A Memorial Quilt honors the life of someone special and is made from their clothing or other keepsake fabrics.
All the time.
The best fabrics are tightly woven materials that don’t stretch much, like skirts, button-down shirts, neck ties, slacks, some dresses and blouses, and jeans. Some stretchy fabrics are okay, but are more challenging and take extra work to prepare for sewing. Tee shirt collection quilts are not suitable for my work. For more, sign up for my newsletter (bottom of my home page) and I’ll send you my free Guide to Choosing Fabrics for Keepsake Quilt and Pillow Projects.
No. Many of my quilts have been a blend of fabrics that I have received from clients and fabrics that I have in stock or have purchased to enhance specific design elements. Sometimes there’s not enough clothing material submitted to piece together a border for a larger quilt, so I might propose using store-bought fabric to frame the pieced body of the quilt.
I ask that ALL fabric, especially clothing, be washed before you send it. This may include dry-cleaning certain fabrics according to their care instructions.
You may choose from any pattern you see in the Memorial Quilt Gallery, or you may work with me on a custom pattern. Likewise, if there is a pattern you like anywhere else on my website, we can discuss its viability. It is important to note that the same quilt pattern looks completely different from quilt to quilt based on the highly individualized groups of fabrics each person supplies.
Absolutely. Pricing depends on which pattern you use with your keepsake fabrics.
This decision is a personal one and needs to be given due thought: some people love the idea of being literally wrapped up with the memories of a loved one, others prefer those memories encapsulated in a wall piece that they can walk by every day. I am happy to talk you through your decision-making process if you’re unsure.
12-16 weeks on average. Memorial Quilts require time-intensive work that involves the careful deconstruction of special garments and an individualized reconstruction process. Once the quilt top and back are complete, I work with Nancy Stovall, a highly respected machine quilter, to quilt the layers together.
Quilts that use primarily cotton, linen, and some blends may be laundered in a front loading, tumble washer only. Cold water, gentle cycle, air dry. Quilts that may include various combinations of synthetic fabrics should be dry cleaned only. **All fabrics should be laundered according to their instructions before being shipped to me.
Rosemary held lightness and darkness together and supported the outliers amongst us.
Arty was a beloved horse who is sorely missed.
Ethan radiated kindness and was wise beyond his years.
Bonnie loved the outdoors, gardening, and watching the wildlife in her surroundings.
Fernando always wore colorful bandannas when he rode his horses.
Salvador was an accomplished horseman and loved to collect things he loved.
Salvador was an accomplished horseman and loved to collect things he loved.
Salvador was an accomplished horseman and loved to collect things he loved.
Bill was dedicated to supporting libraries and always had a book to read within arms reach.
Olivia was a career librarian and an avid reader.
Clifton was a savvy CPA and an accomplished golfer.
Clifton was a savvy CPA and an accomplished golfer.
Sam loved dressing sharply and had a vibrant collection of red pants.
Sam loved dressing sharply and had a vibrant collection of red pants.
James devoted his life to music as an organist and accomplished choral director.
Jim was an entomologist who looked carefully at the natural world.
Steve loved the clear blue skies of Santa Fe.
Steve loved the clear blue skies of Santa Fe.
Ann embraced a life full of giving.
Ann embraced a life full of giving.
Ann embraced a life full of giving.
Jason was an expert baseball player and the life of any party.
Jason was an expert baseball player and the life of any party.
Jason was an expert baseball player and the life of any party.
Ted was a talented architect and an amazing dad.
Ted was a talented architect and an amazing dad.
Roy was a true innovator in his field and always brought out the best in people.
Deanne had a marvelous sense of color and loved to sing.
Charlie took great pride in his work and in his connection to the people around him.
Charlie took great pride in his work and in his connection to the people around him.
Charlie took great pride in his work and in his connection to the people around him.
Charlie took great pride in his work and in his connection to the people around him.
Charlie took great pride in his work and in his connection to the people around him.
Grandma Kat had a reservoir of strength and a survivor spirit.
Grandma Kat had a reservoir of strength and a survivor spirit.
Grandma Kat had a reservoir of strength and a survivor spirit.
Grandma Kat had a reservoir of strength and a survivor spirit.
Joe committed his entire adult life to serving the public and our country.
