MEMORY QUILTS BY MARNIE
Our Memory Quilts
At Memory Quilts by Marnie, we are passionate about the products and services we provide. We are committed to surpassing our customers’ expectations. Our traditional, three-layer quilts, are custom designed and each is sewn as if it was our very own!
MEMORY QUILTS BY MARNIE
About our Quilts
Our memory quilts are storytellers! They can be made from many different types of clothing items. In fact, you may want to include fabric from other sources as well. We can combine the different types and weights of fabrics, from technical to T-shirt to fleece and nylon. Our traditional three-layer quilts are 100% machine washable and will withstand the test of time. Unless you have decided to hang your quilt, we use a soft, fuzzy backing fabric so that your quilt feels warm and cuddly right from the onset. We can even include photos in your memory quilt. We also specialize in memorial quilting, where your quilt is made in honor of a loved one that has passed this life.
Our T-shirt quilts are designed in a puzzle-like fashion and do not reflect the traditional memory quilts that are made with the same size blocks and sewn in rows and columns. We cut T-shirt blocks according to the size of the pre-printed design. This allows our customers to include all of the shirts and memories in their collection.
If your collection does not include T-shirts, jerseys, or other commemorative apparel, we can make your memory quilt from assorted clothing and fabric. Depending on your style and price point, you are able to choose between a basic or complex design.
Baby Clothes quilts also form part of our product line. They can even include clothing from the toddler and early childhood years.
We have recently introduced “Signature” quilts as a replacement for the guest book at a wedding. They also make wonderful milestones or retirement gifts.
If you have a completely custom memory quilting project, please contact us directly with your idea. We would love to guide you through your options and provide a quoted price.
Finally, memory pillows offer our customers a more affordable option for a keepsake. They are perfect when you only have a few clothing items you wish to include.
CHOOSE THE QUILT FOR YOU
Our Quilt Types
T-Shirt / Jersey Memory Quilts
The base size of your T-shirt/Jersey quilt cannot be determined until we have cut up your items. Our designs do not reflect the traditional memory quilts that are made from the same size blocks and sewn in rows and columns. We cut blocks according to the design size, and then fit them together like a puzzle. If you have lots of larger pre-printed designs, and/or your shirt has printing on both the front and back, your quilt will grow faster than if you have smaller pre-printed designs. We have, however, established loose guidelines around the number of items required and their correlation to the base size. For guidelines, see Column 3 of our T-Shirt & Jersey Price List.
Quilt sizes on our Price List are an approximation—but the list provides a very accurate guideline regarding the cost of a memory quilt. If you want your memory quilt to fit a particular bed, please provide exact measurements on the Order Form under “Comments or Special Instructions”.
Quilt pricing is based on the actual size of the quilt top prior to the quilting process (stitching the three layers together). Your quilt will actually shrink anywhere from ½” – 1 ½” in the finished product. Pricing is calculated per square inch, except when adding borders to a T-shirt/Jersey quilt. In this case, the percentages of the base price are applied.
Assorted Clothing & Fabric Items Quilts
Your items are the single most important variable when we choose a pattern or create a design. In many cases, we will suggest seeing your items before we make any recommendations. We look at the types and weights of fabrics, and colors. In the majority of cases, we do not use interfacing to back our fabrics. It is very important to us that your quilt remains soft and the fabrics feel as they did in their original condition.
We also have some customers that know exactly what design they would like to display their fabrics. In this case, we ask that you include a simple sketch with your order form. We believe written communication is essential in our ability to provide the highest level of service.
The Price List for Assorted Clothing is divided into “Simple” (example: design is based on sewing 6 ½” or 8 ½” unfinished fabric blocks together) and “Complex” (example: the design includes fabric blocks outlined with sashing and/or borders).
It is very difficult for us to determine how many items are required for a particular size quilt. We recommend giving us as many items as you wish. If you have a limited # of items, but would still like a quilt, we can combine new fabrics with your clothing items.
