First of all, I must discuss my name. A friend came up to me at AQS and said, “Someone has completely copied your style. Come see!” Well, that someone was myself, with a different last name. Before my remarriage in 1997, my name was Barbara Hendrick Abrelat and many of my works are attributed to that name. Hendrick is my family name and one that my youngest sister asked me to always include. Abrelat is the name of my son Paul and 3 grandsons who are the light of my life. In 1997, I changed my name for the last time!
From an early age in Mobile, Alabama, I felt the urge to express my love of fabric, color and pattern. My flair for accessorizing was dampened only slightly by my mother who was always saying something about not going out of the house like that.My interest in making quilts was sparked when we visited my great aunt in Ramer, Alabama. Her hands were always busy throughout the day—making biscuits, shelling peas, washing dishes—all those activities that must be done. But when she had an idle moment, she would reach into her large apron pocket and pull out needle and thread and “piece a bit.” She showed me how those pieces created a patchwork star and from that moment, I knew that I must learn how to make quilts.
My love of fabric lead me to school in Chicago and work as a fashion illustrator. I am employed as a graphic designer/illustrator and I have had the good fortune always to love the work I do.
Making quilts has been the one of the alternate passions in my life. It has prompted me to teach basic quiltmaking for several years, edit and write for national publications and enter the world of art quilt competitions.
My husband Thomas and I live outside of Atlanta, in Canton, GA. My sewing room is a comfortable space where I try to spend some time every day and to my great joy, Thomas is an enthusiastic supporter of my efforts. He keeps me going, encourages me and he enjoys reading aloud to me when I am working! Best of all, he is a great cook!