Joe committed his entire adult life to serving the public and our country.
Joe committed his entire adult life to serving the public and our country.
Joe committed his entire adult life to serving the public and our country.
Joe committed his entire adult life to serving the public and our country.
Joe was committed to serving the public and our country.
Joe was committed to serving the public and our country. Quilt pattern: CUSTOM. Throw size.
Joe was committed to serving the public and our country.
Chip was a dedicated fashionista who wasn't afraid to go bold.
Chip was a dedicated fashionista who wasn't afraid to go bold.
Chip was a dedicated fashionista who wasn't afraid to go bold.
Aurelio believed in the practice of forgiveness.
Aurelio believed in the practice of forgiveness. He also loved building things and working on his car and his house. He felt a deep connection with animals and the ocean and made beautiful wind chimes and birdhouses. This quilt was made from his amazing collection of surf shirts. Quilt pattern: BLOCKS. Twin size.
Tom was an actor and a teacher who was passionate about his craft.
Tom was an actor and a teacher who was passionate about his craft.
Ethan radiated kindness and loved a good puzzle.
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant.
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant. Conceptually, this quilt pattern drew inspiration from Justin's career serving a national coalition of rural electric cooperatives. It was made from clothing Elizabeth and Justin wore for their first date, their engagement, their wedding, and the day Justin died. Quilt pattern: CUSTOM. 65"x79"
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant.
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant.
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant. He developed a passion for cooperative organizations and worked in senior management at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. This is one of six quilts made for Justin's family members. Quilt pattern: LUCKY PENNY. 55"x70"
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant.
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant. He developed a passion for cooperative organizations and worked in senior management at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. This is one of six quilts made for Justin's family members. Quilt pattern: LUCKY PENNY. 55"x70"
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant.
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant. He developed a passion for cooperative organizations and worked in senior management at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. This is one of six quilts made for Justin's family members. Quilt pattern: LUCKY PENNY. 55"x70"
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant.
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant. He developed a passion for cooperative organizations and worked in senior management at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. This is one of six quilts made for Justin's family members. Quilt pattern: LUCKY PENNY. 55"x70"
Dan was a Harley-Davidson riding wild man.
Rich felt most at peace near the water with his fishing rod in hand.
Rich felt most at peace near the water with his fishing rod in hand.
Rich felt most at peace near the water with his fishing rod in hand.
Bob created every manner of brick path and stone wall in the woods around his rural Pennsylvania home.
Bob created every manner of brick path and stone wall in the woods around his rural Pennsylvania home. He loved being outside, literally making his mark on the landscape he lived in. The design for the quilt's large blocks were inspired by photos of Bob's various brick walkways, stone walls, and neatly stacked materials. Quilt pattern: CUSTOM. Queen-size.
Mary and Maynard were hard-working seed farmers in Eastern Washington.
Mia taught pre-school, loved animals, and was dedicated to her church.
Jack's sharp wit was evident in his humor and his dedication to analyzing the law.
Tony was an author and professor of creative writing.
Tony was an author and professor of creative writing.
Tonia loved flowers and her family.
Grandpa Eric was a learned man from a different age.
My Grandpa Eric lived to be 100 years old. He never stopped learning and being curious about the world - he read constantly until his dying days. I miss his humor, his exuberance, and his advice. This quilt was tied, rather than quilted, using the buttons from Grandpa's shirts.
Quilt pattern: BOWTIE DIAMOND. 34"x34" wall-hanging.
John was a talented artist and craftsman.
Jack served in Vietnam and survived his time as a POW.
Barbara spent her life in service to others.
Barbara spent her life in service to others. She was the director of mental health for the state of Connecticut, in addition to running a congressional office in Washington D.C. Her dedication to serving the homeless community led to a New Haven Transitional Housing Community being named after her. This quilt was for one of her adopted children. Quilt pattern: NINA. 55"x70"
Barbara spent her life in service to others.
Barbara spent her life in service to others. She was the director of mental health for the state of Connecticut, in addition to running a congressional office in Washington D.C. Her dedication to serving the homeless community led to a New Haven Transitional Housing Community being named after her. This quilt was for one of her adopted children. Quilt pattern: FRANCES. 55"x70"
Barbara spent her life in service to others.
