Sentimental Stitches

Growing up surrounded by beautiful antique kit quilts and embroidered linens from the F.A. Wurzburg Company, it's no surprise Gay developed a great love for the designs of that era.

As the only daughter of Garrett Raterink, recipient of the Michael Kile Lifetime Achievement Award, Gay was fascinated by the historical tales and teachings of her father and eagerly learned as he taught her the vintage techniques used to manufacture the novelties and quilt kits sold by the Wurzburg Company.

Making her first quilt at the age of 12, Gay has become an award winning quilter and designer in her own right. She began publishing her designs in 1981 while working at the Needleart Guild, has owned two quilt shops over the years and in 1996 started Sentimental Stitches through which she now markets her designs.

Gay and her husband have two grown sons and a slightly spoiled Chihuahua. She divides her time between their home in Grand Rapids, Michigan and the family cottage 'up north' in Traverse City. You can read more about Gay's family history and participate in one of her free pattern series by visiting her web site at www.sentimentalstitches.com.