Guild member Laura Soelter's eclectic background is evident in the wide variety of subjects and designs from which she builds her quilts. Laura's initial degree in Textile Design took her to North Carolina where she worked for a firm that specialized in French imported fabrics. From there she went to Boston for more creative work, but after the birth of her twins, she moved back to Kansas. That led to the decision to become a nurse, but her love of textile design was a relaxing outlet that manifested in creating quilts and costumes. Laura designed costumes for family and friends to wear at the Renaissance Festival, later donating many of these costumes to the theater in Abilene. Laura has settled in Manhattan where she and her significant other, "the guy she hangs out with," built a house together close to Tuttle Creek Lake. And, yes, they are still together after that endeavor.

Many of the quilts Laura has made she has seen in magazines or on the web. With her design background, she employs her skills in creating her own patterns. Laura also shared a number of quilts that she has made as the result of guild challenges that she adds her own twist to. From the photos, you may note that several of Laura's quilts are paper-pieced, which is a technique that Laura enjoys due to the resulting precision. She has also created collage quilts, two of which you see below in different versions of self-portraits.

What a wonderful range of quilts, colors, designs, and techniques were shared by Laura!