A Memory Quilt
or two... Part II
If you missed part one— read it here!
From start to finish– Emails, planning, clothing deconstruction, cutting fabric, arranging, exchanging approvals, sewing, quilting– 138 hours later… Patrick’s quilts are complete!
Since I know you have all been waiting on pins and needles (never thought of how cute that phrase was for a fiber artist until now) let’s waste no more time on this showcase.
Drumroll please. *bum bum bum bum bum*
Real pretty chelsea, but what does it all mean?—
Let’s get into it!!!
These are ‘brother quilts’ personally made for each of Ann and Patrick's two sons. The two quilts can be displayed together or, like brothers who are not always living in the same place, be displayed separately and still be just as powerful. Regardless of their location, whenever the quilts, and brothers, are together again, they belong and fit together perfectly.
Both quilts have the same components although they may not be the same size or in the same location. Each quilt top started with a background made with an array of grey and neutral hues made from Patrick's ‘City of Philadelphia' gray polo, his hiking shorts, one of his grey suit jackets and supplemental fabrics from the creators fabric stash. Another small tribute to Patrick’s love for the environment.
On the Left hand side of the first quilt– top on on the second quilt– there are several red rectangles made from Patrick's long sleeve red shirt, with a Benjamin Moore Essex Green accent (their streets signature accent color) in the shape of each porch. These are an ode to the historical street that Patrick and his family live on, and all of their family-like neighbors that are so important to them.
Moving to the top right corner of the first quilt— The bottom right on the second– is the shape of Patrick's longtime office building, the ‘Inn of Courts’ where many memories of Patrick and his family occurred. To show the iconic design of the building, the creator used a couple of Patricks dress shirts.
Looking at the bottom of the first quilt— Left hand side of the second– are 4 large circles made from Patrick's “safety yellow” bike jersey, one of his favorite teal ski jacket, a red shirt, and the last circle made from one of his most favorite things, real silver duct tape, because why mess with fabric that “looks like it” when we can use the real thing?! Each circle is highlighted and stitched down with neon yellow thread, a color that many would say reminded them very much of Patrick!
Connecting both quilts is a navy blue winding road. It starts in the top right corner of the first quilt and connects at the bottom left of the second and winds through to the top right of the second quilt. Symbolic of many things; The bike ride from Philly to NY where Ann and Patrick met, “The Road Less Traveled,” and all the trips that Patrick took with his own siblings and his family.
Each quilt is backed with black fabric, so if you turn it over, you can see all the hand quilting that flows in the shape of the roads. The binding on both quilts are made from remaining pieces of all Patrick’s clothes used throughout the quilts.
What does it all mean… TO ME?—
To date, this is the most special experience I have had with a commissioned piece. From beginning to end I was completely over the moon! As full as my life is with amazing, supportive, and kind people that are so special to me, I am no stranger to loss.
I feel that sharing stories and heartfelt memories of the loved one we’ve lost, is a very important stage of grief. From my experience in losing someone, those stories that we repeat are often told to those who have heard them before and/or were a part of that experience. We often discuss them in an environment where we hold a shared grief and connection of loss, someone who “gets it.” BUT, I am a firm believer that there is true magic and joy in being able to share those noteworthy moments with someone who has never heard them and never met your loved one. By sharing those moments with someone new, it gives the memories a new life and allows them to shine again, perhaps even a bit brighter than they’ve shone in quite awhile.
After reading this, if you are thinking about…
that flannel grandpa wore to your soccer game that still smells like him and lives in the back of the closet but you don’t want to part with. OR
The Tshirt your “neighborhood” big brother wore while he chased you around the house with his best Joker impersonation. OR
That scarf your mom wore every day to work that you’ll never wear but it's begging to be transformed into something new and equally as beautiful…
Reach out to me! Describe that perfect flannel shirt, share that unique memory you have, OR let’s work together to reshape that exciting scarfed beauty into something new! Let’s give those clothes and stories a new shine and let them continue to sparkle in your mind, just like I know your lost loved ones always will!
I am here for the art of it all, but most importantly, I am here for you!
Thank you and Stay Scrappy, The Thredhead (Chelsea Sanford)
Fill out this commission inquiry form OR send me an email at csan1234@gmail.com if you would like to work together on a memory quilt for yourself or a loved one.
***A call to my community for some help with an upcoming project I’m working on. I am in need of “Quilt blocks” that can be any size, shape, color, pattern or age. If you have any you would like to part with, please txt, email, or DM me! Thank you!***
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