Noreen McGregor

This biographical information is taken in its entirety from Noreen's website for her quilting and applique business entitled CURIOSITY. Hopefully you will click on the link in the right sidebar (or copy and paste this address) and see all of the beautiful and inspiring products she offers. However, I have taken the liberty to use some of the narrative and one of the photos from that site so that everyone will be sure to see what Noreen is doing nowadays.

http://www.curiositypatterns.com/

In the biographical section of the website, Noreen writes..."Art classes were always my favorite part of school, painting the holiday murals in elementary school that later led to creating sets for high school plays.

My mom was an early influence, teaching me to sew and to appreciate all kinds of handwork. As an adult working with high school and community theater, I costumed many an entire cast, designing and sewing every last piece! Pattern making is still one of my passions.I graduated from The Texas Academy of Art and my commercial art background spans 30 years in advertising design, production art, writing and editing. I am the writer and technical artist for all Curiosity's product.

I am married, divorced, married, divorced and married (I finally got it right!) and I have a 27 year old daughter. I feel compelled to create originally designed quilts to pass on to her and her children. My husband and I live on five acres in Colorado with a bevy of cats and dogs. It is our haven where we escape from the real world."

Of her business and her partnership with a friend, Noreen writes...

"We started our mail order business in 1989 selling our originally designed applique quilt patterns. For the first six years, we also worked full time at our "real" jobs, spending nights and weekends developing products and filling orders. We used our vacation time from our "real" jobs to man our booth at retail and wholesale shows all over the country. It sure was a hectic schedule, but very fulfilling to have something that was all ours. With all our hard work, we've carved a niche in the quilting world with Jan's illustrative style of applique.

When we first started stitching the samples, I couldn't believe how fast Jan was finishing her applique blocks. I can stitch fast, but she was twice as fast! She showed me her applique method and I was so impressed that I wrote it into all our pattern instructions. We call it our Painless Applique Method and we know you will love it, too! Another thing that you'll love about our patterns...all the applique pieces are numbered in sequential order. Just start with piece number one. Easy applique with dramatic results!

Applique seems to be coming "the rage" in quilting circles. Many of our customers tell us they are really getting hooked on it and are organizing applique guilds. Well, we're here to add luscious color and great design to all your quilting projects. Jan takes care of product development and design and I am the writer and technical artist. We share all the other aspects of our business like stitching the samples, art direction of photo shoots, advertising, printing, licensing, legal, financial, travel, customer service, order fulfillment, shipping, warehouse and public relations, and of course our favorite... pattern stuffing!"

Please take the time now to make a comment in response to Noreen's biography. You will also enjoy reading the comments that others have left.

CLICK HERE to return to the top of the main section after reading comments below, and/or making your own comment.

Comments

[Glenda Burns Minniece]

Hi Noreen, I, too, lived in Colorado in 1964 when I first started with Continental Airlines, and I fell in love with it. I wanted my whole family to transplant to that beautiful state. But it wasn't meant to be. What part of the state are you in? I was in Denver, but traveled all over to visit places mentioned in the several histories I read about the state. Anyway, your work looks beautiful. My poor mother tried to teach me to sew, but I found it tedious. Its fun to hear your story.

[Ginny Jones Brown]

Hi, Noreen. I have wondered in what direction the McGregor gals have gone. I remember you so well when Ann and I hung around to bother you and your friends. Your mother was a wonderful lady with those sparkling blue eyes. She was as gracious a lady as I have ever known Where are your sisters these days...would love to talk to Ann again.

[Linda McKnight Thomason]

Hello Noreen! It's great to read your bio and see a little of your work! It must be so fulfilling to go to the shows and know that all that you are selling/showing is your very own stuff! Proud of you, fellow Milby grad!!

Linda McKnight Thomason