From Three Hats to a Memory Quilt

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.

August 29, 2025August 29, 2025

Underground Railroad Quilt Patterns and Their Stories

A moonlit painting shows three enslaved African Americans escaping through a field at night. A young man with a bundle, an older woman in a headscarf, and a girl clutching belongings crouch near a wooden fence where a Bear Paw quilt hangs, symbolically guiding them toward freedom. A farmhouse with glowing windows stands in the background under a full moon.

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.

August 3, 2025August 4, 2025

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.

July 24, 2025August 29, 2025

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.

July 19, 2025July 19, 2025

Korhogo Cloth and Kente Cloth: Cultural Textiles with Deep Meaning

Korhogo cloth and Kente cloth are two well-known African textiles, each with a unique history, design approach, and cultural significance. Although they originate from different regions in West Africa, both are used to convey ideas, mark traditions, and express identity.

June 24, 2025June 24, 2025

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.

June 22, 2025

How AI Is Changing Quilt Design

A digital photograph showcases a quilting and tech workspace. A computer monitor displays colorful quilt block designs, with a white sewing machine, fabric swatches, and a Raspberry Pi nearby. Finished quilts hang on the wall in the background.

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.

June 21, 2025June 21, 2025

Why Your First Quilt Should Be a tshirt Quilt

A stack of neatly folded colorful t-shirts sits on a wooden table next to a white sewing machine. In front of the machine, various cut fabric squares from t-shirts are arranged in rows, suggesting the beginning of a quilt project. Natural light streams in from a nearby window, creating a warm and inviting workspace.

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 tshirt quilt is a great way to begin your quilting journey.

June 19, 2025June 19, 2025

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 tshirts, 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.

June 16, 2025June 16, 2025

Why I Started Upcycling tshirts into Quilts

Upcycling tshirts into quilts was not something I planned. It found me. Like many creative paths, it started with a simple idea and grew into something deeper and more meaningful.