Custom Memory Quilts

In addition to traditional quilts, I also make custom quilts using favorite tshirts, sweatshirts and dress (cotton poplin) shirts. These custom quilts are similiar, but different than traditional quilts. I make sure that the image/design of the shirt is the highlight of the quilt "square". Each shirt is cut individually to make sure that it fits withing the quilt. Quilts that utilize T-shirts, sweatshirts or similiar clothing items, each of those items need to be stabilized due to their stretch factor prior to cutting and piecing them together. Custom personalization is included.

Process: I usually ask for 20+ shirts. Please make sure all shirts are pre-washed to prevent future bleeding.

Bag A: 10 -15 shirts marked as a must include.
Bag B: 10 more for hopefully
Bag C: 5ish would be fine, but not needed.

After an initial design layout, I will communicate if there are preferences for additional shirts that are remaining.

Timeline and Logistics:

Contract and Deposit: Once a rough layout is established that will determine cost and size. A contract will be sent out. An initial deposit of 50% of total cost is due at this point to proceed.

Timeline: It takes approximately 2-3 weeks to complete a quilt. I will send an update or two along the way and ask questions as they come up (i.e. which shirt would you rather have? which fabric do you prefer for the backing?)

Cost: I base the cost of each quilt based on supplies and my time. Typically the cost for a throw is $300-550. More cutting, more materials needed and larger sizes will make it on the higher side. I only use 100% cotton for thread and additional fabric as needed for the backing and binding.

Front of quilt: I make the tshirt quilts about the size of a generous throw (36 in wide by 48 in long). A lot of it really just comes down to how many shirts I have to work with and the layout on what the final size will be. All shirts that are jersey (or have a stretch to them) are stabilized with interfacing and then cut to size. Because shirts and the graphics tend to be different sizes, I take the time to make sure they line up and the colors are varied throughout the quilt.

Backing: I find a coordinating fabric of flannel, fleece or flat cotton based on color preferences.

Batting: I tend to not use batting on tshirt quilts. Because tshirts have all been stabilized, there is added bulk to the fabric I prefer to use flannel or fleece to back the tshirt quilts which will help add to the fluff and warmth of the quilt. However, if you would like to have a flat cotton backing, I would use batting.

Binding: I find a coordinating cotton fabric for the binding (outer edge fabric that hides the seams) that will hold it together. It could be the same fabric as the backing.

Quilting: I want to preserve the memories of each of the shirts. I tend to quilt along the seam lines so as not to distort the images. However it all depends on the shirts and layout.

Completing Memories. At the holidays, I do a few holiday craft fairs to sell table runners and promote custom t-shirt and memory quilts. I had a lovely woman approach me saying her mom had started a t-shirt quilt for her daughter, but unfortunately was never able to complete it. I am happy to say that I was able to create and finish the quilt, albeit many years later. I was able to utilize the squares she had pre-cut, and additional fabric that was a touching memory. I created a nice thick inner border of baby snuggle flannel, with an outsid edge of pieces of tshirts that meant something, but not quite big enough for a main square. I love how it turned out and I got the sweetest message saying how much mom and daughter both loved it.

Bump, Set, Spike. A birthday suprise for this Volleyball player. 2 Large garbage bags whittled down to the top 30ish shirts. Spanning her years of playing Volleyball from a little one to playing in college. Her jerseys, jackets and special T-shirts are all included. This girl is fierce on and off the court. The backside is a light grey pebble, reminiscent of her love of the beach. The binding is a fun teal that is as beautiful as the ocean.

Plaid Dad. I recently helped my dad clean out his closet. I don't think he has bought much nice clothing in the past 10 years. So upon cleaning out his closet, I found a few old dress shirts and a pair of khaki pants. I wanted the palette to be something that would coordinate with his room at the family cabin up in the mountains. There is not a good napping blanket there, and this would be a great addition. This is only the top of the quilt. I still need to sandwich and quilt it, but it gives a great idea to what can be done to upcycle and preserve memories.

This quilt used one pair of khaki pants and the sleeves of 7 shirts. I bough additional fabric for the border, the backing, and the binding.

In His Honor - This quilt was made for a special new grandson that unfortunately did not get to meet his PopPop. This is a combination of a Tshirt and Memory quilt. The Tshirts were the favorite ones he would wear, and the flannel was part of his "retirment uniform". I utilized the flannel around the shirts to give the look of the flannel and Tshirt wearing PopPop. As a bonus, I made a special little lovey that is smaller, easier to hold onto, but still has the memories of the PopPop. Without ever meeting this man, I was able to get a great glimpse into the full, colorgul life he had lived. Hope the newest grandson is inspired by all of the amazing things his PopPop loved in life.

UPDATE: I was honored that this customer reached out to me to make another quilt, but this time for her daughter. I was impressed to see similiar shirts, Prince, EPA, Semper Fi and the classic flannels. She requested that a special button down shirt got incorporated as well. So glad I was able to highlight that shirt on the back. Even though they are similiar, they are not idential since layout and design was based on the shirts that were to be utilized.

10 years of Awesomeness. A suprise for a not so little one. 10 years of favorite shirts, pajamas, and onsies were used to make this one of a kind quilt. Over 50 shirts and pj sets were used to make this special gift. The border around is made from their favorite pajamas and dress shirts. A textured denim blue cotton is on the back and binding it all together.

Super Ryan This quilt was made for a special college student as a surprise. Memories of their youth, and comfort to curl up with on a cool night. 18 T-shirts were used for the front, from when he ws a Superhero, to camper to memories of special trips. The back of the quilt is a warm, cozy fleece with a coordinating black binding holding it all together.

Musical and Dance Memories - This was for the dancer, theatre, traveler extraordinaire. Saved tshirts and sweatshirts were used to make this double sided quilt. Utilized differnt parts of the tshirts and sweatshirts to help make this quilt big enough for this new college grad to enjoy. Utilized 13 tshirts and 7 sweatshirts for this quilt. Added some additional cotton siding to the front and back for some extra width of warmth.

GrandPop - This quilt was made in memory of my children's GrandPop. Joe passed away at the tender age of 90 years old, right before Christmas. He almost always had a dress shirt on, with a pen and a pencil in his chest pocket. He had a great sense of humor with a slight chuckle. This lap quilt will hopefully bring comfort and warmth to my mother in law. This quilt used 5 dress shirts.

Memories - This quilt was made for a special guy with a collection of his tshirts that his mom was able to swiftly hide away. The shirts included his days in little league, his special trip to Cooperstown, Disneyland, high school crew, his band and shirts that meant a lot to him. Mom gave me three sentimental patches to be added: 48, Dr. Pepper and his uncles patch from his letterman jacket. The back and binding is a black and white flannel that will add warmth for the chilly California nights.

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