Memorial
Details and Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Memorial Quilt?
A Memorial Quilt honors the life of someone special and is made from their clothing or other keepsake fabrics.
Do you work with clients long-distance?
All the time.
Which types of fabrics can and can't you use in your Memorial Quilts?
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.
Do I have to supply all of the material for a Memorial Quilt?
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.
How do I prepare the fabrics/clothing I send to you?
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.
How do I choose a quilt pattern?
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.
Is it possible to get a Memorial Quilt made from a pattern in one of your other quilt sections?
Absolutely. Pricing depends on which pattern you use with your keepsake fabrics.
I can't decide whether to order my Memorial Quilt as a wall hanging or a functional bed quilt.
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.
What is the average time it takes to complete a memorial quilt?
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.
How do I care for my quilt?
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.
Recent Collaborations
Sam’s Pants (Blue)
Sam loved dressing sharply and had a vibrant collection of red pants.
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Sam’s Pants (Red)
Sam loved dressing sharply and had a vibrant collection of red pants.
James’ Choir
James devoted his life to music as an organist and accomplished choral director.
Jim’s Bugs and Bees
Jim was an entomologist who looked carefully at the natural world.
Steve’s Tommy Tartan
Steve loved the clear blue skies of Santa Fe.
Steve’s Tommy Ombre
Steve loved the clear blue skies of Santa Fe.
Ann’s Compassion 1
Ann embraced a life full of giving.
Ann’s Compassion 2
Ann embraced a life full of giving.
Ann’s Compassion 3
Ann embraced a life full of giving.
Jason’s Diamond 1
Jason was an expert baseball player and the life of any party.
Jason’s Diamond 2
Jason was an expert baseball player and the life of any party.
Jason’s Diamond 3
Jason was an expert baseball player and the life of any party.
Ted’s Atrium 1
Ted was a talented architect and an amazing dad.
Ted’s Atrium 2
Ted was a talented architect and an amazing dad.
Roy’s Light
Roy was a true innovator in his field and always brought out the best in people.
Deanne’s Song
Deanne had a marvelous sense of color and loved to sing.
Charlie’s Tartan 1
Charlie took great pride in his work and in his connection to the people around him.
Charlie’s Tartan 2
Charlie took great pride in his work and in his connection to the people around him.
Charlie’s Tartan 3
Charlie took great pride in his work and in his connection to the people around him.
Charlie’s Tartan 4
Charlie took great pride in his work and in his connection to the people around him.
Charlie’s Tartan 5
Charlie took great pride in his work and in his connection to the people around him.
Grandma Kat 1
Grandma Kat had a reservoir of strength and a survivor spirit.
Grandma Kat 2
Grandma Kat had a reservoir of strength and a survivor spirit.
Grandma Kat 3
Grandma Kat had a reservoir of strength and a survivor spirit.
Grandma Kat 4
Grandma Kat had a reservoir of strength and a survivor spirit.
Joe’s Badge 1
Joe committed his entire adult life to serving the public and our country.
Joe’s Badge 2
Joe committed his entire adult life to serving the public and our country.
Joe’s Badge 3
Joe committed his entire adult life to serving the public and our country.
Joe’s Good Will 1
Joe committed his entire adult life to serving the public and our country.
Joe’s Good Will 2
Joe committed his entire adult life to serving the public and our country.
Chip’s Tartan 1
Chip was a dedicated fashionista who wasn't afraid to go bold.
Chip’s Tartan 2
Chip was a dedicated fashionista who wasn't afraid to go bold.
Chip’s Tartan 3
Chip was a dedicated fashionista who wasn't afraid to go bold.
Aurelio’s Chimes
Aurelio believed in the practice of forgiveness.
Tom’s Soliloquy
Tom was an actor and a teacher who was passionate about his craft.
Tom’s Improv
Tom was an actor and a teacher who was passionate about his craft.
Ethan’s Puzzle
Ethan radiated kindness and loved a good puzzle.
Justin’s Grid 1
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant.
Justin’s Grid 2
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant.
Justin’s Penny 1
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant.
Justin’s Penny 2
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant.
Justin’s Penny 3
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant.
Justin’s Penny 4
Justin loved his family and was a dedicated public servant.
Dan the Man
Dan was a Harley-Davidson riding wild man.
Fly Me to the Moon
Rich felt most at peace near the water with his fishing rod in hand.
Rich’s Tree II
Rich felt most at peace near the water with his fishing rod in hand.
Rich’s Tree I
Rich felt most at peace near the water with his fishing rod in hand.
Bob’s Projects
Bob created every manner of brick path and stone wall in the woods around his rural Pennsylvania home.
