Everyone waxes nostalgic from time to time. From saved ticket stubs to vacation souvenirs there is something special about having a tangible reminder of our past. Quilting is an excellent way to capture memories. Scrap quilts secure memories from past quilts. T-shirt quilts catch the events surrounding each shirt. While story quilts tell a specific narrative.
Scrap Quilts
Scrap quilt use leftover fabric pieces from past projects or clothing. The very nature of the fabric fills it with memories. Each time I dive into my scraps I’m reminded of past quilts. I remember baby quilts, quilts for my sons, the quilts I made using my sister’s fabric lines. The walk down memory lane as I handle these fabrics can be bittersweet. All these remnants add to the richness of a scrap quilt and preserve a history not only of the fabric but the quilter’s journey. Some quilters keep a journal or add a label to their scrap quilts. Allowing the memories and stories of the fabric to live on. This is something I need to work on.
T-Shirt Quilts
T-shirts are made by adding stabilizing interfacing to the back of the t-shirts and then cutting to the desired size block and sewn together. I’ve made a couple of these to preserving childhood memories by combining sports jerseys, band shirts and college tees. I have also taken shirts when someone has passed away. Sewing them into a quilt that can be cuddled under for years to come. The quilt below was made for a friend who lost their husband to cancer.
Story quilts
Story quilts capture a moment in time. Mary Lou Weidman has inspired me with her story quilts. Thanks to her I captured our family reunion. 
In this quilt I appliqued what I remembered my family doing at the reunion. Another way to create a story quilt is tell the story with blocks. Using the Dutchmen’s Puzzle and majestic mountain blocks I told the story of my great grandparents coming to America from the Netherlands. 
How will you use quilting to capture your memories and stories? Be sure to share on the Facebook page.
