Apr 142011
A Gift from Doug
This beautiful quilt can adorn a bed or grace a wall. A true keepsake, the entire quilt top was created with Doug’s clothing. The central blocks feature favorite outfits, business and casual. The double border includes over two dozen button-down and polo shirts. The sashing and binding are each fashioned from a pair of slacks.
Doug had a rich sense of humor as evidenced by his tie collection featured on this throw pillow. What you may not be able to see due to picture size and angle are the novelty prints – Scotty dogs, snowmen, sheep and whales. Two dress shirts were used to create the ruffle and pillow back.
Pillow front made from silk ties.
Pillow back features a button closure and pocket.
Your work is wonderful! I would have never thought of using shirts to make the back and ruffle like that on the pillow. It’s amazing! I’m so glad you stopped by my blog so that I found you!
Sharon
Thanks for your kind words, Sharon. When I make a keepsake from clothing, I try to use as much of each garment as possible. So I usually make one or more companion pillows because it’s a nice use of parts that aren’t going into the memorial quilt. I especially like using shirt fronts for pillow openings but always line the fabric on either side of the buttons for stability and to avoid show-through. I plan to post a how-to soon so check back, if you’d like.
I love my quilt. The best part is probably the textures created by using the shirt, tie and sweater in some cases. When you touch it, memories of touching Doug’s arm or chest come to mind. It is amazing. Crystal is designing her third quilt for me. She has a gift of terrific vision and creativity and you can tell she fully commits herself to each project with respect and a desire to make the end quilt truly represent the person. Thank you Crystal!
You’re very welcome, Courtney – and thanks for the sweet comments. Creating this quilt for you was an honor. I also like the textural center blocks with the silk ties over the dress shirts and wool sweaters he wore. I’m glad the quilt is a comfort to you.