Memory Quilt - Making Memories Tangible

Welcome to my Memory Quilt site where we make memories tangible.

Quilts have been around for a long time and many have been made in "memory" of someone who has moved on from our lives, whether by death, divorce, or by physically moving away. Memory quilts that are made of clothing scraps another wore or personal items such as towels, bedding, kitchen cloths, etc. can be used to create a tangible memory for a person who finds themselves left behind.

A memory quilt is a perfect tangible memory!

Something you can look at, hold onto, hug and cuddle with is a tangible memory. It can enfold and warm you and act as a hug or an embrace. Scraps of clothing sewn into the memory quilt can trigger memories of the person who has passed on, occasions can be re-celebrated, and good times remembered.

While a memory quilt may at first encourage a good cry, in time, that same memory quilt will provide many hours of reflecting on past times and events enjoyed with a particular person. You may find yourself smiling as you stroke the fabric of your memory quilt and that is what they are made for. Keeping good memories fresh and alive.

Tangible memories are what a memory quilt are all about.

A Memory Quilt For Zoe's Mom

Here is a photo of my most recent Memory Quilt made from items of clothing handed to me for this purpose. I was able to incorporate cardigans, tops, tunics, and a dress with a few other coordinating colors of fabric to make a shoulder quilt that Zoe's Mom can enfold herself in.

I so hope that this memory quilt will provide a small measure of comfort to a grieving Mom.

May God Bless you, Zoe, and take care of you until you can be reunited with your family.

I have a friend who recently lost his mom due to an illness. Steven and Beverly, his mom, have been family friends for quite some time and we've spent many Holidays and celebrations together through the years. Although Beverly was getting up in years and not always in the best of health, she enjoyed spending time with friends, gathering with the family for the food fests we are known for, and generally having a great time.

Beverly passed away this past August.

Knowing her two sons, Steven and Barry, I asked for some of the clothes she wore that would carry memories for them. It's taken me some time to complete due to fitting the two quilts in with all the other projects I do, but they were finished in time to give as Christmas gifts to my two friends.

Needless to say, there were a few tears, but there was also a lot of joy when those two quilts came out of the gift wrap.

I was left in no doubt that those two quilts will be treasured and enjoyed for many years to come.

THAT JOY, the re-connecting with a loved one who has passed on, the feelings that a memory quilt naturally brings, are why I enjoy creating memory quilts. It truly is a privilege to be able to offer a sense of homecoming to someone who has lost a loved one.

If you have lost a loved one and would like to have a memory quilt created for you to hold and enjoy for many years, you can leave a message in the Guestbook at the bottom of this site or email me at micsan07@gmail.com. Please make sure you place the words "memory quilt" in the subject line as I usually do not open email from addresses I don't recognize.

I have a "ballpark pricing" section on this site (see below). The final fee factors in things like size of the quilt, items to be sewn into the quilt, additional items needed (backing, batting, sashing, and coordinating fabrics), and, of course, turnaround time.

A Quilt Made From Her Mom's Clothes

Here is the latest Memory Quilt that was made for Julene, a daughter who recently lost her Mom.

Except for the black print border fabric and the white photo fabric that was needed, ALL of the fabric used in this good sized quilt is from Julene's Mom's house dresses! Big happy prints in bright colors really helped to make this quilt pop and provides Julene with the feeling that her Mom is never far away.

I thought it came out very nice and now Julene has a tangible, can-hold-it-right-now memory of her mom that will never be far from her when she needs it.

Cammies and Dress Uniforms Used To Make A Memory Quilt

My husband, Santos, retired from the U.S. Navy after 20 years of service. He recently took out his camouflage uniforms and asked if I could make a Memory Quilt for him out of his old uniforms. He wanted to place it next to the shadow box he has with all of his military medals and pins.

What a great idea!

That got me to thinking that there may be quite a few military personnel out there who would enjoy having a Memory Quilt made from the uniforms that are a visual reminder of their military past. For those active military personnel with children left behind at home, maybe a child would find comfort in a quilt made of Mom or Dad's uniform to hug. . .

Other fabrics can be purchased to make a quilt even if there is only one or a few uniform pieces that are to be used for this purpose. Pricing depends on the size of quilt requested and can be found further down on this site.

Embroidering Service Coming Soon!

I'm finally biting the bullet and purchasing my own embroidery machine so I can monogram or embroider on my Memory Quilts!

It's something I've been thinking about and wanting for years, but there was always "something" that was more important than getting another piece of equipment. Not any more! It's been ordered and I should be receiving it within the next few weeks and I am so excited!

So if you are thinking of getting a memory quilt, or just a small quilt to have hanging around, I will be able to provide embroidery service on your handmade quilt that will personalize it even more!

Memory Quilts Can Provide a Tangible Memory For a Grieving Loved One

I just had to include a photo of my friend, Beverly Miller.

She is just gorgeous in this photo and had a smile that could light up a room!

