Milestones such as graduations are events to honor with memory quilts. Graduations are a very special time for a person as they finish one era and move on to the next life challenge. Many sewers are drawn to creating quilts with special memories for these graduates, and T-Shirts that portray special events or themes are a great way capture and preserve memories.
So why am I writing about this topic now that graduations have just happened? So that you can begin planning for anyone who might be graduating NEXT year! This is the time to talk to a future graduate to see if they first would like their T-Shirts put into a quilt, or if they would prefer something else. Getting a head start with a whole year to plan the quilt will make your sewing time more enjoyable. Avoid if you can rushing it at the last minute.
Here are a few things to prepare for planning a T-Shirt Memory Quilt:
1. Pick up the book “You Did What With My T-Shirts” at Heirloom Creations.
2. Get an idea of how many T-shirts you will be working with.
3. Select a color scheme and begin purchasing a variety of fabrics to include.
4. Find out what interests the graduate has, such as a particular sport or music, and be looking for fabrics with particular themes.
5. Set an approximate size (i.e. long enough for a Twin size college dorm bed or a smaller throw size to cuddle with on the couch).
6. Will pictures be included with the T-Shirts?
7. Sketch some layout options.
8. Watch for future T-shirt classes to be offered at Heirloom Creations.
T-Shirt Selection:
Just because you are handed an entire bag of T-Shirts that this person has ever worn, does not mean you need to use them all! Just like in scapbooking, only the very best pictures are used. Have the person select the most important, cool, best looking T-Shirts to use. If this quilt will be a surprise, get some input from another family member to help pick out the best shirts to use.
Interfacing:
To make the T-Shirts easier to handle and to add durability for many more future washings, select a light weight interfacing to iron on to the back of each T-Shirt. Begin by cutting the shirts open along the sides leaving as much of the front or back as possible. The shirts will be cut down to size later. Note: This is the longest part of the process. Use an appliqué pressing sheet to keep the interfacing “glue” from getting all over the ironing board. Use a wet press cloth over the fusible interfacing for a perfect bond.
Design Layout:
Cleo likes to design her T-Shirt quilt in columns. This allows for a more dramatic layout that is not just a block-block-block layout. This method also helps incorporate T-Shirts that are different shapes and sizes into the quilt. All those fun fabrics you collected for this quilt can all be combined for an awesome finish!
Printing Pictures:
Gather together a couple (not the entire picture book!) school pictures, graduation picture, a team picture and pictures with friends. Transferring pictures to fabric using your very own ink jet printer has become super easy these days. We recommend a package of Printed Treasures or EQ Printables for best results.
Design Wall:
If you do not already have a design wall, this is the time to make a make-shift one. Arranging T-Shirts, fabrics and pictures together on a vertical surface is a lot easier than doing it on the floor. In a pinch, use a piece of flannel or a large sheet and pin each piece to it as you decide on the final positions for each block.
Quilting Options:
If you plan on quilting the finished quilt yourself, do note that a T-Shirt quilt may become extra heavy. Be prepared with a good sewing machine set into a cabinet for the best result. However, this is one quilt that is worth sending out to be quilted! And since you started an entire year in advance, you will have time to have it professionally quilted if you choose. We suggest an all-over design to keep all the T-Shirts, batting and back properly secured and looking nice for years to come.
Come on in and we will help with the first couple of steps! And, if you start planning now, you will thank us next May!
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