My passion for sewing started when I was still in elementary school. I found my peace in the stillness of making pretty satin, lace pillows and cross-stitched pieces; being raised by alcoholics, I was constantly under verbal attack; life was very hard, even brutal. Starting at the age of 11, I was sexually abused by the man of the house. My sewing time was my refuge, it was the place and time my creative essence was able to come out and play. Lonely and ashamed of my life, I was closed off and didn’t have many friends. My me time was mostly cross-stitch and cross country running. I still cross-stitch. During these dark times I put all the love I had into the pieces I created which is exactly what I do with each wearable fiber optic piece I create today.

From the darkness I am able to bring light not only to my life but to others. I am the alchemist that makes magical pieces from cloth and light infused with love. My life, much like the Wizard of Oz which was 2-dimensional; black and white, is now 4-dimensional. In this way I can share my love and passion with the world. ~ Mel Diva