This quilt of a Mom’s Memories was made in memory of a dear, sweet lady Ailene Rodgers. Mrs. Rodgers died in early February 2020. Among her survivors is my sister-in-law Cathy Martin. Cathy asked me to make a memory quilt made using her Mom’s garments.
Getting Started
Once Cathy brought me the clothes she wanted to use, we looked through the clothes, and discussed Cathy’s ideas for the quilt. Cathy requested adding Psalm 23, the Serenity Prayer, and a cardinal – all favorite things of her Mom.
I carefully cut apart the garments, keeping as large a piece of each section as possible. I had a variety of fabric types to use: cotton, linen, knit, flannel, and even a sweater. Any fabrics with stretch to them would require a backing of stabilizer.
Design Process
The next step was going to my computer to create the design. I use EQ8 software https://electricquilt.com/ to design my quilts. EQ8 is a wonderful program that allows me to take pictures of the actual fabrics and use the pictures in the quilt design. I can move blocks, edit blocks and fabrics, and add or take away sashing and blocks. I also had to digitize the extra items Cathy wanted and embroider them using my sewing machine/embroidery machine.
Once I was satisfied with the design, I printed out a copy of the quilt and I’m ready to start the actual quilt.
Stitching Along
First step: make the individual blocks in the correct sizes. After that I arrange them on a large table to make sure the design looks good and to double check for any design mistakes that I might have made. Stitching them together first into rows and then joining the rows, this quilt of Mom’s Memories came together very nicely.
Final Steps
The quilt top was loaded onto my longarm quilting machine,http://Lock Crown Jewell II longarm computerized quilting machine along with the batting and the backing. I used a combination of computer designs for some of the blocks and free motion quilting for the remainder. After quilting was complete, I trimmed the edges and added the binding.
I feel honored that Cathy asked me to make this quilt. Having met Mrs. Rodgers, she came to mind frequently as I quilted along. I think the quilt has turned out to be a very pretty one and I know it will be a treasured quilt for Cathy.
