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While designing this quilt, Laurie wanted a lot of machine appliqué, so she designed the quilt in a way to complete small areas that could then be attached to the background. She loved trying to do 12 matching bouquets, which was a challenge she really enjoyed.Label
What inspired you to make this quilt?
"I found some really cute fabric with little dots that came in so many shades (Dimples by Gail Kessler), and thought they would be good for flowers. I have started liking a tailored look for my quilts so it was a chance to make a 'garden'
quilt."
What do you like most about this quilt?
"I love that it came alive from my drawings to be exactly what I had envisioned."
Were there any challenges you faced while making it?
"The center was difficult because the pieces were so thin and it was a fairly complicated design, but with two tries, it worked."
What started your interest in quilt making?
"I was an RN and another RN used to bring little quilt wall hangings to decorate the hallway. I had a degree in art prior to nursing school and had always sewn. It just rang all kinds of bells with me to see her quilts. I went to a city quilt show, came home and told my husband i wanted to quilt. Lo and behold, he had looked up quilting on line, and showed me a picture/advertisement for a long arm (he really thought it was time for me to retire). I attended a one hour quilting class (Quilting for the clueless) that talked about sewing machines, patterns, etc. It is the only class I ever took, though lots of ladies in a guild showed me tips along the way. I soon retired and have quilted since then."
What does quilting mean to you?
"So much. So much. I see it as my reward for working hard at teaching and nursing for so long, even though I loved both."
What inspires your work?
"Everything. Colors, shapes, seasons, music, etc. They can all translate into a quilt."
What are your quilting ideas and dreams for the future?
"To be able to continue quilting for a long time."
What advice would you give to beginning and future quilters?
"Just do it. You will love it."
What does it mean to you to have a quilt in the National Quilt Museum?
"It has been my goal for years to get a quilt in this museum. I still have a little trouble believing it really happened."
What else might people enjoy knowing about you?
"I have also done a lot of painting, stained glass, pottery, china painting, and traditional icon painting over the years."