Fanny grew up in a household in France where handwork was encouraged. All the tools of the trade were readily available: crochet hooks, knitting and sewing needles, and sewing machine. Loving botany and chemistry, she went to Pharmacy school at the University of Paris. In 1967, she was accepted into the biology graduate program at the University of Oregon. After graduation and a few years being a research assistant, she retired to dedicate more time to her young family and pursue artistic avenues. Fanny discovered the world of quilts when she came to the United States. She made her first quilt in the early 1970's cutting pieces with scissors and quilting it by hand on a large hoop. Eventually she learned the fine art forms of quilting while on sabbatical with her husband in South Africa in the late 1990's. Instructor Alta du Plessis introduced her to the art quilts of Ruth McDowell. In a workshop with McDowell, she learned to make a pattern from an inspiring photo, allowing the cutting and sewing of all parts in the proper order. Fanny draws on her handwork heritage and academic education to feed her artwork.
