Patches of fabrics culled from clothes that evoke memories of the wearer, some skill in sewing, and a whole lot of patience to work the patches into a whole. The result: a memory quilt that will weave a celebration of family love.
But first, erase from your mind the stereotypical concept of quilts. Quilts are not merely grandmothers’ versions of blankets that adorn bedsteads. Of course, come winter and the warmth packed into a quilt will be the only thing that you might seek; but if you are looking to quilt a memory, you do not require reminders to tell you that it is a fine art that transcends the chore of sewing fabric pieces together. For, whether the quilt is a venture in art to frame an important event in yours or a loved one’s life; recreate memories of a family member who is no more, or to find a creative outlet for your familial leanings, this seemingly forgotten craft has so much potential to give you and your family a beautiful platform to reconnect. As a quilter noted, a family that quilts together, makes memories together.
While the reasons for taking on a mammoth quilting project could be as simple as finding a common ground to make memories together with the family, the outcome is what will keep you fixated on the details. For example, a quilt that sketches the growing stages of your child – from a toddler to a young adult – would have you and all the members of the family gyrating towards the completed work. This project would work beautifully if you have saved important pieces of clothing from infancy, all the way to the teens and the present age – perhaps, birthday outfits saved from every year. And, if your child is on the verge of flying the roost, so to say, for higher studies or for career prospects, what better way than to populate the everyday blanket or a wall hanging with bits of memories that will spread love and warmth, instantaneously… There is a large dose of comfort in seeing the quilt take shape and occupy a prime place in your abode.
For the uninitiated, quilting is a process that involves sewing two or more layers (usually three) of fabric to create a padded blanket or even a garment piece. There are different ways of putting a memory quilt together, with many having experimented with photographs imprinted on to the fabric to recreate the journey of togetherness. If you are designing it as a family heirloom, ensure that the quilt is a representation of clothing items of every member of the house – it could be an old school or work uniform, a favourite shirt that has lost buttons or has gotten weathered in places, fancy tie that is no more trendy, tops, skirts… The choice, as is obvious, is endless.
To begin, check your sewing supplies to see if you have the required quilting essentials. Although most online guides insist on a rotary cutter and one of those self-healing mats, you could well do with a pair of sharp scissors and a flat surface to cut your fabric pieces. You would also need a ruler (an acrylic one would be better), pins and clips and a good quality of thread in the colours of your choice. And yes, a sewing machine, if hand sewing is not your cup of coffee.
Follow that by washing and ironing the fabrics before cutting them in pieces with the required seam allowance. To make the project interesting and creative, mix and match or contrast the colours to enhance the importance of every piece of fabric. You would require a quilting frame and blocks to ensure all pieces are in harmony with each other. To give the quilt a further family touch, you could have individual blocks with names of the members or signatures inscribed in fabric pens.
How the quilt pans out is, of course, dependent on the fabric you chose and your sewing skills, but how you go about the project is all about the involvement of your family in every step of the way. Turn your quilt into a family story. Let it occupy a place of significance in your home; one that you would want to bring out at every family occasion.
Stitching sentiments with your family can have an endearing impact on your shared memories.