Ardy Tobin, now best known for her art quilts, took her first sewing lesson on a treadle sewing machine when she was about four years old. On grandma's lap with grandma's feet on the treadle, she learned to navigate the stitches into straighter and straighter lines. Since she says she was "born tall" learning to make her own clothing was essential and she not only sewed for herself but later for her three children.

Her interest in quilts started in San Diego where she stitched her first and last all hand sewn sampler quilt and decided there must be a faster way to accomplish this fascinating adventure. Hence her interest in faster methods and art quilts was born. She and her husband. Pat, moved to Nevada County ten years ago and after some time of part time jobs they began a phase of their life they both absolutely love. RETIREMENT! "To wake up each morning and realize I can do what I want is a huge reason to praise!" Her two favorite pastimes are her sewing machine and her computer. (With thanks to the Swiffer, the micro wave, the rotary cutter, and a dozen other time saving helpers!)

Her interest in making Art Quilts inspired her to extend an invitation at Pine Tree Quilt Guild for anyone interested in making art quilts to contact her. Twenty three eager beavers called and together they evolved into the Mountain Art Quilters with thirty six members who are generous in sharing their own expertise with one another. For the past seven years Ardy has had the privilege of being an unpaid helper at Art Quilt Tahoe where she can get ideas from ten or so of the nation's best known quilters.

Ardy was invited to be in charge of next years' opportunity quilt. She and Joan Dyer were looking through one of her quilt books for ideas when an outstanding beauty caught her eye. "I like THAT one!" she said. Joan looked surprised and said "I designed that." Members of their group made all the nine patches and Ardy and Joan completed the stunning design which includes over 70 batik fabrics.

Along with her interest in new design ideas for her quilts, Ardy and Pat keep one foot in the past with their interest in their 4 Ford vintage cars that no longer perform like the ones we knew in the '30s!. His Model A raced at a speed of 84 miles an hour and he is now building a race car on a Model T body. Just as a "little side line" Ardy is the co-editor for their 50 page quarterly magazine "Hot For Hot Fours" -all the technical how to's for 4 cylinder car enthusiasts. Ardy is every bit as good as a publisher as she is at the sewing machine. I'm impressed.

Lois Goodwill