God bless you, Beverly.

My First Quilting Class

This May Basket quilt is a memory quilt for ME! It's the perfect memory of me taking my one and only quilting class! :)

Up until then, I'd pretty much been self taught, I had made a lot of mistakes, but I learned a lot BECAUSE of those mistakes. Believe me, when you goof on a quilt, you won't ever make the same mistake again. Ripping out small stitches on a section of quilt is time consuming and boring!

What I remember most in making this quilt was the attitude of the instructor that day. Unlike most quilters who encourage you to "do your own thing" and personalize a quilt, this lady very much tried to discourage me from using the dark hunter green and burgundy colors that I had chosen to create my quilt. I chose these colors because my living room was decorated in these colors and that is where I planned that this quilt would be. I hadn't made the May Basket pattern up until then and, even though I KNEW it is traditionally sewn in pastel colors, those weren't the colors that I wanted my quilt to be in.

Well, even though it wasn't created in the traditional colors normally used, I've always been proud of this quilt and it's always hung somewhere in my home and shown with pride.

Quilts SHOULD be very personal and it's up to the creator to mix and match colors with a design that makes a pleasing visual AND tactile experience when seen and touched. Quilts shouldn't be tucked away in a closet to be saved, but taken out and used. Cuddle with them in front of the TV, huddle in one with the kids, and use them when it gets cool in the house. You'll be building memories that will last your whole life.

With Christmas right around the corner, I've been busy sewing up a few "couch comfy" quilts that are always a hit for anyone who likes cuddling up on the couch and being wrapped in warmth and comfort. Hence the name "couch comfy"! :)

I make them in various sizes and fabrics, but I do have a few criteria that I follow.

One, I make them all fleece backed! The softness and warmth of fleece just can't be beat.

Two, the top fabric matches the fleece so it doesn't look like a "thrown together" quilt like some I've seen.

And, three, I like to add some kind of flannel lining for weight and warmth.

I'll be adding a photo here of the husband wrapped up in his after Christmas . . .

Cuddle Up While You Watch TV

Sometimes you don't want a great big quilt draped all over, but something more easily managed to cuddle up with. To watch TV or huddle up in your favorite reading chair, a shoulder quilt might be a great option!

Not only are these easily ported from room to room, after all, they fit like a big shawl over your shoulders, but they are also more affordable than a large handmade quilt.

Here is a shoulder quilt, about 6 and a half feet long and about a yard wide, made of blue cottons with splashes of yellow on the front and lined with a bright blue fleece backing for warmth and ultra soft comfort.

These are not made of fabrics that are made to look like they have lots of prints, but different pieces of fabric cut into hundreds of pieces to make unique, one-of-a-kind quilted items that you can be proud to treasure. These do NOT sew up in an hour or two, but may take a few days to complete. (designing, cutting, placing/gridding, piecing, sewing, joining/binding/sashing, sandwiching, closing outer edges, and THEN top stitching!)

When giving a quilted shoulder wrap (or other quilted item) as a gift or keeping for yourself, you can be assured that you will be receiving a quality piece of wearable art that will be sure to please anyone who loves to cuddle in warmth.

While I haven't created a memory quilt for my own family, I have created a few quilts for my sons to pass on to their children (when that time comes!). They have enjoyed them for years and know that it is something that they can pass on to their first born when that child is old enough.

This quilt was made for MY first born, Andrew. Andrew liked the star pattern from the first, so we knew that would be the pattern that I used for his quilt. However, he inspected each piece of fabric that went into his quilt BEFORE I could use it because he wanted to make sure there were NO FLOWERS or girlie fabric on any part of his quilt. Considering all the prints and fabrics I used in this Queen size quilt, I think I did pretty good to follow his instructions. He will be 26 in just a few months and still keeps this quilt close.

Would YOU like to have a new family heirloom quilt created for YOUR family to pass on?

Celebrate Great Family Moments With a Quilted Advent Calendar

Here is another way where a quilted item can bring back lots of memories - with a Quilted Advent Calendar!

Advent Calendars are a great way for children to celebrate the biggest Holiday Season every day leading up to Christmas. By hanging a small "ornament" on the Advent Calendar each day, they keep building up the excitement and joy until Christmas actually arrives.

These also make great Holiday gifts to young couples with children. It's no wonder that many handmade Advent Calendars turn into beloved family heirlooms to be passed on to future generations.

Isn't that a great way to share Christmas - by passing it on . . .

Not everyone may wish for a large quilt . . .

There may not be enough material to create a large memory quilt or you may not have the space warranted for a huge quilt. Have you thought about how a "quilted memory pillow" may fit your needs or wants better?

Email me at micsan07@gmail.com and let's talk about what your wants may be in regard to the quilted item you might have in mind.

Create a Family Heirloom!

When I first got married, we didn't always have a lot of money and the Christmas Season usually strained the budget at the seams. So, since I was good with a sewing machine, throughout the years, I've created lots of gifts for my family and in-laws.

