Out of the box memory quilts....

T-shirt quilts are great for people who actually like and wear t-shirts.  They are loved by some people, but are not to everyone's taste.   So here is one other idea for a memory/celebration quilt.

Last year I was able to take an assortment of textiles and create this bookcase quilt for a customer.  I feel this style quilt would work especially well as a memory quilt for an avid reader or collector of literature using a large variety of materials and fabrics.

All of the books, drawers and special items are made using "meaningful materials" provided my customer.  Let's look at a few details.

This crock from the bottom shelf is from an embroidered sweater:

 The flower in this vase is from another sweater.  

The vase is from a dress brought back from a trip to China.

While this vase is similar, can you see the 

Girl Scout patches and Mickey Mouse fabric 

on the spines of books on the shelf above?

Here are some books laying down - the floral print is actually from the lining of a denim jacket.

And here are some of my favorite features:

This basket is woven from two colors of denim (a pair of jeans and a jacket);

the lace collar from a dress adds even more interest.

This dragonfly amidst the books incorporates that denim jacket lining for the wings 

and a piece of jewelry that enhanced a little black dress.

 The teapot is fussy cut from a sheer dress, but I love how porcelain it looks.  

The base and frame next to it used a handbag 

as an interesting way to incorporate the label on the front of the quilt.

Some of the textiles used in this quilt include:  diaper bag, hand bag, denim jeans & jacket, bathing suit, various styles of dresses, shirts, blouses and sweaters.  The background fabrics and bookcase wood grain were added to complete the project.

Working with Wedding Dress

I enjoy working with people’s meaningful textiles ... and sometimes I have the opportunity to branch out from the typical quilts.  Here are some small decorative pillows using a vintage wedding dress.  Love stretching and making something new.

Ready Made Items for Christmas

While most of our business is custom-made celebration quilts and items, we do occasionally make other quilts and items to sell.  If you are interested in our current stock, please follow the link below and select "Ready Made Items" to see what we currently have.  Please message us for pricing.

Ready Made Items

Christmas Ornament Class

As Christmas and the holiday season approaches, I begin to think about making handmade gifts and decorations.   QJ Designs will be running a Fabric Christmas Ornament class on Monday, November 28, 2016 from 6:30-8:30 pm.   During the class, we will learn how to make simple and attractive ornaments and enjoy light snacks.    For more class information or to register, please follow this Registration Link

Obsessed with Bow Ties

While the blog has been a bit quiet, I have been pretty busy.

I had a request to make a quilt from a collection of 170+ bow ties.  They were full of inspiration..

This grouping was deconstructed and then pieced together in to a fabulous queen-sized quilt:

We are all very happy with how it turned out!  Looking forward to more interesting projects.

Selecting a Quilter

So- you are thinking about having a quilt made from your t-shirts or other special textiles (dresses, shirts, ties, etc.). What do you need to know?  

You might not realize it, but there are many t-shirt quilt companies available to you.  I suggest you look around and select the one with which you are most comfortable.  Select your quilter as you would any other professional - mechanic, home repairman, orthodontist, etc.. ASK QUESTIONS!

  

Do they have experience?

Can you see samples - in person, in photograph, etc.?

How do they treat you?  

Do you like their personality?

What is the price? Does it fit into your budget?

Some quilters may tell you that a textile, material, procedure etc. will not produce a good quilt.  I disagree with some statements made by other t-shirt quilters. I will not tell you the layout you like is ugly.  I will not tell you we must use a particular type of backing.   

If you are my customer:

I will do the best I can to incorporate what you want, in the way you want in order to produce the best quilt that we can.  

I will value YOU as my customer.  

I try to incorporate YOUR wishes into YOUR QUILT - using the textiles that are important to you.  

I give YOU choices.  

I prefer to meet in-person to place the order if possible. If we can't, we will have extensive email and telephone conversations.

I will ask a lot of questions to try to make sure that we both understand what the end result will be - and that you'll like it.  

I will advise you of any issues I see during the process, but I will honor your wishes without making you feel like you are making a bad or inferior choice.  

I recognize it is YOUR quilt.

If you want a t-shirt or celebration quilt made, DO IT.  Look around and find the company or person that you are comfortable using to make it for you.  I hope, no matter who you select, that you get an AWESOME quilt that will be meaningful for you.  If you select me as your quilter, I'd be honored to make YOUR quilt for YOU.

Houston International Quilt Festival

We are proud to announce that one of Julie's quilts was shown at the International Quilt Festival in Houston last week.  It was part of the "Odds, Ends and Leftovers" exhibit curated by Gyleen Fitzgerald.  More information about Gyleen and her work can be found on her website Colourful Stitches.

Here is a picture of Julie and Gyleen in front of Julie's quilt entitled "At Odds and Ends".