Debra Richman lived her whole life in Oregon until 5 years ago, when her husband, Dan, took a job in Fargo. Debbie has enthusiastically adopted her new city, volunteering at Sanford Health, joining QGND and Designing Quilters, Temple Beth El, and making friends with her new neighbors. She isn’t one of those newcomers who hates winter, either—she is fascinated by snow and ice, which she never experienced in her coastal rainforest.

Last year, Debbie taught a popular workshop on dyeing for QGND.  It is something she has plenty of experience with. Her collection of dyed yardage is pretty large, and she is still dyeing.

A room in her north Fargo basement has been made into a wet studio. Dyeing can be messy! Dyes and equipment share shelves with yarn and soap-making supplies. In addition to her basement workshop, Debbie and her husband have completed a she shed in the backyard where Debbie’s hand dyed fabrics and yarns, her masterpiece melted beads are stored and offered for sale.

Like many quilters, Debbie is also an avid gardener. The Richmans’ front lawn has been completely replaced by garden and hand-made stepping stones. Many of her quilts feature flowers and her dyed fabrics.

Embroidery is another item in Debbie’s bag of tricks. One of her favorite pieces was a book with each page featuring a difference embroidery technique. On another pages, Blackwork embroidery featured on one page of a book created for a show at the West Fargo Public Library. Page 9 featured braiding. You won’t be surprised to learn that, of course, she can smock also. One of several dresses made for a new granddaughter.

If you’ve been coveting some of Debbie’s dyed fabric, stop by her booth at area quilt shows or in her little shop in her back garden. In addition to fabrics, socks and scarves, Debbie has been making soap and buttons to delight us. Check out her Honeygrove Handcrafts booth.