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 types and weights of fabrics, and colour. In the majority of cases, we do not use interfacing to back our fabrics. It is very important to us that your quilt remain 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: design includes fabric blocks outlined with sashing and/or borders). Click here to access our order 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 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 labelling. 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 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.
Recent Comments