What are Memory Quilts?

A memory quilt is a collection of clothing items that are pieced together to commemorate an event, a loved one's life, or a family history. They are also known as remembrance quilts. Memory quilts are often made from clothing collected over many years. The blocks or sashing are often made from cut-up clothes or t-shirts. Memory quilts can be made from many different personal items, such as: 

T-shirts, Button-down shirts, Jeans, Skirts, Dresses, Pillowcases, Old blankets, Sweatshirts, Jerseys, Tank tops, and more. I have even made one from an old hamper! There are some materials that I will not incorporate into a memory quilt:

Satin, silk, velvet, or any kind of “slick” fabrics as they can cause issues during the quilting process, and will also shrink at a much different rate from the other fabrics used. Other types I cannot work with like sports jerseys and baseball uniforms with logos across the front that have buttons down the front.  I can use the back but not the front.

What You Need To Know

What do I need to do to begin the process?

Send me the following:

• Meaningful clothing

• 50% deposit payable to Wade Brodsky

• The balance is due upon completion of the quilt

• Fill out the form at the bottom of this page

What do you do for the back of the quilt?

You choose the backing material: 100% cotton or soft and warm flannel

Do I have to choose the colors of additional fabrics?

That is up to you! If you have certain colors in mind, or a preference in the colors for the sashing and other design elements, I will work with your decisions. If you are unsure of what colors would look best, or you aren’t quite sure what to pick, I will use my color-picking expertise and help you decide.

How do I get my clothing to you?

You can mail them via USPS/UPS/FedEx or if you live local to Cherry Hill, NJ, I prefer to arrange a time and place to meet, as this saves on your costs for shipping. The cost to ship the quilt back would also be eliminated if you are able to meet in person.

Do I need to prepare the clothing?

All clothing should be washed.  If you  have purchased any brand new t-shirts/clothing  to add to the quilt, these must be washed  and dried at least once to pre-shrink the  shirts. Please do not cut or trim any of the clothing prior to sending.

If your printed shirt is double-sided, please add a safety pin to the side you would like included. If both sides are to be included, do not pin either side.

How long does it take to make a memory quilt?

Due to various design elements and fabric preparations, and also including the quilting, it can take 10 to 12 weeks to complete a memory quilt from the time the fabric is received.

PATTERNS

Traditional Patterns

Please note: T-Shirts are not used for these patterns. Traditional patterns use other clothing items such as flannel shirts or other materials. In addition, if you see a quilt within my portfolio and would like a memory quilt in that design, please let me know!

Sister’s Secret

Size: 86” x 86”

A fabric marker can be used to have friends and family sign each block.

Price: $600.00

Pattern #1

Number of t-shirts: 20

Colors: 4

Size: 66” x 80”

Price: $300.00

Memory quilts, also known as t-shirt quilts, are special gifts! I make them using top-notch materials and expert techniques to personalize each one.

To begin the process, please fill out the form below!

• When the order is placed you will receive a follow-up email that tells where you need to send your collected clothing.

• There will be an initial phone call within 1 to 2 business days of placing the order. This phone call will provide you the opportunity to discuss what the quilt is for! The more I know about the person or event, the more personal the quilt will become for you, and will ensure the quilt is filled with your memories. Backing and batting options will be discussed, as well.

• A 50% deposit is required to begin the quilt. You can make payments through Zelle or Venmo. The remaining balance is due at the time the quilt is completed. You will be notified via email or phone call, whichever you prefer.

• You may send additional shirts/clothing to what is required to make the quilt. This can help if you cannot decide which shirts to use within the required number of items for the design you choose. I can help make the decision based on design, size it will need to be cut down to, and color. If you need any leftover shirts/clothing items returned, please include an additional $25.00 for return processing and shipping. Otherwise, any unused clothing items will be discarded.

• If you are selecting a Traditional pattern, the clothing requirements will vary. Please let me know how many clothing items you are wanting to use and I will provide additional information within my initial email to you (i.e. if more clothing items would be needed, if not all items would be used, etc.).