Born and raised in Isleta Pueblo, New Mexico to Juan B. and Eleanor (Jojola) Abeita. Eldest daughter, siblings: Elizabeth A. Coochwytewa (Glendale, Arizona), Gloria Abeita (dec.), and Rupert A. Abeita (Isleta Pueblo).Children: Carmen Lucero, Denise Lucero, Virgil Lucero (Isleta Pueblo), Patrick Gasper (Stroud, OK) and Renee Gasper (Washington, DC). Nine (9) grandchildren, ranging from age 23 years to 7 years and 2 great-grandchildren.

Started sewing when living in the Bay Area – California over 44 years ago, with one year of sewing in middle school Home Economics class in the early 1960s!

I sew both traditional and contemporary clothing including mantas, ribbon shirts, Apache dresses, shawls and fun clothing. I also crochet, preferring the fine threads of lace trimmings for aprons and insertions for Isleta women and men clothing.

Fun stuff crochet – recently crocheted plastic “scrubbies” and with a matching potholder for the Isleta Elders to sell at a recent craft sale to help raise money for their outings.

Commissioned by The Heard Museum in Phoenix to crochet an apron which was on display in their Southwest Exhibit.

“Why I do what I do…..I love sewing and making family members, friends and new acquaintances their attire for participation in traditional activities be it weddings, baptismal, graduations, and Pow Wows. It is a hobby more than making money on the side! Not one dress or shirt is the same. Each has its special touch to its creation. When I am not at the sewing machine sewing, I will crochet prior to calling it a night! I crochet fine thread lace insertions for our “Isleta” dresses/shirts and aprons. I have been crocheting for over 45 years preferring the fine thread over yarn. Lots of thought and love go to each piece of clothing I make. Each is unique in its own way – and has to be perfect to the last stitch!”