Memory quilts aren't really new. The western expansion and discovery of India ink brought a whole chapter of memory quilts made for women who were going out west with their husbands, perhaps never to see their friends at home again. Remember Me, by Linda Otto Lipsett is a great record of those quilts and that time.
The India ink, unlike any other available product was waterproof and washable. Quilt after quilt went west with women, with kind sayings and best wishes penned in the corners.
Quilters have always remembered their loved ones in fabric. And like everything else quilty, it just gets easier as the technology gets better.
This is a memory quilt Wanda has been working on. It's full of great fabrics and fabulous pictures of this family, and it really tells their story.
What has changed? The fabric, and the fabric! First off you can find the most amazing prints about anything. This is why most of us keep a stash. This quilt has this great car print in it that turns out to be their family car. And Wanda used pieces of the guy's tie. Hunt around and you'll find prints so personal that they fairly scream people's name. And when you find them, don't be a goose. Buy it when you see it. We all know about the fabric that sold out from under us.
But best of all is the printable fabric. These fabrics are treated to go right through the ink jet printer. Wanda used June Tabor fabric but there are a number of printable fabrics available. You'll want to find the one that works best for you and your quilt.
After that, it's simply a matter of framing those great pictures with great fabrics and sewing them into a whole.
Gather your fabric, print off your pictures and your memory quilt is already on it's way.
Wanda is one of the store's treasures. She brings years of experience and sewing wisdom to Threadbenders. You can always ask Wanda about your quilt. She'll know.
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