by Lesley Riley
I recently started a project where I am using photographs and printing them on fabric to be used in a quilt. Yes, it’s the Metropolitan Patchwork Society 2023 Challenge project – and no, I’m not going to share it yet ; ) – patience my friends.
When I was researching how to approach this project – I came across two resources that I found to be really helpful. The first is an article on the Madam Sew blog written by Cara Stromness. Her focus is on using photographs to create a memory quilt. I know that many of us have made memory quilts for a loved one using their shirts, t-shirts, or even ties.
Here’s an example – my quilt group made this memory quilt for our friend Marty (aka MO). We used a selection of his favorite shirts – one we had all seen him wearing over the years. I think we captured his big personality with this quilt.
Making a memory quilt with photographs seems like a wonderful idea to me. It opens up so many creative possibilities. If we had that quilt to make again – it would have been nice to include some photographs of MO printed on fabric and stitched into the quilt.
The second resource I found (and added to the shop) is the recent book from fiber artist and designer Lesley Riley. The book is called Photo Memory Quilts. Her approach to making memory quilts is so inspiring! I shared one of the images from her book at the top of this article – and several more on the listing page for her book. She walks us through the step-by-step process of creating the images on fabric – and then designing a quilt that brings those images to life.
I think it’s safe to say that this is a technique I will be exploring for a long time. It’s also one I’m using in my Metropolitan Patchwork Society 2023 Challenge project. Reveal day for our challenge projects is November 28th. The meeting will be held live at the Bethel Congregational Church in Beaverton and also on Zoom. You re welcome to join us to see how we all have interpreted this years theme – “Heritage on a small scale”.
To learn more about Author and Fiber Artist Lesley Riley (you’ll find her story fascinating and relatable) – Lesley Riley – My Story.