Quite a few years ago (23-25 years ago?), I created quilted Christmas Tree Skirts for each in-law as their Christmas present from my husband and I. To this day, each of those tree skirts are being used every single Christmas Season. Without even knowing it, I created quite a few family heirlooms to be passed on and treasured by my family.

I have to admit that the one I created for MY family is still being used each and every year to this day.

Maybe I'm just picky because I have the skills to create beautiful items, but the felt skirts I see being sold at the retail stores just don't cut it for me. I like things that are just a little bit different, something with personality and a bit individual for my Holiday Traditions. I have never made a duplicate, nor do I plan on doing so in the future. Each of my Christmas Tree Skirts is unique and can be made to your color preferences (Victorian, traditional, kiddie, blue and gold instead of red and green, country, etc.).

If you put up a LARGE tree every year, maybe you'd like to order a tree skirt that will actually look like it FITS a large tree!

Let me know what you need for YOUR heirloom Christmas Tree Skirt. I'm sure we can come to an agreement.

My Dad Loved Whitetail Deer

I grew up in rural Maine watching whitetail deer cross a large field behind our house a couple times a day. We saw the fawns in the spring barely peeping over the tall grasses hiding behind their mamas and learning lessons from their family units. As spring turned into summer, those same fawns would put on a show for us playing tag with their siblings and the grown ups watching over them.

Absolutely awesome.

I happened upon some whitetail deer fabrics last week. As I have so many great memories of deer from growing up, I wanted to try my hand at a quilt that would showcase some of those memories.

Here is a pic of the quilt insert SO FAR! I've since then added some bordering at the top and bottom and am now in the process of completing the quilt. As soon as it's completed, I'll place a new pic of the deer quilt and see if anyone would have a spot for it in their home laying on a couch for cuddling into or laid out on a double bed.

Maybe a few more days . . .

The price of cotton has more than doubled in the past year which has severely made a difference in the cost of fabric used in hand crafted items like memory quilts and coverlets.

While I definitely don't like raising prices on the things that I make, I also can't continue to spend many hours creating quilts and only get paid what it costs me for the fabric (don't forget that I usually provide the backing, batting, filler, and binding for these quilts). It's just not feasible money wise.

When you order a memory quilt (or any other sewn item) from me, you will still receive a quality item that was handled with respect and consideration for the person it represents. Leftover fabric can either be returned to the sender with the finished product or used by me to add into other quilts that are donated to shelters and veteran homes for those in need.

Here are the ball park figures for memory quilts where I provide all materials except for the personal clothing:

Pillow = $50-$75

Lap or crib size quilt = $150-$200

Personal or Shoulder Size = $250-$300

Twin size = $400-$500

Double or Full = $700-$800

Queen/King = $800-$1000

When creating Double, Queen, and King size quilts, I also include a personal size pillow made of matching fabrics. Turnaround time will depend on how many orders I am processing at the time.

Prices can be negotiable when client provides quilt backing, batting, filler and bordering fabrics.

When I offer "ball park" memory quilt pricing, I often get asked how I come to the "range" of prices that I show. Here are a few of the considerations I have to look at when pricing my quilts.

1) How much fabric am I being sent for the memory quilt? Will there be enough to fill out the entire front of the quilt? Will I be able to piece some of the fabric to include the backing? How much "other" coordinating fabric will I need to purchase to finish the quilt?

2) What TYPE of fabric is being sent . . . Slippery, lightweight, stretchy, silky, loose knits, nylon type fabrics will need to either be attached to a stabilizer fabric for use in the quilt or used only as a design detail. For example, a silky lightweight fabric might be used as a decorative flower placed as a design on top of the quilt instead of being used as part of the basic quilt pattern. These types of fabrics don't hold up well in comparison to cotton type fabrics and don't hold their shape either. They require more work, more fabric, much more time to work into a memory quilt. So, remember, the more of these fabrics used, the more I need to charge.

3) Are there any photos being included in the quilt . . . Not all memory quilts have photos printed on them, but, if they do, I not only have to purchase a special photo fabric (and this fabric is EXPENSIVE!), but I also have to purchase another ink cartridge for my computer to be able to print these fabric photos out. These are costs that people who don't normally sew wouldn't know to look for.

4) Will there be any embroidery requested on the quilt . . . Not everyone wants anything embroidered on their quilt, however, if they do, that requires the use of my embroidery machine, special threads, stabilizer fabric, and more time from me.

I don't mind offering any of these services to be added to your memory quilt, however, they do all require either more supplies, more time, and often BOTH from me. In order to make it worth my while to create these quilts, I need to charge extra for extra services.

Hoping this helps you understand why there is a price "range" for my quilts. :)

I hope you enjoyed your visit here at Memory Quilt today and take the time to write a short comment here inside the Guestbook.

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Thank you for spending some time with me here at Memory Quilt!

Michelle