Skip Navigation Website Accessibility




CALL (630) 969-2205

Michael Nardi

About Me

Like most people my sewing journey started when I was 7 years old. my grandmother put a needle in my hand and began to teach me everything she knew about sewing by hand. I learned how to sew by hand using my coloring books. She would tear out a page and make me sew in the lines practicing stitch length.

Throughout the years I have worn many different hats trying to find my place in this wondrous world. 13 years ago I was lost. I was starting over for the first time in my life having lost everything (talk about a complete failure of my life). I was laying in bed crying trying to figure out what I wanted to do during what at the time felt like the darkest moment in my life. I was surfing YouTube when I discovered Jenny Doan from Missouri Star Quilt Company! It was her ultimate quilt binding video. You know that moment in your life where God just puts someone in your path to make things click for you? Well she was my moment! The crying instantly stop and 2 hours later, video after video, I had a plan.

The next day I went to Joann Fabrics Elston Ave to sign up for a learn to sew class. At this point I had never used a sewing machine in my life! I went one to take more classes and quilting became my whole world! I was so successful that my mentor Marilyn Baker who was the Education Director hired me me as her Assistant Education Director only 8 months into my training. She taught me everything I know when it comes to using a machine to sew. Thanks to Jenny Doan and Marilyn Baker, two of the strongest women I know brought me out of my darkness. I owe my success to them!

13 years later I'm a pattern writer, I have been published and continuing to be published for my quilt pattern, and I'm a successful quilt instructor. Who knew that an Italian boy from the South-side of Chicago would end up where I am? I thank God everyday for shining his light on me through this amazing craft. Someone asked me once why quilting and I said, "Because through quilting I found myself again."



Portfolio