Thanks for joining me as we make a beautiful memory quilt from a loved one’s clothing. We’ll start at the beginning and take it one step at a time. Let’s not rush the process as we connect with our special person and recall our time with them. If you’ve never made a quilt before check out my list of essential tools for beginners.
For this first step all you’ll need is a pile of shirts or blouses, cotton is the best choice but a polyester/cotton blend will work as well. Most neckties are made from silk or a silk blend so save the ties for later and we’ll make something lovely from them too. Get out your iron and ironing board while you’re at it.
You’ll also need a seam ripper. If you’ve done any sewing you know that a seam ripper can be your best friend, they’re cheap and a lifesaver. I prefer the ones with the little red ball on one end like the one pictured here. The red ball makes ploughing easy.
Now we’ll take apart the shirts or blouses that you’ve selected. Because I started out as a seamstress not a quilter I’ve made lots of shirts and blouses. When I take one apart I generally reverse the construction process. Something like this:
- Remove the buttons – save these to embellish your quilt or other project
- Take out the hem
- Remove the collar
- Take off the sleeves and remove the cuffs from the sleeves
- Open up the side and shoulder seams
- You may have other pieces that need to be removed such as pockets, plackets, ruffles, or labels.
You should end up with a pile of pieces about like this. I saved the tags and some collar binding in case I wanted to use it somewhere in the quilt.
Take all of your pieces to the ironing board and press out the folds and creases so you have a stack of nice flat fabric.
What did you think about as you took apart your loved one’s clothing? Did you recall the times you saw them wearing it? Did it remind you of a special moment in your relationship?
This is what I like to think about…Each stitch I remove is breaking a thread of the connection I had to Nick while he was alive. However I still hold in my hands the tangible evidence that he was here, that I loved him and he loved me. I knew him before he came into this world and I will carry him with me even though he has left it. I’ll carry him into our new relationship as I reshape his clothing into this quilt. As each thread is broken a new one will form.
Hugs! Dawn
Next up – Making The Cut