.
Loree sells her work at farmer's markets and arts and crafts festivals throughout western Washington. Her work has been purchased for home decor and gifts for people all over the world.
For a schedule of festivals to see and purchase Loree's work, see the Show Schedule section.