Quilt sizes on our price list are an approximation—but the list provides a very accurate guideline regarding the cost of a memory quilt. If you want your memory quilt to fit a particular bed, please provide exact measurements on the Order Form under “Comments or Special Instructions”.
Quilt pricing is based on the actual size of the quilt top prior to the quilting process (stitching the three layers together). Your quilt will actually shrink anywhere from ½” – 1 ½” in the finished product. Pricing is calculated per square inch.
Memory Pillows
A memory pillow is significantly more affordable than a quilt and is also a great option if you have five or fewer items. Some customers choose to do both and gift the pillow to another family member.
Available in three sizes: 12”, 16” and 20”
Baby Clothes Memory Quilts
The Modern Baby Clothes Quilt captures the memories of your child by incorporating new muslin (cream and white) mixed prints with fabrics from your favourite clothing items. We believe our design allows your eye to easily identify with the fabrics and all the memories they hold. We start with dark fabrics, then blend in medium fabrics, and finally introduce light color fabrics; all in random placement. Click here to view our Price List.
Designs or motifs on clothes are used whenever possible. However, baby clothes present certain challenges when zippers and snaps etc. interfere with our ability to cut a complete 4 1/2″ square. In these cases, we abandon the design and cut from the fabric only. Certain items like some sweaters are too thick and our equipment will not perform properly. Items such as baby hats and caps do not lie flat when cut and therefore cannot be included. We make these decisions independently during the cutting process. All unused items are returned with your quilt.
The Modern Baby Clothes Quilt is not just from baby clothes. It showcases fabrics from as many years as you wish to include.
If you are looking for a more custom item, or an alternate design, please Contact Us with your request.
Signature Quilts
Our signature quilt is very custom and definitely requires that you Contact Us. However, here is some basic information:
- You get to choose the main colour(s) that will appear in the quilt. In some cases, you will be responsible for purchasing the dominant fabrics. We will provide yardages, once a design and size have been determined.
- If you would like us to pick out the fabrics, based on colour or tones, we will ask you to visit a paint store and pick out colour cards (the computer screen is a very inaccurate method of conveying colour).
Custom / Special Orders
Custom/Special Orders are genuinely unique.
They require more time for design work and sewing. We would love to help bring your vision to life! Please Contact Us with the details. Keep in mind, our equipment is limited to sewing fabric items only.
GET YOUR QUILT TODAY
How the Process Works
Step One
Choose your Quilt Type, Visit the Order Page, and pay your Deposit.
This will begin the process! Once the order is received, you will receive detailed instructions for step two.
Step Two
Prepare your items, ship them to us (if applicable), or contact us for an appointment drop off time.
Once we receive your items, we will confirm receipt by email. Your order is then placed in a queue. Depending on the nature of your order, you may or may not receive updates during the manufacturing process.
Step Three
Complete your order and receive your quilt!
Once production is complete, you will need to pay the balance of your order, then your new quilt will be shipped to you!
ORGANIZE YOUR MEMORIES
Prepare Your Items
T-shirts/Jerseys (or pre-printed designs)
The base size of your T-shirt/Jersey quilt cannot be determined until we have cut up your items. Our designs do not reflect the traditional memory quilts that are made from the same size blocks and sewn in rows and columns. We cut blocks according to the design size, and then fit them together like a puzzle. If you have lots of larger pre-printed designs, and/or your shirt has printing on both the front and back, your quilt will grow faster than if you have smaller pre-printed designs. We have, however, established loose guidelines around the number of items required and their correlation to the base size.
Check out our guidelines by clicking here to see the Pricing List
Preparation – Sorting, Choosing, and Marking your Items
- Items need to be pre-washed and folded; otherwise, a pressing fee may apply. If you are shipping your items, rolling is a great option, as it maximizes space and reduces wrinkling. Even new items need to be pre-washed to allow for shrinkage prior to being incorporated into your quilt. DO NOT CUT YOUR ITEMS YOURSELF—if you are reading this statement, and it is already too late, we can still make your memory quilt. However, there is an additional $15.00 charge per item where we are required to perform extra sewing to create a useable block with the required seam allowances.
