About SEFAA

Bio Coming Soon

A daily dose of fabric, threads, and yarn is nearly as essential to me as breathing. For as long as I can remember, I have sought out the tactile satisfaction of creating with fibers. I am mostly self-taught but completed a 2-year fiber program at the Worcester Center for Crafts (Worcester, MA) in the 1990’s. I turned my attention full-time to my art

in mid-2021. My current artwork focuses on free-motion embroidery, sometimes called “thread painting,” with a sewing machine. The natural world is my constant inspiration, and my own photographs are often my starting point. 

I look forward to serving on the SEFAA

Board and helping the fiber arts continue to thrive and grow in our area.

My Mom taught me to embroider when I was 5 years old, sitting across from her because I am left-handed. Then she taught me to sew, and when she was sure I would stick to it, I got my first left-handed sewing scissors. From there it was knitting and crochet, and any new techniques I had an opportunity to learn. I represented the Atlanta Knitting Guild at the birth of SEFAA and have volunteered as secretary and treasurer, chaired Rentals, and now membership. Fiber people love sharing their passion, and SEFAA is focused on perpetuating all the fiber arts. What’s not to love.

As a hand spinner, weaver, and (tinkering) fiber producer, my enthusiasm for fiber arts spans the earliest forms of textile creation to modern artists' books. I'm spinning wool and bast fibers most often, but my curiosity drives me to explore many facets of fiber arts.

I volunteer with SEFAA because of the incredible community I’ve found there—a group of creative and dedicated individuals who share a deep love for fiber arts. Being part of SEFAA allows me to connect with others, contribute to meaningful programs, and grow alongside fellow enthusiasts.

What began as a simple beginner punch needle kit from JoAnn’s blossomed into a deep passion for textile arts. Now, I primarily focus on embroidery, crochet, sewing, and punch needle, but I have my eyes on many other techniques I haven’t tried yet!

I joined SEFAA to transform my love for textile arts from a hobby into a lifelong commitment, celebrating both traditional and modern techniques passed down through generations. Through SEFAA, I’m excited to share the joy of textiles far and wide, using strategic marketing initiatives to amplify our reach and inspire more people to explore this incredible art form.

My textile passion is weaving, although I am easily and often distracted by other fiber techniques. My superpower is the ability to pack an amazing number of things in small spaces (for example, the SEFAA Center storeroom). It’s been my honor to be at the helm of SEFAA since we started – first as Board President and currently as Executive Director. My engineering background helps with the technical end of things, but you make it fun and rewarding!

Growing up as the daughter of a full-time artist, artmaking has always been an integral part of my daily life. However, it wasn’t until I discovered Three-Dimensional Studies during my undergraduate years that artmaking truly became my passion.

With a background in ceramics and textiles, I am endlessly fascinated by the historical processes and techniques that have shaped these crafts over time. This deep appreciation for tradition fuels my creativity and curiosity. Currently, I’m embracing the challenge of crafting my own handmade wardrobe—from sewing tailored garments to knitting pieces I can wear every day.

For me, creating is not just about making; it’s about connecting to the past, celebrating the present, and shaping a sustainable future through thoughtful, hands-on artistry.

Kristen spins, sews, felts, dyes, and weaves who, in the past, sold her hand-dyed fibers. She is also an avid traveler who seeks out textile experiences wherever she goes. Having been involved with various fiber arts for many years, she enjoys giving back to SEFAA and the Peachtree Handspinners Guild, organizations she believes in.

I began volunteering as the liaison between SEFAA and the Atlanta Sewing Guild. Now that I am a SEFAA Board member, I enjoy advancing our programming whether it be in-person, virtual, or hybrid (in-person and virtual). I bring with me both a breadth of technical skills from my years as an IT professional and a love of fiber arts - a perfect combination!

Karen SanMillan loves experimenting with different textile techniques - so far, weaving on small pin looms is a win; wet felting is not. In her spare time, she serves as SEFAA's Treasurer and does an amazing job of keeping all the numbers straight!

My name is Katrina Stone, and I am the current President of our Board of Directors. I have been in love with fiber since sitting at my mom’s knee while she sewed clothes for our family. I made my first piece of clothing when I was eight years old and, since then, I have explored couture sewing, embroidery, felting, and macrame in depth. All fiber interests me, and I love SEFAA because we embrace fiber in all forms - from the historic to the wildest contemporary interpretation. It is my aspiration for SEFAA that we continue to embrace the old, the new, and everything in-between by providing a variety of accessible exhibitions, programming, and classes to all who are interested.

I have been interested in textiles since a young child. I taught myself to knit from a Sears How-to-Knit booklet. My grandma taught me the basics of crochet. Then it was embroidery in Girl Scouts and tatting in high school. My interests and knowledge really took off after I joined the Peachtree Handspinners Guild, where I found a lot of like-minded people. People were doing all kinds of crafts to use up their yarn. I wanted to do it all too! Later, I joined SEFAA. More textile friends and new things to learn!

Along with my interest in textiles, I've always been a lover of books. Combining textiles and books about textiles is a delight, so I'm thrilled to help with the SEFAA library. If you haven't seen the library, come check it out!