How many wedding dress quilts have you made?
As of the end of 2018, I have made over 90 wedding dress quilts and pillows.
How is a wedding dress quilt made?
How involved is the client in the design of the dress?
I have a conversation with the client before starting the quilt, to find out what they are envisioning, special requests (color, quilting design) and to finalize details. I don't begin the quilt until the client has approved the design. During the quilt-making process, I verify any design changes, and send pictures.
What do you charge for a quilt or pillow?
A custom quilt approximately 36'' x 42" costs $450. A custom pillow approximately 12" x 16" costs $150.
Do you use anything other than the wedding dress?
Normally I only use the materials from the wedding dress for the top of the quilt. Often the lining is nice enough to use, if the dress is lace, sheer, or ruffled.
What if there isn't' enough fabric in the dress?
If the client agrees, I can use purchased satin for the "base" of the quilt top, and use their dress for details and embellishment, etc.
What size are the quilts?
How do you decide on the size?
The size of the quilt depends on the amount of fabric available in the dress, and the design of the quilt. I no longer make larger "bed sized" wedding dress quilts, there usually isn't enough material, and the delicacy of the fabric may not hold up in a larger, heavier quilt.
How long does it take to make a wedding dress quilt?
My timeline is usually 4-6 weeks. I usually spend 20+ hours designing the quilt, and 2+ weeks doing the actual quilting.
Do you remove the trim? Beading?
It really depends on the dress. If I can incorporate the trim into the design of the quilt without removing it, that is my preference. If not, I carefully remove the trim, being careful not to clip any threads holding sequins or beads in place. If I lose beads during the quilting I will try to re-attach them.
Do I need to have the dress cleaned?
The dress should be clean. If the dress is in good shape, or has previously been cleaned, it does not need to be cleaned before sending it to me. It really depends on the condition of the dress. Be aware that stains that you can't see can appear later as the fabric ages.
What if the dress is stained or the hem is dirty?
If there is enough fabric, I can cut around stains or the hem.
What about lace?
What about ruffles?
What about chiffon or stretchy material?
Can you make a quilt out of an older dress?
Yes, I have made quilts from dresses that are over 60 years old, when the dress is in good condition.
Do you put names and date on the front of the quilt?
I have an embroidery machine and can embroider names and date onto the front of the quilt (approximately 4" x 6").Can you incorporate other colors or bridesmaids' dresses?
Yes, I can often use the fabric from the bridesmaids' dresses, or I can get fabric or thread in different colors to use in the quilt.
What kind of batting do you use?
For quilts, I use a wool batting, that is soft, quilts well, and resists creasing. For quilts to be used as wall hangings, I use a cotton/poly batting, which is a little stiffer and hangs flatter.
What backing do you use?
I provide a nice cotton batting, usually white.
What kind of label do you put on the quilt?
I print a specially treated fabric label that is hand sewn on the back of the quilt. The label can have names, date, a picture, invitation, or whatever the client would like.
What do you do with any leftover scraps?
If the client requests, I can return leftovers with the finished quilt. Or, I can use them for baby gowns that I make as a volunteer seamstress for NICU Helping Hands