- If you are concerned you will have too many T-shirts for the size of the quilt you would like, or you would like to ensure you do not exceed a certain price point, then place the least wanted T-shirts in a separate bag. Be sure to clearly label the bag. Any unused items will be returned to you with your quilt.
- If there is a color of a T-shirt that you never liked, consider leaving it out. Oddball colors can look wonderful in your quilt; but if the memory tied to your item does not exceed the emotions attached to the color, you will not be happy with it in your quilt. (It is also worth noting that once your quilt is finished, you cannot remove an item. Attempting to do this, would wreck your quilt.)
- Marking your items is not necessary unless you would like complete control over which pre-printed designs are included in your quilt. Generally, we include advertising only if it cannot be cut out of the main design because of centering and seam allowances. We consider stains as part of the memories tied to your items. They take a comfortable “back seat” to the artistic design and stitching on your quilt. If you share our viewpoint on these matters, there is no need to mark your items. Otherwise, it is very important that you mark your items according to our guidelines below.
Guidelines – How to Mark your Items for Full Control (optional)
- Use blue or green painter’s tape. This is very similar to masking tape, but it will not leave a residue on your items.
- Use two strips of tape and place an “X” through all the designs and stains you do not want to be included in your quilt.
- Use the tape to tell us a special request like “please place this design in the center of my quilt”. Affix the tape directly to the item, preferably above or below the pre-print. Note: Requests for placement should be kept to a minimum, to allow our quilters flexibility during the design stage
Assorted Clothing
Our designs for memory quilts made from assorted clothing and other fabric items are still in the development stage. We expect it to remain this way for quite some time. What we do know is that your items are the single most important variable when we choose a pattern or create a design. In many cases, we will suggest seeing your items before we make any recommendations. We look at the types and weights of fabrics, and color. In the majority of cases, we do not use interfacing to back our fabrics. It is very important to us that your quilt remains soft and the fabrics feel as they did in their original condition.
The price list for Assorted Clothing is divided into “Simple” (example: design is based on sewing 6 ½” or 8 ½” unfinished fabric blocks together) and “Complex” (example: the design includes fabric blocks outlined with sashing and/or borders). Click here to access our pricing page. Look at the table titled “Assorted Clothing & Fabric Items”.
It is very difficult for us to determine how many items are required for a particular size quilt. We recommend giving us as many items as you wish and following our guidelines in the steps below. If you have a limited # of items, but would still like a quilt, we can combine new fabrics with your clothing items.
Preparation – Sorting, Choosing, and Marking your Items
- Items need to be pre-washed and folded; otherwise, a pressing fee may apply. If you are shipping your items, rolling is a great option, as it maximizes space and reduces wrinkling. Even new items need to be pre-washed to allow for shrinkage prior to being incorporated into your quilt. DO NOT CUT YOUR ITEMS YOURSELF—if you are reading this, and it is already too late, we can still make your memory quilt. However, we charge an additional $15.00 per item where we are required to perform extra sewing to create a useable block with the required seam allowances.
- If you are concerned about which items you should include, and which items you should perhaps exclude, then separate the items in three distinct bags, and give us all of them.
#1 – Items you definitely want to be included
#2 – Items you would like included, but are unsure if they will work
#3 – Items that could be included (but it would also be okay if they were left out)
Identify the bags with the descriptions above, and double-check the labeling. Unused items will be returned to you with your memory quilt.
- Marking your items individually is only necessary if you want more control. We consider stains as part of the memories tied to your items. They take a comfortable “back seat” to the artistic design and stitching on your quilt. If you share our viewpoint, there is no need to mark your items. Otherwise, it is very important that you mark your items according to our guidelines below.
Guidelines – How to Mark your Items for Full Control (optional)
- Use blue or green painter’s tape. This is very similar to masking tape, but it will not leave a residue on your items.
- Use two strips of tape and place an “X” through all the stains you do not want to be included in your quilt.
