Submitted by Dianne McD.
Getting to see and hear presentations from the many talented people in the quilting world is one of the best perks of belonging to a guild. On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, MPS was fortunate to have such a person. Patricia Belyea, co-owner of Okan Arts, presented “Spirit Quilts: When a Quilt is More Than a Quilt”. During her talk, she lead us through her process of making four quilts that she had been commissioned to create. She told us about how she came by the fabrics for each quilt, and about the design decisions that were made as she created the special quilts. Our members were treated to an hour of inspiration during her talk and the Q & A that followed.
While hearing her in person is the best, getting to read her blog about her healing quilts is also good. On her blog, you can read about two of the quilts she talked about to us. You can find them by clicking the buttons below.
On April 19th, Patricia also had a virtual chat with Kaffe Fassett . You can find her blog about the visit AND a link to the recording of their hour-long chat below.
Patricia loves Japanese Kimono fabric, especially Yukata Cotton. A trip to her website and online shop will delight you. Just click the button below.
We hope you enjoy getting to know Patricia’s work through her website. As always, your comments here are very welcome.
UPDATE May 3, 2021 : Patricia delivered another Spirit Quilt on May 1st and just posted the “Ben Son Quilt” story on her website. You can read about it on using the button below.
“when a quilt is more than a quilt” “johnny’s quilt: XXL Heart” “Ben Son Quilt”
Ben Son quilt. What a moving story. Such a gift to his parents. Very emotional. Compassion. Reverence. And created some form of comfort.
Such a very emotionally moving presentation. I was especially touched by Johnny’s quilt as the quilt was so needed by his mother to wrap herself in her son’s clothing for her own grieving. The presentation speaks to the power of a quilt!
It is so gratifying to see the generosity of our quilting community in women like Patricia. She is wonderful.
Just as emotional reading about these two quilts as hearing her in person describing the process and circumstances surrounding them. Amazing. Brings a whole new meaning to memory quilts for me.