Searching to learn more about the embroidery she loves, Phyllis found a local SAGA guild where she has been a member since 1983 and has served that group in several capacities. She is also a member of EGA and has turned into a workshop junkie! You will find her attending as many workshops and SAGA conventions as she can fit into her schedule. Her interests have expanded her travels to several cities across the United States and to the beautiful Island of Madeira where she was able to study at the Madeira Wine, Embroidery and Handicraft Institute.

She has passed the SAGA apprentice level in smocking and embroidery and hopes to some day earn her artisan master's level in these areas. She is also working to complete her 10 phases of certification in Japanese embroidery. Phyllis had the honor of winning the 2012 Wee Care Challenge at the national convention held in Anaheim, CA. She is a SAGA approved teacher and has taught several workshops around the country, for SAGA's National Convention and Sewing At The Beach. Her goal is to continue to educate herself and help each student easily master the techniques she presents them.

Phyllis lives in Charlotte, NC with her husband Doug, Evinrude, her cat, and her newest family member, Parker, a Great Pyrenees puppy. She has two grown daughters, Erin, who works in Washington, DC and attends American University Washington College of Law and Kimberly, a senior at N C State University in Raleigh, NC studying civil engineering.