Aug 18, 2011

Remembering Laurel





Michele Bilyeu
Salem, OR USA
Width: 9" Length: 12"
Materials/Techniques: Free-pieced cotton fabrics, ink jet photo printing of Laurel Burch quote on fabric, and glass beads. Liberated, freely pieced flying geese and curved seams to invite the 'freedom of birds in flight' and the 'mysteries of the earth' with Laurel Burch's cats and cat angels peeking out from everywhere.
Artist Statement: When Laurel Burch left home at the age of 14, she had a paper bag of clothing and a rare bone disease that created over 100 fractures and resulted in her death in 2007, at the age of 61. We all face challenges in our life. May we learn to face them with the exuberant joy, passion for color and zest for life and living that Laurel Burch had.

Dedication: Laurel's life filled us with color and joy and a passion for living. May this quilt carry those energies and fill your life with that magic, as well.
This quilt earned $50 for the AAQI and sold before it ever made it to the "quilts awaiting assignment page" or the "sale page" or the "Holding for Houston" page.

I really enjoyed making this one with its bright, joy filled fabrics, the lovely quotation, and lots of liberated piecing and curves. It took me about 3 days as I worked through the piecing, photo printing and beads... and they were all great fun!

7656 Remembering Laurel and...
I have one other 'Laurel' quilt awaiting assignment and photographing. The partner to this one is named is #7820 Laurel Points the Way...maybe she'll make it to Houston...or maybe she'll end up with her 'sister'....who knows? I'm having fun and they all go for such a wonderful cause.

Check out my other blog for our AAQI Liberated Challenge group quilts that have so far made the Holding for Houston page and remember that our group's quilts above #'s 6805 have not yet been selected for traveling. Maybe, I'll get a quilt to Houston yet. Do I have to hope that mine don't get sold in order to travel, now....big ;)

Free Laurel Burch Quilt Patterns:

16 comments:

Scrappy quilter said...

You are so very creative, my friend. I'm always amazed at what you come up with. I love the color in this quilt and the story behind it. Once again, amazing!! Hugs

Michele said...

How wonderful! Laurel would be so proud.

Victoria Paige @ Boutique Uniquely said...

What a beautiful quilt and a beautiful dedication.

Rene' said...

Gorgeous quilt! Yours are just too pretty to "hold" until Houston....they get snatched up right away ;-) Great blog makeover by the way ;-)

Valerie the Pumpkin Patch Quilter said...

This is GORGEOUS

IHaveANotion ~ Kelly Jackson said...

Absolutely beautiful...who ever bought it...I know they will be forever in love with it.

Smiles,
Kelly

Cheri said...

You always seem to be able to touch my heart. With your art, your stitching and mostly your words. Keep on!

mtnquiltr said...

I also love Laurel Burch's art, and it seems to me to embody what she was all about. Your quilt expresses this wonderfully!

Angie said...

It is a wonderful little quilt and such a tribute to Laurel Birch. Your header picture is oh so beautiful! :)

Lynne said...

That's lovely, Michele. Congratulations on a quick sale for a very worthy cause.

VivJM said...

Oh, Michele - this is fabulous! And a very fitting tribute to Laurel.

Anonymous said...

I just love the new look to your blog. And I think your latest quilt for donation is just so unusual and fun and pretty. I am not surprised one bit that it sold right off. I love it!

quiltmom anna said...

You probably know that I am a big fan of Laurel Burch designs. Hancocks of Paducah just had a number of her Christmas fabrics on sale for 6 dollars a yard so I bought a few of them. They are not so readily available here and never for that price.
She had an amazing story and so sad to have lost her life too soon.
I love your piece and am sure she would have thought it was gorgeous.
Hugs,
Anna

Rosalyn Manesse said...

You have created a lovely tribute to the memory of Laurel.

polly said...

I would love to see a pic of the one that's still in holding.....they don't show a pic, just the description. Is there a pic anyplace? I love this one and love Laurel Birch's fabrics too! Thanks!

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

This is a beautiful quilt - so bright and joyful with its colors and free piecing.