The concept of a 'memory quilt' was born from an earlier practice of creating 'memorial quilts' for loved ones who have passed on as a means of honoring their lives. Memory quilts are now created to honor both those who have gone before us, and those we cherish in our lives today.

Traditionally, memory quilts are made from pieces of clothing left behind when a person dies, but some new ideas now exist about how to make a memory quilt without using the clothing of the person the quilt is meant to honor. Here's a website where you can learn about alternative designs using embroidery and fabric paints.

The truly creative quilter can help you combine techniques using pieces of significant cloth, embroidery, and fabric paint to create a tribute to your growing child, your best friend, or even your mother-in-law.

Memory quilts are wonderful gifts for Alzheimer's patients to allow them to revisit their lives under a warm wrap, or for graduating seniors so they can take a bit of home along to their college dorm room. Seniors who are moving into extended care facilities will feel less lonely for their homes if their curtains, dishtowels, aprons, garden apparel, and tablecloths are quilted into a lap throw. See Goose Tracks for ideas about how to make a great quilt using your child's baby clothes.

For the avid quilters and entrepreneurs out there, consider opening your own memory quilt craft site. Great domain names for memory quilt websites are for sale at Memory Quilts.

Posted by Melody