Made with Moxie: About me

About me

mox·ie (mŏk'sē) n. Slang
1. The ability to face difficulty with spirit and courage.
2. Force of character, determination, or nerve. Boldness.
3. Skill; know-how.

My name is Jill. I am a maker.

When I was a child, an adult once told me I had a lot of moxie doing what I had done. I'm fairly certain they didn't mean it as a positive thing. However, when I looked up the definition, I felt it fit. I've used ThatMoxieGirl as my moniker for a good long time. When I make something, I try to make it different; Made with Moxie. (#makingwithmoxie)

My mother taught me to sew when I was ten. That first pattern caused a good deal of fabric throwing and tears but eventually resulted in a black knit skirt that I wore for years. My mother taught me to love the smell of a freshly opened box of crayons, that having drawers and drawers of fabric appeased the voices, that everything in rainbow order was better, and that play dough colors should never be mixed. Most importantly she always told me to dare to be different and to never let your fears stand in the way of my dreams. I’ve tried to hold those words close to my heart through life.

Jill Dorsey aka ThatMoxieGirl of Made with Moxie

I made my first quilt the summer after I graduated from high school because I didn’t want to spend my hard earned money on bedding to take to college. It was scrappy and crooked and eventually fell apart due to much too narrow seam allowances, but it was one of the most loved things I’ve ever made.

My partner in crime and I met on Craigslist. Once he confirmed that I was not a creepy old man with an unmarked white van, he fell madly in love with me. Together we made two kiddos, Jane and Jimmy. They are so freaking rad and the source of some major laughter. I am not a super mom and won’t ever pretend to be.

Jill Dorsey aka ThatMoxieGirl of Made with Moxie

My only regret is quitting piano lessons. I am afraid of the dark. And men’s black socks.

You can check out my Proust Questionnaire interview here.

Shoot me an email at thatmoxiegirl [at] gmail [dot] com