A little bit about me! I have been so lucky in my creative journey. I was raised in a family where the arts were not only encouraged but practiced. My dad took incredibly beautiful photos and made sought after cards. There was nothing in our home that he couldn't build or fix. My mum stunningly (and deliciously!) sewed, knitted, embroidered, cooked, baked and had a beautiful garden. Whether by osmosis, being taught or inherent, my sister and I have both blossomed and found that our happy place is always in creating. My mum taught me to sew when I was nine and obviously I haven't stopped! Fiber arts are definitely my first love. I am the founder of The Cloth Shop, a wonderful little quilt shop (if I do say so myself!) in Vancouver. I signed my first lease shortly before my twenty-second birthday! I quickly started working with my very favourite business partner and together we ran our very successful shop for forty-two years. Thirty years on West 10th Avenue and twelve on Granville Island. Have you ever visited us?! I hope so! Over the years, I honed my talents into designing quilt patterns and projects, as well as displaying the shop so that it was always an inviting and inspiring place to visit. We sold The Cloth Shop in early 2024 and now after taking a rest and catching my breath, I'm ready to start my new adventure!I hope This Little Magpie will be a place to find more than a sweet little project, but one that also sparks and encourages creativity. Please be patient as I find my footing, build my website and start my creative blog sharing projects and ideas that I hope will give you as much joy as it has me.

Maria xo