I was recently asked to make two quilts made from the clothes of a very lovely, fun looking Gran called Joan, who sadly passed away just before Christmas 2013.
The first quilt was for her daughter Lyn, which was given to her from her daughter Clare as a very special Christmas present.Clare chose hearts as the theme throughout the quilt and almost all the clothes I was given were used, with the small exception of a few jumpers which unfortunately are just too hard to use due to fraying.
Some special words were also chosen to make the quilt more personal.
The background was kept fairly neutral so that all the brighter clothes could be used for the hearts, showing them off to best effect.
Buttons are an excellent touch, adding to the quilts originality.
The back of the quilt is the only bought material, I love the backs of quilts and being able to see quite clearly all the sewn on shapes.
Joan had very few pockets on her clothes, but this one was found on a shirt, it contains some photographs holding special memories for Clare's mum Lyn.
This second quilt is a very special keepsake for Joan's great granddaughter Emilia, there was 90 years between them.
Stars were chosen for this quilt with two hearts added, one for Emilia and one for Gran Gran.
A similar theme to the first quilt with lots of added buttons.
I thought I would have to make a pocket, but as I was packing the clothes back into bags, I noticed this cozy one on a fleece that Joan was wearing in the picture at the top of this page. I added a ribbon to keep the pocket closed, which contains three lovely pictures of what I think looks like a very fun young special Gran.
I just love the material on the back of this quilt.
I'm sure Joan is greatly missed by Clare, Emilia and Lyn but would like to think that she approves of her clothes new resting place, and that they will give comfort and memories to the new owners for many years to come.
I've saved the picture I like best for last, just excellent.