Memory Quilt
Well, I finally have made some progress on my latest commissioned Memory Quilt!
I decided to attack this project with simplicity. I think most people that want a quilt made are thinking of a handmade patchwork feel and not a quilt masterpiece….especially if they don’t give you any direction at all in regard to the design…..or at least that’s what I am hoping:) It took me quite a while to decide on this and finally just started cutting! I feel like I have been just holding on to this bag of clothes for months….I don’t know about you guys, but this whole timeline thing is probably the one thing I actually do not love about making quilts for others. I always feel like I keep them waiting SO long! Oh well….that is my process I guess:) I have to really think about it and wait until it speaks to me.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!
In my previous post I talked to you guys about how I just spent some time looking over the clothes, analyzing the fabric and how much useable material I had to work with. These clothes really struck me as so personal and I could feel all the love inside them…..I think that made them harder to cut up!
My next step was to pull a few fabrics that I thought coordinated with the general feel of all the clothes. The person who I am making it for told me her favorite was a country blue. I picked a couple different shades and added a similar style yellow for some extra pop!
I pressed all the shirts, cut out all the large flat areas, and then subcut them into 4.5″ x 8″ rectangles. I laid them out on my design wall with staggered rows so that the seams would alternate. After sewing everything together I trimmed the edges so they were square.
I hope they are going to like this quilt!
Ahhh……a little summer breeze:) Not great for picture taking, but beautiful none the less!
Now…..should I add a border??? Hmmmm…..what do you think? I have plenty of the blues and yellow left over.
Keep it Sassy♥
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I love your idea of making memory quilts simple as far as the pattern. The fabrics are much more identifiable that way! But I have a question. How did you make the design board? And How do you attach the pieces to it?
Thanks Allyson! Here is a link to how I made my design wall: http://www.sassyquilter.com/design-wall/
I love, love, love it! The fabric just sticks right to it, no pins required:) It is really easy and cheap to make too!
Beautiful quilt! Sometimes simplicity is the best thing!
I think a yellow border would look great. It turned out really pretty and I know they’ll love it!
Love it!!
This is a sweet quilt top… I like it without the border. And I agree… Keeping it simple is usually the best way to go!
I made a memory kwilt from my Mom’s Housedresses after she passed and it was part of my healing process. I used a very simple pattern. The clothes’ fabrics need to be the star…not some fancy design. I think a simple pattern allows the receiver to see the memories very clearly. Great job. They will love it.
this is beautiful – you have done a wonderful job. I am interested whether you used any stabiliser at all – were the fabrics all cotton or did you have more t-shirt material too?
No stabilizer….everything was cotton so I think we are good:)
Simplicity always wins! I went back to look at the previous post too… really nice to see this person’s handwork. I know what you mean when you said it made it harder to cut up.
I just love simple quilts. They are always so pretty and cozy looking! Yours is great :) I like it with no border, but either way it’s a winner!
This is a lovely quilt and anyone would love to have it. The additional fabrics that you added help to make it look so soft. You did a great job & I’m sure it will be loved!
I would say that the quilt is an absolute winner. I think the person will be thrilled with it. You are talented and it will be loved in its new homw.
it’s beautiful. you did such a nice thing. I’ve made a memory quilt for a widow friend, and I think it s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It took me a long time just to feel okay about cutting up the clothes.
It turned out well! I would probably add a border, just to tie it all together. But either way would work.
Great job! I would be so nervous cutting into shirts that someone else wants me to create something of so much value! I think it’s smart to take your time so you don’t regret anything! Hope you have a great weekend!
Beautiful quilt and I like it without the border! Memory quilts are wonderful….I have one with fabric from my dresses that I wore as a child and…….that was a long time ago :)
This simple design and these fabrics struck me as very uplifting . . . and then I got to the picture of it lifting in the breeze. So I believe I am correct!
I love it, the simple design is beautiful. I like borders and usually put one on but I think this quilt would be beautiful either way.
Peg x
I really like the layout you used with the bricks. No border; I think it would take away from the fabrics on the inside. A medium blue or dark blue binding will look nice.
I’m a no border gal myself, but if a little more size is needed to make it a more usable quilt, then I’d go for it. Great choice of blue and yellow to tie the memory fabrics together… it can be tricky to make quilts from special clothes, but this one is a winner!
Paula, this turned out really nice!! I know what you mean when you say you need to let the materials speak to you. I think it’s all part of the creative process because I do the same thing with what ever I am creating!
Huggs, Nancy
Its Beautiful, I love it.
You did a wonderful job! I think a border would add to the beauty of it. Maybe you could “audition” one on the design wall?
Very cute quilt Paula. Thanks for sharing your creative process.
i vote for a border, your leftover blues and yellows would be great! Borders complete most quilts for me. Maybe a sawtoooth border….
I am sure they will be delighted with this quilt
Of course they will love the quilt and it’s full of memories for the owner. Love the blue colour
It is a great quilt! Very pretty and I love all the variety of fabrics. It will bring wonderful memories
I shared this great post on my wall today, thanks!