Quilting By Design

     Memorial Day is a Federal holiday that is celebrated by the United States on the last Monday of May each year. This holiday was formerly known as Decoration Day and commemorates U.S. men and women who have died in military service to their country. It began first to honor Union soldiers who died during the American Civil War, then after World War I, it expanded to include those who died in any war or military action. One of the longest standing traditions associated with this holiday is the Indianapolis 500, which has been held in conjunction with Memorial Day since 1911.
     Many people observe this holiday by visiting cemeteries and memorials (Arlington National Cemetery shown above), usually placing flowers/wreaths upon the graves of loved ones. Over time, this holiday has become the time of year in which to pay our respect to all of our lost loved ones, whether they served in the military or not. In addition to the remembrance of our much-loved ones, Memorial Day has become a time for picnics, family gatherings, reunions, and sporting events. It is not only a day to remember our precious loved ones that have departed from this world, but it is also a day to celebrate life with the people that are important in our lives today.
     Memory Quilts and projects are yet another way for people to observe this holiday and honor the special memories of dear ones, alive and deceased. Quilt Pox defines Memory Quilts as, “A quilt made up of blocks to commerate an occasion. Common Memory Quilt themes: Wedding, Retirement, Birthday. The individual quilt blocks can be made up of signature blocks, direct printed photo blocks, theme related blocks (i.e. a schoolhouse block for graduation).”
     Quilting Passion provides a couple of free “flag” patterns (paper-pieced) that could easily be used in the observance/celebration of Memorial Day. The first, shown above and to the right, is a horizontal pattern; the second a vertical pattern. These specific patterns were designed on September 11, 2001 as the United States experienced one of its most tragic of all days; the day the World Trade Center was destroyed, as well as many lives along with it.
     Regardless of plans you may have made for today, please take a few moments to remember your loved ones that are no longer here with you, and also take some time to remind those that are still living how much they mean to you!

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Original article first published by Terry Crawford.

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I’m adding a new category to the blog- Memory quilts. A few years back , I saw one made for the local candy store merchant by one of his daughters. The quilt included fabrics and holiday napkins form the family stash and fabric photos of all the members. The quilt was devided into quarters, with each section devoted to his children’s families. The central medalion was devoted to his and his wife’s families and well as a couple of ancestors. It was a great concept and he had a wonderful time showing this piece off to every one who came into the store.
And yes, I live in a town small enought to have a candy store!

I’m still gathering ideas and techniques for the individual quilts for the next generation I’d like to make this year. So far I’ve gathered scout badges, a couple of smaller stuffed animals, outgrown halloween costumes, some baseball caps and well, you get the idea.

I have never tried the photo technique of printing family photos on fabric, but that seems like a great way to incorporate momentos
I did find this site from HP wich details how to pirnt your own fabric on a computer printer.
What I like about this technique is that this will allow me to incorporate images on colored fabrics more in tune with the overall look of the final quilt. I can download the High school logo, pictures of their hometown and text, but not be constrained by the real colors of the images. I can print these in black and white on violet calico. Okay maybe not on violet calico.
the only constraint seems to be that the technique works on ink jet printers and that I would have to limit myself to smaller images.

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