Memory trees for memory quilts

Memory trees for memory quilts are intended as a starting point to make a memory quilt using loved ones’ clothing.

What are memory quilts?

Memory quilts are a way to celebrate the life of a loved one.  These quilts can provide a little comfort and healing from the devastating effects of losing someone you love.

It’s also great for reminiscing, but it can be a very traumatic and difficult item to create.

I lost my mother-in-law in June 2019, and found it very difficult to create a memory quilt.  The simple act of cutting up her clothing was extremely traumatic, and I’ve not been able to bring myself to take it a step further.

It was during this time that I decided that a base layer, from which to start, would be helpful.  And so the memory tree panels were born.  Mom was artistic, and loved anything out of the ordinary, so these trees have a variety of shapes and a great mix of colours.

How to use Memory Trees

Trees symbolize life, and death.  Use fabric to add leaves and fruit or flowers.  Embellish with buttons from clothing, or a hat pin, or other loose bits often found in drawers long forgotten about.  You could even add a clothes line – that will be novel.

Martha Stewart has a tutorial for using baby clothing to make a memory quilt.

These panels were intended for memory quilts, but they can definitely be used for other quilts too.  They will require embellishment, and some appliqué to get them finished, but so much more is the fun, right?

Size

These panels are available as 140x140cm (unfinished size).  It is only available in cotton as the silky fabric doesn’t lend itself to ironing required for appliqué.