Memory quilts and other sewn items are a good way of providing comfort and a tangible reminder of our loved one. Quilts, pillows, wall hangings and stuffed animals are all items that can be made to honor someone. You can make these items or find someone who will turn your treasured items into a fabric memory.
One of the most popular memory projects is the T-shirt quilt. All of us have those favorite shirts that we’ve worn and loved. Some of these shirts may be collected on travel trips – others remind us of high school and/or our sports involvement. T-shirt quilts are not too difficult if you have the right preparation and supplies!
First, select the shirts you want to use. It’s a good idea to wash the shirts without using fabric softener or dryer sheets. These can leave a residue on the garments which may affect how the stabilizer sticks to the shirts. Don’t stress too much over stains… these can add “character” to your finished project. The size and type of your project is determined by how many shirts you have. Generally, 20 adult-sized shirts will make a full-size quilt.
Second, once the shirts are ready for cutting, determine the size of your block and roughly trim the shirt, leaving at least 2” beyond the finished block size. Next, you will want to stabilize the shirts to keep them from stretching as you assemble the quilt. I prefer the tricot knit fusible interfacing which leaves the shirts soft. Apply the fusible, then trim the shirts to desired size.
The block can be assembled with or without sashing. Sashing is useful when the shirt blocks are not the same size. You can vary your sashing size to help assemble the blocks into rows. Adding sashing can also help to further stabilize the T-shirts.
Another type of memory project is using clothing, which includes shirts and ties, to make a quilt. With clothing, again, prewash the garments. Determine what type of design to use with the garments. I made a memory quilt from my Dad’s good shirts and his work shirts. I chose several of his work shirts that were sun-faded and stained to remind me of his farm work. I also integrated the pockets into my quilt design as corner blocks. Since his pockets button, I can also leave additional memory items there if desired.
Men’s ties are also good to use for memory projects. Generally, the ties are taken apart and the fabric used to create a project. One simple design to use is to arrange the ties in a Dresden Plate design to use as a pillow or wall hanging. I’ve also seen the ties used in a Rail Fence pattern to create a wall hanging/throw-size quilt as well. One caution with ties, though, is the fabric used to make them. Check to see if the fabric is one that can be washed IF you plan to use the ties in a quilt.
Memory pillows made from shirts are another good smaller project to make. I am also seeing teddy bears made from the loved one’s clothing as well.
Photo transfer projects are popular to make, as well. For these, you will need to use a fabric prepared to accept the image transfer. Several fabric types are available that you can use with your ink-jet printer to transfer designs. Photos, letters, invitations, recipes and other memories can be transferred to fabric and incorporated into a quilt, pillow, wall hanging, etc. to make a special remembrance. I have also used the photo transfer paper to create signature blocks to use with a wedding quilt. The guests sign the block for a very special wedding memento!
Projects to honor and remember a loved one or special occasion are always welcome gifts and become part of the family story. We have the supplies and machines to help you construct one of your own.
-submitted by The Sewing & Vacuum Center