- Use the tape to tell us a special request like “please use more of this fabric in my quilt”. Affix the tape directly to the item, and on the front, if it is a clothing item.
Baby Clothes (including children’s wear)
Our design for our baby clothes quilt takes a more modern approach to quilting. Click here for a photo and our methodology.
Preparation – Sorting, Choosing, and Marking your Items
- Items need to be pre-washed and folded; otherwise, a pressing fee may apply. If you are shipping your items, rolling is a great option, as it maximizes space and reduces wrinkling. Even new items need to be pre-washed to allow for shrinkage prior to being incorporated into your quilt. DO NOT CUT YOUR ITEMS YOURSELF—if you are reading this, and it is already too late, we can still make your memory quilt. However, we charge an additional $15.00 per item where we are required to perform extra sewing to create a useable block with the required seam allowances.
- If you are concerned about which items you should include, and which items you should perhaps exclude, then separate the items in three distinct bags, and give us all of them.
#1 – Items you definitely want to be included
#2 – Items you would like included, but are unsure if they will work
#3 – Items that could be included (but it would also be okay if they were left out)
Identify the bags with the descriptions above, and double-check the labeling. Unused items will be returned to you with your quilt.
- Marking your items individually is only necessary if you want more control. We consider stains as part of the memories tied to your items. They take a comfortable “back seat” to the artistic design and stitching on your quilt. If you share our viewpoint, there is no need to mark your items. Otherwise, it is very important that you mark your items according to our guidelines below.
Guidelines – How to Mark your Items for Full Control (optional)
- Use blue or green painter’s tape. This is very similar to masking tape, but it will not leave a residue on your items.
- Use two strips of tape and place an “X” through all the stains you do not want to be included in your quilt.
- Use the tape to tell us a special request like “please use more of this fabric in my quilt”. Affix the tape directly to the item, and on the front, if it is a clothing item.
Signature
We will be updating this section of our product line in the near future. Our signature quilt is very custom and definitely requires that you Contact Us. However, here is some basic information.
- You get to choose the main colour(s) that will appear in the quilt. In most cases, you will be responsible for purchasing the dominant fabrics. We will provide the yardages, once a design and size have been determined.
- If you would like us to pick out the fabrics, based on colour or tones, we will ask you to visit a paint store and pick out colour cards. Then mail them to us (the computer screen is a very inaccurate method of conveying colour).
Custom
If you have a request for an entirely custom order, please Contact Us. Keep in mind, our equipment is limited to sewing fabric items only.
Memory Pillows
For information regarding Sorting and Marking your items, first determine the classification of the fabric items:
- T-shirt/Jersey (The primary source of clothing items is “T-shirts or Jerseys”, or other sports apparel, with a pre-printed design.)
- Assorted Clothing (The primary source of items is “Assorted Clothing” where the fabrics, not the pre-printed design, is the memory.)
Once you have determined the primary source of your clothing, select T-shirts/Jerseys or Assorted Clothing above and read the information under Preparation – Sorting, Choosing and Marking Your Items.
LEARN MORE
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve organized a set of Frequently Asked Questions. We hope you find this list helpful. Should you require more information, do not hesitate to Contact Us.
How long will it take to make my quilt?
Delivery time is generally 4 – 8 weeks; however, we will try to meet individual requests if the quilt is for a special occasion (i.e. birthday, anniversary etc.) Depending on our schedule, a “Rush” charge may apply.
What are the payment terms and accepted methods of payment?
We require a $250.00 non-refundable deposit at the time the order is placed. The balance is due upon receipt of your order. Currently, we accept cash, major credit cards, and email bank transfer (must be received prior to delivery).
Besides t-shirts and baby clothes, what other items can be used to make my quilt?
Other common items include technical shirts, fleece items, sweat pants, dress or work shirts, sports’ jerseys, baby blankets, and children’s wear. We can generally combine different weights of fabric in the same quilt. (If you have a memory tied to that special pair of leggings, we will include one of these items at no charge; after the first one, an additional $10.00 – $15.00 per item will apply.)
