Project No. 11 - Decades of Memories.

Quilt No. 11 is extra special. My high school theatre director, a mentor throughout my teen years, reached out when he heard I was making quilts. He asked if I could transform all his show t-shirts into a quilt. The idea of turning these t-shirts into a quilt filled with memories of countless performances was irresistible. This project was a nostalgic journey through the hundreds of students involved in those shows, now showcased in a treasure trove of memories.

The Journey Through High School Theatre

As I sorted through the t-shirts, I realized how massive this quilt was going to be. Each shirt represented a different show, a different cast, and a different moment in time. If my count is correct, I was involved in 10 of these shows, either performing on stage or supporting as part of the technical/creative crew. It was an honor to bring together a memory quilt for a program I was deeply connected to.

Crafting the Quilt

Creating this quilt was both a challenging and rewarding experience. Each t-shirt had to be carefully cut and stabilized to ensure the quilt would hold up over time. Arranging the shirts in a way that told a cohesive story while maintaining the integrity of each design required a lot of planning and patience. This quilt was so large, it didn’t fit on my longarm frame! So I had to improvise and adjust and decided to quilt each block as I went rather than quilting the completed top once finished. The result, was a beautiful, memory-filled quilt that my theatre director could cherish for years to come.

A New Adventure: Pillowcases

In addition to the quilt, I also ventured into making pillowcases for the first time. This was a fun and exciting new challenge, adding a unique touch to the project. The pillowcases complemented the quilt perfectly and were a great way to kick off 2024 with a new skill under my belt.

Reflecting on the Experience

Working on this quilt was a trip down memory lane. Each t-shirt brought back vivid memories of rehearsals, performances, and the camaraderie that theatre fosters. It was a privilege to be able to create something that captured those moments and honored the countless students who were part of those productions.

This project not only allowed me to revisit a significant chapter of my life but also reinforced the importance of preserving memories through quilting. Quilts are more than just fabric and thread; they are stories, connections, and pieces of history. No. 11 is a testament to the power of quilting to bring the past into the present, creating a tangible reminder of cherished moments.

As I look forward to more projects in 2024, this quilt will always stand out as a special achievement. It was a labor of love, filled with memories and the spirit of theatre. And who knows? Maybe I’ll get to make more memory quilts for others, preserving their stories one stitch at a time.