Mary & Maynard: Two Pines
Mary and Maynard were hard-working seed farmers in Eastern Washington.
Grandma Mia
Mia taught pre-school, loved animals, and was dedicated to her church.
Jack’s Legacy
Jack's sharp wit was evident in his humor and his dedication to analyzing the law.
Tony’s Chevrons
Tony was an author and professor of creative writing.
Tony’s Library
Tony was an author and professor of creative writing.
Tonia’s Hawaiian Garden
Tonia loved flowers and her family.
Grandpa’s Chemistry
Grandpa Eric was a learned man from a different age.
John’s Tree
John was a talented artist and craftsman.
Jack’s Palm
Jack served in Vietnam and survived his time as a POW.
Barbara’s Flower Patch
Barbara spent her life in service to others.
Barbara’s Starburst
Barbara spent her life in service to others.
Barbara’s Penny
Barbara spent her life in service to others.
Michael’s Robes 1
Michael was a fair and dedicated judge.
Michael’s Robes 2
Michael was a fair and dedicated judge.
Michael’s Robes 3
Michael was a fair and dedicated judge.
Al’s Dress Blues
Al served his country and his community for many years.
Al’s Colors
Al served his country and his community for many years.
Luke’s Penny
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
Jack’s Penny
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
James’ Stars and Stripes
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
James’ Log Cabin
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
James’ Harvest
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
Michael’s Tune
Michael was a talented musician and dedicated hospice physician.
James’ Flower Garden
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
James’ Prairie
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
James’ Petals
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
James’ Solace
James was a hard-working, compassionate man.
Colin’s Tartan
Colin was committed to the preservation of Africa's big cats and elephants.
Dirck’s Islamic Star
Dirck loved Islamic art and architecture.
Emma’s Tree
A tree to remember.
Lizzie’s Tree
A tree to remember.
Margaret’s Flower Patch
Margaret loved to garden.
Renda’s Red Nova
Renda loved the color red.
Renda’s Silver Orb
Renda was a talented musician.
Clyde & Margaret’s Mesa
Clyde and Margaret were quite a team.
Clyde & Margaret’s Square Dance
Clyde and Margaret were quite a team.
Sam’s Trees
Sam loved to write poetry and song lyrics.
Sam’s Tree II
Sam was committed to protecting the environment.
Sam’s Tree I
Sam had a special connection to the natural world.
Youssef’s Mandala
Youssef was a man of many talents.
Jim’s Sails
Jim loved sailing and the outdoors.
Sorrel’s Flower Patch
Sorrel was a beautiful little girl who left before her time.
Nina’s Gran
Nina's Gran was a devoted caretaker.
Alfredo’s Map
Alfredo was an engineer and always had a project going on his workbench.
Debbie’s Tartan II
Debbie was a strong, passionate woman who had a wry wit.
Frances’ Flower
Frances adored flowers and had immaculate taste in clothing.
Amanda’s Flowers
Amanda loved coloring books. This quilt was inspired by some of her colorings.
Mary’s Fish and Flowers
Mary loved the ocean and the seashore.
Debbie’s Tartan 1
Debbie was a strong, passionate woman who was not afraid to call a spade a spade.
Zadie’s Bow Ties
Zadie was a bow tie kind of guy.
Laura’s Penny
Laura was celebrated for her curious and loving spirit.
Genevieve’s Red Cross
Genevieve was a vibrant, hard-working woman who had a great sense of humor.
Joan’s Pink Lady 2
Joan was a generous member of her community.
Joan’s Pink Lady 1
Joan was a generous member of her community.
Remembering Lewis
Lewis loved his family and enjoyed living life to its fullest.
Remembering Andy
Andy was a professor who loved teaching and inspiring his students.
Norman’s View
Norman was a native of Bermuda who was proud of his family.
Home
Home is where the heart is.
Richard’s Conversations
Richard owned a beautiful hotel in Bermuda.
Shirley’s Pillows
Shirley had a loving family full of strong women.
Starry Night
A contemplative quilt about finding solace in the stars.
Tree
A sweet quilt showing the strength and comfort of a tree form.
Marjorie’s Dance
Marjorie had a great sense of humor and was one tough cookie.
Eva’s Night Out
Eva was an exceptional artist and loved dressing for an occasion.
Eva in the Garden
Eva loved tending her garden and making bouquets from her cut flowers.
Barbara’s Penny
Barbara loved to paint was an accomplished watercolorist.
Diane’s Squares
This quilt is a reconstructed outfit worn by Diane at her wedding.
Eva In New York
Eva loved to shop and acquired an amazing collection of garments over the years.
Ronny’s Ties
Ronny was known for his wry wit.
