Design Process
A Legacy in Every Stitch
My one-of-a-kind T-shirt and memory quilts elevate treasured memories into heirloom-quality textile art. Whether displayed as a striking wall hanging or used as a cozy throw, each piece captures years of experiences in luxurious, lasting form.
Using premium, carefully curated fabrics that complement your personal collection of clothing items, textile artist Barb Patrick transforms individual memories into a cohesive masterpiece. Each quilt becomes a tangible embrace—soft, warm, and filled with the stories that create full and joyful lives.
Consultation Meeting
Let’s get to know each other! We will meet in-person or virtually to plan your special project. During this meeting we will discuss final item selection, any customizations, desired layout and quilt backing fabric, color or pattern. At this time, I kindly ask for a 50% deposit if it hasn’t already been made online.
Planning Phase
After the initial planning meeting (in person or virtually), I gather and count your t-shirts, clothing and fabric items for your quilt (please avoid wool). It is best to select items that are special and memorable to you and your loved one. Please wash the shirts before giving them to me. I will take care of cutting the items and all other fabric prep!
Clothing and Fabric Preparation
I will carefully cut your shirts (and other clothing items) uniformly and then back them with a heat fusible interfacing - - a material designed to adhere to the back of the fabric and stabilize it - it strengthens and secures the fabrics so they don’t warp, stretch or roll at edges. This is just one of the methods I use to make your quilt durable!
More Preparation
I do a final trim of each stabilized shirt to ensure the accuracy of the block measurement and then design the quilt by laying out the shirts in the perfect arrangement. The shirts are sewn together, layered on top of a 100% cotton batting which is sandwiched between the quilt top and the quilt back.
Quilt Construction
I “quilt” (stitch) through the three layers of the fabrics along the block gridlines which makes my quilts particularly durable and then add a binding “edge” around the entire quilt, giving it the perfect finishing touch.
Voila! Finished!
Once your quilt is finished, I will contact you to arrange final pick up or shipping. Experience tells me that we might shed a tear together at this point.