Why is a baby clothes quilt more expensive than the same size t-shirt quilt?
The cost of a memory quilt is primarily derived from labor. When you work with smaller clothes, you are working with smaller blocks of fabric. Both the cutting and sewing process takes longer in a baby clothes quilt vs. a T-shirt quilt.
What parts of the personal items don't you use?
We may use every part of your items unless it is clearly “X” out with masking tape (please do not use pins and paper). Any other special requests should be written on painter’s tape (similar to masking tape, but it will not leave residue on your items) and affixed to the relevant area on the item. *Special instructions, in general, should be written in the appropriate section on the order form.
Do you use stabilizer (interfacing) on any of the clothing items?
No, in 99% of cases we do not use interfacing. We have found a sewing method that allows us to sew even the stretchy technical fabrics together, without the use of an interfacing. This means your quilt will feel soft and cozy all over!
How do you handle stained t-shirts or clothing items?
We consider stains or fabric discolouring as part of the memories tied to your quilt. Generally, stains are just ignored if they fall around a design; if we are able to cut a smaller block and leave out the stain, we will. If you do not share our viewpoint, please use painter’s tape and identify these areas with an “X”.
Do you do custom quilting?
Yes and No If you have a memory tied to a used fabric item, and wish it to be used in a quilt top along with some new fabric, the answer is “yes”; however, at this time, we are not accepting orders for custom quilting where the materials for the quilt top are made from new fabrics off the bolt.
What are some examples where extra charges may apply?
Sew-ons are an additional $10.00 – $15.00 per item. This includes badges and lettering. This can occur sometimes when the design falls too close to a buttonhole, zipper, or neckline, etc., and it is necessary for us to perform additional cutting and sewing to create a usable block. If we encounter this situation more than once or twice, our customer is notified by email prior to us moving onto the design phase of the process. Sew-on charges also apply when we are asked to use designs from ball caps, crests, etc. .
What if I want to hang my quilt?
We suggest having us include a wall hanging sleeve on the back of your quilt for an additional $50.00. There is a selection on the order form that allows you to tell us the end use.
The sleeve allows you to insert a wooden dowel (yours to purchase) for mounting. It will be completely invisible from the front. Nails or screws can be affixed to your wall, so that the dowel may rest on top.
If you choose the wall hanging sleeve option, the backing fabric will be basic cotton, as it is a lighter weight than our standard backing fabric. Alternately, you can purchase a curtain drapery rod with hooks and ring clips (no sleeve is required).
My order is a gift. Can you provide a custom label?
Yes. For an additional $30.00, we can design a label and hand sew it to the back of your quilt.
Can you add a photo to my quilt?
Yes. The cost is $15.00 per photograph.
What do you do with the leftovers?
We re-use cotton for rags, and when the leftovers are too much for our own use, we network with other individuals and businesses so that they do not end up in the landfill. Other fabrics are cut down for stuffing material. We give the materials to other quilters who make dog beds. These are donated to our local SPCA. Upcycling and recycling are always in our minds. We are continually looking at new ways to re-use the leftover items. Please feel free to contact us if you have an idea, or would like to request some leftovers!
A memory quilt is expensive, I had no idea....
The 3-layer traditional quilt, with binding, is a time-consuming process. Unless you are a quilter yourself, generally, you may not be able to fully understand all that is involved. We do offer classes for the “Do It Yourselfer” should you wish to learn. No quilting experience is required. We also have plans to offer our very own course on-line sometime in the future. If you are interested please Contact Us for more information.
Do you provide long-arming services?
Yes and No. If you have sewn together a quilt top using personal clothing items, or other used fabric, we will provide long-arming services when asked. Please Contact Us for pricing. We do not currently offer long-arming service to the vast majority of quilters that incorporate cotton fabrics in their quilt tops. We can, however, make recommendations of other great long-armers in our community, should you enquire.
START THE PROCESS TODAY
Order your Quilt Now!
Visit our order page to begin the process of ordering your very own Memory Quilt!