_edited.jpg)
Hello everyone, I am back with a new custom quilt project and I am thrilled to share the story. It is a heartwarming tale with a lot of love stitched into every seam. This project took me from mid-March to mid-May, and it was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in my quilting journey.
The Backstory
This custom t-shirt quilt was commissioned by a former colleague and dear friend. For many years, I was a teacher at a local school, where I had the pleasure of teaching many wonderful students and working with amazing colleagues. This particular quilt was for a young woman named Sarah, a former student of mine, who recently graduated from UGA. Her parents, Amy and her husband, whom I also worked with, approached me with this special request.
It’s a touching story: Amy’s husband, a true lifesaver, stepped in to provide music for my wedding when I found myself in a pinch, and he did it beautifully. Their family has been a part of my life in such meaningful ways, so creating this quilt for Sarah was a deeply personal project.
The Quilt Design
Sarah’s quilt features t-shirts from her entire school life, from pre-K all the way to college. Amy brought me a collection of these shirts, and I set about designing a quilt that would honor Sarah’s journey. I provided three design options, and they chose their favorite.
To capture the essence of each t-shirt, I made the squares 12 by 12 inches, ensuring that the logos and designs were prominent and clear. This approach, however, led to a realization: the quilt was going to be enormous. With nine squares across and ten down, this quilt ended up being a 9-foot by 10-foot masterpiece—essentially a king-sized quilt.
The Process
Creating a quilt of this size is no small feat. Each step, from cutting the t-shirts to sewing them together, required careful planning and execution. I began by preparing the t-shirts with interfacing, a crucial step when working with stretchy fabrics like cotton knit. Interfacing stabilizes the fabric, making it easier to sew.
I cut each t-shirt into front and back sections, removing the sleeves, and then attached interfacing to both sides. This meticulous preparation ensured that the quilt would be both beautiful and durable.
The Challenge and Joy
Quilting is a labor of love, and this project was no exception. Over 53 days, I dedicated about 234 hours to this quilt, averaging six hours a day. It was a challenge, but one I embraced wholeheartedly. The problem-solving involved in piecing together such a large and intricate design was immensely satisfying.
The true reward came at the end when I saw Sarah’s reaction to the quilt. Her joy and the memories captured in each square made every hour worth it.
A Fun Twist: Cat Cameos
While I worked, my studio companions—my cats—often made appearances. For a bit of fun, I’ve included a game in the video footage of this project: count the cat cameos! At the end of the video, share in the comments how many cats you spotted. I’ve added a few clues with word bubbles, so keep an eye out!
Final Thoughts
Creating this custom t-shirt quilt was a journey filled with nostalgia, creativity, and a deep connection to the people who have touched my life. It’s a beautiful reminder of the bonds we form and the memories we cherish.
Thank you for joining me in this story of a quilt. I hope you enjoy the video and feel inspired by the love and effort that went into this special project.
Happy quilting,
Jessica
Comments