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Springtime remains the
most popular wedding season, and we’ve enlisted the knowledge of
party quilt expert Cathy Perlmutter for a quick primer on the
subject of party quilts, also known as signature quilts. Here are
her tips for sharing your quilting talents with the Happy Couple and
wedding guests alike. (Remember that these special heirlooms are
also perfect for other special occasions, like birthdays,
retirements, anniversaries and more)
“Instead of a blank book, why not have guests
sign a wedding quilt? A signature wedding quilt is a joyous addition
to a celebration, and results in a wonderful heirloom. But this type
of project does require planning. Here are some tips:”
- Make it personal: Interview the couple,
and then look for fabrics that are about them. I ask about
favorite activities, flowers, and colors; religious inspiration;
ethnic heritage; special places, sports, pets, etc. There's a
theme fabric for just about everything!
- Think outside the block. Traditionally,
signature quilts followed a one-block-per-signature formula. But
that's not always the best choice for quilts that are signed at
celebrations. I prefer to create large, uninterrupted areas for
signing ---like blank borders--- so people can write as little
or as much as they like. As you’re collecting design ideas,
see the examples on my website, at www.partyquilt.com.
- Test the pens. There are many varieties
of permanent pen. It is VITAL that you test the candidates
first---in every color you want to use--- on a prewashed sample
of your quilt fabric. Is the pen easy to use? Do you like the
way the ink looks? If the pen label says that heat-setting is
required, iron the writing. Then, run the sample through the
laundry. If the results are good---for each and every ink
color---they're okay to go.
- Bring the whole quilt, or just the pieces.
You can bring the finished quilt to the wedding for people to
sign, or ---if you run out of time---bring separate blocks,
appliqués, or an unbacked quilt top. With a finished quilt, the
batting will hold the fabric in place for signing. Unbacked
fabric should be backed with ironed-on freezer paper or fusible
interfacing; or set sheets of fine-grained sandpaper on the
table.
A signature wedding quilt
is a big job, but it's worth it. It combines the soul-satisfying joy
of indulging in your favorite activity with the unique opportunity
to meditate about some special people.
Last but not least, that
joy is followed by a ridiculously fun party. Even if, like me, you
are not a “party person”, you are going to have a really great
time at THIS party. The guests will thank you with sincere delight
for the opportunity to contribute to a beautiful heirloom. And the
recipients will be thrilled during the party, and for many years
afterwards.
Cathy Perlmutter is an experienced party
quilter. Learn more about making quilts for weddings and other
special celebrations at her websites, www.partyquilt.com,
and www.judaiquilt.com. |
