Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Memory Quilts

I'm joining Amy's Blogger's Quilt Festival!
http://www.amyscreativeside.com/2010/05/bloggers-quilt-festival-spring-2010.html


When my sister passed away, I offered to make two memory quilts from her clothing for her two children. My mom came out with the bags of clothing, and we worked together for a week to finish these two quilts.

The clothing included many different kinds of fabrics, from heavy sweaters to cotton knit tops to sweat pants. So we decided to cut large squares and sash them in order to preserve the patterns of each piece of clothing.
We included a photo transfer or two, plus three favorite Bible verses of my sister. The backing was a soft ivory fleece; there was no need for batting, as the tops were plenty heavy already! I machine quilted straight lines on the sashing.
It was such an honor for me to make these for my nephew and niece. The clothes smelled like my sister's house...and Mom and I were able to remember my sister as we worked on the quilts.

6 comments:

erica said...

What a wonderful way to remember someone special, I'm sure your niece and nephew will love these. Thanks for sharing and I am sorry for your loss.

Bella's Rose Cottage said...

Hi Julie.. I had to visit my home state joiner!
I am sorry for your loss.. You and your mother made a beautiful keepsake her kids will cherish!
Bella

Chris said...

I am so very sorry for your loss. What a sweet gift of memory for your sister's children. Certainly a treasure.

Leslie said...

this is such a special story. you made something so amazing and lasting for her children. a hug from their mom. great job!

Sujata Shah said...

Julie,
I am sorry for your loss...
You have done something really special for the kids! Someone had once said that quilting is like stitching the love one stitch at a time. You have not only provided your sisters hugs to her kids through these quilts but also your love! They will treasure it forever!

Eileen said...

these are such sweet and poignent quilts for your sister's children. i love the process you described. such treasures for them to have from you and your mother. i'm also in washington--central part. come visit my site:http://fligamapoof.blogspot.com/ i'm having a little giveaway this week. thanks so much for sharing