Wrapped N Memories

I made the first blanket using old sports jerseys and shirts from high school and college days that he could no longer fit...and so the process began! Additionally, I cut out the front and back of the shirts to make quilt squares. After much trial and error, I learned what not to do! Once I figured out how to organize the shirts and the process of cutting, stablizing, and placing them in a creative and eye catching way, I realized that I loved creating memory blankets. Batting in the middle, fabric on the back, and binding to finish it the memory blanket takes shape into a family heirloom that will be passed down. Yes, it is time consuming and hours are spent in front of the iron, but the end result is great gift of many memories. I used to watch my Nonny create beautiful works of art with her sewing machine. Every week, one of her granddaughters would receive a garment to wear. Most of the time we would wear the outfit she made the next day to school. Although Mom was a single parent and working, she always found time to sew for me. She even made my wedding dress! I designed it and she used many patterns for an end result that was just stunning! Now my girls call it a wedding dress born and bred for the 80's. Well girls, it was! My Mom is truly the force behind my sewing. She is always willing to talk me through the "tricks of the trade" and support my projects. Sure, I sewed dresses and costumes for my daughters! But my real passion has always been sewing for my home as well as friend's homes. I have sewn custom curtains, bedding, towels, baby blankets, even holiday crafts. For years I kept my daughters special t-shirts and dresses in storage to be designed in a t-shirt blanket as a graduation present from high school. I enjoyed the end result so much that I thought it might be good to share with the people in my life.