When a client came to me with just three hats from their great uncle, they were worried it might not be enough to create a quilt. They asked softly, “Can you really do something with only these?” My answer was yes. Even the smallest collection of clothing or keepsakes can become a beautiful memory quilt filled with meaning.
Continue reading “From Three Hats to a Memory Quilt”Underground Railroad Quilt Patterns and Their Stories
Quilts and the Underground Railroad stand at a pivotal intersection of craft, culture, and freedom. Many people have heard that specific quilt blocks carried secret messages that guided freedom seekers on their northward journey. The idea is compelling because it centers creativity and community in a story of resistance. It is also contested. What follows brings together what scholars can verify, what remains in the realm of legend, and the many real ways quilts and quilters intersected with antislavery work.
Continue reading “Underground Railroad Quilt Patterns and Their Stories”Meet the Machines: Tools and Tech in My Quilt Studio
When people think of quilting, they often picture stacks of fabric, thread, and a trusty old sewing machine. While that’s part of the story, my studio is also powered by some serious tech. I call it The Lab for a reason.
Continue reading “Meet the Machines: Tools and Tech in My Quilt Studio”Our Memory Quilt Partner Portal is Now Open
I have always believed in the healing power of memory quilts. Over the years, I have seen how a quilt made from a loved one’s clothing can bring comfort, spark stories, and hold a special place in the heart. That belief has led me to create a dedicated service for businesses and care professionals who want to offer something meaningful to the families they serve.
Continue reading “Our Memory Quilt Partner Portal is Now Open”Ten Iconic Symbols in African Print Fabric
Ankara, also known as African wax prints, is a vibrant and colorful textile that originated in Indonesia and has become a staple in African fashion. These fabrics are typically made from 100% cotton and feature bold, intricate designs that reflect the culture and traditions of the West African people. Ankara is a powerful form of storytelling, and the symbols featured in the prints are deeply rooted in tradition. They carry messages about strength, unity, wisdom, and community. When I work with African print fabrics, I’m not just choosing colors and patterns, I’m honoring stories.
Continue reading “Ten Iconic Symbols in African Print Fabric”How AI Is Changing Quilt Design
Quiltmaking has long been an art form rooted in tradition, but today it is also evolving into a space for innovation. One of the most exciting developments in recent years is the role of artificial intelligence in quilt design. While quilting remains a profoundly personal and hands-on craft, AI is opening new doors for creativity, enabling quilters to visualize patterns, explore color palettes, and design with greater freedom than ever before.
Continue reading “How AI Is Changing Quilt Design”Why Your First Quilt Should Be a T-Shirt Quilt
If you’ve ever thought about making a quilt but felt overwhelmed, I have good news for you. Your first quilt doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be meaningful. Starting with a t-shirt quilt is a great way to begin your quilting journey.
Continue reading “Why Your First Quilt Should Be a T-Shirt Quilt”How a Pile of Old Clothes Becomes a Quilt Full of Stories
At first glance, it might just look like a pile of old clothes: worn t-shirts, faded jeans, maybe a baby blanket or two. But to me, it’s something more. Each piece holds a memory. A moment. A story. And when those pieces are stitched together, they become something powerful: a memory quilt.
Continue reading “How a Pile of Old Clothes Becomes a Quilt Full of Stories”5 Surprising Things You Can Use to Make a Memory Quilt (Besides Clothes)
Are you looking for a creative way to upcycle keepsakes and preserve memories? I help people turn meaningful items into custom memory quilts that tell their story. If you’ve been holding onto old linens, baby items, or household fabrics and wondering what to do with them, this post is for you.
Continue reading “5 Surprising Things You Can Use to Make a Memory Quilt (Besides Clothes)”Why Prewashing Clothes Is Important for Your Memory Quilt
If you plan to send me clothing for a memory quilt, I want to say a heartfelt thank you. These quilts are deeply personal, and I consider it an honor to work with the items that mean so much to you and your family. One crucial step in preparing your clothing is to wash the items before you give them to me.
Continue reading “Why Prewashing Clothes Is Important for Your Memory Quilt”