Barbara spent her life in service to others. She was the director of mental health for the state of Connecticut, in addition to having run a congressional office in Washington D.C. Her dedication to serving the homeless community led to a New Haven Transitional Housing Community being named after her. This quilt was for one of her adopted children. Quilt pattern: LUCKY PENNY. 55"x70"
Michael was a fair and dedicated judge.
Michael was a fair and dedicated judge.
Michael was a fair and dedicated judge.
Al served his country and his community for many years.
Al served his country and his community for many years.
Al served his country and his community for many years. He dedicated years of service to the U.S. Army and to the Concord Police Department. This quilt was made from his dark green Army uniform and his colorful collection of shirts and neckties. Quilt pattern: AL'S COLORS. Full bed size.
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
Michael was a talented musician and dedicated hospice physician.
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
Colin was committed to the preservation of Africa's big cats and elephants.
Colin was committed to preserving the lives of Africa's big cats and elephants. This passion also led him to connecting with the Maasai tribesmen. Colin bought the orange striped Maasai shuka cloth on one of his many trips to Africa, and it became the foundation for the quilt. Custom Quilt pattern. Throw size (55"x70").
Dirck loved Islamic art and architecture.
A tree to remember.
A tree to remember.
Margaret loved to garden.
Renda loved the color red.
Renda was a talented musician.
Clyde and Margaret were quite a team.
Clyde and Margaret were quite a team.
Sam loved to write poetry and song lyrics.
Sam was committed to protecting the environment.
Sam had a special connection to the natural world.
Youssef was a man of many talents.
Jim loved sailing and the outdoors.
Sorrel was a beautiful little girl who left before her time.
Nina's Gran was a devoted caretaker.
Alfredo was an engineer and always had a project going on his workbench.
Alfredo was an engineer and always had a project going on his workbench. He was the last born son of Italian immigrants and the first to be born in the U.S. He loved practical jokes, pasta, and work, especially work he could do with his hands. When he passed away, he had tools on the table waiting for his next project. He was married to his adoring wife for 53 years and is sorely missed by his entire family. The quilt was made from a collection of his shirts. Quilt Pattern: ECLIPSE. 55"x70"
Debbie was a strong, passionate woman who had a wry wit.
Frances adored flowers and had immaculate taste in clothing.
Amanda loved coloring books. This quilt was inspired by some of her colorings.
Mary loved the ocean and the seashore.
Debbie was a strong, passionate woman who was not afraid to call a spade a spade.
Zadie was a bow tie kind of guy.
Laura was celebrated for her curious and loving spirit.
Genevieve was a vibrant, hard-working woman who had a great sense of humor.
Joan was a generous member of her community.
Joan was a generous member of her community.
Among many other wonderful attributes, Joan was a dedicated member of the hospital staff volunteers, fondly known as “The Pink Ladies” for the color of their uniform. This quilt incorporates part of that pink apron and is one of two “sister” quilts. Quilt pattern: SMALL SQUARES. 57″ x 68″
Lewis loved his family and enjoyed living life to its fullest.
Andy was a professor who loved teaching and inspiring his students.
Norman was a native of Bermuda who was proud of his family.
Home is where the heart is.
Richard owned a beautiful hotel in Bermuda.
Shirley had a loving family full of strong women.
Shirley collected some classic outfits, many of which were incorporated into this series of seven pillows. Each pillow went to one of her daughters or granddaughters. 20″x 20″
A contemplative quilt about finding solace in the stars.
A sweet quilt showing the strength and comfort of a tree form.
Marjorie had a great sense of humor and was one tough cookie.
Eva was an exceptional artist and loved dressing for an occasion.
Eva loved tending her garden and making bouquets from her cut flowers.
Barbara loved to paint was an accomplished watercolorist.
Barbara was an accomplished watercolorist. Her son wanted a quilt that incorporated the clothes she wore when she painted. Quilt pattern: LUCKY PENNY. 40”x40”
This quilt is a reconstructed outfit worn by Diane at her wedding.
Eva loved to shop and acquired an amazing collection of garments over the years.
Ronny was known for his wry wit.
Ronny had a great sense of humor. This quilt was made from his lifelong tie collection. Quilt pattern: TIES. 72”x59”