Ron and Jean Lawrence have lived in West Liberty since 1968. They raised a family of three children, David (deceased), Dianne and Kim who all graduated from West Liberty High School. Ron worked at Oral B Labs in Iowa City as a brush machine technician and Jean was Assistant Registrar at the University of Iowa.

After they both retired in 1997, they began to explore various hobbies in addition to traveling the globe. Jean has worked with fabric since she started sew at the age of twelve. Finding few patterns for clothing that were age appropriate in the required size, she began to design her own clothes, including her wedding dress.

She continued her seamstress work while raising her family and sewing clothes for all her children in addition to her own wardrobe. This included prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses and another wedding dress for her youngest daughter.

After retirement she began looking for another outlet for her sewing skills and a way to make use of a generous “stash” of fabric collected over the years. Quilting became the chosen hobby. Various techniques, patterns and color combinations provided a wide range of choices in quilting. Starting with simple patterns she made quilts for her own family and soon graduated to more difficult pieces. She became interested in machine quilting and acquired a long arm quilter that was capable of sewing computer guided patterns. Working with the computer program she learned how to make her own quilting designs and adapt them to fit different size requirements. She soon began to quilt for women in her quilt club and other quilters in the area.

One of her goals was to make quilt for every member of her family. That goal has been exceeded. She also donates quilts for the Muscatine County Fair, University Hospital and the Simpson Home.

Recently she has discovered art quilts and wall hangings. Using a collage technique and unexpected color schemes is the newest trend in her work. As a retired couple challenged to find new outlets for their time and energy Ron and Jean are happy to be busy and involved with their hobbies in creative projects.

Jean will consider commission work, making a piece any size and with any colors. She can be reached at 956-254-6779.