The art of quilting goes way back in history. It has made a comeback in recent years; and although hand quilting is still around, it has been made easier by the use of sewing machines. No matter which method you use, a quilt can be a wonderful gift.
There are many ways that you can personalize a quilt and make it even more special. Although we now have many places that we can sell or give away our used clothes, you can use them in a quilt to make it personal. When cleaning out a closet save some of the clothes items you remember so well and cut squares out of them to make a memory quilt. You can also make a quilt from old T-shirts that were favorites of one of your family or friends. Sports T-shirts make great themes for quilts.
Signature quilts are a great way to personalize a quilt. Cut out squares of light-colored, solid fabric and pass them out or send them to relatives or friends of the person for whom you are making the quilt. Give each person instructions to write a personal message to the recipient of the quilt and sign their name. Be sure to tell them to use a permanent marker and give them a date when you need the square back. You then incorporate those squares or rectangles amongst the other patterned pieces, making a memorable quilt of messages from friends and loved ones.
Sometimes for a very special occasion like a wedding, anniversary or birth of a child, relatives or friends will get together and each design a square. They may cross-stitch a pattern, appliqué a square, sketch a square or do a quilt design and sign their names. Then someone gathers them up and arranges them into a unique, personalized quilt.
With today’s advances, you can purchase printable fabric. You put it into your printer like any other piece of paper, then print a photo, piece of art or saying on it. Once the picture has been printed, you peel the backing off and it is ready to use. This fabric is machine washable so it is safe to use in your quilt. You can use pictures of someone down through the years or use an assortment of pictures of them with friends and have the friends sign the pictures.
You can also make a prayer quilt that will “cover” them in prayer. Although the prayers are inside the squares, it is a very personal quilt with prayers specifically for the quilt receiver.
Lastly, you can personalize a quilt by using a theme or central idea. You know what the person for whom you are making the quilt likes. You can select fabrics that illustrate that interest or embroider designs from that theme onto the quilt pieces by hand or machine. You can add a few photos of them participating in the activity or with the object of their interest. For instance, if they love animals, there are lots of animal prints available with which to make a quilt. You could add photos of them with some of their pets. Don’t forget to sign your quilt somewhere to add another personal touch.
