Growing up in the Reading, PA area, many childhood memories nurtured and influenced my future – from my mother teaching me to sew and playing fashion designer to visiting museums with costume collections.

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Graduating from Drexel University and the New York School of Interior Design led to careers in merchandising and interior design.   At Seton Hall University I received an MA in Museum Professions and became the curator of exhibitions and collections at the Morris County Historical Society at Acorn Hall, a Victorian house museum, in Morristown, NJ, a merging of art, history, and design.

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Out of curiosity I took a needle felting class at The Mannings in East Berlin, PA.  Wool fibers are punched through silk and interlock.  In essence, the silk becomes the canvas.  The free form, organic nature of the process inspires my scarves and wall art.  The individual qualities of the fibers - sheep, alpaca, mohair, yak, and more – produce unique textures, color, and special effects.  By hand stitching, the designs are embellished with specialty yarns, embroidery, fabric, beads, feathers, lace and fringe. 

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After moving to Gettysburg in 2011, I discovered the Adams County Arts Council and my creative spirit was energized.  I am an instructor, a member of the Board of Directors, and chair of the Arts Council’s annual Juried Art Exhibition held at Gettysburg College.  My fiber art is exhibited and sold at the Arts Council.  I am honored to be part of the Foothills Artists Studio Tour 2022 as a guest artist.

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To contact Debbie, please email: westmorelanddebbie@gmail.com