Like every product from saucepans to shoes, there’s a range of prices, quality and features out there to choose from. There’s a huge variety of different memory quilts and memory blankets available now in the UK so it really pays to know what you are looking for and to choose your maker carefully.
Sometimes I get enquiries where someone will tell me that they’ve found something similar to our memory quilts cheaper elsewhere, and asking why they should choose Patchwork Castle? I totally get it. Handing over your precious clothes, full of memories, to a quilter is a pretty big step of trust. It’s really worth being as sure as you can about your choice.
Things to look for when purchasing a memory quilt or keepsake cushion
- Consider the overall style of the quilter. You should be able to view lots of examples of their previous work. This is really a matter of personal taste, and finding designs and styles that suit you. Consider how they will take your preferences into account.
- A traditionally made patchwork memory quilt will have three layers; the patchwork top, a layer of wadding and a backing. These will be edged with binding to hide and secure the raw edges. The three layers should be securely stitched/quilted or tied together.
- All stretchy and tricky fabrics should be stablised before they are used in a quilt. This is really important in ensuring they keep their shape, and work with the other fabrics. It’s also important in giving the quilt long term stability. Look closely at the images of previous work – properly stablized patchwork should be smooth and flat, with neat, straight seams.
- Look at the quality of the stitching – do the points match well where the patchwork pieces are joined together?
- Ask what materials will be used. Good quality materials will mean your memory quilt washes better and lasts longer. Cheap wadding for example will come apart over time and leave your quilt feeling lumpy. Make sure that you understand how your quilt will be made and that this suits how you plan to use it.
- What kind of finishing will your memory quilt have? Many memory blankets are just that – a layer of patchwork and a layer of fabric backing only joined around the edges. Extensive machine quilting keeps the layers of your memory quilt stable, and should mean it looks good for longer. The quilt wadding used should be matched to the level of quilting (different waddings allow for a different distance between quilting stitches) – if it isn’t then the wadding can split or ‘beard’ over time.
- How will they get your finished memory quilt back to you? Is the postage service tracked and insured?
So, why choose Patchwork Castle?
It’s our aim to produce the best quality memory quilts available in the UK, and we work hard to create memory quilts and keepsake cushions that exceed your expectations. Our memory quilts are one off items that, properly cared for, will last a life time. We won’t skimp on the details that will make your quilt extra special.
- We will work with you to create your memory quilt – just let us know your ideas and we will do our very best to incorporate them.
- We only use high quality materials in our memory quilts and keepsake cushions. 100% cotton patchwork fabrics, premium wadding, good quality threads and luxury cushion fillers.
- The design and creation of each memory quilt and keepsake cushion is approached individually. Every patch in your memory quilt and keepsake cushion is carefully selected and placed, and design layouts are adjusted to to make the very best of the clothing provided.
- Clothing is tricky to work with. Our Patchwork Artists have specialist expertise, lots of experience and a great eye for design. We’ve developed and adopted specialist techniques to creating beautiful patchwork with a high quality finish.
- All our memory quilts are securely machine quilted and finished with double-fold binding, double stitched to ensure a long life.
- Our patchwork keepsake cushions are fully lined and the internal seam allowances are professionally finished so they will not fray. We use an invisible zip for a perfect finish.
- Most importantly, we know there are no second chances with your precious clothes. We take the trust you place in us very seriously.
To help keep our commitment to quality and service we limit the number of commissions we accept, and deliberately keep the team making your patchwork small. Our Patchwork Artists have been carefully selected for their exceptional sewing skills, eye for design and because they know it’s about more than just the fabric.
In conclusion
I hope that’s been helpful whether your final decision is to order from us, somewhere else or if it’s helped you pick up some tips for making your own memory quilt!
Whilst we’d be thrilled to make your memory quilt for you(of course!), we also totally understand that we won’t be the best solution for everyone. We hope you love your memory quilt wherever it comes from.
I’d love to hear your thoughts. How have you found looking for a Memory Quilt maker? What else do you look for, or want to know, before you’ll feel confident to order? Leave a comment below
If you know someone who might find this post useful then please do pass it on 🙂
Chris x
Comments are closed.