Category Archives: Quilt Gifts

TBT: Flag Quilts

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I made two separate quilts based on the bones of this block above.  One was for a dear friend’s son upon his high school graduation:

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And this one to give to the Commander of our county’s American Legion, in thanks for his service both in the military as well as manning the doors at the Legion:

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Those ‘bones’ are solid.  Perfect to use over and over again, in different variations and different quilts.  And flags are great for anyone, but especially for men.  Quilts and quilt fabric for men are becoming more and more popular so I see myself making more flag quilts in my future!

Scrappy But Special Memory Quilt

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Sometimes, I like to look at my older quilting photographs.  Especially the ones that were special memory quilts – even scrappy memory quilts.

In 2010, I was brought together by a mutual friend – she worked with the lady who commissioned a quilt for me to make and I attended our monthly quilt group with the same wonderful lady.  Unfortunately, my friend passed away before she could even be with us for our first face-to-face meeting.

The customer asked me to take fabric from her daughter’s clothes and make a memory quilt out of it.  The really fun part of this quilt wasn’t planning or making it, it was hearing stories about each piece of fabric that was left with me.  Most of the clothes were made by the recipient’s grandma – worn by the little girl when she was young.

Nothing amazing about the quilt pattern I chose.  But my piecing goal was accomplished as every square framed, in that quilt, was showcasing these special fabrics that had been saved for at least 15 years.  And when the mother saw my creation, she had tears in her eyes.  There is no better satisfaction (to me) than knowing you’ve done a quilt proud than when that quilt brings such emotions to those who order and receive them.

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Personal Quilt Records

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Why didn’t I think of documenting who and where my quilts went 30+ years ago when I started quilting?  My answer is that I didn’t think of it back in the days of my early quilts.

After a few years, I did start to take photos of the quilts and afghans I made.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get name the photos so I could remember just who the gift went to.  So I have a stack of photos as a reminder, but I am not sure I could tell anyone who the items were given to.

After I was diagnosed with MS and we realized the extent of the loss of my short- and long-term memory problems, I started asking the recipients of my quilts to take a digital photo and send it to me, so I could refer back to it and know who my quilts went to.  Unfortunately, my request hasn’t always been honored.

There’s also a reason to document your quilts if you ever need to show your work to someone who is interested in purchasing or commissioning a quilt from you.  The stack of photos I have has been passed along to others many times and many quilts have been made based on quilts I had made in the past via those photos.

But, here are a few suggestions for documenting quilts (or any type of handmade gift) that you make and give or gift away:

  1. Photo album:  A photo of the finished quilt before it is sent to its new home, plus a photo of the recipient (if possible) with their new quilt.  But take this one step further and write or type a little note, adding the information on where the quilt went and who it went to.  A date would be great, too.  If nothing else, take a photo of the tag on the quilt, then you could eliminate any further need to write anything.
  2. Write out information about your quilts.  This is a pretty thorough list items to help you:  https://www.reddawn.net/quilt/documnt.htm.  This is even a more thorough form you can print and use:  https://oregonquiltproject.blogspot.com/
  3. “Personal Quilt Registry“, a book written by Lynne Fritz, offers a seemingly excellent opportunity to keep a record of your quilts – not just what you’ve gifted away but also those you have kept.
  4. Make a quilt journal:  https://www.craftsy.com/blog/2014/05/how-to-make-a-quilt-journal/.
  5. There’s also software you can purchase and use on your computer to document your quilts:  https://softexpressions.com/software/organ/index.html#Quilters.

There are many options for you to choose from to help you keep a record of your quilts.  What’s your favorite way?


Pause for a Cause: Breast Cancer Survivor Quilt

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A family member was diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago.  She is doing well and following the doctor’s orders.  I wanted to make her a simple quilt with just a whole lot of love so I made a very easy patchwork quilt with only two fabrics.  The unexpected is that I put little pockets in the four corners of the quilt.  Then I asked for other family members to write something about love, healing, strength or upbeat to index cards.  When the quilt was opened and held up, everyone came forth with their little love cards and placed them in the pockets.

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How special it will be when the recipient gets home and relaxes with her quilt while she reads all the love from everyone.  Well done family, well done.


A Dazzling Quilt Label

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I asked a quilty friend, Mary Mann, if she would make some embroidered quilt labels for me.  The three quilts I needed them for were pretty special quilts and I wanted labels that would last a long time.  When I received the labels from her, she surprised and delighted me with a little razzmatazz on one of the labels that goes on a quilt gift to a breast cancer survivor!

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Thanks Mary!